omigod...~~ so busy...so much to do....dont want to fail...just have to get it all done, and done perfectly...( how is THAT for a perfectionists dysfunction, bared to the general public? Anyway..here goes LUCKY TEN!
Social Column Ten

I almost missed my deadline this week. Perhaps it is the 118 raspberry, coconut, and chocolate magic bars I baked. Blame it on the Grasshopper tortes, the Key lime Cream Pies. Yes, you guessed it...the Big Weekend is almost here, with family and friends coming from everywhere for my nephew Christopher and his bride, Melissa's wedding. With my customary nonchalance, I volunteered to cook for the Day before the Wedding party. And so, (deep breath here) I am frantically busy.
Yet, this week writes itself, because I have a secret for you! Are you an undiscovered poet or musician? Would you like to support those that are? Go to The Waterline Gallery, downtown Berlin, 2nd Friday of each month. Orchestrated by gallery manager Pam Showell, sanctioned by owner Karen Prengaman and partner, nephew David Prengaman, the event is a blast. I walked into the historic brick building, with it's lofty ceilings and warped hardwood floors, about 8:pm. A sign outside proclaimed." It's Friday the 13th..Are You Feeling Lucky? " All the action was upstairs, though people milled around downstairs, admiring the local artwork for sale.
"Paul and Trish", local performers with an extraordinary repertoire, were hosts as well as cast for the evening, introducing each artist. Duo Lee Johnson and Joey Cornet indulged in a laid back jam. Elena Pingatore, of the band Seventh Sense was a striking woman dressed in red, with lips to match. Her voice and dance rocked the floors that night as she exlaimed "I feel like I will explode if I don't sing." Rick Kennedy took the stage, (watch for him soon at The Globe Theater), and his beautiful country voice and lyrics touched me deeply. " It's what you have to say, it's true blue that's important, " Said the songwriter/singer about his craft. Rachel, with her flowered skirt, pinned back brown hair, and serious specs, belted out songs to the delight of the crowd, with a style reminiscent of a torchy Joni Mitchell. One of my favorites was Jason Dubow, from the D.C. area. He seemed shy, yet he sang and played guitar well, and had the courage I lack, to face an audience. Charles Calloway blew the top right off the Waterline Gallery that night with his explosive bass chops. Paul Dufendach referred to him as " The Best Bassist of Delmarva." , It was strange watching him; almost as if his fingers and his guitar were the same digit, and his heart shook him to where his rhythm followed. From the theme of Linus to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, he played...to the point where Kate Hastings, owner of The Globe Theater, boogied with Pam Showell, director of The Waterline. Other's followed, artists, musicians and patrons alike, until those old brick walls just about shook with fun.
I asked Karen Prengaman why she held the function each month. After all, I saw that there was no overt attempt to sell art....There was free food and entertainment...Her answer made me fall in love with Delmarva a little bit more. She asserted, "It's all about encouraging the arts." "This is a vital community, an artistic community, and we will do everything we can to promote it."
Pam Showell commented, "Music and Art naturally go together, provided is free entertainment, enjoyment of the arts, and a smoke free environment." In the future, Open Mic night plans to include "Kids Hour", to showcase young talent.
See you after the wedding....all the juice about the Merry Sherwood and Atlantic Hotel to follow...