Here’s to you, Kingston. We should be proud right now.

While I love plugging inspiring bands or discussing the area with interesting people, many have mentioned to me recently how Kingston’s dining scene is actually the most poppin’ thing going on lately.

There is something empowering about not only facing mortality but also coming into yourself.

The new record “Holy Rollin’” from area heroes The Grape and the Grain is crackling with a sense of adventure and even more of a funky hard rock sensibility than perhaps anything they have released to date.

Hopefully, next week won’t birth a racist paradise or nuclear war or any more references to Anthony Weiner ever again in modern times (let that be the last one). In case that doesn’t work for you, I do have plenty of good news about upcoming rock ‘n’ roll concerts to whet your appetite for life anew and help you face the days ahead.