Steely Steely Nite

On Sunday April 14th, The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA once again opened its doors to present their weekly Open Mic Nite Series. As always, people started coming in around 6pm to sit, chat, and tune their musical instruments in preparation of their performance. This camaraderie is an ordinary occurrence at The Living Room which is one of the factors that makes the venue a favorite among those who come each week.

However, what made this particular pre Open Mic Nite gathering a bit more note worthy than usual was the noticeable presence of Steel Guitars among several of the musicians. This aroused an anticipation in many as the sound of a steel guitar is quite different than that of a wooden one which can be heard in the vibrational qualities emanating from the instrument’s body. The instrument’s power often serves to enhance the voice of its singing companion whose vocal endeavors are challenged to meet and/or surpass its tonal qualities. The meeting and surpassing of this challenge was quite evident throughout the evening as one singer wielding the mighty instrument after another belted out their songs. Damn.

As the half hour arrived, those who wished to share their talents during the event lined up to place their name upon the list to determine in what order they were to perform. Laugher and music accompanied the performers while each waited for their turn to sign up. Their playfulness effected those who have come to be their audience as many felt the performers’ joyous attitude toward one another could be considered a form of entertainment in and of itself.

As the 7pm hour approached, Billy Mack (the evening’s host) welcomed everyone and began to play his guitar while singing some songs he wrote. He was followed by a duet consisting of Steel guitarist Christian Diana and guitarist Jason De Lima who were new comers eager to share their considerable talents with the group. They were followed by a poet known as Aiden Pentheus whose meaningful recitations are well known among those who frequent the venue but were pleasantly witnessed a new avenue of the poet’s creative venturing when he presented a form of poetry known as “Slam Poetry.” Aiden was followed by a Steel guitarist known as Pennsylvania Steve Ferrari who was a new comer to the venue and belted out one song after another. Very cool.

As Steve finished his set, the evening’s featured performer was introduced to the gathering. Guitarist Andrew Scandal took the stage to sing his powerfully performed songs. Their lyrics and melodies inspired laughter and thoughtfulness among the denizens who frequently clapped along with their beat. The well crafted songs shared echoes from a variety of musical influences which were blended together in the right amounts allowing the texture found in each inspiring note to come to its own fruition. This made for a pleasant journey from one song to another with Mr. Scandal being the audiences ever faithful guide. You can learn more about Andrew Scandal and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/andrew.scandal.music?fref=ts.

As Andrew Scandal completed his performance, the newly named group called, “People More Responsible Than Jack Shaffer” took the stage. The group consists of Amy Burowski, Billy Mack, and the presumably irresponsible Jack Shaffer. The joy found within the friendship they shared became very evident throughout their set. They were followed by what could be considered a Hip Hop Comedian known simply as “R” who invited the audience to shout out ideas for him to built upon comically. R was followed by (no, not by “S”) a guitarist named “Vinnie” who sang a number of pieces which included several classics such as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”

Vinnie was followed by Guitarist named Kess who shared a few songs and was accompanied by Dee and another guitarist whose name that is forgotten by me. Later, Kess shared some songs with David as a duet. All of the Kess sets were enjoyable. David and Kess were followed by a Poet named, “Ben” who recited some original works as well as those composed by other poets. Ben was followed by Guitarist Jack Shaffer who returned to the stage to perform some powerful songs. Jack was followed by a Spoken Word Poet named Nick who touch each soul with his words. Nick was followed by a guitarist known as “Blue Jay” who was a newcomer to the venue. His somewhat raspy voice added a deeper texture to the songs he performed.

Blue Jay was followed by Guitarist Eric Funn who sung a number of songs he recently wrote. Eric was followed by Jesse Morales who sang while playing both a guitar and a Ukulele with the high energies he is well known for. Jesse was followed by a solo performance by Guitarist Christian Diana and was then followed by guitarist Jason De Lima in his solo performance.

The evening concluded with a performance given by Guitarist Michelle Leanna whose sweet voice flowed among the gathering as she sang a number of songs including her version of the Beatles “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” An applause accompanied her final notes as the gathering began to share the adieus with one another. Many reflected upon their experience which led many to share an eagerness to return the following week to enjoy another installment of the Open Mic Series. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday April 14th 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 April 21st beginning at 7pm. 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 Jerry Fels of The Jerry Fels. 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 April exhibition featuring the work of Amy Knopf, Marty Klotz, Gerald Kielpinski, and Joe Trovato. The exhibition will continue until April 30th. This exhibition will be followed by gallery’s first anniversary in which local artists are invited to participate in a group show which will have a theme of “The Human Form.” The exhibit’s 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 is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. 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.