A Post Memorial Night of Music

Starbucks in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Night on Sunday May 31st. It was the weekend after the Memorial day weekend and the last weekend in May. This time of year often signifies the beginning of many summer weekends to be enjoyed as June is just around the thinly seasoned corner creating a craving to experience all the warmth of the upcoming months have to offer. A taste of this was featured among the musicians and singers from throughout the area who performed their original material along with some cover tunes enchanting all who experienced them.

The event was initiated by its host Eric Becker* who also performed much of his work on guitar while being accompanied by a woman simply known as “Amy” on Banjo. His performance led to many others whose diverse talents made for a wonderful evening out. The first of those who performed was a Starbuck Favorite Keith Haynes* of The Business Fairy www.myspace.com/thebusinessfairy whose quick movements on the guitar pleasantly amazed and mystified those who attended the event almost as much as they songs themselves. Keith* was followed by members of the group “Blue Planet/Planeta Azul*” www.myspace.com/blueplanetplanetaazul whose renditions of some classic songs mixed in with some original work left all who heard them breathless and hoping their debut at Starbucks will lead to them becoming regulars.

This hope was extended unto the next two guitarists whose performances enlivened the evening with their songs. Greg Currier played a number of tunes displaying a great deal of skill with a Celtic touch while the smooth sounds of some classic Jazz guitar were provided by a man simply known as “Barry.” Their performances inspired a sense of gratitude among Starbucks’ patrons for the existence of such a place to showcase a variety of talented people.

After the impressive performances by these two newcomers, it was time to re embrace two more favorites. The first was Rick Delgado* www.myspace.com/rickblue77 who played more of his original work and was followed by Barbara VanBuskirk* whose soulful renderings have caused me to dub her the Joni Mitchell of the Poconos. The evening concluded with Eric* taking the stage again to close the show. At least, that is what I think happened as I left at this point.

To the best of my knowledge, the next weekly Open Mic Night at Starbucks is scheduled to take place Sunday June 14th beginning at 6:30pm. There will be no event Sunday June 7th as Eric* will be performing at The Dreamland Creations* www.dreamlandcreations.com Opening Art Exhibition beginning at 4pm featuring the work of Chris Francz* www.chrisfrancz.com . Please contact Eric Becker* at 570-872-7896 or explore his website 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.