A June Bloom OMN

As the Summery promises of the month of June began to emerge, The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA began their weekly Open Mic Nite Series for the month on Sunday June 3rd. Although on this occasion I arrived two hours after it had begun, I soon found my senses overwhelmed by the talent of those who came to share their creativity in the welcoming space. Many have found a home in The Living Room and I include myself to be one of its denizens. It was good to be home.

Although I was unable to witness the performances which took place before my arrival, those I did see were (lacking the ability to conceptualize the superfluously descriptive adjectival words which eludes me at the moment) great. I entered the room as a musician known as “Sam” was performing upon his acoustic guitar. I only caught the final song or two but I could immediately feel a creative rage in his performance which gave voice to a profound hurt. I was unable to ascertain whether the source of the hurt he expressed came from within or from his observations on the elements which life evolves (or maybe both), but its power came through as the need to express it became self evident.

“Sam” was followed by another acoustic guitarist known as “Dan the Hobbit” who sang a number of songs which moved many toward a reflective countenance. He was followed by an electric guitarist known as “Joe.” He performed a series of selections formerly created by other composers but made each song his own by redefining them through his deft renditions as they hypnotically moved the gathering from one chord to another.

“Joe” was followed by a reading given by Steve Truglio (aka Jack Bastard) of two installments found in his Third Testament Series titled, “The 1st Book of Steve” and “The 2nd Book of Steve.” The work was about experiences influenced by the author’s being labeled as a bastard effected his life. Like those who have heard the earlier installments read during the May 20th and 27th Open Mike Nites, I share an eagerness to hear more next week.

Steve Truglio (aka Jack Bastard) was followed by Abby Trunfio who played upon a guitar and frequently performed either alone or with The Billy Mack Collector since the Open Mic Nites began. She was followed by “Victoria” who read from poets who inspired her in her poetic endeavors. Her recitations were powerful as the soul of each composer spoke through her while penetrating each listener’s being. It was a challenge to where the demarcations between the original poet and the deliverer were established as the reading was a seamless one. However, the reading created a simple desire to hear “Victoria’s” own work the next time she arrives at The Living Room.

“Victoria” was followed by another Poet named, “Kim” whose similarly powerful words touched the gathering in unseen yet profound ways. She was followed by author Matt Ando who has frequented The Living Room Open Mic Nites read a fictional piece from his laptop (or notebook or whatever they’re called this week). The story was captivating enough but what made it more engrossing was the poetic style in which he read it. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino once said his screen plays weren’t poetry, but the are like poetry. Therefore, much of the dialogue in many of his films has a poetic element embodied in them which creates a universal permanence in the words that are uttered. The reading given by Matt Ando reminded me of that.

Matt Ando was followed by Steve Allen, Tom Detrick, Nate Carson, and Luke Booth who make up the band “Mostly Lows.” They performed an acoustic set of their songs which were originally designed to be presented in a Punk Rock style. This reformatting of the material gave those who have come to enjoy it throughout their experiences of it to discover a new dimension of the work. I remember once hearing the lyrics of The Dead Kennedies read at a poetry reading which gave them an unexpected profundity which inspired me to appreciate their artistry even more. And, that’s what I felt while listening to the performance given by Mostly Lows.

The evening concluded with a performance by SunnyShading who performed on his acoustic guitar. It was a fitting end to the evening as his music brought a smile to all who experienced it. As always, many left the establishment with an eager desire to return next week to discover what creative gifts will greet them as others seek to partake of the opportunities to share their talents The Living Room offers. 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 Survey Says on Wednesday June 6th and Mayweather on Tuesday June 19th both 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.