A midsummer night’s dream

Posted 8/21/12

Actually, it was more like a midsummer dream of a weekend. While loath to admit that July is already gone, the plethora of events here in the Upper Delaware River region has been staggering of late. …

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A midsummer night’s dream

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Actually, it was more like a midsummer dream of a weekend. While loath to admit that July is already gone, the plethora of events here in the Upper Delaware River region has been staggering of late. Not for the first time, I was asked if I had (oh, the horror!) a twin brother, since I was spotted in more than one place at the same time. But it’s all an illusion—and the result of (happily) over-extending myself. Making a concerted effort to be everywhere, I carefully plotted a course and did my best to cover a lot of territory in a short time, by double-booking last Saturday, taking cat-naps with the dog, and hydrating. A lot.

Doing my best to ignore the staggering level of humidity, I packed extra water for Dharma and headed out to Callicoon, NY early, in order to soak up as much of the newly-dubbed Callicoon Country Fair as possible, prior to taking my seat for Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga (www.bethelwoodscenter.org) later that same day. Callicoon Trading’s Irene Nikolai and the Business Association reinvented this year’s festival, and it was impossible to ignore the gorgeous posters seen all ‘round the Catskills touting “art, antiques, food, games, entertainment and prizes” that took over the entire town. Nikolai has been a driving force in Callicoon of late, but is quick to point out the tireless efforts of others. “The western architecture of Callicoon was a magical setting for the fair,” she said, “and I want to thank each and every business, the Hortonville Fire Department and the Job Corps for making the event a tremendous success.” The whole town was humming in spite of the heat, and Dharma kept her cool, even though I was schvitzing. Great entertainment, terrific food, good times.

I’m a huge fan of Tony Bennett and the music he has given the world, but Lady Gaga? Although I had heard good things about the two pairing up for their “Cheek to Cheek” world tour, it was the opportunity to hear Bennett do his swingin’ thing that drove me to the Pavilion, and the chance to see his and Gaga’s worlds collide. Three words. Oh. Em. Gee. Naturally, the sold-out crowd gave him a standing ovation as the 88-year-old (that’s right) entertainer whom Frank Sinatra once called “the greatest singer in the world” strode onto the stage, but mere seconds into the two belting out “Anything Goes,” I was smitten with the Lady. Honestly, I was thrilled that Bennett sounded so fantastic, but Gaga’s vocal prowess sent shivers up my spine. He looks (and sounds) amazing. She was downright stunning, and her dizzying array of costume changes rivaled her (classically trained) vocal calisthenics as the two performed (IMHO) magnificently, mesmerizing the audience separately and together.

“Some of you are probably wondering what the hell Tony is doing up here with the girl who wore the meat dress,” Gaga said, in one of her many charming self-deprecating moments with the crowd. “You have no idea what an honor it is to share the stage with this man,” she concluded, before performing incredible arrangements of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” “Lush Life,” and a slew of standards that had the crowd on its collective feet repeatedly. He truly sounded legendary performing solo tributes to Duke Ellington and Sinatra, while she made me swoon with her goose-bump-worthy “La Vie en Rose,” and I made a note to purchase the CD immediately. Best. Concert. Ever.

I was still singing their praises the next day while setting up The River Reporter booth at the 25th annual Riverfest site on Main Street in Narrowsburg, NY on Sunday morning, and even the sweltering heat could not dampen the spirits of the enormous crowd that flooded the town. Between the River Dogs parade, the slew of local artisans displaying their wares and the always-anticipated poster auction benefitting the festival’s presenter, (www.artsalliancesite.org), Riverfest was bigger and better than ever. Thousands attended and stopped by our tent to re-up their subscriptions while the Wonder Dog held court, admiring her costumed canine companions and lapping up some ice cream as the alpacas across from us looked on. As I waxed rhapsodic over Tony and Lady Gaga, folks who were there enthusiastically agreed and posed for photos, which you can view, tag and share on our social media page: www.facebook.com/theriverreporter. Half-way through the season, I’m constantly amazed by the fabulous events that life in the Catskills provides, and looking forward to the glittering array that awaits. The fair was fantastic, the festival was tremendous, and seeing Tony Bennett in concert was magnificent. My new-found love affair with Lady Gaga? A midsummer night’s dream.

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