ARCHIVES: ‘Blacklisted’ Culture Shock headliner Aayu finds new life in name, rap music in Scranton
Aayu, the indie rapper from Bucks County who relocated to Northeast Pennsylvania a few years ago, admits his name is “a pain the ass” because of its unusual pronunciation, but unlike many hip-hop artists, it’s no gimmick. “It’s a common boy and girl’s name in India, but it’s an old, old name that translates from […]
ARCHIVES: Courting controversy again, Ted Nugent returns to the Peak on Aug. 14
Ted Nugent’s recent comments in the media have resulted in protests in other states, but when he returns to Pennsylvania tonight, he’s expecting nothing but love. The controversial guitarist will be performing at Penn’s Peak with opener Laura Wilde, starting at 8 p.m. His latest live album, “Ultralive Ballisticrock,” was recorded at the venue in […]
ARCHIVES: ‘Hell yeah’ – Menzingers are back in Scranton for Steamtown Beer & Music Festival
When The Menzingers were asked if they’d like to play the first-ever Steamtown Beer & Music Festival, guitarist/vocalist Tom May felt the answer was obvious. “We love beer and Scranton, so hell yeah!” While the four punk rockers moved to Philadelphia over five years ago to better network with fellow bands, it was the Northeast […]
ARCHIVES REVIEW: Starwood and Mindless Self Indulgence have weird, wild evening in Philly
“Let’s just get this opening band over with!” an impatient Mindless Self Indulgence fan complained from the front row of the Electric Factory stage in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 14. Once the otherworldly members of Starwood took the stage at 8 p.m., however, this cry was quickly silenced and replaced with awe. Opening acts, even […]
ARCHIVES: Punk legends Bad Religion aren’t reliant on their past as they find ‘True North’
Any band with over three decades of history will automatically receive the “legendary” label, but Bad Religion has earned it. What other punk group has not only survived this long, but also stayed as active and prolific as these Los Angeles natives? Touring in support of their 16th studio record, “True North,” the five-piece (not […]
ARCHIVES: The Underground Saints go marching off to final gig at The Rattler in Pittston on March 23
AJ Jump vividly remembers his first time playing with the Underground Saints, and for good reason. Lead vocalist and guitarist John Smith, lead guitarist and vocalist Pat Flynn, and bassist Mark Kiesinger formed the Northeast Pennsylvania-based alternative rock group in 2007, but they were without a drummer by their second gig. Jump was at the […]
ARCHIVES: Everclear vocalist Art Alexakis basks in ‘Afterglow’ before Mt. Airy Casino show in the Poconos
“I can’t remember a time that I didn’t want to play in a rock band – my first letter to Santa, no kidding,” Everclear frontman Art Alexakis recalled in a phone interview with NEPA Scene. “When I was four years old, I asked for an electric guitar and an organ and a drum set. Even […]