Bells, Strings, and Voices fill the SMU for Spring

The Stroudsburg, PA United Methodist (SMU) Church presented their Spring Concert on Sunday May 17^th. The concert featured an afternoon of music performed by two bell choirs, an adult choir, a children's choir, soloists, and several musicians. It was a gentle and quiet time to share in the blending of enjoyable sounds reminding one of the first echoes of the season as its emergence from the previous season fills the souls with a sense of renewal. However, the concert was filled with reminders of the Winter Season as many compositions recalled the Christmas Season which traditionally centers around December 25^th.

The concert began with a musical prelude titled, “To God Be The Glory.” It was performed as a duet on Organ and Piano by Marti Lantz and Lynn Seip. This was followed by some welcoming remarks that extended the hospitality of the church to the gathering. The enthusiastic remarks were followed by a singing of the Hymn titled, “Joy to the World” in which Barbara Hineline and Peggy Steward accompanied the audience with Handbells. The conclusion of the hymn led to a piano solo performed by Lydia Shank titled, “Who Am I” composed by Mark Hall. Ms. Shank was followed by two Bell Choirs.

The first Bell Choir was known as the “AweSUM Ringers” who performed a number of Christmas and wintry selections. They were joined by the second Bell Choir was known as the “SUM Celebration Ringers.” The entire company presented a number of composition while they were joined by Sophia Rostock on Cello. They were followed by the church's Senior Choir who were accompanied by the SUM's Cherub Choir which consists of children for a number of pieces. The Senior Choir would perform again during the concert but, as the set of songs they presented concluded, the SUM's Cherub Choir performed a few pieces on their own. They were followed by a solo performance of the song, “I See The Light” as sung by Julia Webster.

Ms. Webster's performance was followed by the Senior Choir who returned to sing a number of selections accompanied by Bob Shank on drums. They were followed by a presentation titled, “Six Hands at the Piano” featuring a piece titled, “The Witches' Flight.” The composition was performed by Jeanette Kuhns, Marti Lantz, and Lynn Seip who placed their dexterous fingers upon the keyboard while adorned in hats associated with witches. This was followed by a Christmas Drama performed by Emma Allen as Mary and Chris Allen as Joseph and took place prior to the birth of an individual known as, “Joshua, son of Joseph” (aka Jesus The Messiah or Christ) as they journeyed to their ancestral town of Bethlehem Judea approximately in the year 1 C. E. (Common Era) in order to be included in a census conducted by the Roman Empire who occupied the area at that time. The production led to a solo performance of a song sung by Ms. Allen.

The Drama's conclusion led to a performance of stringed instruments in a piece titled, “The Goldfish Rag.” The musicians were Justin Stanton, Marisa Seip, and Lynn Strasser. Their performance was followed by a finale in which the entire company of musicians and singers joined with those who were present for the concert in the singing of a composition taken from the 9^th Symphony written by Ludwig Von Beethoven titled, “Ode To Joy.” Words of appreciation followed the work as all were invited to partake of the food that was provided after the concert and share in the conversation the afternoon inspired.

The afternoon was an enjoyable one as the talents of the musician and singers highlighted the concert. This allowed those members of the audience who did not share in the religious percepts the concert employed to enjoy it as much of those who did. It was a good concert to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with. You'll find more photographs taken during The Spring Concert for SUM at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153870127693761.1073741851.91146283760&type=1.

The Stroudsburg United Methodist Church is located at 547 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The church is currently celebrating serving the local community and beyond for over 225 years through their outreach programs and their weekly services which are held every Sunday at 8am and 11am. Their mission is to “Share the love of Jesus in innovative and compassionate ways.” You can learn more about The Stroudsburg United Methodist Church and all it continues to offer the community from their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgUMC?fref=ts or from their Website at www.stroudsburgumc.com.

The 2015 Arts on Main Festival

It was a beautiful late Spring day throughout the town of Stroudsburg, PA as its annual Art On Main Festival took place on Saturday May 16th. Although there seemed to be a considerably fewer amount of participants than in previous years, the offerings the event did have were pleasing to the eye and held a thoughtfulness about them which allowed the day to be an enjoyable one. These included artists such as McGoy of “Windows of Art and Things Less Ordinary” windowsofart@hotmail.com and Lauren Livingston www.facebook.com/llartwork?fref=ts and Artisans Erica Reinhardt of “Treasures to Trinkets” ereinhar@ptd.net and Erica Metrock of “The Forgotten Fountain” ericametrock@Yahoo.com who were centered around the town's courthouse in which a weekly event titled, “PoconoArts Squared” enjoyed its 2015 debut. Pocono Soap www.facebook.com/poconosoap?fref=ts were also at the PoconoArts Squared area giving demonstrations in the creation of Bath Bombs. A number of galleries were open to share their their creative offering with the public throughout the day including some who held Artists' Receptions in the late afternoon and evening hours which were fun to attend.

I began my day visiting The Soho in The Burg Gallery whose exhibit, “Springing in the Rain” was on display and will be until May 30th. A gallery staff member, Stephen Washington, was outside the venue creating a painting on a canvas while one of the establishment's Artists, Joyce Bambach, presented her work along the gallery's outer wall. The gallery's owner, Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, was inside the establishment greeting visitors to the art with the exuberant energies she has become well known for and making all who met her very glad that they did. The gallery will hold an Artists' Reception on Saturday June 6th beginning at 4pm for their next exhibition titled, “Eye Candy” featuring the work of local artists. The exhibit will continue to be on display until July 30th. Artists are invited to participate in the exhibition and may do so by dropping off their work at the gallery on June 4th and 5th from noon until 5pm. You can learn more about The Soho in The Burg Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sohointheburg or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.

It was after I left The Soho in The Burg Gallery did I venture to the area of town where the artists and the artisans of PoconoArts Squared were gathered. My visit with them proved to be a pleasant one as I visually partook of their offerings and engaged in some meaningful conversations with the vendors. I also briefly visited the nearby PoconoArts Community Cultural Center whose work for their Annual Members Show filled the walls with their beauty and aesthetic depth. I took a few photos and left vowing to return when the Artists' Reception began a few hours later. I walked the sidewalks of Stroudsburg until I heard music in the distance.

I followed my ears until my eyes were blessed by the sight of the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow, which consists of Theresa Ratcliff on vocals and Brian Brancamp on vocals and Guitar, in the vacant parking lot of Brite Cleaners. The duo played a number of tunes with the transcendent style and interpretations they have become well known. The Classic Rock melodies they rendered filled the heart as the memories they induced brought back the wonderments they incurred so long ago. I then left the couple to return to The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center as the time for the Artist's Reception for their 2015 PoconoArts Council's Membership show was drawing neigh.

A huge gathering of artists and art lovers filled the room as over 70 pieces populated the gallery's walls. To say the work was exceptional would be a gross understatement as the care and love for the medium employed in each piece was amply evident in every aspect of the work. The thought that each artists endeavored to out do themselves for this year's exhibit filled the senses of all who were present. There was an unparalleled beauty in the pieces that were only transcended by the conversations they inspired that gave even more meaning to the exhibit. It was during the reception did guitarist Barry Field set up his equipment outside the gallery to play a gentle assortment of jazz and other musical genres. This enhanced the experience of communing with the art even further.

The exhibit was a juried one and praises came from the gathering directed toward the jurors who met the nearly impossible task of choosing the best of the perfectly rendered pieces to receive the awards the The Pocono Art Council offered. The Jurors were Gairre Henry, Alison Cesare, and Thomas Burke. Awards were given to outstanding works in several categories. The recipients in the category designated as “Oils” were Lauren Livingston who received the 1st place award, Karen Duncan who received the 2nd place award, and David Cook who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Acrylics” were Steve Kager who received the 1st place award, Stephen Kruger who received the 2nd place award, and Doug Gilbert who received the 3rd place award while Frank Joest was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Watercolor” were Will Rothfuss who received the 1st place award, James Gloria who received the 2nd place award, and Paula George who received the 3rd place award while Joan Sayer was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Works on Paper” were Mark Ciocca who received the 1st place award, Armando Baez who received the 2nd place award, and Linda Mann who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Photography” were Clavertis Miller who received the 1st place award, John Yetter who received the 2nd place award, and Laurinda Faye Rubin who received the 3rd place award. The recipients in the category designated as “Mixed Media” were Adia Gibbs who received the 1st place award, Jan Swift who received the 2nd place award, and Janelle Stensby who received the 3rd place award while Pam Mading was awarded Honorable Mentioned. The recipients in the category designated as “Fine Crafts (Functional)” were Lenore Fiore Mills who received the 1st place award, April Field who received the 2nd place award, and Leslie Mulligan who received the 3rd place award. Jorge Cruz received the award in The 3-D Works Sculpture and Non-Functional Category for his piece titled, “Eva” and Leah Gottlieb received the award for Best of Show for her sculpted work titled, “I'll Stand By You.”

In addition to the PoconoArt Members' exhibit being presented in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center’s Artspace Gallery, their Studio Gallery offered a collection of Assemblages created by the late Morris Berman which were donated to PoconoArts by his daughter, Ilona Marmer. The work incorporates found objects to divulge the contradictions of modern life which depicts both the whimsical and poignant if it. The display of Mr. Berman’s work is an ongoing one and can be explored during the center’s business hours.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. The PoconoArts Council Members' Exhibition continues until May 25th. Their next exhibition will be their Small Works show with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Friday June 12th beginning at 5pm with the work continuing to be on display until June 27th. Local Artists are invited to participate in the exhibit and the Drop off date is Thursday May 28th from 4pm until 6pm. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center and all it has to offer the creative community from The PoconoArts Council Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil or from their Website at www.poconoarts.org.

As I was ready to leave The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center to continue my adventures relating to the Arts on Main Festival, a sudden and fierce thunderstorm that engulfed the streets of Stroudsburg, PA. I waited alongside the denizens of the gallery stayed within its dry accommodations while waiting for the downpour to cease and partook of the opportunity to share more of our thoughtful love for the arts with each other. The rains subsided and I moved from the center's studio gallery into the main Artspace gallery to leave the premises. I was met by the bluegrass trio known as The Lost Ramblers as they played a tune or two within the room to the delight of those who gathered around them. I then left the gallery and continued upon my Main Street adventures.

It wasn't long until my travels through the still drizzling weather conditions led me to the Origins Gallery who held an Artists' Reception for their exhibition titled, “3 Volley” which is a retrospective of three late creators who all walked different paths in life. The exhibit featured the never before seen work of Hank Aldrich who was a friend of the gallery's co founder Jody Singer, Emilio T. Ranieri who was the grandfather of the gallery's co founder Ashley Fontones of BeastyFeast www.facebook.com/AshleyFontones?fref=ts, and Ed Cormier who was the father of Kevin Comier of Burnt Toad Studios www.facebook.com/burnttoadstudios. The work was as varied as the artistic approaches found in each artist's renderings. They ranged from ink and crayon drawings to photography to watercolors and Litho prints. The images encompassed the beauty of a flower growing as if from the soul's garden as well as images depicting the horrors of the bloodsport known as war. Together, the pieces on display created a sense of wonder among those who wished they had an opportunity to have known the artists during their lifetimes. However, their wishes were compensated by their ability to thank their survivors for the work and the memories they shared.

Emilio T. Ranieri served in the 70th Heavy Tank Battalion Company B and was a former NYC Sanitation worker, Cab driver, and Kentile Worker in Civilian life. After his death in August 2005, a large amount of ink illustrations and superb photography taken during his time as an insurgent stationed in Yokohama and South Korea after the Korean War were found and are a part of the exhibit. Ed Cormier served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany after the end of the Second World War. His work includes experiments in portraiture and official military photography as seen through the eyes of stoic youth searching for hope after the war. Adolf “Hank” Aldrich served in the Merchant Marines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters in World War II. His recently discovered lithographs and water color paintings reflect the prolific life of the architect/print maker/film maker.

In addition to the art presented throughout the gallery, the reception hosted an interactive art activity which entailed purchasing a paper cutout of an image and affixing it to a surface that would later be painted in a manner connecting the images to create something magnificent. The evening also featured the band known as “PFENDT” www.soundcloud.com/pfendt who consists of Tom Pfendt, Nicholas Desouza, and Dee Allen rendering “progressive jams that pull the blues from your soul and pour them into the room like you've got nothing to hide.” This description is quoted from the press release about the musicians that was shared by the gallery prior to the event. However, these words not only reflect the way I would have described the experience but does so in a much better manner. In other words, I couldn't have said it better. Smiles.

The event also included the gallery's now famous Art Raffle that enabled attendees to partake of an opportunity to win some Art at the cost of a raffle ticket. The raffle itself incited a great deal of excited anticipation as each ticket was randomly chosen and their digits were read to the eager gathering until a match was made and the winner would enthusiastically claim his or her prize. The proceeds from both the interactive art activity and the art raffle were used to benefit the Freeland, PA VFW and The Origins Gallery. The Art Raffle conclusion led to a number of announcements relating to the gallery and the art community as well. They were met the astonishing ears of the gathering whose excitement of all that is planned to become manifest filled their hearts and imaginations. It was in this state did the company begin to share their farewells and relished their communal memories of the evening. And, the memories the evening created would prove to be wonderful ones as the combination of the Art, Music, and Conversation created a 3-Volley experience among the gathering.

The 3-Volley exhibition featuring the works of Emilio T Ranieri, Ed Cormier, Adolf “Hank” Aldrich will be on display at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA until May 31st. Their next exhibition is titled, “Napkin Shmapkin - Whatever Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons?” and will feature the work of local artist Artists who have created images on framed napkins. The Artists Reception is scheduled for Saturday June 6th beginning at 6pm and the exhibit will be on display until June 30th. Artists are invited to share their work for the exhibit by dropping their endeavors off at the gallery on Thursday June 4th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday June 5th from 2pm until 6pm.

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA opens its doors to emerging and established artists and performers as they host bi-monthly (mostly) themed art exhibitions featuring artists from the local and surrounding areas. They also offer performances given by quality local talent which include musicians, poets, and actors along with a variety of workshops and classes designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery and how it serves the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.

As I journeyed home from my full day in Stroudsburg, PA, I reflected upon all I had experienced during the Arts on Main Festival. The art and music that was presented throughout the day was seasoned with the camaraderie all art lovers share. This made it an enjoyable and enriching day which I look forward to partaking in next year with the hopes that the festival will be expanded to and beyond those presented in the past. You’ll find more photographs taken throughout the day in The 2015 Arts on Main Festival Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153852966523761.1073741850.91146283760&type=1.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

An Eclectic BookHouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Matt Daniel Band on Friday May 15^th as part of their BookHouse series. The band consisted of Matt Daniel on piano and vocals and Albert Daniel on drums. Together, the duo performed a number of compositions which ranged from the sounds of the Swing Era of Jazz, to the boogie-woogie rock and roll era, and to the musical genre known as “Art Rock.” Mr. Daniel also performed a number of his own compositions which proved to be equal (and in some cases surpassing) the qualities of the classics he performed.

The combination of gentle and uproarious qualities of the music Mr. Daniel presented was accented by the insights he shared prior to performing each piece. They added an understanding of the elements that went into the creation of the composition as well as the time it was written and into the mind of the composer. This served to enhance the evening as the ability to delve deeply into the intricacies of every measure played were amply provided for and partaken of. It was a very enjoyable and enlightening evening at the Library. You’ll find more photographs taken by Kathy Steiner during The May 15 2015 Concerts at Eastern Monroe Public Library - Matt Daniel's Performance at www.facebook.com/kathy.steiner.31/posts/364954803698107.

Matt Daniel is a New York City based composer, songwriter, and performer who has been playing piano for more than 16 years. By composing and playing music in different genres, he transforms his ideas reflecting his philosophy that music is strictly about melody void of too many complexities. It is said Mr. Daniel's performances are the Ultimate Eclectic Experience and I couldn't agree more. You'll find out more about The Matt Daniel Band by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MattDanielMusic or their website at www.mattdanielmusic.com.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) Bookhouse Series takes place in the Edinger Community Room which is located on N. 9th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which includes their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. The library’s Bookhouse series is part of its cultural programming designed to provide a venue for literary and musical events which are outside of the commercial and literary mainstream. The next program in The Eastern Monroe Public Library 2015 Bookhouse Series will feature Hiroya Tsukamoto on Friday June 26^th beginning at 7:30pm with the doors opening at 7pm. Admission to the event is free, but donations would be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will also be available for a small charge. Please Contact Linnae Cintron at 570-421-0800 x 28 or explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts or their Website at www.monroepl.org to learn more information about the library, their Bookhouse series, and all the institution has to offer the community.

Photography by Kathy Steiner.

A COTA Meeting for May

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held a General Meeting on Monday May 11^th to begin preparations for their 38^th Annual Jazz and Arts Festival which is scheduled to be held September 11^th - 13^th throughout the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA. The meeting was held at the town's The Deer Head Inn www.facebook.com/deerhead.inn where the initial meeting between the festival founders, Phil Woods, Rick Chamberlain, and Ed Joubert, who thought it would be nice to have a jazz festival in the area was held. Over three decades later, a number of people who developed a great affection for the annual event met at the Inn to learn of and discuss the preliminary tasks and issues relating to the festival.

Among the topics that were explored were the Delaware Water Gap Borough Yard Sale that is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 16^th. COTA has a place among the vendors and will have music related items for sale with the proceeds benefiting the festival and all of COTA's endeavors. It was also mentioned that COTA will seek to have a presence at area festivals this coming Summer in order to increase awareness and attendance of this year's event. The Rick Chamberlain Life Celebration on May 29^th was also mentioned as it will be held at the town's Castle Inn to honor one of COTA's founders who passed away on March 27^th, 2015. The event will be a remembrance filled with music, merriment, food, and friendship beginning at 3pm with all invited to attend. Please visit the Facebook invitation at www.facebook.com/events/775562159230861 to learn more. In addition to all this, congratulations were shared with Erica Golaszewski who recently graduated from The Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA www.facebook.com/BerkleeCollege?pnref=about.edu&rf=112943238720133.

As all the issues pertinent to this stage of the festival's yearly evolution were explored, the meeting came to an adjournment as those who were in attendance bade each other adieu while catching up on what each other had been doing since the last time they met. The next General Meeting to plan for The Celebration of the Arts 38^th Annual Festival will take place on Monday June 8^th beginning at 6:30pm at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA. All are invited to attend, share their views, and learn how to become a part of the festival. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, you’ll find more photographs taken during The Monday May 11^th COTA Meeting at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153839530368761.1073741849.91146283760&type=1 as well as other meetings held throughout the year in The COTA Meetings 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153287831535421.1073741970.636000420&type=1.

The mission of The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) is to present and to support the art of jazz in all its forms and historical breadth through youth education, performing arts presentations, scholarship opportunities, and community outreach throughout the Pocono area. Please Explore The Celebration of the Arts Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/COTA-Celebration-Of-The-Arts/234094683405815, their Website at www.cotajazz.org, or by calling 570-424-2210 to learn how you can become a volunteer and to learn for more information all about COTA has to offer.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

OMN Bids AP Adieu

It has been some time since I was able to attend the weekly Open Mic Nites held at The Sherman Theater’s Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA. But, on Sunday May 10^th, I had the good fortune to be present at the venue in order to enjoy an evening of poetry and music performed by a variety of individuals and groups that made the waning hours of the day something truly wonderful. However, the event would hold a degree of sadness as Andrew Paul (aka AP) would announce he would no longer perform the function as the Open Mic Nite Series' co host as the responsibilities of becoming a new father beckons.

An hour or so prior to this announcement, AP took the stage to welcome the gathering to the event and proceeded to introduce the evening's first performer. Guitarist Burt Kleinle played a number of songs associated with the group Nirvana with all the generational frustration embodied in the grunge band. He was followed by a poet known as SP who shared his words seasoned with hesitant pauses that created a space filled with a presence that created an intoxicating transcendent abyss in which all who listened to its silence delved. After his alloted time had expired, SP was followed by Jesse Morales who shared his heart felt words that were composed on his laptop computer that followed the steps one takes when faced with life's disappointments until the destination of letting go is reached.

Jesse was followed by a musician known as Maxwell who utilized his laptop computer to create some instrumental compositions that touched the realm of fantasy that resides in each listener. Maxwell was followed by a duo known as “Your Boy Brian and Rachey” which consisted of Brian on drums and Rachey on guitar and vocals who, together, offered songs whose music and lyrics that were powerful in and of themselves but transcended their magnificence through the delivery of them by the duo. Their performance was followed AP who took the stage to share his announcement regarding his leaving the event so he can concentrate on becoming a father. This was met with a mixture of sadness and joy as the departure of a well loved friend will lead him to the wonderments of sharing a life with a child.

The announcement was followed by a performance given by Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story who shared a number of original pieces along with some written by other well established composers. The qualities of the original work and the cover tunes proved to be indistinguishable from one another as the power and musical skills of Cee Rock defined and redefine the essence of each song through his unique and transcending interpretations. Cee Rock was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who began his set with some songs sung in A Capella but ended his performance abruptly as the emotions embodied in the pieces overtook him. His sudden departure led to a break in which AP seized the opportunity to playfully dance and sing to the delight of many while others went outside to enjoy the warm evening air and the even warmer conversations the event inspired.

As the break concluded, a poet named Cody Burawski took the stage and shared her powerful words with many relating to her experiences in Stroudsburg, PA while other compositions dealt with the overwhelming aspects of life in general. During her time on stage, she was joined by Jesse Morales to share a song together. The performance brought an end to the evening as AP came to the stage and was soon surrounded by members of the Open Mic Nite gathering who sang to him the song “Closing Time” by Semisonic which AP is known to play at the end of each open mic nite. The song ended with a group hug that radiated the love and appreciation felt throughout the room for AP and his contributions in making the weekly event something wonderful. He will be missed.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday May 17^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom. In the meantime, you’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Sunday May 10^th Open Mic Nite at The Living Room at

www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153835825143761.1073741848.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find our archive of photographs taken of various events taking place at The Sherman Theater's Living Room throughout 2015 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153108259710421.1073741966.636000420&type=1 as well as archival photographs of events featuring the Performing Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which presents their current exhibition titled, “Express Your Selfie” and will continue to be on display until May 25^th. Their next exhibit is titled, “Music: My Universal Language” featuring the work of local artists with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday June 6^th beginning at 6pm. The exhibition will continue to be on display until June 28^th. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Living Room is anon-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music,exhibitions, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.