Low Cut Connie will play free solo concert on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square on Sept. 6
Today, local nonprofit organization In This Together NEPA announced that Adam Weiner, the frontman of acclaimed Philadelphia rock ‘n’ roll band Low Cut Connie, will perform a free solo concert on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Set for Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., the event is “open to the public and family friendly,” aiming to bring “the community together to celebrate music, joy, and inclusivity,” according to a press release. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the show.
“At a time when freedom of expression is more important than ever, In This Together NEPA is thrilled to welcome Adam to Public Square for a free, family friendly concert where everyone is invited,” said In This Together Executive Director Alisha Hoffman-Mirilovich.
The full band was originally scheduled to play nearby as part of the free Rockin’ the River concert series in Wilkes-Barre on July 25 before Luzerne County officials, particularly county manager Romilda Crocamo, canceled their performance to allegedly avoid “controversy” and what they perceived as “politics and propaganda” from the group, a move that ultimately caused more controversy when it became a public topic of debate after Weiner spoke out on social media and the incident became a local and national new story.
In media interviews, Weiner noted that he was not planning to talk politics from the stage and only mentions “diversity” and “inclusion” to audiences, which did not cause any issues at any of the band’s previous shows, including those in red states that overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
“I come out on stage and I say, ‘I love everybody here tonight,'” Weiner told WNEP. “I do speak on stage about diversity. I look at the crowd and I say, ‘You’re like a big, beautiful salad bowl. Each and every one of you is a little bit different, but you’re all delicious together.”
On “The Sue Henry Show” on WILK, Weiner added that he has “never had anything but positive feedback” from concertgoers.
“I have a reputation and a track record to stand on of being one of the most inclusive performers. … I just give everybody a good time. I get people to really, really come together. They put their arms around each other. There’s a part of the show where we ask people to introduce themselves to one new person, make one new friend at the show. I mean, this is like Mister Rogers-type stuff. This is, like, basic values – very family friendly show. I truly haven’t heard a legitimate explanation as to why they canceled my show.”
In This Together NEPA is billing Weiner’s upcoming piano performance on Public Square as “a celebration of community, creativity, and access to the arts. Known for his high-energy performances and deep connection with fans, Weiner brings people together through music that uplifts and unites. This event will be no exception.”
“This event is about joy, connection, and the kind of magic that happens when people come together through music,” said Beth Gilbert, the voting and elections manager of In This Together NEPA.
“We’re known as the ‘valley with a heart’ because of our strong spirit – what makes this place special is our ability to come together, celebrate our community, and share moments like this.”
Based in Bloomsburg, In This Together NEPA describes itself as “a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to empower communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania through civic engagement, public education, and community-building events.”
Their press release stated that Weiner’s concert “will feature his signature blend of raw piano-driven rock and soul, delivered with the energy and honesty that has made Low Cut Connie a favorite of fans. His recent shows have emphasized the importance of inclusion and creating welcoming spaces – messages that resonate deeply in Luzerne County and beyond.”
“The event is made possible by our supporters and local sponsors who believe in the power of art to unite people across backgrounds,” Hoffman-Mirilovich said.
Calling this “a sweet development in a recent unpleasant story,” Weiner made his own statement on social media today: “The city of Wilkes-Barre and the organization In This Together have invited me to do a solo concert in the town square. I have accepted the invite and I’m looking forward to seeing my Luzerne County pals on Sept. 6. The show is free and all are welcome. Let’s fill the Wilkes-Barre town square with love.”
Photo by Shervin Lainez
