University of Scranton Announces January Events Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Jan. 16 2:30 p.m.The Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Community Celebration: “Covid 19: Recognizing the trauma. Healing the soul.” Interactive Zoom webinar with audience question and answer. Free. Registration required. Call 570-941-6645 or email jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu. Jan. 29 8 a.m. Virtual Campaign School 2022. Learn how to run a successful campaign for public office. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service at The University of Scranton, WNEP-TV and Toyota of Scranton. Registration required. Fees vary. Email lwvlackawanna@gmail.com or visit www.lwvlackawanna.org.
Wilkes Barre Monster Jam® Championship Series to be Held at Mohegan Sun Arena This. Is. Monster Jam™! The most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world today returns to Wilkes Barre for an adrenaline-charged weekend at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. Monster Jam®, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, features world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com with Monster Jam Preferred Customers able to purchase advance tickets starting today, January 11, before tickets go on-sale to the general public on January 18. Fans can still sign up for free to become a Monster Jam Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code. The Monster Jam Pit Party will be held on Saturday and Sunday. At the Monster Jam Pit Party, fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly fun. This unique experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition. Wilkes Barre fans will witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world. TRUCK LINEUP: Grave Digger® driven by Krysten Anderson; Max-D® driven by Blake Granger; Wild Side ® driven by Zack Garner; Bakugan Dragonoid™ driven by Camden Murphy; Soldier Fortune™ driven by Tony Ochs; Terminal Velocity® driven by Jon Zimmer, Jr.; El Toro Loco® driven by Elvis Lainez; Raminator driven by Mark Hall; Rammunition driven by Kurt Kraehmer **Truck and driver line-up subject to change WHEN: Friday, April 29 at 7 PM Saturday, April 30 at 1 PM & 7 PM Pit Party 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Sunday, May 1 at 1 PM Pit Party 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: Mohegan Sun Arena | 255 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 TICKETS: Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Visit MonsterJam.com for more detailed information on the event and wellness policies.
Winter Blues Guitarmageddon Blues Festival Returns, Blues Legend Joe Louis Walker Set to Headline on February 25 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce that its 6th Annual Winter Blues Guitarmageddon will return on February 25 and continue as a one-night Blues festival featuring an eclectic mix of local, regional, national, and international touring artists. Grammy-nominated, six-time Blues Music Award Winner and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Joe Louis Walker is confirmed to headline. “We are beyond excited to be back this year as a one-night mini-fest, with plans of expanding to a weekend event in 2023,” says organizer Maria Santomauro. “The last two years were challenging, but we are grateful to be back presenting live music to the greater Northeastern Pennsylvania regions again!” Boasting a career that spans over 50 years, Headliner Joe Louis Walker is regarded by NPR as a “legendary boundary pushing icon of modern blues” and is a true guitar powerhouse with distinctive vocals. He has toured the world’s most renowned music festivals sharing the stage with Muddy Waters, Thelonious Monk, Ronnie Woods, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Charlie Musselwhite and John Mayall, to name a few. In addition to his own twenty-five albums, Walker has played on Grammy-winning records by B.B. King and James Cotton and collaborated with a diverse group of first-rate artists including Branford Marsalis, Tower of Power, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. His latest album “Electric Electric,” features a diverse mix of blues-stomping and horn-powered originals as well as a few out of the ordinary covers, like “Werewolves of London” (Warren Zevon) and “Hotel California” (The Eagles). Adding to the lineup is King Solomon Hicks, who returns by popular demand after his debut in Scranton at Winter Blues Guitarmageddon: Next Generation in February 2020. At that time, he was just releasing his latest work “Harlem”, which was awarded Best Emerging Artist Album at the Blues Music Awards. The album was produced by three-time Grammy Winner Kirk Yano, who has worked with Miles Davis, Public Enemy, Mariah Carey and more. Rounding out the lineup are local blues rock power trio Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen and the soulful, Philadelphia-based Deb Callahan Duo featuring Allen James. The concert will take place in the Scranton Cultural Center’s Grand Ballroom at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Seating is reserved and tickets range from $40-50 in advance and $45-55 day of show. They can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. The 6th Annual Winter Blues Guitarmageddon is sponsored by UGI Utilities, Inc. and LT Verrastro. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all patrons, regardless of vaccination status. They can be removed for eating or drinking in the designated area, which will be located on the Lower Level. For additional information about the SCC’s current COVID-19 Mitigation Policies, visit SCCMT.org/COVID. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
2021 SAF Annual Event Celebrates Over $5 Million in Grant Distribution The Scranton Area Community Foundation held its 2021 Annual Community Celebration on the evening of Thursday, December 2nd at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. The Annual Community Celebration event was an opportunity for the Foundation, its Board of Governors, and supporters to share and celebrate their impacts and accomplishments in 2021. Laura Ducceschi, CEO & President of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, and Ken Okrepkie, Chairman of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors, hosted the event which was live-streamed to supporters. Posture Interactive provided production services, including video production, streaming, and designing the stage dressing. At the event, members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors celebrated the generosity of donors and friends that enabled the Foundation to distribute over $5 million in grants and scholarships from charitable funds, and an additional $2 million from Foundations under management. Also recognized were featured community partners and funds who have made a significant impact in 2021. Featured Community Partners were William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Lamar Advertising, and the Hudacek Family. 2021 Featured Funds were Anne Marie and Paul Kelly Fund, NEPA Invitational Fund, and Patrick J. and Patricia J. Mellody Memorial Fund. Also honored at the celebration was Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants & Scholarships Supervisor at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, for her 20 years of dedicated service to the Foundation. For more information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact 570-347-6203 or info@safdn.org.
The Holiday Season Shines at Settlers Hospitality Settlers Hospitality helps light up the holidays with a host of festivities that capture the magic of the season. Celebrations at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches, the Hawley Silk Mill and Hotel Anthracite deliver the quintessential traditions, flavors and entertainment of Christmastime in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Candlelight Christmas, December 3 through 5, at The Settlers Inn ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. The annual event is a signature celebration and an eagerly anticipated festivity in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region. Guests are greeted with live music and décor that features natural greens, artisanal and handcrafted decorations and an offering of mulled wine or syllabub. Horse and carriage rides plus an oversized gingerbread replica of The Settlers Inn enhance the festive atmosphere. A lavish holiday meal features entree such as sirloin au poivre and garlic and thyme braised lamb shank among other delectable options. Indulgent dessert choices include peppermint pillow baked Alaska, chocolate yule log and English toffee pudding. There are two weekends to enjoy the festivities and fineries of Winterfest Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The event December 4-5 and 11-12 features live music by Julie Eschler and harpist Kristy Chmura accompanied by a prix fixe menu of holiday inspired fare. Guests may enjoy the celebration from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. Shoppers to the Winterfest Artisan Fair on December 11 and 12 can wrap up their gift list with the purchase of distinctive finds. Vendors fill the Hawley Silk Mill offering fine artisanal goods and unique gifts. The marketplace operates from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. An outdoor ice bar at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery will help get visitors in the holiday spirit. From December 10 through 12 order specialty cocktails served on a High Noon ice bar handcrafted by Sculpted Ice Works. Set a course for The Waterfront at Silver Birches on December 12 to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. Savor a bountiful meal, take photos with Santa Claus and soak in the merriment. Purchase a gingerbread house and spend some time creating your masterpiece. The Jolly Old Elf also makes a special appearance at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale on December 12. Families are invited to Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a festive meal and an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. New Year’s Eve celebrations run the gamut from elegant and intimate to laid-back and lively. There are two ways to send off 2021 at The Settlers Inn. The Undercroft provides a cozy setting for a Masquerade Ball from 8-11:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy an elaborate farm to table meal and live music. Upstairs in the dining room, guests may linger over a special holiday menu while listening to live piano music by Dan Bradley. Ring in 2022 in the Pioneer City. New Year’s Eve Dinner at Kōl Steakhouse features a delectable prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Bash at The Waterfront at Silver Birches. A buffet meal, DJ music and dancing lead up to a balloon drop at midnight and champagne to toast the start of 2022. New Year’s Eve at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen is cool and casual. Festivities include live music by Eric Rudy, hors d’oeuvres, champagne and a special tasting menu. Enjoy early seating until 7 p.m. and late seatings after 8 p.m. Welcome the first day of 2022 with a New Year’s Day Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The holiday meal features a prix fixe menu, live piano music and bottomless mimosas. Beloved traditions and time-honored tastes ensure the merry making goes on this holiday season. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
Blippi the Musical to Resume North American Tour with a Special Stop in Wilkes-Barre Today, children’s YouTube sensation Blippi announces additional cities on the tour across North America, with a date in Wilkes-Barre on March 8th at 6pm at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Blippi The Musical is set to bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational children’s character from the screen to the stage for an all-ages extravaganza of fun, dancing, singing and meeting amazing new friends onstage. Tickets for Blippi The Musical go on sale Friday, December 3rd at 10am with fan club pre-sales beginning today. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. Fans can visit blippithemusical.com now for tour dates, ticket information and one-of-a-kind meet and greet packages. Follow Blippi The Musical social media for pre-sale access and exclusive tour content. Blippi The Musical brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. Children across the world have quickly taken to Blippi’s charismatic personality and innovative teaching lessons. In the live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with this one-of-a-kind show. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with over 34 million YouTube subscribers and one billion views per month. Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle. In November 2020, Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment released the Blippi The Musical Cast Recording for download and streaming on all major music streaming platforms. The original North American Tour Cast Recording features 13 family-friendly songs from the live show. Fans can download or stream the cast recording using this link: https://moonbug.lnk.to/BLive.
Scranton Penguins Teddy Bear Toss to Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus December 4 Toss a plush toy onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal! Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus by bringing a new, unwrapped stuffed animal to the game and toss it onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal. All toys will be collected and distributed to children in need throughout northeast Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus is a charitable private organization operating at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Buy tickets for the game here!
Johnson College Currently Enrolling Students in Next Fundamentals of Welding Class Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Fundamentals of Welding class, scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2021, on its campus in Scranton. Space is very limited. Students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. After fundamentals, students can enroll in an intermediate class in either Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG). Each of these classes works toward plate certification to a common welding code. To learn more or enroll, contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.
