On this chilly June evening, the warm glow of the "lounge" and the comfy sofas and chairs pose an open invitation to the gathering of folks here to relax and enjoy the varied entertainment ahead.
Brothers Scott and Byron Renderer are upholsterers by day but their building takes on a new identity in the evening and weekends when Upper Jay Arts Center's Recovery Lounge hosts some of the most unusual theatre, music, and art exhibits that can be found in the Adirondacks.
Actor, director, artist, Scott Renderer introduces tonight's program and challenges us to check out what's in the basement during intermission.
The local band, "Uncle Bud" opens. It consists of the youngest Renderer, Everett, on drums with his Uncle Byron doing vocals and playing keyboard. The pieces are original and offbeat to say the least, with titles like "The Grower," "Genetic Bar Codes," "Toxic Sir," and "Mr. Buzzkill." (There is no program, so my apologies if I did not hear all the titles correctly.) The lyrics are few and carefully chosen and we all listen intently to the gritty message that each conveys.
The next part of the evening is given over to the bluegrass and folk quintet, PossumHaw. The band hails from Burlington, Vermont, and was originally formed in 2004. I am immediately struck by the pure, crystalline voice of lead singer, Colby Crehan. As the night progresses, the banjo player gives us further insight into the make-up of this award-winning team of musicians. He is husband to Colby Crehan who has written many of the pieces in the band's repertoire. Ryan Crehan takes in the space and audience and then tells us that this "looks like the most comfy seating of any place we've played." Later he says of the Recovery Lounge, "This is way cooler than any place we've been." A voice from the back of the audience enthusiastically shouts, "Yes it is!." Ryan continues, "that makes us cooler too."
The band's selection is varied and the harmonies produced by Ryan and guitar player Charley Eineman are beautiful, especially in an acapella number performed by Colby, Ryan, and Charley.
At intermission, many of us take up Scott's opening challenge and go outside and down to the basement. There, we experience an art installation like one might encounter in Greenwich Village, NYC. This multi-media project is called "Revolving Twilight" by Shaun Irons and Lauren Petty. It is described as an immersive video/sound installation inspired in part by tales from nautical lore, notions of optical phenomena and illusion, light particles, ghost ships, and the reveries of a drowning victim. From what I'm hearing this audience's assessment is, "Way cool!"
There's more unusual entertainment coming up at the Recovery Lounge this summer. Scott is hosting a Harold Pinter seminar series, followed by his production of the Pinter play, "Birthdqy Party." The cast includes local actors: Terry Young, Susie Doolittle, Kate Donis, Brian LaVallee, Robert Andrews, and producer/ director Scott Renderer himself. It will be performed on July 26 through 29 and August 2 through 5 at 8 PM. For reservations you may call 518-946-8315. For other events at the Upper Jay Arts Center and more summer theatre and arts make sure to check back to the Lake Placid Events page.
Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.
