Who knew that Phoenicia was a hotbed of art, music and dance? On Main st. there was an art opening and a vibraphone concert. And down the road was a dance performance at a venue called Mt. Tremper Arts. The performance this July 17th was great. The first two dances very sensuous, thoughtful, energetic and modern. The dancers were superb, controlled and moving. The last piece called “Heavens, What Have I Done?”, began with a hilarious monologue by the dancer, Miguel Gutierrez, while he was putting on makeup and preparing the stage. And by "preparing" I mean opening boxes, pulling stuff out and tossing it on the stage, taping paper onto walls, setting up the mikes and amps, and getting into costume. After that, it was a controlled whirlwind of music, declamatory speech. emphatic/chaotic dance, writing on walls and song. Interpretation need not be considered; it carried itself by intensity, sincerity and talent. However, the thrust of the piece was 'what have you done with your life'. One of the most moving aspects of the evening was the enthusiasm, passion and glowing youth of the performers and organizers.

Ric Hirst and his extraordinary wife are retired and live in the miniature, Catskill hamlet of Lanesville. Beside the usual round of quotidian tasks they both dabble in simple visual art and the complicated realities of political economy.  I think that's about it.

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