Events happening this week in downtown Wilkes-Barre: Feb. 10-16
Every Tuesday, the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association and Diamond City Partnership release a list of events happening in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Subscribe here to receive this list via e-mail or just check NEPA Scene each week.
Downtown events
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Event: Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber Women in Business Networking Luncheon
Time: 11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Location: Genetti’s Best Western Hotel & Conference Center (77 E. Market St.)
This month’s Chamber Women in Business Luncheon features speaker Cathy Colangelo, a life coach and retreat leader whose passion and goal is to empower women to envision their potential and turn that vision into reality. The topic for this session is “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway – Make 2015 Be the Year You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!” Cost for chamber members is $22; non-members are $27.
More information: wilkes-barre.org or 570-823-2101
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Event: Wyoming Valley Art League Artists Social
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Wyoming Valley Art League (130 S. Franklin St., REAR)
The Wyoming Valley Art League presents Tuesday Art Social! Come and go as you please. Bring your own art and materials and work while enjoying the company and inspiration of other artists! Members only – but anyone can come and purchase their membership the same day.
More information: wyomingvalleyartleague.org or 570-288-1020
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Event: Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series presents Phil Klay
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wilkes University Henry Student Center Ballroom (84 W. South St.)
The Wilkes University Department of English hosts a public reading by author Phil Klay, winner of the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction, as part of the Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series. Klay, a Dartmouth graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq’s Anbar Province from January 2007 to February 2008, is the author of “Redeployment” (Penguin Press), a powerful collection of short stories that takes readers to the front lines of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Redeployment,” now on the New York Times Book Review bestseller list, has been praised by George Packer in The New Yorker as “the best literary work thus far written by a veteran of America’s recent wars … a masterly collection of short stories about war and its psychological consequences.” Free and open to the public.
More information: wilkes-barre.org or 570-408-4532
Thursday, Feb. 12
Event: Socrates Café Discussion Group
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Osterhout Free Library (71 S. Franklin St.)
The “Socrates Café” discussion group meets to discuss, raise questions, and share opinions in an environment of open, respectful communication. The topic will be chosen by the group that evening. Free and open to the public; coffee will be served.
More information: osterhout.info or 570-821-1959
Friday, Feb. 13
Event: Osterhout Free Movie Friday: Romance is in the Air
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Osterhout Free Library (71 S. Franklin St.)
Free movie matinee every Friday during February. This week, it’s “The Way We Were” starring Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand (1973; rated PG) at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public.
More information: osterhout.info or 570-821-1959
Friday, Feb. 13
Event: Winter Warmer Concert Series: Indigo Moon Brass Band
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral (35 S. Franklin St.)
The Indigo Moon Brass Band, formed by Nick Driscoll and company in 2008, have left their musical footprints throughout Pennsylvania and New York City. With influences ranging from Rebirth Brass Band to Dr. John, the band brings unique musical personalities to the stage without the use of electronic instruments. The 2015 Winter Warmer Concert Series will take place in St. Stephen’s auditorium, and will include warm winter beverages and refreshments; meet-the-artist reception will follow. Tickets are $18 and will be sold at the door.
More information: ststephenswb.org or 570-825-6653
Friday, Feb. 13
Event: Lee Brice
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts (71 Public Square)
Country music’s newest superstar heads to the Kirby Center! Lee Brice will visit the F.M. Kirby Center on Friday, Feb. 13. Brice began his career as a songwriter, penning tunes for heavy hitters like Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, and more, but it was when he began performing his own work that the former Clemson University lineman found country music stardom. Brice is currently touring in support of his latest album,” I Don’t Dance,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Tickets start at $29.
More information: kirbycenter.org or 570-826-1100
Friday, Feb. 13
Event: Wilkes University Theatre presents “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Dorothy Dickson Darte Center (W. South St.)
“South Park” meets “Desperate Housewives” in this big-hearted musical comedy with a cheeky script and an infectious score. It’s undeniable fun as Pippi, the stripper on the run, wreaks havoc all over Armadillo Acres, Florida’s most exclusive trailer park! Tickets are $10; senior citizens/non-Wilkes students are $5; and Wilkes faculty/staff/students are free with Wilkes ID.
More information: wilkes.edu or 570-408-4540
Saturday, Feb. 14
Event: Wilkes-Barre League Of Women Voters Legislative Breakfast
Time: 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Location: King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center (W. Jackson St.)
The public is welcome to join the League’s annual legislative breakfast. They have invited our local state senators and state representatives. Have breakfast with the legislator of your choice (limited seating available) and discuss issues that are of importance to you and your family. Tickets for LWV members are $15; non-members are $20.
More information: wb.palwv.org or 570-675-3429
Saturday, Feb. 14
Event: Barnes & Noble Story Time with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Barnes & Noble Wilkes/King’s Bookstore (7 S. Main St.)
Hey, moms and dads: bring your little ones, and enjoy stories, arts & crafts, and cookies and milk with Clifford the Big Red Dog! Free and open to the public.
More information: facebook.com/WilkesKingsbookstore or 570-208-4700
Saturday, Feb. 14
Event: Northeastern PA Philharmonic Pops in Concert: “Cinematic Love Stories”
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts (71 Public Square)
Maestro Lawrence Loh leads the NEPA Philharmonic in a Valentine’s Day Pops concert filled with “Cinematic Love Stories” from the silver screen! The Philharmonic’s selections will include music from “Gone with the Wind,” “Vertigo,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Cinema Paradiso,” “Titanic,” “Doctor Zhivago,” and more. The orchestra will also perform The Way We Were, written by the Philharmonic’s friend and guest conductor, the late Marvin Hamlisch. It’s the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day! Tickets start at $31.
More information: nepaphil.org or 570-270-4444
Saturday, Feb. 14
Event: Wilkes University Theatre presents “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Dorothy Dickson Darte Center (W. South St.)
“South Park” meets “Desperate Housewives” in this big-hearted musical comedy with a cheeky script and an infectious score. It’s undeniable fun as Pippi, the stripper on the run, wreaks havoc all over Armadillo Acres, Florida’s most exclusive trailer park! Tickets are $10; senior citizens/non-Wilkes students are $5; and Wilkes faculty/staff/students are free with Wilkes ID.
More information: wilkes.edu or 570-408-4540
Sunday, Feb. 15
Event: A Chocolate Lover’s Valentine’s Tea at The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion
Time: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Frederick Stegmaier Mansion (305 S. Franklin St.)
Moist, flaky scones; luscious, savory tea sandwiches; tempting, mouthwatering desserts, and a soothing cup of hot tea: the Stegmaier Mansion presents all this during Valentine’s weekend. Enjoy the sights of the mansion, the sound of relaxing music, the smell of freshly baked pastries, and the taste of all those tantalizing home-made foods. You and your Valentine will enjoy the grandeur of stepping back in time to the Gilded Age and being pampered by our friendly staff! Price is $42.50 (includes tax and gratuity). Children ages 10 and up are welcome. Reservations required. Pre-fixe menu; please make any food allergies known when making reservations.
More information and reservations: stegmaiermansion.com or 570-406-1435
Sunday, Feb. 15
Event: Winter Along the River 2015
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Location: Nesbitt Park (Wilkes-Barre)
Shake that cabin fever and meet up for Winter Along the River 2015! Come see the Sled Dog Team and the maple sugaring demonstration. In case it snows, there is a snowman building contest, a sledding area (so bring your sled), or you can try using the snowshoes and cross-country skis that are provided. Nature and wildlife hikes, children’s games, and cold weather safety information will be available. Enjoy hot chocolate, donuts, s’mores, and more! Free and open to the public.
More information: riverfrontparks.org or 570-991-1067
Sunday, Feb. 15
Event: Wilkes University Theatre presents “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Dorothy Dickson Darte Center (W. South St.)
“South Park” meets “Desperate Housewives” in this big-hearted musical comedy with a cheeky script and an infectious score. It’s undeniable fun as Pippi, the stripper on the run, wreaks havoc all over Armadillo Acres, Florida’s most exclusive trailer park! Tickets are $10; senior citizens/non-Wilkes students are $5; and Wilkes faculty/staff/students are free with Wilkes ID.
More information: wilkes.edu or 570-408-4540
Sunday, Feb. 15
Event: Tedeschi Trucks Band
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts (71 Public Square)
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is coming to the Kirby Center! This 11-member collective thrills audiences worldwide with its transcendent live performances and award-winning albums. Formed in 2010 by husband-and-wife Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks and featuring two harmony singers, a three-piece horn section, keyboards, bass, and a pair of drummers, the band disproves the adage “less is more” while building a devoted following of fans and critics alike. Driven by Trucks’ signature slide-guitar sound and Tedeschi’s honey-to-husk voice, the group consistently delivers an electrifying blend of blues, soul, jazz, and rock drawing from an ever-evolving song list. Tickets start at $39.
More information: kirbycenter.org or 570-826-1100
Downtown exhibits
Luzerne County Historical Society Museum
(69 S. Franklin St.)
The Luzerne County Historical Society Museum is closed during the month of February for collections management and the installation of new exhibits.
King’s College Widmann Art Gallery
(Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, between N. Main and N. Franklin Sts.)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Exhibit: Jim Gavenus: “Marchers of the Movement”
Dates: Jan. 12 through Feb. 26
Jim Gavenus is an internationally recognized documentary photographer. His intimate images and poignant storytelling are evidence of our time focusing on the human condition, social injustice, and civil rights.
More information: kings.edu or 570-208-5900, ext. 5328
The Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University
(Stark Learning Center, 150 S. River St.)
Exhibit: 2014–2015 Dr. Roy E. Morgan Exhibition, Dale Threlkeld: End of Illusion
Dates: Jan. 27 through May 17
The work of contemporary American artist Dale Threlkeld is the subject of this retrospective exhibition, organized in conjunction with the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University. Threlkeld’s “breakthrough moment” occurred in the early 1990s, leading to the signature painting style he is known for today. Meet Dale Threlkeld at an Artist’s Opening Reception at the Sordoni Art Gallery on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the exhibition opening.
More information: wilkes.edu/arts/Sordoni-Art-Gallery or 570-408-4325
Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts
(130 S. Franklin St.)
Hours: Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.; Third Friday Art Walk, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Exhibit: Members exhibit
WVAL members are currently exhibiting their works in the Member’s Gallery on the second floor.
More information: wyomingvalleyartleague.org or facebook.com/wvartleague
Walk Wilkes-Barre
This week’s historic site is:
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church
134 S. Washington St. (1872)
This noble building is the seat of the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Luzerne County, founded in 1842 by Irish emigrants fleeing famine and poverty in their homeland. Designed by Edwin Forrest Durang, a Philadelphia architect who specialized in theaters and Catholic churches, St. Mary’s has a stately Baroque façade and a grand interior boasting a frescoed ceiling and a gallery supported on cast-iron columns with gilded capitals. However, its once-imposing tower now stands truncated, having been felled by the tornado that tore through the city on August 19, 1890. The adjoining rectory was constructed in 1923 to the designs of Philadelphia architect Emile Perrot (a former Durang apprentice) during the pastorate of Monsignor John J. Curran, Wilkes-Barre’s “Labor Priest,” who was well known both for his impassioned advocacy of the American labor movement and for his long friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt.
