One Halifax of an Open Mic

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday January 20th. Although the sign in list wasn’t scheduled to be open until 6:30, the venue was nearly full to capacity when I arrived shortly after 6pm. When the magical time arrived, musicians and poets eager to participate in the evening’s festivities quickly included their names so they could add their blessings of talent to the microphone. The list was filled in three minutes.

As the 7pm hour neared, the evening’s host, Jesse Roth (who continued to fill in for the series’ long established host, Billy Mack, who was away touring in another state), began the session by welcoming everyone and by announcing a trilogy of musical guests traveled from Halifax, Canada to be a special part of the night. They were known as Rodeo, Beyon, and Cud Eastbound who performed several times during the night. Each Although each group of performers had their own distinctive identity and website or facebook page, they were seen supporting one another in their musical endeavors as well as sharing a common page on facebook which can be visited at www.facebook.com/pages/Halifax-Underground/246263568727866.

As Jesse completed her opening remarks, she introduced electric guitarist Matt B. whose creative musings manifested numerous chord changes and stylings which has become a welcomed expectation to those who frequent the event while proving to be a treat to those who ventured into the Living Room for the very first time. Matt was followed by a trio known as Aaron, Dominic, and Stanley whose musical talents seemed to have set the evening’s tone as a number of performers who followed them embraced the Hip Hop style of music they presented.

However, the appearance of the first of the musical guest also established a tone for the evening of a different nature. Rodeo performs songs from the musical genre known as Folk/Punk which contains the high energies and social commentaries found embodied in each. The excellent performance brought my mind to speculate what music might be produced from a love child born of Tennessee Ernie Ford and Courtney Love and raised by Dolly Parton and Sid Vicious. You can learn more about Rodeo by exploring their website at www.wylieburp.bandcamp.com.

Rodeo was followed by a welcomed Guitarist named Cathy whose talents created a respite to the energies experienced prior to her performance. Her lyrics were quiet and subtle which moved many to simply smile while listening to her melodies. The gentleness of Cathy’s performance allowed the audience to take a much needed breath before the second of the musical guest took the stage.

Beyon displayed much of the same energies presented by their comrades in Rodeo but at a slightly different frequency. It may be a figment of imagination, but the intensity of their performance seemed to increase as well which made it even more of a breathless experience than the set presented by their predecessors. Regardless whether this was imagined or real, it was fun as one came to realize while enjoying the music the act of breathing could be a somewhat overrated one. You can learn more about Beyon by exploring their website at www.forestfire666.bandcamp.com.

Beyon was followed by A. P. whose comedic sharings of experiences with the electronic games and changes in the musical genres he encountered during his more youthful days created a monologue accompanied with sound effects that inspired the audience to generate a good deal of genuine laughter. He was also joined by Nick Fuentes and Jay-Son S. at different times to present some rap together.  A. P. was followed by Guitarist Jesse Morales who began his set joined by Theo (aka Sunny Shading) who, together, had the audience clapping, snapping, and stomping to their collaborative tune before Jesse took the stage alone to entertain the gathering as a soloist.

Jesse was followed by the third portion of the trilogy of musical guest known as Cud Eastbound whose energies proved to be similar to the previous incarnations. The uncanny effect embodied in the final stage of this triple whammy incited the audience to an increased level of appreciation for the music that was performed and in the manner it was presented. As the intensity of the band heightened, the lasting sensation of breathlessness enabled many to take residence upon the moon and other planets that are void of air. You can learn more about Cud Eastbound by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/CudEast?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Cud Eastbound was followed by Nick Fuentes who performed some acoustic rap on guitar which brought an unique quality to the musical form. Nick was followed by Natalie whose voice and guitar moved with a gentle energy through the audience as each word and note sang to the soul of all who listened. Natalie was followed by poet Amy Burowski who utilized words familiar with those who have heard her before combined with new utterances that brought about the sensations of understanding her work is well known for. Amy was followed by Wilbium whose electronic variations of familiar tunes was the final performance to be presented by the “official” sign in sheet. As always, his musically enhanced interpretations of familiar songs combined with the use of computer Synthesizations moved many who heard it to dance.

Although Wilbium was the final entry on the sign in sheet, the remaining time of the four hour event allowed for performers who placed their name on a waiting list to share their talents. This began with poetry by Chris Moreno who share his soulful words and Amy Knopf whose familiar presence allowed those who heard her words to feel even more at home in the venue. These poets were followed by a series of guitarist beginning with Justin who sang of his life traveling and the experiences the situation he found himself in, Patrick Cummings (aka Sirhan Sirhan) who played the songs everyone knew even though they heard them for the first time, Rick Delgado whose soulful melodies and lyrics communicated well beyond the physical forms of the room’s denizens, and Jack S. whose simple songs struck a chord not only upon his musical instrument but upon the eternal instrument embodied in each being.

The evening concluded with spoken word poetry presented by Jay-Son S. who performed earlier with A. P. His words brought insights to many about life on the streets and made for a very dramatic end of the evening’s performances. As the air filled by his words were breathed in by those who were touched by them, Jesse Roth bid everyone a farewell while sharing news the event’s long established host, Billy Mack, will return from his tour to be a part of next week’s gathering and shared her deepest appreciation to those who continue to support the Open Mic Nites. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday January 20th 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 27th 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 is yet to be announced. However, you can learn more about the featured 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.