An Existential OMN

It was nearing the end of a chilled holiday weekend as the temperatures hovered around some unseasonable numbers when the Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA once again opened its doors to present their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday May 26th. A gathering of music and poetry lovers were eager to enter the venue to experience a warmth generated not only from the building’s heating system but from the camaraderie of the friends they grew in knowing along with those they had yet to meet. It was a good feeling.

However, those who have experienced the Open Mic Series for a number of weeks were touched with a bit of sadness as its long time host and originator, Billy Mack, was no longer part of the event as he has moved to the north west region of the United States. He will be missed by many as his personality lent itself to create a welcoming atmosphere which inspired many to share their talents. This was especially true for those who have never stepped before an audience prior to entering the Living Room as Billy’s relaxed nature diluted their nervousness.

Still, the Open Mic Series has been left in very good hands as A. P. and Jessie Roth (aka J. R.) stepped up to the task of welcoming and inviting those whose talents yearned to be shared. The night began with Poetry read by Brad which was followed by a group titled, “Sundays on Main” in honor of the Open Mic event. The group consists of Dee Smoov Allen on vocals and Guitar along with Tyco and A. P on vocals. They were followed by Chicken Nuggex (aka Amy Swagg, Swag Amy, or Amy Burowski) who shared her poetry. She was followed by Guitarist Eric Funn who sang a number of original songs along with a song written by Billy Mack. He was joined by Zeke Bird on Violin and Dan Levin on Banjo. Many found themselves singing along with their hearts as if they were saying to Billy, “I don’t know where you are these days. I don’t know where you are.”

As the quiet contemplation inspired by Eric’s performance faded, BBQ took the stage with their wonderfully odd renditions of sounds and vocalizations which has made them a favorite among those who frequent the event. BBQ consists of Mike Mitchell and his son Frank. They were joined by Dee Smoov Allen on drums and Zeke Bird who performed on Violin and Trumpet for a number of tunes which seemed to set the tone consisting of psychological and psychedelic wanderings for the remainder of the evening. They were followed by the evening’s featured performers Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky.

The duo of Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky presented a number of instrumental compositions which flavored the room with touch of jazz. But, the performance went beyond the musical form many are familiar with. With Jack on Saxophone and Ron on Keyboards and Trumpet, the music twisted and turned the psyche of their listeners into unknowable shapes until they blended with essence of their compositions. A new recognition took place as each denizen of the gathering opened their inner eye to comprehend the secrets long held in the mysteries of their lives as they were illuminated by the music. Wow.

As Jack and Ron concluded their performance, Batt Opry (aka Battery Operated) featuring Mike Mitchell and his son Frank who retook the stage to explore regions of the mind even deeper than those touched by the featured performers. They were followed by Vinnie whose powerful renditions of some kick ass songs made him a favorite among those who frequent the Open Mic Nites. It was a treat to find this same quality was to be presented in an original piece titled, “I don’t Want to Smell Your Stinking Ass.” Vinnie was followed by Mike and Kate who performed poetry and music that delighted the soul while taking it upon some journeys. Mike and Kate were followed by Zeke Bird who presented several compositions designed to expand the consciousness beyond its ordinary abilities to dream. He was joined by Dan Levin on Electric Guitar and Saxophone for several songs.

As the mind expanding haze conjured up by Zeke Bird lifted, Jesse Morales took the stage to perform several songs that served to bring the audience back from the nether reaches of the unexplored in order to celebrate the energies that makes one alive in this realm of consciousness. He was joined by Vid on drums and A. P. on vocals. He was followed by a poet known as… Well, it was me. Smiles. I was followed by a duo known as Woodrow which consisted of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkam on Guitar. Together they belted out some Hot Damn songs that shook the place.

Woodrow was followed by J. R. (Jessie Roth) Box who shared her voice with the gathering. The evening concluded with performance given by a number of denizens of the Open Mic Series. They included Dee Smoov Allen, Tyler Hartle, Nick Desouza, Jesse Morales, A. P., and others who provided a musical send off instilling a desire in everyone to eagerly await the arrival of another Open Mic Nite Event at The Living Room.  You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday June 2nd Open Mic Nite  with special guests Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 3 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 June 9th 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 June exhibition titled, “The Human Form” featuring the work of Eric Bakke, Rob Hafner, Heidi Hooper, and Sepia Prince. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until June 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.