Bluegrass, barbecue in Santee

File Photo Jenny Lynn Gardner, right, sings as Jason Johnson accompanies her on guitar as their group, Common Ground, performs during the Second Annual Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile Bluegrass and Country Music Jamboree. Now in its seventh year, the jamboree promises even more bluegrass, country music and fun.

By ROBERT BAKER
Item Staff Writer
bbaker@theitem.com

SANTEE – For the seventh year in a row, Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile owner Pat Williams hopes his Country Music and Bluegrass Jamboree on Labor Day weekend is a success. Free to the public, the event will run Sept. 3-6 and feature 10 bands performing throughout the weekend.

"The entertainment will be inside the restaurant on Thursday and Sunday, and on the outside on Friday and Saturday," Williams said. "Spectators are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for the outdoor portion of the festival."

Williams said he has endeavored each year to provide local talent for visitors.

"It's actually amazing what talent we have right here under our noses," he said. "Most of the time, you don't know it's there until you're looking for it."

Like its sister event, the Country Music and Bluegrass Hoe Down held on Memorial Day weekend, the jamboree grew out of the old-fashioned idea of rural stores as meeting and gathering places, Williams said.

"Years ago, when these old stores that the restaurant is housed in were open, the old churches and the rural stores were the hub of civilization," Williams said. "People sat on stumps and played fiddles. This is just the right atmosphere for that."

Gaston residents Robert and Barbara Spines attended their fifth festival in 2008.

"We've been coming … just to listen to good bluegrass music," Roger said.

That's what Williams likes to hear. He eagerly welcomes between 2,500 and 3,000 people each year throughout the jamboree.

"And that's just the restaurant count," he said. "Keep in mind, we have a lot of people that come that don't even come in the restaurant."

The jamboree is free, but Williams recommends tipping bands when possible. No alcohol or coolers are allowed.

"The jamboree represents good family entertainment," he said. "We want it to be a place where you can bring your kids and have a good time."

For more information call Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile at (803) 854-2400.

SCHEDULE:
Thursday, Sept. 3
6:30-9 p.m. – The Pine Hill Ramblers

Friday, Sept. 4
6-7:45 p.m. – The Sweetgrass Girls
8-10 p.m. – Flatland Express

Saturday, Sept. 5
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Carolina Wranglers
1:45-3 p.m. – Open Stage
3:30-5:15 p.m. – Diamonds in the Rough
5:30-7:15 p.m. – String Tide Band
7:30-8 p.m. – 2008 Orangeburg County Idol winner Eden Graves
8:15-10 p.m. – Amick Junction

Sunday, Sept. 6
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Claude Lucas Bluegrass
2-4 p.m. – The Maxie Branch Boys
4:15-6 p.m. – Anna, Shelly & the Unnamed Bluegrass Band