Music, Poetry, and Comedy OM(y)N

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday November 17th. I arrived a little later than usual but was still able to witness the excitement experienced by those who eagerly signed up for an opportunity to share their talents throughout the evening. The thrill each signature represented never fails to have a contagious quality as the delight in being able to expose one’s creative abilities with those who encourage and support your endeavors fills the air and enhances all who breathes its energies in.

The hour to begin the evening arrived with some welcoming words given by the series co host AP (aka Andrew Paul). After some final deliberations regarding the order of performances were decided upon, Dave Pugh took the stage to perform a number of original songs on his electric guitar. Dave was followed by Kitty whose poetic words enhance the room through their rhythmic cadence and depth. She was followed the ever popular duo known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow consisting of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on guitar and vocals. Their welcomed return to the venue entranced the audience as they ended their performance with an especially haunting rendition of a song written by Stevie Nicks titled, “Gold Dust Woman” which appears on the Fleetwood Mac 1977 album titled, “Rumours.”

As the whispering spirit emanating from Woodrow’s performance dissipated, Poet Amy K took the stage to share her insightful words with a gathering eager to engage their thoughts with each meaningful utterance. She was followed by the evening’s co host Andrew Oldfield who played electric guitar allowing the strings of the instrument to exude the musical properties of the song into the consciousness of every listener in the room. Andrew was followed by Dee Smoov Allen (aka Song Bird) who enlivened the gathering with her outstanding performance on guitar. She was followed by Brad B. whose words brought laughter to the room as one amusing tale after another was told.

More laughter was to come as co host AP (aka Andrew Paul) took the stage to present the vocal manipulations highly favored by the crowd. He was later joined by David Livingstien (aka Kidd Marvel www.facebook.com/TheKiddsWorld) and Michael Bailey who performed a number of Rap songs as accompanied by an assortment of sound effects created by AP. They were followed by Melissa Johnson whose vocal talents wooed every heart in the room that was able to create a beat. She was followed by guitarist Tycho whose songs touched the chord of human emotion. He was joined by Dee Smoov Allen (aka Song Bird) to whom he rendered his guitar to while he sang and Andrew Oldfield who accompanied them on drums. They were followed by a performance given by The Da Da Dum Theater.

This week’s piece was titled, “Married” and was loosely derived from an episode of the television show titled, “Police Squad!” which was broadcast in 1982 and created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker who were best known for their films titled, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” and “Airplane!” The program was a spoof of police shows and starred Leslie Nielsen. Although it was cancelled by the American Broadcast Company (ABC) after running only six episodes, it later evolved into the successful Naked Gun film series. The scene from the episode was adapted for a theatrical presentation by Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that’s me).

The theatrical piece featured Ian Amrhein (aka KaZpa) and Melissa Johnson with special guest appearance by Tycho. Andrew Oldfield also participated in the production and 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. It was performed extremely well and, although modesty forbids me to make assumptions for others in this regards, it was very enjoyable to watch. The Da Da Dum Theater presentation of “Married”  was followed by the rap/hip hop group known as Area 51 www.facebook.com/pages/Area-51/164212177012377 who consists of Kidd Marvel (aka David Livingstien) and KaZpa (aka Ian Amrhein).

Together, their rap/hip hop performance had the room jumping as every beat and rhythmic phrasing created a continuous burst of high energy. They were later joined by a young woman known as “Juice” who later paired musically with David and ended the evening as Marvelous Juice. Together, their vocalizing and blended harmonies led to a soulful end to another great evening of The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series. Many wanted to stay to hear more but it was time to end this creative adventure in order to absorb the evening’s offerings and to prepare for what delights were in store for the following week. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday November 17th 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 24th 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.