Austin Miller and his Friends at TLR

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA once again opened its doors to present their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday June 16th. I arrived late to the session and was pleased to find a number of friends listening to guitarist Stephan performing. I quickly got my camera out of its bag in order to capture the performance. However, I was spotted by someone with whom I happily engaged in a conversation with which left little time to take pictures of Stephan’s performance but meeting up with my friend was a wonderful way to begin my visit to the evening’s event.

After Stephan ended his set, the evening’s hosts A. P. and J. R (aka Jessie Roth) announced there would be a break while the featured guest set up their band. It was a short while before Guitarist Austin Miller and his Friends who included Kyle Miller on upright bass, Matthew Fowler on Guitar, and Sam Coplin on Drums took the stage. From the very first note to the lingering echoes that bounced off the Living Room’s walls at the completion of their set, Austin Miller and his Friends set the room and its denizens reeling through their country flavored songs which also included a lot of spicy ingredients from other musical genres as well.

Throughout the performance, one could see a joy embodied in the eyes of those who felt the music coursing through their souls. Heads moved to the beats and rhythms as if that portion of their anatomy were in a dance. While moving from one area of the room to another in order to capture the flavor of the performance with my camera, I found my feet moving in ways enticing me to modify my steps to resemble a dance. I nearly complied to my feet’s desire but I succeeded in my resistance. After all, I’m shy. Smiles.

 Austin Miller is from Orlando, FL and has recently began touring around the country performing in various venues. Austin is often joined onstage by friends and family members who happen to be where he is or going to be. Austin has recently released a CD titled, “More Than One Way” which includes 10 of his original compositions. You can learn more about Austin Miller and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/austinmillermusic?ref=ts&fref=ts.

As Austin Miller and his friends left the stage, another break was announced in order for those who attended the event to chat with the musicians and purchase a copy of the CD. Guitarist Nick Desouza and Percussionist Tyler Hartle then took their places behind the mic to performs several songs. They were later joined by the evening’s co-host A. P. who lent his astounding vocals and vocalizations to many of the songs.

Nick, Tyler, and A. P. were followed by Matthew Fowler of Austin Miller and Friends who returned to the microphone to perform a number of pieces alone until Austin joined him on vocals. They were followed by Chris D. who performed on his guitar with some help from Ashley Johnson who held the lyrics of one of the songs he sung as well as providing some backup vocals, too. They were followed by Sammy who shared his musical talents A Cappella. The evening came to an end as co-host J. R. (aka Jessie Roth) shared a poignant poem about how the human element of relating to one another is being lost in the technology we utilize in the modern age. Ironically, she read her poem off the screen of an I Pad. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday June 16th Open Mic Nite with Special Guest Austin Miller and Friends 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 23rd 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 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.