Scranton Cultural Center to Host Third Free Outdoor Summer Concert The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host its third free outdoor summer concert with The Dishonest Fiddlers on August 13. The show will take place outside the Scranton Cultural Center at 420 N. Washington Avenue. “The weather didn’t keep us down last month, even though we had to move our concert indoors. It was a pleasure to host Erin Malloy & Friends on our stage as the first entertainment event in our theatre since last year,” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to feature The Dishonest Fiddlers next month.” Dave Brown and The Dishonest Fiddlers are an up and coming Folk/Americana group based in NEPA. Since 2013, they have been performing original music, honing their craft, and developing a nice fan base along the way. Their newest studio album, “Based on a True Story” was recorded in 2019-2020 and includes 10 original hand crafted tunes. Band members include Dave Brown (guitar/harmonica/vocals), Brendan Gosson (fiddle), Shawn Caden (mandolin/banjo), Stephen Kurtz (bass) and Jami Novak (percussion). All current CDC Guidelines will be followed at each performance with any updates being shared via social media. Patrons are requested to wear face coverings while inside the building. All performances will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to each show. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors. The final concert in the series will feature Blind Choice on September 10. To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org. The free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by LT Verrastro, Truly Hard Seltzer, UGI Utilities Inc., WBRE/WYOU and Fidelity Bank. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.
Billy Strings Extends Headline Tour Through December Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings will continue his extensive headline tour through the end of the year including a newly confirmed show at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, PA on Friday, November 19th at 8:30pm. Tickets for the Wilkes-Barre show go on-sale this Friday, July 16th at 10:00am at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. Full details can be found at billystrings.com/tour. The new dates add to a landmark year for Strings, who was recently named Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic at the 2021 Pollstar Awards after continuing to perform consistently, both in-person and virtually. Reflecting on his recent shows, Pollstar declares, “The hottest hand in jamgrass mastered pandemic touring…in a fraught year, Strings and those around him parlayed that fervor into the rare pandemic success story, blazing trails in livestreaming, drive-in touring and socially distanced podded shows while remaining true to their core values of authenticity and fan engagement.” Additionally, Relix featured Strings on the cover of their April/May issue praising, “Strings’ exuberance speaks to the boundless, resourceful spirit of his music…beyond his technical mastery, it’s his authenticity that continues to animate his music and, in turn, the fans who are drawn to that music.” Furthering his recent success, Strings taped his PBS “Austin City Limits” debut last week, which will appear as part of the legendary program’s upcoming 47th season, and recently released two new collaborations: “Wargasm” featuring special guest RMR, and a new version of Bill Monroe favorite, “Midnight on the Stormy Deep,” with bluegrass legend Del McCoury, of which Jambands praises, “Their live performance swells with fine mandolin and guitar runs, as the 82-year-old and 28-year-old harmonize their respective high tenor and soulful euphonious voices.” Adding to an already triumphant career, Strings won Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards forhisacclaimed 2019 record, Home. Released on Rounder Records, Home was produced by Glenn Brown and furthers Strings’ reputation as “one of string music’s most dynamic young stars” (Rolling Stone). Of the album, The Associated Press proclaims, “it is his creative musical storytelling, paired with solid vocals on Home that should seal the deal, pleasing fans of the genre and creating some new ones…the perfect blend of pure talent and pluck,” while The Wall Street Journal praises, “Billy Strings has clearly emerged as a premier guitar flatpicker of this era.” Strings and the album also topped Billboard’s 2020 year-end chart in both Bluegrass categories: Top Bluegrass Artists and Top Bluegrass Albums Michigan-born and now Nashville-based, Strings arrived on the music scene as one of the most compelling new artists with the release of his 2017 debut LP, Turmoil & Tinfoil. Since his debut, Strings has been awarded Guitar Player of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2019 International Bluegrass Music Awards, selected as one of Rolling Stone’s 2017 “New Country Artists to Know” and performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and PBS’ “Bluegrass Underground.” Often playing over 200 shows per year, Strings keeps the improvisational tradition of bluegrass alive while incorporating elements of several diverse genres. WXPN’s World Café declares, “a bona fide phenom…with his virtuosic guitar playing front and center, Strings fuses bluegrass to psych rock, country and jam music, without fussing over what bluegrass should be.
Nay Aug Park Sunday Concerts May 23PICTURE PERFECT2:00 pmMay 30TBATONY VERGNETTI TRIO2:00 pm5:00 pmMay 31(Monday)RON LEAS BIG BANDMemorial Day Program – Change of VenueVeterans Memorial Park (Next to Scranton High School)NoonJune 6LUONGO BROTHERSWANNABEES1:00 pm5:00 pmJune 13FLAXY MORGANGROUP DeJOUR1:00 pm5:00 pmJune 20(Father’s Day)*No Band*Antique Car Show – Villa Capri CruisersAll DayJune 27GENE DEMPSEY ORCHESTRAFORTUNES2:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 4RINGGOLD POPS ORCHESTRAIndependence Day 10:30 amJuly 11CLARENCE SPADY BLUES BANDPHYLLIS HOPKINS ELECTRIC TRIO1:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 18ELECTRIC CITY SIXIELAND BANDSECRET REASONS2:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 25TOM HAMILTON JAZZTETMARK MONTELLA w/ ERIN MALLOY & FRIENDS2:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 1FERDIE BISTOCCHI MEMORIAL ORCHESTRAJIM CULLEN w/ JACK BORDO & SHARON AMBROZIA2:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 8KALI MA AND THE GARLAND OF ARMSRUCKZUCK1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 15WANNABEESGROUP DeJOUR1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 22LUONGO BROTHERSCLARENCE SPADY BLUES BAND1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 29VILLA CAPRI CAR SHOWPHYLLIS HOPKINS ELECTRIC TRIOEnds at 3:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 5TBABILL & DONNA ARNOLD2:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 12TBABOG SWING GROUP2:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 19FLAXY MORGANJACOB COLE TRIO1:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 26WEST 3rd STREET BANDRIXNER TRIO2:00 pm5:00 pmOctober 3SEACABO2:00 pmOctober 10PICTURE PERFECT1:00 pm Funded by Scranton Recreational Authority with additional funding from City of Scranton, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Lackawanna County Department of Arts & Culture produced by Scranton Recreational Authority and Scranton Music Association.
Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Music Series Hits All the Right Notes Music nourishes the soul and feeds the spirit. Played in concert with an exceptional meal in a stunning venue, and that’s a feast for the senses! The music series at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality provide the soundtrack for summer in the Lake Region. Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Blues, Brews and BBQ at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen get underway Memorial Day weekend. Jazz on the Deck returns to The Settlers Inn on June 2. Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers InnSince it first launched over 10 years ago, Jazz on the Deck has become a cherished rite of summer in the Pocono Mountains. The event at The Settlers Inn draws professional performers whose credits range from Broadway and the New York cabaret scene to international jazz festivals. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of musicians entertain from 6-9 p.m. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden or choose a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail and full dinner service. The highly anticipated series begins June 2 with Stefan Bauer. The music continues with The Craig Graham Trio (June 9), Luba Mason (June 16), Hang Em High (June 23), and The Andrea Wolper Trio (June 30). The Gypsy Jazz Quartet gets things started in July with a performance on July 7. That’s followed by Judy Silvano (July 14), Liza Dolittle and Robert Kocec (July 21) and The Gary Rixner Trio (July 28). August brings performances by All That Jazz with Michelle Oram (Aug 4), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 11), Last Thursday Band (Aug 18), Thos Shipley (Aug 25) and Spencer and Nancy Reed (Aug 27). The Robert Kopec Trio closes out the series on September 1. Lakeside Live at Silver Birches ResortGreat tunes, spectacular views and delectable food. Guests can make the most of every weekend with Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. On Saturday and Sunday, talented musicians perform live on the lawn overlooking the lake at Silver Birches. Visitors may savor lunch, dinner or drinks while listening to live music. Boaters can order Dock and Dine and enjoy a meal from the water. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. The lineup features local favorites such as Gone Crazy, Eric Rudy, Kevin Campion and Rare Form. Blues, Brews & BBQ at Ledges HotelLet the good times roll with Blues, Brews and BBQ every Sunday during summer. Renowned blues musicians perform live at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen overlooking Paupack High Falls while guests dig into classic barbecue fare paired with local craft brews. The menu features savory barbecue entrees and side dishes with a twist. Wallenpapuack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ kicks off May 30 with a performance by Lighten Up Band. June’s lineup includes Bobby Kyle Band (June 6), Merchants of Groove (June 13), Yasgur (June 20) and Gary Rixner Band (June 27). July starts with a bang on July 4 courtesy of Teddy Young and the Aces. The beat goes on with The Barn Cats (July 11), Dan Brother Band (July 18) and Norman Taylor and Blue Soul (July 25). August brings performances by Randy Lippincott and Joey “Hot Box” Simon (Aug 1), Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen (Aug 8), The Jeremy Langdale Band (Aug 15), Slam Allen (Aug 22) and Scott Weis Band (Aug 29). The series concludes Labor Day weekend when Bobby Kyle Band returns for a performance (Sept 6). Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Concert Series is a signature event in the Pocono Mountains. There’s something quintessentially summer about relaxing in a beautiful open-air setting, enjoying a fine meal and good company with the sounds of music drifting out. “After an abbreviated season last year, we’re thrilled to host a full schedule of events this year,” says Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner. “Welcoming guests back to our properties for the summer concert series will be especially sweet given the challenges of 2020, but this year things are looking bright.”
Marywood University Announces Music, Theatre, and Dance Concerts Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department recently announced several spring concerts and performances to conclude the semester. The Jazz Ambassadors Concert will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 7 p.m. The concert directed by Vincent LoRusso and Steve Kurilla, will be streamed for those interested in attending.Live from the Liberal Arts Center Rotunda on Sunday, May 2, 2021, Marywood University’s Chamber Singers, conducted by Rick Hoffenberg, will bring you, “Hail, Queen of Heaven.” The concert will be live streamed at marywood.edu/performances, for those interested in attending.On Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7 p.m., Marywood University’s String Project Spring Gala will take place in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. This performance will be streamed for those interested in attending. For additional information about Marywood University’s Spring Concerts, please visit marywood.edu/mtd.
