Night Out

From Jeffersonville to Mountaindale.

My kids arrived on Monday afternoon earlier this week along with my daughter’s bestie who I consider family and then later my daughter’s boyfriend rolled up.

I’m in love with these humans. We had a magical week in the heat, splashing in the pool, eating yummy food, playing games, listening to music, talking about art, life and feelings.

What else could I ask for in life?

Nothing!

Yesterday my son headed back to the city to join his bandmates for a jam session, something he’d been trying to put together for a while. I can’t wait to hear how it went. He’s cutting an album for his “Div 3”, his final project at Hampshire College.

The remaining four of us decided to spend our last night together by trying a restaurant I’ve been hearing about called The Dale in Mountaindale, NY. Thursday night is their open mic. A local drummer I know recommended checking it out. A couple of weekends ago, he invited me to a music festival in nearby Woodridge called Beaver Jam. My brother in law and I checked it out and I discovered what feels like a really cool music scene here in the southern Catskills! Last night’s open mic was further evidence of this.

After a forty minute drive through windy back roads, we arrived in Mountaindale, a sleepy little town with some really cool shops. I definitely want to spend some time there during the day when everything is open. The Dale has an outdoor beer garden and the decor is decidedly hippie chic. Lots of string lights and found objects abound. We ordered some drinks and food. They have really good sourdough pizza. The mushroom pie was delicious but the “classic” was rather mundane. The ratatouille was tasty but my two faves were the Hot Chicks (spicy chickpeas) and the smoked trout salad. The house red sucked but the fancy drinks were light and refreshing.

The best thing about the place is the vibe! My daughter and her bestie were on the fence about performing but I think they were taken in by the welcoming energy of the joint. Our waiter, Stephanie, was bubbly and fun and the owner who may be named Sara (as indicated by her necklace) was super chill and funny. The organizer of the open mic, a musician named Faith Kelly did a surprisingly awesome set comprised of mostly originals. Then a dude named Max did a set followed by a person singing acapella. My daughter decided to jump in as Faith and the staff were incredibly encouraging!

Tiny Frustrations by Ananda Liveright.

Then she invited her bestie, Frida Jackson, on stage to do a couple of covers.

They did a Strokes song, Someday, followed by Adrianne Lenker’s Dragon Eyes.

Stars bloom
On a warm summer night
They have a clear view
Without the bedroom light
I just want a place with you
I just want a place

This was just the place I wanted to be!

My daughter then did one more solo number, a cover of Angel From Montgomery, which brought me to tears of joy.

My daughter’s adoring boyfriend, the talented writer, actor and filmmaker, Luke Fletcher, AKA “The Duke” or “The Red Baron”.

Yeah, I’m in love with these people. This is the next generation and I’m floored by their full on engagement with life.

“Tiny frustrations can be easily avoided until the world won’t turn.”