NEPA Scene

In Episode 50, we sit down with 18-year-old Clarks Summit singer/songwriter James Barrett to discuss his burgeoning music career and his debut solo album, “One More,” recorded right here in The Stude, along with his time in NEPA Scene’s Got Talent, which starts up again this week. We talk about how he got into music at an early age; moving from bass to guitar and singing; the influence and support of his father, who is also a musician; his first time recording in a professional studio and how it compares to recording on his own; performing every weekend to support himself and pay for his studio time; writing music for this project as well as his full band, Emberá; being a vegetarian; getting people to pay for music; the subconscious influence of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre sound; getting a concussion at the NEPA Holiday Show and having Bobby Barnett of Captain, We’re Sinking as a teacher; being a part of and meeting new people at NEPA Scene’s Got Talent; and his upcoming free CD release show at Adezzo in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 19 with Better Days, Wishing Well (Toni Pennello of Spur), and Ed Cuozzo.

In The Last Word segment, we talk about NEPA Scene’s article on a recent study by the Southern Poverty Law Center that found that Pennsylvania has the fifth largest number of hate groups in the United States, as well as the highest number of anti-government groups. He read a wide range of reader comments and reactions to the story and explain why we feel it’s important to cover issues like these.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 49, we sit down with Jamie Nelson, the owner of 1Up Games in Forty Fort, to discuss video games and gaming in NEPA. We talk about how he went from an accountant to an independent game shop owner, the games we had growing up and what we play now, the evolution of gaming and why he still prefers retro games, being a collector and traveling all over for his own collection as well as his shop, what games are the most popular and most collectible, the funny stories behind his weekly NEPA Gaming Challenge videos for NEPA Scene and coming up with painful and humiliating punishments to endure, the recent success of the first NEPA Gaming Challenge live event, and the founding of the NES Trail, a unique event that raises money for local charities through video game tournaments.

Lauren delivers her Rapid-Fire Qs, and in The Last Word segment, we talk about the short documentary that premiered on NEPA Scene, “Half Empty: Life in America's Unhappiest City” by Kenny Luck, the huge reaction is garnered from our readers, and why the area can be so miserable and cynical.

The next NES Trail event, which features a “Super Smash Bros.” tournament as well as many retro games ready to play on site, will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28 at noon at the Forty Fort Borough Building (1271 Wyoming Ave., Kingston). Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door; all proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge in Wilkes-Barre.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 48, we welcome our very first hip-hop artist on the show, Nate Williams of Hazleton, to discuss the local rap and hip-hop scene and the cliques it is broken up into; transitioning from spoken word poetry to rap; the difference between an MC and a rapper; growing up in NEPA as the only black kid in school; writing and recording music for nerds as a solo artist and working as a duo with Die-Polar; diss tracks, beef, and violence in hip-hop; meeting his wife and raising his children; battling bipolar disorder; spreading positivity; and trying to find a place in the NEPA music scene.

Lauren delivers her Rapid-Fire Qs, and in The Last Word segment, we talk about the upcoming documentary on NEPA pizza, “Tray: A Cut of Culture,” and how passionate and heated our readers became over the area’s favorite dish.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 47, we want to talk movies, so who better to invite back than our guests Rich Drees, editor and publisher of Film Buff Online, and film critic and columnist Jeff Boam? Joined by NEPA Scene’s own critic Joe Evans, we list our personal favorite movies of the past year, specifically discussing “Spotlight,” “The Revenant,” “It Follows,” “The Martian,” “Mad Max,” and “The Hateful Eight,” among others; the filmmaking and opinions of Quentin Tarantino and whether or not his work is too derivative of his influences; seeing films in 3D and if it's worth the extra money; 2016 Oscar nominations and predictions; the #OscarsSoWhite controversy; Sundance and indie films; the origin of the Academy Awards and how it has changed over the years, both in its presentation and for us; blockbuster superhero movies and TV shows making geeks cooler; and how the new golden age of television is outshining films in many ways.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 46, we welcome our guest, Joe Van Wie, an award-winning producer and CEO of video, web, and media production company JVW, Inc., and our friends Lee Shaffer and Jimmy Reynolds to talk about the evolution of media and publishing and its role today, both locally and nationally. After the Weekender, a Wilkes-Barre arts and entertainment paper, published a controversial article that made national headlines because the writer, Justin Adam Brown, bragged about getting free drinks at a bar by pretending to be a military veteran, many readers in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been questioning why they chose to go in this direction and what the place of an alternative publication should be. After taking the Weekender to task a bit and laughing about Brown’s embarrassing appearance on Steve Corbett’s talk show on WILK-FM, we discuss the history of modern media and how it shapes public opinion; how business and corporate interests play a role in the presentation of information and the change they’ve caused locally; journalistic ethics and bias; the enduring political power of newspapers in NEPA; creating local political ads; the Internet, bloggers, and citizen journalism shaping the way news is presented today, for better or worse; being an “alternative” without resorting to shock value or clickbait; and the power of the Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer,” which changed so many minds in a murder case long after the media had guided public opinion.

In The Last Word segment, we talk about the need for positivity and cooperation to truly present an alternative view in media and shaking things up in the area to bring about change.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 45, to be, or not to be, is not the question, but we have plenty of other queries for the New Vintage Ensemble! The Scranton theatre group is putting on William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Scranton Cultural Center Jan. 8-16, so we chat with director Casey Thomas and supervising producer and ensemble actress Mandy Pennington about how and why they got involved with this production; rewriting and modernizing the script; finding a good skull; casting and why the actors were chosen for their respective roles, including Conor O’Brien as Hamlet; the challenges of introducing Shakespeare to some and recreating his work in a fresh way for others; the striking promotional images for the show; working with the SCC and union members; how they first caught the acting bug; making movies with big stars in California; learning to love and appreciate Shakespeare; and how “Last Action Hero” relates to all this.

In The Last Word segment, we talk about the Weekender, a local arts and entertainment publication that created a social media firestorm and made local and national news for insulting military veterans with an unfunny and poorly written article that should never have been published. We discuss how their downward spiral of empty shock value and clickbait content over the last year and a half has led to this point and give them some advice to get back on track.

“Hamlet” runs Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the Scranton Cultural Center in person, by calling 570-344-1111, or via all applicable Ticketmaster outlets, including ticketmaster.com.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 44, it’s the “Star Wars” Holiday Special that you actually want to tune into! With Jer Tobin of Big Idea Photo and Video Productions filling in for Lauren this week because she hasn’t seen the new movie yet, we geek out about “The Force Awakens” with our nerdy guests - local comedians Dan Hoppel and Ted Hebert! In this spoiler-filled discussion, we chat about our favorite moments in the film, the new characters introduced, the prequels versus “Episode VII,” how director and co-writer J. J. Abrams was able to pull this blockbuster off in such a small amount of time, shots that stood out to us, the surprisingly updated humor in the movie, gripes we had and answers to common criticisms, speculation on the future of the franchise, and what kind of impact the movie had on us. Mark also tells the story of how he proposed to his girlfriend the night before in New York City, proving that geeks like us aren’t all dorky virgins.

In The Last Word segment, we talk about some new listeners of the podcast that we met at the NEPA Holiday Show at the Scranton Cultural Center over the weekend and why they became fans of the show.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 43, we record a special mid-week podcast with Tom May, vocalist and guitarist of The Menzingers. Just off the bus from Philadelphia to Scranton, he stopped in the studio to talk about the fifth annual NEPA Holiday Show coming up this weekend, including stories from the first year and how it has grown into a huge homecoming event, why they donate the proceeds to the Arts Alive program for local kids, and what’s in store for this year.

We also discuss the band’s collaboration beer with Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company; growing up in Scranton and why the area continues to play a role in their music; a busy year of touring the U.S. and the U.K. with bands like Taking Back Sunday, letlive, and Me Without You; partying and funny stories from the road; traveling through foreign countries and meeting weird bus drivers and brutally honest Germans; the transition from an independent band to getting signed and their great relationship with Epitaph Records; what it takes to be a successful touring musician and advice for other artists hoping to make it in the music business; Pennsylvania polka and Rock 107; the new “Star Wars” movie and watching all six previous films again in preparation; and starting work on a new album and finding inspiration.

The Menzingers will perform with Tigers Jaw; Captain, We’re Sinking; Three Man Cannon; Petal; and The SW!MS at the NEPA Holiday Show this Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 42, we sit down with Bobby Barnett, the vocalist and guitarist of Scranton/Philadelphia punk band Captain, We’re Sinking, and talk about his expectations for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” why he enjoys the prequels as well as the original trilogy, and we have him recite the lyrics to his band’s epic “Star Wars” rap that few people have ever heard.

Then we get into how he started in music, including his ska roots; embarrassing early recordings and demos that Ben Walsh from Tigers Jaw still holds onto; why the challenging recording of “The Future Is Cancelled” almost ended the band and what saved them; how Captain, We’re Sinking’s next album is coming along with the support of Run for Cover Records; the history and importance of the annual NEPA Holiday Show and the arts program it raises money for; why he believes the Scranton music scene has produced so many successful bands and the ups and downs of the local scene; enjoying his work as a substitute teacher, except when kids recognize him from his band; the worst and most ridiculous shows he has ever played; his family’s private talent shows, competitiveness, and cool younger cousin; and joining his brother Greg Barnett (vocalist and guitarist of The Menzingers) for their first-ever acoustic tour in the U.K. next year.

In The Last Word segment, we talk about the sad closing of 3 Guys and a Beer’d Brewing Company and why people should share more positive than negative stories through social media.

Captain, We’re Sinking will perform with The Menzingers, Tigers Jaw, Three Man Cannon, Petal, and The SW!MS at the NEPA Holiday Show this Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.

In Episode 41, we return after the NEPA Scene's Got Talent Finals Showcase at Thirst T's Bar & Grill to interview the first place winner of Season 2 of the contest, Scranton comedian John Walton. We talk about how he silenced the bar that night and won the crowd and the judges over; how he became a stand-up comedian; his first time on stage and improving his act over the years; earning his father's approval after years of doing it; gaining inspiration from Chris Rock and Richard Pryor; comedians he loves and hates; the downfall of Bill Cosby from a comedian's perspective; being a part of Dem Scranton Boyz, which includes fellow local comedian Kevin "Fast Orange" Lepka and Will "Half & Half" Robbins; and some theories about the holiday movie "Home Alone."

In The Last Word segment, we talk about the huge reaction from listeners and local media to our last episode about former Scranton newspaper Go Lackawanna and ask if anyone would like us to do a follow-up episode in the future.

Professionally recorded every Monday at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com every Tuesday, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics.

Each week, the unedited and uncensored podcast features Rich Howells, NEPA Scene founder and editor; Mark Dennebaum, president and owner of TwentyFiveEight Studios; and Lauren Quirolgico, commercial and content strategist at Lavelle Strategy Group and editor at TwentyFiveEight. Every episode streams on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and nepascene.com.