Everything at OMN

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA ended the first month of the Summer Season with their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday June 30th. A cool breeze filled the day as I entered the venue. I was met by some equally cool musicians and lovers of music who casually chatted with one another while awaiting the commencement of the evening’s offerings. A number of newcomers to The Living Room were among those I met who were eager to share their talents with the friends they had recently met.

The evening began with some welcoming words by the event’s co hosts A. P. and J. R. which led to A. P. starting things off with some outstanding Re Box vocalizations which he has become well known for. He was followed by Justin O’Neal Rosario on Guitar who joined Dee Smooth Allen on vocals for a number of songs which set the mood for the evening and extended the welcoming atmosphere initiated by the co hosts. They were followed by Guitarist Kess Lyman who considerable talents were accompanied by an announcement that he will be the event’s featured performer on Sunday July 21st and will be on tour until the 28th.

Kess was followed by Guitarist Rick Mitchell who sang a number of songs including a interesting version of a Peter Frampton song which gave it more depth than the original presentation. He continued to perform alone until his son, Frank, joined him to re interpret more familiar pieces including the Harry Nilsson classic, “Put the Lime in the Coconut.”

Rick and Frank were followed by Sundays on Main which consists of Anthony “Tycho” Roberts and Dee who were later joined by A. P. and Justin. During their set, Dee thanked all those who have partook of their previous performances at the Living Room and encouraged their musical endeavors to the point they were being paid for their presence. It was then announced that an incarnation of their combined talents as the band known as “Society” will perform in the upcoming Freedom Festival which will take place on Thursday July 4th in East Stroudsburg, PA.

As the last song performed by Sundays on Main echoed throughout the room, a break was initiated as the evening’s featured band made their way into the venue to set up. Several poems were recited by the evening’s co host J. R. (aka Jessie Roth) during the break which included the poem titled, “40 Love Letters” written by Jeanann Verlee. The recitation was accompanied by Tycho on guitar who often paused with a blush when a passage recounting particular aspects of human relationships were shared.

A hush came over the crowd as the band Everything Ever was announced. The quietness of the moment was quickly shattered as the bombardment of sounds emanating from the musical instruments and voices slapped the denizens of the Open Mic Nite on their faces with each chord and melody they conjured up. The raw energy of their performances not only pierced those who were within the vibrations of their sizable amplifiers, but it was reported those who were passing by the venue expressed their awakened astonishment of the sounds generated during a sleepy Sunday afternoon by saying, “WTF is that?” and “Can I come in?”

Everything Ever was formerly known as “Curious Volume” and presently consists of Andrew Paladiro on Vocals and Guitar, John Trotta on Vocals and Bass, and Zach Sandel on Drums. They’re from both Staten Island, NY and Bergen County, NJ but they arrived at The Living Room after traveling from Ohio to finish a tour they had been on with the venue being the last stop upon their tour. They explore a number of musical genres which include Punk, Hard Core, Industrial, and anything that overwhelms the senses one presently have in order to create new ones. You can learn more about Everything Ever by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/everythingeverband?fref=ts.

As the final sounds of Everything Ever completed their vibrational effects upon their audience and the mortared bricks of which the buildings of the town is comprised of, another break was instituted in order for everyone to meet the band and to acquire the CDs and other merchandize it had to offer. It was soon after this respite did the next performer take her place before the microphone. A guitarist named, “Dawn” rattled the crowd with her solid interpretations of the songs she shared utilizing the impressive octavial qualities of her voice. Dawn was followed by a new comer to the venue.

Guitarist Jordyn Albanese was among the youngest who assembled for the event but her voice and phrasing of each song brought an ageless quality to them that delighted the audience who made it a point to express their desire for her to return to bless their ears in the future. She was followed by another new comer named, “Melissa S.” who performed a cappella with a voice so powerful the microphone was turned off so the cadence of it could be fully experienced through her performance. She was joined by Dee who could no longer sit and listen without adding to the wonderful vocal communion with her own voice.

Melissa and Dee were followed by Liz who has not sung at The Living Room for quite some time but did so this night a cappella. The earthy tones of her voice created starships of constellations to their lights upon each song she performed. She was followed by Dee who once again took the mic with her guitar in hand to finish out the evening with her songs. It was a fitting end to another wonderful evening as those who left eagerly awaited for another segment of the weekly series to arrive. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday June 30th Open Mic Nite with special guest Everything Ever 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 July 7th 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 Lobo Marin. 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 presents the work of visual artists from around the area. Their next exhibition is titled, “You ART What You Eat” featuring area artists who are invited to submit their creative endeavors which are related to the exhibit’s theme. Submissions are due Friday July 5th and the Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday July 6th beginning at 6pm which will include Area chefs creating their signature dishes on site and who will judge an Artistic Entree Contest. The You ART What You Eat Exhibition continues until July 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.