As life returns to what it was, people are once again enjoying the simple pleasures of gathering with family and friends, dinner at a restaurant, a day at the beach, spending the afternoon at a ball game, or attending a concert.

Friday, August 6, at The Caribou Room in Nederland, music lovers convened to see hometown hero Vince Herman & Friends. Residing these days in Nashville, Vince returns every year to perform with his sons Colin and Silas and reconnect with local fans. A talented guitar picker and songwriter with a loyal following, most in the crowd had seen Herman play before.

Susie Zurbrugg of Nederland said, “Vince is an asset to the community, has a big heart, and a good sense of humor. He holds a special place in my heart.” Herman entertained during the opening and closing sets.

One of the many great things about The Caribou Room this time of year is that you can kick back in a lounge chair near your car alfresco during the first set, then as temperatures drop, take in the last two sets indoors. As an added benefit, Jesse James of Rollinsville commented that, “I don’t like going down the hill when I can see live music right in town.”

If you missed the show Friday and were a little tight on cash, the bluegrass band 300 Days put on a free outdoor show at the Caribou Room Saturday evening. Led by guitarist Nick Dunbar, backed by Melissa McGinley on fiddle and Dave “Pump” Solzberg on stand-up bass, their fast-paced traditional and original numbers kept toes tapping. Folks hobnobbed and kids blew soap bubbles. The band’s name refers to the 300 days of sunshine Colorado receives each year that we are now able to relish more freely.

The Caribou Room at 55 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland, Colorado, offers first-rate music and excellent food in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. To view The Caribou Room’s upcoming schedule, go to wwwTheCaribouRoom.com