Liquid Roots a great gathering spot for family, live music and catching up with friends

LENOIR, N.C. — Though I was not born here, I call Caldwell County home and have for roughly 30 years. I also call West Virginia home, for that is where I was born and raised.

Last week was ae week of traveling around southern West Virginia. It was an enjoyable week; still, by the end of the week I was eager to get home. So, even though I put 1,000 miles on my car during the week and traveled for five hours Saturday afternoon, when I got home I greeted Sarah and then immediately noted we had time to get to my home away from home (this is getting confusing I suspect) — Liquid Roots Brewing Project.

I had two reasons — I wanted beer; I needed live music.

Liquid Roots did not disappoint. But, it provided a third reason for being there — and one I also needed. Friends. Of course, we’ve all been isolated to the point of distraction. So, it’s not news that I got to see some folks I haven’t seen for quite some time. What did surprise me — and it’s likely just because of my curmudgeonly nature — was how warmly I was greeted. Of course, that was not unique to me. I saw it happen throughout the evening among everyone. It was a real-life scene replicating lyrics from “It’s a Wonderful Life” — “I see friends shaking hands, saying ‘How do you do?’ They’re really saying, ‘I love you.’”

If ever there was a time we need to hear that, this is it. What else we need is harmony. Again, I saw it. Children playing together; friendly pups; and, most importantly, people who two years ago wouldn’t speak to one another because of political differences bellying up to the bar beside one another, enjoying music and conversation. Some might call that a miracle. I call it people intentionally rebuilding a community.

The other thing I need, as already mentioned, is live music. On Saturday, I saw, for the first time, Moose& Friends. I highly recommend them should you get the chance to see and hear them live.

If you can’t see them, don’t fret. Liquid Roots offers a wide variety of live music. And, if you can’t make it there, check back regularly here, as we try to pass along everything we hear from Patrick Crouch and other area musicians.

Wherever you see them, the musicians of Caldwell County and environs will provide you a warm welcome home, wherever that may be. Oh, and, to be a good and kind community member, have a sweet wife, husband or other dear friend that is willing to serve as your designated driver. 

© Michael M. Barrick, 2021. The Appalachian Chronicle is a publication of Grassroots Appalachia LLC. You can read more about Liquid Roots in “Choosing Lenoir” and “Gathering ‘Round the Open Mic.”