Video OMN

A gentle night filled the streets of Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday February 2nd which was reflected in the demeanor of those who entered The Living Room for another installment of it’s weekly Open Mic Nite Series. The gentleness of the mood mingled with the familiar excitement contained in the anticipation of performers preparing to sign in so their talents can be shared with the receptive audience the venue has become well known for. When the time to do so came, eager hands busied themselves by affixing signatures to the list of those who would perform that evening.

There was a time to share and prepare between the time of the signing in and when the performances would begin but, as the 7pm hour arrived, the series’ co host Jessie Roth (aka JR) took the stage to welcome all who came to join in the evening’s festivities, all eyes and ears were transfixed upon her presence as she began to speak. It was this time upon which she announced the first of a series of evenings featuring performers who are considered to be “The Open Mic All Stars” will commence on Friday February 21st beginning at 6pm. It’s premier installment would feature Kes, Area 51, The Juggernaut String Band www.facebook.com/JuggernautStringBand, and Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow all of whom has become favorites among those who frequent the venue during its Open Mic Nite series. Tickets can be purchased during intervening Open Mic Nites or from the performers themselves.

It was after these welcoming words and announcements presented by JR did co host Andrew Oldfield take the stage to share a spoken word performance exploring the dimensions and nuances of the word, “Up.” As Andrew completed his final thought allowing those who listened with their essence to ponder upon the deeper meanings of his words, it was announced a special video presentation was about to take place featuring The Juggernaut String Band. The band recorded a DVD of a medley of African Tribal Folk Songs titled, “Amanko/Kish Jig” at Dragon Stone Hill in Saylorburg, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Stone-Hill/112416698783916. The DVD was created by Rock Hard Productions. Steve Truglio ran the projector for the evening.

After a number of technical glitches were resolved, the DVD showcased the energy and talents of the band which consists of Peter Taney on Banjo, Joy Taney on Trombone, Vid Ryan on Bass Guitar, and Carolyn Burbage on Drums. The video presentation was followed by alive performance of the band which added to the excitement the musicians are well known for. They will be part of “The Open Mic All Stars” held at The Living Room on Friday February 21st. The Juggernaut String Band were followed by a guitarist named, “Mike” whose solid voice carried the simple songs he sang into the hearts of all who listened. He was followed by Electric Guitarist Dave Pugh whose powerful performance has become a familiar fixture in The Living Room and was enjoyed by those who relish in each chord change he presents.

Dave’s set was followed by Area 51 whose Hip Hop performance has become a favorite to the gathering featuring Kidd Marvel and KaZpa whose words flowed throughout the venue with their usual style and class. They will be part of “The Open Mic All Stars” held at The Living Room on Friday February 21st#. Area 51 was followed by some splendid readings of poetry by Amy Knopf whose words both amused and motivated those who heard them through their depth.

She was followed by another performance given by The Da Da Dum Theater whose this week’s production was titled, “Wait a Minute” written by Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that’s me). The piece began with the cast of the event’s co host AP (aka Andrew Paul) and Kevin Tails Moucha but the later of the duo had to bow out during the presentation. He was replaced by Tycho who gave the character a Star Trekish quality as he impersonated William Shatner’s Captain Kirk throughout the performance reminding the author of the piece that theater is an interpretive art. A Da Da Dum drum beat was played by co host Andrew Oldfield that signaled the end of the performance.

The Da da Dum Theater was followed by a performance given by Jesse Morales whose exuberance was tempered by a degree of solemnness as he strung his guitar and sang his songs throughout his set. Jesse was followed by Fitted Entertainment which consisted of  Michael Baily, Kid Marvel, and Dee (aka Songbird) whose musicalities flowed throughout the room enchanting every ear their melodies touched. Dee remained on stage at the conclusion of their group performance as she was joined by Tycho who accompanied her on guitar. During the set, she sang her much admired version of the song titled, “Say Something” originally recorded by Great Big World.

Tycho and Dee (aka Mudflap) were followed by co host AP (aka Andrew Paul) Box who preformed his beloved vocal manipulations to the delight of those who heard them. He was later joined by Tycho and Dee who lent song to the performance. The trio were then joined by Fitted Entertainment who created a vocal orchestra presenting a plethora of Hip Hop compositions. They were followed by Electric Guitarist known as C - Rock whose smooth sounds flowed through the audience along with the rhythmic utterances found in the art of Rap he shared at the conclusion of his performance which brought the official list of performances for the evening to an end.

However, there was more time to be shared as the concluding hour of 10pm had not yet arrive. So, the remainder of the gathering formed a circle in order to take turns continuing a story initiated by a member of the circle. This was done twice with varying results but proved to be an amusing endeavor throughout. The evening came to an end as the evening’s co host Andrew Oldfield played wildly upon the house drum set inspiring those who remained to share a frenzied dance with one another. It seemed the evening came to full circle as the rhythmic palpitations and gyrations resembled those seen upon the DVD presented earlier by The Juggernaut String Band. It was soon after the exhausted company collected themselves were a series of farewells shared in anticipation of next week’s Open Mic Nite to occur. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday February 2nd 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 February 9th 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.