Dancing with the Robots at the OMN

Although the town of Stroudsburg, PA held a grand celebration the evening before, the Sherman Theater's Living Room proved the longevity of Halloween does not rely upon a calendar nor does the festive spirit of the holiday. It was on Sunday November 1^st did the venue hold a Dance Party featuring a Costume contest and music by Wilbium as part of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom. The evening also offered a raffle in which the winner would receive a painting created by Wilbium and a gift card from Dunkin Donuts.

The evening began with the customary parade of talented individuals whose desire to share their gifts led them to the sign in sheet so their names could be counted among the many who propel the Open Mic Nite towards its enchanting effects. It was after a while in which musicians, poets, and comedians anxiously made their final pre performance preparation 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 in regards to the costume contest and other aspects of the evening. She then proceeded to introduce the first performers to the gathering.

The Forwardian Players who consisted of Chris (Cee Rock) Roberts and Marisa Olmo shared a theatrical piece titled, “All of Them” written by Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that's me). It took place in the oldest cemetery in Stroudsburg, PA and answered the question, “How many people are dead in this graveyard?” The work was well performed and was well received by the audience as their groans enhanced its seasonal effects. The Forwardian Players were followed by Bambient who shared the lessons to be learned by those who are effected by money and alcohol and place them as the root of their lives.

It was after his recitation did co host Emillie Day Santana take the stage to introduce the next performer simply known as “Jenny.” With a voice that emanated from the depth of her being, Jenny touched the soul of all who listened through her words and melodies as she sang A Capella. Jenny was followed by the poet known as “The Carlton” who spun his words into a web of images and concepts that captured the audience while taking them on a life journey. He was followed by comedian Zack Hammond whose anecdotes on impersonating a lawyer and going to a wave generated a great deal of laughter among the crowd. He was followed by Chris (Cee Rock) Roberts www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic/?pnref whose voice and guitar filled the room with their powers.

It was after the final notes Chris played with abandonment faded away did Theresa Ratcliff and Brian Bramkamp take the stage to perform as the duo known as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf. They moved the room with their songs until the company found their destinations which were very happy places. It was after their performance was the costume contest to begin. Many of the night's denizens stood before the audience to be judged on whose attire was the best, the scariest, and the cutest. I entered the contest as Donald Trump on a good hair day. The parade of contestants concluded with the distribution of ballots upon which the gathering was invited to cast their votes and place their selection in a bowl to be tallied later.

While votes were being cast, Mike Ratcliff took the stage to blend his words into a flowing rap while being accompanied by the vocal percussions of Chris (Cee Rock) Roberts. Mike was followed by another rapper known by the name of “Dedzitc” whose bouncy rhythms added to the beat and enjoyment of each piece. He was followed by a performer know as John who sang with a fearless heart a number of tunes A Capella including the song titled, “Man in the Mirror” which was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett and was included in the Michael Jackson 1988 album titled, “Bad.” It was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

As John's performance concluded, Wilbium took the stage. The variety of sounds that flowed from the many electronic and computerized apparatuses he utilized transfixed the gathering until they reached the trance like state they have come to joyfully expect from the well loved musician. Mesmerized dancers filled the establishment's floor while those who chose to simply listen allowed their being to be transfigured by the audiolating currents.

The performance Wilbium shared was further enhanced by moving images shown upon a screen adding a depth to each composition. These included visual depictions of external and inner worlds along with Dancing Robots. The winners of the costume contest and raffle drawing were announced during a break in Wilbium's performance but, I (unfortunately) forgot who they were. All I know is my Donal Trump costume didn't win the election. The winners gathered their prizes and the music resumed.

The wildly relaxed evening concluded as the final notes presented to the crowd by Wilbium faded into their absorbent memories. Words of gratitude were shared by the co hosts as were farewells by the gathering. It was a great night filled with music, laughter, poetry, and everlasting friendships inspiring all to eagerly await the next installment of the series. The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series took place on Sunday November 8^th and featured Milton Delgado. An article about this is forthcoming. The Open Mic Nite to follow will be held on Sunday November 15^th 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 Halloween Dance Party in the Dancing with the Robots at the OMN Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154332976648761.1073741918.91146283760&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 14^th beginning at 6pm. This will be followed by their Black Saturnalia Exhibition with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday December 12^th beginning at 6pm. The Drop off date for artists who wish to place their work in the show is Monday December 7^th 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.

Spooky Wooky Stroudsburg

On All Hallows' Eve, the town of Stroudsburg, PA welcomed the holiday with a number of events through its Halloween on Main event which took place throughout Saturday October 31^st. There were a great number of celebratory activities scheduled for the day. The majority of these were presented thanks to the volunteers who make up the ST'ART Stroudsburg initiative.

The day began with an Apple Festival which marked the conclusion of the weekly Monroe Farmers' Market www.facebook.com/monroefarmersmkt/?fref=ts that took place throughout the Summer in the town's Courthouse Square. The Market will take place within the Soho in the Burg Gallery on Saturdays from November 7^th to March 26^th beginning at 9am. The festival was followed by a Haunted Sketch Crawl www.facebook.com/StroudsburgSketchCrawl/?fref=ts which provided local artists with an opportunity to explore their talents while exploring some local cemeteries. The day also included a “Spooky Gallery” held at The Origins Gallery www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg/?fref=ts, Trick or Treating of which many businesses located on the town's Main Street section provided gifts to the costumed children who visited them, and there was a Find the Ghost Treasure Hunt. I arrived in town around 6pm to enjoy some events after the ones I listed had concluded.

While traveling toward Stroudsburg, I noticed a number of side streets were blocked off. Beyond the barricades I saw children and their parents going from house to house collecting candy from the residents inside. It was a joy to witness such happiness and the sights I've seen proved to be a portent of the evening that was yet to come which was reminiscent of those Halloweens the town had shared with its citizens decades before.

My first destination upon entering the town was its Courthouse Square where Jack the Storyteller was sharing some Spooky Stories to a small number of people. It was during these readings did a stroke of genius touched the Jack and his friends as the elements of theater was included in the presentation. The sight of watching individuals acting out the narratives of the stories caused the number of the audience to swell until the majority of the area was filled with delighted families and individuals.

The stories and impromptu performances were followed by a dance presentation given by the Gigi and Company www.facebook.com/gigiandcompanydance dancers whose routine was inspired by Michael Jackson's song titled, “Thriller” which is the title track from the 1982 album. A large square was formed which became the stage for the numerous dancers of varying ages to apply their considerable talents. A delight was felt among the observers as each step reminded many of the impact the song and the music video that accompanied it has had on the Halloweens since their release.

The completion of the dance routine was met with much well deserved acclaim by the gathering and was followed by a “Monsters' Crawl” led by the Juggernaut String Band. The crawl provided an opportunity for the costumed denizens of the night to parade their spookiness along Stroudsburg's Main Street. The crawl moved throughout the town in a counter clockwise direction to signify two things. The first was relating to the daylight saving times which called for clocks being turned back an hour later that evening and the second was to call upon the spirits to reestablish the event as the annual community sharing it once was. This sentiment was embraced by every heart that were there physically and in spirit.

After the Monster Crawl, a Monster Bash was held at The Origins Gallery. The celebratory atmosphere of the venue was enhanced by music performed by the Juggernaut String Band www.facebook.com/JuggernautStringBand which consists of Pete Taney, Joy Taney, Vid Ryan, and Cat Burbage. Thanks to the lively mixture of Cajun, Zydeco, and other musical traditions, a great deal of wild dancing and joyous conversations were shared by the denizens of the establishment. The evening also included a costume contest with some contestants winding up wearing a bit less than they did before the competition started. I was inspired to enter. My costume of a millionaire did not win the prize but a well deserving Melody Jane did with her bat attire.

Afterward the contest, the Juggernaut String Band retook the stage and further infused the crowd with their joyful energies until it was time for those who were present to begin sharing their farewells with one another. The bash proved to be a wonderful end to an even more wonderful day as many people stated how nice it was for Halloween on Main to be happening and how they’d like to see it take place again next year. The curators of The Origins Gallery and members of the St’ART Stroudsburg Staff, Jody Singer and Ashley Catherine Fontones, shared their assurance it was their intention that Halloween on Main would be an Annual event and announced that other happenings relating to the arts are being explored for 2016.

A special thank you was given by Mr. Singer and Ms. Fontones to the Juggernaut String Band whose inspiring help was instrumental to bringing Halloween on Main about. Subsequent postings on the Origins and St’ART Stroudsburg Facebook Pages expanded the listing of appreciative sentiments to include the Stroudsburg Borough Council www.facebook.com/shopdowntownstroudsburg and the Monroe Commissioners www.monroecountypa.gov for support and for granting the permissions needed to satisfy all legal requirements. The Pocono Arts Council www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil/?fref=ts, the Pocono Arts District www.facebook.com/ThePoconoArtsDistrict/?fref=ts, and all the local businesses and personal were thanked for support and donations. And, those who shared their talents as Volunteers and assistants were also included in their words of thanks. You'll find more photographs taken during the Halloween on Main event in the Spooky Wooky Stroudsburg Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154325150713761.1073741917.91146283760&type=3.

ST'ART is currently staffed by former Project Street Art Core members and continues to seek opportunities to pursue new projects and and form new partnerships throughout the community. ST'ART has added to the number of Murals painted among the businesses located in Stroudsburg, PA and participated in the town's 200^th Anniversary through their Commemorative Painting Project. You can learn more about ST'ART and how to become involved with their endeavors by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/startstroudsburg/?fref=ts or their Website at www.startstroudsburg.org.

According to Wikipedia, Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is a celebration observed in a number of countries on the 31^st of October which is the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day which is dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all those faithful to the Christian Deity who had departed. All Hallows' Eve is, according to some views, a Christianized observance influenced by Celtic harvest festivals particularly the Gaelic festival known as Samhain. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, and watching horror films. The word Halloween dates back to about 1745 meaning “hallowed evening” or “holy evening.”

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The Faces of ARTSPACE

The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception for their Portraits Exhibition on Friday October 30^th in the Center's ARTSPACE Gallery. A sizable number of art lovers trickled in throughout the reception which enhanced the exhibit through their admiring conversations relating to the work. The work itself explored the essence of their subjects with depictions reflecting both the humorous and melancholic aspects of human nature. The very high quality of the pieces allowed the viewer to look into each frame and see the varied identities of themselves within the eyes and countenance of the images presented in the gallery.

The exhibition is a juried one and Bill Teitsworth served as its Judge with awards given out to those whose work were considered to be even more exceptional than those created by their peers. The recipients of the awards were Will Rothfuss who received the Third Place Award for his piece titled, “Self Portrait in Blue Shirt,” Karen Duncan who received the Second Place Award for her piece titled, “Nicole,” and Joy Taney who received the First Place Award for her piece titled, “Riley L.” Honorable Mentions were given to Jim Gloria for his work titled, “Portrait of a Woman” and Don Manza for his photograph titled, “203.” Mr. Teitsworth could not attend the reception, but his selections reflected a discerning love and appreciation for the arts.

Bill Teitsworth is an award-winning watercolorist, a signature member of the National Watercolor Society www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org, and a member of the board of directors of the American Watercolor Society www.americanwatercolorsociety.com. He serves as the gallery curator for The ArtWorks Gallery and Studio in Scranton, PA www.facebook.com/ArtWorksNEPA?_rdr=p and leads workshops in Bucks County, PA and Rockland, ME. In addition to all this, Mr. Teitsworth is co owner of The Emanuel-Teitsworth Studio which he shares with his wife Renee Emanuel. You can learn more about Bill Teitsworth and The Emanuel-Teitsworth Studio by visiting his Website at www.etstudioart.com.

In addition to the Profiles exhibit presented in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center’s Artspace Gallery, a collection of Assemblages along with some paintings that were created by the late Morris Berman were presented in the Center's Studio Gallery and various places among the main gallery. Mr. Berman's work was donated to PoconoArts by his daughter, Ilona Marmer, and remains on permanent display. It can be explored during the center’s business hours. You'll find more images taken during the Artists' Reception in the The Faces of ARTSPACE Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154319075168761.1073741916.91146283760&type=3.

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 Portraits Exhibition continues to be on display until November 21^st.

Their next exhibition will be their Annual Holiday Store which will be on display from November 27^th to January 2^nd with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Friday December 4^th. The exhibit is an open one and welcomes all artists to participate. The Drop Off Dates are November 24^th and 25^th. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center and all it has to offer the creative community by exploring The PoconoArts Council Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil or their Website at www.poconoarts.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Something Sounds Funny at The PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Open Mic Comedy Night on Sunday October 25^th. The evening presented a number of professional comedians to whom the stage was open to them so they could share some new material with the modestly sized audience that attended. These comedic renderings were greeted with mixed responses as the quality of the humor and its delivery varied from comic to comic. There were also a number of obscenities uttered throughout the evening. Although this vocabulary has been common with many comedians during the last decade or so, the varying quality of the performances led some (but not all) members of the audience to feel uncomfortable.

The evening began with some welcoming sentiments shared by PCT Board member Kenneth Bachman who ended his word with an introduction of the night's Emcee. James Camacho www.facebook.com/Jamesycamachocomedy?fref=ts shared his welcoming remarks along with some humorous phrasings that served to set the tone for the remainder of the evening. He then introduced the first comedian, Christopher Sicoli www.facebook.com/christophersicoli, to the audience and did so for the other comedians who would perform afterwards. They were Ritu Chanora, Joseph Christy, Dave D., Pam DeButts www.facebook.com/Comedian-Pam-DeButts-260324854134172, Mario Lappino, Talj Howard, Ed Rufolo, Kenan Jerome Floyd, Rob Heilimann www.facebook.com/hilemonthegreat?fref=ts, Dave Hoj, and Constance Frances.

As the final comic shared her last laugh, Mr. Camacho introduced the headlining comedian for the evening. Johnny Watson took the stage and shared his observations of life and the people he has encountered while living it. Much of what he spoke of struck a humorous chord and the response from the audience reflected this. It was at the conclusion of his set did Mr. Camacho stepped upon the stage to bid the audience farewell. He was followed by the return of Kenneth Bachman who shared his adieu while inviting the crowd to return for future Open Mic Comedy Nights. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the event in the Something Sounds Funny at The PCT Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154318961528761.1073741915.91146283760&type=3.

Johnny Watson spent his childhood living in a series of black and Hispanic neighborhoods in New Jersey developing his comedic craft by telling jokes in order to survive. He was voted funniest and best story teller in grammar school and in high school from which he graduated last in his class. After being a member of the US Navy, Mr. Watson turned to comedy as a full-time profession and performed at The Laugh Factory in New York City, NY and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, CA as well as hosting Television, film, and theater productions. You can learn more about Johnny Watson by exploring his Website at www.johnnywatsoncomedy.com.

In addition to presenting their Open Mic Comedy Nights, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the film “Batman” on Sunday November 8^th. The Pocono Community Theater also hosts special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special events like their 168 Hour Film Race competition showcasing the work of local filmmakers which takes place from Sunday November 1^st until the 8^th and their 7^th Annual Red Carpet Event scheduled for Friday November 6^th. Their next Open Mic Comedy Night is scheduled for Sunday November 8^th beginning at 7pm. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

From Glitz to JingerKroa

An atmosphere in preparation of the Halloween season filled the thoughts of those who wandered the streets of Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday October 24^th. Costumed individuals floated along the sidewalks as the aesthetic enticements the local galleries and party venues offered spirited them away to their domains. The galleries in question were the SOHO in the Burg Gallery and the Origins Gallery who held receptions for their exhibits and the party venue was The Sherman Theater's Living Room. Most of the events at these establishments occurred simultaneously so it was a busy night for art lovers (like me) to partake of.

My first destination on my pre Halloween trek was the SOHO in the Burg Gallery who held an Artists' Reception for their “Glitz...All Wrapped Up In One” exhibition which featured works created by local artists relating to the upcoming holiday seasons. The aroma of delicious foods prepared by Chef G (aka Guarino Cortese) chefIIgo@yahoo.com filled the air as the images placed upon the gallery's walls entreated the many who had come to view the work to marvel as each piece's intricate beauty.

The evening at the SOHO in the Burg Gallery was enhanced by the music performed by the band known as “Inconceivable” which consists of Steve Houser on Guitar, Gary Bonneau on Bass, Eric Bakke on Drums, and Tricia Ann Fellman on vocals and percussion. Together, they performed a number of fondly remembered dance-able tunes which the denizens of the gallery embraced with their hearts and their fancy footwork. Inconceivable can be heard at The Willow Tree Inn in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/willow.inn/?fref=ts during their Halloween Party which is scheduled for Saturday November 7^th.

The SOHO in the BURG Gallery is located on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA which was the location of the J. J. Newberry’s store. The gallery opened its doors to the public in April of 2012 and is owned by Andrea Robbins Rimberg who has become well known for her exuberant energies and creativity as many of her pieces are on display in prestigious galleries throughout the United States. The Glitz...All Wrapped Up In One exhibition will continue to be on display until December 31^st or later. The next exhibit is yet to be announced. In addition to the art exhibitions held at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, the gallery offers a wide variety of classes designed to enhance an appreciation for the arts. You can learn more about The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, their future exhibits, and all the gallery has to offer the creative community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964 or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.

After leaving the wonderful art and conversation I experienced at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, I moved toward the The Origins Gallery who held an Artist's Reception featuring the work of Josué Fernando Guardia who is a Painter, Pyrography artist, and Illustrator. I arrived late so I missed the music performed by DJ Stylez and the art raffle which is one of the many functions the establishment is admired for. However, I did view the work of Mr. Guardia whose diversity in styles and approaches to his subjects (both internal and external) led me on a journey exploring the nether regions of my thoughts. The exhibit will remain on display until November 8^th and I recommend seeing it.

Josué Fernando Guardia was born in Lima, Peru. His mother was an executive Media Producer and his father was a Tailor. At a young age, he interacted with people from different backgrounds. He later won a National High School Art competition and left Peru at the age of 17 to study at La Guardia Community College www.facebook.com/LaGuardiaCC in New York, NY. Mr. Guardia's is has been shown in numerous galleries throughout the US and beyond. You can learn more about Josué Fernando Guardia by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/JosueGuardiaArtist/?fref=ts or his Website at www.josueguardia.com.

The Origins Gallery is located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store www.facebook.com/TheGamersEdgeStroudsburg?fref=ts which can be found at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery within the Pocono Art District www.facebook.com/ThePoconoArtsDistrict/?fref=ts having one of the highest and fastest sales records in the Stroudsburg area, provides a space to those who teach the arts to those who would like to learn from them, and continues to do everything with the local community in mind. Their next Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday November 14^th beginning at 6pm for their Collaborations Exhibition which will continue to be on display until November 22^nd. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their website at www.originsgallery.org.

I left The Origins Gallery and visited the Sherman Theater’s The Living Room who held their 1^st Annual Halloween Bash. The band known as JingerKroa www.facebook.com/JingerKroa was playing as I arrived and their overpowering Hard Rock and Heavy Metal renderings moved the gathering toward a still contemplation of every note and utterance conveyed by the ensemble. The band consists of Jeremy Gothard on Vocals, on Mike Miller Drums, Unkl Nicky on Guitar and HillBilly on Bass.

It was during a break in the music that a costume contest was held which featured a number of macabre and original outfits. Selection of the winner was decided by the applause created by the gathering with the loudest determining the best one. It was after this did JingerKroa retake the stage to perform their final selections which included an encore at the request of the crowd. As the final notes of their song faded away, the gathering began to share their farewells with one another and left the establishment with a deep sense of appreciation of all it had given them during the course of the evening. I left with the same sense of appreciation combined with the joyous memories of that venue and the others I visited earlier that evening. It was a great night and I'm glad I partook of it all. You'll find more photographs I took during my adventures in The From Glitz to JingerKroa Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154302183693761.1073741914.91146283760&type=3.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.