A Night to Showcase Some Talent

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

It's been quite a while since I ventured into The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA for their weekly Open Mic Nite Sessions. But, I was fortunate enough to do so on Sunday December 4^th and I was reminded how much I miss the energy and the extraordinary qualities of the performances that take place each week. The evening began with the signing in ritual of which those who wish to perform would make their intentions known. Excited conversations among the musicians, poets, and comedians who signed up mingled with the large gathering that attended the event. Among these attendees was Santa aka Danny Ferron.

The proceedings began as the evening's co host, Theresa Ratliff, took the stage to welcome the gathering to the event. She then proceeded to share the rules of conduct with the crowd along with news she will no longer co host the event after the end of 2016 as other responsibilities beckons her attentions. It was at this time did Ms. Ratliff introduce the first performer for the evening.

Stephan Tsapatoris www.soundcloud.com/stephan-tsapatoris shared poetry whose words were strung together with a sense of mythology as the language he employed reflected the phrasings of antiquity. He was followed by a duet known as David and Jack which consisted of David Christopher Mirams on vocals and Jack Shaffer on guitar and vocals. Together, they performed songs in a manner that penetrated the souls of all who listened to them. They were followed by Guitarist Dee Allen whose gentle songs were underlined with a substance that embraced the profound meanings of life while allowing the audience to share a hand clapping joy with one another.

Ms. Allen was followed by a duet consisting of Vibez on vocals and Nicholas Desouza www.facebook.com/jazzmaster000 on guitar. The musical qualities found in Mr. Desouza's gentle hand proved to be a wondrous counterpoint to the power found in Ms. Vibez's vibrant voice. They were followed by Guitarist Jesse Morales who brought a joyous energy to the gathering that was tempered with some thoughtful insights that are found upon the journey of life. He was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who sang with the intensity that only the art of a Capella can render.

It was after Mr. Moucha performance was the evening's raffle held with the prize being tickets to the upcoming Patent Pending www.patentpendingmusic.com concert scheduled to take place at The Sherman Theater on Friday December 23^rd. The winning ticket was selected and read by co hosts Theresa Ratliff and Bobby Jo Moran. Co host Cassidy Darlington won the prize. This was followed by a performance given by the duet known as Woodrow www.reverbnation.com/thebandwoodrow who consists of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar. A psychedelic journey that was led by the duo was better than good enough for those who traveled with them beyond the rabbit hole.

They were followed by John Fotiou who sang a number of songs from animated classics with a loving heart. This included the song titled, “Hallelujah” written by the recently deceased Leonard Cohen which appeared on his 1984 album “Various Positions.” I was surprised to learn it was part of the soundtrack to the 2001 film “Shrek.” He was followed by a band named, “Sympotico” www.facebook.com/sympotico who consists of Aaron Sheradin on Vocals and Guitar and Josh Shutt on Drums. Their songs held a quiet spirit against a decimalic burst of sound that accentuated to profound qualities of each well crafted composition. They were followed by comedian Tommy Stone www.tommystone.net who coupled his political observations with the fear of restrooms while discovering amusements found in the composition of the audience. He was followed by Mikey Palomino whose poetry spoke the language of the soul. Mr. Palomino was the final performer whose name appeared on the primary sign in list. However, there was time left to the evening and those names appearing on the waiting list were invited to share their talents as well.

The first of these to perform was Guitarist Taylor Miller who enhanced the quality of each song she sang with her melodious voice. She was followed by Guitarist Mike Parrotta who sang a number of popular songs that delighted the gathering. It was at the conclusion of his performance did the evening come to an end. It was a wonderful night to enjoy some great music, poetry, and comedy while chatting with past acquaintances and making new friends. The next Open Mic Nite at The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA is scheduled for Sunday December 11^th beginning at 7pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Mike Parrotta. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. Sign ins begin at 6:30pm. In the meantime, you'll be able to view the photographs taken during the Sunday December 4^th event in The A Night to Showcase Some Talent Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155537843733761.1073742041.91146283760&type=3.

The Sherman Showcase is located at 522 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. You'll be able to view additional photographs taken during installments of their Open Mic Nites Series by their staff along with videos taken of interviews with the featured artists and the performances of some who attended the event on their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom. In addition to their Open Mic Nites Series, the venue also holds a number of concerts and special events. Please Explore The Sherman Showcase's Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/shermanshowcase/?fref=ts, The Sherman Theater's Website at www.shermantheater.com, or call 570-421-2808 for more information.