Mindy Leary, Nederland. The days of the drive-in have returned amidst a global pandemic where the need for social distancing is paramount. Cars, vans and campers slowly rolled into the Caribou Room on Saturday, August 15, 2020, to see a local band, Electric Toast. 

The Caribou Room, known as a local, live music venue has been hosting outdoor shows on the weekends, typically from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Families and friends once again have a place to come together and enjoy some good food, tunes and dancing. 

Each vehicle has a designated parking space with painted lines on the ground demarcating your social distance square where you can be mask-free. If you leave your space to use the bathroom or pick up your online order, then a mask must be worn. 

Ticket prices are reasonable at $15-$20 per car and $10 per person. Social distance circles, set closer to the stage, are available to groups up to four people for an extra fee and boast a picnic table.

The Caribou Kitchen is open for dining and takeout Friday and Saturday nights during music events. Orders are taken online or over the phone with a text sent when ready for pickup. Boutique cocktails like the Little Gringa, made with tequila, ginger beer, grapefruit juice, soda water and a lime slice, are available along with a rotating gourmet menu. The lump crab cakes with homemade remoulade are a local favorite.

The venue, like so many others, has had to adapt and has found ways to manage the new state guidelines for social distancing and live entertainment.

A sign reads, “No mask on your face, you big disgrace, spreading your germs all over the place,” with a Freddy Mercury-styled rocker throwing a fist in the air.

The four-piece band consisting of Ben Sproul on guitar, Dan Perez on bass, Andrew Lunsford on keys and Darin Jones on saxophone whipped out some funky jams like Superstition by Stevie Wonder and Can’t Get No Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. Their original tracks like The Fence, Not My June and River were rhythmically and lyrically heartfelt with a bit of a bluegrass/rock/funk swagger.

Chalk fairies created art on the sidewalk and children smiled as they danced with their parents in the smoky, afternoon sun. Friends long unseen had a chance to elbow tap or embrace with permission and those needing more space stayed safely in their car spots. It’s definitely been a hard year and some R and R was much needed.

More information on upcoming events can be found online at https://www.caribouroom.com and pickup orders can be placed at 303-258-3637. The Caribou Room is located at 55 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland, CO 80466.

(Originally published in the August 20, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)