Awarding Images in Monroe County, PA

The fresh, brisk air of a higher elevation filled the beings of those who left their cars to walk toward the entrance of The Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Pocono Manor, PA on Sunday November 15^th. The establishment hosted The 1^st Annual Monroe County, PA Image Awards (MCIA). The honorees and the hopeful nominees (yeah, I was one of them) emerged from the Kalahari Africanesque portal to partake of the award ceremony which featured dance and song performances along with the distribution of the awards in multiple categories to the selected recipients.

A gathering of what was considered the county's best populated the halls of the vast building as conversations were shared among friends who had known each other for years and those who had known each other for a moment while waiting to be registered for the event. Soon, the wait was over and those who registered were taken to the event's Red Carpet Area with their guest(s) to be interviewed by a member of the Sistah Chat Radio Program which airs every Wednesday at 6pm on WESS 90.3 FM www.facebook.com/SistahChat90.3/?fref=ts and to have their picture taken by Keith Drayton of Focusing on You Photography www.facebook.com/keith.drayton.37. After each photo session, the guests of the honorees and nominees were invited to go into the banquet hall where a lunch would be served while they remained to continue and initiate chats with other potential award recipients.

Soon, it was time for the nominees to congregate in order to make their esteemed entrance into the banquet hall. Each nominee were to enter one by one, say who they are, and state which category they were nominated for. As I entered, I said, “I'm Paul, I'm a writer, and I'm hungry.” A stage was constructed so the nominees could stand and be seen by the gathering of guest before leaving it to greet the multitude in order to make new friends among them. It was after this everyone was seated to await their table's turn to partake of the meal that was prepared for them. The enjoyment of the victuals was enhanced by the conversation shared among the denizens of each table.

After a time, the commencement of the main event of the day was announced and the 1^st Annual MCIA ceremony began. It opened with a combined performance given by International CILA www.facebook.com/cilamanagement/?fref=ts Artist Natalia Segura www.facebook.com/NataliaSeguraOfficial/?fref=ts who sang a song titled, “Beautiful Day” and the Eleve Dance Theatre www.facebook.com/EleveDanceTheater/?fref=ts. This was followed by the entrance of Gary Smith (aka Gary in the Morning) www.facebook.com/The-Gary-In-The-Morning-Radio-Show-on-Pocono-967-FM-259559440735685/?fref=ts from WABT 96.7 FM www.facebook.com/pages/Pocono-967-Fm/1380155605553627?fref=ts and was the MCIA Media Communication Honoree. He then proceed to present the awards to those precipitants in each category.

The recipient of the MCIA Award for Media and Communications Excellence was Elisa Chase of WABT 96.7 FM, Darlene Farris-LaBar of Smithfield, PA for Community Arts, and Roy Ramos of Coolbaugh, PA for Community Entertainment. Each recipient shared their appreciative thoughts along with some words relating to their field. This was followed by the presentation Gary Smith of his MCIA of which he thoughtfully accepted.

MCIA Honoree Dawn Notaro of Dawn of The New York Clothing Shop www.facebook.com/Dawn.of.New.York/?fref=ts in Stroudsburg, PA was scheduled to present the awards in the Local Business Category but was unable to attend the event. However, Sara Smith - Katz and Alicia LaRaine Middleton came before the audience to praise Ms. Notaro and to model some of her wearable work. This was followed by the presentation of the MCIA given by Ms. Katz to recipients The Pocono Medical Wellness Center www.facebook.com/poconowellness/?fref=ts in East Stroudsburg, PA for Local Business, Andy Worthington of Shawnee on Delaware, PA for Economic Development whose award was accepted by Reagan Brown, and a MCIA was given posthumously to Rick Chamberlain of Delaware Water Gap, PA for Community Music.

This was followed by the appearance of Community Written Expression Honorees Edward and Debbie Petra Smith of Meet the Smiths www.facebook.com/MEETTHESMITHS/?fref=ts. The MCIA for Community Written Expression was given to Lois Heckman www.loisheckman.com of Saylorsburg, PA who was not present to receive it. I was nominated for this award but not not get it. I'll be going to a 12 step program in the near future to get over it. Mr. and Mrs. Smith then proceeded to present the MCIA to Sharon Laverdure of East Stroudsburg, PA for being an Outstanding Educator, to Tiffany Elston of Blakeslee, PA for being an Outstanding College Student, and Miriam Bouchekouk of East Stroudsburg, PA for being an Outstanding High School Student.

This was followed by a special introduction given by Sara Smith - Katz for Community Advocate MCIA honoree Deborah Cofer www.facebook.com/deborahmcofer/?fref=ts. Ms. Cofer then proceeded to share her thoughts with the audience which proved to be thoughtful and uplifting. She then presented the MCIA for Community Service to Gil Coronado of East Stroudsburg, PA, the MCIA for Civic Service to The National Council of Negro Women - Greater Pocono Section www.facebook.com/pages/Greater-Pocono-Section-National-Council-of-Negro-Women-Inc/825390817507074, The Coach of the Year MCIA to Alexis Wilkinson of East Stroudsburg, PA, and a MCIA was given to Jonathan Smith Rivera of Swiftwater, PA for being an Outstanding College Athlete.

This was followed by the Public Service Award honoree PA State Representative, David Parker, of the commonwealth's 115^th Legislative District who shared some thoughtful words as a tribute in memory of Samantha Agins who was a medic at a camp for disabled individuals in PA. She died while administering CPR to an autistic woman in her 40s. Representative Parker's words were followed by the return of Natalia Segura whose voice moved the soul while a slide presentation celebrating Ms. Agins' life was shown. It was after this heart touching presentation did members of Ms. Agins' family come to the stage, shared their appreciation, and presented a number of MCIAs. These presentations were to The Bushkill, PA Emergency Corps www.facebook.com/BushkillEmergencyCorps/?fref=ts who received the award for Emergency Medical Service and to the A Plus Smile Center PC www.facebook.com/pages/A-Plus-Smile-Center-Pc/218358254959201?fref=ts in East Stroudsburg, PA who received the Medical Achievement award.

This was followed by the appearance of MCIA Community Films Honoree Bridget O. Davis who is the founder of the Pocono Mountains Film Festival www.facebook.com/The-Pocono-Mountains-Film-Festival-263044213711136/?fref=ts. After sharing her thoughts on the awards and her appreciation for receiving one, Ms. Davis proceeded to present a number of awards herself. These were the MCIA for Community Film/TV to BASSLINE Against the Bully and the Clergy Leadership Award to Rev. Dr. Kenneth Pearman of the Reaching out for Jesus Christian Center www.facebook.com/ROFJCC/?fref=ts in Brodheadsville, PA.

This was followed by the appearance of Katrina Meyers-Gray who sang a patriotic tribute to the United States prior to the entrance of the Veteran's Honoree Sergeant Major Claudette Williams. Ms. Williams then proceeded to present the Veteran's Award to Bishop Dr. William Earl Lee of Stroudsburg, PA and the MCIA for Public Service to State Rep. Rosemary Brown www.facebook.com/RepRosemaryBrown/?fref=ts of Middle Smithfield, PA.

This was followed by the appearance of MCIA co founders Alicia LaRaine Middleton and Thomas Jones. The duo shared their appreciation and praise for those who were involved with and supported the manifestation of The 1^st Annual Monroe County, PA Image Awards as well as to those who came to experience the event. It was during this time did they reveal the winners of The Rising Star Award. They were Deidre Sears and the Elevé Dance Theater, Natalia Segura of CILA llc, Management, Katrina Meyers-Gray of Madamdon's House of Beauty www.facebook.com/Madamedons-House-of-Beauty-120967431328561, and Michael Tukeva of Pocono Alliance www.facebook.com/poconoalliance/?fref=ts. As their words concluded, they proceeded to present the MCIA for Community Service to Gil Coronado of East Stroudsburg, PA. The presentations of the MCIA concluded with The Man of the Year Award given to Geoffrey M. Roche of East Stroudsburg, PA and The Woman of the Year Award given to Sharone Glasco.

The event was concluded by some closing remarks shared by MCIA co founders Alicia LaRaine Middleton and Thomas Jones who invited the audience to partake in capturing images of themselves (selfies) on their cell phones. This was followed by a performance given by the Eleve Dance Theatre and Katrina Meyers-Gray who sang the song titled, “Ain't No Stopping Us Now” which was written in 1979 by Gene McFadden and John Whitehead and appears in their debut album titled, “McFadden and Whitehead.” An after party continued the celebration in the Kalahari banquet hall with music provided by DJ Ruby www.facebook.com/DJ-RUBY-287360568024441/?fref=ts while those who received MCIAs were invited to have their photographs taken with their trophies on the red carpet. It was during this time did those who came to the event share their fare wells while looking forward to the next Monroe County, PA Image Awards ceremony who will begin accepting nominations in March 2016. You'll find more photographs taken during 2015 event in the 1^st Annual MCIA in the Award Images in Monroe County, PA Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154357467938761.1073741923.91146283760&type=3.

The 1^st Annual Monroe County, PA Image Awards was held at The Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in the Pocono Mountains. According to their website, the venue is an authentically African themed resort and convention center which is located in Pocono Manor, PA. The venue holds a 100,000 square foot Indoor Water Park, 457 appointed guest Rooms and Suites, numerous Dining options, and a Family Entertainment Center along with their Spa Kalahari and Salon. The Convention Center at Kalahari features 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for events both large and small along with award-winning catering and state-of-the-art technology to make any event an unforgettable one. You can learn more about The Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kalahari-Resorts/412649115580357 or their Website at www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania.

The Monroe County, PA Image Awards (MCIA) are designed to celebrate the many contributions of leaders who serve the county in an exemplary manner. The MCIA was initiated by Rainey Roo Productions which was founded by Thomas Jones who serves as their CEO and Alicia LaRaine Middleton. The organization offers a variety of media and promotional development consultation and services to the community and individuals. You can learn more about The Monroe County, PA Image Awards and Rainey Roo Productions with all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Monroe-County-Image-Awards/1664987550379966? or their Website at www.raineyrooproductions.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Creating New Origins through Collaborations

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday November 14^th for their Collaborations exhibition. The show featured work of local artists who worked in conjunction with others to create pieces. This creative exercise proved to beneficial to each artist's individual talent as something uniquely wonderful emerged through their combined endeavors. The evening also included music by the venue's assistant curator, Ashley Catherine Fontones, who was testing out the gallery's new sound system by playing a collaboration between techno music and classic big band jazz along with an opportunity to win some art through the gallery's ever popular raffle.

As one entered the gallery after descending the stairway from the main street of the town, one could not help to be immediately struck by the colorful imagery found in both the two and three dimensional work. Hues of amazing vibrancy greeted the eye enticing the viewer to explore the deeper intricacies of each piece. Those who knew of the individual artist who collaborated with another to produce the work found it difficult (if not impossible) to distinguish one signature style from another. This added an aesthetic meaningfulness to the work as each artist seemed to had brought the best of the other artist's talents to the fore. A number of the pieces were initiated during the gallery's Open Studios program that occurred during the Summer of 2015.

The conversation shared by the sizable number of people who attended the reception were a combination of those who shared their collaborative experiences in creating the work and those who sought to verbally explore the essence of their results. In either case, the unique qualities of the exhibit inspired inquisitive understandings that transcended the abilities of the artists to convey singularly. A pause to these chats ensued as the gallery's curators, Jody Singer and Ashley Catherine Fontones, took the stage to welcome the gathering to the event and share some announcements relating to the venue as well as the upcoming endeavors of other local galleries. It was after their words did the conversation resume until the much anticipated moment of the Art Raffle arrived.

Jody and Ashley took the stage once again to begin selecting the tickets that would lead to an enthusiastic art lover to take home one of the coveted objects donated by area artists and others. Mr. Singer proceeded to select each ticket and read it numeric sequences as Ms. Fontones modeled the item as she enhanced its beauty by adding her own. An excitement filled the room as each digit was revealed until the crescendo piqued when a scream from the ticket holder pierced the room with the owner's joy.

This process would continue until the final item was given to the final winner of the raffle. It was after this did Jody and Ashley share their appreciation to the gathering for attending and the artists who helped make this exhibit the best one yet. Their loving words touched the gathering as they concluded their journeys with the art and bade each other a fond fare well. These gentle adieus combined with a eagerness to return to the gallery for their next artists' reception as it was sure to be even more enjoyable that the one they had just experienced.

The Collaborations Exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until until November 22^nd. It was a great reception and I recommend all art lovers to visit the work while it remains on display. The next exhibition to be presented will be their Monochromatica Exhibition featuring work based on variations of one single color created by local artists. The Artist's Reception is scheduled for Saturday November 28^th beginning at 6pm. Area artists are invited to participate in the exhibit by simply dropping off their work at the gallery on November 23^rd or November 24^th. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at The Creating New Origins through Collaborations Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154349985628761.1073741922.91146283760&type=3.

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 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. 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.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

NCC OMN Very Deja Brew

An Open Mic Night was held in and presented by the Deja Brew Coffeehouse on Thursday November 12^th. The establishment is located in the Pocono Hall which is part of The Northampton Community College's (NCC) Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA. The dining area of the hall was filled to capacity as a number of very talented individuals blessed the microphone as their friends and classmates cheered them on. A coffee/dessert bar and an opportunity to win a raffle was provided throughout the evening with proceeds benefiting the Stephanie Rivera Scholarship Fund. Comedians who are enrolled in NCC, Chris Jones, P. J. Nolan, and Brandon Rivera, served as the evening's co-hosts.

The night began with members of the co hosting trio sharing their welcoming remarks before introducing the first performer to an eager audience. Jason DiGaetano and his guitar took the stage accompanied by a voice that flowed gently upon each note. He was followed by co host Chris Jones www.facebook.com/Chrisjonescomedy who shared his comedic view on life as he would do so during the course of the night. He was followed by Jeanie Racano who sang a song that was enhanced by her pleasant voice which inspired the rhythmic clicking of fingers. She was followed by co host Brandon Rivera who shared his comedic view which he continued to do so throughout the evening. He was followed by Rashad Thomas who shared his poem titled, “December” which relayed the sensation of finding a warm forest in the midst of a cold environment.

Rashad was followed by Marie J. Pearson who sang to a recording of the song titled, “Someone Like You” by Adele. Although the voice of the original singer could be heard, Ms. Pearson's powerful vocals pierced through to penetrate the soul of each listener. She was followed by co host P. J. Nolan who shared poetry that touched the many hues of roses and violets. He was followed by Winter Porty www.facebook.com/WeLoveWinterPordy who took the stage by storm with her Ukulele and proceeded to woo the gathering with her beautiful and haunting voice. She was followed by Sarah James whose abbreviated A Capella rendition of the song “Fever” proved to be no less sultry than it's original presentation.

Ms. James was followed by Mike Chung who moved the crowd with his voice as much of his repertoire was embraced by those who sung along. He was followed by a comedian whose name I don't recall but brought much laughter to the crowd. He was followed by Ashley Longabardi whose voice gave a unique depth to the song she sung. She was followed by Kaye Ofoso whose gentle yet piercing voice touched each heart as the universal essence of each song echoed throughout the room. Mr. Ofoso was accompanied on piano by Jonathan Cole and joined in song by the comedian who performed before he did.

It was after this did co host Brandon Rivera invite members of the audience to make jokes about him in which the comedian whose name I don't recall joined him upon the stage and brought even more laughter to the audience. This was followed by a thoughtful performance by a rapper known as Kenza Benza whose explorations of the dreams as the sources of reality enhanced the countenance of the gathering. She was followed by a duet known as Sam and Doug who sang with a loving truth that faithfully reflected the properties of the song written by the US country music group known as Lady Antebellum. They were followed by Cody Edman on vocals and Jason DiGaetano on piano as the former sang a popular tune whose title I don't recall but was intimately embraced by the crowd who joyfully demonstrated their affinity for it and his rendition of it.

They were followed by Annalise Browne who sung a song with a tenderness that transcended its lyrics and wrote her interpretation of them upon the souls of her listeners. She was followed by a duet know as Kiki (Virgina Tassone) and Ellie (Chung) whose combined voices lent themselves to reveal the deeper meanings of the song. They were followed by some words regarding the event given by Anthony Giedman who then proceeded to sing the song titled, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” which was composed by Elton John and Tim Rice for Disney's 1994 animated film “The Lion King.” The singing of the song was accompanied by an emotional bonding between the audience and he as many members held up lights to guide the lyrics to their eonian home.

Mr. Giedman's performance was followed by a raffle in which co hosts, Chris Jones and P. J. Nolan, pulled and read each ticket's number to a crowd who anticipated each digit that was named. The winners shared their audible glee as the final sequence was uttered and joyfully came upon the stage to collect their prize. This was followed by some parting words lovingly shared by P. J. Nolan and an encore performance was given by Mike Chung. The evening concluded with some closing sentiments given by Steven Davanzo. It was a great night highlighted by a supportive audience for some very talented singers and comedians. You’ll find more photographs taken during the event in The NCC OMN Very Deja Brew Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154345798478761.1073741921.91146283760&type=3.

The Deja Brew Coffeehouse's Open Mic Night was a fund raising event for the Stephanie Rivera Scholarship Fund. The fund was established by the student population to honor the memory of Stephanie Rivera who perished in a car accident in 2009 just prior to graduating from Northampton Community College. The fund provides a number of students per semester with a $300 scholarships which helps them to with their college related expenses. All proceeds from the event benefited the fund which is entirely administered by the students who have discretion on the scholarship criteria and the selection process. You'll find more information about The Deja Brew Coffeehouse by exploring their Facebook Profile at www.facebook.com/nccdejabrew.

Northampton Community College (NCC) was establishment in 1967 in the Lehigh Valley area of PA so local residents could earn a college degree, access workforce training, learn new leisure activities, and bring their children for enrichment without the need to travel long distances. NCC has since grown to include a number of campuses composed of a student body that is diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, income, and academic interest for which they seek to provide excellent, accessible and, comprehensive learning experiences in partnership with the communities they serve. These campuses include their Bethlehem, PA Campus and their The Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA. NCC also has centers in which individuals can enhance their skills to better their lives. They include The Fowler Family Southside Bethlehem, PA Center and the Pike and Wayne County Center located in Honesdale, PA. You can learn more about Northampton Community College and all it offers to the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ncc.monroe?fref=ts or their Website at www.northampton.edu.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Crooning at the OMN

The Sherman Theater's Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA presented another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom on Sunday November 8^th. The evening offered the usual stellar array of original songs, poetry, and comedy. But, this night would prove to be delightful departure from the norm as Milton Delgado wooed the crowd with a number of classic songs mostly associated with Swing Jazz era of the 1960s made popular by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, and others. The evening also offered a raffle in which the winner would receive a gift card from Burger King.

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 6^th 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 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 November 8^th 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 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.

Farewell to Tails

On Saturday November 7^th, The Gamers Edge in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/TheGamersEdgeStroudsburg hosted The Roast Of Kevin Tails Moucha who came back home from his recent move to Richmond, VA in order to officially say good bye to his friends. The event provided an opportunity for those who know Kevin to share stories about their adventures and how his friendship effected their lives along with an open mic nite. The evening proved to be one filled with laughter and thoughtful contemplation as memories of the past and dreams of the future touched the heart.

The Roast Master for the evening was The Carlton whose poignant and rapid fire observations set the tone for the event. After sharing his thoughts about Kevin, The Carlton proceeded to introduce the next speaker to share their thoughts regarding the roastee and his departure from the town. Dave Wotring was the first to share and was followed by Joe Lang who lovingly began to “rip Kevin a new one” in Roast tradition. He was followed by Crystal who shared her humorous stories about Kevin and their admiration for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She was followed by Steve Moran who shared stories about seeing Kevin walking around town.

He was followed by William Peter Wolf who shared his comedic memories. He was followed by P. J. Kelly who not only shared his memories about Kevin but shared his humorous assessments of the members of the audience. This was followed by a sit down chat between Kevin and the Carlton which proved to be memorable. It was after this conversation did Kevin take the stage to share his memories about the evening's roasters and shared some songs sang A Capella. It was after the completion of his songs did the Carlton take the stage in order to share a poem with the gathering which touched their hearts through their powerful words.

The conclusion of the Carlton's sharing led to the Open Mic portion of the evening. The first performer was Drew Oldfield who presented a medley of instrumental renderings on his guitar. It was after Drew's performance did I get up to share my memories about Kevin and, since turtles were mentioned by Crystal, I told my story of buying turtles for my mother. The story generated a few smiles from the audience. The conclusion of my words led to Kevin thanking the gathering for attending and some final affectionate parting words. The group reciprocated his sentiments as all communally express how much he will be missed. You'll find more photographs taken during The Roast Of Kevin Tails Moucha in The Farewell to Tails Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154340285618761.1073741919.91146283760&type=3.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.