NEPA Scene

During the live recording of Episode 33 of the NEPA Scene Podcast on Nov. 1, 2017 at Coal Creative’s production studio in downtown Wilkes-Barre, local folk funk band Fake Fight opened the show with this acoustic version of their original song “Mood Ring.”

The award-winning podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene·s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond.

In Episode 31, we sit down with Wilkes-Barre Township native Chris Bohinski, known as “Boh the Smile Guy,” the founder of the upcoming Smile Day in Wilkes-Barre Township and creator of NYC Smile 4 Me, where he interviews celebrities like Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bette Midler, and Kristin Chenoweth and asks them, “What makes you smile?”

Beer Boys is hosting a Susquehanna Brewing Company tap takeover, so they provide us with crowlers of Orange Is the New Ale and two versions of the Pittston brewery’s Pumpkin Ale - one from a cask with coffee and vanilla and the other blended in a Randall with Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers, which you can only get at Beer Boys - to drink before and during the interview. Needless to say, they all go over very well.

We talk about the power of smiling; staying happy and positive in an often negative world; NEPA’s infamous cynicism; how he responds to negativity or criticism; making everyday conversations more positive; his unique celebrity experiences with NYC Smile 4 Me and how those opportunities came about; his viral videos where he breaks glass with his voice, which led to national television appearances; working on major productions in New York City; blogging and starting a YouTube channel; hosting the first-ever Smile Day in Wilkes-Barre Township and its purpose; and we all answer the question, “What makes you smile?”

While giving away free tickets to see 311 at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, we also answer questions and comments from live viewers, who explain what makes them smile.

The inaugural Smile Day will be held at the Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Hall (150 Watson St.) on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The family-friendly event is free and includes food, games, prizes, and raffles.

The award-winning NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

In Episode 29, we sit down with Scranton author, teacher, and filmmaker Kenny Luck, who wrote and directed the viral short documentaries "Opioid Nation: The Making of an Epidemic" and "Half Empty: Life in America’s Unhappiest City," which both premiered exclusively on NEPA Scene.

Before and during the interview, we drink crowlers of beer from three Pennsylvania breweries - Das Pretzel Gose by Roy Pitz Brewing Company in Chambersburg, One and Done No. 11 by Benny Brewing in Wilkes-Barre, and a special version of Vaughn's Cream Ale by Berwick Brewing in Berwick that was put through a Randall with Sour Patch Kids, which was made exclusively at Beer Boys.

As “Opioid Nation” hits 23,000 views, we discuss how he got into filmmaking, the local opioid epidemic and the impact it has had on the area, why it became so bad here, what he learned during the filmmaking process, the discussions his films have started and responding to criticism, interviewing different people and gaining different perspectives that shaped the film, why drug addiction is a divisive issue that is often misunderstood, how addiction starts, glamorizing drug use, what can be done to combat addiction and the stigma associated with it, indie filmmaking on a limited budget, the studies that led to Scranton being named the “unhappiest city,” NEPA's attitude problem, the funny WNEP-TV backyard train debate featured on “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver, what projects Kenny will be working on next, his other creative outlets like writing and making music, and more.

The award-winning NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

In Episode 28, we sit down with John “Guido” Phillips, owner and designer of MCR Design Group, director of production for Heavy Grass, a former local musician, and a freelance tour manager, previously working with bands like Breaking Benjamin.

Before and during the interview, we drink crowlers of Framboise by Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown and Bethlehem, Mango Wheat by Free Will Brewing in Perkasie (a brewery that Massive Beer Reviews has featured before), and Pineapple Express by Mispillion River Brewing in Delaware, courtesy of Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre. We also do some shots of Jägermeister, which we immediately regret.

We talk about his time as a local musician in bands like UUU and OurAfter, how education plays a role in changing music scenes, founding the Steamtown Original Music Showcase and its ups and downs, Breaking Benjamin putting national focus on NEPA music and what was going on in the scene at the time, the area’s often negative perception, working with Breaking Benjamin and how people see the band in its different incarnations, the importance of a band’s story, working for Heavy Grass and his views on cannabis, doing business and detrimental taxes in Pennsylvania, achieving happiness, being a parent, what MCR does and the key to its success, Johnny and John’s long history together, and more.

We also take questions and comments from live viewers, addressing hopes of an OurAfter reunion, telling a story about a little girl meeting Benjamin Burnley, and hair tips. Additionally, we give tickets away to a live pro wrestling event at GSW Arena in Old Forge with meet and greet passes for Sean Waltman, a.k.a. WWE Superstar X-Pac.

The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

In Episode 27, we sit down with Scranton Fringe Festival co-founder and managing director Elizabeth Bohan and Fringe organizers and participants Simone Daniel and Laureen O'Handley to discuss this huge five-day festival returning to downtown Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 1.

Before and during the interview, we drink some crowlers of Ouais by Une Année Brewery in Chicago, Turbo Shandy by Hoppin' Frog Brewery in Ohio, and R2 Koelschip by Draai Laag Brewing Company in Pittsburgh, provided by Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre. The Turbo Shandy ends up being the most popular, while Rich is the only one who seems to enjoy the sour beers.

We talk about founding the Scranton Fringe; the purpose of fringe festivals and why this is an important addition to the local arts scene; how it has developed over the past three years; the many diverse shows coming to 13 different venues; the work Laureen does with the Lackawanna County Children's Library and what the festival will bring there; Simone’s roles as an actress, organizer, and host of the Scranton Cultural Center preview party on Wednesday; how local women have helped create, organize, and maintain the Scranton Fringe; the Scranton Fringe’s rooster mascot; Elizabeth and Simone’s trip overseas to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and how that has influenced this festival; regional food and our need for a pierogi or piggy lady; and more.

To end the show, Rich turns our usual game with the guests on John and Brittany, reading them the names of Scranton Fringe shows and having them make up fake descriptions based solely on the titles. Elizabeth and Rich then explain what they’re actually about.

The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

This session features Will Beekman, the executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, one of the area’s most successful talent buyers, and Eva Alexiou-Reo, a veteran booking agent. The two discuss both sides of the “world of booking.” Attendees learn what talent buyers and booking agents truly look for in acts as well as proper techniques and etiquette. This panel discussion was recorded at the 2017 Electric City Music Conference on Saturday, Sept. 16.

This session revolves around the artist management aspect of the music industry. Panelists explain when and why an artist requires a manager, how to go about attracting a manager, what they should look for in a manager, and exactly what a manager does. This panel discussion featuring Chris Bianchi, Christian Wagner, Mark Woodbridge, and Eric Droegmoeller was recorded at the 2017 Electric City Music Conference on Saturday, Sept. 16.

In Episode 26, we have an extended chat with Joe Caviston of The Point After Show and Kenneth Norton, formerly of Graces Downfall and currently with The Sellout Soundtrack, who both founded the Electric City Music Conference and the Steamtown Music Awards, which return for their fourth year to 11 venues throughout the Scranton area on Thursday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 16.

Before and during the interview, we drink crowlers of Troegenator by Tröegs Brewing Company in Hershey, Grandes Lagos by Great Lakes Brewing in Cleveland, and I.C. Light by the Pittsburgh Brewing, courtesy of Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre.

We talk about Joe’s sports podcast and what Ken has been up to musically since Graces Downfall ended, the purpose of the ECMC and why they feel it’s important to honor local musicians and bring the music scene together; what goes into planning an event that spans 11 venues across three days; their early days of booking shows and what they’ve learned since then; award show mishaps; memories of the music scene years ago and what things are like now; how Joe’s experience as a promoter and Ken’s experience as a musician has informed the conference; highlights of this year’s event, like an emo DJ set at The Bog; local bands they’d love to see reunite; the hidden costs of events like the SMAs and the ECMC; shooting down critics and misconceptions about how these events are run and what the money is used for; investing in new concerts in the area, including an upcoming acoustic Hinder show; and more.

John also plays a game with our guests, making them choose between one musical act or another, with some fun results and music commentary. Ken responded to many of the live comments directly, but we also read a few from live viewers.

The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.

Suzanne Paulinski, founder of The Rock/Star Advocate, and Rich Howells, founder and editor of NEPA Scene, tell their success stories in the music business, provide tips for musicians hoping to make it in the business and develop professional relationships, and share personal anecdotes about following their passions. This panel discussion was recorded at the 2017 Electric City Music Conference on Saturday, Sept. 16.

In Episode 25, we sit down with local comedians Angelia Petrillo and Elliott Elliott, who are hosting the Back to the ‘80s Comedy Show & Dance Party at The Keys in downtown Scranton this Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. The show features comedians pretending it’s the 1980s, only referencing topics from that decade, along with an ‘80s dance party and live music by Katie Evans, Candi Vee, and Anthony “Shiny” Montini. The featured drink is $5 Ecto Cooler.

Before and during the interview, we drink three different crowlers from Bell's Brewery in Michigan - Pooltime Ale, Porter, and Quinannan Falls IPL - courtesy of Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre. Each turns out to be great representations of their respective styles.

We talk about why they both decided to get into stand-up comedy, their best and worst show stories and strange venue experiences, their different comedic styles and deliveries, working with fellow comedians in the local comedy scene, developing their voices through performing live and attending open mics, the importance of bombing and failing, Elliott playing characters on stage, Angelia putting together a successful Scranton Fringe Festival show last year and what is in store for this year, where the idea for the ‘80s show came from and why they wanted to do it, what they remember and love about the ‘80s, Elliott’s dirty Yoda impression, other themed comedy nights in the future, and more.

We end the episode by going through the list of the 100 most popular ‘80s movies on the Internet Movie Database and forcing Angelia and Elliott to choose one film from each pair of movies to learn more about their tastes, personalities, and knowledge of the decade. This leads to some fun conversations and asides.

The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, Loyalty Barber Shop and Shave Parlor, the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.