A Variety Touches the OMN

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday November 10th. Those who arrived early were treated to the musical talents of Steve Truglio who was found practicing on the drum set which would be later utilized to back up some of those performing throughout the Open Mic Nite event. The for the event gathering grew as Steve finished his preparatory set and those seeking to share their talents formed a line in order to sign up for an opportunity to do so.

The hour to begin the evening arrived with some welcoming words given by the series co hosts, Jessie Roth (aka JR), AP (aka Andrew Paul), and Andrew Oldfield. The performances opened as the stage was shared by AP and Andrew Oldfield who became known as The Two Andrews. Their combined vocal talents proved to be a fitting commencement of the event as it set the enthusiastic tone that would be prevalent during the evening. They were followed by Theomar Chakey Francois (aka SunnyShading www.facebook.com/SunnyShading) who shared the contagious joy that was within his being through his songs.

As Theomar completed his set, Amy Burawski, Jack Shaffer, and Andrew Oldfield prepared to take the stage to perform a theatrical piece titled, “Creeps” for the newly formed Da Da Dum Theater. The piece was loosely derived from an installment of the “Pogo” comic strip which was published in newspapers nationwide from the 1940s until the 1990s. It was created by cartoonist Walt Kelly and centered around a possum named, “Pogo” who lived in the Okefenokee Swamp of the southeastern United States. The comic strip was known for its social and political satire for which it earned The National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award in 1951.

The installment of the “Pogo” comic strip performed during the Open Mic Nite at The Living Room was adapted for a theatrical presentation by Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that’s me). The duration of the skit took less time to perform as it took many you who are reading this elaborately written segment of the article to do so. The lines were rendered verbally by Amy and Jack while Andrew played a “Da Da Dum” rhythm on the drums after the skit’s punch line was delivered. Thus the name “Da Da Dum Theater” was derived.

While I can say the skit was performed extremely well and was received graciously by those present in the venue, modesty forbids me to comment on the quality of the piece. All I can say in regards to the skit is that it was fun to watch it performed and it was very pleasant (and humbling) to learn some were inspired to write their own theatrical pieces for future Open Mic Nites. I, personally, was encouraged to write (borrow, steal, whatever) other very short skits to be performed in the future with hopes they’ll be entertaining and well received by those who will be at The Living Room at the time.

The Da Da Dum Theater was followed by Dave Pugh who performed a number of songs on acoustic guitar. This was a change of pace for the guitarist whose performance usually consists of presenting instrumental pieces on an electric guitar. Mr. Pugh had performed on acoustic guitar during prior Open Mic Nites but these were rare occurrences. These special sets often prove to enjoyable ones as the depth of each song performed is allowed to formulate a profound resonance in each listener through this musical approach. This evening’s performance by Mr. Pugh was consistent with his earlier ones and created a hope they would be less rare in the future.

Mr. Pugh was followed by a return to the stage by Jack Shaffer who performed a number of songs on his guitar. A number of songs were dedicated to long time favorite of The Living Room, Jesse Morales, who had moved from the area. A great deal of emotion filled the room as those who missed their colleague thoughtfully clapped along to the happy beats inherent in the songs Jesse wrote as sung by Jack. The love felt for their absent friend inspired many to record the performance on their phone so it could be sent to him.

Jack Shaffer was followed by Kidd Marvel (aka David Livingstien) www.facebook.com/TheKiddsWorld who was joined by Michael Bailey and Ian Amrhein. Their hip hop performance flowed through the room as smiles and voices singing along jumped in the air with joy. The trio was followed by newcomer D_onGY (aka Erick Garcia) who continued the Hip Hop flavor of the evening along with several songs to enhance the mix. He was followed by Dee Smoov Allen (aka Dong Bird) whose long absence from the Open Mic Nite had been noted by those who had frequent the event since its beginnings. Her return was a welcomed sight and sound to everyone present while the hope of she will frequent the venue often during future Open Mic Nites. The conclusion of her astounding performance on guitar led to a break so everyone could partake of an opportunity to take a breath and to share their appreciative sentiments to those who had taken their talents to the Living Room’s Stage so far that evening.

After the break, David Livingstien, Michael Bailey, and Ian Amrhein returned to the stage as Area 51 www.facebook.com/pages/Area-51/164212177012377 performing another welcomed set of Hip Hop inspiring an even more enthusiastic response from the audience. They were followed by the return of Amy Burawski and guitarist Jack Shaffer who began sharing a song with the audience but some confusion about the songs that were selected led to Amy sharing her poetry with the gathering. The depth and profound meaning of the work combined with a mesmerizing delivery that transfixed all who listened to every cadence of her insightfully expressive renderings.

Amy and Jack were followed by newcomers Will and Peanut who sang a number of songs to the delight of the audience. They were followed by co host AP whose verbal articulations always pleases the audience as does the challenges to verbalize concepts rendered to him by those who wish to experience the process in which he meets them. This week’s challenge was to create the mental image of seven sexy frogs and whatever they might do while together. A great deal of laughter ensued and I, personally, laughed so hard I nearly croaked (I had to say it). Smiles.

The evening came to an end as the guitarist known as C. O. G. took the stage and sang a number of folk songs. It has been quite a long time since he had shared his extraordinary musical talents at the venue and his presence was a welcomed one. A lifetime of the singer’s experience enhanced the performance of each song as they were not merely sung but lived through his soulful interpretation of them. During his set, he was joined by David Pugh and together they sang the Bob Dylan classic, “Positively 4th Street” to which many who knew the song sang along. Towards the end of the song, David mimicked a harmonica and inspired some laughter as he ended his solo performance by announcing the last note was a “High Note.”

This announcement proved to be an apt one to describe the final performance of the evening as it was indeed a high note to the already extraordinary moments shared during the Open Mic Nite. Many who attended lingered and laughed while conversations surrounding the memories the event inspired spoke of the anticipation of returning the week for another talent filled adventure. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday November 10th Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 5 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152011186945421.1073741872.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday November 17th 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. 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 “Things that go Bump in the Night” Exhibition featuring the works of area artists. The exhibition on display 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.