Panehandle Polecats bring in the bluegrass
Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS The Panhandle Polecats brought their bluegrass music to the Pearl Theater on May 5.
BONNERS FERRY — The Pearl Theater hosted the Panhandle Polecats on the evening of May 5. The family band brought a Christian bluegrass vibe to the old church, illuminating its walls with harmonious sounds from various instruments.
The band members are Jenny (Little) Marks on vocals and bass, Hank Little on vocals, Dobro and Harmonica, Molly (Little) Wilbur on vocals and mandolin, Austin Little on vocals and banjo, and Bonnie (Little) Campbell on vocals and guitar. From being homeschooled to a traveling bluegrass band, the Little family are making their mark in the musical industry.
Couple Mark and Raquel Gundert attended the event as a night out. They regularly attend the Pearl Theater events.
“I like the music,” exclaimed Mark Gundert. “It’s kind of a country bluegrass, Christian, and lively.”
“I loved the band,” exclaimed Raquel Gundert. “Wasn’t sure what to expect, but we love the Pearl and the whole experience and we have never heard them before, but I really like it.”
The Little family began to play together after their grandparents encouraged them.
“We all picked out whatever instrument that we wanted and they all couldn’t be the same so whoever got something first got it. My brother got the banjo, so I was like alright, I will take the guitar,” said Bonnie (Little) Campbell.
Singing at church gave the group the confidence and ambition that they needed to continue making music. The family formed the band in 2003 and after a couple of name changes, the Panhandle Polecats name stuck.
“This is an awesome place to come,” exclaimed Raquel Gundert about the Pearl Theater. “We come here early, have dinner, and then listen to the music.”
For information on upcoming events, visit www.thepearltheater.org