A Hazard Condition at TLR

The Living Room (TLR) in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday September 30th. Prior to the event, the day saw a number of athletes and their supporters converging on the town as they participated in the Annual IronMan 70.3 Pocono Mountains Finish Line Festival. While I did not attend the pageant, I’ve seen evidence of its grandeur upon the streets which were blocked off from automobile traffic. This may had inhibited many from visiting Stroudsburg as there were virtually no place to park nor was there any way to travel around the town in order to seek out a space. But, those who know of the magic that can occur during The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite allowed no obstacle to stand in their way of experiencing it.

The room filled up quickly as did the list of those who wished to share their talents for the evening. The night’s special guests were Tyler Troutman of Condition Oakland and Tedd Hazard. The festivities began with a performance by host Billy Mack who cordially welcomed everyone before he began singing while playing his Ukulele and Guitar. The happiness embedded in his lyrics and musical tempo proved to be contagious as smiles infected every face a person can have.

Billy Mack was followed by a guitarist known as C. O. G. who played a number of original pieces along with some songs written by established artists such as Bob Dylan. C. O. G. was followed by Emmitt Henry whose voice and harmonica touched upon the bluesy sounds of New Orleans through his original lyrics. Emmitt was followed by Guitarist Henry Schecker whose lyrical depth brought a quiet contemplation to the audience. He was followed the first of the evening’s special guest who was Tyler Troutman of Condition Oakland.

Condition Oakland is from Ashland, PA whose musical styles honors the genre known as Folk Punk. Mr. Troutman’s hard hitting delivery of the lyrics he verbalized enticed the audience to increase their ability to give form to the images he rendered. A wild excitement could be seen in many an eye as the music continued to beat upon the cords found deep within one’s person. A contained frenzy flowed between each person until pairs of hands and feet after another began to release an energy through their rhythmic tapping and clapping. It was effing cool. You’ll be able to learn more about Condition Oakland and listen to their CD titled, “Cuts and Carrions” on their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/conditionoak?ref=ts&fref=ts.

After Tyler Troutman of Condition Oakland performed, Henry Schecker retook the stage not as a guitarist but as a drummer as Desmond Lyons joined him on his guitar. Together they performed a number of songs equal in quality to those performed earlier by Mr. Schecker. During the performance, it was announced it was Mr. Lyons’ birthday and the entire company of The Living Room sang the song designated for the occasion. Henry Schecker and Desmond Lyons were followed by Guitarist Theo of SunnyShading whose songs and ecstatic disposition enlivened the audience with a joy beyond measure. Theo was followed by Guitarist Adam Kramer whose rough approach to the music he performed resonated among the audience who enjoyed being artistically slapped by the power of the songs. He was followed by the evening’s second guest musician Tedd Hazard.

Tedd Hazard is from Hazelton, PA and performed upon his steel guitar and harmonica. He was accompanied by Alec Gallagher who performed on his Banjo and Accordion. One could spend some time examining the lyrics of the songs Mr. Hazard performed to delve into their dark natures in order to learn of the aspects of ourselves and society which are disturbing. But, where would be the fun in that. Although the lyrics of the majority of his songs reflected the darkness I mentioned, there was an element of fun in each piece. This fun could be seen in the laughter and frivolity of everyone present. In addition to sharing his music with the gathering, Mr. Hazard also shared his visual talents through his paintings and comic books. You can learn more about Tedd Hazard creative abilities and listen to his music on his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/teddhazardandthe40ozthieves.

After Tedd Hazard gave his performance, Zeke (aka Zeke Bird) took the audience to their inner realms as those who have experienced his performance in the past are eagerly enthused to visit. The stylings of Zeke can be best compared to performance artists such as Laurie Anderson and Grace Jones along with a touch of The Talking Heads, but (with respect to the artists I mentioned) such a comparison hardly does the intricacies of Zeke’s performance justice. Zeke was followed by Poet Donovan O’Brien whose words and renditions transfixed the gathering as they were brought deeper into the moods each poem created. Mr. O’Brien’s poetry can be read in past issues of The Forwardian Arts Society’s Literary and Arts Magazine titled, “Forwardian.” You can access their archives at www.theforwardianartssociety.com/Fowardian-Archive.html. Doncha’ just love shameless self promotion? smiles.

After Donovan O’Brien completed his reading, the duo known as The F. i. T. with Greg Cimmino and Sean Walsh on Guitars splashed the room with the retro sounds of 1960’s rock and roll which could be favorably compared to the styles of Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. One could almost smell something translucent as they played.

The evening ended with a group known as Fried Chicken and the Mt. Olive Police Force who consisted of Chris Cicala on guitar and vocals, Pat Cummings on guitar, and Zeke on drums. A bluesy soul astro-projected itself from the voice of Mr. Cicala and the instruments of his compatriots until it found itself rhythmically writhing with those who let it possess them through their ears. It was a great way to end a great night at The Living Room leaving all with a desire to return to experience more.

The Living Room Open Mic Nite series will continue on Sunday October 7th beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm) with featured musical guest The Chimney Choir. 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 30th Open Mic Nite 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 will present an exhibition featuring the works of Vanessa Mae Kresge, Earl Kess, Keyaira Lynn Ozkenel, and Andrew Ozkenel. The Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday October 6th and will include a showing of a DVD created by COTE Phenomena Research which will reveal the findings of their paranormal investigation of The Sherman Theater. The Artists’ Reception will also include a performance by This Way to the Egress, a pumpkin carving contest, and a raffle to benefit The Living Room Gallery. The exhibition will continue to be displayed until October 31st.

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.