What a fun filled afternoon provided by this American troupe of male dancers performing parodies on Swan 🦢 Lake.

I cannot recall when I left so hard. Sadly, the gal in front of me grabbed her ears several times covering her hearing aids as I laughed loudly.

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Had seen this group at the Joyce Theatre in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed them then, but now will follow their performance dates.

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The members originate from all parts of the world. The troop began in 1970 and this marks their 50th anniversary. They haven’t been at the Pillow since 2010 but surely will be returning next season.

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I stopped the Pillow Artistic Director and asked. We all know what leverage I have!

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Check out the Pillow schedule, and this amazing dance troupe for next year.

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However, avoid sitting sit near someone with hearing aids.

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This amazing dance center celebrates its 92nd anniversary this year! Haven’t been in at least 15 years and how it’s grown.

I was remiss that I did not visit earlier in the day as they have a dance museum with an enormous collection of videos and other memorabilia to celebrate dance. They even have honors from President Obama and Michelle regarding their work.

The museum has an extensive photographic collection of their troupes through the decades on display by John Lindquist.

What history!

Some items displayed..

The grounds are beautiful at this venue and on this glorious summer day they literally glowed. There are places to eat, drink, and is a perfect spot to get together with friends.

They even have a dance studio you can explore.

Sadly in 2020 their Doris Duke Theater burned to the ground. However, a new more vibrant theater is in the works. The Pillow is in their final stages of fund raising.

? Perhaps a call to Mackenzie Scott is needed?

Next, Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo

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As I write this blog I am concerned for my personal safety.

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According to the unsupreme court anyone can be eliminated by our King President and those who speak out gone.

And there is no recourse for this decision.

Our only hope is that we install through voting an individual who will not abuse their power.

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As I read the pundits and politicians about Joe bowing out from the race I am sickened.

While he had a bad 90 minutes, look what he’s done for us in 3 1/2 years, and for those 30 folks who follow my writings I need not repeat the acclaims.

He’s done more as a modern President than anyone else.

So, rather than tear the man down, let’s build him up and support him.

And for the $33 million he raised in 4 days from us little folk since the debate, doesn’t that say it all?

He’s certainly one Ferrari, and a rare one at that!

Keep the faith, Joe!

I am with you 100%. There is no one better.

Well let’s get to the real reason for this Berkshire visit, Jon Batiste.. As you recall, I met Jon as a Juilliard student when his band visited our psych unit playing for the patients several times. I let this somewhat shorter young man with a large musical instrument on to the unit. As I walked down the hallway briskly, I glanced over my shoulder to see a terrified young man. I slowed my pace, (nurses are always on overdrive and have too much to do), and asked if he was alright. Of course he shook his head. How rude I was!

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It’s not easy visiting a psychiatric unit. I reassured him to just keep walking and deposited him in the day room. He and his band did fine and why I can recall the specifics of this encounter all I can say is when you see those eyes, you’ll never forget him.

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His performance at Tanglewood began at 7:10 and sadly, I did not arrive until 720 due to a Waze disfunction. Jon was already singing and dancing in a sparkly suit with the members of his band and a gal in African garb as his back up.

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The concert lasted 2 1/2 hours with one of the band members being Joe the cowboy from Stephen Colbert. Once again, Stephen the part-time late night host, is on vacation this week. What a gig he has! Wish he had a back up host, perhaps he can take Taylor Tomlinson off that awful late night show she’s currently hosting to do Fridays and let him work four day weeks.

Must write CBS.

I digress..

Jon also had his mentor play the drums during the concert. This man has spent 50 years in the music industry and still could put it all together.. Amazing show, can’t imagine what his Radio City show will include. ? Maybe Stephen with a few jokes?

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What a sublime night. Never saw so many white seniors shaking their booty to this dynamic performer.. They love him! Seems like that is the bulk of his following and it works!

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Rather than encores Jon ended the show walking through the audience playing his xylophone, taking selfies with audience members, hugging and sometimes kissing audience members.

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Quite a love fest, and what a phenomenal conclusion to an amazing night.

And the best part.. am sure Jon got home to Brooklyn in time to kiss his wife goodnight.

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The Divine Mercy area sits immediately above West Stockbridge proper so rolled down the hill to take in the Main Street sites on this glorious day.

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Let’s start with my favorite, the Red Lion Inn. Someday may breakdown and do an overnight here?. In my dreams..my pocketbook will accommodate it….

Rooms in the lobby

On to the shops on Main Street..

Then a visit to the homes around this area.

And as I walked down Main Street found the Congressional Church Cemetery where grave aficionados would go crazy.

Then I came across the church clock tower with an open door.

So, thought it was open for visit. Went inside and surprised the gal who daily plays the musical system at 530 pm. She let me stay through one song then I retreated to the grounds where I heard her amazing work even clearer.

What a phenomenal experience!!

You never know what you’ll find when you travel.

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As I wait in the Tanglewood Music Center parking lot I write. Glad I have something to do as it will be at least another hour to get out of the lot. It also took me 40 minutes to find Gina, my car. 🚗 Some things never change. It was the same deal when I went to a Renee Fleming concert here 10 years ago.

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This overnight trip came at an opportune time post Joe’s 90 minute misadventure with the rapist. Today I understand he’s back to normal, and on the campaign trail according to my son in law who knew I was devastated by the debate.

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Maybe they gave him a shot of vitamin C to perk him up, and if so they should have done so before the debate.

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Today I started by day in prayer and lighting candles for Joe at the Divine Mercy Center in West Stockbridge. It was a perfect day weather wise.

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And while I left the church after the unsupreme court decision which the church had their fingerprints all over, I still pray. Some habits never go away, however I limit any contributions as I know where it goes..

💵💵💵💵💵⛪️⛪️⛪️⛪️⛪️💵💵💵💵💵💵All that said some pictures of this beautiful and serene place where I was the only white person there. It seems like Latinos, Asians, Phillipinos, and Africans, are the only folks involved with this church. And while I may sound crass they aren’t givers as they don’t have it. Maybe the old white folks will caddy up in their wills to keep these places afloat.

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What was that called, indulgences for heaven.?

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Ah yes the pictures, I digress…

And let’s close with some of the stellar flowers on the grounds.

Well, if tonight’s debate is any indication of our country’s future guess we’re really in trouble.

Joe was off course and rambling, not making sense at some points. Then there is the rapist. He was bold and a liar as usual.

Oh well, we have 4 months left, shall see.

Off to bed and am assured a nightmare.

Aren’t you?

We’re in the 24 hour countdown to the debate. So while the rapist prez is out there spewing his lies, and denying he’s prepping for this affair, what is my favorite guy, Joe Biden, doing, or what should he be doing?

I have some ideas..

• Dye his hair to look younger, wouldn’t that be a shocker??
• Wear a trendy khaki suit with a mascot.
• Add blinking lights to his aviator sunglasses and have him wear them as he enters the stage.
• Get a manicure, pedicure, and a foot massage to loosen up those stiff feet.
• For energizing – some wild and crazy sex with Jill.
• Plaster the podium with Biden Harris signs.
• Bring Commander for protection, ready to bite the competition.
• And of course, last but not least, make sure he has an ice cream cone before the debate!

Came to Saratoga for a chamber music concert, however, since I was a little early decided to visit the Saratoga auto museum on the grounds of the state park. This building was once the bottling plant for the Saratoga waters.

There are only a handful of other colored Ferrari’s in the world 🌎 and this collection had one on loan.

The volunteer docents are well versed in car info and fascinating guided tours are given. Call for times.

Racing cars 🏎️ were also on display.

And for the younger set, go carts..

One last bonus..

A Woodstock bus.

And finally the reason for the journey..

The ending of a perfect day!