A Freaky Circus of Dreams

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The refreshing coolness of The Sherman Showcase in Stroudsburg, PA enabled me to leave the heat of a Hot and Sticky day upon the sidewalks on Sunday August 14^th as I partook of their weekly Open Mic Nite. The sight of the evening's featured performers, Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers, rehearsing and performing sound checks greeted my eyes and ears encouraging me to feel at home in a place I haven't been to for a while. It was a good feeling which was enhanced by being greeted by the friends I've met during my previous visits to the venue. A hoagie ring created by The Bagel Experience which is located in Brodheadsville, PA www.facebook.com/The-Bagel-Experience-1569935756605476/?fref=ts and donated to the venue by Melissa Goleski caught my eye with its deliciousness. It tasted as good as it looked.

After a time, the band completed its preparations and it was time for those wishing to share their talents to sign in so the order in which performances would take place be established. Musicians, comedians, poets, and dancers eagerly placed their names or nom de plume on the list. It was soon after this ritual did the evening's co host, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), stepped upon the stage to welcome the large gathering and to introduce the first performer.

After some preparations in music, Bradley B. took the stage to perform his high energy dance routine which ignited the audience with its fire. He was followed by the appearance of co-host, Bobby Jo Moran, who introduced comedian Joey Tepedino as the next performer who tried out some new jokes of which he was unsure of their qualities. A great deal of laughter emanating from the gathering proved to be reassuring. Mr. Tepedio was followed by another comedian named, Erich Drexler, whose topics ran from Tampon commercials to ancient ruins found in Gentleman's Clubs. He was followed by another comedian known as Chris Jones who examined the possibility of taking a shower without music and radio commercials for the deaf. Mr. Jones was followed by People More Responsible than Jack Shaffer which consisted of Jack Shaffer on guitar sharing renditions of songs that flowed upon the audience like a stream of fresh concepts. It was after Mr. Shaffer's performance did co host, Dayanara Howard, take the stage to introduce the featured band.

Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers consists of Max Maztrex on Lead Vocals/Keyboard, Evan Sevillano on Back-up Vocals/Rhythm Guitar, Lorenzo Masterson on Unclean Vocals/Lead Guitar), Soulcatcher on Bass, and Tatiana Alexia on Drums. Together, their mesmerizing music led the gathering upon a journey which traveled upon a road of asphalt dreams. Members of the audience joined the band both instrumentally and in spirit during the course of the extraordinary performance. It was very cool. Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers is an Alternative Orchestral Rock band which began in 2013. Their debut album titled, “Call To Arms,” is scheduled for release in December 2016. Please explore The Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/CFDCband/?fref=ts for more information.

At the conclusion of The Circus Freaks and Dream Catchers set, Joe Craig took the stage to bring a coolness to the gathering that allowed the heart to dance. He was followed Comedian George Litz who was off his meds and shared the joys of masturbating with dead hooker hands. George was followed by Kasper Glitterpuff whose poetic comedy dealt with the concepts of controversy. He was followed by Nick Fuckit who told paper plate jokes about life in a strip club, animals eating kids, and the KKK. Nick was followed by Guitarist Mark Ferraro who guided the company upon the gentleness of his instrumentals toward a quiet place within their essence. Mr. Ferraro was followed by Wilbium who brought the evening to a conclusion through his mesmeric skills which entranced the room through his music.

It was as Wilbium's performance resonated among the souls who were touched by it, did Bobby Jo Moran bid everyone a fond farewell and invited them back for the next Open Mic Nite which is scheduled to take place Sunday August 28^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The featured performer for the evening will be K OZ. 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 taken during the Sunday August 14^th event in The A Freaky Circus of Dreams Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155144796463761.1073742006.91146283760&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 by calling 570-421-2808 for more information.