The Open Nite of Tomorrowz

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A modest number of people populated The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday January 29^th as they held an installment of their weekly Open Mic Nites Series. Still, the richness of excitement filled the gathering as they anticipated the performances that were to be presented throughout the course of the evening. The featured performers for the event was a Christian band from Cleveland, TN named “Tomorrowz End” which many who were present were eager to experience.

At the appointed time, co-host Cassidy Darlington took the stage in order to welcome the gathering to the venue. Her words were subsidized by those of co-host Bobby Jo Moran who shared the house rules with the gathering. Ms. Darlington then proceeded to introduce the featured band to the audience who would perform first as they intended to drive back to their home state shortly after their performance.

Tomorrowz End moved into their set with the spirit of heavy metal whose music and lyrics spoke with the thunderous truth of the Divine. The performance filled the audience with a deeper love for the messages their compositions conveyed which inspired many to share their own stories of faith with the musicians. Tomorrowz End consists of three musicians who go by the pseudonyms of X, I, and T which alludes to the the two exits of this life leading into Heaven or Hell. The band members choose to go by their pseudonyms rather than their given names because they feel their music is about the message and not about those who share it. You can learn more about Tomorrowz End by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ready4tomorrowzend.

It was after the performance by Tomorrowz End concluded did a break ensue. This gave the band time to collect their gear in order to head home while an opportunity was given to those who were touched by the music to express their appreciation for it was given. It was after a while did Ms. Darlington take the stage to introduce the first performer to share their talents for the Open Mic. An anticipation filled the crowd as the individual made her way to the microphone.

Danielle Mazar spoke the poetry whose truth is penned upon the soul. Her words were powerful and strong which was derived from the pain of living a challenging life. She was followed to the stage by John Fotiou who rapped out a rhythmic song that was followed by compositions from some Disney productions. John was followed by a young man known as Raven Moran who sang a song about Halloween in a Capella. He was followed by co-host Cassidy Darlington who shared her talents by singing along to a song to which she blended her excellent voice with that of the one recorded. She was followed by Chris Hambley who allowed the recorded music to sing through his hearted voice.

The evening came to a close by the performance of Mark Parisio who reached for every nuance of the songs he shared and subtly touched their meaningful essence. It was after this did Ms. Darlington take the stage to share her appreciation for all who presented their talents and for those who were present to support them. She then proceeded to invite the gathering back for the next Open Mic Nite before bidding everyone farewell. The gathering left the venue looking forward to the next week's opportunity to share and partake of the wonderful talent that would grace the Sherman Showcase's stage.

The next Open Mic Nite at The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA is scheduled for Sunday February 5^th beginning at 7pm. 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. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, you'll be able to view the photographs taken during the Sunday January 29^th event in The Open Nite of Tomorrowz Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155766501928761.1073742050.91146283760&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 some of the performances 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 by calling 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Brotherhood of the OMN

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA held an installment of their weekly Open Mic Nites on Sunday January 15^th. A lingering chill from the previous day was in the air throughout the town but, as one entered the venue, the energy and warmth of the congenial atmosphere the event is well known for immediately transfigured the many who filled the room with love. Names and non de plumes were affixed to the sign in sheets while conversations reflecting the excitement of the performances that would be witnessed throughout the evening took place.

The festivities began as Cassidy Darlington took the stage in order to welcome the gathering to the venue. She then proceeded to introduce the first performer of the evening who was guitarist Chris Pinkcarski. He sang with a strong yet gentle voice reminiscent of that of James Taylor tempered with an uniquely rugged quality. He was followed by guitarist Luke Booth of the band Good News www.goodnewsband.com who sang with a soulful comprehension of the essential powers embodied in each song he rendered. He was followed by Comedian Chris Jones www.facebook.com/Chrisjonescomedy who shared observations on the concepts of Manliness, the different ways the holidays are celebrated internationally, and Las Vegas Prostitutes. Mr Jones was followed by another comedian, Tommy Stone www.tommystone.net, who spoke about faking his urine test by using a sample obtained from a prostitute who was pregnant, finding his mother's Dildo, and having sex with his girlfriend. He 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. Together, they belted out some good ol sweet water blues that flowed upon melodies which sailed to our dreams of gypsies. It was after Woodrow's performance concluded did a break ensue in order to provide the featured band for the evening some moments to prepare their much anticipated set.

The Alcamo Brothers (aka CB Radio) spent their early moments on stage putting forth a burst of energy that would illumine the remainder of their performance. The group consisting of C. J. and Vincenzo Alcamo along with Grant Wagner began their set with the Beatles' classic titled, “A Hard Day's Night” which was the title song of the 1964 film that introduced the Fab Four to an international audience. The song originated from the band's drummer, Ringo Starr, who said, “We'd worked all day (on the film) and we happened to work all night. I came up still thinking it was day I suppose, and I said, 'It's been a hard day...' and I looked around and saw it was dark so I said, '...night!'” The Alcamo Brothers sang this and other classic rock songs in a manner that breathed a new life force into them providing a fresh perspective and love for the compositions. The Alcamo Brothers were formed in 2015 and you can learn more about them by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/CB-Radio-The-Band-183187785452400.

It was after The Alcamo Brothers performance did the evening's raffle take place. The band members took turns selecting tickets until the winning number was called and claimed. Joe Craig received the prize which entitled him to attend a future show presented at The Sherman Showcase. It was soon after this did Mr. Craig take his place on the stage with his guitar and performed several songs that were written with the pen of the soul and played upon the angelic strings of dreams. He was followed by Max Maztrex of Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers www.facebook.com/CFDCband who moved the gathering with his deep Gothic voice and songs that resonated throughout the molecular realities of the audience's imaginings. He was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who belted out songs with a voice that uniquely captured the intricate nuances that only the art of a Capella can. He was followed on stage by Maddie Pinstripe Harris who read from her work and whose rapid delivery of her written words flowed among the audience while touching their perceptions that grows in the life experiences of living.

It was after her performance did the official list of the evening's participants come to an end. However, there was still time left which allowed those whose names were on the waiting list to gain an opportunity to share their talents. The first of these were Guitarist Cory James Rodas whose performance subtly crept into the hearing range of the gathering until the resonating sounds he employed echoed throughout the company's essence. He was followed by Guitarist Ray who playfully touched his instrument's strings to bring forth one enjoyably amusing riff after another. The evening ended after John Fotiou sang a number of show tunes sung a Capella and Cassidy Darlington re took the stage in order to share her appreciation to the gathering as she bade them adieu. The evening proved to be a great one filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie. Anticipation for the next event filled the minds and hearts of all who spent some time reluctantly leaving the venue. But, the promise of another evening filled with wonderful performances satisfied the crowd as they departed.

The next Open Mic Nite at The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA is scheduled for Sunday January 22^nd beginning at 7pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Sympotico www.facebook.com/sympotico. 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. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, you'll be able to view the photographs taken during the Sunday January 15^th event in The Brotherhood of the OMN Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155712719063761.1073742049.91146283760&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 some of the performances 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 by calling 570-421-2808 for more information.

A Weekend at Renegades

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On Friday January 13^th and Saturday January 14^th, The Renegade Urban Winery in Stroudsburg, PA officially established itself as an epicenter of places to be in the Pocono Region of Northeast PA. The weekend events included a Meet and Greet with the new Branch Executive Director of the Pocono Family YMCA, a Grand Opening Party, and music performed by some extraordinary musicians. The venue was filled wall to wall with members of the community and others as they conversed while sipping some mighty fine wine and munching on the delicious complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by Momento’s Restaurant www.momentopizzeria.com and Kathleen Lockwood. Vegan Burgers created by Diana Bezanski of Fogwood and Fig www.FogwoodFig.com were also available for purchase throughout the weekend.

The weekend at The Renegade Urban Winery began on Friday January 13^th with a Meet and Greet with Jodi Perry-Petrozak who is the new Branch Executive Director of The Pocono Family YMCA www.poconoymca.org. A profound sense of excitement filled the room as the eagerness to meet Ms. Perry-Petrozak heightened as she warmly greeted members of the gathering individually and in groups. Those who were fortunate enough to meet her came away with a warmth that emanated from their conversation with her along with a deeper appreciation for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

It was as the day progressed did Guitarist Regina Sayles www.reginasayles.com begin wooing the gathering with her extraordinary talent. Her powerful voice echoed throughout the corridors of the soul as the interpretations of each song she rendered revealed not only the composition's essences but those who delighted in the experiencing of it. A joyous display of rhythmic clapping of hands, mouths wording the lyrics of beloved songs, and dancing to abandonment spilled forth from the loving and appreciative hearts of the enraptured crowd that surrounded the Renegade Stage.

The festivities held on Friday January 13^th continued late into the night which made it a very lucky day for the multitude who attended the event. A sense of anticipation filled their hearts as they eagerly awaited for the commencement of the following day's offerings that promised to extend the good feelings they felt. This promise would prove to not only be kept but to go beyond anyone's expectations.

The Renegade Urban Winery's Grand Opening Party was held on Saturday January 14^th. An enormous gathering echoing the size of that on the previous day filled the establishment. An excitement swelled in the hearts of many as the time for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony grew nearer. When it did arrive, a number of the gathering braved the cold in order to witness the historic event. Both ends of a very wide gold colored ribbon was held by the winery's owners and it was then did the Mayor of Stroudsburg, PA, Tarah Verwey Probst, share her remarks about the winery and it's ability to make the borough a more wonderful place to be. It was after the conclusion of her well received words did her honor move to cut the ribbon with the gold colored scissors she was given.

However, an elderly lady, who was unaware of the ceremony that was taking place, walked out of the establishment's door in order to enjoy the day's air. She found herself positioned between the winery's door and the ribbon. The situation moved her to express her pleasant surprise and her words placed a smile in the gathering's heart. It was spontaneously decided that she would share the honor of cutting the ribbon with the mayor. She did so and performed a little dance of delight while holding the scissors. She finished her dance, looked at the scissors in her hand, and asked, “Am I suppose to keep these?” It was then did someone smile and relieved her of them.

After the ceremony, the gathering re entered the winery in order to partake of the wonders the establishment provided. Delicious foods and wine were consumed as were the words of delectable conversations that were shared. An opportunity to have one's commemorative photograph taken was provided by Rockin' Photobooth www.rockinphotobooth.com. Many individuals, couples, and groups eagerly took their place before the apparatus while the camera's enchanting operator shared her thoughtful advise on how they could help insure the best image possible could be captured. A great deal of picture sharing took place throughout the event as those who have been to the booth were eager to show off their enhanced photogenic qualities.

It was during all this did Guitarist Andrew Moses www.moselyguitar.com take the Renegade Stage. An eclectic assemblage of songs were met with a voice that gave each composition a dimension unprecieved by earlier experiences of them. Mr. Moses' renderings provided a new understanding of the work which allowed its meaningfulness to be rewritten on the souls of all who heard him.

Mr. Moses was scheduled to be followed on stage by Guitarist Zac Lawless www.zaclawless.com and Guitarist Erin McClelland of The Erin McClelland Band www.facebook.com/emcclellandband. However, due to the snow filled skies that began to cover the town's streets with whiteness, it was decided by some of the company to begin their journeys home to avoid any adverse road conditions that might occur. I was among the company to decide to go home and, reluctantly, I left the establishment just as Mr. Lawless was setting up. This was unfortunate but the time I had during my weekend at the winery shall linger in a special place within me for quite some time. As with the many great people I shared the events with, I look forward to their next opportunities to partake of some wonderful music, food, and wine. I hope to see you there as well. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during the experience in The A Weekend at Renegades Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155705371983761.1073742048.91146283760&type=3.

The Renegade Urban Winery is located at 600 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA with their vineyards located in East Stroudsburg, PA. They are considered to be the first urban concept winery in the Pocono Mountains, PA Region. The next performance on their Renegade Stage will be given by The Kings of Queen Street Band www.facebook.com/thekingsofqueenstreet on Friday January 20^th. An Open Mic Event hosted by Andrew Moses takes place every Thursday evening beginning at 9pm. In addition to this the winery is currently showing The SOHO in the BURG's www.sohointheburg.com exhibition titled “A Pairing” which will remain on display until January 30^th. Their next exhibition is scheduled to open Saturday February 11^th and it's theme will be in keeping with the St. Valentine's Holiday. The venue will also hold a January Paint and Sip with Anna K on Thursday January 26^th. You'll find more information The Renegade Urban Winery and all they have to offer by exploring their Website at www.therenegadewinery.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/liveloverevoltwinery.

Going Renegade with Music and Messy Vegan Burgers

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

As the chill of a winter's evening filled the air, I ventured to The Renegade Winery in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday January 6^th who presented Guitarist George Grillo on their stage. I arrived early to partake of the much talked about Vegan Burgers created by Diana Bezanski of Fogwood and Fig www.FogwoodFig.com. The selection of the Vegan Burgers proved to be a daunting one as each offering tempted the pallet with their ingredients. I finally chose The Flirty Burger which was composed of a Black lentil and mushroom patty with chili cherry sauce along with avocado, arugula, onion, and srirachi lemon aioli. Their reputation of being “sloppy good” was well deserved as the flavors brought forth by the meatless cuisine were delightful. A superb wine suggested by one of the winery's staff made an excellent companion that enhanced the enjoyment of the tasty burger.

It was after I finished munching and cleaning my fingers of the delicious sauce that topped off the meal did George Grillo and his guitar take the stage. A variety of tunes were brought forth favorably through his proficient touching of the instrument's strings with each song finding a new dimension to its meaning as Mr. Grillo's voice added its texture to its lyrics. The simple and meaningful interpretations he gave to the songs blended well with the Vegan Burgers and wine. Together, they created an ambiance whose elements swirled around the room and whose enchanting effects were seen affecting the large company who attended the evening's experience. You'll find more photographs taken during the experience in The Going Renegade with Music and Messy Vegan Burgers Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155678610328761.1073742047.91146283760&type=3.

The Renegade Winery is located in the J. J. Newberry Building on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA with their vineyards located in East Stroudsburg, PA and is considered the first urban concept winery in the Pocono Mountains, PA Region. The winery is currently showing The SOHO in the BURG's www.sohointheburg.com exhibition titled “A Pairing” which will remain on display until January 30^th. Their next exhibition is scheduled to open Saturday February 11^th and it's theme will be in keeping with the St. Valentine's Holiday. The establishment also presents performances on their Renegade Renegade Stage including those given by Regina Sayles on Friday January 13^th along with other events throughout the winery such as their their Grand Opening Party on Saturday January 14^th and January Paint and Sip with Anna K scheduled for Thursday January 26^th. You'll find more information The Renegade Winery and all they have to offer by exploring their Website at www.therenegadewinery.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/liveloverevoltwinery.

Running Wild with Renegades into 2017

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The final hours of 2016 were met with the joy found in music and camaraderie whose life giving elements were enhanced by a delicious cuisine accompanied by some superb wine. The Renegade Winery in Stroudsburg, PA held their New Year's Eve Celebration which began on Saturday December 31^st and continued onto the early hours of January 1^st. The winery filled with newly met and previously established friends whose conversations blended with the elements of the evening to near capacity. The music of guitarist Zac Lawless www.zaclawless.com greeted the impressively large number of celebrants as they entered the establishment.

Mr. Lawless' renderings of the songs he deftly interpreted weaved a musical quilt that warmed the gathering adding a substance to feed their souls. This led many to explore and discover a vast array of foods prepared by Chef Mike Abate of the Pocono Supper Club www.PoconoSupperClub.com which included delectable deserts, heated victuals, and crepes lovingly created by the chef to each individual's specifications. It was after some time did guitarist Erin McClelland of The Erin McClelland Band www.facebook.com/emcclellandband come upon The Renegade Stage to perform a number of songs that delighted, transfixed, and moved many members of his audience to dance including this writer.

A screen was placed upon the wall of the winery so the live coverage of the evening's festivities as they were celebrated in the Times Square section of New York, NY could be enjoyed. Eyes filled with thoughtful reflection and anticipation of the future were seen throughout the room as their voices joined in unison to count down the final seconds of the day. It was after the completion of the annual ritual did the traditional welcoming of the new year commence which was celebrated through the elevated signs of affection and good will shared during the remainder of the evening.

The New Year's Celebration held at The Renegade Winery in Stroudsburg, PA proved to be a magnificent way to bring a close to 2016 while opening the many exploratory avenues of 2017. It was an evening not only filled with great music, food, and wine, but with many conversations that enhanced an appreciation of being a part of the human society and all the thoughtful wonders this membership embraces. You'll find more photographs taken during their New Year's Eve Celebration in The Running Wild with Renegades into 2017 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155655351883761.1073742046.91146283760&type=3.

The Renegade Winery is located in the J. J. Newberry Building on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA with their vineyards located in East Stroudsburg, PA and is considered the first urban concept winery in the Pocono Mountains, PA Region. The winery is currently showing The SOHO in the BURG's www.sohointheburg.com exhibition titled “A Pairing” which will remain on display until January 30^th. Their next exhibition is scheduled to open Saturday February 11^th and it's theme will be in keeping with the St. Valentine's Holiday. The establishment also presents performances on their Renegade Renegade Stage including those given by George Grillo on Friday January 6^th, Jesse Scavone on Saturday January 7^th, and Regina Sayles on Friday January 13^th along with other events throughout the winery such as their their Grand Opening Party on Saturday January 14^th and January Paint and Sip with Anna K scheduled for Thursday January 26^th. You'll find more information The Renegade Winery and all they have to offer by exploring their Website at www.therenegadewinery.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/liveloverevoltwinery.