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.