Something old, something new

Well, my back still hurts, so getting around town has been a challenge. I managed to drag myself out this past Saturday night to check out Cafe Devine, located at 33 Lower Main Street in Callicoon, NY, where the Valley Improv Group ( valley improvgroup.com ) was presenting an evening of (you guessed it) improv comedy.

According to the group’s literature, improv is “a type of theatre in which the performers create scenes based on audience suggestions with no script and no rehearsal.”

Performers Derrin Berger, Adam Izzo, Jeff Scully, Deanna Berger, Frankie Fasano and Nick and Mini Santiago were on hand, giving their best to entertain the small group that showed up for dinner and a show.

Improv has been around for a while, and while it’s nice to see that the group exists, the art form (in my humble opinion) is a little tired. I didn’t see anything particularly new or fresh and the audience seemed a teeny bit bored. That being said, the Santiagos stood out from the rest of the troupe and I applaud the group’s efforts, if nothing else.

Cafe Devine is a nice space, with an ever-changing menu. Serving coffee drinks, smoothies, pastries, bagels, soups, sandwiches and more, they are open seven days a week, offering free wi-fi, and it seems like a fun spot to check out.

Assuming that my back will continue to heal, I’m looking forward to some upcoming events. The Alliance Gallery in Narrowsburg, NY ( artsalliancesite.org ) will be hosting a reception on Saturday, January 30 for their newest exhibit “Be Mine Too,” featuring love poems, photos and collages. The show runs through February 20 and kicks off the schedule for 2010, which is chock-full of interesting exhibits including painting, photography, sculpture and assorted group shows of mixed media.

Meanwhile, Hamish & Henry Booksellers in Livingston Manor, NY ( hamishandhenry.com ) is announcing the “glorious return” of its monthly Wonky Tonk Book Club. Back by popular demand, the first meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit the website or call 845/439-8029.

On Sunday, January 31, the Willow River Gallery (118 Willow Avenue, Honesdale, NY) will be hosting a benefit for Mike and Mary Rivardo. The Rivardos are beloved in the Honesdale, PA community and currently struggling with Mike’s cancer. Live music, finger foods, beverages and raffles will be held to benefit this fine family, giving the community an opportunity to give back to the Rivardos, who have given so much of themselves over the years. For more information, contact Trix Render at 570/224-0602. Financial donations should be sent to Rivardo Emergency Fund c/o Jill Padua, 78 Kirk Road, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.

On a lighter note, the Catskill Art Society ( catskillartsociety.org ) has announced its 2010 schedule. Classes, exhibits and silent auctions are but a few of the exciting events upcoming, and I always look forward to seeing what it has to offer in its beautiful space, located at 48 Main Street in Livingston Manor, NY.

All in all, 2010 is shaping up to be a banner year for the arts in the Catskills. Funding cuts not withstanding, it appears that even when the chips are down, our communities rally, in support of those in need, or just to support the scores of organizations that help to feed the soul. Always grateful to be a part of this vast and wondrous world, I will continue to do my best to attend and support in my own way. I encourage all to do the same, as we band together as one big happy family, a loving, diverse and dynamic family that I am so proud to be a member of. My back might be hurting, but the heart is always open.

Email jonathanfox@riverreporter.com or visit workingwithoutanet.blogspot.com .