Going Beyond the Open

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday January 13th. The series’ long established host, Billy Mack, was away touring in another state but the welcoming warmth he established not only remained but was enhanced by the presence of Jesse Roth who filled in for him. A sizable crowd of music, poetry, and art lovers gathered outside in the drizzling rain and flowed in once the doors were opened in order to express their desire to participate in the evening’s festivities.

At 6:30pm, Jesse officially produced the sign in sheet and (as usual) it was filled in a matter of minutes. Anticipation filled the air as musicians and poets along with those who came to experience them eagerly waited for the open mic session to begin at 7pm. The hour finally arrived and Jesse took her place in front of the mic to welcome everyone before the first performer took the stage.

The evening began with an electric guitar performance given by Matt B. who has become a regular to the series. Those who have heard the familiar stylings of this favored musician during their past visitations greeted the musician as someone who was welcoming them home. Those who have recently learned of the offerings the Open Mic Nite at The Living Room has to offer embraced the sounds and sensations Matt emitted from his instrument as their beings became filled with a foretaste of the wonders that awaited them during their first visit. This foretaste soon became an appetizer as an acoustic guitarist named, “David” whose energetic delivery further electrified the gathering followed Matt upon the stage.

David was followed by two poets. The first was Amy Burowski who created worlds through her emotional imagery allowing listeners to travel beyond their stars while the second poet’s, Amy Knopf, spoken landscapes filled the horizons of each heart whose beat coincided with the tempo her words were delivered. Both poets shared their words during previous open mic sessions and continued to hold the denizens of the room in their verbal embrace and in order to carry them to other realms. It is always a journey worthwhile embarking upon. The poetic Amys (or is it Amies?) were followed by a Guitarist named Cathy whose return to the Open Mic Series was greeted with smiles and signs of appreciations.

Cathy was followed by a duet of guitarists consisting of Rick Delgado and Shane Reimer who, along with Keith Haynes (who was absent), perform as a part of a trio named, “Public Displays of Rejection.” Although this was their first performance given at the Living Room during their Open Mic Night sessions as a duet, they have shared their considerable talents as one of the featured performers presented during the recent Artists’ Reception held in the venue for their current the “For the Love of the Art” exhibition. The mesmerizing qualities in their performance presented at the Artists’ Reception which are reminiscent of those found in compositions created by Pink Floyd echoed throughout the room but was made more intimate due to the atmosphere each inhabitant shared with one another. You can read more about their performance during the For the Love of the Art Artists’ Reception at www.facebook.com/notes/paul-adam-smeltz/a-new-year-for-art-lovers/10151240598261232.

The duet from Public Displays of Rejection was followed by Theo (aka Sunny Shading) who once performed as a featured musician at the Living Room during its Open Mic Nites sharing his usual joyous blend of music as a happy ruckus ensued. Theo was followed by guitarist named, “Justin” who performed in previous Open Mic Nites throughout the area before moving to New York City, NY several years ago. He recently returned to the area with a new collection of songs he was eager to share with others. An appreciation was felt by those who were present during his performance with hopes he will return to the venue to share more of his musical insights.

Justin was followed by songstress Crystal Rose whose enchanting voice has entranced many visitors of the open mic nites on many occasion. It has been a number of months since she last blessed the mic with her performance and those who have experienced it in the past found themselves holding onto the moment so it would stay with them if a duration of her absence from the venue would ensue again. However, those who were introduced to her magical ways found themselves spellbound and soon understood the gleam in the surrounding eyes of those who were familiar with the sensation.

During her set, Crystal Rose announced she will be performing during The Forwardian Arts Society’s Artists’ Reception for their “Forwardian Cover Art” Exhibition on Saturday January 19th beginning at 12 noon at The Sarah Street Grill Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA. The exhibition will honor the artists and photographers whose work has appeared on the front and back covers of The Forwardian Arts Society’s online literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” since it was first published in the May of 2010. All are welcomed to attend the Artists’ Reception to view the work, meet the artists, and enjoy the music of Crystal Rose. You can learn more about the exhibition and the magazine itself by visiting the publication’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Forwardian/146331875478830?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Crystal Rose was followed by electric guitarist David Pugh who has performed frequently in The Living Room. His interpretations of familiar songs led to new understandings to their essences while his own compositions provided insights to his view and approach to life. These insights allowed one to compare one’s perception on living with another’s so a choice can be made of the options available.

David was followed by an energetic Jesse Morales who performed songs on his guitar from his newest CD. The power and energy of his songs filled the room as each lyric touched a chord of understanding in each listener. The evening concluded with a performance given by Wilbium whose electronic variations of familiar tunes moved many who heard it to dance.

After Wilbium’s performance had concluded, many of the denizen who remained during the whole open mic session found themselves outside on the sidewalk performing once again for each other’s amusement. This impromptu after show demonstrated how The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite expands beyond the physical boundaries of its little room. Since they began in the May of 2012, the session continues to inspire those they touch with a desire to explore their creative dimensions and to share what they discover with those who eagerly seeks to partake of the gifts that are offered. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday January 13th Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151402355470421.537393.636000420&type=3.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday January 20th 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. The featured performers for the evening will be three touring folk acts from Canada. They will be from the bands named, “Cud Eastbound,” “Beyon/Forest Fire” and “Rodeo.” You can learn more about the musicians of this upcoming session as well as The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series itself 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 a group exhibition titled, “For the Love of the Art” featuring the work of area artists. The exhibition continues until January 30th. Their February exhibition will feature four selected artists with an Artists’ Reception Scheduled for Saturday February 2nd from 6-10pm. The theme for the evening will provide an opportunity for those who attend to relive their Prom Night. The exhibition will continue until February 28th.

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.