An Open Mic Skips a Monday

As the first month of 2016 came to a close, The Sherman Theater's Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Nite Series www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom on Sunday January 31^st. A newly arranged venue greeted the many who came to either perform or partake of the talents that would appear on stage that evening. There was also an anticipation among the gathering to experience magical qualities of the featured performer for the night.

It was after the much beloved sign in ritual in which musicians, poets, comedians, and others places their signatures upon the sign in sheet could perform occurred did the event's co-host, Theresa Ratcliff, take the stage to welcome those who were present and introduced a gentleman known as Bongo Dan who volunteered to provide percussion to performers who desired it. She then proceeded to introduce the first performers on the list who were a duo known as “Cry Baby Selfies” (formally known as bbqwhore) www.soundclick.com/bbqwhore consisting of Rick and Frank Mitchell. The father and son duet explored concepts through other worldly lyrics that were accentuated by a series of profound beats that wrapped each utterance they shared with a hallucinatory blanket.

Cry Baby Selfies were followed by Ann Matthews who performed a song about deciding to have children to the delight of parent and non parent listeners alike while being accompanied by Bongo Dan, She was followed by comedian Chris Jones www.facebook.com/Chrisjonescomedy/?fref=ts who explored a great number of topics to the amusement of the audience. He was followed by a guitarist named, “Vanessa” who soulfully sang songs that spoke the truth found in a life of contradictions. She was followed by Harmonicist, Emmitt Derrick, who performed a number of Louisianan Blues compositions to the delight of the crowd. This was followed by a break as the featured performer prepared for their set.

The duo known as “Skip Monday” consists of Kaylin Karr on Guitar and Vocals and Nathan Montella on Box Percussion. The mystifying essence found in the original songs composed by Ms. Karr were enhanced by a voice whose divine attributes wrapped themselves around every word she gave a presence to. There were many times during her performance did she look toward the sky assuring the denizens of heaven they can take subsistence and inspiration from the songs she sang. The magic found in Mr. Montella's beats added to the depth of each song by creating an underlining rhythmic current that served to emphasize the subliminal elements of the compositions.

Skip Monday are from Scranton, PA and has received many local awards throughout 2015 for their talents. These include the Steamtown Music Awards, Weekender's Reader Choice Awards, the Happenings Magazine “Happie Awards,” and Electric City Best Of 2015 Award. Skip Monday has recently released an EP titled, “Wildfire.” Please explore the Skip Monday Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SkipMondayband or their Website at www.skipmondaymusic.com for more information.

After a break ensued in order for the audience to learn more about Skip Monday by conversing with them as well as with one another, Co hosts Theresa Ratcliff and Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) took the stage to choose the winning ticket of the evening's raffle. The funds were raised to help reimburse some of the expenses Skip Monday had incurred during their journey to The Living Room. It was after the winner claimed his prize, which was a gift certificate to the local Starbucks, did the the performances resume.

It was at this time did the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf consisting of guitarist Brian Bramkamp and vocalist Theresa Ratcliff with special guest Bongo Dan take the stage. Together, they took those who were present upon a journey which began down a rabbit hole with a quizzical Alice. They were followed by Dave Angelus Wotring who began by sharing his appreciative sentiments with those who changed his life toward a better existence and continued to share these concepts through a song. He was followed by Justin Scalia whose voice and electric guitar flowed throughout the room with their penetrating vibrations that lingered in the crowd long after the final notes were played. Justin was followed by another electric guitarist named, Joe Craig, who shared a number of songs that touched the chords of every instrument embodied within the human soul.

Mr. Craig was followed by Zack Hammond whose comedic talents explored a variety of topics ranging from Kink Films to the origins of Fetishes. He was followed by Frenesi Gates who was joined by Dark Ashley who added a variety of sounds from his keyboard to enhance the performance art piece that challenged the realities that premeditate the formulation of our thoughts. Frenesi Gates was the final performer who was on the sign in sheet but, since there was time left before the evening would come to a close, those who placed their names on the waiting list were afforded the opportunity to share their talents.

The first of these were Dark Ashley who performed earlier with Frenesi Gates and continued exploring the multiplicity of thoughts inhabiting the interiors of the mind. He was followed by guitarist, Michelle Leanna Zbinden, who shared her considerable talents to the delight of all who heard her. She was followed by Brad who performed a number of dance routines which were well received by the audience. The final performance of the evening was that given by co host, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), who had introduced a number of individuals throughout the night. Ms. Tilly shared her poetry which brought a thoughtful countenance to the gathering which proved to be a befitting finale to the event.

The next Open Mic Nite is scheduled to take place on Sunday February 7^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Rashaad Taylor.” www.reverbnation.com/rashaadtaylor 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 photographs taken during the Sunday January 31^st event in the An Open Mic Skips a Monday Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154545685348761.1073741939.91146283760&type=3.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. In addition to their Open Mic Nites series, the venue also holds a number of concerts and special events. Please Explore The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 or call 570-421-2808 for more information on the venue, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.