Opening a Mic for the New Year

The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday January 12th. The wintry weather conditions the Monroe County, PA area is known for kept me away from the venue for a number of weeks and this was the first opportunity to partake of the event in the new year of 2014. However, once I arrived it felt as if no passage of time had transpired as the welcoming atmosphere created by the camaraderie of friends I became reacquainted with made me feel at home. It was good to be back.

The evening began with some welcoming words given by the series’ co host Jessie Roth who shared some of her poetic words with the gathering. She was followed by a new comer to the event named, “Eric Odyssey” who shared the stories of ancient times mesmerizing those who heard them with the paintings upon the walls magically serving as illustrations to the images he was conveying through his words. Fred Fozzy Smith accompanied Eric on guitar which added a musical nuance to the performance.

Eric was followed by Guitarist Nicholas Desouza who performed a smooth set filled with jazz and was accompanied by Dee Songbird along with the event’s co host AP (aka Andrew Paul) who provided a vocal percussion with his voice. After this transfixing set, electric guitarist Dave Pugh took the stage to perform his set filled with original compositions along with some cover tunes to blow the sonic minds of the audience. He was followed by Amy Knopf whose poetry never fails to enhance those who experience it with the insightful thoughts they conveyed. She was followed by guitarist Kess who has become a favorite to the gathering throughout the years and 2014 welcomed them as new musical delights emanated from his guitar and voice. As the final notes of his performance settled upon the space, the actors for another performance given by The Da Da Dum Theater took the stage.

The piece presented this week was titled, “Spooky Wooky Doo” and featured Joel Craig and the event’s co host AP (aka Andrew Paul). The piece was written by Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that’s me) and took place in a cemetery. The Open Mic Nite’s co host Andrew Oldfield also participated in the production as he played a “Da Da Dum” rhythm on the drums after the skit’s punch line was delivered (along with some mighty groans). Thus the name “Da Da Dum Theater” was derived. A break ensued after the conclusion of the performance.

During the break, I decided to give into my urgings for some Asian food. The sight of others eating an assortment of Asian dishes contained in little boxes increased my cravings. So, I walked over to the neighboring “Fu Lay” restaurant to purchase some egg rolls and soda to take back to the Living Room with me. There were other denizens from the event also ordering and I shared in some conversation with them. The egg rolls arrived and I returned to the open mic nite to discover co host AP (aka Andrew Paul) Box upon the stage.

He shared the stage with a host of musicians and hip hopsters which included Kidd Marvel, KaZpa, Michael Bailey, and Dee Songbird. Together, they tore the house up leaving its denizens the tools to rebuild it up with an even stronger foundation. The ensemble was followed by Vincent Asaro who gave voice to a number of works written by the classical poets whose subtle glimpses into the divine were defined in his faithful recitation creating a reverent silence among those who listened with their heart.

After Vincent concluded his reading, Brad B took the stage to entertain the gathering with his words reflecting his interpretation of life. These unique interpretation never fail to heighten the perceptions of those who are amazed by them and this night was no exception. He was followed by Fred Fozzy Smith who appeared earlier with Eric Odyssey to provide guitar instrumentals to his reading but took the stage this time to perform a number of pieces on his own. The relaxing countenance of his laid back style reminiscent of the late 1960s moved the crowd towards a like frame of consciousness which helped to make the performance all the more enjoyable. Fred was followed by Dee Songbird who took the stage once again with guitar as she sung a number of bluesy tunes while being accompanied by Nicholas Desouza on drums and, later, on electric Bass guitar.

Dee and Nicholas was followed by the duo know as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow consisting of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar and Vocals. During their performance, it was announced the duo will be the opening act for the Rick Springfield Concert scheduled to take place at The Sherman Theater located in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday March 28th and they played a number of songs for the gathering which were written during the 1980s when Mr. Springfield experienced a high degree of popularity in his musical career. Nicholas Desouza joined them for a number of selections but departed in order to leave them to their performance.

Woodrow was followed by a poet known as Zack whose words touched the essence of the human experience. He was followed by Rendi who is best known to the gathering as a tattoo artist but those who partook of his visual gifts experienced a broadening of their understanding of his considerable talents through the poetry and songs he shared with them. He was followed by co host Jessie Roth who shared more of her poetic words with the gathering. The evening drew to a close with the return of the greatly missed guitarist Jesse Morales who had been away from the venue for a number of months.

An excitement filled the room as Jesse took his guitar in hand in order to prepare it for his high octane performance which has become legendary. There are many cases where the actuality of something doesn’t live up to the legendary but this was not the case tonight. A great deal of joy surpassed all the ecstatic memories created by previous performances. The evening’s performance also had a mystical quality to it as those who have not experienced any of the songs before that evening began to sing their every word along with Jesse. The final notes of his performance filled the room with a profound happiness as many thoughts were drawn towards next week’s Open Mic Nite event and the expectations it holds. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday January 12th Open Mic Nite in The Living Room 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152159666870421.1073741874.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday January 19th 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 January group show titled, “What Is Art, Anyway?” featuring the works of artists from the area and beyond. The exhibit will be on display until January 30th. Their next exhibition will be held in February featuring several artists whose names are yet to be announced. This will be followed by their next group exhibition to be held in March which invites local artists to submit their work. 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.