Monica LaSalle, Nederland. When I walked in the door, a blast of ocean air surrounded me like a warm salty blanket, curling around my body, luring me further in enticingly. The soft crash of waves soothes all my stress away and I suddenly realize that I have a cool frosty umbrella bedecked drink in my hand replacing any weight I may have been burdened with upon my arrival. Kind smiling faces and laughter ring up and down the coast, a lei is gently placed around my neck and I am offered a hammock to relax and put my feet up so I can watch the clouds carry all of my worries away.

Well it was not quite like that to walk in to the open bluegrass pick at the Branding Iron last Thursday, but close. The gang of usual suspects were all about making each other forget those icy blasts of winter wind we have been harangued with all year, the icy penguin treading and heavy layers that weigh us down in a tedious fashion.

Plucky acoustic guitars and banjos could be heard as local musician friends warm up over savory bites of the latest menu options. While the blast of warm air was not ocean salty per say, it certainly was inviting and stress relieving none the less. Last week’s pic had the festive beach vibe with pink flamingos and hula skirts accenting the theme of that evening’s collaboration of Americana and old-time vibe.

Families with children gather around tables for dinner and a great opportunity for live music at an early hour from a group of fabulous musicians. Don’t be intimidated into thinking you have to be a professional musician or a regular to join in, for room is made for the beginner, the novice and the more experienced players with an inviting and encouraging vibe. If there were ever a time or place to get started on your dream of being a banjo aficionado, this open pick is where it’s at.

(Originally published in the March 7, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)