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Plenty of picking - and grinning

By LOGAN NEILL
Published April 30, 2007

SPRING LAKE - For Susan Holmes, the waning moments of the Sertoma Youth Ranch Spring Bluegrass Festival offered one last opportunity to kick up her heels before heading home. As Michelle Nixon and Drive pumped out a lively hoedown beat from the stage Sunday afternoon, Holmes danced a little two-step on the dusty grounds outside the music shed.

"This is what I look forward to, " said the 35-year-old from Sarasota. "Bluegrass makes you feel good."

Few of the nearly 2, 000 who attended the festival would disagree. Whether it came from the 10 bands who performed throughout the weekend, or from the many small groups of amateur pickers in the campground, music seemed to be everywhere.

"This is where you come if you like to get close to the music, " said Steve Dittman, who has promoted most of the bluegrass festivals the ranch has hosted over 27 years. "We see a lot of the same faces year after year.

Dittman credited near-perfect weather for the strong turnout, which consisted mainly of weekend campers.

The event is traditionally the last bluegrass festival of the season in Florida before the summer heat makes such outdoor gatherings unbearable. However, a table containing advertising fliers for festivals up north was a popular stop for bluegrass fans who might be planning a summer getaway.

Louise Jennings, who described herself as a "bluegrass diehard" for more than 20 years, said the music provides a welcoming social network that suits her Southern sensibilities.

"Bluegrass people are friendly people no matter where you go, " she said. "You pull into a camping spot in your RV and the next thing you know the strangers camping next to you aren't strangers anymore."

Sonya Kirkland, who recently began learning the banjo, said her favorite part about coming to the Sertoma festival was being able to meet and play along with other amateur musicians.

"It's nice, " Kirkland said. "You can find players who will share their knowledge and are willing to help you learn. That's one of the great things about bluegrass. People are happy to help pass it along."

Logan Neill can be reached at 848-1435 or lneill@sptimes.com.

[Last modified April 29, 2007, 20:56:31]