With all the great musicians who have come through the NEPA Scene Open Mic Nights at The Woodlands Inn in Wilkes-Barre, it’s surprising that it took eight weeks for a musical act to win the audience vote, but it’s easy to see why Skip Monday was the first to do so on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Vocalist/guitarist Kaylin Karr and drummer Nathan Montella commanded attention as that powerful duo, so much so that the audience demanded an encore at the end of the night. (They are currently streaming their brand new EP, “Wildfire,” exclusively on nepascene.com.) Strum by One, Berto & Brad, and Ian Oberender also played short acoustic sets, while Sergio Marzitelli, Elliott Elliott, Kevin Lepka, Delmer Von W, Rob Evans, Nick Yanoshak, Anthony Baldiga, Zack Hammond, Rich Drees, Dan Hoppel, Checkout Joe, and Bobby Keller each brought their own brand of comedy to the stage.
Last week’s winner, comedian John Walton, headlined with an improvisational set that poked fun at many of the earlier acts and recalled funny stories about other shows he had performed in.
Skip Monday (pictured above), received $25 cash and the headlining slot for the next Open Mic, along with another $25 in cash and a $25 gift card to Crescenzo’s Brick Oven Eatery for headlining, prizes offered every week to those who receive the most votes from the audience.
NEPA Scene photographer Robb Malloy was back to take photos throughout the night. For photos from the previous NEPA Scene Open Mic, click here.
Join us next Tuesday and every Tuesday at The Woodlands from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. and bring your songs, jokes, poetry, magic tricks, stories, or whatever your talent is for a chance to be seen, heard, and appreciated.
