Reality is just an illusion

Posted 8/21/12

With the not-so-recent onslaught of reality-based television programming pummeling the airwaves, my viewing has ranged from a genuine fascination with the exploration of the human condition, to …

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Reality is just an illusion

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With the not-so-recent onslaught of reality-based television programming pummeling the airwaves, my viewing has ranged from a genuine fascination with the exploration of the human condition, to mindless entertainment, to guilty pleasure. Although popularized by a Hollywood writers strike occurring in the late 1980s and again in 2007, reality TV has been around for a long time—shows like “Candid Camera” and the “Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour” spring to mind as some vintage examples.

Having spent some time working on reality programs in my halcyon days, I’ve seen first-hand how the process works from a producer’s viewpoint, and am convinced that the Upper Delaware River region is an untapped market for a riveting program or three. I was pleasantly surprised to see that someone out there in TV land is looking and chose to highlight one of our own last week on a show called “Hotel Showdown” (www.trutv.com), which pits four hotelier’s against each other in a competition to determine which vacation retreat deserves a prize.

I’ve no idea how the network found Justin Genzlinger’s boutique getaway in Hawley, PA, (www.ledgeshotel.com,) but there it was, being featured on a modern-day game show, in all its splendor. “Good for him” I thought, as I settled in to watch, fingers crossed. The Ledges website provided some background: “Situated between the natural beauty of rock ledges and Paupack High Falls,” it reads, “Ledges is a luxury historic hotel in Hawley, PA affording modern conveniences without sparing its rustic charm. Built in 1890, this federal-style structure was originally built for the John S, O’Connor Glass Factory, illustrating the deep culture and heritage of the area’s manufacturing industry.”

It was fun seeing Ledges compete for the grand prize, and Genzlinger did a great job showcasing the amenities and natural splendor of the place, highlighting Hawley and the Poconos as a destination. While one of his competitors didn’t care for the fact that more than 300 works of art were for sale on the premises, it was one of the aspects that I loved. The hotel is proud to represent the wide variety of home-grown talent that resides in and around the Ledges. Justin and Co. got high marks for beautiful amenities, “a delightful night’s sleep” and a breakfast (www.thesettlersinn.com) described as “delicious” and “awesome.” Ultimately, the grand prize went to an inn in Vermont—ironically, in part because Genzlinger loved the place. While it might have appeared that the other hotel won the “showdown,” I maintain that it’s an illusion and am delighted to see Hawley, PA make it to the winners’ circle.

I don’t know about you, but I still watch the granddaddy of talent shows, “American Idol.” For years I’ve maintained that the show could do more than an hour showcasing the talent that abounds right here at home, and that point was driven home last weekend, when I finally had the opportunity to hear Michael P. Mizwinski (aka MiZ) perform (www.mikemizmusic.com). I’ve heard his name bandied about for years and was under the illusion that he was “just another singer/songwriter strumming a guitar.” Boy, was I wrong. Debuting his newest CD titled “parking meters” MiZ was playing at the Dancing Cat Saloon in Bethel, NY (www.dancingcatsaloon.com), and I jumped at the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

Belying his down-home demeanor and low-key rapport with the audience, MiZ was (IMHO) amazing. He does not simply strum a guitar, he fingers it with such a deft hand, that I was mesmerized by his ability. Peppering his set with covers like the Grateful Dead’s “Ship of Fools” only served to emphasize how accomplished he is in creating his own compositions, and his new release is composed solely of original tunes, both instrumental and vocal. Charming yet unassuming, MIZ chatted with the crowd but let the music speak for itself. As his fingers flew across the frets, numbers like “Heaven” and “Hymnalaya” were electrifying. Honestly, this guy has to be seen (and heard) to be believed, and I wasn’t alone in my assessment. Throughout the evening, Mike’s incredible talent caused the audience to burst into spontaneous applause after particularly hot licks emanated from his guitar.

Between sets we chatted, and he informed me that he was relocating to a more metropolitan region where, undoubtedly, his burgeoning career will take off. Maybe he’ll appear on TV (check him out on You Tube) but the reality is, MiZ is already an American Idol.

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