If the above sounds like a laundry list of unrelated, entertaining items, then you have a good idea of what my week has been like. As predicted, the cavalcade of puppet shows, plays and parades (aka my bread and butter) has begun in earnest, and That Dog Named Gidget and I have quite literally been bouncing from one end of the county to another in search of all things Arts and Leisure.

As usual, I have scads of pics to illustrate the story, and you’ll find plenty more on our Facebook and Instagram accounts, so if you haven’t already, follow the River Reporter on social media to keep up with the latest and greatest. 

Now, lemme see if I can keep it all in order.

Last week I alluded to the fact that I attended the Delaware Valley Opera Company (DVO) 40th anniversary gala —where folks gathered to raise a glass and toast the DVO and its supporters while being entertained by some incredibly talented folks, giving us all a good idea of what’s in store for the company’s upcoming season. 

Aside from highlighting what the DVO has achieved in the past, it’s clear that its new home in Lake Huntington, NY has infused the singers, directors, technicians and slew of people behind the scenes with creative juices that serve to inspire them all as the future unfolds. The buzz at the party was palpable, and I hear people are already lining up to buy tickets (www.myrivertick
ets.com) for Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” (July 11-19) and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (August 15-23). If you haven’t taken in a DVO production lately (or ever), mark your calendars—the season looks to be epic. 

If the name Steven Schwartz rings a bell, it’s because the county has been celebrating “the man, the myth, the legend” for months on end as Steve heads into retirement. Now in its final weeks of being open for business, Steve’s Music Center in Rock Hill, NY, has been a hub that often felt more like a clubhouse for grownups—for the past 30 years. Although I heard friends bemoaning their fate (“where will we go now?”), Steve is just gearing up to be even busier than ever before, since he is in high demand, playing with fellow musicians here, there and everywhere. 

As vocalists, guitarists, keyboard players and drummers gathered to honor Steve at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) last week, the event echoed Schwartz’s decades-long philanthropic music community support.  The party, dubbed “Stop wishing, start playing” (IYKYK), was a fundraising effort supporting HPAC, VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) of Sullivan County and the Centre itself.  The theatre was packed with well-wishers and a slew of insanely talented individuals, singing and playing their hearts out. 

Honestly, the evening was a testament to how many gifted musicians reside in the region. It was heartwarming to see the man of the hour grinning from ear to ear as Schwartz’s cohorts toasted his contributions to Sullivan County’s vibrant music scene. Don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere. Congrats, Steve—job well done.

As for the fish, by now you might have guessed that I’m referring to the 20th annual Livingston Manor (“Small Town—Big Backyard”) Trout Parade, which as far as I’m concerned, blew the proverbial lid off of the county. This year’s theme, “Cirque du Trout,” encouraged revelers to don their finest fish-inspired circus attire (there’s more out there than one would imagine), hop on fantastical fishy floats, dress up their dogs, gussy up their cars, cast a line into the imaginary water and “party like it’s 1999.” 

In the past, I have waxed rhapsodic about the virtues of all things Trout Parade, but words alone cannot do it justice, hence the myriad of colorful photos. This one just gets better and better. Honestly, Gidge and I (along with hundreds of Trout Parade enthusiasts) had the time of our lives. Wanna see the pics? You know what to do.

And then there were drag queens. Now in its third year, The Forestburgh Playhouse (FBP) salutes Gay Pride with “Drag Me to the Catskills,” an ever-changing three-day celebration of bewigged entertainers dripping with sequins and regaling packed houses with stories, songs and of course the requisite drag-bingo events. 

Led with aplomb by fun and funny “Mrs. Kasha Davis,” the evening comprised Broadway show tunes (go figure!) and sparkly banter between Kasha and “fellow” queens Brita Filter and Plasma, all of whom rose to international fame via the Emmy-winning TV juggernaut known as “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Replete with a dizzying array of quick costume changes, a swell band of musicians and a more-than-lively sold-out crowd of enthusiasts all but guarantees that the playhouse will host the event again next year, “paws crossed,” as my dog is fond of saying.

Meanwhile, producer Franklin Trapp and company are working feverishly behind the scenes to present the FBP’s 80th anniversary, which will feature major Broadway hits, like “Come From Away,” Hairspray” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” I know I’m not alone when I declare that I’m psyched to see them all.

One might think that Trout Parades, opera singers, drag queens and Steve Schwartz have nothing in common, but I believe they all combine to add their own unique flavor of entertainment in the Upper Delaware River region—a richly diverse combination that makes living here incredibly special and beyond worthwhile. In my humble opinion. 

Ask the Google: What the heck does “party like it’s 1999” mean?

A: The phrase is an English idiom that means “to celebrate or have a great time, often with a sense of abandon and enjoyment,” originating from the 1982 smash hit “1999” by singer/songwriter Prince.