Artscene With Erika Funke

Joell Yarmel, Executive Director of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre, speaking about the 2024-2025 season just announced--with the opening act on September 12th featuring Pete Davidson as well as ballet, music, holiday favorites and more. For information: www.kirbycenter.org/ 570-826-1100

Scott Thomas, Chief Executive Officer/Director of the Scranton Public Library, speaking about the services of the Albright Memorial Library and the 13th annual block party, "Swingin' on Vine" to be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, in the 500 block of Vine Street in Scranton. There will be music by Picture Perfect, refreshments, picnic-style food, games and more. The event will benefit the library. www.lclshome.org/events

Barbara J. Taylor, author from Scranton, speaking with WVIA's News Director Julie Sidoni, about her new novel titled, "Rain Will Break No Bones," a Kaylie Jones Book issued by Akashic Books. There will be a book event on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at noon at Barnes & Noble, 421 Arena Hub Plaza in Wilkes-Barre. For more information and other events: www.barbarajtaylor.com/

Brian Long and Sarah Schwab speaking about their work as independent filmmakers and their love of interacting with audiences in connection with their recent feature, "A Stage of Twilight," starring Karen Allen and William Sadler. For more information: www.astageoftwilightthefilm.com/

Dr. Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director & Conductor of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, speaking about the 116th Bethlehem Bach Festival, taking place May 10 & 11 and 17 & 18, 2024, with 2 full performances of the Bach B Minor Mass, among many other offerings. For more information: www.bach.org/

Casey Thomas, Scranton native and professional actor & director, speaking about directing the satirical comedy, "A Man, A Woman, A Head of Lettuce: The Works of Ted LoRusso," in a production by Actors Circle at Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road in Scranton, May 30 through June 9, 2024--time for the Thursday preview is 7 pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, as well, with Sunday matinees at 2:00. The show features adult content. For information: www.actorscircle.com/ 570-342-9707 www.tedlorusso.com/

Dr. Catherine Richmond-Cullen, AIE of NEPA & President of neuroLEARN, LLC, Joanne Arduino, Artistic Director of Ballet Theatre of Scranton, & Frank Blasi, Executive Director of Broadway Theatre League of NEPA, speaking about The Lyceum School for Visual and Performing Arts. Summer 2024 runs from July 8 through July 19, Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 2 pm. For more information: www.broadwaynepa.com/ and for scholarship information: www.aienepa.org/

Elizabeth Dowd, Member of the BTE Resident Acting Company, and Rand Whipple, an Associate Ensemble Member, speaking about the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble production of "Annapurna" by Sharr White, running May 23 through June 9, 2024, at the Alvina Krause Theatre on Center Street in downtown Bloomsburg. Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00. For more information: www.bte.org/

Mark Laubach, organist and choirmaster at St. Stephen's Church, and Charles Francis, organ student in the studio of Nathan Laube at the Eastman School of Music, speaking in anticipation of a recital by Francis on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 35 South Franklin Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The program will include Bach, Durufle Willan and more. Admission is free. www.ststephenswb.org/

Steven Kurutz, features reporter for the NY Times, speaking about his new book, "American Flannel: How a Band of Entrepreneurs Are Bringing Back the Art and Business of Making Clothes Back Home," issued by Riverhead Books. There will be an author's event at The Otto Bookstore in Williamsport, PA, on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 10 am to noon. Admission is free, but reservations are required: www.ottobookstore.com. For more information: www.stevenkurutz.com/

Brenda Grunza, Co-President, and Ann Manganiello, Music Director & Conductor, of the Catholic Choral Society of Scranton, speaking about the group's 75th Anniversary Spring Concert program to be presented Friday, May 17, 2024 at Mary, Mother of God Parish: Holy Rosary Church, 316 William Street in Scranton; Also Sunday, May 19th at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 339 N. Maple Avenue in Kingston. Each concert begins at 7:00 pm. www.catholicchoralsociety.org/

Bob Eckstein, award-winning writer, illustrator cartoonist, educator, speaking about his newest book, "Footnotes From the Most Fascinating Museums: Stories and Memorable Moments from People Who Love Museums," issued by Princeton Architectural Press. www.bobeckstein.com/ www.papress.com/

Rick Markham, Actor/Set Designer, & Linda Sensenbach Miller, Director, from the Legion Theatre Group of White Haven, PA, speaking about their production of "Now and Then" by Sean Grennan, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 8 pm, & Sunday, May 19 at 2 pm, at The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, 537 North Main Street. For information: www.legiontheatregroup.org/ The show is a benefit for the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

Gina Malsky & Carl Achhammer, Jr, Members of the Board of the Fine Arts Fiesta in Wilkes-Barre, speaking about Fiesta 2024 running from May 16 to May 19 on Public Square, featuring live music & dance as well as visual arts, children's activities, food and much more. The headliner on Saturday evening at 7:30 is Michael Glabicki of the Rusted Root Uprooted Trio. The entertainment is free and open to everyone. www.fineartsfiesta.org/

Gerardo Edelstein, Music Director and Conductor of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, speaking with WVIA's Fiona Powell about the season finale: "Romantic Escapes: Dvorak & Rachmaninoff," to be presented on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm, at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. Cellist Andrew Rammon will join the orchestra as soloist for the Dvorak Cello Concerto. Also featured: Symphony No.2 by Rachmaninoff. www.CACLive.com/ or www.wiliamsportsymphony.org/ (570) 326-2424

Chris Jarrett, esteemed pianist, organist, composer, educator, who was born in Allentown, PA, speaking about his life and music in anticipation of a solo performance at the Deer Head Inn, 5 Main Street in Delaware Water Gap, on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The program is titled, "Tales of our Times." www.deerheadinn.com/ www.chrisjarrett.de/

Jan Lokuta, arts advocate from northeastern PA, speaking about his annual tour of regional churches, this year to be held in McAdoo, PA, on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The group will gather at the Hazleton Art League on West Broad Street and leave for McAdoo at 9:00 am. 5 churches are on the itinerary, and there is no admission charge. Registration is requested. lokutajan784@gmail.com/

Dr. Sheldon Spear, historian and educator from northeastern PA, speaking about his recent study titled, "1938 American Historical Panorama" issued by Archway Publishing. Available online and for more information: www.archwaypublishing.com/

Seth Resnick, acclaimed photographer, writer and educator, speaking about his life and work in anticipation of a program titled, "Unleashing Creativity: Mastering the Art of Visual Storytelling" as part of the Social Fabric Collective's Artist Lecture Series at the Circle Center for the Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  There will be a reception at 5:00 pm in the Maffei Galley, and the lecture will begin at 6:00. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested: www.socialfabriccollective.org/events For information about the artist: www.sethresnick.com/

Dr. Joel M. Graham, Director of Bands at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, speaking about the Spring Concerts of his two groups: The Wilkes University Jazz Ensemble will perform "Jazz Band Time Machine" Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 7:30 pm at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center on the campus. Admission is free. The Wilkes University Civic Band will present "Music of the Silver Screen" on Wednesday, May 1st at 7:30 pm also in the Darte Center, and admission is free. www.wilkes.edu/