Putting the OM in OMN

As I entered The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday July 7th to partake of the week’s installment of their Open Mic Nite Series, I came across a woman who was walking among the many people who were sitting upon the floor waving her hand. I mistakenly thought she was spreading some imaginary grain as if feeding chickens. I was immediately shown her hand  who held a small burning portion of incense from whose aromatic qualities she was utilizing to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the surroundings as well as those who were gathered. It was in that moment of satori then I know my evening at The Open Mic Nite would be like no other I have experienced before.

It was a few minutes later when the featured performers of the evening were announced. They were called Lobo Marino who traveled to the venue from Richmond, VA while on tour. Their name came about during one of their journeys in South America where they spent a year encountering a number of spiritual guides who included a Pacific Sea Lion (known locally as “el lobo marino”) and took the duo on deeper journeys within their soulful essence. As the duo took their place, I was touched by a gentle whisper as the woman I spoke to earlier, whom I then discovered was named, “Laney Sullivan,” took her place beside her musical partner, Jameson Price, to make the final preparations for their performance.

Immediately, the chakra cleaning sounds flowed through the room and its inhabitants as Lobo Marino created an aura of music reflecting the Vedanta (aka Hindu) tradition which included a communal responsive chanting of mantras known as Kirtans. The energies enjoyed from the performance brought a sacred quality to the evening from which its denizens freely explored their creative and joyful natures while embarking upon journeys leading them to one internal revelation to another. While each journey was an individual one from whom the spiritual nature of it could not be ascertained by another, the knowing these journeys were being made could have been derived from looking behind closed eyes and seeing all that is unseen. As for me, the performance made manifest all the meaningful dreams I ever really, really wanted to come true while encouraging me to continue dreaming.

The performance of Lobo Marino transcended the consciousness of time and place as their music expanded the borders of what one may consider those encompassing the art. It brought an inspired understanding to things in this world and beyond that can never be fully understood. Together, we heard what we could not hear, we saw what we could not see, we felt what we could not feel. Lobo Marino has created two CDs with the first titled, “Keep Your Head up” and the second titled, “The Reincarnation EP.” You can learn more about Lobo Marino and their music by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Lobo-Marino/124201317615541?fref=ts.

As the final notes from the duo faded from the ear only to be imprinted forever in the soul of all who were fed by it, the evening’s co host (AJ and JR) shared there would be a break so those who wished could purchase a CD, merchandise, or share in a conversation with the pair. An eager yet gentle stampede ensued as an outpouring of loving appreciation sought to touch them. And, those who were fortunate enough to be the purveyors of that touch, felt something in return that later moved their heart to a softened tear of recognition.

The Open Mic Nite resumed as the two man band known as Los Huevos took the stage. Their kick ass energies were well know in the venue from previous performances and are well loved by those who have heard them before and were met by an affection from new comers to the event. They were followed by Jesse Morales whose high energy performance upon his guitar has shown itself to be a consistent favorite among the Living Room’s denizens. He was followed by guitarist Jake Shaffer who was also familiar to those who have gathered at the establishment before and proved to be as enjoyable as ever.

Jack was followed by Poet Benjamin Ordonez who shared some hard hitting poetry. He was then followed by Guitarist Stephan who has played at the Living Room in the past as well adding a gentile sound through his instrumentals. He was followed by Guitarist John Henry who was then followed by Steel Guitarist Christian Diana whose performance never fails to remind those who love the sound of the instrument remember why they do.

Christian was followed by a new comer comedian known by his name’s initials which were E. A. R. Anthony “Tycho” Roberts joined him as his comedic conscious at which those who knew him jokingly pronounced one would never want Tycho to be their conscious as it would be like “Going to Iraq without a gun.” The evening came to an end with a performance from guitarist Dee Smoov Allen who has performed many time at The Living Room. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday July 7th Open Mic Nite with special guest Lobo Marin in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 3 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151625325480421.1073741831.636000420&type=1 and in Part 4 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151751090710421.1073741841.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday July 21st 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 Kess Lyman. 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 current exhibition is titled, “You ART What You Eat” featuring the work of area artists who has submitted their creative endeavors in relation to the exhibit’s theme. The You ART What You Eat Exhibition continues to be displayed 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.