The
evening began with the customary ritual of talented individuals
signing their names onto the sign in sheet so their performances
would be included throughout the evening. It was after some time did
the event's co-host Theresa Ratcliff take the stage to welcome
everyone to the venue and made a number of announcements on how the
night would progress. She then proceeded to introduce the first
performer to the gathering.
A
newcomer to the series named, “Wilbur” took his place upon the
stage and revealed he wanted to go first as he had to leave the venue
early because he was on probation. He continued his humorous time on
stage by relaying on how not to make Macaroni and Cheese, hang
chandeliers, and order fast food. He was followed by the duo known as
“Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
who consists of Theresa Ratcliff and Brian Bramkamp.
The
first selection they sang was titled, “California Dreaming” which
was written in 1965 by John (1935–2001) and Michelle Phillips (b.
1944) of The Mamas and the Papas who also included Denny Doherty
(1940–2007) and Cass Elliot (1941–1974). The song can be found on
their 1966 debut album titled, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and
Ears.” The duo was joined by Milton
Delgado who served as a backup singer for the song. After the
conclusion of the song, the duo performed a number of pieces
including one composed by Brian Bramkamp. They were followed by
comedian Chris Jones who shared a Haiku about Little Debbie Pies and
spoke on the blessings of Vaseline.
Chris
was followed by Dee Allen whose return to the venue was greatly
appreciated as she generated an energy through the echoing depth of
her voice that added a new dimension to the songs she sang. She was
followed by Ann Mathews who shared a song she wrote for her students
relating to Vertebrates and Invertebrates. The joyous song was
followed by a break in which many took the time to study the bone
structure of their friends. It was after the break did Milton Delgado
perform.
A
delight filled the audience as a cheerful preliminary tune served as
a prelude to his performance. The joy the audience felt crescendoed
even further when Mr. Delgado sang the first lyric of the first song
of the many he would perform. The entire performance touched the
memories of some members of the gathering while creating a new
appreciation for the musical genre among the younger members. This
was evident in the amount of dancing that took place during the
performance and included an impromptu chorus line composed of high
kicking laughter and joy. The well sung songs and the antics they
inspired favorably complimented the era in which they were written
and added a new dimension of possibilities to the open mic nite
series.
Milton
Lopez Delgado Lives in Moscow, PA and is a member of the group known
as “The Paramounts” of which he has written a number of songs
for. He is known for his interpretation of memorable ballads and
upbeat standards which were popularized by Tony Bennett, Dean
Martin, Bobby Darin, Andy Williams, Matt Monroe, Johnny Mathis, Nat
King Cole, and, of course, Frank Sinatra. Mr. Delgado is available to
perform at Weddings, Sock-Hops, and Special Ocassions You can learn
more about Milton Delgado by emailing him at
miltonandwanda@verizon.net.
After
the Milton Delgado performance, a special announcement was made by
Theresa Ratcliff. It regarded a contest that will be held during the
Sunday December 6th
Open Mic Nite in which representatives of Best Shot Studios will
judge the first 10 musical performers and determine which one of the
ten will receive studio time to record their songs. A great
excitement filled the air especially among the musicians who dreamed
of the possibilities. It was after this announcement was the winner
of the raffle for the Burger King Gift Card chosen.
All
this was followed by a poet named, “Maddie” who took the stage to
share words that touched upon the universal language found in
silence. She was followed by The
Forwardian Players who consisted of Chris (Cee Rock) Roberts and
Marisa Olmo. They shared a theatrical piece titled, “Laundry Day”
written by Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that's me) which answered the
question, “Why would one wash their clothes in Tide?” The work
was well performed and was well received by the audience.
After
the play, Chris (Cee Rock) Roberts
www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic/?pnref
stayed on stage to shared a number of songs which included an
original composition filled with poetry, philosophy, and truth. He
was followed by Kevin
“Tails” Moucha
who shared a number of A
Capella renderings of songs which led many to sing along. Keven was
followed by a band known as “Sayans of Steel” which was a reunion
experience for its members.
Bassist
Aleksey Martinse and vocalist Dmitry Kaif once resided in the area
but moved to Las Vegas some time ago while their drummer, Wilbium,
remained. But, a return visit brought the trio back together and they
performed for the Living Room denizens. Their heavy metal sound and
costumes combined with lyrics containing a great sense of humor which
made it a joy for those who listened intently to them. It was
mentioned my one of the band members that they had over 30 minutes of
material and they were instantly invited back to be a featured
performance for a future Open Mic Nite. A great deal of excitement
flooded the room as the prospect of this occurring filled the hopes
of many.
Sayans
of Steel were followed by Wilbium who gave a solo performance upon
his electronic Keyboard and guitar. The music filled the soul with a
desire to dance and most of the company allowed their desires to move
their forms to abandonment. It was at the conclusion of Wilbium's
performance that it was announced the main list for the evening was
exhausted but there was time enough to present those who had placed
their names upon the waiting list.
The
first to perform was a performer know as John who belted out a show
tune A Capella with a great deal of feeling. He was followed by
guitarist Garrett Voorhees, Jr. whose renditions of songs written by
Ed Sheeran and twenty one pilots allowed new meanings to emerge from
their lyrics. Garrett was followed by
Bambient who shared a number of songs A
Capella while listening to them on his phone.
Bambient was followed by guitarist Michelle Leanna Zbinden whose
voice proved to be a fitting end to the night's adventures as those
who still remained were enhanced by her performance and had cause to
look forward to the next installment of the Open Mic nite Series.
This
will be take place on Sunday November 15th
beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm featuring the Robb
Taylor Band. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to
share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. In
the meantime, you'll
be able to view the photographs I took during the November
8th
event
in the Crooning
at the OMN
Gallery at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154340620613761.1073741920.91146283760&type=3.
In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Sherman Theater’s Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery. Their next exhibition will be their Work in Progress Exhibition with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday November 14th beginning at 6pm. This will be followed by their Black Saturnalia Exhibition with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday December 12th beginning at 6pm. The Drop off date for artists who wish to place their work in the show is Monday December 7th beginning at 2pm. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 for more information.
The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, exhibitions, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on the venue, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.
Photography
by Paparazzi Paul.
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