Merry Merry OMN of May

On a beauteous Spring Day, the Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA once again opened its doors to present their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday May 5th. Crowds were gathered outside the venue. Not because they were waiting for its doors to be open, but because warmth of the day bade them to remain in it a while longer. Also, the chairs and couches which usually aligned the walls were misplaced and risers from the Artists’ Reception for the “Human Form” exhibition were there in their stead as the images from the exhibit remained hung so those who experienced the open mic could freely enjoy.

The mood prior to the signing in was a bit more relaxed than usual which could have been due to the desire of many to soak in the calming rays of an evening sun. Yet, as the signing up ceremony began, the eagerness to share a talent returned to the gathering in earnest as signature upon signature filled the spaces on the list in short measure. It was like a wisp of a breeze.

While waiting for the Open Mic Nite event to begin, several musicians took to the stage in order to practice their upcoming set. This preview was enjoyed by many who awaited the commencement of the event. The hour of 7pm arrived and the creative adventures begun.

Billy Mack (the evening’s long time host) was absent from this week’s event as he was out on the road sharing his newest CD with the many friends he has met in other areas of the country. However, Jessie Roth and the rapper known as A. J. served as host bringing their particular talents to the fore. A. J. introduced the evening by sharing his vocal magic while Jessie share poetry that saves us like a lover who makes it possible to love.

As their introductory talents help set the mood for the event concluded, A. J. and Jessie were followed by the first signed in performer of the evening. Christian Diana took the stage to bless the mic first with his poetry and then with some incredible songs played upon his Steel Guitar. He was followed by Brad B. who shared his vocal talents a cappella. He was followed by guitarist Kess who shared some songs with the gathering. Kess was followed by the poet Chicken Nuggex (aka Amy Swagg, Swag Amy, or Amy Burowski) who shared her words. Chicken Nuggex (aka etc. etc.) was followed by Guitarist Patrick who has been away from the Open Mics for a while and many rejoiced at his return to the venue.

Patrick was followed by the High Octane energy of Jesse Morales whose vocal vibrancy and Ukulele worked their magic of an inside job on the heart. Jesse was followed by Vid Larrison and A. J. who shared some Hip Hop magic as one improvised riff lead to another. They were followed by Guitarist Theo (aka Sunny Delight) who hasn’t performed during the Living Room Open Mic for a while but was soon welcomed back with open ears. After his performance, the guitarist Dee came on stage accompanied by A. J. who shared their talents with the audience.

Dee and A. J. were followed by Vinnie on Guitar and Vid on Drums. Together they presented another Kick Ass song from Johnny Cash reminiscent of the one they shared the previous week along with a version of the Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song “Free Bird” which was accompanied by the sounds of cats crying in the audience. Vinnie, Vid, and the free bird in a cathouse were followed by a poet named Brad who shared his words. Brad was followed Wilbium whose electronic musicalities enlivened the room as the assertion he won’t do what we tell him to do fed the rebellious nature of many in the audience. Wilbium was followed by the event’s co host Jessie Roth (aka J. R.) who performed an a cappella rendition of the song “Black Velvet” which was written by #Christopher Ward and David Tyson and originally sung and made popular by Alannah Myles. However, Ms. Roth’s version transcended the original as her inflections gave the song a deeper meaning.

Jessie was followed by a vocalist known as Liz who rarely appeared before the Living Room Open Mic gathering. Her performance echoed the affection many have for the rarities of life. Yet, those who have heard her in the past along with those who had experienced her talents that night felt a desire to transform the rareness of her visitations to a frequent familiarity. Liz was followed by a guitarist new to the gathering named Leah whose voice resonated among those who heard her in the most delightful of ways. Leah was followed by a guitarist named Nick whose songs touched a chord embodied in each ear and heart. The evening came to a conclusion with a poetic reading from a new comer to the venue named, “Connie” who explored the state of modern day Christianity and if the initiator of the faith would be welcomed to it. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday May 5th Open Mic Nite  in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 3 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151625325480421.1073741831.636000420&type=1.

As many pondered the thoughts Connie raised while sharing their fond adieus with one another, the reflections of the night led the entire company to eagerly await the arrival of another installment of the Open Mic Series. The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday May 12th 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 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 their May exhibition titled, “The Human Form” featuring the work of local artists. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until May 30th. 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.