Keeping Cool with Some Hot Blues

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

As the day's temperatures reached above the 90 degree mark, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA decided to hold the Sunday July 24^th installment of their 2016 Summer Gazebo Concert Series within their air conditioned fellowship hall. The comforting atmosphere of the building brought together a room full of music lovers and friends of the concert series while hot dogs and other delicious items were being prepared in the facility's kitchen. The congenial mood was further enhanced as The SheilaMark Band took their place before the audience at the appointed hour.

Jim Dellaria of the church wasn't present to welcome the attendees or to introduce the musicians as he was away. So, the delightful task was placed upon Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that's me) to perform. After Paul spoke, The SheilaMark Band began casting their melodious enchantments upon the listeners. The compositions they selected weaved together formed an eclectic tapestry of mesmerizing sounds that brought together a sense of heat and coolness to the crowd. The concert was a joy to experience as songs were interspersed with pleasantries the band members shared with each other and the audience along with insightful introductions of the pieces they performed. It was all too soon that the concert concluded but this led to numerous appreciative conversations with the band and the anticipation among the audience of the next concert to come in the series. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The SheilaMark Band concert in The Keeping Cool with Some Hot Blues Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155075851068761.1073741998.91146283760&type=3.

The SheilaMark Band consists of Mark Hamza on a modified Hammond organ, Sheila Stratton on vocals, Dean Rickard on drums, and Teddy Young on guitar. Together, they performed a variety of songs composed during many time periods and of many genres. The performance also included some original compositions that equaled (and in some cases surpassed) the qualities of their original renderings. You can learn more about The SheilaMark Band by exploring their Website at www.sheilamarkproductions.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SheilaMark-Band-152690641429026/?fref=ts.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening until the end of August. The next concert will feature Calliope offering a trio of musicians performing classical, traditional, and Americana selections. The free concert will take place on Sunday July 31^st beginning at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 or their Website at www.churchofthemountain.org for more information.