A Memorable OMN

In the midst of the Memorial Day Weekend, The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA concluded their weekly Open Mic Nite Series for the month of May on Sunday May 27th. The first month of their endeavors proved to be an astounding one as numerous local musicians, poets, writers, and others shared their talents. Although the performances of the past four weeks created memories which continued to dwell with each attendee long after the weekly event ended, the performances presented during the Sunday May 27th Open Mic Nite managed to transcend those of all previous gatherings.

After some welcoming words were offered by host Billy Mack, his band “The Billy Mack Collector” began to perform. The composition of the group changes with each performance which always keeps it fresh and enchanting. Billy Mack simply collects musicians and singers who have a desire to join him in playing some good music. The love for music felt by those who wind up in Billy’s collection transforms the pieces they play from songs that are really good to those that are great and even more enjoyable to all who hear them.

The Billy Mack Collector was followed by Ear Ecstasy with Ben Gorski and Dan Deluca on acoustic guitars. Each stroke of their guitars struck a note in every listener which was enhanced by every word in every lyric they shared. The silent contemplation of each song as accompanied by a light in each eye of those who listened was seen time and time again throughout the evening, but Ear Ecstasy’s performance set the tone for many musicians that were to follow.

Ear Ecstasy was followed by a reading given by Steve Truglio (aka Jack Bastard) from a story included his Third Testament Series titled, “The Book of Carol.” The work was about the exploits of his mother and how his birth, in a time when “Unwed” mothers led to ostracism by society, labeled him as a bastard. Like the installment read during the May 20th Open Mike Nite, the work captivated the listeners as they reflected upon the work’s theme and meaningfulness. Although some may have found the work disturbing, its conclusion created an internal yearning to hear more next week.

Steve Truglio (aka Jack Bastard) was followed by Emmitt Henry Derek who performed some New Orleans styled Blues upon his harmonica. He was followed by Crystal Rose who played guitar and sang some songs composed by other artists. The combination of her interpretations of the chords and melodies inherent in each song and the mesmerizing sound of her soft voice created an indescribable eternalized sensation throughout the room. There was just something there which few can associate words to but everyone knew what it was.

Crystal Rose was followed by a guitarist named, “Olenka” whose mastery of the instrument complimented the performance of her original work. Each piece had it’s story to tell which were enhanced by her sharing how the song came to be. This was noticeably appreciated by the gathering as it added a deeper dimension in which a more profound exploration of their individual meanings could be embarked upon.

It was then when I, again, became brave enough to read. My story was called, “The Ambitious Cockroach” and was much shorter than the story I read last week which was titled, “The Jumper’s Secret.” I was a bit more relaxed although I found myself stuttering over a few words I spoke. Still, it was well received and I’m thankful for it.

I was followed by Poet Zack Warner who frequented The Living Room since it began holding their Open Mic Nites. Many who have attended most if not all of his previous readings have come to appreciate the intensity of his words as they describe the internal and external realms of existence. None were disappointed during the May 27th event as the transfixing nature of some of his material spell bounded the audience and ended without applause.

Mike Strunk had made his return to performing during the May 20th Open Mic Nite. It was a welcoming experience. So, there was a great anticipation among those who were present last week greeting him as he and his guitar took the microphone. Yet, their memories of his previous performance was quickly discarded as a considerably different flavor embellished his presentation. As I eluded to earlier, the words transformative, contemplative, indescribable, and mesmerizing proved to be an underlining thread weaving all the performances together and making this a very memorable Open Mike Nite. Mikes performance added to the essence of the evening’s themes and even redefined them.

Mike was followed by Al Shivers who presented some comedy designed to amuse his listeners through his experiences. He was followed by Poets Chris Gamble, Victoria, and Kim who consecutively read from their work bringing the May 2012 segments of The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite Series to a conclusion. As many left the establishment, a display of fireworks were seen from a distance which proved to be a fitting end to the evening. 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.

Their next exhibition will begin Saturday June 2nd beginning at 6pm featuring the works of Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, John Kolbek, Joyce Rambach, and Michael Parsons along with music guest The Pocono Duo. The exhibition continues Until June 30th. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information.