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.