BEHIND THE BEAT: For Prince fans, ‘Nothing Compares 2’ Dean Ford and the Beautiful Ones
The stage, cloaked in fog, is still. Because the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains is perfect for an intimate show, we’re close – real close. The band is in place, and they are not moving. The crowd has been waiting. We’re ready. You can hear short clips of Prince’s songs mixed with dialogue from […]
BEHIND THE BEAT: Dean Ford is the true Prince of tribute acts
“A little bit behind the beat. I mean, just enough to turn you on…” – Prince, “Joy in Repetition” Come with us and take a glimpse Behind the Beat, a new column on NEPA Scene where we – Jamie Nelson (owner and operator of 1Up Games in Forty Fort) and Michelle (Belly) Christopher (art teacher […]
REVIEW/PHOTOS: Starwood, Disposable, and These Idol Hands channel alien energy at Jazz Cafe in Plains
It’s no surprise that when Philadelphia’s resident alien rock band Starwood landed in the Wilkes-Barre area, they brought with them a diverse musical lineup that would strike most crowds as strange, but those gathered at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains were ready for a strangely fun night on Saturday, Feb. 9. A week […]
Big D and the Kids Table brings ska back to River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on May 3
From a press release: It was announced today that Boston ska punk band and Vans Warped Tour mainstays Big D and the Kids Table will return to the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on Friday, May 3 with punk rockers Blanks 77 and ska trio Disposable, both from New Jersey. Doors at the Jazz […]
Philly alien cyborg band Starwood beams into River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on Feb. 9
Philadelphia “cyber art rock” band Starwood, who have some local musical connections, will return to Northeastern Pennsylvania to headline a show at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains this Saturday, Feb. 9 with New Jersey ska/surf punks Disposable and Scranton “sleaze rock” band These Idol Hands. Founded with members of defunct but memorable Scranton […]
15-year-old guitar virtuoso Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer shreds at Jazz Cafe in Plains on Dec. 7
While Brandon “Taz” Niederauer describes himself as “just a kid who loves playing music,” anyone who has seen what he can do with a guitar knows that there’s much more to his talent than that. By the age of 15, he has shared stages and received accolades from everyone from Slash to Dweezil Zappa to […]
PHOTOS: ‘For Tommy: A Celebration of Life’ benefit at River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains, 08/12/18
Every time there is a benefit or charitable cause raising funds in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the local music scene is always there to donate their time and talent, so when it came time to do so while honoring one of their own, they delivered in spades. Tommy Wynder, a loved and respected drummer, music teacher, father, […]
Following Peach Fest debut, Gatos Blancos return to River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on Aug. 25
Following their well-received first performance at the Peach Music Festival in Scranton, Gatos Blancos will return to the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on Saturday, Aug. 25. The group, who made their hometown area debut at the Jazz Cafe last year, features members of popular Scranton/Wilkes-Barre jamgrass band Cabinet (who recently reunited for their […]
PHOTOS: Jordan Ramirez & The Tribe and Doghouse Charlie at River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains, 08/04/18
A week after NEPA Scene premiered three trippy music videos that gave local music fans an early listen to the band, Jordan Ramirez & the Tribe made their headlining debut at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains on Saturday, Aug. 4 with their friends Doghouse Charlie. Known for his soulful voice and funky guitar […]
MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES: Wilkes-Barre soul singer Jordan Ramirez debuts funky new band The Tribe with 3 songs
Jordan Ramirez is well-known in the local music scene for his soulful voice and funky rhythms in Wilkes-Barre bands Half Dollar and Fake Fight, and with solo shows all over Northeastern Pennsylvania and the recordings and music videos he makes through Going Up? Records, you’d think that he couldn’t possibly have anything else up his […]
