The complete updated guide to the 2017 Electric City Music Conference
The fourth annual Electric City Music Conference will feature performances by over 150 bands from eight states in 11 venues throughout the Scranton area, the Steamtown Music Awards with many new awards and special performances of its own, and free panel discussions and mentoring sessions for local musicians, professionals, and music fans. It’s a great opportunity to see everything that the Northeastern Pennsylvania music scene has to offer, but it can be overwhelming when packed into three days so, just like we did last year, NEPA Scene has organized a handy guide to the conference with dates, times, locations, and prices for everything taking place on Thursday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 16. Any last-minute changes will be updated here.
This packed weekend of music begins with the Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) on Thursday starting at 6 p.m.; it is free to all nominees and $5 at the door for the public.
All shows on Friday and Saturday are $5 at the door, or a daily hopper pass is $10, which can be purchased at all participating venues. A limited amount of VIP two-day hopper passes are available online for $25.
Special events this year include local DJ sets at Levels Bar & Grill (519 Linden St., Scranton) on Friday and Saturday and “Screaming Infidelities” with DJ Hersh and ECMC co-organizer Joe Caviston, where they’ll play emo, punk, post-hardcore, and screamo tunes from the late ’90s and early 2000s at The Bog (341 Adams Ave., Scranton) on Friday. Singing and dancing while remembering venues like Cafe Metro, Homebase, Backstage Enterprises, The Staircase, and The Zoo is encouraged.
Scranton metal band Behind the Grey will release their new EP, “Treason,” at The V-Spot on Saturday, and the Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St., Scranton) will host music on its outdoor stage as the after-party for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure wraps up. Racers will receive a $5 discount on hopper passes.
Venues are arranged alphabetically below with links leading to the individual Facebook event pages for more info. For easy reference, this guide can be accessed anytime under the music tab on the top and bottom menus or at nepascene.com/ecmc.
2017 Electric City Music Conference schedule
Thursday, Sept. 14
Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – 6 p.m.-11:15 p.m.
Come early for the red carpet interviews hosted by NEPA Scene from 6 p.m.-7:20 p.m. and stay for the awards ceremony and networking with local musicians from every genre. DJ’ed by DJ Hersh, the event features live performances by Permanence, Luna Soltera, Lucas Hex, Big Country, Behind the Grey, Static in the Attic, Elephants Dancing, and a tribute to Jane Train by Behind the Grey featuring Zhach Kelsch and R.J. Scouton. Strength for a Reason will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Free for nominees and $5 for everyone else.
Friday, Sept. 15
AfA Gallery (514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton) – All Ages Showcase – $5
6 p.m.–6:30 p.m.: James Barrett (alternative rock/acoustic)
6:45 p.m.–7:15 p.m.: Send Request (pop punk)
7:30 p.m.–8 p.m.: Shock Value (indie/alternative rock)
8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Blind Choice (pop punk/alternative rock)
Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: JP Williams Blues Band (blues rock)
8 p.m.-8:45 p.m.: The Barn Cats (blues/funk)
9 p.m.-9:45 p.m.: Tony Halchak (Americana/folk)
10 p.m.-10:45 p.m.: Kluster Phunk (funk/reggae/jam)
11 p.m.-11:45 p.m.: I Am Buffalo (Americana)
Midnight-1:30 a.m.: Sheila (Afropunk)
The Bog (341 Adams Ave., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Steve Werner (world music)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: University Drive (indie/alternative rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Permanence (indie rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Screaming Infidelities: Emo Night (DJ tribute set)
11 p.m.-11:45 p.m.: Esta Coda (indie/pop rock)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Purcell (punk rock)
1 a.m.-1:30 a.m.: American Buffalo Ghost (folk)
Irish Wolf Pub (503 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.-6:45 p.m.: Terrorize This (punk rock)
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Earthmouth (doom metal)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Ervasa (metal)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Dreamers, Like Us (post-hardcore)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: King Kidding (rock)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Grayson Drive (rock)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Empire in Decline (rock)
The Keys (244 Penn Ave., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Crimzn (hip-hop)
7 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Alma Mater (alternative rock)
8 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Latewaves (indie rock)
9 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: Give Up (post-hardcore)
10 p.m.–10:30 p.m.: Taylor Tote (pop rock)
11 p.m.–11:30 p.m.: My Life on Film (alternative/punk rock)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Stay Loud (pop punk)
Levels Bar & Grill (519 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Main floor
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Cierra Cellerari (pop singer/songwriter)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Nowhere Slow (pop rock)
8:45 p.m.-10 p.m.: Apache Chief/Cassidi (pop/hip-hop)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Black Tie Stereo (indie/pop rock)
11 p.m.–11:45 a.m.: Latewaves (alternative/indie rock)
Midnight-12:45 p.m.: Dance Hall Devils (Top 40 rock)
1 a.m.-1:30 a.m.: Better Than Bad (Top 40 rock)
Club
9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.: Animal Control with Royce, ShakeNBake, Ben Hostyle, Aspect, Penpal, and K-One (dubstep, drum and bass, jungle, trap)
The New Penny (1827 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Almost Honest (funk metal)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Last Call Romeo (rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Talon Co. (alternative rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: WethePeople (melodic metal)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Inner Temple (alternative rock)
Midnight-12:45 a.m.: The Greater Victory (alternative rock)
Thirst T’s Bar & Grill (120 Lincoln St., Olyphant) – $5
7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: Jeff Cavanuagh (acoustic)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Erich & Tyler Music Co. (alternative/Southern rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Bright Shiny Objects (rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Bear in the Woods (rock)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Jump the Train (modern party country)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Last Chance (’90s/grunge rock)
The Vault Tap & Kitchen (301 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–8:15 p.m.: Kayla Avitabile (singer/songwriter)
8:30 p.m.–9:15 p.m.: The Well Bottomers (folk)
9:30 p.m.–10:15 p.m.: Alex O’Brien (acoustic)
10:30 p.m.–11:15 p.m.: Rich Janov (acoustic)
11:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.: ISOBE (dubstep)
The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Dour (doom/sludge metal)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Moral Code (punk rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Traverse the Abyss (metal)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: The Aegean (metal)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Doubting Thomas (rock)
Midnight–1:30 a.m.: Three Imaginary Boys (rock)
Whiskey Dick’s (308 N. Washington Ave., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Shannon Marsyada (singer/songwriter)
9 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Joe Cigan (acoustic)
11 p.m.–1:30 a.m.: Adam Bailey (singer/songwriter)
Saturday, Sept. 16
Panel discussions – AfA Gallery (514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton) – free
11 a.m.: Free breakfast
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Mentoring sessions
60 free spots available – reserve your spot now via Eventbrite
Only 60 spots are available for this session. Attendees will be divided into groups of 10. The 10 attendees will then be granted a 20-minute mentoring session with each music industry professional. The mentors will share their expertise, and conference attendees will have a chance to ask question. This is a unique opportunity to pick the brain of music industry professionals and make valuable networking connections. Every 20 minutes, the groups will rotate.
Mentors:
Eva Alexiou-Reo, FATA Booking Agency
Chris Bianchi, Mercenary Management
Christian Wagner, Good Fight Entertainment
Mark Woodbridge, Word Is Bond, Inc.
Eric Droegmoeller, Word Is Bond, Inc.
Suzanne Paulinski, Rock/Star Advocate
1:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Booking from both sides
This session will feature Will Beekman, the executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, one of the area’s most successful talent buyers, and Eva Alexiou-Reo, a veteran booking agent. The two will discuss both sides of the “world of booking.” Attendees will learn what talent buyers and booking agents truly look for in acts as well as proper techniques and etiquette. Attendees will be given a chance for questions as well.
Panelists: Will Beekman and Eva Alexiou-Reo
2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Developing and managing an artist
This session will revolve around the artist management aspect of the music industry. Panelists will attempt to explain when and why an artist requires a manager, how to go about attracting a manager, what they should look for in a manager, and exactly what a manager does. Attendees will be given a chance for questions as well.
Panelists: Chris Bianchi, Christian Wagner, Mark Woodbridge, and Eric Droegmoeller
3:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: How to succeed in the music industry (and life)
Being in a band isn’t just playing shows and recording albums. In order to succeed in the music industry (and life), strong relationships will need to be built. How you choose to nurture and develop those relationships and utilize your time will determine how successful your career is. During this session, our panelists will provide tips, hints, work-arounds, and share personal antidotes.
Panelists: Rich Howells, Suzanne Paulinski, Mark Woodbridge, and Joe Caviston
Live music
Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Outside stage:
5 p.m.-5:45 p.m.: Patrick McGlynn (acoustic)
6 p.m.-6:45 p.m.: Jordan Ramirez (jam/reggae)
7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: Zayre Mountain (rock)
8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.: Wild Planes (pop/rock/R&B)
Inside stage:
8 p.m.-9 p.m.: Riffmatik (jam/rock/jazz)
9:15 p.m.-11:30 p.m.: Peter Florence (blues)
11:45 p.m.-12:45 a.m.: Pity Party (indie rock)
1 a.m.-1:45 a.m.: Polly Anna (jam)
The Bog (341 Adams Ave., Scranton) – $5
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Old Charades (folk punk/alternative rock)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Fiddy Shades (pop rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Black Hole Heart (alternative rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Christopher Beggars (folk punk)
11 p.m.-11:45 p.m.: Rosary Guild (indie rock)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Coal Minor Canary (folk)
Irish Wolf Pub (503 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Crookshanks (pop punk)
7 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: The Charming Beards (folk rock)
8 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Facing the Giants (punk/rock)
9 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: Kali Ma and the Garland of Arms (indie rock)
10 p.m.–10:30 p.m.: The Cryptid (indie rock)
11 p.m.–11:30 p.m.: uMan Era (rock)
Midnight–1:45 a.m.: Sucker/Candi Vee (punk/rock)
The Keys (244 Penn Ave., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Joe Burke (acoustic)
7 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: TBA
8 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: E57 (alternative rock)
9 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: Lucas Hex (hip-hop)
10 p.m.– 10:30 p.m.: Vicious (grunge rock)
11 p.m.– 11:30 p.m.: Mercy Gang (hip-hop)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Men-Ji (electronic)
Levels Bar & Grill (519 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Main floor
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: GRXDNT (pop)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: D-West (rock)
8:45 p.m.-10 p.m.: Broke Royals (pop rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Elephants Dancing (reggae/rock/hip-hop)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Vine Street (rock)
Midnight-12:45 a.m.: The Utopix – Sell Out Soundtrack/Graces Downfall) (pop)
Club
9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.: DJ Cryptic & Friends (EJ/electronic)
10 p.m.–10:30 p.m.: Nsilo (hip-hop)
The New Penny (1827 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.: Roberto Santoro (acoustic)
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Rob Palmitessa (rock)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Chester Avenue (classic rock)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Plaid the Inhaler (rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Kore Rozzik (metal)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Pave the Way (hardcore)
Midnight-12:45 a.m.: Walau-eh (blues/funk/rock)
Thirst T’s Bar & Grill (120 Lincoln St., Olyphant) – $5
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.: Queens Over Kings (pop rock)
7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: Bryan Banks (acoustic)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Nowhere Slow (acoustic)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: Blind Choice (pop punk/alternative rock)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Just Blush (alternative rock)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Anytime Soon (pop punk/rock)
Midnight–12:45 a.m.: Sonny on the Causeway (modern rock)
Outside patio:
7 p.m.-8 p.m.: JANTURAN (acoustic duo)
The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.: Toothless (metalcore)
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.: Defy the Tide (heavy metal)
8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: Red Hymns (post-hardcore)
9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.: The Hill You Die On (metal)
10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.: Behind the Grey – CD release show (metal)
11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.: Rahway (hard rock)
Midnight–1:30 a.m.: Bear in the Woods (rock)
Whiskey Dick’s (308 N. Washington Ave., Scranton) – $5
6 p.m.–7:15 p.m.: Bradley Phillip Parks (rock/acoustic)
7:30 p.m.–8:45 p.m.: The Crossroads Duo (blues)
9 p.m.–10:15 p.m.: Riley Loftus (acoustic)
10:30 p.m.–11:15 p.m.: Katie Evans (acoustic)
11:30 p.m.–1 a.m.: LittleStarRun (acoustic)
