An OMN, Alli, and I

On a day that seemed like a return of the Winter Season, The Sherman Theater's Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held another installment of their weekly Open Mic Nite Series on Sunday April 10^th. Still, the warmth of the gathering permeated the room and hearts of all who were present even more than the layered coats that embraced their forms. This was combined with the excited anticipation of the evening's featured performer whose crescendo grew until the ceremonial signing in procedure took place and concluded.

The evening began as the event's co-host, Theresa Ratliff, took the stage to welcome large gathering who was present and shared some announcements. Among the sharings, Ms. Ratliff revealed the feature performer had a Tee Shirt available upon which Ms. Dayanara Howard magnified the audience's desire to possess the apparel by modeling it. It was at this point was the first performer for the evening was introduced.

Brad has become a crowd favorite throughout the years and that evening demonstrated why this was so as his dance movements enhanced the music that accompanied him. He was followed by new comer to the series, Guitarist Patrick Turner, who belted out several songs while gently crooning others with all of them having a soulful penetrating effect on the listener. He was followed by Frensesi Gates who was accompanied by a guitarist known as Elliot and a violinist named, “Christina Piserchio” who together filled the room with a landslide of muse. They were followed by a young woman known as Complex Colors whose voice and ukulele transformed the hues of each song she gently painted for the gathering. She was followed by Ann Mathews who led the gathering upon a communal journey toward a musical togetherness. It was at the conclusion of Ms. Mathew's Dylanesque performance that a break ensued so the featured performer could prepare for his set.

A great deal of excitement met co host, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), as she introduced Allie and I who consists of a guitar named, “Allie” and Andrew Standley. Together, they jumped right into their repertoire of joyous music and light hearted anecdotes of their adventures on the road. The joy Mr. Standley shared filled the soul with it's welcomed properties along with a number of songs that allowed a deeply profound refection to be shared by the audience through their thoughtful phrasings. All in Allie it was a great time filled with smiles encompassing all aspects of the human soul.

Alli and I (Andrew Standley) are from Lincoln, NE and has traveled a great deal together through a number of tours. They have released three albums since 2007 with the most recent one titled, “Imaginary Hearts” which are a collection of twelve hand written stories told by Andrew and his guitar. You can learn more about Alli and I from their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/alliandi/timeline or their Website at www.alliandi.com.

After the performance, the customary raffle took place in which Mr. Standley and the event's co-host, Theresa Ratliff, selected the winning ticket which entitled the winner to attend The Living Room's upcoming Open Mic All Stars Show on Friday May 20^th beginning at 7pm. A small break ensued as the stage was cleared before the next performers would take the stage.

The second part of the evening began with a duet consisting of Dave on electric guitar and Bri on vocals who moved the room with their harmonies that flowed like rivers into the estuaries of our beings. They were followed by Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf with Theresa Ratcliff on Vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar who played some original compositions that were already written in our dreams. They were followed by Guitarist Burt Kleinle whose sang with a translative voice defining the pain embodied in each lyric while creating a universal understanding of it all. He was followed by a performance of a theatrical piece titled, “Language” as given by The Forwardian Players featuring Anthony DeRobertis, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), Brianna Booker, and Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that's me). This was followed by Guitarist Justin Scalia who shared his song through his heart. He was followed by Wilbium whose musically mesmerizing injections filled the gathering with the desire to dance which was joyously fulfilled.

It was after Wilbium's performance that it was announced the main list was exhausted and there was enough time for some of those who placed their names on the waiting list to share their talents. This would bring two comedians to the stage. The first was new comer Tommy Stone who shared his observations on the differing views law enforcement in Canada and the United States have in regards to DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The second comedian was well known to the gathering as he was a featured performer several weeks prior. Russell Austin shared his humorous reflections on On Line Dating, Night Terrors, and Dick Pics. It was after his performance was it announced the evening has reached its concluding hour and a bidding of farewells were shared by the company who eagerly awaits the next Open Mic Nite to occur. You'll find more photographs taken during the Sunday April 10^th Open Mic Nite that featured Alli and I in our “An OMN, Alli, and I” Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154776715008761.1073741962.91146283760&type=3.

The next Open Mic Nite is scheduled to take place on Sunday April 17^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Wood Chickens. www.facebook.com/woodchickensband/?fref=ts 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 we took during the Sunday April 10^th event in The An OMN, Alli, and I Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154776715008761.1073741962.91146283760&type=3.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located at 522 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. You'll be able to view additional photographs taken during installments of their Open Mic Nites Series by their staff along with videos taken of interviews with the featured artists and the performances of some who attended the event on their Facebook Page. In addition to their Open Mic Nites Series, the venue also holds a number of concerts and special events. Please Explore The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom, The Sherman Theater's Website at www.shermantheater.com, or call 570-421-2808 for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Photography to Feast Your Eyes Upon

As a landscape filled with the first buds of Spring huddled together in the blustery winds, The Middle Smithfield, PA Township hosted an Artists' Reception on Friday April 8^th for the 3^rd Annual Exhibit of the Pocono Photo Club titled, “Hungry for Photography” featuring the work of its membership. The event was held in the banquet hall of The Whispering Pines at the Country Club of the Poconos in East Stroudsburg, PA www.whisperingpinesccp.com

The occasion also served as a commencement event for the Township's 2016 Shop Local Restaurant Week and offered a varied cuisine showcasing the culinary attributes of the local eating establishments. The pairings of the various wines (as well as the photography) enhanced the flavor of not only the delicious offerings but of the event itself as a huge number of art and food lovers explored the sensations characteristic of the evening. Pianist Gil Cuffaro welcomed the gathering as they entered the venue with his gentle renderings while Pete Begley www.petebegley.com played an instrument known as the Stick which is a 10 string guitar like device that utilizes a two-handed tapping method discovered by Emmett Chapman in 1969 that enhanced the mood of the evening.

The restaurants who participated in the event were from East Stroudsburg, PA. They included the Big A Grillehouse www.bigagrillehouse.com who served a Chicken Marsala on a on a stick which was paired with a Merlot Oaked wine, Werry's Cottages Motel and Pub www.facebook.com/werryspub who served Macaroni and Cheese which was paired with a Riesling wine, Miggy's Deli and Mini Market www.facebook.com/MiggysDeli who served a Spanish Cuisine which was paired with a wine named “Renegade,” The Historic Tom X Pub www.tomxpub.com who served Chili which was paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon wine, Pub 570 www.pub570.com who served St. Louie's Ribs which was paired with a wine named “The Godfather,” Wintergreen's Bar and Grill who served Veggie Pinwheel Wraps which was paired with a wine named “Inspiration,” and The Royal Asian Buffet www.facebook.com/royalasianbuffet who served General Tso's Chicken and Sushi which was paired with a wine named “The Godfather.” The wine for the evening was provided by The Blue Ridge Estate Winery and Vineyards in Saylorsburg, PA www.blueridgeestatewinery.com who also offered tastings of their vintage elixirs.

The Photography presented throughout the room touched the eye with its images whose beauty resonated with each person who viewed them. The varied styles and subjects encompassed the whole spectrum of the art with some pieces moving beyond its familiar scope to entrance the respective art lover through their visionary attributes. The conversations inspired by the work enhanced the energies of the room as the multitude sought to learn more about the images from the individual photographers and about the Pocono Photo Club which they were a part of. It was in the midst of these discourses when Annette Atkinson, who serves as a Middle Smithfield Township, PA Supervisor, took her place before the podium in order to share her words of welcome to the gathering and to express her appreciation to the venue along with all the photographers and restaurateurs who participated.

These words were followed by the bestowing of awards to a number of individuals who have contributed a great deal to the community through their loving talents. The 2016 Person of the Year award was given to Chauly Younger whose passion for gardening enables her to share her horticultural skills and enthusiasm to bring a soul to the newly created Middle Smithfield Township, PA Community Garden www.communitygardenspark.com whose collective endeavors provide over 100 pounds of fresh, organic produce for the Bushkill Outreach food pantry www.bushkilloutreach.org. Two individuals were chosen as finalist for the prestigious honor. They were Michelle Cacko who has been an instrumental part of the independent bikers of PA and their Kidspeace Toy Run along with her work with children and the East Stroudsburg Youth Association and Timothy O'Donnell who is the public relations director of the local Kiwanis' Poconos Daybreak Club which enabled him to create a children’s environmental learning program. Ms. Younger received a check for $2,000 to benefit the Bushkill Outreach food pantry while each of the two finalists received $750 toward their cause.

It was after the 2016 Person of the Year and the two finalist were presented their award did Ann LeFevre, who serves as the president of the Pocono Photo Club, share her words of appreciation to the venue and all those involved in the event along with information about the group. She was followed by a gentleman whose name I do not recall who shared his thoughts with the gathering. It was at the conclusion of his sentiments was a group photograph taken. This led to huge gathering to approach those who spoke and received recognition for their love for the community to express their congratulations and appreciations for their endeavors. It was some time after this did the room's population begin to disperse and took with them the wonderful memories created that day. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in the Photography to Feast Your Eyes Upon Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154770432318761.1073741961.91146283760&type=3.

The 3^rd Pocono Photo Club Exhibit titled, “Hungry for Photography” featuring the work of its membership will continue to be on display in the banquet hall of The Whispering Pines at the Country Club of the Poconos in East Stroudsburg, PA until May 1^st. The Pocono Photo Club is open to anyone with an interest in photography and consists of a photographers who embodied a variety of interests and skills. The group offers its members opportunities to explore their love for the art form through a number of programs that includes professional speakers, hands-on workshops, and social events. The Pocono Photo Club meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Keystone Building at the Northampton Community College Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA beginning at 7pm. You can learn more about The Pocono Photo Club by exploring their Facebook Group site at www.facebook.com/groups/177920465950 or their Website at www.poconophotoclub.com.

The Middle Smithfield Township’s 2016 Restaurant Week will continue until Sunday April 17^th. During the week, the restaurants who participated in the April 8^th event and others will offer discounted menus to those who dine at them. The variety of cuisines include Italian, American, Asian, and more. You can learn more about The Middle Smithfield Township’s 2016 Restaurant Week by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/mstshoplocal or their Website at www.mstEatLocal.com.

The Middle Smithfield Township, PA is a Township of the Second Class governed by a Board of Supervisors elected at large by qualified voters of the Township. The current Board of Supervisors are Annette Atkinson aatkinson@mstownship.com who serves as Chairperson, Administrative and Operations Director, and Assistant Treasurer, Michael J. Dwyer mdwyer@mstownship.com who serves as Vice Chairperson, Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Treasurer, and Supervisor, and Mark Oney money@mstownship.com. The regular meetings of the Middle Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month beginning at 7pm. You can learn more about Middle Smithfield Township by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/mstownship or their Website at www.middlesmithfieldtownship.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A DIGISAURUS OMN

There was a chilled wind that engulfed the town of Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday April 3^rd. But, the day's meteorological afflictions was quickly dispelled as the warmth frequently associated with The Sherman Theater's Living Room during their weekly Open Mic Nite Series touched the heart of all who entered the venue. An additional cheerfulness filled the gathering as their ability to attend the series was interrupted due to the recent Easter Holiday and the reunion of patrons resurrected their creative souls.

After the ceremonial signing in procedure took place, the event's co-hosts, Satilia Rose (aka Tilly), Bobby Jo Moran, and Dayanara Howard, took the stage to welcome those who were present and shared some announcements. Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) then proceeded to introduce the first performer who was a crowd favorite. Brad, whose free styled dancing is mingled with elements of Tai Chi, blended the mechanical and human elements through his deftly executed movements thus creating a newly emerged energy profoundly affecting the audience. He was followed by new comer Dante P. who performed on a Steel Drum enhancing the tonal qualities each song embodied.

Dante P. was followed by another new comer named, “Elliot” who created a delightful atmosphere that filled the heart of everyone in the room with happiness. He was followed by Emmitt whose bluesy performance with his harmonica was enhanced by the song he composed as homage to The Living Room. He was followed by guitarist Dee Allen whose long absence from venue made her return all the more endearing as she touched the souls and rekindled the dreams of everyone who heard her voice. A break ensued as the featured performer for the evening set up his equipment. It was after this task did Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) introduce him.

An array of computerized instruments filled the stage as a single man known as “DIGISAURUS” finalized tuning the musical contraptions he would employ. The beat began and its rhythm permeated the body enticing it to express its flow through its anatomical movements. The flashing lights added a hypnotic effect to the sensations that emanated from the musician whose clarion voice touched each lyric in order to summon the listener toward their higher selves. And, once they met with their sacred beings, they danced to euphoric abandonment.

DIGISAURUS is a future Pop/Rock band consisting of James Allison as it's sole member. Mr. Allison is from Columbus, OH and began the project in 2014 with the intent to explore the evolution of music and art through technology and collaboration. DIGISAURUS recently released its debut EP titled, “No More Room for Love” which “moves through multiple musical eras while dealing with the dismissal of love and conflict within the human psyche.” You can learn more about DIGISAURUS, James Allison, and the music by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/digisaurusmusic or the Website at www.digisaurusmusic.com.

After the performance, the customary raffle took place in which Mr. Allison and the event's co-host, Dayanara Howard, selected the winning ticket which entitled the winner to attend The Living Room's upcoming Open Mic All Stars Show on Friday May 20^th beginning at 7pm. A small break ensued as the stage was cleared. This was followed by a performance given by The Forwardian Players featuring Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that's me) and Wanda with special guest appearance by Dan. They were followed by a performance art piece presented by the extremely popular duo known as Play with your Eyes www.facebook.com/playwithyour3y3s/?pnref=story which consisted of Satilia Rose (aka Tilly) on baby piano and ukulele and Anthony DeRobertis (aka Frenesi Gates). Together, their movements, vocalizations, and songs engulfed the audience with their psychogenic attributes. It was soon after their performance did I leave the venue as my ride had to depart. Many wonderful performers were scheduled to bless the stage and I'm sorry I missed their engaging offerings. Still, the experience of sharing a time with those who were present lingers in my heart and I look forward to experiencing the wonderments the event has to offer next week.

The next Open Mic Nite is scheduled to take place on Sunday April 10^th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. The featured performer for the evening will be Alli and I. www.facebook.com/alliandi/timeline 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 we took during the Sunday April 3^rd event in The A Memmelable Open Mic Gallery at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154758873278761.1073741960.91146283760&type=3.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located at 522 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. You'll be able to view additional photographs taken during installments of their Open Mic Nites Series by their staff along with videos taken of interviews with the featured artists and the performances of some who attended the event on their Facebook Page. In addition to their Open Mic Nites Series, the venue also holds a number of concerts and special events. Please Explore The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom, The Sherman Theater's Website at www.shermantheater.com, or call 570-421-2808 for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.