Mothers’ Day at Starbucks

Starbucks in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Night on Sunday May 10th featuring a variety of musicians and singers throughout the area performing original material along with some cover tunes enchanting all who experienced them. This Open Mic Night occurred on what has been designated as Mothers’ Day which was created to entreat all humankind to remember and honor motherhood in all its implications. One aspect of motherhood is the act of encouraging and supporting others in the spirit of love. This aspect is not solely the characteristic of women who have given birth, but it can be embraced by all people regardless of parentage or gender.

An example of this can be seen in the Open Mic Nights Events as those elements of Encouragement, Support, and love are evident throughout. One only have to be present at Starbucks during these them to experience a reassuring sense of warm comradely among those who come to share their love for the music as well as for one another. Not only are the musical performances nurturing to the soul but so are the meaningful and lighthearted conversations that never5 fail to take place.

As always, the event was hosted by Eric Becker* who began the evening by performing much of his work on guitar. However, this time he was accompanied by Abby* who performed alongside him on Banjo whose gentle sounds enhanced the quality of Eric’s* performance. Her presence also seemed to enhance Eric* as well.

They were followed by a Starbucks favorite Starbuck Favorite Keith Haynes* of The Business Fairy www.myspace.com/thebusinessfairy whose musical stylings continued to be as energetic as ever entertaining all who were witness to his incredibly fast hand movements on his guitar. Michael Kessler* of The Michael Show (who is one of the publishers of The North East Music Organization’s (NEMO) magazine) followed Keith*. Although his musical style and performance approach was of a different nature, it was no less pleasing to experience. Michael was then followed by Barbara VanBuskirk* who touched the soul of everyone with her smooth and soulful renditions of the songs she performed. This was especially true of the songs written by Joni Mitchell as it was wonderful hearing her classic, “Big Yellow Taxi” sung correctly. David Michael lent his voice to the evening with many a cappella pieces which created an orchestra of the soul with every variation of sound from his lips. He was followed by Walter Lee* who once again proved to be the final act prior to Eric* taking the stage again to bring the show to a close. Walter‘s performance is what many may consider when uttering the phrase, “Last but not least“ as his performance created an enchantment spellbinding everyone who were in attendance to return to experience another evening full what this event and Starbucks has to offer.

I’ve had a wonderful time enjoying the music and meeting up with a number of wonderful friends most of whom I haven’t seen for many years. There were too many to mention without the risk of forgetting to name a few, but please feel free to remedy this by sharing your comments and making them know to everyone of whom I’m sure would delight in learning them.

The next weekly Open Mic Night is scheduled to take place Sunday May 17th beginning at 6:30pm. Eric Becker* will be performing at The Main St. Jukebox* www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday June 20th. Please contact Eric* at 570-872-7896 or Explore his Website at www.myspace.com/ericjbecker for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Starbucks Open Mic Night 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.