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beatricethecat2 · 7 years ago

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if/then (2.0) - 15 v.2

PSA time: Criticism can be a positive force, especially when it’s constructive, and even more so when it’s given by someone you trust and respect. (Don't be afraid of it!) “But it’s just fan fiction,” the mantra goes, meaning fics don't warrant scrutiny, like "real" writing does. But “It’s just fan fiction,” to me, means I have the ability to go back and reassess, to learn from my mistakes, especially when given sound advice to guide me. I’m writing to learn, as I’m not a writer by trade, so there is no shame in tearing something apart and starting over again. Chapter 15 warranted a serious makeover, so I dove in...the gist is the same but the information imparted differently. I’d forgotten the cardinal rule of "show not tell,” so I’ve gone back and applied that liberally. And here we are, back at Chapter 15, with a (hopefully) more satisfying result. Plus, in the meantime, I’ve plotted out a much better ending (for the story), so it's a win/win situation all around. Edited 6/5.

Previously: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11, part 12, part 13, part 14

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Myka checks her phone and looks toward the door again; no new news, but Helena really should be here by now. The VIP preview started at five, and her public opening at six, but now it's near seven, and Helena’s still missing in action. A mix up with her ticket left her stranded until late afternoon, but after some strong words with the manager, she transferred to another airline. She texted over an hour ago that she'd "be there soon," but Myka's beginning to worry she's run into further trouble.

It's almost laughable, her fretting over Helena’s absence, as she was adamant for weeks Helena not join her. But at the last minute, she changed her mind, unnerved about stepping into uncharted territory alone. Helena convinced her she needed a buffer and that she was the best candidate for the job.

After their initial conversation, Helena called like clockwork every day, but at first, Myka didn't pick up. Ignoring Helena entirely seemed the only way to focus, but her heartfelt messages kept creeping into her head. If she was ever going to move past this, they needed to talk, and sooner rather than later was better than waiting.

Their first few conversations were bitter affairs, little more than Helena listening while Myka listed her “wrongs.” Myka vented a laundry list of frustrations, beginning with Germany and tumbling back through their relationship. But over time, her hostility weakened, allowing Helena to steer their focus towards Myka’s show.

“What do you want,” Myka grumbled, tapping "accept" after three full rings.

“To ask how you're faring today,” Helena replied.

“Stressed out. Super busy. Same as yesterday, and the day before.”

“You have been rather agitated lately.”

“Who’s fault is that?” Myka snapped. It had become a habit to push Helena’s buttons whenever possible, but this schtick was getting old, her heart wasn’t in it as it was a few days ago.

“Were you able to ask for more time off work?”

“Yeah,” Myka answered, a little disappointed Helena didn’t offer her usual apologies. "Leena’s sending stuff I can work on at home, so I only have to go in once or twice a week.”

“Excellent. That relieves much of your burden.”

“True, but there’s still so much to do.”

“Talk me through it. Perhaps I can assist.”

Myka looked across her room at the collection of objects on her desk, the ones she and Abigail rescued from Helena’s apartment. She hadn't told Helena what had happened there yet as she wanted to process her experiences there before inserting Helena's influence. But considering the subject matter, that was kind of counterproductive as she wouldn't be able to keep it from her for long.

“Why didn’t you tell me they were gutting your building?” she asked.

“Are they? I wasn't aware.”

“I think you knew.”

“I’d only heard rumblings. Nothing substantial. Certainly, nothing this soon."

Myka grunted in disapproval. "You couldn't have mentioned it was a possibility?"

"Discussing such destruction seemed cruel after all you’d been through. And I didn't want to alarm Christina.”

When Helena got kicked out, Myka was still a mess, so she could see where Helena was going with that. But Christina was going to find out eventually, whether while walking to the park or from a friend at school. Though she didn't mention it either the last time she saw Christina, probably for the same reasons Helena had kept it from her.

Standing from her stool, she walked across the room towards the group of objects littering the table. She fingered the frayed edge of a worn LP sleeve she dug out from the dumpster, one that once lived on a bottom shelf in Helena's living room with many others. They were visible from the couch while she was lying down, and she'd often wished they had a turntable to play them on. That couch provided so much comfort in those trying times, especially when Dewy would knead in circles and then curl up at her feet.

“I loved that apartment.”

“As did I.”

“Well, it’s gone. Ripped apart. The whole damn thing.”

“How do you—“

“Your couch was in a dumpster. We went inside. Took everything left of you we could carry.”

“We?”

“Me and Abigail."

“Oh. You and Abigail.”

The line quieted.

“Sorry, that was...” Harsh, Myka thought. But no harsher than finding her with Bonnie at the sale.

“A-And what treasures did you gather?” Helena asked, in soft, defeated tones.

“A, um...pen,” Myka said, describing the nearest thing to her. “From that Mexican place on Houston. The one with the soup Christina likes when she’s sick.”

“Pozole.”

“Yeah, that’s it."

“Then it's truly a souvenir worth saving,” Helena replied. Her words were polite but distant as if she was thinking about Christina being sick and her inability to comfort her. Myka wanted her to feel guilt, but over her, not her child. She looked around her collection for something less fraught.

“There’s that pom-pom Christina made at Brownies.” Dust fell to the table as Myka lifted an orange poof of yarn.

“The singular time we attended before she began kempo. It wasn’t for us.”

Myka drops the pom-pom and hones in on another item. “Shells from the beach you said were from Santa Cruz?”

“From our excursion after Claudia’s job interview at Apple. That was…an enlightening day.”

“Tell me more.”

“I shall, one day,” Helena answered. “But it wasn't terribly pleasant.”

“Oh, sorry." Myka searches her collection for something with a cheerier backstory.

“I’m touched you felt compelled to save these trinkets, but I must ask, whatever for?”

“They’re lost memories, like mine, from the fire, and I’m painting them for my show. Or at least trying to, but I’m running out of time.”

“Ah, yes! That makes perfect sense."

“It does? How?"

“Thus far, you’ve been piecing together memories, painstakingly recreating objects you’ve lost. But there’s a distance there as if you're compiling a catalog, much like the registrar you’ve trained to be."

“They’re more than cataloging—"

"But the objects from my flat are extant, and your renderings draw directly from their energy. Mixing our memories with your own adds a richness, describing the limbo we're all experiencing while building our lives again.”

“I, um...” Myka looked toward her easel, at the rendering of the calendar she rescued from the floor displayed there. Various events from that month flashed through her mind, and she realized the amount of baggage she was memorializing. Helena’s interpretation of her motives suddenly made sense, though unpacking them at the moment seemed too intense.

“Can you work on multiple paintings using artificial light?” Helena asked.

“I have been, and it helps. But I need to ship everything at least a week and a half in advance.”

“Ship many as you're able and take the rest with you on the plane.”

“Can I do that?”

“Yes. If you're still using wooden panels, they're not weighty. Pack them securely and pay the excess baggage fee,” Helena explained. “Buy them pre-primed to save time in the studio.”

“I like preparing them myself.”

“You must focus on content. Hire someone to prepare them for you, if that’s critical."

“You’re probably right.” Myka sighed.

“You're allowing too many distractions to get in your way.”

“Who’s fault is that?” Myka said, her bite from earlier gone.

“I’ll refrain from phoning if—“

“No. Call. I might not pick up, but this was...helpful." It was, but everything wasn't sitting right just yet. "We’re still not ok. Ok? You know that."

“I’m acutely aware.”

“As long as you know.”

“My offer still stands, either way.”

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Myka said, then tapped end her phone. That was all the critique she could handle for the day.

Positive news also eased tensions between them, as early on, Mrs. Frederic's bid won the sale. The sizable commission allowed her to step away from the gallery, though she promised to help out when needed. And the residency in LA got in touch before her trip and informed her she made it through to the semi-finalist round.

But she needs to get through tonight before anything can truly move forward, a big art night in Warsaw all round. The city's museums and galleries have openings concurrently, and tonight's crowd has already has exceeded expectations. The director's been buzzing around all evening, introducing her to new faces left and right. By the time Helena arrives, all the activity's made her head spin, and she's starting to zone out.

She spies Helena weaving towards her mid-sentence, cornered by a woman asking detailed questions about technique.

“Forgive the intrusion, but I must steal the guest of honor,” Helena says and hooks her arm through Myka’s. She leads her back across the room towards the entrance, then steps back and sweeps her eyes over her outfit. “Lovely as ever. More captivating in person. Though I did appreciate the preview over the phone.”

Myka blinks a few times, a little stunned by Helena’s actually here. “Y-you look nice, too. You didn't say you were wearing a dress.”

“I’m hardly well put together, but I did try my best. This event is too important to arrive both late and unkempt."

Myka searches for traces of unkemptness, but Helena's close-fitting dress is wrinkle-free. It compliments her frame so perfectly, she finds it difficult to look away. When she meets Helena's gaze, Helena's eyes fill with apology, and Myka's soften, accepting the gesture without reproach. Her show wouldn’t have come together without Helena's help, and she’s glad she’s finally here to share it with her.

"I thought you'd be here earlier. Was there lots of traffic?” Myka asks.

"I stopped by my hotel to change.”

“It’s not that far.”

“Yours was booked. Mine’s further away.”

“Oh. I didn't—“ A patron squeezing between them cuts Myka short.

Helena turns to face a painting on the wall. “This one’s mesmerizing in person. Nothing like the photo you sent. Its surface seems holographic, but that can’t be right.”

“I added mica powder to the pigment, to create a shine.”

“Myka power?” Helena quips, raising a brow.

“Very funny. You know what I mean. Christina said it should be shiny, like the sticker.”

“She is you’re harshest critic.”

“At times,” Myka says, with a smirk. “It is her sticker.”

“But the rendering is yours. And the sentiment an ode to childhood obsessions."

“It's about the resilience of materials in the harshest conditions,” Myka snaps, repeating the line she’s used all day. "But I guess it is a kid’s sticker, so...” She looks hard at the likeness of a curled and soiled Pegasus she created. Helena's interpretation wasn’t her intention, but she can see what she means.

“Have you repaired all the damage from your shipment?” Helena asks.

“Don’t get me started. I can’t believe the crappy repacking job they did."

“Manhandling must escalate the longer goods fester in Customs .”

“If they’d been held up anywhere but London, I don’t know what I would have done. Thank you again for convincing me to ask for Mrs. Frederic's help.”

“In my opinion, the paperwork error was inconsequential. They should never have been held back in the first place.”

“That’s what happens when I don’t double check things—"

“Myka, come and meet Priska," a woman interrupts. She places a hand on Myka’s shoulder and glances at Helena. “Ah, this must be the long-lost Helena. Welcome!"

“I’m pleased to have finally arrived,” Helena says, holding out a hand to shake. "You must be Eva, the director. Very nice to meet you,”

“Likewise,” Eva says, accepting the gesture. "I've heard much about you.”

“All good I hope.”

Eva smiles and looks across the gallery. “Come, talk with Priska. She’s intrigued by the calendar piece."

“There's a lot to be said, isn’t there?”

As they walk across the room, the mischievous look in Helena's eye leaves Myka wary of what "a lot" entails.

Helena shifts into dealer mode as they meet with Eva’s client, her charm on high as they check in with various guests. Myka chimes in when Helena's interpretations don’t line up with her own, but after their umpteenth conversation, she’s happy to let Helena speak for her. Helena mostly gets things right, plus she’s wiped from repeating herself, and watching Helena work, in her favor, is still a turn on.

There's a dinner after the opening, then drinks after that and Myka's running on steam by the drinks portion. Helena stays ever by her side, chatting with guests, refilling her glass, ensuring she's having a good time. It's comforting having Helena there to care of her, as she'd been mostly holed up alone for weeks.

During a lull in socializing, Helena glances at Myka and smiles a smile she knows is just for her. She slips her arm around Myka's waist, and Myka instinctively leans towards her, smiling back with equal sentiment.

As the hours pass, and the wine takes hold, their touches become more intimate. At some point, Myka tunes out the room entirely, and her eyes hanging on Helena's lips. The way they lift and stretch to match her cadence and inflection makes her wish they were moving over her skin. She aches to kiss her, but not here, somewhere private, somewhere alone. She snaps out of it when she realizes that’s not out of the question.

She asks the time, it's late, an appropriate time to leave. They say their goodbyes, then pile into a car someone called for them. Myka gives the driver directions, and when Helena adds a second stop, her heart sinks; it no longer makes sense to have asked her to book a separate room. It was an easy way out if their evening went unfavorably, but she assumed they'd be in the same hotel.

“I can’t wait to pass out,” she says, slumping back into her seat. She closes her eyes as the car drives away.

“You deserve a rest. And you’ll sleep soundly knowing tonight was a great success.”

“It was, wasn't it?” Myka says. She cracks an eye open to peer at Helena and sees she's sitting stiffly, too far away. She slides a hand across the seat and lays it over Helena’s thigh. “I’m glad you came.”

“Thank you for allowing me,” Helena says. She covers Myka’s hand with her own.

The car turns at a light and Myka settles back, closing her eyes again, resting her head on the top of the seat. The car turns and slows after continuing on for several minutes. When it stops, Helena removes her hand.

“Come up with me,” Myka says and squeezes Helena’s thigh.

Helena looks down at Myka's hand but doesn't answer.

"If you want," Myka adds. Was Helena's doting all an act? She did offer her hotel address rather quickly. Maybe she misread her; maybe she wants to be alone.

“I’d be happy to,” Helena says, laying her hand over Myka’s again and smiling as she meets Myka’s eyes.

They exit the vehicle and walk straight through the lobby, directly into an open elevator. Myka presses a button, and as they move skywards, she steps back and examines Helena’s shimmery ensemble.

“Your dress reminds me of the one from our first ‘official’ date.”

“Do you reckon?” Helena glances down at her garment.

“The cut’s the same, but the color's different. Did you do that on purpose?”

“I may very well have,” Helena replies.

The door opens and they walk down a corridor then stop in front of Myka’s room. Myka slips her keycard into the slot and upon entering, sheds her jacket and bag, throwing both over the arm of a chair. She turns and faces Helena, who is standing a few paces away.

“Take your coat off," Myka says, motioning for Helena to come closer.

“We should talk,” Helena says, her tone weighty, beyond the current mood.

“I know, but...” Myka steps behind Helena and reaches over her shoulders, slipping her fingers underneath her lapels. She leans forward and angles her head, so her lips nearly touch Helena's ear. “Let's keep tonight about me.”

Myka tugs on Helena's lapels and Helena circles her arms back, allowing Myka to slip her coat off entirely. Myka throws the coat on top of her own, then pads in front of Helena and threads a finger under the strap of her dress.

“Maybe we can have a do-over,” Myka says, her eyes following her finger as it slides up towards Helena's collarbone then back down to where the strap meets Helena's generous neckline.

“A what?”

“A do-over. For our 'official' first date.” Myka angles her eyes up, meeting Helena's questioning gaze. "We are in a hotel, and you are wearing a dress.”

"So it seems,” Helena says, her eyes falling to Myka's lips. She leans forward for a kiss, but Myka dodges, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the bed. As they reach the edge, Myka spins Helena around and taps on her shoulders so she falls into sitting position, Helena lays back and Myka crouches down, lifting Helena's foot, slipping off one heel and then another. She removes her own and drops both pairs to the floor while Helena shimmies up the bed until her head rests on a pillow. Myka crawls across the bed until her body is hovering over Helena’s and Helena adjusts so they're in perfect alignment.

“This is where we left off,” Myka says, dipping down for a kiss. Helena lifts her head, but Myka stops an inch short. “No, wait. You sit up and kiss me.” Myka settles back on her haunches and takes hold of Helena’s hands, placing them, palms down, above her knees.

Helena lifts slowly at the waist, palms skimming up Myka’s thighs as Myka cups Helena’s jaw and guides their lips together. Helena's thumbs slide inwards as they reach the hem of Myka's skirt, stretching eagerly towards tender, intimate flesh.

“Hey!” Myka yelps.

Helena freezes. “I thought we were continuing where we left off?”

“It was our first time, remember? You wouldn’t have moved that fast.”

“You haven't a clue what I would or would not have done.”

“Then tell me," Myka says, but kisses Helena her before she can answer, a strategic brush of Helena's thumbs impossible to ignore.

Helena rakes her hands up, over the curve of Myka's hips, and wraps her arms tightly around Myka's middle. Myka presses into Helena as Helena’s tongue parts her lips, the need for closer contact rushing through her like lightning. When they're forced to break for air, Helena places kisses across Myka’s cheek and lets her lips linger near her ear.

“Any flesh I’d longed to touch would have been unclothed immediately.” Helena reaches behind Myka’s shoulders and drags down her zipper. Myka leans back and lifts her arms, allowing Helena to peel her garment off entirely.

"I'd have mapped every arc and every crook; cataloged each utterance of pleasure I'd earned." Helena slides Myka’s bra strap over the slope of her shoulder and places a soft, lingering kiss on the rise of her breast.

“Wait," Myka says as painful memories trickle back. “If you wanted me so badly, why did you leave?”

“We’ve talked about this,” Helena says, laying her forehead on Myka's chest.

“But I still don’t understand,” Myka says, tipping Helena's head up, needing to see Helena's eyes as she answers.

“I thought tonight was to remain about you.”

“It was but…why were you so scared that night?”

“I’d only just learned I’d be deported.”

“That’s not it. Not enough for you to bolt. It was something else, something out of your control.”

“Myka...“

Myka sits back, distancing herself, brow furrowing as she replays the details of that evening. “You asked a lot of questions about Mrs. Frederic. But you already knew who she was, didn’t you?”

“Her reputation precedes her—“

“No, you knew her. You’d met her before. Were you working for her then?”

“I hadn’t met her until the day I was called into her office." Helena's eyes narrow and Myka shrinks back. She hit a nerve, as she did so often over the phone. “I think you're over-tired, and perhaps a bit tipsy,” Helena says, taking hold of Myka’s hands and drawing them towards her.

“I’m going to change,” Myka says, slipping her hands free and sliding off the bed. She walks towards the bathroom and after entering closes the door.

She leans on the counter and stares into the mirror, seeing what Helena saw. Her eyes are red and puffy, her hair fairly frazzled, but it's been a really, really long day, so she's not surprised. But maybe, just maybe, she's overreacting as she is both overworked and overtired.

She begins pulling out pins and thinking over the situation; was Helena spying on Macpherson for Mrs. Frederic all this time? And was Bonnie clued into the situation before now? Helena said Mrs. Frederic knew her, or rather knew Emily before London, but did she mean “knew of” or “knew her personally?” And if so, wouldn’t she have known the "other" Emily first? Unless she only knew "this" Emily, Helena's Emily, the one from the trial.

She yanks the last pin free and runs her fingers through, combing her hair out into rough, curled strands.

If Helena was telling the truth and she wasn’t Emily before their date, then it is possible, at dinner, she hadn't met Mrs. Frederic yet. So maybe she's jumping to conclusions, mixed up between Claudia's research and Helena's murky past. It is easy to fall into old patterns, so she probably should chill out until they can talk for real. They have a whole three days to hash things out, and it's best to do so with a clear head.

She brushes her teeth and gives her face a quick wash before swapping her clothes for a t-shirt and shorts. She hesitates before opening the door, how does she want to handle this? If things hadn’t gone sour so quickly, they’d be otherwise engaged right now. And she'd rather be doing that than confronting Helena. Maybe it's best to pass out and deal with it tomorrow.

When she opens the door, Helena's standing near the entrance, her coat and shoes already on.

“At least you didn’t sneak out this time.”

“I was certain you wouldn't want me to stay.”

“No, I do." Myka walks toward her suitcase and rummages through, pulling out a fresh t-shirt. “Here. Go change.”

Helena removes her coat and shoes then moves toward the bathroom, taking the t-shirt from Myka’s hand as she passes.

Once the door closes, Myka climbs onto the bed and burrows under the covers. She breathes deep breaths and closes her eyes, hoping to calm her nerves before Helena emerges.

Too few moments later, the bed dips down, and Helena sits motionless for what seems like an eternity. Myka doesn't move either, unsure of how to proceed, waiting for Helena to set the tone.

“Are you asleep?”

“No. Not yet."

“May I say something?”

“Sure."

“Our past may be irreparable, and our future...unpredictable. But our present is something we hold agency over.”

Myka rolls onto her side and bends her arm at the elbow, propping her head up with a hand. “How long did it take you to come up with that?"

"Since you first entered to bathroom."

"It's good. And I get it. You mean tonight is what we make it.”

“Yes,” Helena says. “You’d asked this evening be kept about you and I'd hoped you'd allow me to hold fast to that. You deserve a grand finish that only I can deliver. Let's end your successes on a high note."

“Selling yourself, instead of my paintings? Classy.” Myka huffs a short laugh.

“In a manner of speaking. Is that of any interest?"

"Kinda." Myka shrugs.

“Then I clearly misinterpreted your earlier intentions." Helena looks down at her hands.

“No, you didn't,” Myka says. “I'm interested. But it wouldn’t fix anything. And we’d still need to talk. A lot.”

“And we shall. Eminently.”

Myka slides her hand across the duvet and brushes a thumb over Helena's wrist. She may regret this tomorrow, but it is what she wants tonight.

Helena lifts her legs onto the bed and stretches out next to Myka, angling her body so they’re lying face to face. She cups Myka’s jaw and brushes a thumb over her cheek, looking into her eyes as if asking permission. Myka covers Helena’s hand and slides it over her lips, kissing it then laying it on the bed. She then eases Helena onto her back and straddles her hips, planting her hands on either side of her head. She dips down and kisses Helena as Helena's hands skim up her thighs, fingers sliding under Myka's hem with zero protests.

-TBC-

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screenporch4-blog · 5 years ago

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2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – A Melting Pot of the Finest Music

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Photo: Dwight Brown)

By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic

The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicked off its 50th year anniversary with a bang. The annual two-weekend fest featured world-renown musicians, tempting food concession stands, a friendly crowd of music fans and a positive vibe that was even warmer than the sun.

Jazz Fest dates back to 1970, when Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington graced the stages for famed producer/impresario George Wein. Over the years that spirit has developed into a festival that embraces indigenous music, jazz, blues, soul, funk, Dixieland and Zydeco, rock, pop, country, Latin music, folk and other genres.

As you walk around the Fair Grounds where the fest takes place, on lush lawns or soft sand, you encounter various stages and gigantic white musical tents (jazz, blues, gospel). There’s a wide variety of food booths (ever hear of Alligator Pie?), arts and crafts tents and cultural centers too.

This year, the list of vibrant acts included artists like these:

Ziggy Marley: Legendary singer Bob Marley had 12 children. The most famous is Ziggy Marley, who heads the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. His career has spanned 15 years and his latest album “Rebellion Rises,” which continues his father’s legacy of social awareness, formed the basis of his energetic performance on The Congo Square Stage, which is usually reserved for African Heritage music. Dancing to a reggae beat and swaying in unison with his backup singers, Ziggy’s optimistic vibe lit the crowd up. One of the biggest treats for his sundrenched fans was his classic, “True to Myself.” Bob had a once-in-a-lifetime voice. Ziggy has a verve all his own and he passes on his father’s spirit of peace and love.

Tom Jones: He’s been around since the ‘60s, currently appears on The Voice UK and Tom Jones’ set was on Gentilly Stage, second largest at NOJHF. Stripped down to just a guitar, a bass and drums, Jones’ band captured a strong beat as his baritone voice bellowed through the air. He performed like he was a young rocker in his prime, and not like a 79-year-old man. Screaming “Maybe there ain’t no heaven. Maybe there ain’t no hell,” the lyrics from his hit song “Burning Hell,” Jones held the audience in the palm of his hand. He was in fine voice, oblivious to the ravages of time and displaying enough British swagger to start a street fight. As his concert continued, with something old and something new, the crowd was amazed that this is the man who rose to fame in 1965 with “What’s New Pussycat.” That’s 55 years ago and counting!

Mavis Staples: As Mavis Staples approaches 80 years of age, she’s turned back the clock by working with younger producers (Ben Harper), exploring music that takes her out of her comfort zone of R&B, Blues, Soul and Gospel, and incorporating those sounds into whatever music she tackles. Innovation came to mind when she launched into The Talking Heads “Slippery People.” Backed by a top-notch band, she infused a funky gospel spirit into her arrangement: “What’s the matter with him? He’s alright. How do you know? The lord won’t mind. Don’t play no games, he’s alright Love from the bottom to the top.” Emphasizing the syncopation, swirling around on stage, throwing her hands in the air, shuffling her shoulders and occasionally letting out her famous earthy growl, she slayed the crowd. It was a song that the Staple Singers had covered in the mid ‘80s, and Mavis, like she always does, made it her own. The crowd inside the Jazz Tent was so large it spilled outside. They all knew they were watching an icon create a moment that was going to be memorable for years to come. Staples was equally strong with the socially conscious Buffalo Springfield hit “For What It’s Worth.”

Chris Stapleton: Stapleton used to be known for writing hit songs for country music stars like Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney and Blake Shelton. That changed one night in 2015 on a broadcast of the Country Music Awards when he dueted with Justin Timberlake. They sang harmony together on “Tennessee Whiskey,” and Stapleton flaunted a supple, elastic voice that was far more flexible and soulful than that of most country western singers. As he took his place on Acura, the biggest stage at NOJHF, the audience had grown deep into the thousands and the Grammy-winner didn’t disappoint. Catchy songs like “Traveler” and “Broken Halos” played to country music fans. His performance of “Millionaire” was more reminiscent of a southern/soul/rock style, the kind that rock legends like Delaney & Bonnie or Leon Russell coined back in the 70s when they blended genres. With his gravelly voice, Stapleton led the listeners through his stable of songs, ending the night with the aforementioned “Tennessee Whiskey,” a sweet song even Patti LaBelle covers in her concerts.

Gary Clark Jr.: Out on a tour that will last at least until September, Clark did his usual opening song, “Bright Lights.” It’s the perfect song to use to begin a set, as he sings to the audience, “You gonna know my name by the end of the night.” This gifted lead guitarist is often mentioned in the same breath with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Prince. He’s not as enigmatic as the Jimi, as melodious as Eric nor as dynamic on stage as Prince, but he lets his strumming do the talking. A modern, wide-brimmed hat along with his signature red Fender Stratocaster solidifies his brand. Classic songs like “When My Train Pulls In” and “Gotta Get Into Something” pushed the crowd into a fervor.

Rita Coolidge: Known as the first person to sing the song “Superstar,” and later credited for co-writing it, Rita Coolidge stepped on to the stage dressed in a white blouse and pants with white sneakers. Her set list started with the feminist song “Basic Lady:” “Basic lady doesn’t need a diamond ring…” She sashayed around the stage with great confidence as her country-sounding band played on. Her voice was not as rich and smooth as it has been (the 2005 jazz album “And So Is Love” features her smoothest vocals), but her star power was making up for it. Fans liked her most popular hits the best: “Higher and Higher” and “We’re All Alone.”

Gladys Knight: She’s got more hits than most, a stronger voice than many and her fans know the words to her songs as well as she. So, when Gladys Knight asked the crowd to sing along with her, she got a backup chorus that was in tune and well-rehearsed. Strutting around in a black jumpsuit with a white blouse, Knight commanded her band and crooned. After several residencies in Vegas, this show woman knows exactly how to make an audience happy. With a great sense of urgency, she sang: “I’ve got to use my imagination. To think of good reasons. To keep on keepin’ on (keep on keepin’ on)…” The Pips were missed but ably replaced by a gigantic crowd of well-wishers. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” was just one in a string of tunes to come that had the audience remembering how Gladys Knight has been such a unique talent for five decades.

Los Lobos: This rock band from East Los Angeles defies categories. Hints of Tex-Mex, zydeco, R&B, blues and other genres are the sounds that make their music distinctive. Their brand of brown-eyed soul has made them a vibrant presence on the music scene since the 1970s. Different members have come and gone over the years, but their affable vibe has remained the same. The band’s name means “The Wolves,” so when they broke into one of their most famous songs, “Will the Wolf Survive?” the audience was particularly happy. Also, of great interest was their rendition of “La Bamba:” the group’s leader, David Hidalgo, sang it, just like he did for the movie of the same name. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips played the lead character Richie Valens in that film, but when it was time to sing, he was miming to Hidalgo’s savory vocals.

These were but a few of the magical roster that had attracted artists from everywhere, who were performing all kinds of music: Diana Ross, Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, The Doobie Brothers, Santana, Gregory Porter, Katy Perry, Al Green and Bonnie Raitt were all a part of the festivities along with many others.

The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a big gumbo of music that gave NOLA audiences lots to savor.

Visit NNPA Newswire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.

Source: https://www.blackpressusa.com/2019-new-orleans-jazz-heritage-festival-a-melting-pot-of-the-finest-music/

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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atrocitycl · 8 years ago

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24K - “Only You” Review

(Music Video) / (Dance Practice)

24K – Only You

Reviewed on June 26, 2017

While the song is far from being the best and admittedly does render—in my argument—as somewhat generic, it still possesses solid points. Specifically for what we will focus on in this review, I want to home in on how well the song remains cohesive throughout its run. Afterwards, though, I wish to discuss the problematic aspect of the song following a rather generic structure.

Personal Message: Huge apologies to readers for delays in reviews as mentioned in the prior, bonus one. While I am certainly not busy at all due to summer break, I have been struggling to “get into the writing zone” as I personally say. In simple terms: I am being lazy. But, for what is the problem, I find that I write most comfortably and genuinely when I can immerse myself in writing versus forcing myself to write. Thus, this month has been relatively inactive as I, unfortunately, have been leaning towards the latter. However, I am now finally feeling motivation to write and more so as there are many comebacks and review requests to cover. (In particular, I will skip MAMAMOO’s comeback as I have excessively covered the ladies on the blog. However, Blackpink’s comeback is one I plan on reviewing along with Girls Next Door’s “Deep Blue Eyes”—even if they are merely a “project group” for Idol Drama Operation Team. Additionally, there are two requests to cover as well.)

On topic with this review, this request is perhaps the most special one I have received: it is from Choeun Entertainment directly. Thank you to Choeun Entertainment for that and I feel very grateful for this request. And, to clarify, this review will remain genuine: I am not being compensated in any form to write a favorable review or to suddenly begin advertising for 24K’s songs or the idols themselves. After all, the purpose of song reviews are about the intellectual side; I write reviews for the discussions that come and as a way of allowing readers to have even more respect for music as an art.

Regarding 24K in a general sense, as readers might be aware of, the group is rather unpopular. Even personally, prior to this review I was completely unaware of them. The most saddening part, however, is that their lack of popularity is far from how the men are lacking: it simply is just that they are overshadowed by other, prominent artists. They are not the only ones in such a situation: Nine Muses and Stellar are other groups who relate—though, even then, they are more popular than 24K. Overall, I have expressed on numerous occasions my take to this and it is that achieving popularity in the K-Pop scene is incredibly difficult. There are, without any doubts, artists who are musically incredible or fantastic dancers, but many will probably never be known as a mainstream artist. If time permits, I might end June with a Critical Discussion post on this very interesting topic of popularity in K-Pop as it is far more complex than many would intuitively assume. Ending on an optimistic note, however, for fans of 24K who might stumble upon this review or for readers who are fans of unpopular groups, popularity in of itself is not important. Financially it certainly does matter—and arguably this is the most important factor as it determines if an artist can actually continue—but assuming finances are not an issue, then popularity is not a concern at all. In fact, smaller fan sizes can lead to many benefits: a closer, more loyal community, and a chance for there to be more interactions between fans and idols. For 24K, as long as the group is financially stable and is treated well, fans should not worry about popularity—and this mentality, of course, applies to other groups who might be lacking popularity.

Onto the review itself, “Only You,” from what I am aware of, is their latest song. While the song is far from being the best and admittedly does render—in my argument—as somewhat generic, it still possesses solid points. Specifically for what we will focus on in this review, I want to home in on how well the song remains cohesive throughout its run. Afterwards, though, I wish to discuss the problematic aspect of the song following a rather generic structure.

_______________________________________________________

Song Score: 5/10 (5.25/10 raw score) - “Average”

- Vocals: 6/10

- Sections: 5/10 (5.00/10 raw score)

Introduction, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Bridge, Conclusion (Chorus)

1. Introduction: 6/10

2. Verse: 5/10

3. Pre-Chorus: 6/10

4. Chorus: 3/10

5. Bridge: 6/10

6. Conclusion (Chorus): 4/10

- Instrumental: 5/10

- Lyrics: 5/10

Yeah Oh Listen

I’m falling, I’m falling When I’m holding you, girl I don’t need anything else Your warmth that fills me up is my everything The heart fluttering feeling I got when I first saw you It won’t change, stay with me, always remember Forever ever, forever ever I see you every day but you’re always pretty, even when you’re mad

Take me away with your beautiful eyes Trap me with your soft touch Only look at me, no one else I can’t live without you, it has to be you

It’s only you It’s only you I see you every day but my heart flutters It’s only you, so beautiful It’s only you It’s only you

Hold me, it’s only you, only you You’re my scent of the day, only you I’m falling more with time Allow me to get in deeper Awaken me from inside Always stay like that I’m falling, I’m falling When I’m holding you, girl I don’t need anything else When I’m with you, it’s like Heaven

Take me away with your beautiful eyes Trap me with your soft touch Only look at me, no one else I can’t live without you, it has to be you

It’s only you It’s only you I see you every day but my heart flutters It’s only you, so beautiful It’s only you It’s only you

I’m drunk with your sweetness So dangerous, so dangerous I can’t escape, you and me Addicted, addicted, falling for you

It’s only you It’s only you I see you every day but my heart flutters It’s only you, so beautiful It’s only you, stay by my side just like now It’s only you

_______________________________________________________

Analysis: To begin, the first aspect I wish to address with “Only You” is how cohesive the song is. While the numerical ratings do not capture this as the ratings focus more on the individual aspects, the song deserves credit for how well each component links to the other. Already, one prime example is the vocals: if we pay attention to the vocals in each section, we find that everything ultimately relates. For example, the vocals at the verses begin typically with a slower, calmer demeanor. However, with the pre-choruses, the vocals become more gradually intense but even later during the vocal chants at the choruses, the vocals remain at this heightened state as a simple way to show how each section builds upon the prior. Even at the bridge this linking occurs: with the bridge being placed between two choruses, the bridge does not adopt the traditional form of being a dramatic pause in the song, but instead it continues to be at a higher intensity in order to fit both its surrounding choruses. Furthermore, the benefit here besides allowing listeners to easily track the song’s progress is also that this allows the song to aurally vary: each section gives its own style of vocals and instrumental.

That said, we have to acknowledge the ratings: roughly, the song in its entirety scores as merely average. I argue one of the most problematic features of the song is simply how generic it is, but before continuing with this argument, we first have to understand what I mean by “generic.” First of all, generic in of itself is not bad; a song that sounds or is structured “generically” does not mean it will automatically be bad at all. In fact, many pop songs are “generic”: this is why the pop genre exists as its main foundation is that songs follow a predictable pattern—and indeed, predictability is addictive and comforting to listen to. The issue, then, is when said predictability is excessive and thus appeal is lost because of such. With “Only You,” while the song follows a typical pop format—verse to pre-chorus to chorus then a reset—the problem is that the composers appeared to have overly relied on that very format without adding even minute details that would create some distinctive points. This is why the choruses have been graded the most harshly: they fail to bring anything new structurally or sonically and as a result are completely repetitive and come across almost as pure fillers—sections that are there for the sake of that very section existing.

For a better understanding, let us compare “Only You” to other pop songs to see how, despite other pop songs following the typical pop formula, are still able to have their own signature sounds or structures. One example is, coincidentally, the recent comeback of Blackpink’s “As If It’s Your Last.” That song’s composition aligns exactly with the generic format of pop songs, but it does differ significantly with the choruses (which will be further discussed in the respective review). Thus, Blackpink’s song may be sonically typical and even structurally, but at the choruses the composers delivered an entirely new take and even if a risk, it indeed was rewarding. Another example is TWICE’s “Knock Knock” where, despite how incredibly “pop” that song is both aurally and structurally, it manages to stand out via its unique composition strategy of using contrast throughout the song. The choruses, for example, utilized catchy, filler lines that contrasted to actual, vocally intensive lines. Returning to “Only You,” this song does not have those distinctive marks that vary from the typical pop song in either its sound—as “Knock Knock” does—nor does it deviate with its structure—as “As If It’s Your Last” does. In fact, I find that EXO’s “Dancing King” is another perfect example to compare “Only You” with as, on the surface, “Dancing King” seems exactly like “Only You”: both are incredibly generic in sound and format, and in fact both have a similar chorus with an instrumental taking the forefront. And yet, I have greatly praised “Dancing King” in the past. The difference, I argue, is that “Dancing King”—besides how the pre-choruses are excellently composed and executed—still does have something to differentiate itself: structurally, the choruses were not merely for a climactic peak. In “Dancing King,” the choruses served as both a climactic point but also as a form of resetting the song through slowing down in pacing—and hence why the verses in that song were able to start off energetically. In short, though, “Dancing King” even if sonically it sounded as another pop song, was able to distinguish itself due to how the composers handled the structural aspect of the choruses. Again, with “Only You,” it lacks some deviation from the standard formula. Should the song have either sounded more unique or if structurally it functioned in a manner that was true to the pop genre but was not a “textbook example,” the song could have rendered more favorably to me.

Overall, it still needs to be clarified that 24K’s “Only You” is not a bad song at all and I do not wish readers to interpret it as such. The song is average which is not bad at all; the song is not “faulty” to the point of actually being a song I would argue is deterring. Instead, the issue is that—and more so with 24K’s situation of not being too popular—an average pop song easily blends in with all of hundreds of thousands of pop songs out there. (Though that said, music quality is only one factor out of many that help an artist gain popularity in K-Pop; as said earlier, a future Critical Discussion will at least attempt to make readers realize how many factors are at play.)

All in all, while 24K’s latest song may not be stunning—in my argument, that is—they still definitely deserve more attention and respect for their hard work. In the future, I do hope 24K’s composers take a risk and create a song that remains in the pop genre but is different so that there is a clear uniqueness to the song. But, that is a high-risk and high-reward deal and certainly there should never be a pressure to actually do such if other songs by 24K already fit the group’s style. In the end, regardless of my own personal take to the song, I hope readers and fans recall that the purpose of this review is not to bash the men at all but is to merely begin a discussion. I hope fans and readers openly disagree with me and each other in a respectful, thoughtful manner. For now, I do look forward to 24K and the men certainly have my support for future releases.

_______________________________________________________

Once again, a huge thank you to Choeun Entertainment for requesting this review in the first place. It is an honor. Likewise, thank you to fans and readers for taking the time reading or skimming this review.

Regarding the next review, IU’s “Palette”—despite more than a month’s delay—will finally be reviewed. This is mostly due to the requester, a personal dear friend, making me realize the blatant lies I have been saying with how the review will “soon be reviewed.” Afterwards, we will then finish with Monsta X’s “Beautiful” as it is another request and from there end June with either one last review or a Critical Discussion post regarding popularity. Until then, “stay with me, always remember / Forever ever, forever ever.” Interestingly this entirely corny quote-lyrics-ending is something I have done ever since I started the blog but is something I should perhaps change as it is becoming quite embarrassing. But my entire being is an embarrassment. Jokes aside, look forward to IU’s “Palette.”

#24K #Only You #Cory #Kisu #Jeonguk #Hui #Changsun #Jinhong #Hongseob #Choeun Entertainment #KPop Reviews #Korean Pop Reviews #Song Reviews #Music Reviews #Music Video #Dance Practice

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creed4fan-blog · 8 years ago

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joesbrownusa · 8 years ago

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Houses For Sale in Shokan, NY

Tbd Dubois Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $19000

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Price: $269000

This is the spot to enjoy all the fun times with friends and families. Very comfortable large original farm house with fabulous wood floors throughout. Minutes to NYS Thruway, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Belleayre Mountain. a perfect location for all your needs. Updated stylish kitchen to enjoy large dinner parties. Tons of space, high ceilings, with a flavor of days gone by. Beautiful sun-lit rooms. Enjoy the front porch with seasonal mountain views. Have ball games in your backyard! Incredible heated studio space in the attic. Very well maintained home just waiting for you all to move ri ght in. Perfect B & B.

204 Mountain Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $149000

This diamond in the rough sits on a .70 acre, private yet centrally located flat lot. Only minutes away from Woodstock, Phoenicia and Shokan reservoir. The property provides breathtaking views of rolling fields, and seasonal mountains views. Currently configured as a 2-bedroom 1-bath with hardwood floors, partially covered porch and 1 car garage. The house has an enormous attic, which can possibly be converted into 2 additional bedrooms and full basement with a very high ceiling. Brand new lifetime architectural roof has been installed less than 6 months ago. The property is ready for r enovation and offers huge potential. Sold as is. Dont miss this rare chance to unleash your imagination and create the custom country home of your dreams.

31 Church St, Shokan, NY

Price: $259000

A RARE FIND IN THE TOWN OF OLIVE! A piece of the Catskill’s on 1.87+ ac’s close by to the the Ashokan Resevoir. Behind the tall privacy hedges is a 1930’s tastefully renovated home with a “showplace Post & Beam” living room / dining area with skylights, cathedral ceiling, wide board pine floors, Vermont Casting wood stove. There are 2 bedrooms, a large bathroom with a bathtub and the washer/dryerplus a converted porch now used for a den / office and sleeping space for a guest!

11 Laurel Ln, Shokan, NY

Price: $250000

This recently remodeled home is located on a quiet country road in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area. Seasonal Ashokan Reservoir and Mountain views. The expanded raised ranch features new hardwood floors in the living room, dining room and hall way. Bathrooms and kitchen ave been totally updated. New stainless fixtures and counter tops finish this updating project. New flooring throughout and the entire house has just been repainted. Located just minutes from Skiing, hiking, Woodstock, Kingston and Phoenicia. Come experience the Catskills at its best without being isolated.

3107 Route 28, Shokan, NY

Price: $275000

HOME/OFFICE OPPORTUNITY Perfect opportunity to live and work in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, close to the Thruway, Phoenicia, Woodstock and all activities such as festivals, hiking, fishing, skiing, restaurants and shopping. Commercially zoned 1.9 acre property backed by NYC Watershed land. The house has 2480 SF, 3BR, 2 BA, nice screened porch, fireplace, pellet stove, wet bar, oversize garage, large level yard and DEP installed septic. In addition there are 2 storage sheds and a mobile home for rental income with separate well and sewer. The mobile home needs renovation. There is very good separation and privacy from the main house. Route 28 has excellent traffic flow for conducting many small business types (there is a dentist next door). Make this unique property your own.

3182 State Route 28, Shokan, NY

Price: $275000

Investment opportunity knocks! Positive cash flow with 4 units in the main building and 2 additional rentals in the second building. And third building needs some work. Main building has store front for additional cash flow. Located on Route 28 close to Woodstock, Kingston and Skiing area.

2762 Route 28, Shokan, NY

Price: $229900

Three bedroom 1 1 2 bath Cape Cod house with living room, dining room and den on a total of 5.29 acres with stream, pond and 2 other buildings could be your opportunity to reduce your commute. House includes knotty pine paneling and well-proportioned rooms. Workshop built for woodworking but could be machine shop or artist’s studio. Cottage is in need of repairs but might be retail outlet for your hard work or office to meet clients.

71 Mountain Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $169900

This Very Nice affordable 3-bedroom ranch home in a country setting has an open floor plan giving it a light and spacious feel. This home is in move in condition and very well maintained. A pellet stove in the living room keeps the house cozy and warm along with keeping the fuel bills low. There is a master suite with new flooring, a walk in closet and a full bath. A laundry room and beautifully renovated second full bath with tile flooring is conveniently located on the main floor. The large kitchen is so comfortable with ample room for a over sized table. There is also a ga s range and french doors to a covered deck with skylights. Right off of the deck is a good sized flat yard with an above ground pool and a shed for storage. Plenty of room for entertaining or a garden. There are ceiling fans installed in almost every room. A new roof too !!

260 Peck Rd Chase Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $639900

One of the very few larger private ponds within the Catskill Mountain region is the Butternut Pond with 8+acres, within the top 20 for size and it has a year around protected trout stream through the property. The Butternut Pond (some call it a lake) is the marvelous gem of this property nestled at the base of Ticeteneyck Mountain. The pond has matured to become a quiet bass fishing secret and attracts many species of birds and abundant wildlife. There is over a half mile perimeter trail passing by natural artesian springs that feed the pond. There are abundant fish and wildlife on the property with room for canoeing, swimming, hiking or just relaxing on your private estate in this pleasant recreation area. This land has secluded access with more than half the boundary being either State Forest or a large private estate. The Butternut Pond is positioned against the 500 acres of Forever Wild parkland above on Ticeteneyck Mountain assuring your access to a large protected wilderness and can be used for recreation as if they were your own preserve. Several natural terraces provide a topography for privacy as well as offering views of the Lake Ashokan Reservoir below and the south face of Ticeteneyck Mountain above the Butternut Pond. Easy access to year around recreation with just 20 minutes to music, theater, fine dining, and creative shopping in Woodstock, Phoenicia, Stone Ridge, Kingston, or Saugerties. Recreation opportunities abound for biking, hiking and camping, kayak and canoeing and tubing, and world class trout fishing. We are just a half hour to Belleayre or 45 minutes to Hunter Ski Centers. Several golf courses are in the region in Woodstock, Kingston, or Hanah Resort in Margaretville. Just 1.5 hours from the Metropolitan area by car or bus, or train to Rhinebeck, or fly into the Kingston Airport. Two county Board of Health approved septic designs for two house sites of 4 bedrooms and 6 bedrooms. Improved gravel base driveway and primary voltage power line to the house site will be easy to build. Delineated Wetlands have been marked on the recent survey as structures need to be 100′ away from wetlands. Zoning is Rural Residential allows use for agricultural and is subject to the Special Use Permit standards and site plan review procedures, as “Private nonprofit membership club, Commercial recreation uses specifically oriented toward the use of mountain land such as horse riding trails, including travel trailer or camping trailer parks or sites. Park reservation and/or recreation facility, commercial camps for seasonal residence only” etc. See Town of Olive Zoning Article IV section 155-17. Agent has a share of ownership. This property includes a portion of the Butternut Pond by either deed or Recreation Association rights given to the entire pond. Property is presently 49 acres but will be reduced to about 40 acres with a pending adjustment of lot lines which will decrease taxes and assessment commensurately.

104 Van Steenbergh Ln, Shokan, NY

Price: $189000

Set back off a quiet rural road, with a nice feeling of privacy when the leaves are on the trees. This one story contemporary makes for a great get-a-way or a full time residence. This 2 bedroom 1 bath with Jacuzzi, home has a large country kitchen with an Island stove top, pantry and many cabinets. Large Andersen windows bring in the outside and sunlight. There are hardwood oak floors through out, including the 2 bedrooms. Each bedroom has access to the new outside decks and stone patios. There are vaulted and beam ceilings and a wonderful atrium room for plant lovers. The living room has a nice brick fireplace. Needs a new flue. The location is great because of its easy access to the beautiful Ashokan Reservoir for bike riding, hiking and fishing. It is also close to route 28 which gets you quickly to many neighboring towns and Kingston.

143 Dubois Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $215000

A well maintained two bedroom ranch located in Shokan on half an acre. This home is set up to be very efficient. It contains three options for heat (oil, wood, and pellets). There is a wood boiler in the basement along with a pellet stove in the living room. The wood boiler heats the hot water for the house. There is also an energy saving electric water heater for the summer. This home has a large master bedroom, a lot of storage, central vacuum, a heated side porch, a large deck for entertaining, an enclosed hot tub, a shed, a full attic and a basement that is waiting to be finished! T here is a detached heated two car garage. Both the garage and house have a roof that is less than two years old. Washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, stove top and built in range included.

336 Bostock Rd, Shokan, NY

Price: $120000

Two bedroom home needs TLC, but well worth the effort. Situated on nearly three beautiful acres of meadow and woods. Seasonal mountain views and year round stream complete the picturesque setting. One car detached garage and shed too!

3040 Route 28, Shokan, NY

Price: $200000

Classic Victorian Home: Hardwood floors, pocket doors, large windows, original trim & mouldings, built in shelves, high ceilings, etc… OR Classic Income Producer-3rd floor apartment w/ separate entrance, separate 2 bdrm cottage, , zoned commercial, think B&B, work & live, family compound, gallery/ studio, etc… What’s your vision? Either way, This property will need attention to bring it back to life. All heating elements have been removed/stolen and there is standing water in the basement approx.. 4” deep. MAKE AN OFFER!

3040 Route 28, Shokan, NY

Price: $200000

Classic Victorian Home: Hardwood floors, pocket doors, large windows, original trim & mouldings, built in shelves, high ceilings, etc… OR Classic Income Producer, current owner was using the 3rd floor as an apartment w/ separate entrance, separate 2 bdrm cottage, , zoned commercial, think B&B, work & live, family compound, gallery/ studio, etc… What’s your vision? Either way, This property will need attention to bring it back to life.MAKE AN OFFER!

from Houses For Sale – The OC Home Search http://www.theochomesearch.com/houses-for-sale-in-shokan-ny/ from OC Home Search https://theochomesearch.tumblr.com/post/158183616435

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