Hooting and hollering in Mt. Leo

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

Christian rock group Bruised Heel takes the stage at the first Hoot and Holler Farm concert Saturday. The band is, from left, Daniel Campbell, Greg Forgette and John Sparkman. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

Mike and Kim Pettrey set out to create a concert venue the whole family could enjoy, and they have done just that with Hoot and Holler Farm located in the Mt. Leo community. Pettrey, who operates a construction business for a living, bought a farm in the area and built a large stage to accommodate the various bands he plans to present at monthly concerts.

“It’s going to be a place where you can bring your family out and have a good time,” Pettrey said.

Pettrey says the bands he plans to present will cover a wide variety of styles and should appeal to most any kind of musical tastes.

“We’ll have most everything,” Pettrey said. “We’re going to have blues, country, Christian rock, gospel, bluegrass, country gospel, Southern rock. Basically we’re going to have a variety so everybody, all ages, can come out and enjoy it. That’s what I’m shooting for.”

Pettrey, who hales from Van Buren County, says he began the project about eight months ago. Eventually he hopes to have about 40 acres cleared to accommodate his outdoor concerts as well as other types of events.

“We’re going to have car shows,” Pettrey said. “Do benefits for clubs, fire departments, get the community involved.”

Tickets to the events will run $10 and children 12 and under will get in free, so Pettrey’s events are geared to family budgets, something he said was one of his main goals.

“I got tired of going somewhere all the time and they charge you $50 to get in,” Pettrey said, “and if you’ve got a bunch of kids you can’t afford it. Even if we get a big name in here, it probably won’t be more than $15, so the average working man can afford to get in here and have fun.”

Hoot and Holler Farm will feature concessions including tried and true picnic fare like hot dogs, barbecue and soft drinks.

Eventually Pettrey plans to build another stage on the farm once the ball gets rolling. The concert stage features a high quality sound system set up by soundman Ken Youngblood. Pettrey says good sound is one of his goals as well.

“I like good, clean sound,” Pettrey said. Wife Kim says the main goal is to please the crowds and provide some good music and a pleasant place to listen.

“We just hope to make everybody around here happy,” she said.

To find Hoot and Holler Farm, simply turn left at Barr’s Furniture on Beersheba Highway and follow the signs.