And Now, A Brief OMN…..

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday August 12th. Due to numerous scheduling dilemmas which included a few birthday celebrations, almost a month transpired since I’ve been to the event. Even though I arrived late (again), I easily recognized the inward effects the Living Room’s welcoming and laid back environment has on me. It was good to be back.

However, the turnout was rather small which may have been due to it being the time of year which vacations and the wonderful locations they imply beacons those who desire such delight. Those who frequent the Living Room for the Open Mic Nites are not immune to tourism troubadours who entice those living ordinary lives with the promise of sun, fun, and romance. The only contention I have in regards to this wanton approach to life is they didn’t take me with them. Sigh. But all sighs aside, those of us who were left behind filled the Living Room with our love for the creativity that was shared and the conversation which never fails to enhance us.

Poetry ruled the venue with words shared by Willem D. Khay whose readings were in progress as I entered the venue so I couldn’t experience the full effect of his work. However, memory of previous readings created a faint echo the qualities of his words in my mind and they sufficed me. He was followed by Michael Palomino whose recitations were short, direct, and allowed the listener to embellish upon the word left unspoken. Very cool indeed. These two Poets were followed by Chris Gamble whose additional words shared with the gathering were full of insights of experiences of all who heard him as they were spoken through the clarity of their memories.

The readings were followed by a performance of The Billy Mack Collector with Chris Cicala on Guitar along with Billy Mack on Ukulele and vocals. They played a number of songs with the same sense of joy and fervor a performance with a larger number of players would have brought to the room. As there were no other musicians, singers, or readers, the evening came to an end with those remaining share fond adieus and looking forward to the next Open Mic Nite which will occur Sunday August 19th. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday August 12th 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 Melissa Benzinger, Marlana Holsten, Melody Rivera, and Jill Swersie which will run until August 30th. Their next exhibition will feature the works of local artists for their group exhibition titled, “Identity.” Artists living in Monroe County, PA and surrounding areas are invited to present their work in the show and are encouraged to drop off their piece at the Gallery on Friday August 31st. The Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday September 1st and will include Music, an Art Raffle, and a Masquerade Ball. The Exhibition continues until September 30th. The Living Room also presents a concert series whose schedule can be obtained through their facebook Page.

The Living Room opened in April of 2012 and is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Art Gallery is organized by members of The Living Room Art  community who include Shane Izykowski, Martelle Jones, Elisa Byrne, Tom LeFevre, Darlene Farris Labar, Sarah Bouma, Toby Sabatine, and Billy Mack. 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.