Joan d'Dutot

The cooled air of a beautiful Spring day filled the soul as The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA opened their doors on Friday May 22^nd to invite art lovers from the local community and beyond to share the beginning of another season of bringing the beauty and thoughtfulness found in art to the area. It was on this date did the gallery hold their Artist's Reception for their exhibition titled, “Painted Perspectives … an ensemble of paintings” which featured the work of Joan Polishook. The event also offered music played by George Thompson thompsonstudio@comcast.net whose gentle instrumentals added a nuance to the evening that proved to be befitting of the art.

A large gathering filled the gallery as a bounty of landscapes, portraits, and other images filled the senses of all who sought to explore each piece's aesthetic intricacies. The exhibition held within it a variety of styles and artistic approaches Ms. Polishook experimented with throughout the years. These endeavors proved to be much more than satisfactory to the eye as their range allowed the imagination to become emboldened to venture beyond the conventional boundaries an ordinary life would impose upon it.

The colors employed by the artist brings a realism to the subjects she captures while, at the same time, creating a sense of fantasy with both elements enticing the viewer to delve deeper into the work until he/she finds themselves within it. This mastery of the art of painting is prevalent throughout the the work regardless of the style or artistic approach employed and added a consistency enhancing the admiration of the exhibit. You’ll find more photographs taken during The Dutot's May 22^nd Painted Perspectives Reception at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153870474848761.1073741853.91146283760&type=1.

Joan Polishook is an award winning artist with work occupying many private, corporate, and museum collections in the United States and abroad. Ms. Polishook is well known for her “Come Paint with Me” program which she began in 1997 offering the experience of painting en plein air for artists to enjoy in various locations each week from June until September. You can learn more about Joan Polishook, her Come Paint with Me Program, and all of her endeavors by exploring her Website at www.joanpolishook-art.com.

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery originated as a brick school house built c. 1850 by Antoine Dutot who founded the town of Dutotsville before it was renamed to Delaware Water Gap, PA. In addition to the exhibitions presented at the gallery, the museum offers tours and educational opportunities for those who would like to learn more about the area. The current Painted Perspectives … an ensemble of paintings exhibition featuring the work of Joan Polishook will be on display at the gallery until June 7th. The images Ms. Polishook captures are not only pleasing to the eye but they encourage the soul to be more of what it is. And, that is something wonderful to realize and I recommend viewing the work while it's on display.

The Dutot's next exhibition will be The Riv12 - The Delaware River - A Big Picture show featuring the work of numerous artists exploring all aspects related to the Delaware River and it’s surrounding areas. An Artists’ Reception is scheduled to be held on Friday June 12^th and the exhibit will continue to be displayed until June 28^th. Please Explore The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DutotMuseumAndGallery?fref=ts or their Website at www.dutotmuseum.com for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Coffee, Tea, or Origins

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held a Coffee House Night on Thursday May 21^st. The evening featured music from the duet known at “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow which consists of Theresa Ratcliff on vocals and Brian Brancamp on vocals and Guitar. The evening also presented poetry, music, and comedy from members of the audience. It all concluded with an Art Raffle which topped off a great night to relax with friends.

As one entered The Origins Gallery, an Artisan Cup was given to each attendee who provided the $3.00 entry fee. The comfortable and welcoming environment of the gallery invited the audience to sit and enjoy what was about to transpire. Raffle tickets were plentiful and were made available to those who wished to purchase them with the hopes of winning an item that was being offered as a prize. After a short time, the show began.

It did so as the gallery's assistant Curator, Ashley Catherine Fontones, shared her appreciative welcome with the audience as well as some news relating to the venue's future endeavors as well as those by the artistic community as a whole. This included the newly formed St'Art Stroudsburg who is planning on flying a drone around Stroudsburg, PA to capture the flavor of the town especially as it's expressed through the Murals that were created last year by Project Street Art. They also hope to fly the drones in East Stroudsburg, PA to capture the images of the murals created there and along the scenic route 611 toward Delaware Water Gap, PA. In the meantime, the group will begin a painting project involving local businesses on Saturday August 1^st to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of the formation of Stroudsburg, PA. The St'Art Stroudsburg projects are affiliated with the PoconoArts Council and are led by Kevin Comier, Ashley Catherine Fontones, and Jody Singer (Curator) of The Origins Gallery.

As Ms. Fontones concluded her remarks, Carlton Farnbaugh (aka The Carlton) took the stage to share his welcoming comments along with those which reflected life in general. He then introduced Woodrow who began performing a series of songs that enchanted and entranced all who opened their soul to them. These songs included those by The Grateful Dead of which Ms. Ratcliff shared a poem she composed that was inspired by it and an original piece written by Mr. Brancamp titled, “Walking to the Moon” that proved to be very well structured and filled with layers of meaningful lyrics while maintaining a simplistic countenance through the music embodied in it. Ms. Ratcliff also belted out her rendition of the song titled, “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” which was performed by the band known as The Police and recorded on their 1981 Album, “The Ghost in the Machine,” but was written by a band member known as “Sting” in 1977 as a demo recording for the band known as “Strontium 90” who would later evolve into “The Police.” Woodrow's performance concluded with a haunting version of the Jefferson Airplane song “White Rabbit.”

As the echoes of Wonderland and its hallucinatory effects filled the room, The Carlton took the stage to announce a break would ensue while he shared some thoughts with the audience. He then shared some poetry which told the stories of the soul after the break was over. The Carlton then introduced Ashley Johnson who shared poetry reflecting the dreams of identity. She was followed by Jake Hammond who shared his comic insights relating to many life topics that induced laughter. Jake was followed by RenDi Young of The Altar Tattoo Shop www.facebook.com/TheAltarStudios?pnref=about.overview who shared some poetry which brought a smile to many who felt its truths. Mr. Young was followed by Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story who never fails to mesmerize an audience with his voice and guitar as his performance of songs he has written along with those he covers enhances their perceptions of the concepts each composition conveys.

As Cee Rock completed his set, a man know simply as “Brad” shared his thoughts on a variety of topics with the audience. It was after Brad's commentary did the evening's raffle begin. Excitement filled the air as each ticket was drawn and their numbers were read out. This was followed by the appearance of Comedian Russell Austin www.facebook.com/russellaustinmusic who took the stage to share tales of his life whose universality inspired laughter. He was followed by The Carlton who shared his appreciation to the audience along with some parting sentiments. It was at that time did the company bid their fare wells to each other as they looked forward to returning to the venue again for their future events. You can view more photographs taken during The Origins Gallery May 21^st Coffee House Night at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153870335763761.1073741852.91146283760&type=1.

In addition to the Coffee House Night, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA host a number of bi-monthly (mostly) themed art exhibitions featuring artists from the local and surrounding areas. Their current exhibit is titled “3-Volley” and it features the never before seen works of Emilio T Ranieri, Ed Cormier, Adolf “Hank” Aldrich. Their work will be on display until May 31^st. Their next exhibition is titled, “Napkin Shmapkin - Whatever Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons?” and will feature the work of local artist Artists who have created images on framed napkins. The Artists Reception is scheduled for Saturday June 6^th beginning at 6pm and the exhibit will be on display until June 30^th. Artists are invited to share their work for the exhibit by dropping their endeavors off at the gallery on Thursday June 4^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday June 5^th from 2pm until 6pm.

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA opens its doors to emerging and established artists and performers including musicians, poets, and actors. The gallery also offers a variety of workshops and classes designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery and how it serves the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Bells, Strings, and Voices fill the SMU for Spring

The Stroudsburg, PA United Methodist (SMU) Church presented their Spring Concert on Sunday May 17^th. The concert featured an afternoon of music performed by two bell choirs, an adult choir, a children's choir, soloists, and several musicians. It was a gentle and quiet time to share in the blending of enjoyable sounds reminding one of the first echoes of the season as its emergence from the previous season fills the souls with a sense of renewal. However, the concert was filled with reminders of the Winter Season as many compositions recalled the Christmas Season which traditionally centers around December 25^th.

The concert began with a musical prelude titled, “To God Be The Glory.” It was performed as a duet on Organ and Piano by Marti Lantz and Lynn Seip. This was followed by some welcoming remarks that extended the hospitality of the church to the gathering. The enthusiastic remarks were followed by a singing of the Hymn titled, “Joy to the World” in which Barbara Hineline and Peggy Steward accompanied the audience with Handbells. The conclusion of the hymn led to a piano solo performed by Lydia Shank titled, “Who Am I” composed by Mark Hall. Ms. Shank was followed by two Bell Choirs.

The first Bell Choir was known as the “AweSUM Ringers” who performed a number of Christmas and wintry selections. They were joined by the second Bell Choir was known as the “SUM Celebration Ringers.” The entire company presented a number of composition while they were joined by Sophia Rostock on Cello. They were followed by the church's Senior Choir who were accompanied by the SUM's Cherub Choir which consists of children for a number of pieces. The Senior Choir would perform again during the concert but, as the set of songs they presented concluded, the SUM's Cherub Choir performed a few pieces on their own. They were followed by a solo performance of the song, “I See The Light” as sung by Julia Webster.

Ms. Webster's performance was followed by the Senior Choir who returned to sing a number of selections accompanied by Bob Shank on drums. They were followed by a presentation titled, “Six Hands at the Piano” featuring a piece titled, “The Witches' Flight.” The composition was performed by Jeanette Kuhns, Marti Lantz, and Lynn Seip who placed their dexterous fingers upon the keyboard while adorned in hats associated with witches. This was followed by a Christmas Drama performed by Emma Allen as Mary and Chris Allen as Joseph and took place prior to the birth of an individual known as, “Joshua, son of Joseph” (aka Jesus The Messiah or Christ) as they journeyed to their ancestral town of Bethlehem Judea approximately in the year 1 C. E. (Common Era) in order to be included in a census conducted by the Roman Empire who occupied the area at that time. The production led to a solo performance of a song sung by Ms. Allen.

The Drama's conclusion led to a performance of stringed instruments in a piece titled, “The Goldfish Rag.” The musicians were Justin Stanton, Marisa Seip, and Lynn Strasser. Their performance was followed by a finale in which the entire company of musicians and singers joined with those who were present for the concert in the singing of a composition taken from the 9^th Symphony written by Ludwig Von Beethoven titled, “Ode To Joy.” Words of appreciation followed the work as all were invited to partake of the food that was provided after the concert and share in the conversation the afternoon inspired.

The afternoon was an enjoyable one as the talents of the musician and singers highlighted the concert. This allowed those members of the audience who did not share in the religious percepts the concert employed to enjoy it as much of those who did. It was a good concert to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with. You'll find more photographs taken during The Spring Concert for SUM at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153870127693761.1073741851.91146283760&type=1.

The Stroudsburg United Methodist Church is located at 547 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The church is currently celebrating serving the local community and beyond for over 225 years through their outreach programs and their weekly services which are held every Sunday at 8am and 11am. Their mission is to “Share the love of Jesus in innovative and compassionate ways.” You can learn more about The Stroudsburg United Methodist Church and all it continues to offer the community from their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgUMC?fref=ts or from their Website at www.stroudsburgumc.com.

The 2015 Arts on Main Festival

It was a beautiful late Spring day throughout the town of Stroudsburg, PA as its annual Art On Main Festival took place on Saturday May 16th. Although there seemed to be a considerably fewer amount of participants than in previous years, the offerings the event did have were pleasing to the eye and held a thoughtfulness about them which allowed the day to be an enjoyable one. These included artists such as McGoy of “Windows of Art and Things Less Ordinary” windowsofart@hotmail.com and Lauren Livingston www.facebook.com/llartwork?fref=ts and Artisans Erica Reinhardt of “Treasures to Trinkets” ereinhar@ptd.net and Erica Metrock of “The Forgotten Fountain” ericametrock@Yahoo.com who were centered around the town's courthouse in which a weekly event titled, “PoconoArts Squared” enjoyed its 2015 debut. Pocono Soap www.facebook.com/poconosoap?fref=ts were also at the PoconoArts Squared area giving demonstrations in the creation of Bath Bombs. A number of galleries were open to share their their creative offering with the public throughout the day including some who held Artists' Receptions in the late afternoon and evening hours which were fun to attend.

I began my day visiting The Soho in The Burg Gallery whose exhibit, “Springing in the Rain” was on display and will be until May 30th. A gallery staff member, Stephen Washington, was outside the venue creating a painting on a canvas while one of the establishment's Artists, Joyce Bambach, presented her work along the gallery's outer wall. The gallery's owner, Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, was inside the establishment greeting visitors to the art with the exuberant energies she has become well known for and making all who met her very glad that they did. The gallery will hold an Artists' Reception on Saturday June 6th beginning at 4pm for their next exhibition titled, “Eye Candy” featuring the work of local artists. The exhibit will continue to be on display until July 30th. Artists are invited to participate in the exhibition and may do so by dropping off their work at the gallery on June 4th and 5th from noon until 5pm. You can learn more about The Soho in The Burg Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sohointheburg or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.

It was after I left The Soho in The Burg Gallery did I venture to the area of town where the artists and the artisans of PoconoArts Squared were gathered. My visit with them proved to be a pleasant one as I visually partook of their offerings and engaged in some meaningful conversations with the vendors. I also briefly visited the nearby PoconoArts Community Cultural Center whose work for their Annual Members Show filled the walls with their beauty and aesthetic depth. I took a few photos and left vowing to return when the Artists' Reception began a few hours later. I walked the sidewalks of Stroudsburg until I heard music in the distance.

I followed my ears until my eyes were blessed by the sight of the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow, which consists of Theresa Ratcliff on vocals and Brian Brancamp on vocals and Guitar, in the vacant parking lot of Brite Cleaners. The duo played a number of tunes with the transcendent style and interpretations they have become well known. The Classic Rock melodies they rendered filled the heart as the memories they induced brought back the wonderments they incurred so long ago. I then left the couple to return to The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center as the time for the Artist's Reception for their 2015 PoconoArts Council's Membership show was drawing neigh.

A huge gathering of artists and art lovers filled the room as over 70 pieces populated the gallery's walls. To say the work was exceptional would be a gross understatement as the care and love for the medium employed in each piece was amply evident in every aspect of the work. The thought that each artists endeavored to out do themselves for this year's exhibit filled the senses of all who were present. There was an unparalleled beauty in the pieces that were only transcended by the conversations they inspired that gave even more meaning to the exhibit. It was during the reception did guitarist Barry Field set up his equipment outside the gallery to play a gentle assortment of jazz and other musical genres. This enhanced the experience of communing with the art even further.

The exhibit was a juried one and praises came from the gathering directed toward the jurors who met the nearly impossible task of choosing the best of the perfectly rendered pieces to receive the awards the The Pocono Art Council offered. The Jurors were Gairre Henry, Alison Cesare, and Thomas Burke. Awards were given to outstanding works in several categories. The recipients in the category designated as “Oils” were Lauren Livingston who received the 1st place award, Karen Duncan who received the 2nd place award, and David Cook who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Acrylics” were Steve Kager who received the 1st place award, Stephen Kruger who received the 2nd place award, and Doug Gilbert who received the 3rd place award while Frank Joest was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Watercolor” were Will Rothfuss who received the 1st place award, James Gloria who received the 2nd place award, and Paula George who received the 3rd place award while Joan Sayer was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Works on Paper” were Mark Ciocca who received the 1st place award, Armando Baez who received the 2nd place award, and Linda Mann who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Photography” were Clavertis Miller who received the 1st place award, John Yetter who received the 2nd place award, and Laurinda Faye Rubin who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Mixed Media” were Adia Gibbs who received the 1st place award, Jan Swift who received the 2nd place award, and Janelle Stensby who received the 3rd place award while Pam Mading was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Fine Crafts (Functional)” were Lenore Fiore Mills who received the 1st place award, April Field who received the 2nd place award, and Leslie Mulligan who received the 3rd place award. Jorge Cruz received the award in The 3-D Works Sculpture and Non-Functional Category for his piece titled, “Eva” and Leah Gottlieb received the award for Best of Show for her sculpted work titled, “I'll Stand By You.”

In addition to the PoconoArt Members' exhibit being presented in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center’s Artspace Gallery, their Studio Gallery offered a collection of Assemblages created by the late Morris Berman which were donated to PoconoArts by his daughter, Ilona Marmer. The work incorporates found objects to divulge the contradictions of modern life which depicts both the whimsical and poignant if it. The display of Mr. Berman’s work is an ongoing one and can be explored during the center’s business hours.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. The PoconoArts Council Members' Exhibition continues until May 25th. Their next exhibition will be their Small Works show with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Friday June 12th beginning at 5pm with the work continuing to be on display until June 27th. Local Artists are invited to participate in the exhibit and the Drop off date is Thursday May 28th from 4pm until 6pm. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center and all it has to offer the creative community from The PoconoArts Council Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil or from their Website at www.poconoarts.org.

As I was ready to leave The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center to continue my adventures relating to the Arts on Main Festival, a sudden and fierce thunderstorm that engulfed the streets of Stroudsburg, PA. I waited alongside the denizens of the gallery stayed within its dry accommodations while waiting for the downpour to cease and partook of the opportunity to share more of our thoughtful love for the arts with each other. The rains subsided and I moved from the center's studio gallery into the main Artspace gallery to leave the premises. I was met by the bluegrass trio known as The Lost Ramblers as they played a tune or two within the room to the delight of those who gathered around them. I then left the gallery and continued upon my Main Street adventures.

It wasn't long until my travels through the still drizzling weather conditions led me to the Origins Gallery who held an Artists' Reception for their exhibition titled, “3 Volley” which is a retrospective of three late creators who all walked different paths in life. The exhibit featured the never before seen work of Hank Aldrich who was a friend of the gallery's co founder Jody Singer, Emilio T. Ranieri who was the grandfather of the gallery's co founder Ashley Fontones of BeastyFeast www.facebook.com/AshleyFontones?fref=ts, and Ed Cormier who was the father of Kevin Comier of Burnt Toad Studios www.facebook.com/burnttoadstudios. The work was as varied as the artistic approaches found in each artist's renderings. They ranged from ink and crayon drawings to photography to watercolors and Litho prints. The images encompassed the beauty of a flower growing as if from the soul's garden as well as images depicting the horrors of the bloodsport known as war. Together, the pieces on display created a sense of wonder among those who wished they had an opportunity to have known the artists during their lifetimes. However, their wishes were compensated by their ability to thank their survivors for the work and the memories they shared.

Emilio T. Ranieri served in the 70th Heavy Tank Battalion Company B and was a former NYC Sanitation worker, Cab driver, and Kentile Worker in Civilian life. After his death in August 2005, a large amount of ink illustrations and superb photography taken during his time as an insurgent stationed in Yokohama and South Korea after the Korean War were found and are a part of the exhibit. Ed Cormier served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany after the end of the Second World War. His work includes experiments in portraiture and official military photography as seen through the eyes of stoic youth searching for hope after the war. Adolf “Hank” Aldrich served in the Merchant Marines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters in World War II. His recently discovered lithographs and water color paintings reflect the prolific life of the architect/print maker/film maker.

In addition to the art presented throughout the gallery, the reception hosted an interactive art activity which entailed purchasing a paper cutout of an image and affixing it to a surface that would later be painted in a manner connecting the images to create something magnificent. The evening also featured the band known as “PFENDT” www.soundcloud.com/pfendt who consists of Tom Pfendt, Nicholas Desouza, and Dee Allen rendering “progressive jams that pull the blues from your soul and pour them into the room like you've got nothing to hide.” This description is quoted from the press release about the musicians that was shared by the gallery prior to the event. However, these words not only reflect the way I would have described the experience but does so in a much better manner. In other words, I couldn't have said it better. Smiles.

The event also included the gallery's now famous Art Raffle that enabled attendees to partake of an opportunity to win some Art at the cost of a raffle ticket. The raffle itself incited a great deal of excited anticipation as each ticket was randomly chosen and their digits were read to the eager gathering until a match was made and the winner would enthusiastically claim his or her prize. The proceeds from both the interactive art activity and the art raffle were used to benefit the Freeland, PA VFW and The Origins Gallery. The Art Raffle conclusion led to a number of announcements relating to the gallery and the art community as well. They were met the astonishing ears of the gathering whose excitement of all that is planned to become manifest filled their hearts and imaginations. It was in this state did the company begin to share their farewells and relished their communal memories of the evening. And, the memories the evening created would prove to be wonderful ones as the combination of the Art, Music, and Conversation created a 3-Volley experience among the gathering.

The 3-Volley exhibition featuring the works of Emilio T Ranieri, Ed Cormier, Adolf “Hank” Aldrich will be on display at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA until May 31st. Their next exhibition is titled, “Napkin Shmapkin - Whatever Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons?” and will feature the work of local artist Artists who have created images on framed napkins. The Artists Reception is scheduled for Saturday June 6th beginning at 6pm and the exhibit will be on display until June 30th. Artists are invited to share their work for the exhibit by dropping their endeavors off at the gallery on Thursday June 4th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday June 5th from 2pm until 6pm.

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA opens its doors to emerging and established artists and performers as they host bi-monthly (mostly) themed art exhibitions featuring artists from the local and surrounding areas. They also offer performances given by quality local talent which include musicians, poets, and actors along with a variety of workshops and classes designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery and how it serves the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.

As I journeyed home from my full day in Stroudsburg, PA, I reflected upon all I had experienced during the Arts on Main Festival. The art and music that was presented throughout the day was seasoned with the camaraderie all art lovers share. This made it an enjoyable and enriching day which I look forward to partaking in next year with the hopes that the festival will be expanded to and beyond those presented in the past. You’ll find more photographs taken throughout the day in The 2015 Arts on Main Festival Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153852966523761.1073741850.91146283760&type=1.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

An Eclectic BookHouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Matt Daniel Band on Friday May 15^th as part of their BookHouse series. The band consisted of Matt Daniel on piano and vocals and Albert Daniel on drums. Together, the duo performed a number of compositions which ranged from the sounds of the Swing Era of Jazz, to the boogie-woogie rock and roll era, and to the musical genre known as “Art Rock.” Mr. Daniel also performed a number of his own compositions which proved to be equal (and in some cases surpassing) the qualities of the classics he performed.

The combination of gentle and uproarious qualities of the music Mr. Daniel presented was accented by the insights he shared prior to performing each piece. They added an understanding of the elements that went into the creation of the composition as well as the time it was written and into the mind of the composer. This served to enhance the evening as the ability to delve deeply into the intricacies of every measure played were amply provided for and partaken of. It was a very enjoyable and enlightening evening at the Library. You’ll find more photographs taken by Kathy Steiner during The May 15 2015 Concerts at Eastern Monroe Public Library - Matt Daniel's Performance at www.facebook.com/kathy.steiner.31/posts/364954803698107.

Matt Daniel is a New York City based composer, songwriter, and performer who has been playing piano for more than 16 years. By composing and playing music in different genres, he transforms his ideas reflecting his philosophy that music is strictly about melody void of too many complexities. It is said Mr. Daniel's performances are the Ultimate Eclectic Experience and I couldn't agree more. You'll find out more about The Matt Daniel Band by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MattDanielMusic or their website at www.mattdanielmusic.com.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) Bookhouse Series takes place in the Edinger Community Room which is located on N. 9th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which includes their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. The library’s Bookhouse series is part of its cultural programming designed to provide a venue for literary and musical events which are outside of the commercial and literary mainstream. The next program in The Eastern Monroe Public Library 2015 Bookhouse Series will feature Hiroya Tsukamoto on Friday June 26^th beginning at 7:30pm with the doors opening at 7pm. Admission to the event is free, but donations would be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will also be available for a small charge. Please Contact Linnae Cintron at 570-421-0800 x 28 or explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts or their Website at www.monroepl.org to learn more information about the library, their Bookhouse series, and all the institution has to offer the community.

Photography by Kathy Steiner.