Cabin fever

Posted 8/21/12

I’ve got it—how ‘bout you? Depending on what Internet source you use, cabin fever has different connotations, with an underlying theme: boredom, laced with anger, tinged with restless paranoia. …

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Cabin fever

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I’ve got it—how ‘bout you? Depending on what Internet source you use, cabin fever has different connotations, with an underlying theme: boredom, laced with anger, tinged with restless paranoia. Not that I needed to look it up. Born and raised in upstate New York, I’ve had the fever once or twice, but there was no worldwide web in my childhood with which to divert and entertain. Still, one can only spend so much time surfing the web, before the walls invariably close in. Although the greater Upper Delaware River region breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the “Blizzard of the Century” skirted past us, we barely had time to buy more bread and milk before snowstorm Linus blanketed the Catskills. Note to the weather service: Giving a storm cute cartoon names does not make them fun. In fact, when facing the proverbial four walls, it’s downright irritating.

There are degrees of cabin fever that (like any infection) grow exponentially before the fever breaks. While it begins with simple restlessness, it doesn’t take long before the boredom gives way to irritability and (if you have a dog) endless forays into the woods, shovel in hand, decked out in a festive array of gloves, scarves, boots and hats that get increasingly crusty from being repeatedly dried on the radiator. According to Wikipedia, “A person may tend to sleep, have distrust of anyone they are with, [in my case, the Wonder Dog and her “need” to go out] and an urge to venture outside even in the snow, dark or hail to alleviate being home alone.” In between arctic blasts, I noted that the Sara Hulse Band was slated to appear in Bethel, NY (www.catskilldistillingcompany.com) in tandem with a duo not on my radar, named “Windy Mule.” Scanning the sky, I shoveled a bit and carefully made my way to the place, finding it packed with like-minded individuals, desperate for an entertaining diversion and a little contact with the outside world.

I never did find out why they are called “Windy Mule,” but did learn that Lake Huntington’s K.C. and Gloria Garn only began making music together in recent years, even though both are accomplished musicians in their own right. Charming and folksy, the couple reminded me of the Smothers Brothers (he on guitar, she on the upright bass), as they sang hummable favorites like “Wagon Wheel,” “I’ve got a Brand New Pair of Roller skates” and his personal favorite: Paul Simons’ “Still Crazy after All These Years.” As the Sara Hulse Band set up, I grabbed the chance to chat with the Garns for a moment. Asking where folks could reach them online, Gloria looked at me quizzically. “Oh, we haven’t gotten that far yet,” she said. “I’m electronically challenged.” After being gently admonished for being behind the times, she promised to go home and set up a Facebook page for their act. Suffering from a bit of cabin fever distrust, I’m not sure that she will, but hopeful, since it would be nice to keep up on future appearances. Glancing at my notes, I see that I wrote “these two are easy to listen to and they sing songs that I like. The audience loves them.” Note to self: find out why they are called “Windy Mule.”

I first heard Sara Hulse perform about five years ago at Dutch’s Tavern in Rock Hill, NY (nope, no website) when she was a shy, nervous novice, still learning how to stand on her own two feet and make eye contact with the audience, while strumming a ukulele, singing original songs. Flash-forward to 2015, and this unique talent has spread her wings, forming her own band, blossoming into the butterfly that was only hinted at a few years ago. “Oh, I don’t have stage fright any more,” Hulse shared before her first set. “People seem to like what we do.” I always did, but (IMHO) Hulse’s voice (and demeanor) have matured in leaps and bounds, allowing her sizable talent to take center stage, while sharing it with Paul Mutzek (standing bass/guitar) and Papa John (drums), who round out her sets with a fuller sound. Even though there were no steel drums in sight, I swore I heard them in the background as Sara performed her signature indie-pop originals mixed with some Reggae-laced covers, highlighting cuts from her latest CD, “Trouble.” When asked what the next step was, Hulse smiled. “Oh, folks are always telling me that I’m going to ‘make it,’” she said. “As far as I’m concerned, I already have. I earn a living writing, playing and singing (www.sarahulse.com). I’d make a lousy superstar,” she said. “I get to share my music; that’s all I ever wanted.” Next time there’s a break in the weather, go see this band. I wouldn’t rule out “superstar” just yet.

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