Jenny Peterson

Jeff Meierer, David Brown and Shayne Floyd, of Yeehaw Junction Bluegrass Band, entertain the crowd at The Ponds.

You could hear the music well before arriving at the Farmhouse Shed at The Ponds Sunday evening - the string-pickin’, foot-tappin’, fast-fiddlin’ music, that is.

Over 100 residents, family members and bluegrass enthusiasts set up chairs and picnic blankets at The Ponds for the Bluegrass Bonanza, a free event put on as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

Bluegrass band, Yeehaw Junction, provided the entertainment complete with a stand-up bass, mandolin and fiddle, while The Ponds’ manicured lawn, sunset view and wooden open-air shelter provided the backdrop for the relaxing picnic-style event.

Summerville resident Sandy Jackson said she planned her entire weekend around the festival. Her mother, Margaret Buchanan, told her about the event and drove to Summerville from Murrell’s Inlet to hear the music.

“I think it’s such a beautiful setting,” Jackson said. “I love bluegrass music.”

Terri Siskind and Ronnie Firetag stopped by the festival on their way to Columbia from Charleston.

“It was convenient and it was a new venue,” Siskand said. “I like the way (bluegrass) sounds.”

Residents Graham, Marlee Marsh and friend Jessy Nunez, from West Ashley, spread out on a picnic blanket with a great view of the band.

“It’s nice to sit barefoot in the grass and enjoy the music,” Marlee Marsh said, as a fiddle solo began.

The band told short stories between songs and even sang “Happy Birthday” to one attendee. Children ran around the adjacent field playing with Hula Hoops, soccer balls and Frisbees during the show. Many people brought picnic baskets filled with food and drinks.

“It’s a family event,” said Mandy Reimer, who brought her husband, Matt, and three children.

While there was plenty of foot-tapping, only a handful of brave bluegrass lovers stood up to dance. Betty Buckman was among them.

“I absolutely love it,” she said, in between shimmies. “You can clap and yell and no one will look at you too bad.” The bonanza was the third Piccolo Spoleto event Buckman attended in Summerville this year.

Despite the stormy weather that threatened the area during the last half-hour of the show, many said they enjoyed it and were looking forward to future events in Summerville.

“I look forward to coming again,” Jackson said.

Nunez added, “You couldn’t ask for a more relaxing Sunday night.”

For more Piccolo Spoleto events, going on though June 8, visit www.piccolospoleto.com.

Reach Jenny Peterson at 873-9424 ext. 216 or JPeterson@journalscene.com.

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