Sunshine on Rubino

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The bright sunshine of an August day shined upon the stage and surrounding grounds of The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA on Monday August 8^th as The Eastburg Community Alliance presented guitarist Katie Rubino as part of their Music on Mondays Series. Yet, as brilliant as the sun's radiance was, it paled in comparison to the presence of Ms. Rubino whose loving countenance transmitted a colorful spectrum through her glorious voice and mannerisms. The performance began a bit later than planned due to some technical concerns but was proven to be worth the wait as the huge numbers of music lovers embraced the first notes Ms. Rubino shared with their hearts.

As Ms. Rubino casted her enchantments of original compositions along with those written by other artists upon the gathering, the interiors of the depot shone with the smaller but impressive lights emanating from the pen and ink renderings created by Morgan Weissbach. The majority of the work comprised of black and white depictions of images that dwelled in the realms of fantasy. Yet, her aesthetic skills lent a reality to each piece as its content moved into the viewer's mind to manifest itself in their every day worlds. Ms. Weissbach's work included a number of pieces in which color was used to enhance the image and its impact upon the viewer. The use of light hues created a softening sensation to these pieces which allowed the viewer to gently meander among its textures.

In addition to the music of Katie Rubino and the art of Morgan Weissbach, original Jewelry created by Liz Smeltz www.pinterest.com/jimsmeltz/jewelry-by-liz was on display and available for purchase as were hot dogs and other seasonal goodies outdoors. The afternoon proved to be a wonderful time to share in some great music, transfixing art, and good friends. The next installment of the Music on Mondays Series is scheduled for Monday August 15^th at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA with music by The Jordan River Ramblers along with the work of Laura Clark Curtis on display within the Depot. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in the Sunshine on Rubino Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155123993788761.1073742004.91146283760&type=3.

Although Katie Rubino is merely 16 years old (she'll be 17 on Thursday August 11^th, 2016), her stage presence and her ability to covey the most intimate of sentiments contained in the songs she selects goes way beyond her chronological age. Yet, the sprite spirit of youth permeates all she does and the joy of it proves to be a contagion to all who comes in contact with it. Ms. Rubino's musical influences range from Taylor Swift to Etta James. You can learn more about Katie Rubino and her music by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Rubino/671949426269618?fref=ts or her Website at www.katierubino.com.

Morgan Weissbach is from Saylorsburg, PA and has lived there all her life. She attended Stroudsburg School District until she graduated in 2013 and is currently attending The East Stroudsburg University of PA as a senior who is majoring in Studio Art and Design. She has had several influential art teachers at both institutions whose loving guidance continues to inspire her. Ms. Weissbach has received several awards for her work including two consecutive years in which she has won best in show in the East Stroudsburg University of PA Student Art Exhibition, several best of show awards at the West End Fair in Gilbert, PA, and second place for entry of works on paper piece in The Pocono Arts Membership Exhibition.

The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fund raising, memberships, and local contributions. In addition to their Music on Monday Series, The Eastburg Community Alliance presents a number of events to delight and entertain the overall community throughout the year. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance or their Website at www.eastburgalliance.com.