TRR photos by Charlie Buterbaugh, composition by Pat Carullo There is no shortage of things to do in the river valley once the sun has gone down. (Click for larger image)

Starry starry night

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH and DONNA LUKIW

Nightlife in the Delaware Valley offers first and foremost a stretch of scenic byway illuminated by a changing moon that now and then finds reflections in the river below as the road meanders through the mountains above.

With an open Route 97 in view, traveling to Shohola on Wednesday night to see live bands, to Milford on Thursday nights to see live blues or to Glen Spey on Saturday nights to see live jazz, going the distance becomes the thrill of rural night life.

And while the night scene may be rural, it is far from rustic. Thanks to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Paula West, a jazz singer who performs to sell-out houses at The Oak Room in New York’s Algonquin Hotel and The Plush Room in San Francisco, came to the Tusten Theater with the Peter Zak Trio on Saturday, June 7.

The music scene in Milford is hotter than ever and the Narrowsburg galleries and studios exhibit nightlife rife with pleasing sights and spirited chatter.

We set out to sample a few nighttime venues in the valley from Thursday through Saturday, though Wednesday also offers some options, and summer weekends generally extend beyond Sunday’s dusk.

Thursday

Weekly blues at the Water Wheel keeps it turnin’

MILFORD, PA — The Water Wheel in Milford stages Blues Jam every Thursday night, and there was no dearth of talent in the tavern when Lone Star Blues played on June 5.

The group will soon have a gig at the Tom Quick Inn, also in Milford, and Center Stage in Middletown, NY. The band uses contrasting styles of the two guitarists to their advantage as they play blues standards and shift to Stevie Ray Vaughan hits and jazz-rock fusion jams.

The entrance to the tavern is at the bottom of an inviting maple stairway around the back of the historic building. Hospitality is part and parcel of the Water Wheel tavern; the tables are set up so that groups of people can mingle as they listen to the music, and newcomers are bound to feel welcomed by a crowd of regulars and the bartender, Daron, who walks around and checks on his patrons when he can break away from his barstool devotees.

For more information call 570/296-2383.

Friday

Hip-hop dancers perform in Monticello

MONTICELLO, NY — On June 6 and 7 Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular group showed off their skills at the Family Arts Center for Entertainment (FACE) in the theatre of the old Monticello middle school.

Break! has its strong inner city roots where most of these dances and moves originated. Although James Brown has been the most influential in providing the history of break dancing, Michael Jackson has also played a big part in shaping the cultural aspect of urban moves.

The group displayed extraordinary break dancing, power-tumbling steps and locking, which is a form of dance where the dancers lock joints in different directions and at the same time perform a flawless and smooth routine. The quick movements in combination with the flexible maneuvers made the dancing look impossible even to attempt. Spinning on their heads and swinging their bodies through the air was undoubtedly the focus of the night.

For more information on Break! visit loveproductions.com, or call FACE for upcoming events at 845/796-4332

Saturday

Local jazz artist entertains at Michael’s

GLEN SPEY, NY — Chris Parker, jazz composer and piano player, serenaded local guests at Michael’s Delaware Valley Grill on June 7 with standard original piano jazz. While he performs  mostly in the western U.S., Parker will continue to share his original music the first Saturday of every month at Michael’s.

The smooth, melodic tone of Parker’s pieces demonstrates a distinctive voice while maintaining typical familiar jazz ambiance. His third CD, just released, “Late in Lisbon,” integrates fusion with Latin jazz.

As the lights from the chandeliers dimmed, Parker took his seat at the piano and wooed the audience with his mellow yet invigorating piano playing. The paintings of rivers, boats and forests enhance Michael’s walls and provide that well known feeling of being on the river. The light-hearted attitude of the restaurant establishes a cozy mood for a night of jazz and fine dining.

For more information call Michael’s at 845/856-6900, or check out Parker’s website at originarts.com. n

More nightlife events to attend

Wednesdays

Live music every week, beginning July 2, by Gary Owen, Joe Connor and Leo B at Rohman’s Inn. 570/559-7479.

June 18—Wine dinner at Michael’s Delaware Valley Grill. 845/856-6900.

Thursdays

Live blues every week at the WaterWheel tavern. 570/296-2383.

Pool tournaments every week at Michael’s Delaware Valley Grill in the tavern.

Fridays

June 13—DJ and karaoke by Mystic Music at King’s in Livingston Manor beginning at 9:00 p.m. 845/439-5500.

June 13—See “The Odd Couple,” a play by Neil Simon at the Rivoli Theater in South Fallsburg.

June 20—View “Outside Point,” a new exhibit by Julie Gross at a reception from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Delaware Arts Center Gallery in Narrowsburg. Music by the Ill Winds Chamber Ensemble.

Saturdays

First Saturday of the month, live jazz beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Michael’s Delaware Valley Grill.

Live music every week at the Narrowsburg Inn. 845/252-3998.

Live music at the Lackawaxen House. 570/685-7061

Sundays

June 15—See Jason Graae at the Bradstan Country Hotel. (Upper Delaware Magazine has a complete listing of Bradstan Country Hotel events.)