Around Town: Take some time to check out live music

There’s a new band in town.

Known as The Mule Team, the group features J.P. Biondo, A.J. Jump, Chris Kearney, Ian O’Hara and Roy Williams, and they played last Saturday night at Karl Hall in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Billed as “a great cast of NEPA musicians coming together for the better good of the song” they are a group of very talented musicians, all of whom have made their own indelible marks in the music world, playing together.

Area music lovers were there to see the guys perform on one stage in the underground venue, and it was a welcomed night out to hear original Americana-style music.

They’re playing again this Friday at Canteen Park in Kingston and expect to play both their originals and classic country and rock from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Band, The Beatles and the Grateful Dead.

Showtime is 7 p.m.

They’ll also play at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the F.M. Kirby Center (for a Fat Tuesday Celebration with Indigo Moon Brass Band). You can check out on Facebook for updates and other pertinent information.

I love when new groups form and entertainers come together to create different experiences for crowds. The time it takes to practice, compose and execute a performance shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why musicians like this get my respect.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear them.

Another musical act to consider is also happening soon. Adam Ezra is at the Circle Centre for the Arts on Sunday, Jan. 26. Ezra is bringing his “Get Folked Country Tour” to Wilkes-Barre.

His acoustic shows are up-close and personal events that have become staples in small concert halls and venues, often creating powerful musical shows for local charities and tight-knit communities.

Hearing Ezra perform is described as a “rally to live life with intensity and soak in the moments we share with one another,” according to his website.

Hailing from Boston, Ezra has fans throughout the country and has worked with the likes of John Oates from Hall & Oates fame, as well as The Wallflowers, Galactic, The Wailers, Southside Johnny, Graham Parker and America.

You can visit adamezra.com to learn more and purchase a ticket for the “Get Folked Tour” or call 570-288-1020.

If original music and real-time connection interest you, this show may be right up your alley.

The Wyoming Valley Art League is excited to host this experience, and I’m excited for the opportunity to hear Ezra in such an intimate venue.

I marvel at places like the Wyoming Valley Art League, F.M. Kirby Center and Karl Hall. Their teams and volunteers are constantly trying to incorporate the arts into the lives of Wyoming Valley residents.

In an age where we have music and entertainment at our fingertips thanks to technology, having venues like these to go to and connect with others is invaluable.

Think about your upcoming weekends.

While it’s great to spend time at home, it’s also great to get out and see what these venues offer.

For starters, both the Ezra concert and The Mule Team are playing soon, in spots very accessible to anyone in the Wyoming Valley.

Won’t you consider attending one, if not both?

Let’s all escape reality, even if only for a few hours.

Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group’s major accounts executive. Reach him at [email protected] or 570-704-3945.