A Brookin’ Cool Open Mic

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday February 10th. The place was packed and filled with excitement as I entered the venue. Musicians, Poets, and those who sought to experience their gifts engulfed the room with their anticipatory conversations as they awaited the onslaught of a creative storm they found more predictable than any meteorological forecast.

After some very brief verbal welcoming remarks given by the series’ long established host, Billy Mack, the latest edition of his group titled, “The Billy Mack Collector” were presented. The music they performed proved to be an extension to his remarks as it helped to rejuvenate the joyful and congenial atmosphere those who have frequented past Open Mic Nites have become familiar with. Those who experienced them for the first time were given a large dose of incentive to return again and again as many of the friends they made during their visit continue to do.

The musicians who perform in The Billy Mack Collector comprise of a spontaneous collection of those who are available and willing to perform alongside Billy at any given time. Tonight, Billy was joined by his wife Kathy Freeman on Ukulele, Zeke Cats (aka Zeki Bird) on various instruments including violin and trumpet, Eric Fun on guitar, and Jerry Fels on percussion. Billy utilize his guitar and vocal abilities to lead the harmonious group in song and the audience to smiles. As The Billy Mack Collector completed their set, the first of the evening’s signed in performers took the stage.

The duo known as Sheila Mark (Sheila Stratton and Mark Hamza) has performed throughout the area for numerous years and has been seen in various venues. These include performing during the Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz and Arts Festival that takes place in Delaware Water Gap, PA in September. Whether performing as street entertainment to provide the vast audience something wonderful to experience during the time it takes to transform the festival’s stage to prepare for the next performer or as a featured performer sharing their talents upon the COTA  stage itself, Sheila Mark has delighted audiences with Mark’s renditions of songs presented on his Accordion and Sheila’s powerful voice as they combine to create an overwhelming effect upon all who hear them. This effect was well evident throughout Living Room as its denizens found themselves moved with every note and struck by every chord. This overwhelming musical experience left enough energy for the audience to simply say, “Whoa.”

As Sheila Mark’s breathtaking performance came to an end, Guitarist Dave D. took the stage to provide the gathering a moment to recapture their breaths while listening to his songs. He was followed by the poet known as Swag Amy (aka Amy Burowski ) whose familiar words combined with newly heard utterances moved the gathering toward a deeper revelation of their own being. Swag Amy was followed by Anastasia Byler who made her singing debut at The Open Mic Nite the previous week.

Anastasia gave an emotionally powerful performance as tears touched her eyes and the hearts of those who experienced it. It was noted by all how difficult it was for her to reach into the place where her sorrows where stored in order to convey the effect they have on her life. This was not an easy thing to do or to witness as her time behind the mic ended with a solemn and supportive pause while the next performer prepared for his set.

Zeke Cats (aka Zeki Bird) made a return to the mic accompanied by his numerous instruments which included a singing bowl, a keyboard, trumpet, violin, accordion, and other musical tools to open the sealed doors of the alternative worlds that dwell within each individual universe. Incantatious notes orbited the subconscious like satellites filled with messages seemingly from beyond until we discover they are truly from within. It’s just that we’ve ignored them for so long that they seem to originate outside ourselves.

Zeke completed his set but remained onstage as he was rejoined by the companions formed during The Billy Mack Collector which included Billy Mack, Kathy Freeman, Eric Fun, and Jerry Fels. However, the reunited fellowship of musicians were renamed, “Holy Men and Ghost” and created a slightly different flavor to be enjoyed. Songs composed by individual members such as some written by Eric Fun were included in the repertoire to be happily greeted by those who heard them.  They were followed by the evening’s featured performer, guitarist Brook Pridemore.

Brook Pridemore’s energetic performance inspired those attending the Open Mic Nite to respond with laughter, rhythmic clapping, and the stomping of feet as each song demanded its listener to become involved with its qualities and to participate accordingly. The tightly sewn lyrics together with his musical stitching weaved a pattern throughout his songs reflecting his experiences and allowing others to adorn themselves in order to expand theirs. The performance proved to be a fine fit as the durable qualities found in the fabric of Mr. Pridemore’s performance lingered long after he completed his set.

The music of Brook Pridemore is often referred to as “Antifolk” which is a musical genre that #takes the earnestness of the politically charged folk music of the 1960s and subverts it by mocking its perceived pretentiousness. Mr. Pridemore has made several albums on Crafty Records including the recently released, “Gory Details.” He has gained a reputation in supporting other musicians in the genre by participating in a number of compilations albums and establishing a performance venue in his apartment titling it “The Brooklyn Tea Party.” You can learn more about Brook Pridemore, his music, and creative endeavors by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/brookpridemoremusic?ref=ts&fref=ts.

After Brook Pridemore completed his performance, electric guitarist Maxx Blois-Rosetti took the stage to perform a series of riffs which swooned the audience with its musical qualities. Maxx was followed by guitarist Basil Alsamarai who played a number of songs that further swayed the gathering with their melodies. Basil was followed by A. P. whose hip hop vocalizations amused to gathering which were enhanced by the appearance of four year old Isaac Cats who danced along to the sounds. They were followed by Guitarist Dan McLaughlin who sang a number of original work along with several pieces composed by established musical artists.

It was during one of these pieces titled, “Let it be” by the Beatles which led to a magical moment indicative of the Open Mic Experience. A quite came over the room and was most clearly seen in the face and countenance of young Isaac whose joyful rambunctious was calmed by a communication the song shared with him. Dan McLaughlin completed his set but began something new among the gathering. It’s not something easily described through word and I sense any attempt to convey it in writing would somehow diminish its essence. But, it’s there.

The evening’s list of performers concluded with a performance of Jerry Fels on keyboard. Jerry performed earlier that evening as both part of The Billy Mack Collector and Holy Men and Ghost. His performance upon keyboard was very enjoyable and made especially so when he paused while saying “Every morning I wake up and hate to….” as part of his introduction to the next song he was preparing to perform. Seizing an opportunity, young Isaac filled the pause with the word, “fart.” A great deal of laughter ensued and Jerry spontaneously incorporated the word into the song.

Although Jerry Fels was scheduled to be the final performer of the evening, the number of those who came to share their talent allowed for a waiting list to be created. This was instituted after Jerry performed as there was time remaining in the event. The first to perform from this list was a guitarist simply known as “Nicki” who presented a number of songs and was joined by A. J. who returned to the mic to provide some vocalized percussion to one of the pieces. Nicki and A. J. were followed by guitarist Jack S. who performed an additional number of songs. The final performer on the waiting list was Guitarist Michelle Leanna who began her performance with poetry which later led to a presentation of her original compositions.

As the final note from Michelle’s voice and guitar echoed throughout the room, Billy Mack bade those who attended the evening’s installment of the Open Mic Series a fond adieu. Those who remained the whole night left with thoughts of their experience keeping them warm as they ventured out into a cold February night. The low temperatures seemed to have little effect on many as the anticipation of returning to the Living Room the following week for another Open Mic Nite generated a nice amount of heat. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday February 10th 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 February 17th 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 performer for the evening is yet to be announced. You can learn more about Brook 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 for their featured artists for the month of February. They include the works of Jesslynn McCauley, Sean Turrell, Patti Keegan, and Patty the Poet. The exhibition continues until February 28th. Their March exhibition will be a group show featuring the work of a huge variety of local artists who will be invited to present their creative endeavors that embody the concept of “Pop Culture.” Artists who wish to participate in thise themed show are invited to submit their work to The Living Room on Friday March 1st from 6-9pm. The Artists’ Reception Scheduled for Saturday March 2nd from 6-10pm with the exhibition continuing until March  31st.

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 of 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.