A Sign (of Dollars) Seen at TLR

I arrived at The Living Room (TLR) on Sunday December 16th shortly after 6pm to partake of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series. Although the official time for those who wished to participate to sign in was 6:30pm with the event scheduled to begin at 7pm, I found the venue filled with friends who waited for their comrades to share their talents upon the open mic. At first, I thought I’ve arrived late but soon was reassured those I have seen seated upon chairs and the floor arrived early.

It was good to realize the Sunday evening open mic nites had encouraged so many people to come out to enjoy the magical adventures of the event. Every week one can expect a variety of entertainment throughout the night. Music and Poetry along with the occasional presentation of comedy and performance art never fails to enhance the event by provoking thoughts designed to evolve one’s soul or to simply bring a smile to one’s face. The Living Room’s encouraging atmosphere brings out the best in each performer and poet who know they are among friends who appreciate them.

Since there were a large number of participants who filled the sign in sheet soon after the 6 o’clock hour, the night’s host Billy Mack began his performance of The Billy Mack Collector early so those who signed up would have more time to perform. The music which ensued brought familiar smiles to the faces of the huge gathering as each song exposed it’s essence of simplistic joy. Billy was joined by Eric Funn whose musical skills enhanced the performance bringing the audience’s appreciation of it to a new level.

After The Billy Mack Collector set was completed, Billy welcomed the gathering and announced he won’t be setting out the sign in sheet until 6:30pm so those who arrive at that time will have an equal opportunity to participate in the event. This was much appreciated by those who arrived at the appointed time. Billy also announced who the evening’s musical guest would be. They were the duo known as, “Dollar Signs” who came from Burlington, North Carolina to be a part of the event. Once the announcements concluded, it was time to introduced the first of many performers who would appear that night.

Guitarist Keith 'Kif' Haynes was the first to bless the mic. Some of the evening’s attendees have seen Keith perform in various local venues admiring his lightning fast strumming of both his musical and vocal instruments. However, a different musical approach was experienced as Keith unaccustomedly sat down and began to play. What replaced the super sonic speed of his repertoire was an opportunity for each member of the audience to experience the depth of each song more fully in a slow and deliberate manner.

Personally, I’m not sure if speculating this was a more mature approach to music on Keith’s part would be appropriate, but I did sense a change in him from the previous times I experienced his performances. I’m not sure if those who have heard Keith before sensed the same thing, but I can be sure many were changed by his performance. Keith was followed by electric guitarist Matt B.

Matt has appeared often before the crowds gathered at The Living Room and has deservedly become a favorite among many among their number. His riffs and melodies fill the room and imagination of all who encounter his fingering talents and sense of humor which was demonstrated by sitting on a fat man’s lap who wasn’t wearing red during his performance. This brought a smile to many faces.

Matt B. was followed by Emmit Henry Derrick took the stage with his harmonica whose New Orleans musical stylings of his own compositions filled the room. Emmit was followed by Guitarist Jordan Scalia who powerfully played some original songs to the audiences delight while his brother Justin followed his performance playing songs on his guitar which were composed by established song writers. This encouraged many in the audience who recognized the pieces to happily sing along.

As Justin concluded his performance, it was time for the evening’s musical guest to appear on stage. Dollar Signs burst upon the audience as their overpowering style and techniques incited a WTF response from the gathering. With Erik Button on Vocals and Guitar along with Luke Gunn on Vocals and Ukulele, the (sorry about the batman reference) Dynamic Duo blurted out one humorously crafted social truth after another as demonstrated in such sing along songs like “Throwing Up Blood on Rainbows.” The performance incited the crowd to laughter as each member recognized their lives in the lyrics.

The musical styles of Dollar Signs has been described as Folk, Punk, Anti-folk, and filled with cynicism. According to their Facebook Page they claim to be inspired by “Alcoholic prose writers from 1890-1945” and are “Too fast for folk shows. Too quiet for punk shows. Too serious for comedy gigs. Too funny for art gallery openings.” However, while all this may be true, their performance at the Living Room proved to many Dollar Signs are too good to pass up whenever one would have an opportunity to experience their performance. You can learn more about Dollar Signs by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/dollarsignsmusic.

Once Dollar Signs concluded their set, a newly formed band titled, “Glynnis of the Road” took the stage to bless the mic. Their musical style served as a diametrical contrast to that presented by the previous band. The mind drifting poetic nature of the performance filled with reverberating recitations filled the senses in a way dropping acid without it being encased in a sugar cube would. Their sugar free LSD musical journeys opened the esoteric dimensions of existence of worlds beyond imaginings to the extend to which Timothy Leary would jealous of.

Glynnis of the Road consists of Glynnis (who is a Pisces) on Vocals and persuasive percussion, Jim Windzigl (who is a Gemini) on “Balls-out-Bass,” and Dylan Anderko (who is a Virgo) on his Super Synthesizer. As mentioned earlier, the band form very recently (Monday November 5th 2012 to be exact) soon after a poetic reading Glynnis gave during the Sunday November 4th Open Mic Nite at The Living Room. Since that time, the band has been “Creating Ambient Awesomeness since Earlier last week…” You can learn more about Glynnis of the Road by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/glynnisoftheroad.

Although the lingering effects of Glynnis of the Road remained with many who heard them, the conclusion of their set was followed by Slam Poet C. P. Maze who also previously appeared during Dollar Signs’ performance offering an interlude to one of their songs. The power and strength behind his spoken word performance shared a truth found deep within the soul. His words cried out in their pain and recollections until even the few who did not or could not relate soon found them to be their own as they realized themselves to be a part of the universal unification of humanity which feels all things together as one being.

C. P. Maze was followed by guitarist who named himself after the RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan whose voice and lyric move the audience to the musical rhythms of his instrument. Sirhan Sirhan was followed by poet Joel Craig whose single poem touched upon the multitude of poems that made love their home and invited those who heard it to come live within its dwellings. Joel was followed by a fellow poet simply known as Amy whose words delved even more deeply into the heart and soul of love’s nature. Amy was followed by guitarist David Pugh who those attending previous open mic nites are accustomed to seeing him perform on electric guitar. However, on this occasion David presented his songs upon an acoustic instrument which added to their depth and color.

David’s performance was followed by a poetry reading given by, well, me. I read a poem titled, “This Year” and those who heard is was gracious in their response to it. After I sat back down, a performance art piece featuring Anthony Derobirdshit as Crying Wolf and Anna Jane as Mystery person took the stage. The piecing together of logic and non logic would have driven a Trekkie Vulcan mad but the madness it inspired among the denizens of The Living Room was so welcome that no prescriptions were required or even sought for.

Their performance was followed by electronic musician Wilbium whose computerized compositions brought the evening’s festivities to a close. Dancing was seen throughout the mesmerizing set as the notes and chords produced images in the mind’s eye. Many of these images defy descriptions but there were some which envisioned the mysteries and satisfactions that one may discover by attending future Open Mic Nites at the Living Room. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday December 23rd Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2012 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151242474950421.513481.636000420&type=1.

The Living Room Open Mic Nite series will continue on Sunday December 23rd beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm). Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which is currently presenting an exhibition featuring the work of Martelle, Kayla O'Connor, Abigail Braman, and Kyle Kuczma. The exhibition continues until December 30th. Their next exhibition will be a group show titled, “For the Love of the Art” featuring the work of area artists who are currently being invited to share their talents in any media or subject they choose. The Artists’ Reception for the exhibit will take place Saturday January 5th with the exhibition itself continuing until January 30th. The drop off date is Friday January 4th.

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.

The Little Winter Fest That Could

A day celebrating trains, music, and crafts filled the day at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday December 15th as the first Dansbury Depot Winter Fest took place within and immediately outside a building which was part of the original depot complex that isn’t currently being used for commercial ventures. In spite of the winter season and the chilled temperatures that goes with it, a nice size crowd gathered to partake of this quaint little festival. They were met with displays created by local vendors, a Miniature Railroad, and music performed by individuals and choirs sharing the songs relating to the Christmas holiday.

Within the building there were displays recalling the history of the train station alongside a number of vendors including Bloom by Melanie who is a florist and educator in the skills relating to horticulture and Fudgez Fudge whose tempting display would cause the most ardent of dieticians to succumb to it chocolate charms. There were also crafts for children to create and opportunities to help support the work of the Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee. In addition to his, Santa was on hand to greet the children who came to have their wish lists of gifts known to him.

As impressive as the displays, merchandise, and Santa’s presence was, the Miniature Railroad Display provided by The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society proved to be the focal point of most visitors to the festival’s indoor facility attention. Like many kids who visited their Uncle’s basement or saw an episode of the Addams Family during the 1960s, I became transfixed by the movement of electric trains as they traveled along winding tracks past miniature buildings. This gave me a sense of omniscient vision as it allowed me to see where the train was coming from and where it was going without being flown up into the air above the route. Although my uncle didn’t have the explosive devices like Gomez or Uncle Fester had, it was always a fun part of my visit with many times in which I would skip the family hugs and go right to the display.

The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society is a due free club serving the Pocono Mountain area of Pennsylvania and the north western part of New Jersey to promote the hobby of model train building. They hold their meetings at members homes and often include a joyful ride around some miniature tracks. You can learn more about The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society by exploring their website at www.pmgrrs.com.

Outside the depot building music lovers who especially enjoy the compositions associated with the Christmas holiday were met with a treat. There were individual singers such as Elaine Siptroth, Bonnie Childs, and East Stroudsburg Councilman Pete Begley along with the winners of the Shawnee’s Got Talent Competition who included Jordyn Albanese, Mackenzie Maula, and Julie Rubino. Choral performances were given by The East Stroudsburg Methodist Church Youth Bell Choir, The Pocono Grace 7th Day Adventist Church Choir, and Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool and Friends. The salvation army was also outside supplying snacks and warm drinks to compliment the enjoyment of the music.

Other events taking place as part of the festival were a silent auction featuring items donated by local business, a trolley ride throughout the town, and a tree lighting ceremony featuring music by the New Approach Singers and some special words given by Mayor Armand Marinelli. There were also other displays of art and items befitting the season at businesses located throughout the town. I did not attend or experience all the activities and performances the festival had to offer, but from what I did experience I found it to be a great day to spend before the holidays emerged upon my consciousness. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the festival in The Dansbury Depot Winter Fest 2012 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151364766335421.531857.636000420&type=1.

The Winter Festival was sponsored by the Boro of East Stroudsburg, PA along with The Eastburg Community Alliance and its Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee. The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports and develops positive social, cultural, educational, and economic opportunities in downtown East Stroudsburg, PA. The ECA is committed to historic preservation and the retention and promotion of local history and unique “sense of place” in downtown area. You can learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance.

The Dansbury Depot is located in East Stroudsburg, PA along Crystal Street. It was built in 1856 as part of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad and was known as The East Stroudsburg Railroad station. It later became known as The Dansbury Depot in 1982 which was the name of the restaurant that was housed in the building. However, the Depot is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places under its original name.

In October of 2009, a severe structural damage destroyed the building and it became a vacant shell of itself. However, local citizens and business owners endeavored to restore the depot and preserve its history to the benefit of the community and its people. Under the leadership of then Municipal Manager Cheryl Lyn Hayne, The Eastburg Community Alliance formed The Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee to facilitate the process of raising funds and gain political support needed to manifest the will of the town’s citizens. Much has been done but there is still much more to do. You can learn more about The Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee and how to help in restoring the historic Dansbury Depot by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/groups/132525546783790/?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Grey Milk OMN

Although it was a dark, rainy, and cold December evening, the crowd that gathered outside The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday December 9th braved the elements as they awaited the beginning of another weekly installment of their Open Mic Nite Series. The doors opened at 6pm and, even though the time to sign in for those who wished to perform during the event began at 6:30pm, the list was nearly filled within a few minutes. The chilled weather increased the excited adrenaline in the tempo of conversations as the eagerness of partaking of the night’s festivities consumed the abundant number of attendees.

These festivities began with the much appreciated cordial welcomed given by the night’s host Billy Mack who shared Jesse Houle of the band Grey Milk who came from Athens, GA would be the event’s special musical guest. This increased the level of excitement in the room. He also mentioned The Forwardian Arts Society’s publication of the latest issue of it’s literary and arts magazine, “Forwardian” is now available online. This brought a few pleasant smiles from those who were aware of the magazine’s existence and some puzzled ones from those who weren’t.

After the welcoming statements and announcements, The Billy Mack Collector began the Open Mic Nite as Billy picked up his guitar and began playing the light hearted and life lifting songs he has become well known for. This brought a great amount of smiles to those who listened. Later, in the tradition of The Billy Mack Collector which is to spontaneously include musicians to the band, Eric Funn joined Billy who played percussion on an end table, a tambourine, and an empty El Pico Coffee can. Mr. Funn’s participation enhanced the enjoyment of the performance which ended with a shared laughter between the musicians and their audience.

The Billy Mack Collector was followed by electric guitarist Matt B. His ability to fill the atmosphere with a numerous amount of complicated riffs transfixed the audience with each chord change. Matt was followed by a duo known as Dan and Stan whose songs brought a soothing effect among those who heard them. They were followed by singer/songwriter Cathy Wheat whose guitar was enhanced by her voice and the lyrics of her songs. She was followed by David Pugh whose electric guitar and personality added a texture to the songs he performed to the consciousness of the audience.

David Pugh was followed by the evening’s special musical guest Jesse Houle of the band Grey Milk. Donning his guitar and abandoning the microphone, Mr. Houle immediately began to overwhelm the crowd as he moved around the room and stomped his feet while singing with a voice that accentuated every verbal utterance of the songs’ lyrics. This caused a ruckus as evident from the hand clapping, whistling, and foot stomping among those who delighted in being a witness of the performance.

It was a fun performance with CDs and other items relating to Mr. Houle and the band Grey Milk available for purchase for those who had money. However, if one did not have any money, the items were free. You can learn more about Jesse Houle and the band Grey Milk by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Grey-Milk/148713815150950?ref=ts&fref=ts.

After Jesse Houle concluded his much enjoyed performance, Emmit Henry Derrick took the stage with his harmonica. His performance, based upon the stylings inherent in the New Orleans musical community, filled the room with music to ponder. He was followed by a singer known simply as “Tamalynn” whose voice swayed the room to and fro as her a cappella performance allowed the audience to fully appreciate the lyrical depth of the songs she sung. It was noted that Tamalynn hosts an Open Mic Nite at the Hava Java Café in Allentown, PA on Tuesday evenings. One can learn more about the Open Mic Nite by exploring The Hava Java Café Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Hava-Java-Caf%C3%A9/111498435532944?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.

Tamalynn was followed by another denizen of the Hava Java Café Open Mic Nites know as “Wild Bill” who played percussion upon one of the speakers which was kept at the ready for any musician or band who may have need of one during the course of the evening. He sang a song which he described as a mix between the music performed by Desi Arnez (aka Rick Ricardo from the “I Love Lucy” shows) and Frank Zappa. His performance amused the audience and struck many who know of the type of people he described in his song with its truth.

“Wild Bill” was followed by a poet named, “Amy” whose words spoke the truth one can hear whispered within a soul filled with memories. She was followed by known as a singer known as “Alexzander” who sang from the heart and was later accompanied by Nicholas DeSouza on guitar who eventually performed a solo set which was a gift to the ear. He was followed by poet Jessie Roth whose words brought a thoughtful smile to those who heard them. She was followed by the duo consisting of Justin Scalia on lead vocals and his brother Jordan on guitar. Together they brought their talents to the stage which were well appreciated.

The evening concluded with a reading from Ameerzh Jones who not only shared her truth through her poetic words but through the stories of insights she has woven from her history. This brought a thoughtful conclusion to the evening’s events as conversations about the music and words that filled the minds of those who experienced them lingered. All left the venue eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next in the series so the inspired joy can be renewed with in them. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday December 9th Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2012 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151242474950421.513481.636000420&type=1.

The Living Room Open Mic Nite series will continue on Sunday December 16th beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm). Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which is currently presenting an exhibition featuring the work of Martelle, Kayla O'Connor, Abigail Braman, and Kyle Kuczma. The exhibition continues until December 30th. Their next exhibition will be a group show titled, “For the Love of the Art” featuring the work of area artists who are currently being invited to share their talents in any media or subject they choose. The Artists’ Reception for the exhibit will take place Saturday January 5th with the exhibition itself continuing until January 30th. The drop off date is Friday January 4th.

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.

The ESU Winter Choral Concert

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA Music Department presented their Winter Choral Concert in The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall which is located within the Fine and Performing Arts Center on Wednesday December 5th. The concert consisted of performances of a variety of seasonal music presented by the university’s A Cappella Ensemble and Concert Choir. Both presentations were pleasing to the ear as voices blended beautifully adding a texture to the lyrics even though the foreign aspect of their languages created a mystery among those who could not comprehend each word precisely.

The A Cappella Ensemble began the concert and was led under the direction of Associate Professor James Maroney. From the very first notes sung to the final lyric the group of students shared their talented voices with one another and the audience as well. Their well interpreted selections included a Romanian Folk Song an a particularly touching rendition of “Danny Boy.” The performance of Francis Poulenc’s “Margaton va t’a l’iau” featured a solo given by Paula Dixon.

After the ensemble’s performance concluded and a brief intermission ensued, the East Stroudsburg University’s Concert Choir entered the hall. A great deal of excitement greeted the singers who consisted of students, faculty members, and those who dwell in the university’s surrounding communities. The love for choral music brought them together as it did for the audience who filled the recital hall to capacity. The multitude of voices were led by Associate Professor James Maroney and were accompanied on piano by Pauline Fox.

The compositions performed varied from the classical such as those written by Antonio Vivaldi and Johannes Brahms to those categorized as “American Spiritual” who have no designated authors. Regardless of the authorship, each piece flowed from the choir and into the ears of their listeners who welcomed each note. This was enhanced by solo performances given by Erica Marie Mandez, Rebecca Roeber, and Susan C. Prtune during a selection titled “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and additional musical accompaniment provided by Anna Maroney on Violin and Kristen Weaver on Cello for the selection titled, “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” by Rene’ Clausen.

Although the audience reluctantly accepted the concert’s conclusion, they greeted it with a standing ovation which thundered throughout the entire Performing Arts Center. Many excited conversations evolved around the satisfying performance as friends and families of the participants eagerly awaited their emergence from their gathering places located behind the scene to congratulate them with celebration of their achievement. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the East Stroudsburg University’s Winter Choral Concert in The ESU 2012 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150661494755421.450297.636000420&type=1.

The East Stroudsburg University of PA Music Department next musical presentation will be their student voice recitals on Tuesday December 11th featuring the students of James Maroney and Wendy Grice. The next Choral Concert will be the Spring Choral Concert scheduled to take place on Wednesday May 8th at The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall. Students and faculty along with members of the community are invited to participate. Rehearsals take place every Tuesday evening from 7:15pm until 9:15pm beginning Tuesday January 29th. Please Explore The ESU Choral and Vocal Website at www.esu.edu/music/sing for more information. 

Semester Review at ESU

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA Art Department held an Artists’ Reception on Wednesday December 5th for their Student Semester Review Exhibition in The Madelon Powers Art Gallery which is located within the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. The exhibition consists of a variety of works created by students enrolled in the university’s studio art classes for the Fall 2012 Semester. The styles ranged from 3 dimensional works and oil paintings to mixed media pieces and graphic novels.

When entering the small gallery, one becomes almost overwhelmed by the diverse display which is presented. This creates an euphoric sensation which may have been a reflection of the energies of the artists who created each piece. The joy of discovering what one can manifest through techniques learned in a classroom when combined with the talent one processes is evident throughout the room.

Although there are too many artists participating in the exhibition to name in this article, each demonstrates a love for their endeavors not often seen in the works created by more established artists. There is a deeper sense of uncertain exploration which a more experienced artist may have considered something he/she tried before and choose to forgo this time around. However, these artists who are mostly inexperienced in the best sense of the concept seem to be untouched by the “Yeah, I did that before” summation and have the ability to discover more of the unknown as they say “Well, that’s interesting.”

The work was also untouched by what many established galleries would and would not hang based upon their understanding of the market place and community values. Many often choose artists whose work is void of any political or social statement and looks great over the couch. Much of the work reflected the political beliefs of the artist along with some commentary on the society and all its misgivings they have become aware of. This was a refreshing change of pace for those who tired of the “safe” art often found in  established galleries. This and the energies found in each piece enhanced the exhibit a great deal and made a trip to the gallery a very meaningful one. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Student Semester Review Artists’ Reception in The ESU 2012 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150661494755421.450297.636000420&type=1.

The East Stroudsburg University of PA Art Department Exhibition of their Student Semester Review will be presented in The Madelon Powers Art Gallery located within the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center until December 11th. The East Stroudsburg University of PA Art Department’s next exhibition will feature the recent works Brenda Quinn and Sharon Cosgrove. The exhibition will run from February 4th until March 15th. The date of the Artists’ Reception is yet to be announced.  Please Explore The Madelon Powers Art Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EsuArtGallery?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.

The Last Living Room Exhibit for 2012

The Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held their final Artists’ Reception for 2012 on Saturday December 1st. To those who have attended the gallery’s previous events, it was no surprise to find a great number of people gathered to partake of it. The Artists’ Receptions at The Living Room Gallery has gained a well deserved reputation for the excitement they instill in all art lovers who seek inspiration from the thought provoking work they display and the joyous atmosphere filled with conversations and wonderful entertainment. The December’s exhibition featured the work of photographers Kyle Kuczma and Martelle alongside the paintings of Kayla O'Connor and Abigail Braman. The evening’s festivities also included a performance of juggling and magic presented by Chris Ruggiero and his One Man Variety Show, music by Ajax Rasputin's Leviathan Variety Hour, and a Holiday Mistletoe Kissing Booth. It was quite a night.

As with all previous receptions, the art and photographic work proved to be outstanding and gave whose who attended the event a great deal to focus their attention upon. The deceptively simplistic images created by Kayla O'Connor reflected those created by primitive cultures whose thin veil between themselves and the spiritual realm was considerably more perceivable than it is by the average person in our more sophisticated existence. Ms. O'Connor’s work encourages us to re-measure this cloth so we can embrace the mystery of both worlds.

The macabre renderings of Abigail Braman leads the viewer on a path which moves beyond the realms of our perceptions of life and death to a new understanding of both concepts. This understanding may lead some to realize there are no distinguishing aspects between the two as they are merely differentiating sides of a coin to be paired with another to be placed upon our eyes when we enter our ultimate awareness. Both Ms. O'Connor and Ms. Braman entreats the viewer to explore the subconscious which creates his/her realities.

The work of Kyle Kuczma allows the viewer to rediscover the familiar through the portraits and scenes he captures through his classical photographic approach to the craft. While all of the images are easily recognized as what they depict, their significance are accentuated simply by their appearance upon the wall. This demonstrates what film director François Truffaut once said about film’s ability to elevate the most common of human experiences by simply placing it upon a screen upon which an audience can see it afresh and contemplate its meaning as well as the meanings hidden in their lives.

The photographic scenes captured by Martelle not only depicts what is familiar but also offers a commentary upon his subjects through an expressionistic approach. The shadow and compositions along with other extraneous elements such as hand prints upon the images offers suggestions there is more to what is seen than what we can see with our eyes. To find it, we must begin to see through our eyes and allow our insights of our internal seer to discover their essence. Once we do so,  we find within ourselves the discoveries that are waiting to be found.

As mentioned earlier, a great deal of entertainment was scheduled to delight the gathering. This was presented after the exhibition’s organizer Shane Izykowski took the stage in order to welcomed everyone and share news about the endeavors The Living Room Gallery will embark upon throughout the year 2013. These included placing the work artists who share their talents in the gallery in other venues throughout the town as well as supporting other galleries and art related projects in the artistic community.

This support was emphasized by the appearance upon the stage of Andrea Robbins Rimberg who (among many other things) is the president of The Pocono Arts Council, The Art and Photography Director of The Forwardian Arts Society Literary and Arts magazine, “Forwardian,” and owner of the Backstreet Studio Gallery located in Stroudsburg, PA. She shared news about an endeavor to revolutionized the local creative population by creating a new art district in the town. This was met with great excitement among the artists and art lovers present as it’s potential to enhance the creativity not easily seen within the area to be more pronounced.

As the effects of learning of the goals The Living Room Gallery hopes to accomplish in 2013 and the potentials of the new Art District began to absorb into the souls of those who were taught of them, Chris Ruggiero and his One Man Variety Show took the stage. The audience was moved from smiles and laughter to amazement and wonder as the feats of balance (aka Juggling) and magic touched the room. As fantastic Mr. Ruggiero’s performance was, the true appreciation of his skills were discovered in the eyes of those who were witness of it. This was especially evident by a small girl whose face reflected all that was taking place and her expression reminded us of the balance between childhood and adulthood we must embrace in order to be whole and created a magic beyond what was being demonstrated.

Chris Ruggiero and his One Man Variety Show is well known for its ability to present a high energy blend of juggling and magic. An average performance included juggling on unicycles, impossible predictions, and a whole lot of audience participation. His next performance is scheduled to take place at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on Delaware, PA running from December 28th to the 30th. Please contact  The Shawnee Playhouse for more information. You can learn more about Chris Ruggiero and his One Man Variety Show by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/onemanvariety.

Chris Ruggiero and his One Man Variety Show was soon followed by Ajax Rasputin's Leviathan Variety Hour whose band rocked the room with its electrifying riffs and powerful vocals which simultaneously soothed and excited all who heard them. They played with a wild abandonment which was echoed within the crowd as they moved and danced to the rhythms that penetrated their beings. The performance could be best described by the words expressed by one person who partook of the experience which are, “Hot damn.”

The performance given by Ajax Rasputin's Leviathan Variety Hour was followed by raffle with pieces created and donated to The Living Room by the featured artists as a prize to those who participated. The funds gained went toward the continuing endeavors of The Living Room which offers artists and art lovers an opportunity to share their mutual love for the arts as presented in this inspiring venue. The raffle was followed by the spectacle created by those who entered the Holiday Mistletoe Kissing Booth for which a photo to be shared on Facebook could be taken for a fee and an additional print of it can be gained for an additional fee. Again, all funds benefited The Living Room.

There are many things which can be mentioned that would reflect the atmosphere of The Living Room and what makes the venue a joyous place to explore art in all its dimensions. However, this environment had never been before so epitomized than during the introduction of the Holiday Mistletoe Kissing Booth. Photographs of the escapades can be found in Shane Izykowski’s “December's Living Room Opening- Kissing Booth” gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200222759476051.197050.1364313687&type=3 but the pictures can only give an inkling to the great sense of joy the experience gave those who participated. Unfortunately, you won’t find my image among them as I was too shy to partake.

Although this was the last Reception for 2012, it was not met with the farewells one would associate with a sense of finality. Instead, there was much appreciative reflection on the experiences gained since the venue first opened and the eager anticipation to what the new year of 2013 will bring. And, if 2012 proves to be any indication for what one can expect, the future is filled with wonderful things for the venue and all who venture into it. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the final artists’ reception for 2012 in The Living Room 2012 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151242474950421.513481.636000420&type=3.

The current Exhibition featuring the work of Martelle, Kayla O'Connor, Abigail Braman, and Kyle Kuczma will continue until December 30th. Their January exhibition will be group show titled, “For the Love of the Art” featuring the work of area artists who are currently being invited to share their talents in any media or subject they choose. The Artists’ Reception for the “For the Love of the Art” exhibit will take place Saturday January 5th with the exhibition itself continuing until January 30th. The drop off date is Friday January 4th.

In addition to their exhibitions, The Living Room presents a weekly Open Mic Nites occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 6pm which Musicians, Poets, Writers, and anyone who would like to share their talents with an eagerly accepting audience are welcomed to participate. There is also a featured band scheduled each week that enhances the enjoyment of the event. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series at it’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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 about the venue, what it offers to the community, and how to participate and become involved with the art related work it does.