Kingston was an absolute destination last weekend with the slew of events each day churned out. I was lucky to be a part of a few of them, and the energy felt in each district was palpable and infectious. Yet the culmination of happenings Saturday seemed to bring a rainy Sunday in its wake, and I took some well-needed time to read and take a backseat to do some necessary inventory of my life.

This weekend also seems to be slowing down, and I find myself fumbling to find worthy events for this calendar, so instead I’ll keep this one short and mention a notable Kingston-focused update and a comedic event for you all.

The Center for Photography at Woodstock recently announced that they have built low-cost artist studios in their building at 25 Dedrick St. in an effort to support regional artists. They announced this over a month ago, so it’s your choice how timely this really is, but with everything that’s been happening the past few weekends I haven’t had a chance to make a public comment until now.

In their announcement, they mention the 10 affordable studio spaces they have opened on the third floor of their building, in response to the lack of these spaces at affordable rates in the area. Construction on the studios began in March in the 8,000-square-foot third floor which, beyond the 10 studios, includes a storage facility, exhibition workspace and frame shop. There is also a lounge for tenants to use for both leisure and to display some of their works in progress.

The tenants also gain access to the CPW Digital Media Lab, darkroom, bookpress, library and will inevitably create a network of other working artists. Many artists have already booked the spaces, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they produce in the coming months and years. More information about CPW and their programming can be found here.

Make-Your-Own Musical

There is, of course, at least one event that this list will make mention of, which is the Hudson Valley Improv Comedy Showcase taking place this Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Arts Society of Kingston. This improv showcase has a special theme: musicals.

So what this means, if you haven’t caught on already, is that there will be two musicals performed live during the event – completely improvised. As is the case with all improv, the scenes will be built through audience suggestions, which naturally make each event both unique and unrepeatable.

This event is courtesy of Hudson Valley Improv’s Musical Improv class with John Jesensky. The musicals will be followed by a new set from HVI’s National Touring Company. The event is 18+, and tickets are sold online only, so don’t show up to ASK on Saturday expecting to cop a last-second ticket! Tickets are $28.52, and can be found here. Show starts at 7 p.m.

That’s all for now folks – a historically short column from me. It’s also my birthday week (Sept. 23), so give me some grace here. Get out and enjoy the colors of the new season and take some elderberry for the allergies you’re likely developing. Pick some apples and/or pears and/or grapes and have your first comfortably warm beverage while taking out your fall clothes from storage. I’ll be celebrating in the city this weekend – and not the city we call home. Wish me luck.