Darby Day at TLR

The Living Room (TLR) in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday October 14th. In addition to welcoming poets and musicians who seek to share their talents with those who come to experience such endeavors, The Living Room presented a performance by Chris Darby who traveled from Chicago, IL to partake of the evening’s festivities. And, what an evening it was.

The festivities began with a performance by host Billy Mack who cordially welcomed the large gathering before he began singing while playing his Ukulele and Guitar. As always, 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 guitarist Eric Funn who was joined by Billy and the performance artist known as Zeki Bird. The trio performed well together adding to the enjoyment of the evening.

Eric Funn and his accompanists were followed by guitarist Michelle Leanna whose powerful voice echoed the empowering effects of her songs. She was followed by Poet David Wranovics whose words touched the imagination of all who encountered them. He was followed by Guitarist Dave Pugh whose electric instrumentals enticed the consciousness of all who embraced each chord to travel to numerous psychedelic realms. He was followed by Poet Donovan O’Brien whose words painted images upon the soul’s canvas.

Guitarist Tom Teslik took the microphone at the conclusion of Donovan’s reading. Tom traveled from Madison, WI until he met up with the evening’s special musical guest, Chris Darby, to be a part of the event. He would later don a bass guitar in order accompany Mr. Darby during his performance but, for now, he presented a solo performance rendering songs displaying an extraordinary song writing skill. Lyrics and music blended together allowing each composition to weave in and out of the innermost ears of those who became mesmerized by it all. You can learn more about Tom Teslik, his music, and his individual endeavors by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Teslik-music/79736647857?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Although the performance given by Tom Teslik could easily stand upon it’s own merits, it seemed to serve as a sound foundation to that given by Guitarist Chris Darby. As mentioned earlier, Mr. Teslik joined Mr. Darby on Bass guitar along with Kyle Ollah who performed on drums. Together, their instruments combined enhancing the powerful voice of Chris Darby whom, for some reason, inspired my comparative thoughts to turn to the recollection of the vocal qualities found in Johnny Cash and Cat Stevens. Like the famous singers I mentioned, Mr. Darby has a soul in his voice that reaches out to its kin.

There was also a haunting quality to his songs which was often emphasized by the electronically induced whispers he deftly presented during a number of his renditions. Although no one present wanted the set to end, it did with a song performed vocally by the entire band with an additional vocal provided by Natalie Day. There was a pronounced quite filled with a reflective comprehension before a deeply expressionistic applause filled the air. You can learn more about Chris Darby and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/chrisdarbymusic?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Poetry followed the Chris Darby performance through the deftly crafted words of Wendy Sheeran. She was followed by the performance artist Zeki Bird whose musical stylings and renderings led those present to the undiscovered countries teaming with life with those who have experienced such journeys the ability to return with a renewed comprehension of the world they have yet to discover. However, for those who haven’t experienced such journeys prior to attending the October 14th Open Mic Nite, I’m sure they’ll acquire these same abilities when they eventually return. Zeke Bird was accompanied on stage by his son Isaac and the evening’s host Bill Mack both on percussion.

Zeki Bird was followed by guitarist Crystal Rose whose voice held those who heard it in a soft embrace through its whispered vulnerability inspiring many to express their desire to hold each word she sang with their love. It’s the same feeling one has when seeing a child hurt and wanting to hold that little person to heal their boo boo. In doing so, we soon encounter a sensation which we find heals all the hurts we have lived with prior to that moment. Crystal Rose was followed by a duet known as Justin and Sandy who played a number of kick ass songs with Justin on guitar and Sandy on vocals. Later, Sandy resumed her role as an audience member as Justin was joined by his comrade Jordan. The evening concluded with a crowd pleasing performance by little Isaac who was accompanied by his father Zeki Bird on drums and Billy Mack on Ukulele. The kid is cool.

The Living Room Open Mic Nite series will continue on Sunday October 21st beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm) with featured musical guest Sunny Shading. The evening will also feature a release party of the East Stroudsburg University Student Literary and Arts magazine titled, “Calliope.” And, 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 October 14th 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 is currently presenting an exhibition featuring the works of Vanessa Mae Kresge, Earl Kess, Keyaira Lynn Ozkenel, and Andrew Ozkenel. The exhibition will continue to be displayed until October 31st. I, unfortunately, was unable to attend the exhibit’s Artists’ Reception due to being ill. However, I did manage to explore the work during the open mic nite event. I found the work captivating and suggest a visit to The Living Room in order to view the work is well worth the diversion.

Their next exhibition will be a group show with participation open to the artistic community. It’s titled, “Art in the Dark” featuring Glow in the dark, Light up, and Black Light Response pieces. The drop off date for artists wishing to share their work is Friday November 2nd with the artists’ Reception taking place on Saturday November 3rd. The exhibition will continue to be displayed until November 25th.

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.