NEPA music venues still await federal relief funds from Save Our Stages legislation
As part of the $900 billion pandemic relief package that Congress passed at the end of 2020, “$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions,” according to a Dec. 20 statement from Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. However, as February comes to a close, those businesses have […]
VIDEO PREMIERE: Scranton metal band Traverse the Abyss parodies rap, country, and more in ‘Faucet Mouth’
Over the past year, many musicians have shifted their focus from concerts to web content to keep their fans engaged during the pandemic. Last night, Traverse the Abyss was able to bring them both together in a unique way. Joined by rapper Lucas Hex and hard rock band The Holtzmann Effect, the Scranton metal band […]
Scranton metal band Traverse the Abyss plays live release party for new music video on Feb. 20
Any live concert that is actually happening is a big deal these days, but Traverse the Abyss always wants to go bigger. This Saturday, Feb. 20, the metal band will premiere their new single and music video during a show at The V-Spot in North Scranton for a limited, socially distanced audience while also live […]
NEPA MUSIC NOTES: Brian Langan, Ed Cuozzo, Tisburys, Kali Ma, JT & the Blue Mountain Stone, and more
I can’t say that I’ve ever watched a band perform inside a building while standing outside and looking in through a window before, but these are strange times we’re living in. Thankfully, you don’t have to do the same to support local music, but you can get an idea of what I saw at the […]
PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Inaugural Scranton Ice Festival with live music, 02/05-06/21
The ongoing pandemic has put a major strain on small businesses, and the cold and snowy weather hasn’t helped much lately. Last weekend, however, neither seemed to be a factor as downtown Scranton was bustling with activity thanks to the Scranton Ice Festival. This inaugural event came together quickly as the Scranton Area Community Foundation, […]
VIDEO PREMIERE: NEPA’s Camp Rattler pays tribute to Amigo the Devil and the dead with ‘The Dreamer’
Camp Rattler has produced many music videos professionally over the years, but this local team of musicians, event promoters, photographers, videographers, writers, painters, and technicians are fans first, often showing their appreciation for fellow artists in creative ways. Camp Rattler mastermind and West Pittston resident James Callahan found himself inspired by Texas dark country artist […]
NEPA MUSIC NOTES: Lily Mao, Robinsonade, Jay Luke, Patrick Motto, Lesser Animals, One Thousand Oceans, and more
Every time I think this column is done for the week, I discover a few more songs or albums that deserve your attention. A few of them work perfectly for your headphones as you dig your vehicle out of the snow, while others are better suited for dancing around your living room after you come […]
Just Born in Bethlehem confirms Peeps are back with new flavors after pandemic delays
This week, Just Born Quality Confections in Bethlehem announced that its popular marshmallow Peeps will be back on shelves just in time for the Easter season. While designated as an “essential business” by the state and federal government, Just Born temporarily suspended production at its Bethlehem and Philadelphia manufacturing facilities last March to “ensure the […]
SONG PREMIERE: From Clarks Summit to Nashville, pop singer Alyssa Lazar admits ‘Maybe I Did Change’
Those who have heard young Alyssa Lazar perform throughout the Scranton area since she was in grade school will soon learn that she’s changed… and that’s not a bad thing. “I started singing by the time I was 3 and just never stopped from there. Throughout elementary and middle school, I started singing the national […]
Scranton and Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day parades postponed until September
On Sunday, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade Association announced that it will move its annual event from March to Saturday, Sept. 18, and today, Mayor George C. Brown followed suit and postponed the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Sunday, Sept. 19. These are tentative dates, as the onset of the coronavirus pandemic postponed and […]
