A Father’s Day OMN

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday June 17th and guess what. I was two hours late again. When I did arrive, I immediately noticed a smaller than usual crowd gathered inside which may have been due to the numerous Father’s Day (aka National Pull My Finger Day) Celebrations going on in many families. Anyways, I arrived towards the conclusion of  Emmitt Henry Derrick’s performance of his New Orleans Blues Harmonica renditions of original tunes along with a recitation of some poetry he had written. He was then followed by Ben Brill who played a mixture of light hearted tunes and thoughtful ballads on his ukulele. 

Ben was followed by an impromptu pairing known as “Frankalicious” which consisted of Bassist Coty Jony and Drummer Brian Marx (only without the drums) from the band “Rotten Lucky.” Brian lent his voice to the songs they performed with Coty supplying background vocals for some. It was a perfect example of how the joy of the performance can be very contagious among those who experience. Brian remembered most of the lyrics while hitting a majority of the notes while Coty could often be seen laughing to himself while striking un before heard chord in the song. But, it was fun to watch and listen allowing the performance to have a quality all its own.

After “Frankalicious” left the stage leaving the good feeling they created for the audience with the gathering, they were followed by Anthony whose classical guitar performance filled the minds and souls of all who felt each chord and measure penetrate their essence. I have to admit though, I’m not well educated in the music associated with classical guitar so the compositions Anthony rendered may not have been what those who are in the know of that genre. But, the high qualities found in his performance made it all sound like classical guitar to me.

As Anthony left the stage, Bassist Coty Jony and Drummer Brian Marx (this time with his drums) came back to the stage with Guitarist and Vocalist Burt Kleinle to form the band “Rotten Lucky.” They have performed during many previous Open Mic Nites at The Living Room and their return was greeted by a group eager to be blasted by their uncompromising style of music. The remembered intensity of their sound pleased while reminding everyone how much their performances are sources of appreciations.

Rotten Lucky was followed by Poet Zack Warner whose words have often touched the denizens of the Living Room during his past Open Mic Nite performances. His thoughtful and thought inspiring poems created a stillness within each listener as they often done so in the past. This stillness allows one to listen to the still small voice which inwardly interprets each utterance the poem endeavors to convey. It is in this communication the depth of Mr. Warner’s work can be more deeply appreciated and more fully absorbed.

Zack Warner was followed by a reunion of members from “The Garbage Pail Kids” who were formed during the 1990s. Representing the band were John Kolbek and Scott Morgan whose mesmeric belting out of the band’s repertoire made many wish the group could somehow magically reform. The sound the duo shared held many mystifying qualities and proved to be pleasing to the audience. This mood was continued after The Garbage Pail Kids left the stage as the Guitarist known simply as “Joe” brought the evening to a conclusion.

Joe had performed several times during past Open Mic Nites at The Living Room and never failed to provide those who attend the event a lingering aura of good vibes. With the use of other electronically produced instrumentals, Joe leads his audience upon a journey with his multi layered music and their imaginations as their guides. Although similar journeys were embarked upon during Joe’s previous performances at The Living Room, this one had its own unique characteristics which made it all the more intriguing to the travelers that night. As the final notes vibrated from his Guitar to signal the end of another Open Mic Nite, many gathered not only themselves as they prepared to leave but their metaphoric ticket stubs to sustain their memories of the June 17th gathering until they returned the following 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’s weekly Open Mic Nites occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 6pm. Musicians, Poets, Writers, and anyone who would like to share their talents with an eagerly accepting audience are welcomed to participate. In addition to the Open Mic Nites, The Living Room Gallery is currently presenting an exhibition featuring the works of Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, John Kolbek, Joyce Rambach, and Michael Parsons which continues until June 30th. Their following exhibition is titled, “One Man’s Trash in Another Man’s Treasure” which invites artists from the area and beyond to submit their work. The exhibition begins with an Artists’ Reception on Saturday July 7th and will feature a “Trashion Show.” The Submission deadline is Friday July 6th. The Living Room also presents a concert series featuring local musicians. The next of these concerts features the band Mayweather on Tuesday June 19th beginning at 6pm.

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. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.