He’s remained a staple on the California music scene for more than 40 years, but this month marks Sacramento soul, blues and gospel vocalist Marcel Smith’s first concert in Port Townsend, as he’s set to perform at the Palindrome at Eaglemount Winery.

Smith will be backed by Farrell, Hudson and Friends, which consists of Lorenzo Farrell, of Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, on keyboards, and David Hudson, of the T-Town Aces, on drums, along with Brady Kish on bass, Mason Hargrove on guitar and Tanya Hodel on backing vocals

Smith credited LTD Presents — which described his vocal approach as reminiscent of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding — with bringing him to Port Townsend, and he eagerly anticipates how the relatively intimate space of the Palindrome will complement his interplay with the audience.

Smith has shared stages with gospel, blues and soul royalty such as Al Green, Bobby Womack and John Lee Hooker, and he described his passion as rooted in the traditional quartet gospel styles, so he strives not only to connect with and move his audiences, but also to draw from their moods and energies.

“It’s like a conversation,” Smith said. “I start out with the structure of a set list, but depending upon the vibe of the audience, that can take things in a different direction. My goal is to tap into that specific moment, to touch whatever it is that the audience is feeling at that time.

Although Smith is emphatic about wanting his listeners to “have a good time,” enough that they might even feel like getting up to dance, he also believes that, “having a great experience” can also include moving his listeners to tears, in ways that might provide cathartic release.

“Sometimes I sing to specific people in the crowds,” Smith said. “Sometimes I ask my audiences to sing along with me. Either way, I’m trying to take it to the next level. I’m looking forward to performing in Port Townsend for the first time, so that I can meet new friends and we can all have a good time together.”

Smith’s concert with Farrell, Hudson and Friends at the Palindrome, at 1893 S. Jacob Miller Road in Port Townsend, starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, with tickets available in advance at https://marcelsmithpt.rsvpify.com/ .

The Nov. 15 concert is also an opportunity for listeners to pick up autographed copies of Smith’s second album for Little Village Foundation, “From My Soul,” which combines soul, gospel and rhythm-and-blues through songs co-written by Smith, as well as those that originally came from Willie Nelson and the Bee Gees.

“This album showcases my deep soul-blue side, with intimate ballads and a nostalgia for what I grew up with,” Smith said of “From My Soul,” which has been nominated for Best Soul Blues Album by Blues Blast Magazine, and is currently under consideration for a Grammy nomination.