Congress declares Aug. 11 ‘Hip-Hop Celebration Day,’ a turning point in American music history
Whenever I teach courses on hip-hop at the University of Virginia, I provide a brief overview of where hip-hop music began. One of the important dates I use is Aug. 11, 1973. That’s when DJ Kool Herc, who was 18 at the time, threw a “Back to School Jam” for his sister Cindy in the […]
The Menzingers return home for Black Friday concert at Scranton Cultural Center on Nov. 26
From a press release: For local music fans, the holidays are coming a bit earlier this year. It was announced today that Philadelphia punk band The Menzingers will be return to their hometown to perform at the Scranton Cultural Center on Friday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m., the day after Thanksgiving. Typically, the group hosts […]
Langan, Frost & Wane debuts with psych folk album and Wilkes-Barre concert on Aug. 15
From a press release: Langan, Frost & Wane is the collaboration of three ambitious songwriters writing in the folk tradition and drawing candidly from the folk revival of the mid-20th century. It began as a vessel for Brian Langan (Langan) and RJ Gilligan (Frost) to explore a territory they otherwise had no outlet for in […]
VIDEO PREMIERE: Resilient rocker Karen Bella takes a shot of ‘Jack Honey’ in debut music video
Early in March, the gang here at Camp Rattler in West Pittston was contacted by our superstar PR agent Denise Kovalevitch of DMK Publicity, her boutique agency located in the greater Philadelphia area. Denise, who I have known since the mid-’90s, works with clients such as Blues Traveler, Candlebox, Steve Vai, Corey Glover of Living […]
Former Wilkes-Barre musician Strand of Oaks returns to F.M. Kirby Center on Nov. 21
From a press release: Following the announcement of a new album and tour earlier this month, it was announced today that Strand of Oaks will be back at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, Nov. 21 as part of the venue’s “Chandelier Concert Series.” Brooklyn indie rock band The Still Tide will open […]
Former Wilkes-Barre musician Strand of Oaks debuts new single ‘Galacticana’ from upcoming 8th album
From a press release: Today, folk rock band Strand of Oaks premiered “Galacticana,” the starry lead single from the deeply personal upcoming album “In Heaven.” Set for release on Friday, Oct. 1, “In Heaven” is a hopeful reflection on love, loss, and enlightenment. In his eighth studio album as Strand of Oaks and first since […]
Scranton’s Tigers Jaw will join Philly rockers Circa Survive on North American tour in 2022
From a press release: Psychedelic post-hardcore group Circa Survive emerged from the Philadelphia suburb of Doylestown and quickly made a name for themselves in the indie music scene in a little over two years with their 2005 debut album “Juturna” and 2007 follow-up “On Letting Go,” both released on Equal Vision Records. Their major label […]
PHOTOS: Subtronics, HE$H, Level Up, and Guppi at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, 06/18-19/21
The “angry robot noises” of Subtronics echoed through the valley when the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour rolled into the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Dickson City on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19. HE$H, Level Up, and Guppi joined the young Philadelphia dubstep DJ/producer on this cross-country trek that ran from April through the end […]
New Martin Luther King, Jr. mural will be unveiled at First Friday Scranton on July 2
From a press release: A brightly colored mural featuring iconic civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. has been turning heads on Mulberry Street in downtown Scranton since work on it began in May. As part of the First Friday Scranton art walk on July 2, the finished piece entitled “The Dream” will be unveiled […]
Q&A: Singer Brian Langan muses about The SW!MS before reunion at Spooky Summer at Circle Drive-In on June 12
In the early 2000s, The SW!MS created the kind of psychedelic indie pop rock that was undeniably quirky, catchy, and fun, crafting unique musical fantasy adventures that could only otherwise be captured in the colorful artwork of vocalist/guitarist Brian Langan. Garnering a loyal following and national attention, the acclaimed Scranton band made a lasting impact […]
