Pickin’ Parlor

Live, local music is easy to find in the ETX area and not just on weekends. So many talented musicians live and work around us. One such venue is just down the road in Frankston. Every Monday and Thursday from 6-8 P.M., a group of musicians gather to play and sing at the Pickin’ Parlor in Frankston, Texas. The Pickin’ Parlor is located inside Illusion Wax Works on Commerce Street on the square.. It is owned by Monica Atwood, who bought the candle factory business in 2019 and moved it to Frankston. She envisioned having the front room of the business as a domino hall with the candle factory in the back. Atwood said that never materialized. The late Roger McDonald started the Pickin’ Parlor around the first part of 2020 on Thursdays, then later added Mondays also. It consists of a circle of pickers who take turns playing songs and singing with everyone joining in. All are welcome and there is a mixture of both acoustic and electric instruments represented among the musicians. Atwood said that an organ was just donated as well.

One of the regular pickers, Cheri Romain, said that there is a core group that comes every week, but that the number usually fluctuates between three to fifteen people each time. You don’t have to live in Frankston to join in on the fun. Anyone can participate in the pickin’ circle. Some players come from Bullard, Chandler, Flint, Jacksonville, and Palestine. Vivian and Gary Nichols are husband and wife acoustic guitar players who are faithful regulars. Dennis Gray, known as Pappy, played electric bass and sang. Herschel Moody played an accordion. Jimmy Mangum played guitar and mandolin and sang Born on the Bayou. James Mowles played electric guitar and sang. Cheri Romain played acoustic guitar and sang.

The music was varied, with everyone choosing a favorite to play and sing. There were gospels such as I Saw the Light, I’ll Fly Away, Amazing Grace, and Angel Band. Many country songs were played, such as Rolling with the Flow, Baby Blue, Tennessee Whisky, Cotton Fields, Red Wing, and When You Say Nothing at All. In the circle, a person would pick a song and announce what key it was to be played in so that others could join in.

There was a consensus among the players that everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship that playing together brought about. Atwood added that the group also prays for one another when needed, like when someone gets sick.

The Pickin’ Parlor transforms into a coffee shop in the early mornings from 6-8 A.M. There is a loyal group of regulars who stop by for coffee and share knowledge. Atwood calls it a “table of knowledge.” She said, “It’s the social hub of Frankston. If you want to know what’s going on, stop on in,”

Atwood said that in May, the group hosted the first annual Roger McDonald Memorial Pickin’ in the Park to remember their friend.