Jonathan Byrd told Friday’s audience at Cheraw State Park, “This is the most beautiful place in which I’ve ever had the honor to play.”
Thunderstorms, and the threat of more, may have kept the crowd a little smaller. Just 30 minutes before the concert was to begin, Cheraw State Park Director Mark Davies said, “The rain was coming down in sheets — sideways.” But once the rain cleared, there was a refreshing breeze that seemed to even keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Byrd, a folksinger and guitarist who has been internationally recognized for his original songwriting, was the featured musician for the third in a series of free concerts that have been offered at the park this summer. The final concert is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 31, at 7:15 p.m.
Community efforts and monetary donations to sponsor the summer series were driven by the collective vision of Jeffrey Johnson of Pee Dee Outfitters in Cheraw, Davies of the Cheraw State Park, and Dylan Sneed, a representative of Artsville, in Darlington County. The group raised more than $5,000 last spring, enabling them to create the Lakeside Music Room in which to offer the concerts “pre-paid” and free to the public.
The Lakeside Music Room is actually one of the original shelters by the boat dock, just left of the swimming area, that has been wired for the use of sound equipment and turned into a concert hall by the water. Lake Juniper serves as the back drop for these performances that are given at sunset, creating a unique atmosphere for family and friends to enjoy.
Originally from North Carolina, Byrd captivated his audience with song, and with stories of real life. Byrd’s music is available online through several sources, including myspace and Facebook.
— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached by calling 843-537-5261, or by email at kkissiah@heartlandpublications.com.
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