The complete updated guide to the 2016 Electric City Music Conference
Now in its third year, the Electric City Music Conference is bigger than ever with over 150 artists performing across 12 venues, the popular Steamtown Music Awards with new categories added in 2016, and free panel discussions for musicians and music fans alike. It’s the complete package for anyone who wants to support the Northeastern Pennsylvania music scene, but with so much going on from Thursday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 17, it may be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve organized all the information you need to know in this handy guide, including dates, times, locations, and prices – all you have to worry about is cramming as many of these talented acts into your schedule as possible.
The Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot on Thursday are free to all nominees and $5 at the door for everyone else. All shows on Friday and Saturday are $5 at the door except for Friday’s all-ages “Future of the Scene” Showcase at the AfA Gallery and Saturday’s outdoor concert with heavy metal legends The Rods at Thirst T’s Bar & Grill; these shows are $10, with proceeds benefiting the gallery and RSD/CRPS research and the Olyphant Fireman Relief Fund, respectively. The all-ages shows at Lyrics Music Venue are also $10.
For those who want to hit multiple venues throughout the weekend, one-day hopper passes are $15 and three-day hopper passes are $25; they can be purchased online via Eventbrite. These passes, which are honored at every show except for The Rods at Thirst T’s (due to it being a charity event), can be picked up during the award ceremony at The V-Spot on Thursday from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. or on Friday and Saturday at Kildare’s Irish Pub and the Irish Wolf Pub from 7 p.m.-midnight and on Saturday at the AfA Gallery from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Venues are arranged alphabetically below with links leading to the individual Facebook event pages for more info.
2016 Electric City Music Conference schedule
Thursday, Sept. 15
Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – 6 p.m.-midnight
Come early for the red carpet interviews hosted by NEPA Scene from 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. and stay for the awards ceremony and networking with local musicians from every genre. DJ’ed by DJ Hersh, the SMAs will also feature live performances by Umbriel, Still Hand String Band, Dani-Elle, Mercy Gang, The Boneflowers, Skip Monday, Flatland Ruckus, A Fire with Friends, and a tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award winner George Wesley with Ken Norton, Katie Kelly, JP Williams, and Zhach Kelsch.
Free for nominees and $5 for everyone else.
Friday, Sept. 16
Adezzo (515 Center St., Scranton) – $5
Jenn Johnson – 6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
Chris Cashmere – 7 p.m.– 7:45 p.m.
Statues & Stories – 8 p.m.– 8:45 p.m.
Shock Value – 6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
The Tellerz – 7:15 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Ten Stories – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
James Barrett – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Black Tie Brass – 8 p.m.– 8:45 p.m.
Mountain Sky Orchestra – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Family Animals – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Sara Hulse and Campfire Jones – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Quoth (’80s set) – Midnight–1:30 a.m.
The Bog (341 Adams Ave., Scranton) – $5
Three Imaginary Boys – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Matt Wheeler – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
The Onyx Oak (Katie Kelly) – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Aaron Fink – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Elephants Dancing – 11 p.m.-11:45 p.m.
Louie J (Eric Swanson) – Midnight–1:45 a.m.
Irish Wolf Pub (503 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Sad Sorry – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
FreePaw – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Clever Clever – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Indigo Moon Brass Band – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Russello Project – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
X-Terra – Midnight–12:45 a.m.
Penpal and MC K-One – 1 a.m.– 1:45 a.m.
The Keys (244 Penn Ave., Scranton) – $5
The Greater Victory – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Heart Out – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Black Hole Heart – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Old Charades – 10 p.m.– 10:45 p.m.
A Season Underground – 11 p.m.– 11:45 p.m.
LittleStarRun – Midnight–12:45 a.m.
Kildare’s Irish Pub (119 Jefferson Ave., Scranton) – $5
Taylor Tote – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Dance Hall Devils – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Asialena – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Skip Monday – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Kenton – 11 p.m.–1:45 a.m.
Lyrics Music Venue (76 S. Main St., Carbondale) – all-ages – $10
The Tisburys – 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
Karate Camp – 8 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
Defendant – 9 p.m.-9:45 p.m.
Ace & The Kings – 10 p.m.-10:45 p.m.
Until We Get Caught – 11 p.m.-11:45 p.m.
Men-Ji – Midnight-12:45 a.m.
New Penny Lounge (1827 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
Suff3r? – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Nate Williams – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
CrimZn – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Trogang – 10 p.m.– 10:45 p.m.
Used-Car Cowboy & The Jerks – 11 p.m.–12:15 a.m.
Thirst T’s Bar & Grill (120 Lincoln St., Olyphant) – $5
The Barn Cats – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
JP Williams Blues Band – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Just Blush – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Grayson Drive – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Crashing Aperture – Midnight–1:45 a.m.
The Vault Tap & Kitchen (301 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
Outdoor stage:
University Drive – 7 p.m.– 7:45 p.m.
Esta Coda – 8 p.m.– 8:45 p.m.
LondonForce – 9 p.m.– 9:45 p.m.
Indoor stage:
Adam Bailey – 10 p.m.– 11 p.m.
Drew Loomis – 11 p.m.–midnight
Newpy Hundo – Midnight-1:45 a.m.
The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – $5
Kick-Off Happy Hour with Patrick McGlynn – 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Joe Cigan – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Toothless – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
I Trush You to Kill Me – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
One Red X – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Behind the Grey – 11 p.m.–midnight
Ervasa – 12:15 a.m.– 12:45 a.m.
Riley Loftus – 1 a.m.-1:45 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Panel discussions – AfA Gallery (514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton) – free
Free breakfast with live music – 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Enjoy a free breakfast before the panels begin with handpan music by Steve Werner and check out tables with information about NEPA Scene, Northeast Music Center, Scranton Fringe Festival, Reaper’s Revenge Haunted Hayride, Tunefly, and Psycho Nurse.
State of the Scene, presented by NEPA Scene – 11:15 a.m.-noon
with Rich Howells, Joe Caviston, Brittany Boote, Greg Shaffer, and Cory Wolff
An open and honest discussion of the current state of the local music scene. Issues will be identified and solutions will be proposed.
Developing promoter and talent buyer relations – noon-1 p.m.
with Chris Castillo, Brittany Boote, Greg Shaffer, Vince Volz, and Jim Thorpe
Musicians are introduced to promoters and talent buyers of all levels who they can network with when trying to create a fan base in the Pennsylvania music market, showcasing a mix of venues, from house shows to bars to large festivals.
I got signed and… – 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
with James Thomas Huy, Mark Woodbridge, Bret Alexander, Frank Woodworth, and Andrew Riccatelli
A discussion of the benefits and the drawbacks to “getting signed” with the guys who have been there. Panelists will speak about their personal experiences in dealing with labels, how artists should go about catching the attention of a record label, and the dos and don’ts of signing a recording contract.
Utilizing media outlets to further your career – 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
with Tori Thomas, Rich Howells, Freddie Fabbri, Matt Mattei, and Jeff Pittinger
Representatives from print media, blogs, and radio talk about the relationship between music media and musicians and how performers should pitch media outlets, what outlets to target, and much more.
Taking the next step, being a professional – 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
with Erick Droegmoeller, Suzanne Paulinski, and Cory Wolff
A panel of music industry professionals will explain when you are ready to take your musical career to the next level, the steps you should take to do so, and how you can make a living as a professional musician.
Building your fan base with social media, presented by Tunefly – 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Locally developed music app Tunefly 2.0 will be officially released at the Electric City Music Conference. Join the creators of Tunefly for a discussion on growing your fan base using the power of social media marketing, as well as an in-depth look at Tunefly.
Live music
Adezzo (515 Center St., Scranton) – $5
Poeta (acoustic set) – 6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
Jamie Kali Ra – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Riley Loftus – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Fiddy Shades – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Jessica Illuzzi and Village Idiots – 8 p.m.–9 p.m.
Zayre Mountain – 9 p.m.–10 p.m.
Jung Bergo – 10 p.m.–11 p.m.
Mizimu – 11 p.m.–midnight
Quoth (’90s set) – Midnight–1:30 a.m.
The Bog (341 Adams Ave., Scranton) – $5
Tired Army – 7 p.m.– 8 p.m.
Doghouse Charlie – 8:15 p.m.– 9:15 p.m.
Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen – 9:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Spruce Springsteen – 10:45 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Bummer’s End – Midnight-1:45 a.m.
Irish Wolf Pub (503 Linden St., Scranton) – $5
Death Grip – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Facing the Giants – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Slapjaw – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
uMan Era – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
The Queeftones – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
ISOBE – Midnight–1:45 a.m.
The Keys (244 Penn Ave., Scranton) – $5
Science Queen – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
E57 – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Poeta – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Pity Party – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Sucker – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Plaid the Inhaler – Midnight–12:45 a.m.
Wild Planes – 1 a.m.–1:45 a.m.
Kildare’s Irish Pub (119 Jefferson Ave., Scranton) – $5
EquallyOpposite – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
North Winds – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Light Weight – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Jay Valer – 11 p.m.–midnight
James Thomas – Midnight–12:30 a.m.
DJ Josh Beatz – 12:30 a.m.–1:45 a.m.
Lyrics Music Venue (76 S. Main St., Carbondale) – all-ages – $10
10griffy – 6 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Bottle Rocket – 6:45 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Dreamers, Like Us – 7:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Patterns (reunion show) – 8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Terror on the Screen (reunion show) – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
One Last Time (reunion show) – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Static in the Attic – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
New Penny Lounge (1827 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
Inventure – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
TheOfficialOverDose – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Drew Breeze – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Apache Chief – 10 p.m.–10:45 p.m.
Mercy Gang – 11 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Animal Planit – Midnight–12:45 p.m.
Outdoor stage:
Polly Anna – 6 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
The Molly Pitcher Path – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Skin-n-Bones – 8 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
The Rods – 9 p.m.–10 p.m.
Indoor stage:
Better Than Bad – 10 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
The Chatter – 11:45 p.m.–1:45 a.m.
The Vault Tap & Kitchen (301 N. Main Ave., Scranton) – $5
Outdoor stage:
GlowNovember – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Tony Halchak – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Indoor stage:
Black Tie Stereo – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Chris Hludzik – 10 p.m.–11 p.m.
Rob Palmitessa – 11 p.m.–midnight
DJ Cryptic featuring feverCEZER – Midnight–1:45 a.m.
The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton) – $5
Kick-Off Happy Hour with RJ Scouton – 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Silhoutette Lies – 7 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Deaf Rhino – 8 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
Psycho Nurse (CD release party) – 9 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Grail – 10 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Red Hymns – 10:45 p.m.–11:15 p.m.
Destination West – 11:30 p.m.–12:15 a.m.
Dead Giveaway – 12:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
