Rich Howells

VIDEOS: Watch full String Fling and Guitarmageddon concerts from Scranton Cultural Center

VIDEOS: Watch full String Fling and Guitarmageddon concerts from Scranton Cultural Center
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Following the success of the third annual Winter Blues Guitarmageddon on Feb. 16, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple debuted a new regional music showcase, the Steamtown String Fling, on March 23, and Electric City Television was there to film them both to air intermittently on the Scranton public access channel.

If you don’t have Comcast cable or haven’t caught it on TV yet, don’t worry – both shows have been uploaded to their YouTube channel and are embedded below, each split into two parts with excellent video quality and sound.

At the Winter Blues Guitarmageddon, The Soul Shakers serve as rhythm section to a new lineup of artists every year. The 2018 edition featured performances by The Dalton 45’s with special guest Peter Florance, Dustin Douglas of Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, Jesse Mower of Static in the Attic, Mike Mizwinski, Joe Kopicki, and Se Acabo, each bringing their distinct guitar styles to the Scranton Cultural Center’s Grand Ballroom.

“Blues enthusiasts will again be blown away by the music as well as the setting as the ballroom is transformed into a big city ‘House of Blues,’” said SCC Director of Strategic Initiatives Maria Santomauro, the coordinator of the event.

The inaugural Steamtown String Fling a month later featured local bluegrass, folk, and Americana acts in the same ballroom setting. Headlined by Dave Brown and the Dishonest Fiddlers, Mike MiZ also played this concert, along with Brother Roy, the Spain Brothers (Mickey and Liam), and Chris Kearney, formerly of the Coal Town Rounders. The night ended with everyone coming together for an all-star jam.

“It’s so important to continue to provide a stage for regional talent,” Santomauro noted. “Many of the artists that you’ll see have gotten their start here in NEPA and now tour the country, so it’s an incredible honor to have them here.”

Winter Blues Guitarmageddon Part 1:

Guitarmageddon Part 2:

Steamtown String Fling Part 1:

String Fling Part 2:

Learn more about MiZ in Episode 42 of the NEPA Scene Podcast and Mickey Spain in Episode 49 of the NEPA Scene Podcast, which both feature live acoustic performances that are available as free downloads.

Photo by Mike Lehman