You Say Banana and I Say…..

On Sunday April 28th, a (what people over the age of 50 would call) rambunctious gathering formed at The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA who once again opened its doors to present their weekly Open Mic Nite Series. The mood of the gathering soon proved to be contagious as their collective excitement in participating filled the air effecting anyone who has the capability to breathe. And, what a wild night it became.

Laughter and music filled the venue as musicians and poets lined up to place their name upon the sign in sheet. The tempo of their songs and words peaked as the time arrived to make their participatory desires officially known. The list, as it frequently does, filled up in a matter of minutes leading to many tunings and practicing their performances.

Billy Mack (the evening’s host) took his customary spot behind the mic to welcome everyone to the event. The event distinguished itself from previous ones with the presence of a stage which was placed there from an event held at the venue the night before. No one bothered to take it down so it remained for the denizens of the Open Mic Nite to use. Billy sung some recently written songs from his recently released CD to the enjoyment of the group.

Billy was followed by a poet named, “Mike” who was new to the event. He shared the stage with his little sister Madison. The reading proved to be a meaningful beginning of the night as their mother looked on. As his reading concluded and the siblings left the stage, their mother had tears in her eyes and a quivering smile upon her lips.

Mike was followed by guitarist Eric Funn who sang a number of songs he had written during the week since his most recent performance at The Living Room. His performance inspired many to share in a dance which enhanced the sense of fun inherent in the songs. He was followed by guitarist Pennsylvania Steve Ferrari who performed an mixture of original pieces along those written by other artists. He was followed by Rick and Frank Mittchell (aka BBQ and Batt Opry) who were joined by Jason DeLima performing some hip hop including a vocal riff centering around the instructions to “Talk to Arthur.” They were followed by Guitarist Dee with a friend named Hope joining her on stage as support. They were followed by a poet whose name I’ve forgotten but whose words of the single poem she shared still lingers in my thoughts.

She was followed by Jason DeLima who returned to the stage to sing a number of original songs including one dedicated to a girlfriend who couldn’t be there as she was stuck in the future. Jason was followed by Jesse Morales who has become a favorite among the gathering as his energetic approach to the music he plays never fails to delight. He began his set with a poem and, between his songs, it was mentioned he and Billy Mack will join each other for a three week performance tour. After Jesse completed his set, the stage was prepared for the evening’s featured performers, Dan and Rachel, who traveled from Brooklyn, NY to be a part of the festivities.

Dan and Rachel Costello performed at The Living Room several months ago and their return was a treat for those who have experienced their wondrous show before. Those who weren’t there when they captured the imagination and laughter the first time they were there soon discovered why those who frequent the Living Room’s Open Mic Nite were applauding so enthusiastically when they were introduced. From the very first moments they took the stage their love in sharing the songs they were about to perform shown its light upon the entire community of friends.

The twisted melodies and lyrics blended together as their slightly off perspective of life and all its oddities were revealed. Smiles came upon the faces of those who embraced the humorous aspects of the performance while others shared a hearty laugh at the absurdities they encountered. They sang a number of songs from their most recent CD titled, “Damn Monsters” recorded on Kale Records as well as earlier works which included a song reciting a history of the Banana. You can learn more about the duo by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/danandrachelmusic?fref=ts.

Dan and Rachel were followed by Steel Guitarist Christian Diana who ended his enjoyable set with a poem. He was followed by a return of Rick Mitchell (aka BBQ) who performed alone on guitar with a voice illuminating the essence of each song he presented. He was followed by Poet Amy Burawski whose words flowed through the audience as she shared many connected with her memories which were added to those who heard them. She was followed Guitarist Vinnie who presents an Open Mic Nites at The Milford Borough Hall in Milford, PA. He was joined by Billy Mack on drums until Justin Rosario took over the sticks allowing Billy to add his voice to the songs. Some Kick Ass Johnny Cash was included in his repertoire. Yeah.

Vinnie was followed by Guitarist Keith Haynes (aka The Business Fairy) who was joined by Justin Rosario on Drums playing a set of soft songs with some of a faster tempo. He was followed by a duo new to the Living Room consisting of Mike on Guitar and Kate on vocals performing poetic screams and insightful murmurs from the heart. They were followed by Dave who sang a number of songs with Vinnie accompanying him on guitar. They were followed by Stan who shared some of his poetry.

Stan was followed by Justin Rosario who played a number of his songs on guitar while Sean Graham lent his vocal talents to them which allowed for a new interpretations of their essence to emerge allowing those familiar with Justin’s work to consider anew. Justin and Sean were followed by Brad who sang a cappella and he was followed by guitarist Liz Mills whose gentle voice brought an end to another installment of the Open Mic Series. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday April 28th Open Mic Nite  in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151501176525421.545088.636000420&type=1 and in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151625325480421.1073741831.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday May 5th 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 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.