It is said that music brings joy to those who listen and those who play. One group in Billings would certainly agree.
After not playing together for almost three months due to the pandemic, the Yellowstone Bluegrass Association has resumed its weekly jam sessions at the Elks lodge in Billings.
"It started out, just like what it is now," said Paul Dextras, a banjo-playing member of the group. "Certain people wanted to get together. They had a talent at playing, and they wanted to share that talent with other people."
The jams contain bluegrass music, country, folk and contemporary, he said.
"You don’t have to necessarily be really good. You don’t have to read music. If you know half a dozen major chords, you can literally play thousands of songs and you can play along with people who are a lot better than you. It’s that joy of making music with other people that, until you really experience it, you don’t realize what a unique experience it is."
Not only is the bluegrass group happy to be back together, but they welcome anyone who can play and wants to join.
For more information head over to the group's website: https://yellowstonebluegrass.com/