June is officially bustin’ out all over. The hills are alive and the Upper Delaware River region is thrumming with activity. In the last few days, the Wonder Dog and I have been to the theatre, a …
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June is officially bustin’ out all over. The hills are alive and the Upper Delaware River region is thrumming with activity. In the last few days, the Wonder Dog and I have been to the theatre, a concert under the stars, attended a block party and watched some belly dancers shaking their groove thing. We’ve seen a lot of friends and neighbors out and about, so I know you all are keeping an eye on our “Where and When” section in The River Reporter (see page 26), which is a great way to stay informed about everything going on in your neck of the woods. I’m constantly updating my insane calendar of events, in a never-ending attempt to make hay while the sun shines.
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to check out the new, plush, extra-comfy seats (www.fbplayhouse.org) while watching a musical that I had never seen before, which was refreshing. As its season opener, the Forestburgh Playhouse produced “SHOUT! The Mod Musical,” which starred five ridiculously talented ladies belting out more than 25 solid-gold hits from the ‘60s, strung together via the gals reading through a fictitious magazine (think Cosmo). It was replete with advice columns, advertisements and articles that illustrated the decade through voice-over and song. Producer Franklin Trapp has decided to bring shows to Forestburgh this season that have never been seen here before, and if “SHOUT!” is an example of what we have in store for us all summer long—well, I would recommend making reservations.
Of course, concert season is upon us, and when forced to choose between Daryl Hall and John Oates or Barenaked Ladies at Bethel Woods last week, I went with the Ladies, whose “Last Summer on Earth” tour looks like it might be just that. The tour, which features opening acts Howard Jones and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) has dates set through July, and maybe they have rabid fans elsewhere, but let’s just say the crowd was appreciative, albeit less than standing-room-only. I have great expectations as the season (www.bethelwoodscenter.org) unfolds, and with living legends like Aretha and Smokey Robinson on the bill, aside from scads of other desirable acts, I’m sure that future tailgating will be out-of-control all summer long. I’m also excited to see stand-up comic Jim Gaffigan on the schedule (July 16), and think this could be a great start to a wider variety of shows, assuming that it’s not my last summer on earth.
Something different is also taking place in Jeffersonville, NY this summer as the town-wide salute to ethnic cultures gets underway. I swung by the firehouse last Saturday to check out the first in a series of celebrations being presented throughout the season and observed a belly-dancing class held prior to a performance on stage to be held later that day. “Jeffersonville Matters” (JEMS) rep Catherine Scott enthused about the program, and said that the idea was “to celebrate the cultural diversity that we have with a variety of ethnic food available on Main Street.” Ted’s Restaurant’s Turgay Terzi created Turkish specials for the celebration, and there are events planned over the rest of the summer highlighting Brazil, China and Italy, so keep your eye on Where and When.
Yet another first took place on Sunday as families took to the streets of Kauneonga Lake for the inaugural (I’m pretty sure it will happen again) Block Party. It was (IMHO) amazingly successful. Hundreds flocked to check out the restaurants (I smell a theme here), the day-long live music acts, a petting zoo, vendors galore and a ‘60s (hmmm) themed regatta, replete with boats decked out in resplendent tie-dyed flags and banners. It was an absolutely picture-perfect-postcard kind of day, and I had a blast strolling the shoreline, taking photos (check them out on our Facebook page) and watching the dog frolic with new pals she met down by the docks.
With the first day of summer just behind us, I’m hoping to make the most of it, while reminding myself to slow down and savor the best that this season has to offer in the Catskills. From what I hear, a whole new generation is “discovering” the region, and my fervent wish is that they understand how rare the atmosphere is here in the mountains, respect the beauty and preserve its integrity for future generations to enjoy long after I’m gone. Hopefully, this is not my last summer on earth, but if it is, I plan to make the most of it right now, in the good old summertime.
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