An Austin OMN

I was fortunate enough to arrived early at The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday October 6th for their weekly Open Mic Nite Series to experience a trio of cousins practicing a musical endeavor upon the stage that remained standing after the previous evening’s Artists’ Reception. They were Dave Botero who practiced his talents alongside Josh and Kevin Velez. There was music on guitar and drum along with some words shared. It proved to be a good way to begin the evening.

As they completed their endeavor, those who frequent the event along with some newcomers began to enter the venue to await the time for the sign ups to begin. The sharing of conversation with one another led to the time for musicians to eagerly place their names upon the list of those would perform throughout the evening. The time to do so arrives and, after some welcoming words given by the evening’s co - host AP and JR (aka Jessie Roth), Chris D. took the stage to share his many thoughts with those who were present. Some of these thoughts led to contemplation while others led to a shared laugh as Chris made an amusing point. In any case, his words were well received and appreciated.

Prior to his sharings, Chris asked me to take his camera so I could film his presentation. I did so reluctantly as I’m more accustomed to still photography and not use to utilize that particular approach to recording events. However, after a time, I began to get the hang of the approach and started to move about the room in order to capture not only the nature of his presentation but the flowing behaviors of the people as they responded to it. It was an interesting experience and I’m glad I can list it among the many enlightenments I had since I began going to The Living Room.

Chris was followed on stage by a guitarist named, “Brad” whose solid voice filled the room well. There was an amount of frivolity in his performance much like that of the joyousness found in the previous set. This sense of happiness prevailed throughout the evening making this particular Open Mic Nite all the more enjoyable. Brad was followed by Michael Welten whose voice had swooned the living room in the past and proceeded to do so again. He was joined by Melissa J. whose powerful voice awe mazed those who heard her during previous Open Mic Nites and her accompanying vocals added a gentle texture to the songs she share with Michael.

Michael and Melissa were followed by Jesse Morales who just happen to walk in off the street just in time to take his place upon the stage. Although his performance excited the audience through his usual high energy velocity, his set began differently with what I’ve heard referred to as a “good ol’ railroad song” which he confided with me later to be a song he wanted to play for a long time but could never remember all the lyrics. However, it was during that day he found time to memorize them and decided to play the song for the gathering.

Upon hearing this, I was appreciative on two counts. The first was that it was good to hear Jesse’s performance of the song. The second was to discover even someone who is so much younger than I am sometimes has trouble remembering things. I no longer feel so old or alone. Smiles. Jesse was followed by co host AP whose vocal manipulations brought some smiles and laughter to the audience. He was joined by Brad who expertly added a musical texture to his performance. After their performance, it then became time to introduce the featured musician for the evening.

Guitarist Austin Miller took the stage and began to entrance the gathering with his thoughtful prose. Those of us who have experienced his presence during a previous Open Mic Nite were glad to do so again. The performance brought my mind to the many sing along sets I enjoyed throughout my time of experiencing concerts but this was more of a think along performance as several concepts derived from a life experienced were explored through Mr. Miller’s lyrics.

If I had a better memory, I would relay some of the quotes that he shared which touched upon the nature of life. Instead, I can only sustain their veracity on a deeper level that needs no memory of words in order to utilize them in my life. Yet, I do remember looking around the room during his performance to see the eyes of many indicating they were affected the same way.

Austin Miller comes from Orlando, FL from where, according to his biography, he developed the laid back and rustic narratives embodied in his songs. He has performed around the country from small venues to establishments like The House of Blues Chicago. His self-released albums have earned a great deal of praise from many music critics and his most recent album titled, “More Than One Way” was available for purchase during his performance at The Living Room. You can learn more about Austin Miller and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/austinmillermusic.

After Austin Miller left the stage, a short break ensued in order to give many an opportunity to share their appreciative sentiment and the newly found insights the musician inspired in them. The performances resumed as Melissa J. took the stage and captivated the audience with her clarion voice that called to the innermost divine presence of the soul. Yet, this presence could not respond in the face of her vocal beauty for the love it felt for the echoes it made upon is sacred walls moved it to a profound silence. She was followed by Brad M who shared some songs with the audience a cappella along with some encouraging words regarding the living of life with acceptance.

Brad M was followed by Andrew Oldfield who performed instrumental pieces on both electric guitar and drums. Andrew has often played at the Living Room Open Mic Nights as back up for many performers. He also serves the event as preparations are made for the evenings through the many tasks he performs. This was the first time he had performed alone on stage and the shared hope was he would continue to do so. Andrew was followed by Mike Q who shared several songs that were well received by the gathering.

He was followed by co host JR (aka Jessie Roth) who performed two songs A cappella. Her voice moved across the lyrics like a boat gently gliding itself across a body of water. Its touch is barely noticeable except for the wake it leaves allowing all who look upon it to discover where they had been. Her performance was the official finale for the evening. However, as there was time left, someone was allowed to take the microphone for a encore performance.

Guitarist Brad took the stage and began to sing. He was joined by AP on vocals and Andrew Oldfield on drums. The evening ended as it began with music mixed with joyous frivolity and laughter. Smiles and enjoyable conversations continued outside the venue as attendees bid each other fare well and looked forward to returning the following week for the next Open Mic Nite. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday October 6th 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 October 13th beginning at 7pm. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. 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 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.