Some Fearsome Fiddling For An Open Mic

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday February 17th. Upon entering, my eyes were greeted by the sight of a modest gathering sitting upon the chairs and floors along the venue’s walls. Although it has happened many times before, I found myself becoming amazed of how soon after I arrived more  Musicians, Poets, and those who sought to experience their talents began to fill the room. A multitude of greetings were shared among long time friends and new comers alike. Like so many who attend the Open Mic Nite every week, it was then when I realized I was home, again.

Billy Mack, the series’ long established host, welcomed the gathering and was soon joined by his wife, Kathy Freeman, in song. They delighted the audience with some new pieces Billy has composed in preparation of The Billy Mack Collector’s (which comprise of a spontaneous collection of those who are available and willing to perform alongside Billy at any given time) upcoming performance at The Bohemian Coffee House in Baltimore, MD on Tuesday February 19th. Smiles filled the room as the music, once again, created a warm and friendly atmosphere conducive to a night of camaraderie and wonderful sharings.

As Billy and Kathy completed their performance, Electric Guitarist Matt B. took the stage. Although he has been absent from the Living Room for a number of weeks, Matt has become a favorite among the gathering. Those who remembered his previous visits were happy to see his return. Those who were new to the event soon found out why there were so many smiles upon the faces they sat beside of were present. The riffs and melodies moved the room as each vibrational tone swooped upon each listener and carried them away.

Matt B. was followed by Guitarist Michelle Leanna who was also a welcomed sight to those who frequent the Open Mic Nites. She sang a number of songs previously composed by established artists including a rendition of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles. While listening to it, my memories of sharing the song with my kindergarten teacher filled my thoughts. It was our thing and ranks high among my memories of my time in her class alongside those of eating Oreo Cookies, drinking milk from a small carton, and sneaking over to the girls side of the room during nap time.

After Michelle completed her performance, she was followed by a guitarist known by his stage name, “Sirhan Sirhan.” The performer’s namesake was the assassin who killed Robert F. Kennedy (the brother of assassinated President John F. Kennedy) as he was running for office in 1968. However, unlike his namesake, this Sirhan Sirhan was welcomed by the gathering as his life giving performance echoed those of the previous open mic nites he shared his talents. He was followed by the poet known as Swag Amy (aka Amy Burowski) who inadvertently demonstrated her immense talent relating to the form when she shared her plight in experiencing a bad hair day.

The tone and cadence of her voice led many to believe she was sharing a poem she composed. When it was realized this was not the case, a deeper appreciation of her talent emerged as it was noted she was able to transform any ordinary occurrence into the poetic. Amy was followed by Poet and Musician Joel Craig III who began his time at the mic with a poem which touched the heart of many who heard it. He then sought to dispel what he considered the depressing effects of the work with a more cheerful song. The contrast between the works created a quiet mood among the gathering as they contemplated the experience which just took place. Hmmmmm. Joel was followed by the evening’s featured musician.

Joey Molinaro deftly combines his voice, feet, and violin to create a flurried sensation among those whose only ability to describe what they are experiencing as “WTF.” Being an instrument in a silhouetted darkness, Mr. Molinaro’s mind penetrating sonifications is almost indescribable as elements of Hill Billy and Screamo (a form of Hard core Punk) music emanated from the shadows can be heard. The chords and vibrations travels from the ear to the center of the sub consciousness where few dare to acknowledge let alone visit. But, that dreaded realm becomes prominent as our previous hopes become abandoned and become replaced by new hopes of escaping its lair.

Yet, there’s a familiar fascination to these surroundings which entreats us to stay a little while longer. We want to explore them in order to discover what is really inside our nightmares. Although we become a bit more frightened during our procedures, we also become empowered in realizing we have survived them thus far. Eventually, our sensual overwhelments of WTFs become affirmations of “This is Effing cool.”

Joey Molinaro is based in the Brooklyn, NY and Pittsburgh, PA areas of the United States. His performances are known to be filled with thought alternating riffs and sounds delving deep into the listener’s psyche. You can learn more about Joey Molinaro and his music by exploring his website at www.joeymolinaro.com.

As members of the audience were leading themselves back into this world, Guitarist Charles Lyman took the stage after the light returned to it. None could help note how his music contrasted sharply with that created by the featured performer but its soft melodies became a beacon to those still wandering their netherworlds. Soon, Charles’ voice and musical skills became fully appreciated in their own right as those who surrounded him listened to their quietness. He was followed by Guitarist Justin Rosario.

Justin recently performed during an acoustic night presented at The Living Room along with Crystal Rose, Jesse Morales, Sunny Shading, Nick Fuentes, and others. Many who performed during that special session also performed during the Sunday Open Mic Nites as did Justin. His performance during the February 17th event demonstrated the qualities of his musical gifts. His voice resounded like a bell summoning each thought to that moment to which each one originated.

Justin was followed by Guitarist Mike Strunk whose voice swam with melodies reflecting those created by such iconic musicians of the soul like the Moody Blues and Gordon Lightfoot. One song continuously played on and on yet did not create an impatient wondering when it would end. Instead, each member of the audience gladly traveled upon the gentle journey it offered and found themselves sorry to hear it’s final note as it likened to saying farewell to a dear and beloved friend. Yet, when one thought of what the song had given him or her, it was realized the song still remained with them and can always be heard from within. Mike was followed by a performance artists known as “Only Tonight.”

In combining dance with original music, Only Tonight created a quiet among the audience as each person sought to gain a deeper understanding of her performance. In it, the utilized a tubular apparatus which extended from the ceiling and was able to engulf her form (including her face) which was completely covered by her clothing. The performance proved to be open to a myriad of interpretations to its meaning which demonstrated there can never be a definitive interpretation to any creative endeavor. However, I would like to offer my interpretation to the performance to be considered here.

The tubular apparatus I described utilized in the piece could represent an umbilical cord or the womb. I either case, it represents an anatomical aspect associated with womanhood as they are not commonly found in the male species. Throughout the performance, the actress/dancer kept trying to escape from the apparatus increasing her struggles in every attempt. This seem to symbolized how a male dominated society defines what limitations should be placed upon women due to the nature of her gender. The struggle to be recognized for their ability transcending those relating to giving birth is a recognizable one that has been ongoing for a very long time.

The woman finally escapes the apparatus and celebrates by unveiling herself and dances with her joy. However, the question I have is, “Is she really free?” Is the imposed limitation placed upon her lifted simply because she’s able to dance? Maybe so. But, a seed a doubt enter my thoughts when I realize there are plenty of places where men pay money to watch women dance for them so they placing currency in her Wahoo. Ok, that was deep.

Anyways, the performance was as transfixing and it was thought provoking. As it ended, the artist offered recordings of her music for sale on cassette. Many sought to speak with her about her music and performance as the evening drew to a close. It did so as a Guitarist known simply as “Cape Girl” took the stage.

Her clarion voice traveled around and around until it came back to the soulful walls it echoed off of bringing to them a new meaning to their existence. The sensations she produced with her song stole the breath and replaced with an, “Aw.” It was during such a moment Billy Mack bade those who attended the evening’s installment of the Open Mic Series a fond adieu.

A sense of the calm moved along with those leaving the event as they recalled all they had experienced during the evening. And, there was much to recall which transpired both within and without each being inspiring their thoughts to anticipate returning the following week. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday February 17th 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 24th 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 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 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.

www.theforwardianartssociety.com