A Thoughtful OMN

Those who have frequent The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA in the past has found the venue to be a home where their love for the arts can dwell in an open environment conducive to their growth. A creative family has developed during its 10 month existence among its denizens who are free to share not only their talents but all the experiences and emotions that contribute to their lives. Among these sharings are those associated with the loss of a friend who passes from this world to the next.

The Sunday March 3rd installment of The Living Room’s weekly Open Mic Nite Series embodied its usual sense of camaraderie and the profound joy that accompany it. However, this was tempered by a special celebration of the life of a friend of the series named, “Sam.” Although I don’t remember meeting this young man, the effect his recent passing had on those who were touched by him were felt by all who were present whether they knew him or not.

The evening began as Billy Mack, the series’ long established host, welcomed the gathering, shared his recollections of Sam, and expressed his gratitude for the gifts their friendship has given him. He was soon joined by Katherine Freeman and Eric Funn with all three performing together. After their set, Eric remained on stage to give his performance. He was followed by Electric Guitarist Matt B., then Patrick Cummings took the stage to blessed the mic. Patrick was followed by a group known as DNA. After their set, a member of the group named, “Dee Vision,” remained to perform as a soloist.

During Dee Vision’s performance, he mentioned he didn’t know Sam but had a friend who passed away some time ago. He then sang a song in memory of his friend as all who were present listened with the deepness of their hearts. Tears touched many eyes that were wiped clean by the love of their friends who held them close. Dee Vision was followed by the evening’s featured Artists Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards.

Billy Mack’s introduction of Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards included a recollection of how Mark was one of the first musicians he toured with. A great affection grew out of their mutual love for music and remains steadfast up to the present day and will most likely remain so for some time to come. Together, Mark and Raianne’s sweet, earthy tones of their original songs permeated the room and all who dwelled within it. A thoughtfulness filled the air as their calming demeanor allowed each piece to be echoed within the heart.

According to their website, Mark and Raianne began an organization in 2010 called, “The Massachusetts Walking Tour” formed to support arts and culture in the small towns of their home state of Massachusetts. The tours consists of musicians, poets, and artists traveling on foot with backpacks to perform in a string of concerts which are arranged in collaboration with local arts councils, school systems, town parks and recreation, and a variety of cultural groups inhabiting each town they visit. Their 4th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour is scheduled to take place June 16th - 29th. You can learn more about the tour by exploring its Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Massachusetts-Walking-Tour/144854998919196?ref=ts&fref=ts. You can learn more about Mark Mandeville by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Mandeville/135424873151332?ref=ts&fref=ts and about Raianne Richards by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Raianne-Richards/111323855581827?ref=ts&fref=ts.

After Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards completed their set, a special tribute presented by Sam’s Friends took the stage. The group of friends included Abigail Braman, Elizabeth Starship, Mike Strunk, Renée De Moonunit, Daniel McLaughlin, Billy Mack, Katherine Freeman, Baily, Zeke Cats, and others. A combination of life affirming poetry, song, and stories were shared in honor of Sam.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t know Sam but could not help but to be touched by all that transpired. It was mentioned he was very quiet but that ability to be silent in the midst of a world who demands all to embrace a whirlwind approach filled with noise did not keep him from letting his friends know how much he loved them. This gave me pause to reflect how my ability to share my thoughts relating how I feel about those who are in my life has diminished throughout the years.

While I have made many wonderful friends and experienced some life enriching times, I have also encountered the opposite which I allowed the traits of regret and insensitivity to take root in my soul. As a result, I don’t share all that much about my feelings for fear of being hurt. The tribute and all that related to it made me wonder am I really willing to leave this Earth without telling those I love that I do? Will I allow the hurts from the past regulate my future? Time will tell but I hope not.

The tribute was followed by poetry shared by Joe Landolfa whose presence was new to the Living Room’s Open Mic Nite but has become an icon among those who remember the opportunities to share and partake of the poetic arts throughout the Monroe County, PA area during the 1990s. He was followed by Amy Swagg (aka Swag Amy or Amy Burowski) who has presented her poetry on numerous occasions at The Living Room. She was followed by Guitarist T. J. Meister who was joined by Billy Mack for a few selections. The evening ended with a performance by Wilbium whose musical intricacies move the crowd to remember that in all life’s sadness there is always room to dance. As the last note from Wilbium echoed throughout the room, Billy Mack bade those who attended the evening’s installment of the Open Mic Series a fond adieu.

Solemn smiles touched the faces of those who were leaving. Memories held their place while the bridges to the future were being built on their foundations. A new week to discover opportunities to share a love for poetry, music, and all The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite has to offer will arrive soon and, with it, an opportunity to let those who share the experience know that they love them, too. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday March 3rd Open Mic Nite  in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151501176525421.545088.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday March 10th 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 will be Rob Lately. 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 their exhibition titled, “Pop Culture” featuring the work of local artists from throughout the area. The exhibition continues until March 30th. The Artists’ Reception for the April exhibition will take place Saturday April 6th from 6pm until 10pm. It will feature four specially selected artists who are yet to be announced. The exhibition will continue until April 30th. The next group show in which local artists are invited to participate in will have a theme with is “The Human Form” may entail any interpretation of the phrase the artist deems relevant. The Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday May 4th from 6pm until 10pm and will feature Nude Body Painting, music by The Current (formerly Dream of Fire), a Fashion Show, and a Drag Show. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until May 30th. The date designated for artists to drop off their work is Friday May3rd.

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.