JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — On August 26, folks came from near and far to celebrate the inauguration of the new stage in the Backyard Park, a project spearheaded by the Jeffersonville JEMS. 

The festivities included a salute to the village’s local businesses and volunteers who donated time and money to complete the stage. 

Billed as Under the Stars at the Backyard Park, the festivities featured two outstanding shows.

First up, Bones Krew is a semi-acoustic trio known for an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country and rock. Howie Bloom was on guitar, J. Harrison was on bass and vocals, and Lynn Reno performed on fiddle and vocals. The group’s performance has a way of taking you away to a better place, the way listening to country music can do. 

Next on the bill was BJ, a singer and acoustic performance artist who specializes in playing songs with which you want to sing along. From Kenny Rogers to Johnny Cash, he presented a compilation of memory-inducing hits spectacularly sung. Listening to BJ, you get the sense that many of the country and rock-and-roll greats would approve of the performance from this Sullivan County native. 

If you haven’t been over to the Backyard Park, which is located at 876 Swiss Hill Road North, stop by and check it out during the Jeff Jamboree on Saturday, September 16. You will be amazed at this hidden island gem.