It
has been some time since I was able to attend the weekly Open Mic
Nites held at The Sherman Theater’s Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA.
But, on Sunday May 10th,
I had the good fortune to be present at the venue in order to enjoy
an evening of poetry and music performed by a variety of individuals
and groups that made the waning hours of the day something truly
wonderful. However, the event would hold a degree of sadness as
Andrew Paul (aka AP) would announce he would no longer perform the
function as the Open Mic Nite Series' co host as the responsibilities
of becoming a new father beckons.
An
hour or so prior to this announcement, AP took the stage to welcome
the gathering to the event and proceeded to introduce the evening's
first performer. Guitarist Burt
Kleinle played a number of songs associated with the group Nirvana
with all the generational frustration embodied in the grunge band. He
was followed by a poet known as SP who shared his words seasoned with
hesitant pauses that created a space filled with a presence that
created an intoxicating transcendent abyss in which all who listened
to its silence delved. After his alloted time had expired, SP was
followed by Jesse Morales who shared his heart felt words that were
composed on his laptop computer that followed the steps one takes
when faced with life's disappointments until the destination of
letting go is reached.
Jesse
was followed by a musician known as Maxwell who utilized his laptop
computer to create some instrumental compositions that touched the
realm of fantasy that resides in each listener. Maxwell was followed
by a duo known as “Your Boy Brian and Rachey” which consisted of
Brian on drums and Rachey on guitar and vocals who, together, offered
songs whose music and lyrics that were powerful in and of themselves
but transcended their magnificence through the delivery of them by
the duo. Their performance was followed AP who took the stage to
share his announcement regarding his leaving the event so he can
concentrate on becoming a father. This was met with a mixture of
sadness and joy as the departure of a well loved friend will lead him
to the wonderments of sharing a life with a child.
The
announcement was followed by a performance given by Cee
Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story
who shared a number of original pieces along with some written by
other well established composers. The qualities of the original work
and the cover tunes proved to be indistinguishable from one another
as the power and musical skills of Cee Rock defined and redefine the
essence of each song through his unique
and transcending interpretations. Cee Rock was followed by Kevin
Tails Moucha
who began his set with some songs sung in
A Capella but ended his performance abruptly as the emotions embodied
in the pieces overtook him. His sudden departure led to a break in
which AP seized the opportunity to playfully dance and sing to the
delight of many while others went outside to enjoy the warm evening
air and the even warmer conversations the event inspired.
As the break concluded, a poet
named Cody Burawski took the stage and shared her powerful words with
many relating to her experiences in Stroudsburg, PA while other
compositions dealt with the overwhelming aspects of life in general.
During her time on stage, she was joined by Jesse Morales to share a
song together. The performance brought an end to the evening as AP
came to the stage and was soon surrounded by members of the Open Mic
Nite gathering who sang to him the song “Closing Time” by
Semisonic which AP is known to play at the end
of each open mic nite. The song ended with a group hug that radiated
the love and appreciation felt throughout the room for AP and his
contributions in making the weekly event something wonderful. He will
be missed.
The next
installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place
on Sunday May 17th
beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. Musicians, poets,
writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a
receptive 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 the meantime, you’ll be able to find more photographs taken
during The
Sunday May 10th
Open Mic Nite at The Living Room at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153835825143761.1073741848.91146283760&type=1.
You'll also find our archive of photographs taken of various events
taking place at The Sherman Theater's Living Room throughout 2015 at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153108259710421.1073741966.636000420&type=1
as well as archival photographs of events featuring the Performing
Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.
In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which presents their current exhibition titled, “Express Your Selfie” and will continue to be on display until May 25th. Their next exhibit is titled, “Music: My Universal Language” featuring the work of local artists with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday June 6th beginning at 6pm. The exhibition will continue to be on display until June 28th. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 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 anon-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music,exhibitions, 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.
Photography
by Paparazzi Paul.
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