They say that music can calm the soul and soothe the savage beast. Music can move both the body and soul in mysterious, primal ways, and it’s good for one’s mental health.

In Beaufort County, there’s lots of music to be heard and enjoyed, from the bands that play in Washington bars and restaurants to the Tarheel Variety Theater in Chocowinity, there’s plenty of venues where local folks can go and enjoy live music on a regular basis. Arts of the Pamlico, also, brings awesome musical performances to the Turnage Theatre stage, from opera to the rock and roll performances sponsored by Rock the Pamlico.

For the aspiring picker, the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association holds weekly jams at AOP, and in Belhaven a music jam meets downtown each Thursday. That’s not even mentioning the offerings of the Beaufort County Community Orchestra, the Beaufort County Concert Association and the Beaufort County Choral Society throughout the year.

Add to that a thriving gospel music community, the many faith-based choirs in churches throughout the area and the independent musicians scattered about town, and Beaufort County has a lot of musical talent in her boarders.

For musicians and non-musicians alike, that’s a good thing. For the latter group, there are always opportunities to learn. One such opportunity will come to Washington this afternoon. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Festival Park in Washington, area residents will have the chance to learn a little about a fun, whimsical instrument that is really hard to make sound bad — the ukulele.

Hosted by Washington Parks and Recreation, PC Sound Music Store and the Washington Harbor District Alliance, this is a chance to learn to play the basics on a simple instrument. It’s a fun chance to get out and enjoy some good company and make a little music of your own.

Whether you show up or not this afternoon, be sure to take the time to scratch the surface of Beaufort County’s music scene. There’s a lot more going on, and a lot more talent here, than might first meet the eye.