The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held an installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday October 27th. However, prior to the event, musicians who utilize the venue to hone their skills, spent the final minutes of their rehearsal time placing the final touches on a piece they planned to play at a later date as those who prepared their spirits to partake of the evening’s festivities absorbed their creative endeavors while they waited for the Open Mic to begin. The music of these skilled musicians consisting of Steve Truglio on Drums, Kevin Vanderhoof on guitar, and a bassist whose name I can’t recall whetted the appetite of many who sought to share their gifts in front of the mic and with audience members who eagerly awaited to experience their offering.The music of the trio came to an end and, after those who sought to participate signed in and some welcoming words were shared by one of the evening’s host, Jessie Roth, the first performer took his place in front of the mic. Brad B, who have shared his insights with the gathering many time, spoke before the modest sized crowd accompanied by documents he composed to enhance the delivery of the concepts he wished to convey. Some of these concepts elicited a degree of discussion which became a lively one. At the conclusion of Brad’s sharings, the first of the musicians to perform plugged his electric guitar into his amplifier and began to play.
Matt B. has performed for the denizens of The Living Room many times in the past and his elongated absence from the Open Mic Nite was felt by those who welcomed the lingering effects of his instrumental renderings. Yet, as the first chords resonated like a clarion bell from his guitar, the yearnings of those who missed his presence and his extraordinary skills found a new home in their soul while those who never partook of the auditory delights before that night did so with mesmerized abandonment. Matt was followed by another electric guitarist; Dave Pugh.
Dave’s electric guitar skills have touched the venue during previous Open Mic Nights. The edginess of the tunes he manifested served as a stark contrast to the hypnotic measures of the previous performer but they were nonetheless welcomed. Each note cut into the soul of the listener until it’s bleeding flowed into the harmonies Dave created as he fingered the strings of his instrument. Dave was followed by newcomer Andrew M. who shared a very simple song he composed and whose brevity composed a volume of thoughts written by each listener who delved into its deeper meanings.
Andrew was followed by a Hip Hop Duo known as Area 51 which consisted of Kidd Marvel and Kazper who performed previously at the venue. Their vocal stylings enchanted the audience who moved their bodies along with them as each rhythmic beat of the words they expressed were explored. They were followed by another duo who has become a favorite among the gathering. Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow, consisting of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on guitar and vocals, wooed those who listened as their familiar classics that ranged from memories of long ago to those created recently filled the room. Woodrow was followed by guitarist Tycho.
Tycho’s performance proved to be a showcase of many musicians and singers he generously invited to share his time before the mic with. The first of these were Kidd Marvel and Kazper whose return to the mice provided rhythmic verbalizations that blended with the deftly played chord changes emanating from Tycho’s guitar. Melissa, whose singing talents has floored all those who were blessed by them during her previous performances, joined Tycho who lent her voice in song to his strumming in order to lift the gathering up to wonderful heights. This incredible set was followed by a Poet named Kitty who has shared her profound words with the gathering before but did not fail to find a new home in the hearts of those who were touched by them during her readings.
Kitty was followed by guitarist and co host Andrew Oldfield who performed in the past and did so again with his usual bravado delighting the gathering with his instrumentals. Andrew was followed by Melissa whose singing earlier that evening swooned the audience which allowed her return to the mic in order to perform alone to become an extraordinary treat. She was followed by guitarist Michael Welton whose voice has intimately touched those who heard it prior to this night and led his affectionate fans, who circled closely around him along with those who remained in their seats, to be moved by every audible and inaudible syllable he uttered.
Michael was followed by Fitted Ent that featured the return of Kidd Marvel and Kazper who were joined by Michael Baily who had performed before and a newcomer named Goya who lent a feminine touch to the splendid vocals performed by the group. Together, they bought their impressive talents to the fore and left the audience breathless as they completed their set. It was at this point the list containing the names of all who signed up to performed for the evening had been exhausted.
However, as there was more time remaining before the event’s scheduled conclusion which allowed additional performances to take place, the waiting list was utilized to round out the evening. The first to benefit from this happy happenstance was Theresa Ratliff who sang earlier as part of the duo Woodrow but came to the mic with poetry which moved the gathering with its insights. She was followed by a guitarist new to the gathering named Nick whose performance inspired beseechments from the crowd to return to the venue and to do so often. The evening came to an end with a repeat performance given by guitarist Andrew Oldfield whose music served as an appropriate farewell to those who were leaving the venue while chatting excitedly with one another about the time they had enjoyed during their visit to The Living Room coupled with the anticipation of returning for another marvelous night of poetry, song, and camaraderie. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday October 27th Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2013 Gallery 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 November 3rd beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. This Open Mic Nite will be a special event as it’ll also serve as a Halloween party with everyone who plans to attend are invited to do so in costume. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed. 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 exhibit is their October Exhibition featuring the works of Keyaira Daniel, Andrew Ozkenel, and Shane Izykowski with the work being on display until October 30th. The following exhibit is titled, “Things that go Bump in the Night” which will be a group show featuring the work local artists. The drop off date for artists who would like to participate in the exhibit is Friday November 1st with the Artists’ Reception taking place Saturday November 2nd. The exhibition continues to be on display at The Living Room until November 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.
