Waiting for OMO (ie OMN)

Those who ventured through the seasonally cold pre winter night of Sunday November 22^nd to partake of another installment of the weekly Open Mic Nite Series www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom held at the Sherman Theater's Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA were greeted by the event's hosts who were sitting outside upon a bench while waiting for a concert that was being presented in the venue to come to its conclusion. The chill that was in the air was dissipated by the warming conversation that abounded among the temporary denizens of the sidewalk. It was quite some time before entry to the establishment could be had but, once it was, a sigh of toasty relief came upon the large company who eagerly shuttled in to partake of the venue's warmth which was generated by both its heating system and those who would share the wonders of the evening with them.

As a delicious tray of lasagna was set out by Bobby Jo Moran for all to partake of, co host Theresa Ratcliff welcomed the gathering and shared her appreciation for the fortitude they demonstrated while waiting to come within the venue. It was after her words did she introduce the fist act which was Guitarist Christian Van Dunn who sang a mixture of originals and already establish songs which inspired many to sing along. He was followed by a co host known as “The Carlton” who shared his special brand of humor to the delight of the audience while the next performers were setting up their equipment.

It was after Carlton's words did the band known as Cosmic perform. Their sounds flowed across the audience like an ocean's wave whose life giving liquids were absorbed by the gathering's sponge like attention. They were followed by the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf who consists of Theresa Ratcliff and Brian Bramkamp. The complex lyrics of their first election drew the audience toward its depth as their interpretations provided renewed meanings to the this and the other songs they performed. They were followed by The Carlton who engaged the audience's through their intellect and rhetoric participation which was inspired by his poetic renderings.

The Carlton was followed by a new comer to the Open Mic Nite Series known as Pa Pa Doc who sang with such energy and joy it was impossible for the gathering to not embrace his talent. He was followed by a poet named, “Clara” who was new to the event and spoke words that penetrated the consciousness as their deeper meanings poured into the spaces her utterances created. She was followed by a comedian known as RJ who was a newcomer and whose observations of Pigeons and Politicians inspired a great deal of laughter. He was followed by Cody Burawski who had been a part of the Living Room's population for a long time until she moved out of the area. Her return created a joy as her long missed poetic phrasings touched many of the familiar spaces that were left empty by her absence.

Cody was followed by another long time favorite known as “Dee Allen” who heightened the room's energy through the powerfully delivered songs she shared. She was followed by a favorite of the room known as “John” who fearlessly shared songs that were played in his head thanks to his electronic device and were heard within every heart that was present. He was followed by another new comer known as “Tim K.” whose guitar and haunting voice traveled into the essence of the song in order to release its soul. He was followed by Wilbium who closed the evening out with a performance presented upon his electronic Keyboard and guitar. Dancing ensued as the mesmeric vibrations emanating from each measure of his instrumental manipulations flowed through every molecule composing the involuntary rotary functions of the mind and body.

It was as Wilbium's performance was at its conclusion and its effects slowly dissipated did co host Theresa Ratcliff share her appreciation and admiration to the gathering for their steadfastness in regards to being present in spite of the long wait that occurred before entry to the venue would be granted. It was soon after her words did the company bid each other farewell and begin to leave in anticipation of returning the following week for another Open Mic Nite at the Sherman Theater's Living Room. This will be take place on Sunday November 29^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The feature performance for the evening will be the band known as “Cosmic.” Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. In the meantime, you'll be able to view the photographs I took during the November 22^nd event in the Waiting for OMO (ie OMN) Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154374372553761.1073741926.91146283760&type=3.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Sherman Theater’s Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery. Their next exhibition will be their Black Saturnalia Exhibition with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday December 12^th beginning at 6pm. The Drop off date for artists who wish to place their work in the show is Monday December 7^th beginning at 2pm. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, exhibitions, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on the venue, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.