Life in The OMN

It’s been a while since I’ve been to The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA for their weekly Open Mic Nite Series. The month of February had been a particularly harsh one as the climatic conditions of this year’s winter had brought about a great deal of snow and ice making it difficult to travel or find a place to park along the town’s streets. However, the few days prior to the Sunday February 23rd installment of the series saw a warming trend which allowed me to venture out to partake of the talent and camaraderie that the event is well known for. I’m glad I did.

The recent warming trend was enhanced the moment I entered the venue. Denizens of The Living Room were busily chatting away as many were preparing to present their songs and poetry for the evening. Although their number were few at this time, their excitement invitingly filled the air with an electricity that flowed through the streets of the town attracting the performers and those who enjoyed being entertained by them like ions and positrons circling around a nucleus until the mass of the venue compressed and exploded in atomic proportions with the anticipation of the wonders that were yet to come. The fallout soon proved to be amazing.

The evening began with some welcoming words shared by the series’ co host, AP (aka Andrew Paul), who then introduced another of the series’ co host, Andrew Oldfield, who performed an instrumental piece on acoustic guitar which was accompanied by audience members who clapped their hands and stomped their feet to enhance the rhythm of the song. Andrew was followed by the first of the performers who were singed in for the evening. Bradley B took his place before the mike and sang a number of songs a cappella. He was accompanied for a few pieces by AP who lent his vocal percussions to the song. They were followed by Dee “Songbird” Allen on guitar who delighted the audience with her familiar presence and amazingly fluid renditions of the songs she performed.

Dee “Songbird” Allen was followed by Andy Malafarina who was a newcomer to the gathering. A series of comedic stories which brought a great deal of laughter from the audience by Mr. Malafarina who inspired many to never regard a Mustang in quite the same way ever again. He was followed on stage by the duo known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow who consists of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on vocals and guitar. Both had become favorites of the series and performed during the “The Open Mic All Stars” event which occurred on Friday February 21st, 2014 in The Living Room. They 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.

Woodrow’s performance during the February 23rd Open Mic Nite brought a familiar smile to the soul of those who frequent the venue along with the newcomers who experienced their interpretive deftness for the very first time. An example of this interpretive deftness was found while listening to their version of the Peter Gabriel song titled, "In Your Eyes" from his 1986 album titled, “So.” A spirit transcended the essence of the composition filled the ephemeral senses of each listener as they were momentarily taken on a journey that lingered in their being along after the final notes were played. This was followed by a joyful cover of the John Cougar (aka Mellencamp) song from his 1982 American Fool album titled, “Hurts So Good” which left the audience clap happy.

Woodrow was followed by guitarist Justin O’Neil Rosario whose return to the venue after a long absence was deeply appreciated. He was joined by Dee “Songbird” Allen and together they brought some new dimensions to the songs they performed. They were followed by guitarist Kes who has become a favorite among The Living Room’s gathering and performed during the “The Open Mic All Stars” event on February 21st. His performance that evening brought its accustomed smile to the faces who heard him with many signing along to a number of songs which has become part of their play list.

A break ensued after Kes’ performance which was followed by C - Rock whose talent as a Rapster mesmerized the audience who were left breathless by his seamless stringing together of words and concepts whose nuances seeped into their sub consciousness. He was followed by Wilbium whose well known instrumentals performed upon a computer enhanced keyboard led the audience further along down a breathless trip enhanced by the psychotropic qualities of his performance. Wilbium was followed by electric guitarist Dave Pugh whose gentle riffs brought an edge to the gathering who enjoyed the musical excursion he provided them.

The chord changes Dave is well known for were followed by poetry shared by Mc Chicken Nugget (aka Amy Burawski) whose thoughtful words struck a series of chords deep within the soul who listened intently to their echoes. In a rare treat, Amy was joined in song by Jesse Morales who performed on guitar alongside her. Together, they brought a smile to the gathering with a delight that allowed the season of Spring to come a bit closer to the area.

Amy and Jesse were followed by the Open Mic Nite Series co host, Jessie Roth (aka JR), who shared some thoughts and poetry in memory of her recently departed father. No one was unmoved by her words and, even as I write this, the emotion they brought to me as I remembered the passing of my own father is still with me. I remember him laying half conscious in his hospital bed as I whispered I loved him and wondered why it took so long to say it. I still do. Jesse concluded her words by sharing how her father would always stop to help those who were in need and encouraged those who would like to honor his memory to do the same. Many among the gathering expressed their support by hugging her until she gave the life affirming pronouncement it was time to celebrate her father’s life.

Jessie was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who shared a song from his heart a cappella along with some words that were written upon his searching soul. He was followed by Michael “Mabus” Bailey who was accompanied by Dee “Songbird” Allen on guitar. Their performance were enjoyable and signaled the ending of the official list of performances for the evening. However, as there was more time to be enjoyed, those who were signed in on the waiting list were given the opportunity to share their talents as the evening continued.

The first of these individuals was a drummer known as James L. who was a newcomer to the Open Mic Nite Series. His performance resonated throughout The Living Room and the additional vocalizations he enhanced his rhythmic excursions with allowed a new dimension to the beats to emerge. He was followed by AP who shared his vocal manipulations to the joy of those who have heard them before. He was joined by Dee “Songbird” Allen  and Michael “Mabus” Bailey in a rhythmic cantata which further delighted everyone present. Dee and AP remained on stage while Nicholas Desouza took his place with his guitar and together they performed as “The Society” whose jazzy riffs brought a soothing end to the evening’s gifts.

It was soon after this finale did a series of farewells take place with a great deal of anticipation for the next installment of the Open Mic Nite Series to begin. It was good for me to be back after being absent for a number of weeks due to the weather. The evening brought a large amount of joy tempered by some deep sorrow that is, after all, what gives life its meaning. Those who come to the Living Room during its Open Mic Nite find it to be as meaningful as it is entertaining and I look forward to experiencing its offerings again. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday February 23rd 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 March 2nd 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 February show featuring the works of Fran O’ Hagan, Anna Kaszupski, Josue Guardia, and Skellatronna Lovely. The exhibit will be on display until February 26th. Their next exhibit which will be a group show inviting local artists to utilize the theme of “Music and Album Art” in any medium and/or style they wish to explore and present. The Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday March 1st, 2014 beginning at 6pm. The work will continue to be on display until March 26th. Submissions of work will be accepted on Friday February 28th from 6 until 9pm. Please contact the gallery’s curator, Shane Izykowski, at 570-856-1001 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, performance, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. 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.