SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER ANNOUNCES JAKE HOOT, SEASON 17 WINNER OF “THE VOICE” ON JUNE 28

Jake Hoot, best known as Season 17 winner of “The Voice,” will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 28 at 7:00 PM.  Jake has graced iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful voice and undeniable gift for storytelling.

In addition to his cross-country tour, Jake Hoot will also be featured as part of NBC’s “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” which airs on February 23.

Jake Hoot is a country music storyteller who doesn’t just sing country music – he lives it. His performance in Season 17 of the Knockout Rounds singing “Cover Me Up” brought tears of joy to the audience and judges! He was born in Texas and raised between the Dominican Republic and Tennessee, and his music embodies a life steeped in faith, family and authenticity.  Blending heartfelt lyrics with classic country roots, Jake brings songs to life – from tender ballads to powerful anthems – forging a genuine connection with listeners wherever he goes.

The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM.  Tickets start at $39.00 including fees.  Prices are subject to change.  Tickets will be available for purchase on February 20 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

The Greenridge Club Hosts Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Event

After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Scranton!

Highlights
✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience
🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale
😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians
📚 No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two!

General Info
📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
📍 Location: The Green Ridge Club
👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID
♿ Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant
❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here

Scranton Fringe Putting Down Roots in Scranton

For 10 years, Scranton Fringe has been nomadic — activating spaces across the city, transforming storefronts, theaters, and parks into stages for bold work.

Now, we have a home. But why does that matter so much?

The Sanctuary Theater at 1735 North Main Avenue is more than a venue. It’s proof that Scranton Fringe isn’t just visiting—we’re staying.

The beautiful former church sat waiting for a new purpose. Now it has one: rehearsals, workshops, performances, community gatherings, and creative risk-taking.

Old bones. New Life. Permanent presence.

We’re still activating dozens of spaces during the Festival (Oct 1–10) and year-round. But now we have an anchor. A place artists can count on. A space that says: this is where bold work lives in Scranton.

Our first show at The Sanctuary Theater: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, opening April 9.

Tickets at ScrantonFringe.org.

Medical Professionals and Music Bring Colon Cancer Awareness

A group of physicians who share a passion for both medical education and rock music will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind community concert, “Louder Than Cancer!,” Friday, March 27, at the Theater at North in Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m. and is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preventive screenings.

The educational event will feature Rockdoc and the Healers, a rock band made up of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health.

In addition to live music, the evening will include educational information tables highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and connecting attendees with regional providers of whole-person primary health services.

The idea for “Louder Than Cancer!” was conceptualized by Dr. Vikas Khurana, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions for medicine with music. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are the platinum sponsor of the event, reinforcing their shared commitment to prevention, education, and community well-being.

Dr. Eskin talked about how music can help people take control of their wellbeing.

“Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening… Music has a way of breaking down barriers. If we can get people in the door for a great rock show and leave them feeling empowered to take charge of their colon health, then we’ve done something truly meaningful,” Dr. Eskin said.

Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with the Giron brothers, rounding out the band’s high-energy lineup.

The educational program and concert are being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, who is leading efforts to blend entertainment with evidence-based health education.

Tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” are free and available through Eventbrite. While there is no cost to attend, audience members are asked to complete a brief educational survey about colon health as part of the program’s awareness initiative.

Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary financial donation, with all proceeds from sponsorships and donations benefitting the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

“We want the message to be clear: screening saves lives, and taking that first step doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Dr. Eskin said.

For more information and to reserve your free tickets, visit Eventbrite and search for “Louder Than Cancer!” To donate, visit bit.ly/4cbJMQ2.

SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series Starts in March

The United States Small Business Association can help entrepreneurs start and grow. From makers and creators, involved in tech, or pursuing a passion SBA can help business ventures.

Join the no-cost Spring SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series either in-person or virtually. The sessions will start by discussing home-based businesses and then expand to generating a business plan and becoming credit ready.

  • All workshops are on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. 
  • Pre-registration is required for each workshop – follow the links to register. 
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion for taking a workshop.
  • In-person location is at the Stourbridge Tech Hub, Room 2040, 646 W. Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431 
  • The webinar sessions are not recorded; participants can ask questions through chat with a real time response.
  • Only attendees (in-person and virtual) will receive a copy of the slide deck.
  • Email sonia.smith@sba.gov with any questions.

Starting a Home-Based Business in Pennsylvania – Wednesday, March 11, 2026                                        

Most entrepreneurs start with a home-based business that creates, delivers, or improves on a product or service. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s PA Business One-Stop Shop will take the guesswork out of business filings, applications, and registrations, so you can focus on running a successful business.

In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80395     

Virtual:  https://www.sba.gov/event/80392  

Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 1 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026 

Business Smart Toolkit Module 1 helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea by understanding the 10 steps to start a business.                                                                                             

In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80413     

Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80409   

Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 2 – Wednesday, March 25, 2026  

Business Smart Toolkit Module 2 helps entrepreneurs understand credit-ready essentials, financing options, and loan requirements.    

In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80416

Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80415

Marywood University to Host Veteran Services Fair 

Marywood University will host a Veteran Services Fair and Guest Speaker Presentation Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

This event will bring together veterans, service members, students, families and community members for a morning focused on connection, transition support and access to critical resources.

Open to veterans, currently serving service members, students, families, and the broader community, this event underscores Marywood University’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served and strengthening partnerships with organizations dedicated to veteran well-being.

The event is organized by Marywood University’s Office of Military & Veteran Services, the program will take place in the Nazareth Student Center, beginning with a Veteran Services Fair from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge.

Brigadier General (PA) Keith Graham, Executive Director of Veterans Programs and Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), will deliver the keynote presentation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Upper Main Dining Room. General Graham oversees outreach and support for over 640,000 veterans in Pennsylvania.

The Veteran Services Fair will feature resource tables staffed by regional veteran service organizations offering information, referrals, and one-on-one guidance on a wide range of supports, including education, employment, benefits, health services, and community programs.

The keynote presentation will address the challenges veterans often face during the transition from military to civilian life, the importance of early engagement with support services, and the role institutions and communities play in ensuring long-term success.

According to Bronson Cass, Military & Veteran Specialist in Marywood University’s Office of Military and Veteran Services early access to trusted resources can be life changing.

“Early connection to the right resources can change the trajectory of a veteran’s transition,” Cass said. “This event is about building a strong, visible network of care together, so no veteran or family member feels they have to navigate this journey alone,” Cass said.

Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, meet service providers and bring family members or friends who may benefit from the information shared. By fostering early awareness and connection, the University aims to help veterans and their families access the tools and relationships they need to thrive.

For more information, contact Marywood University Military & Veteran Services at veterans@marywood.edu.

WVIA Hosts Keystone Edition – Data Centers: Deal of Dilemma Event

How often have you heard the phrase “data center” lately? They are being talked about in all corners of our area. Data centers are a hot topic right now, but many people don’t know exactly what they are, how they’re used, and why there is opposition to them. We’ll wade through it all on the next edition of Keystone Edition: Data Centers: Deal or Dilemma?

WVIA Public Media Studios

Free Event

07:00 PM – 08:00 PM on Wed, 11 Feb 2026

By registering for any event, you agree to be added to WVIA’s email list to receive updates, news, and event information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Learn more at the link.

Hoban Wellness Hosts Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga for Two

Rooted Together: Partner Yoga for Two is a Valentine’s Day shared yoga experience designed to celebrate connection in all its forms—friends, family members, and romantic partners.

This 75-minute class invites you to move side by side through mindful movement, gentle strengthening, supported stretching, breathwork, and moments of stillness. The practice emphasizes presence, communication, and shared pacing—without physical contact—allowing each participant to remain fully grounded in their own body while experiencing the energy of practicing together.

The experience is enhanced with curated aromatherapy and concludes with a deeply restful closing practice. Each participant will receive a take-home eye pillow and a thoughtfully prepared wellness goodie bag.

Expect to leave feeling grounded, connected, and nourished—body, mind, and heart.

Register: www.katiehobanwellness.com