Special to The T&D
SANTEE -- Ten bands will perform during the four-day Lone Star Bluegrass and Country Music Hoedown set for Thursday through Sunday, May 22-25, at Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile in Santee.
Entertainment is free and open to the public.
"I am very excited about this year's lineup of entertainers, as over half of the bands will be performing at Lone Star for the first time," said Pat Williams, owner of Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile. "They will provide the crowds a lot of fresh, new entertainment."
On Thursday, May 22, Carolina Country from Lexington will get the music under way. Known for its wide selection of old-time country hits, this group will perform inside the restaurant from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The entertainment will move outdoors Friday, May 23, with The Sweetgrass Girls of Summerville bringing their harmony to the stage from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m., followed by The Sugar Loaf Mountain Boys from Cayce, who will mix it up with a variety of bluegrass, country and gospel selections until 10 p.m.
A full slate of entertainment Saturday, May 24, will begin at noon with The Claude Lucas Bluegrass Band playing until 1:30 p.m. under the trees, followed by an open stage event until 4 p.m. for anyone wishing to sing or play with on-hand musicians.
From 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, The Carolina Ramblers of Moncks Corner will entertain with traditional country and gospel music, and The Flatland Express of Orangeburg will perform from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., offering a wide range of bluegrass and country songs for the audience to enjoy.
At 7:15 p.m., longtime Elvis impersonator Bobby "Teddy" Bair, originally of Elloree and now living in Myrtle Beach, will provide his best of Elvis. The Front Porch Pickers of Sumter will be the final band to perform Saturday, bringing traditional country and gospel to the stage from 8 to 10 p.m.
On Sunday, May 25, the entertainment will move back inside the restaurant, where The Heart Tones of Macedonia will sing gospel favorites from noon to 1:45 p.m., followed by Diamonds in the Rough from Calhoun County and Cayce, who will sing and play bluegrass, country and gospel selections.
"The Hoedown represents good, wholesome family entertainment," Williams said. "Other than tipping the bands, all of the entertainment is free. For four days of great music, you can't beat it!"
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor entertainment, and no alcohol or coolers are permitted on the grounds.
Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile is located on Santee State Park Road, approximately one mile from downtown Santee. For more information, call Williams at 803-515-3938 or 803-854-2000.