Category Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Rudy the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Dr. Sue

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Parody “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Parody “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” Positive Entertainment

You’re invited to Sing Along to “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” – a funny parody for the 2020 holiday – and political season! The tune (and part of the title) are based on a favorite holiday song: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by songwriter Johnny Marks based on a 1939 story by Robert L. May.

Here’s my Song-Video – Scroll down for Lyrics!

Rudy The Red-Nosed Lawyer
Has a client known as Trump
Rudy was once a mayor
Now he runs the city dump

Rudy, he loves his garbage
And he thinks collection's sweet
But he forgot one detail
You can't collect from a deadbeat! 

On a bright November night
Kamala and Joe 
Turned most of the country blue
And said, "Trump, you gotta go!"

Donny said, "I'm gonna sue ya.
Rudy is my legal brain."
Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer
And Trump are going down the drain! 

"Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer" 
Parody Lyrics by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
Copyright 2020
Please ask permission to use or share.

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Song (or Poem) of the Month “Winter Rhythm” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Song (or Poem) of the Month “Winter Rhythm” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue November 2020
Dr. Sue November 2020, Photo by SuZen

Do you like a Creative Challenge? Do you enjoy songs, poetry, art, and nature? Do you like combining words with music or pictures? Do you like learning and/or teaching, and sharing?

Here is your Song/Poem Challenge of the Month!

Create a song or poem inspired by a month, season, and/or holiday – with an optional image. If you don’t compose music, write a lyric or poem.

Here is “Winter Rhythm” my song and poem inspired by December with an image of migrating geese.

Scroll down for printed lyric, explanation of the poem and my creative process – which may inspire yours! Music is available on request. Click on Image to Enlarge.

Winter Rhythm

Winter Rhythm, something in the sky
Makes the geese sense snow in the air...and fly

Winter Rhythm, something in me grieves
Golden autumn clings to the trees...then leaves

Once upon a summertime we waltzed in sweet romance
Now our steps don't rhyme and we don't dance

Out of rhythm, but trying not to show
In your mind you're gone like the spring 
And though December leaves try to cling
Like the geese, I know...it's time to go

"Winter Rhythm" Words and Music by Susan Horowitz 
copyright 2020
Please request permission to share.

Here’s my explanation of the poem/lyric and my creative process. I hope it inspires your own creativity and love of songs, art, and literature.

My Creative Challenge is a Song or Poem for December. My season is the turn from autumn to winter – from November into December.

I started with the Title – “Winter Rhythm.” I took the title from a music festival sponsored by Urban Stages Theater in New York City (urbanstages.org/winterrhythms)

I like the musicality of the word “rhythms” (which I shortened to “rhythm”) and the connection to the winter season.

I wanted an image from nature that reflects seasonal change – like the migration of birds. I thought about the mallard ducks in the pond of a local park. However, “Ducks” (with the sharp “cks” sound) seemed too sharp, so I changed it to “geese” (with a soft “s” sound) which slid nicely into “sense”.

Migrating geese sense the coming of winter and fly south. How does that connect to other aspects of nature and to human emotions? In the second verse, the glorious golden leaves of autumn turn brown, wither, and fall. I am sad to lose their beauty – which also suggests human loss.

The form and rhythm of the first two verses is the same – which also allows the music to repeat and satisfies our ear – we “catch” the melody. Both verses open with the refrain “Winter Rhythm.”

Now it’s time for a change – the “bridge” of the song, which usually has a different rhythm, melody, and feeling or thought. We shift focus from late autumn/early winter sadness to a memory of summertime happiness. The first two verses introduced the word “rhythm,” but now we focus on a different rhythm – a “waltz,” which has a 3/4 rhythm and is associated with romantic dancing.

The last verse returns to the current season, connects earlier parts of the song and reveals their meaning. “Rhythm” shows up in the refrain, but now the romantic relationship feels “out of rhythm” awkward and forced. “You” (the beloved) are already disconnected from the “spring” (youthful enthusiasm) of early love. As “December leaves” cling to a tree, the speaker wants to cling to the beloved, but realizes that their romance is now frail, fading and falling away. It’s time to move on. “Like the geese, I know…it’s time to go.”

My main poetic influences in writing this song lyric are sonnets of William Shakespeare, which often connect nature (including seasonal change) and human emotions, and the poetry of Edna Saint Vincent Millay – especially her poem “The Spring and the Fall.” The music (in a minor key) suggests sadness – and is available on request.

I hope you enjoy my song lyric/poem and explanatory notes. Enjoy more Blogs with Songs, Comedy, and Entertaining, Educational Virtual Tours. I am Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz, Ph.D., Writer-Performer-Professor-Guest Speaker. I programs, including intertactive workshops, in-person and online.

Please use the contact form on my web site to send me an Email, or find me on Facebook, Linked In and YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian

(Note: Thanks to Suzen, Photographer (suzennyc.com) for this November photograph of me, taken on our walk in the High Line Park, NYC (thehighline.org) and to Michael Lynch – Website Consultant – and to You – My Dear Readers!)

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue NYBG Butterfly Teddly

Dr. Sue & Teddly visit New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue & Teddly visit New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue & Teddly Bear Puppet invite you to an entertaining virtual tour of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)!

NYBG is in full Autumn glory – with leaves ablaze in hues of gold, scarlet, orange, and plum. Ducks drift past on a sun-dappled pond, and Dr. Sue’s Teddly Bear Puppet tries to climb a spruce tree. Watch out for… magical dancing butterflies – supplied by puppeteers Mascara Viva (mascaraviva.com) – Teaching Artist Lucrecia Nova and her friendly assistant!

NYBG connects people of all ages and walking abilities with the joys of nature – plus family- friendly entertainment! Cafe, Restrooms, and Benches – plus long or short walks through gardens and an indigenous forest! Located in the Bronx, NYC, there is convenient Parking (Free for Members) and access to NYC Public Transportation (train, bus, subway). Web: nybg.org

And now, you’re invited on a Virtual Tour of New York Botanical Garden – complete with Dr. Sue’s singing and comedy, provided by Teddly, Dr. Sue’s fun, outspoken puppet! Scroll down for lyrics in the video. Get in touch for “Friends Are Soul Food” Dr. Sue’s original song about friendship, walking and singing. Dr. Sue’s programs are perfect for on-line learning, schools, church/temples, and family-friendly programs!

Dr. Sue & Teddly invite you to a virtual tour of NYBG in NYC!

Special Thanks to Dennis Lynch Videographer/Stained Glass Artist.

Gardens Are Soul Food 

Gardens are soul food 
Friends are soul food
Take a tour, and I am sure
We'll share good company

Gardens are soul food 
Friends are soul food
We can share the things we love 
With a special friend
Won't you be my friend...

copyright 2020 Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
"Friends Are Soul Food" is also a complete song with Written Music 
Available on Request from Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue and Statue of Liberty

Dr. Sue Sings Songs and Soul Food Original Song and Video Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Celebrates Liberty, Unity, and Joy! Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Celebrates the Statue of Liberty, Freedom, Unity, and Joy! Her Blue Dress, Red Wine, Apple, and Orange enourage us to Join together for Fun and Community!

Enjoy Dr. Sue’s original song-video from her popular YouTube Channel youtube.com/drsuecomedian ! Please Like and Subscribe to Channel. Feel Free to Share Songs, Food, Wine, Activity, Prayer, Thought, or Hope that Feeds Your Soul!

Scroll Down for Lyrics, which you may sing and share! Music available on Request.

Dr. Sue Sings “Songs and Soul Food” and Invites You to Share!

Freedom is Soul Food 

Freedom is  soul food 
Friends are soul food
Take a tour, and I am sure
We'll share good company

Freedom is soul food 
Friends are soul food
We can share the things we love 
With a special friend
Won't you be my friend...

copyright 2029 Susan Horowitz ("Dr. Sue")
"Friends Are Soul Food" is also a complete song with Written Music 
Available on Request from Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz

Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz, Ph.D. is an Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Singer-Songwriter, Educator, Author. Please use Contact Form to Reach out!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Thanksgiving Song

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving Song! Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings Original Funny Song about Voting & Thanksgiving Turkey!
Positive Entertainment

Every Thanksgiving, I give thanks that I am not a turkey!

This popular holiday celebrates the arrival (and survival) of European immigrants on the North American continent with a Thanksgiving feast. Virginia and Massachusetts boast about hosting the first Thanksgiving. You don’t hear as much from the Native Americans, who were already here. Turkeys are prominently featured on most American Thanksgiving tables and greatly admired – but they are not available for comment.

Why not? What wisdom can we glean from the fate of turkeys? Surely we should learn something after hundreds of years… or at least four years after the 2016 election!

If you think that someone who looks rich and claims to be a “real American” because his ancestors got here a few generations ago, will Make America Great for You, consider the fate of the foolish turkey…who gets plucked!

Enjoy my Song Video “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy!”
Scroll down for song lyrics.

"Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy"

This is a tale of a turkey bird who went to a turkey trot
When anyone asked her "Will you dance?" She answered, "I will not" 
I'll only dance with a gentleman who makes my country great
If he's got money I'll call him my honey, and he will be my date.

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

Suddenly somebody stepped on in who came from pilgrim stock
He said "I'll be candid, my boat has just landed nearby on Plymouth Rock
I sail the Mayflower and I got the power and you look mighty fine
Please do not stall my sweet Butterball and come with me to dine

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

They went to a fabulous restaurant, she was his dinner date
But when they got there, the table was bare except for an empty plate
The rest of the story is terribly gory - her fate we still recall
If you didn't get here by the Mayflower dear
We're in the same boat - so get out and Vote!
And dance at your own Turkey Ball! 

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

Copyright 2020 Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz (Words and Music)
Written Music is Available on Request
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an 
Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter,
and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue SssWitch

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Witch Song Positive Educational Entertainment

Dr Sue Sings Funny Witch Song Positive Educational Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings her Funny, Original Song “Accessory to Crime” from her Fun, Family Musical “SssWitch!”

Enjoy Funny Song-Video “Accessory to Crime” by Dr. Sue
from her Original Musical”SssWitch” – www.SssWitch.net .

Dr. Sue, Writer-Performer-Professor, presents a multi-media, entertaining, educational experience! Her original song “Accessory to Crime” from her musical “SssWitch” combines witty, rhyming lyrics and a catchy, sing-along tune.

Dr. Sue speaks to the audience as a funny, flirtatious Witch sharing delightful, magical secrets. Then she sings the witch’s song “Accessory to Crime” in which the witch confesses that she resents the special privileges of Disney-type princesses and turns to a life of naughty crime. This comic confessional-complaint is classic musical theater. The jealous villain is a twist on Shakespearean villains like jealous Iago in “Othello.”

Dr. Sue speaks and sings with humor and clear diction – so important, especially for those for whom English is a second language.

The Witch appears in her fantasy world – a virtual background with a green sky, twisted black branches and a hint of spiders and pumpkins! The virtual background and costume elements (like Dr. Sue’s little witch-like hat) add visual interest and are perfect for online entertainment and learning.

Dr. Sue’s introduction and ending remarks establish Dr. Sue as an Entertaining, Host-Educator for a series of progams or stand alone short videos. The videos may be used as prompts for discusssion and writing, and programs may include other guest speakers, artists, and educators.

Enjoy Dr. Sue’s Song-Video “Accessory to Crime”!

Here’s the “Accessory to Crime” lyric from Dr. Sue”s original musical: “SssWitch”

"Accessory To Crime"
Oh princesses have fame, like that girly - what's her name?
The one with the big pumpkins and the shoes
Without slippers made of glass, it's hard to show my class
So I'm...an Accessory to Crime! 

Oh Beauty had a Beast, a castle and a feast
They call her Belle, but me - they just abuse
They say that I've got zits and very smelly pits
I'm...an Accessory to Crime!

Why do I act like I'm a rat and talk of gloom and doom? 
Why am I cruel to my own cat and ride a big vacuum? 
The devil makes me wear this hat, my outfit makes me itch
I can't impress you with my dress 
So I confess that my success is acting like a witch!

Oh princesses have feet that are tiny and smell sweet
But sister all my blisters tend to ooze
My feet they are humungous, and covered with green fungus!
If I had just one glass slipper, I just might unzip my zipper
For a prince - or a big tipper!
Till that day revenge feels so sublime
I'm...an accessory an accessory...Here's to Crime!

copyright 2020 Susan Horowitz
Written Music is available on Request.
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an 
Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter,
and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website

Please get in touch! We’d love to hear your response and suggestions!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

ShakesBear & Dr. Sue

Dr. Sue ShakesBear (Shakespeare) MacBear (Macbeth) Positive Funny Educational Entertainment

Dr. Sue, Teddly & ShakesBear Star on YouTube Channel!

http://www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian

Dr. Sue Song-Video “Wear a Mask Show You Care” with Teddly!

Dr. Sue & ShakesBear (Shakespeare) Funny Video “MacBear”

Dr. Sue visits Battery Park NYC (Virtual Tour) with Teddly!

Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an 
Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter,
and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Teddly Bear Puppet

Dr. Sue & Teddly “Wear a Mask, Show You Care” Positive Entertainment

“Wear a Mask, Show You Care” Original Song-Video by Dr. Sue (Susan Horowitz, Ph.D.) Entertaining Speaker-Educator-Author

Enjoy “Wear a Mask Show You Care” Song Video by Dr. Sue
(Scroll down for Lyrics)

"Wear a Mask, Show You Care" 

I'm so glad you ask why I wear a mask
It's so important to do
If someone's got germs, I don't wanna get'em
And if I got germs, I don't wanna spread'em
I'm so glad you ask. Thank you for wearing a mask

Oh please understand, and please wash your hands
It's so important to do
We all should keep clean 'cause a germ, well it lingers
So wash up your hands and don't forget fingers
Oh please understand, Thank you for washing your hands

Oh show me you love me like my Teddly bear
Do it to show that you care

We're staying apart, you're here in my heart
You know you'll always be there
It's hard to be smart and keep my resistance
I'm keeping my word and keeping my distance
I'll show that I care. Thank you for showing you care. 

copyright 2020 Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
Written Music is Available on Request
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an 
Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter, 
and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue & Teddly Puppet sing “Wear a Mask,” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue & Teddly Sing “Wear a Mask, Wash Your Hands, Stay Apart, Show You Care” Creativity in Quarantine

Dr. Sue Teddly Puppet Wear a Mask
Dr. Sue Teddly Puppet Wear a Mask

Teddly, my Teddy Bear Puppet, loves entertainment and being with friends (Just like me)! But during the current corona crisis, live entertainment is not happening, and in-person socializing is limited. Friends are often hard to reach, and it’s easy to feel isolated, bored, and lonely.

I needed a way to stay active and connected to a community. I needed to communicate what I am doing, thinking, and feeling. I needed to create, share, and get a response.

I started spending a lot of time on the Internet – especially on Social Media and YouTube. I posted comments, photos, videos, songs, humor, and stories about my life. Facebook friends liked, commented, and began to feel like “real” friends. I also needed a sense of purpose – to feel that I was making a contribution. I created two Facebook groups: New York Strong and Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment – where members can comment and post their own images and videos – and I can do it too. I like costumes and props, so I looked around my home to see what was available.

That’s when I thought about Teddly – a bear puppet stuck in a box in my closet. It was time to come out of the closet – and think out of the box! Teddly began showing up in my Zoom meetings and Social Media photos!

When I needed a haircut (after four months of self-quarantine), Teddly helped me get the message across. I posted a photo of Teddly on my Facebook page with the caption: “Should I cut my own hair? Should I trust Teddly bear with scissors?”

To my surprise, I got loads of likes, comments, and advice – including a reference to Robin Baxter, a talented hairdresser in midtown. She turned out to be clean, convenient, courteous, talented and reasonable!

Teddly also began responding to the news with photos plus humorous comments and short poems. When President Trump promoted Goya Foods in the Oval Office, Teddly posed with a can of beans.

One of today’s most important (and controversial) issues is wearing masks – to protect yourself and others against the novel Coronavirus. The most recent medical studies (cited in The New York Times, July 28, 2020) offers strong evidence that masks offer protection against spreading the virus and becoming infected.

I wanted to convey the importance of wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping social distance. But I didn’t want to lecture people and provoke conflict. Puppets are a fun, non-threatening way to communicate, with special appeal to children – and the young-at-heart. I decided to write an original song, sing it with my Teddly Bear puppet, and put the video on YouTube!

Dr. Sue & Teddly Sing:
“Wear a Mask, Wash Your Hands, Stay Apart, Show You Care” copyright Dr. Sue

“Wear a Mask, Wash Your Hands, Stay Apart, Show You Care” by Dr. Sue

I’m so glad you ask why I wear a mask
It’s so important to do
In case you got germs, I don’t wanna get ’em
And if I got germs, I don’t wanna spread ’em
I’m so glad you ask… thank you for wearing a mask!

Oh please understand, and please wash your hands
It’s so important to do
We all should keep clean ’cause a germ, well it lingers
So wash up like me, though bears don’t have fingers
Oh please understand…thank you for washing your hands.

You might be a person, you might be a bear
Do it to show that you care….

I’m staying apart, you’re here in my heart
I’ll still be your Teddly Bear
It’s hard to be smart and keep my resistance
I’m keeping my words- I’m keeping my distance
I’ll show that I care…thank you from your Teddly Bear.

Contact Dr. Sue for Shows, Lesson Plans, and Videos:
Dr. Sue’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian

Contact Dr. Sue with Ideas about How to Grow the Dr. Sue and Teddly Show!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Ashokan Online Music Camp w Puppet

Dr. Sue Enjoys Ashokan Music & Dance Camp Online Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Enjoys Ashokan Music & Dance Camp Online

My Teddy Bear Puppet (and Me) love Ashokan & Music-Dance Camps – Online in 2020!

Ashokan Arts and Nature Center is nestled in the Catskill Mountain of New York – an idyllic setting for music, dancing, hiking, wildflowers, butterflies, and swimming in a natural pool by a waterfall.

There are several camps in the summer, specializing in different types of mainly traditional American music, with classes in singing, music theory, instruments and more – plus different kinds of dancing. Each camp is one week long – plus weekend music-dance hoots and events (like the popular New Year’s weekend).

Attendees include adults, families, singles and couples, with all ages mingling freely , in classes, on the dance floor, and in the dining hall around wooden tables set up for family style dining. Delicious meals are prepared by the gifted chef (with vegan options) and kitchen staff, with produce fresh-picked food from the farm garden near the dining hall. Attendees stay in comfortable dorms, private rooms, and local inns – or bring their own tents. If you attend online, you can relax at home and sleep in your own bed – and it’s easily affordable – with a sliding scale payment option.

Music and dance classes – with evening concerts by staff and campers, plus informal music jams emphasize participation, and a sense of “family”. Campers often return year after year and build life-long friendships with each other and with the owners, a married couple named Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Jay’s original, but traditional sounding fiddle song “Ashokan Farewell” was featured in the Ken Burns documentary PBS series on the Civil War – and provided key funding to save and upgrade the Ashokan Center as a unique combination of an environmentally conscious, natural setting for music and the all the arts (including, painting, quilting, and a canoe on the rafters of the dining hall).

Building community usually takes in-person interaction. So how in the world is all this going to happen online? There’s a one word answer – Zoom!

It turns out that Zoom is well-suited for classes, concerts, and comments. Featured performers appear in the large middle screen. Attendees can leave comments on the side and appear in small video boxes in the Zoom Gallery.

Many Ashokan “Zoomers” play musical instruments or sing, and some even dance at home -but you don’t have to – you can just enjoy the performers. (I can see Zoomers in the gallery of little video boxes.)

My teddy bear hand puppet can’t play the banjo or guitar – probably because he doesn’t have a thumb. But my own thumb fits nicely in Teddy’s plush arm, and combined with my fingers and hand, Teddy can wave to the Zoomers, emote (with dramatic effect) and applaud with enthusiasm! Teddy can also dance (more or less). He doesn’t have two left feet because… he doesn’t have any feet! And, as it turns out, he fills up a video box and looks great in Zoom!

To learn more about Ashokan Center, please visit https://ashokancenter.org/. Here’s the Direct Link to the Camps: https://ashokancenter.org/camps/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m76rfx4NFUg

Let’s revisit old memories – and look forward to in-person good times….!

Dr. Sue’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian

Here I am in 2018 singing my original song with the Ashokan Honky-Tonk Band!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos