The evening began with host Billy Mack sharing some welcoming words followed by a performance by The Billy Mack Collector which is a group consisting of any musician(s) or singer(s) who happen to be near the performance area willing to share the microphone with others. The Billy Mack Collector never fails to delight with its freewheeling style and approach to the musical form. It reminds one of how people in very rural areas would sit on their porch playing an instrument while their neighbors would happen by with their instruments, simply pull up a seat, and join in. For this occasion, Billy Mack and his Ukulele was joined by Chris Cicala and his Guitar. It was folk music at its best as a neighborly crowd began to happen by and joined in to increase the number and energies of the gathering.
After The Billy Mack Collector performed, comedian Ely Reyes took the microphone to share his humorous observations of the occurrences in his life. These insights brought a smile and chuckle to many. Ely was followed by Sunland Eric Funn whose music and lyrics brought a good number of unpretentious smiles to the faces of those who heard his songs along with a piece performed a cappella which was as lonely and haunting as the Great Plains region of the United States it echoed. Sunland Eric Funn was followed by Zeke whose utilization of electronics in his musical performance led listeners to realms best left unrevealed in the recounting of such journeys but whose embarkation upon them are highly recommended. Zeke was followed by Bill Bradley who invited entities from the spirit world to join him at the microphone as he offered opportunities to communicate with them to the audience. It was an unexpected moment during the Open Mic Nite but it was very consistent with the spirit of the event which welcomes one and all to share their talents and gifts.
As Bill Bradley (and others) left the microphone, a short break occurred as the evening’s special guest Christopher Bell prepared to perform with his electric cello. There are many times one attends an art related event disengaged from it. The concerns of the world and the harboring of resentments (whether they be from the recent past or long removed from the present) sometimes obscures our connection to our souls. However, when Christopher Bell began to present his melodies, a beckoning took place as he frequently raised his hands as if to signal the wandering spirits to rejoin themselves to our presence so our concerns and resentments could take their leave of us if even for a while.
With a voice accompanied by his unique instrument and reverberating echoes resonating like computerized bells, Mr. Bell allowed instrumentals to combine with original and improvised insertions of well known pieces until they created a healing tone towing their measures to those who sought the balances they offered. Few could help but notice how his hands deftly touched the strings of his cello which hung upon a shoulder strap he wore upon his neck without also noticing how some of the strings seemed to be reaching up to his fingers so their notes could be included in his renderings. There was a magic in his performance whose enchantments lingered long after it was cast. You can learn more about Christopher Bell and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/thechrisbellcello.
After the final breath of Christopher Bell’s performance extinguished, the duo known as The F. i. T. with Greg Cimmino and Sean Walsh on Guitars rocked the room with their sounds reminiscent of those created by numerous rock n roll legends such as Jimi Hendrix. They were followed Jay Spitta who shared his words through the rhythm of Rap which is a musical style which has since become known as Hip Hop. After Jay Spitta shared his talent and thoughts on the musical expression of the genre, The F. i. T. returned to the microphone to shake a few remaining stones from the rockers who enjoyed their earlier performance. They were followed by poet Amy who read her soul’s words from her little book which has become much appreciated by all who love poetry.
The evening finished with Singer/Songwriter Jerry Fels. Mr. Fels was one of the first to perform for the Open Mic Series when is began and his presence proved to be a testament of the events longevity and its potential to become a welcomed icon to the creative community and those who support it. The Living Room Open Mic Nite series will continue on Sunday September 30th beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm) with featured musical guest Tedd Hazard. As always musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday September 23rd Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150907955845421.475868.636000420&type=1 with additional photographs in The Living Room 2012 (Part 2) Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151242474950421.513481.636000420&type=1.
In addition to the Open Mic Nites, The Living Room Gallery is currently presenting an exhibition featuring the works of local artists living in Monroe County, PA and surrounding areas titled, “Identity” which continues until September 30th. 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 Living Room is organized by members if the 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.
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