Word broke two weeks ago that Darrin Snyder and Holly Sweet hope to bring a 7,000-seat open-air amphitheater to Moneta.

The pair, who are married, live in Nashville, Tenn., but both have local roots. For a year they've been working on plans for the venue that they'll call Sweetwater Amphitheater at Eastlake in Bedford County.

It would offer a permanent stage and under-roof area to seat 2,500, in addition to lawn seating for 4,500. Its primary season would be April through October. The pair plan for an opening in April 2008, according to the amphitheater's Web site.

The Lake polled local folks to see which performers they'd like to see come to the venue.

Bedford County Supervisor Chuck Neudorfer has over the years enjoyed attending concerts at idyllic Wolf Trap's Filene Center in Vienna. If Sweetwater Amphitheater at Eastlake turns out to be even a mini-version of that venue, he said he'd certainly attend concerts -- depending on the type of performers who come. "I'm not a heavy metal guy," he said.

Lynn Barnes, a planning commissioner for Bedford County, recently stayed home while his wife enjoyed the Toby Keith concert at the Roanoke Civic Center. Since turnabout is fair play, he'd like to see Sweetwater bring in Sara Evans or Faith Hill.

Nanci Drake, director of tourism for Bedford County, wouldn't mind seeing Bonnie Raitt. "I have an affinity for rock 'n' roll," she said.

Sue Montgomery, director of economic development for Bedford, would go to pop or rock acts. First bands to come into her head? The Backstreet Boys and the Doobie Brothers (we're not expecting those two to be on the same bill).

Chelsie Scott, a Moneta resident, listens to all types of music. She would like to see Alabama or Nickelback come to SML.

Tom Popek of Smith Mountain Lake said he hopes to hear some "beach music -- the Embers, the Drifters, Clarence Carter."

Janet and Jerry Potter, who live in Penhook, said they prefer that the amphitheater bring in a few well-known people instead of lots of lesser-known acts. "I'd like to see Up with People kind of groups," Janet Potter said.

Lori Contessa, who lives in Midlothian, but has a vacation home in Parkway Place, said she'd enjoy hearing "everything from country to pop to '70s music."

"Good country or old rock, like Lynyrd Skynyrd," would attract Donna Ashbery of Moneta.