Coming attractions

Posted 8/21/12

Clearly, I am my own worst enemy. Having carved out some “me time” over the last two weeks, one would think I’d be more prepared to jump back into the swing of things with a clean slate, …

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Coming attractions

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Clearly, I am my own worst enemy. Having carved out some “me time” over the last two weeks, one would think I’d be more prepared to jump back into the swing of things with a clean slate, neatened office and new attitude, but in reality? Notsomuch. It would appear that I spent far too much time channel-surfing and not enough hours chained to my desk at home, preparing for the New Year, which is now well underway. Regardless of the desire to continue slacking off, my inbox is once again flooded with information regarding art openings, musicians’ gatherings, film premieres and the like. I’ve even heard whispers regarding the summer lineup at Bethel Woods, which is fun to think about when it’s seven degrees outside. Not complaining, just makin’ conversation.

Speaking of musicians, a couple of guys I know recently decided to mix things up and regroup, emerging as a totally new band called Mountain Wave, and have begun appearing all over town putting their own spin on tunes by Neil Young, David Bowie and The Beatles along with original material of their own. Timothy E. Gannon, Chip Forelli and Marc J. Switko are in the process of recording their first album, and describe themselves as an “avant garde trio that melds a multitude of styles” with live performances that are “appealing, joyous, thoughtful and edgy,” according to their Facebook page.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” I mumbled to the dog as we headed out the door. Having heard their first single, “Sparkle in the Streetlight,” I was unsure, since I literally hated it (maybe that’s the “edgy” part), but their first set last Saturday in Bethel (www.dancingcatsaloon.com) was (IMHO) really, really good—nothing like Switko’s poor man’s Johnny Cash lament that I had heard earlier. The place was packed and everyone there was loving the band, the groove and the vibe, including me—go figure. The guys are excited to be appearing on the 30th at The Emerald Ballroom (the old speakeasy under The Heron) in Narrowsburg, NY, which sounds pretty swanky.

On Sunday January 24, Joe Crookston will appear in Honesdale (www.thecooperageproject.org) to introduce a screening of a documentary film “Blue Tattoo,” based on Crookston’s song of the same name with “songs and stories and a community conversation.” The film tells the story of Holocaust survivor Dina Rosenberg Jacobson and is the result of a collaboration between Jacobson and Ithaca-based songwriter Crookston, who wrote what he described as “the hardest song I have ever written.” “Tattoo” is on the CD “Able Baker Charlie and Dog,” which won the 2009 International Folk Alliance Album of the Year, and having seen Crookston appear more than a few times, I expect this very special presentation to be well worth attending. Call 570/253-2020 for reservations and we will see you there. (See also page 13.)

For something completely different, I’m beyond intrigued by the Hurleyville Maker’s Lab (HML) which will host a “soft opening” on Monday the 25th at 6 p.m., and HML Director Mark McNamara’s invite made me even more so. “If you are curious about the Maker’s Lab building or maker movement [?] in general,” it read, “Please join your friends and neighbors at this event.” The press release went on to say that the HML is “a place for people who like to build, invent, tinker and learn new skills,” and that the place houses “3D printers, a computer lab, a digital creation space and laser cutting machine.” Also described as “an anchor of the Center for Discovery’s Main Street Initiative,” HML’s mission is “to foster the maker and creative spirit in all of us.” Well, if that doesn’t sound downright fascinating, I don’t know what does. I’m still trying to figure out why the opening is on a Monday evening and what the heck is really going on over there, so I’m guessing a trip to Hurleyville is in my future. Maybe they can whip up a 3D version of the Wonder Dog—one that doesn’t bark.

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