An OMN Rearranged

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday October 13th. Upon entering the venue, one could not help notice a change in its décor. The furniture had shifted to create a three sided audience space while a corner complete with a sound barrier had been created for the performers. It was an interesting arrangement and it seemed to serve the venue well.

The first to explore this new topography in front of the capacity audience was the evening’s co host JR (aka Jessie Roth) who read some poetry. The words she share were mixed with both tragedy and comedy as thoughtfulness and laughter emanated from those who listened to her recitation. JR was followed by Brad who shared the words written on his heart detailing his experiences while giving encouragement to those who face similar circumstances. Brad was followed by a newcomer to The Living Room Stage.

A Guitarist named, “Winter” sang with a voice that echoed upon the heart. The deeper meanings of the words she sang filled the soul of all who were fortunate enough to listen to their whisperings as they settled like a soft blanket of snow on a winter’s day. She was followed by Dave who had returned to The Living Room after a long absence from it. He and his electric guitar moved from one chord to another until every molecule of the venue vibrated from their resonance. Dave was followed by Hip Hop Artist Dom White whose rhythmic words moved the audience through his beats to the point where Brad was encouraged to rise from his seat to share his moves with the gathering.

Dom White was followed by Amy K whose poetic words were not heard for quite some time by those who frequent the Living Room. However, once she began to share her insights, the words that was instilled in many of us during her previous recitations blossomed anew. And, those who have never heard her poetry prior to that night, felt the reason those who had were smiling thoughtfully from her words. But, for all, the reading was a special treat as Amy read a work she wrote quite some time ago but was hesitant in reading it. She shared her desire to receive some feedback on it after her time at the mic had expired.

Amy K was followed by the evening’s co host AP who performed a series of vocal manipulations which had become a favorite among those who frequent the establishment. Still, the amount of laughter emitted from the audience was in high supply regardless the individual member had been at the venue before or not. AP was followed by guitarist Tycho who had become a favorite at The Living Room for a variety of good reasons. He was joined by Michael Baily who added his vocal to many of the songs Tycho performed. Later, co hosts AP and Andrew Oldfield joined Tycho during his performance.

Tycho was followed by a guitar and banjo duo known as “Somewhat Uncommon” www.facebook.com/pages/Somewhat-Uncommon/342030872508272 consisting of Patrick Maloney and Matt Morgan. They were newcomers to The Living Room and their presence at the mic enlivened the gathering as their impressive talents poured forth. They were followed by co host Andrew Oldfield whose instrumental movements upon his bass guitar and the wild beats he performed subsequently on the drums brought many a lips to utter the word, “Cool.” Yet, what brought a good deal of attention to his talents is when Andrew took a moment to sing.

Andrew was followed by guitarist Vinnie whose rip a new one style was sorely missed by those who have heard him during previous Open Mic Nites. His return to the mic was a welcomed one as he belted out one song after another including one original piece about chunks in a sink. Vinnie was followed by the duo known as Woodrow consisting of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkramp on guitar. They, too, have become a favorite among the Living Room crowd and proved to be so again this time around singing a mixture of songs ranging from recorded recently to those who encouraged memories to come forth.

Woodrow was followed by Poet Amy B who had shared her words upon the stage before but expressed her feelings that she had been away from it for quite some time and decided to leave as she was experiencing a degree of stage fright. Although many felt disappointed in not hearing her words, the gathering of friends understood and respected her decision with hopes she’ll feel comfortable enough to come back and enhance those who hear her once again. Amy’s departure led to the announcement that the main list of performers had been exhausted and the earliness of the hour allowed for the performance of those who had placed their names on the waiting list.

The first to perform a rap duo known as Kazpa and Kid M. Their set brought a smile to many along with a desire to see them return as they were new to the event. They were followed by a return of co host Andrew Oldfield who sang more songs and was equally as well received as before. The evening ended with a performance by guitarist Kess who had performed many times at The Living Room and the finale he provided encouraged everyone to return the following week so they could enjoy more of the same. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday October 13th 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 20th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. 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.