Rich Howells

NEPA music venues still await federal relief funds from Save Our Stages legislation

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 […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Scranton Emo Night DJs launch ‘Cry About It’ podcast about sad music, mental health, and wild parties

Scranton Emo Night DJs launch ‘Cry About It’ podcast about sad music, mental health, and wild parties

From a press release: Today, the local DJ duo behind Screaming Infidelities: Emo Night released the first episode of their new podcast, “Cry About It,” about the “sad music that makes us happy.” Last week, they released a statement to those that attend their emo-inspired parties in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and beyond and asked for their […]

 Rich Howells

Save Our Stages Act benefiting NEPA music venues included in COVID-19 relief bill

Save Our Stages Act benefiting NEPA music venues included in COVID-19 relief bill

After stalling for months, Democrats and Republicans in Congress finally agreed on a $900 billion pandemic relief package on Sunday that incorporates the Save Our Stages Act, setting aside “$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions,” according to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Philadelphia DJ Shizz Lo plays Black Friday show at Stage West in Scranton on Nov. 27

Philadelphia DJ Shizz Lo plays Black Friday show at Stage West in Scranton on Nov. 27

From a press release: Those who are looking to get away from the holiday hustle and bustle this week can listen to Philadelphia DJ and producer Shizz Lo live on Black Friday, Nov. 27 at the recently reopened Stage West in Scranton. Doors at Stage West (301 N. Main Ave., Scranton) open at 6 p.m., […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Independent music venues form new foundation led by Pennsylvania owner as federal relief stalls

Independent music venues form new foundation led by Pennsylvania owner as federal relief stalls

From a press release: As its nearly 3,000 members anxiously await the passage of the Save Our Stages Act in Congress, the National Independent Venue Association has announced the formation of the National Independent Venue Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to partner and fundraise through individual, corporate, and foundation donations to expand upon […]

 Rich Howells

Scranton music venue Stage West reopens, hosting alt rock trio The Boastfuls on Nov. 14

Scranton music venue Stage West reopens, hosting alt rock trio The Boastfuls on Nov. 14

After hosting outdoor concerts miles away throughout the summer, Scranton music venue Stage West will once again open its doors for indoor dining, drinks, and music starting this Thursday, Nov. 12. Scranton-based alternative rock band The Boastfuls will play its first scheduled show on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8:30 p.m. With social distancing and CDC […]

 Rich Howells

Save Our Stages legislation moves forward as NEPA music venues await federal aid, among other small businesses

Save Our Stages legislation moves forward as NEPA music venues await federal aid, among other small businesses

Since COVID-19 shut down music venues across the country, the National Independent Venue Association has been pushing legislation that will help those businesses stay afloat, including several venues and festivals in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Half a year later, it is finally starting to pick up steam in the state and federal government. The Save Our Stages […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Peach Fest/Camp Bisco alum Pigeons Playing Ping Pong jams live at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City on Oct. 16

Peach Fest/Camp Bisco alum Pigeons Playing Ping Pong jams live at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City on Oct. 16

From a press release: It was announced this week that Baltimore funk jam band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, who have performed at both the Peach Music Festival and Camp Bisco in Scranton over the years, will return to the area for a live drive-in concert at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Dickson City on Friday, […]

 Jason Riedmiller

PHOTOS: Blackberry Smoke and Nick Perri at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, 09/13/20

PHOTOS: Blackberry Smoke and Nick Perri at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, 09/13/20

Blackberry Smoke was forced to postpone their Spirit of the South Tour until 2021, but that hasn’t stopped the Georgia-based band from hitting the road to perform wherever they can in these strange times. Their Live at the Drive In Tour, which expanded into the Drive-Ins & Distancing Tour as more dates were added, stopped […]

 Scott Kucharski

PHOTOS: Steel Panther and Freddie Fabbri at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, 09/12/20

PHOTOS: Steel Panther and Freddie Fabbri at Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, 09/12/20

Steel Panther is foul-mouthed, raucous, and offensive – and people love it. On Saturday, Sept. 12, fans drove from states away to see the ’80s glam metal parody band play up the raunchy conventions of the decade of excess at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Dickson City, one of only two stops on the Fast […]