Another Living Room OMN

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Nites on Sunday May 20th inviting local musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who had a desire to share something with an eager audience and bless their microphones. The event never ceases to amaze those who attend them as the varied qualities and range of performances always manage to bring a delight and a surprise (and sometimes a surprised delight) to all. The Sunday May 20th Open Mic Nite proved to be no exception.

After some welcoming words were offered by host Billy Mack, Billy and Renée De Moonunit along with her 4 month old daughter, Anemone, who took the microphone to perform some songs. They were followed by a reading given by Steve Truglio from his book which he referred to a “The Third Testament.” He was followed by Christina Piserchio and Crystal Hamelburg who beautifully performed on Violin and Guitar elevating the spirit of many who heard them.

They were followed by Emmitt Henry Derek who performed some New Orleans styled Blues upon his harmonica. Many years ago, Emmitt played at many Open Mic Nites and Poetry readings throughout the area until the establishments closed their doors. Since those days, he moved to New Orleans in which he met his wife and they began a family together. His love for the city and the music stylings it gave birth to influenced his creative interests and much of the Louisianan flavor he adapted can be found in his compositions.

After Emmitt’s performance, Crystal Hamelburg returned with her sister Linda who read poetry spoken to the gentle instrumentations sung on her sibling’s Guitar. It was a nice blend as the combination of music and words created a spiritual sensation among those who listened with their heart. The Business Fairy took the microphone to perform his fast paced music blended with his insightful lyrics as he was followed by Troy Kominiak who performed several songs on his guitar.

It was then I became brave enough to read my short story titled, “The Jumper’s Secret” to the gathering. My voice shook along with the paper I was reading from. How was I? Well, I came to realized while the story looked good on paper, I learned from reading the piece aloud that it need a number of improvements.

Afterwards, some of the listeners who also are writers shared their experiences of the discoveries they made when they read their own works to others. The conversations I had reminded me how valuable an Open Mic Nite can be as a source of feedback in which a musician, poet, writer, or anyone who seeks to share a talent can rely upon in order to improve his/her craft. It leaves one (at least from my experience) encouraged by the insights gained through the thoughtful words of others.

Anyways, after I nervously left the microphone, Mike Strunk and his guitar took the microphone. Like Emmit who performed earlier, Mike played at the same Open Mic Nites and Poetry readings as he did. It was good to see him take up his instrument and remind those of us who frequented those places the power of his performance.

Mike was followed by Al Shivers and his guitar whose folksy melodies inspired many a toe to tap. Abby Trunfio and Katherine Freeman took the microphone with song as the delightful twang in their voices created a welcoming sound to add to the comfort everyone in the room was feeling. In an almost stark contrast, they were followed by Dan and Zeke who played a very elective avant-garde set. It was different in a very good way. Poets Jared Kitt and John Koslosky took the microphone to share their words. Although each had his own particular style and varied in topics, their combined presence and relayed readings complimented their works while adding to the substantive nature of their renderings.

Jared and John were followed by the band “Rotten Lucky” who consist of Burt Kleinle on Guitar and vocals, Coty Jony on Bass, and Brian Marx on Drums. They have performed during all of the previous Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room and their presence on the 20th was welcomed by those who have seen them during those times. Their ability to rock the abode and all who dwell in it continued to be as a potent force.

The evening drew to a close with poetry shared by Zack Warner. His words  provided a fitting end to this segment of The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite Series as they allowed their listeners to reflect not only upon them but all of their experiences that night. Many of whom left the establishment eager to return next week. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150907955845421.475868.636000420&type=1

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building and the space in which it presents music and art. The Living Room is organized by members of the community who include Shane Izykowski, Billy Mack, Tom LeFevre, Darlene Farris-Labar, Brandon Jones, and Elisa Byrne. Besides the weekly Open Mic Nites which occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 6pm, The Living Room is currently presenting an exhibition titled, “The Arts Are Alive in the Poconos” featuring over 150 pieces created by local artists. The Exhibition will continue until May 30th. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information.