Rashaad Touches The Living Room

The Sherman Theater's Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom on Sunday February 7^th. A modest sized gathering of musicians, poets, and those who desired to partake of their talents by being their audience began to populate the venue. A joy filled the room to its emotional capacity as acquaintances and re-acquaintances were being made whose warmth offset the wintry chill that was in the air outside the abode of dreams.

The call for those wishing to perform was made and those who did eagerly placed their names upon the sign in sheet. It was after this did the event's co-host, Theresa Ratcliff, take the stage to welcome those who were present and introduced Bongo Dan who again volunteered to provide percussion to performers who desired it as he did the previous week. She then proceeded to introduce the first performer on the list who was Guitarist Nick Desouza who was accompanied by Bongo Dan. His set began the night with the smooth utterances found within his voice and instrument allowing those who were touched by his sounds to enjoy the effects of their mesmerizing properties. Nick was soon joined by vocalist, Elonda Vibez, whose voice moved the room to a heightened state through its rhythmic qualities.

As the echoes of Nick and company faded into the realm of eternity, co-host Emillie Day took the stage to introduce a poet known as “M. C.” to the gathering whose words had the ability to touched upon the realm of truth. He was followed by Ann Matthews who was introduced to the audience by co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) and performed a song exploring the properties of vowels while being accompanied by Bongo Dan and the audience through their participation. She was followed by the reemergence of co-host Emillie Day who took the stage to introduce the evening's featured performer.

Rashaad Taylor took the stage and explored a variety of musical styles originating from a number of established artists making each song his own while keeping the memory of their greatness alive. After his set, he was joined on stage by co-host, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly). Together, they selected a raffle ticket whose winner received a gift card from WaWa. It was after this did a break ensue.

Rashaad Taylor (aka Sugar Prince) has been singing since the age of 5 and has been inspired by the sounds created by B2K, Chris Brown, Omarion, R. Kelly, New Edition, Boyz II Men, James Brown, and Michael Jackson for which he is well known for his impersonations of the “King of Pop.” Mr. Taylor created his own EP titled, “Uh-Huh” in November 2013 through the “Vocalive” application on his i Phone. You can learn more about Rashaad Taylor by exploring his Website at www.reverbnation.com/rashaadtaylor.

After the break, the the performances resume as co-host, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), introduced a poet known as Joe to the gathering and whose rhythmic renderings were met by the beats emanating from Bongo Dan's percussions with both recalling the mind expanding experiences of those attributed to the Beat Generation (Beatniks) of the 1950's and 60s. Co-Host Emillie Day then introduced Bobby Jo Moran whose poetic imagery cultivated a new landscapes in the mind's domain. She was followed by the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf consisting of guitarist Brian Bramkamp and vocalist Theresa Ratcliff along with Bongo Dan as introduced by co-hosts Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) and Emillie Day. Together, they played the songs that were written on the heart and authored by the soul.

After an introduction given by co-host Emillie Day, Woodrow was followed by John F. who sang A Capella versions of songs whose measures were upon each string of the soul. Co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) then introduced Cody Wyoming who shared poetry that explored life through their stories which illuminated the essence of their existence. She also engaged the audience by asking what kind of fish reflected their feelings to which many thoughtfully responded. She was then joined by Co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) who shared some inspired moments together. They were followed by a poet known as Juice Box Fairy who was introduced by co-host Emillie Day and whose words touched the souls of many to the point where a number of the living room denizens touched the home of their hearts as they communed with its stirrings.

Juice Box Fairy was followed by Anthony DeRobertis (aka Frenesi Gates) who shared words that penetrated the gathering through their profundity. He was followed by co-hosts Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) and Emillie Day who shared the stage providing poetry that explore the realms of being. This was followed by a few impromptu jokes delivered by Cody Wyoming and co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) in succession. This was followed by Brad who graced the stage with a dance routine that enlivened the crowd. The evening concluded with an impromptu diversions which included a song consisting of the word “do” as sung by co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) inspiring those who know the words to sing along. Farewells and some final announcements were given by co-host Theresa Ratcliff as co-host Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) provided visual illustrations to her utterances. It was soon after this did the company of friends leave the venue to reflect on their experiences and to anticipate next week's event.

The next Open Mic Nite is scheduled to take place on Sunday February 14^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Paul Knakk. www.facebook.com/PaulKnakkMusic/?fref=ts 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 February 7^th event in the Rashaad Touches The Living Room Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154560933568761.1073741943.91146283760&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.