Times Leader

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BEST BET: The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic wraps up its season of intimate chamber concerts Wednesday with ‘Music of the Romantic Era,’ performed by violinist Gabriel Schaff and pianist Kathleen Riley. Experience an up-close view of the musicians while enjoying light refreshments in a casual atmosphere at the Westmoreland Club in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes Haydn’s ‘Sonata in G Major,’ Wagner’s Paraphrase on ‘Theme from Siegfried’ and Liszt’s ‘Hungarian Rhapsody.’ Tickets are $26.50 and available at 341-1568.

THIS WEEK: APRIL 6 to 12, 2012

I Will Rise, an Easter choir concert. Sweet Valley Church of Christ, 5439 Main Road, Sweet Valley. 7 tonight and Saturday. 477-2320.

The Heavy Pets, the genre-melding rockers from South Florida. River Street Jazz Café, 667 N. River St., Plains Township. 10 tonight. $10. 822-2992.

Sully Erna, the singer and main songwriter of rock band Godsmack. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. Saturday. $35, $30, $25. 420-2808.

COTA Jazz Scholastic Swing, with Al Cohn and the COTA (Celebration of the Arts) Festival Orchestra along with area high-school bands. Also: special guest “Blue Lou” Marini, sideman for “The Blues Brothers” and the “Saturday Night Live Band.” Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. $10. 420-2808.

Ang Li, works of Haydn, Chopin and Brahms performed by the internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso. Campus Ministry Center, North Franklin and West Jackson streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Free. 208-6044.

The Mickey Hart Band, with the former Grateful Dead percussionist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Thursday. 866-605-7325.

Comedy Stand-Off Finals, the final competition with 12 comics competing for a paid MC spot with Scott Bruce. Comics include Heather Height, Paul Spratt, Matt Coons, Jason Lando, Father Paul, Shawn Ravenfire, John Walton, Patrick Schwartz, Dyer Knight, Mike Jones, Johnny V and RJ Long. Hub Lounge, Clarion Hotel, 300 Meadow Ave., Scranton. Thursday at 8 p.m.

St. Julian’s Juggling Troupe, combining music with juggling antics. Sponsored by the Catholic Underground at St. Gabriel’s Church, 122 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. April 13. 403-3094.

Soul Searching, the local Christian-music band. New Life Community Church, 570 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. 7 to 9 p.m. April 13. Free. 474-9805.

The Gershwin Symphonic Experience: Here to Stay, a multimedia concert event celebrating the music of George and Ira Gershwin. With the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and special guests pianist Kevin Cole, Grammy-winning soprano Sylvia McNair and song-and-dance man Ryan VanDenBoom. 8 p.m. April 13 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 8 p.m. April 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

Cabinet, bluegrass, country and folk by the six-member band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 13. $18 advance, $20 day of show. 325-0249.

A Celebration of Music! With jazz renderings by the Jesse Morvan Band and “Adventure Suite,” an original orchestral composition by Cecilia Strauch performed by the high-school band. Lackawanna Trail Junior/Senior High School, 28 Tunnel Road, Factoryville. 7 p.m. April 14. Donations benefit the school’s music program. 945-3466.

Anti-Bullying Awareness Concert, sponsored by the Diversity Partnership Fund of the Luzerne Foundation. With a slate of 12 local singers and dancers including Jordan Tarter, Dave Baloga, Aaron Eldred, James Duffy and more. KISS Theatre, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. April 14. Free but donations accepted. 589-1082.

Gloriana, the country trio (“Wild at Heart”), voted Top New Vocal Group at the 2010 Academy of Country Music awards. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. April 14. $40, $25. 866-468-7619.

Performing Arts Institute Gala Performance, with six high-school musical-theater performers competing for three PAI scholarships. Also: professional actress-singer Jessie Hooker. Amato Auditorium Wyoming Seminary Lower School, 1560 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. 7 p.m. April 15. $25 (with reception), $15, $10 students and seniors. 270-2186.

Love Songs, with the University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble and guest artist Wycliffe Gordon. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 15. Free. 941-7624.

Red Green, the lovable humorist, wacky handyman and author who believes “anything is possible if you use enough duct tape.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 17. 826-1100.

Hellyeah and Clutch, the hard-rock supergroup and the Maryland rockers team up for a double bill. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7:30 p.m. April 17. 420-2808.

Grateful Dead Meet-Up at the Movies, the second annual event spotlighting the previously unreleased iconic concert captured at Alpine Valley Music Theatre on July 18, 1989. Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark 20, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 7 p.m. April 19. 825-4444 or 961-5943.

Glen Campbell, the Grammy-winning country-pop singer on his “Goodbye Tour.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 19. 866-605-7325.

The Kingston Trio, the folk-singing Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 20. 955-1455.

The Great American Songbook, a pops concert with the Doug Smith Jazz Trio and the Robert Dale Chorale. Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 20. $15, $12 seniors, $7 students. 586-3921.

Big Shot, the Billy Joel tribute band with Mike DelGuidice. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 20. 866-605-7325.

Charlie Hunter Duo, an eclectic mix of music with the guitar master. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 20. $21. 325-0249.

Dayglow: Life in Color, the “World’s Largest Paint Party” combining high-energy music, art, dance and paint into an innovative show with DJs, aerial acts, stilt-walkers, contortionists, fire shows and cannons. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. April 21. $75.25, $50.25. 420-2808.

Cantores Christi Regis Concert, classical, contemporary, sacred and secular choral music. Campus Ministry Center, North Franklin and West Jackson streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. April 21. Free. 208-6044.

Sixty Years of Harmony, the 60th annual concert by the Wilkes-Barre Barbershop Harmony Society with guests Wheelhouse, the Columbia-Montour Chapter Chorus, the GAR Young Men in Harmony and Sounds Abound. Wyoming Area Secondary Center, 20 Memorial St., Exeter. 7:30 p.m. April 21. $20, $15. 696-3385.

Jazz Festival, competitive performances by jazz-band ensembles from area high schools including Berwick, Coughlin, Lackawanna Trail, Montrose, Meyers, Pittston and others. Crestwood High School, 282 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. 2 p.m. April 22. $5, $3 students and seniors. 474-6782.

Peter Rowan and the Travelin’ McCourys, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and bluegrass group perform “The Music of Bill Monroe.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 22. 866-605-7325.

Wyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra, performing the “Hansel and Gretel” Prelude, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 8 p.m. April 22. Free. 270-2192.

Ensemble Evening, musical performances by students. Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 7:30 p.m. April 25. Free. 674-6719.

Brahms: A German Requiem, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s season finale performing Brahms’ inspirational masterpiece along with Haydn’s 96th Symphony (“The Miracle”). With the Symphonic Chorus of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 27. 341-1568.

Bob Weir, the former Grateful Dead musician in an intimate solo acoustic show. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 27. $49.50, $34.50. 826-1100.

Aaron Tippin, the baritone-voiced country singer. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 27. 866-605-7325.

Choral Arts of Luzerne County, performing Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb” and the “Missa Brevis” of Zoltan Kodaly. 7:30 p.m. April 28 at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre and 3 p.m. April 29 at Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W. Green St., Hazleton. $15, $10 students and seniors. choralartslc.org.

World Premiere Composition Series, the 29th annual event with the University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir and guest composers/conductors Joseph Pilafian and Joseph Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 28. Free. 941-7624.

Thomas Pandolfi, a Gershwin piano concert. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 5 p.m. April 29. $23, $20. 325-0249.

Wishbone Ash, progressive rock led by guitarist Andy Powell. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 28. $28. 325-0249.

Four Octaves, a concert by the a cappella group. Dionne Green Amphitheater, University of Scranton. 6 p.m. May 4. Free. 941-5441.

Broadway in the Burg, a musical revue of Broadway songs by film and stage actors and singers including a “Forbidden Broadway” spoof. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. May 5. $25. 420-2808.

Get the Led Out, the Philadelphia-based Led Zeppelin tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 5. 866-605-7325.

Spring Concert, a concert by the five children’s and youth ensembles of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. $10. 343-6707.

In Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. Free. 941-4318.

Survivor, the Grammy-winning band (“Eye of the Tiger”) with lead singer Jimi Jamison. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 6. 866-605-7325.

Pre-Commencement Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. May 11. Free. 941-7624.

On the Road Again: Willie Nelson, the iconic singer-songwriter whose catalogue boasts more than 200 albums. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. May 11. $80, $67, $57, $43. 826-1100.

Megadeth, the metal titans with co-headliner Rob Zombie. Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. 7 p.m. May 12. Tickets at livenation.com.

Renaissance and Baroque Masterworks, performed by the Choral Artists of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Included: Handel’s “Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline” and J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Meine Freude.” St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. May 12. $15. 343-6707.

Dennis DeYoung, a solo performance by the former lead singer of rock group Styx. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 12. 866-605-7325.

Rob Zombie and Megadeth, the theatrical metal rock bands. Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. 8 p.m. May 12. $53.50. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

Giorgi Latsabidze, the Georgian pianist in a special Mother’s Day concert. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 5 p.m. May 13. $23, $20. 325-0249.

Dave Matthews Band. Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. May 28. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

Bill Kirchen, the Grammy-nominated “Titan of the Telecaster” whose trademark licks drove his seminal classic “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 26. $23. 325-0249.

The Gang of Outlaws Tour, with rock bands ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down. Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. 7 p.m. May 30. Tickets at livenation.com.

Dark Star Orchestra, the Grateful Dead tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 31. 866-605-7325.

Tony Bennett, the 15-time Grammy Award-winner performing in support of his latest album “Duets II,” in which he pairs up with Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, the late Amy Winehouse and many more. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. June 2. $126, $90, $70. 826-1100.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the country-rock band with original members John McEuen, Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 2. 866-605-7325.

The Guess Who, the Canadian pop-rock band (“These Eyes,” “American Woman”). The Mount, Bushkill Falls Road, Tamiment. June 8 with gates at 5 p.m., opening acts at 6 p.m. and headliners at 8:15 p.m. $67.50, $42.50, $37.50. 401-855-2594 or mountlaurelpac.com.

America, the folk-rock hitmakers. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 8. 866-605-7325.

David Bromberg, the versatile musician and guitar virtuoso in a concert of blues, country, jazz, folk and classical. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. June 8. $45, $35. 420-2808.

Kellie Pickler, the country singer and sixth-season “American Idol” contestant. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 14. 866-605-7325.

Ziggy Marley, the Grammy-winning reggae-pop artist on his “Wild and Free Tour.” The Mount, Bushkill Falls Road, Tamiment. June 15 with gates at 5 p.m., opening acts at 6 p.m. and headliners at 8:15 p.m. $72.50 (VIP), $59.50, $42.50. 401-855-2594 or mountlaurelpac.com.

Steven Wright, the deadpan standup comedian. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 24. 866-605-7325.

Zappa Plays Zappa, Dweezil Zappa pays tribute to the music of his father innovative rock performer Frank Zappa. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. June 28. $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. 826-1100.

Hot Tuna Electric, the duo of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady (“Jefferson Airplane”) with guests Steve Kimock and Billy Goodman (“Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine”). Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. June 28. $40, $35, $25. 420-2808.

Foreigner, the ’80s rock band (“I Want to Know What Love Is”). Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 29. 866-605-7325.

Johnny Winter, the bluesy rock guitarist with Chicago blues band Magic Slim & the Teardrops. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 30. 866-605-7325.

Briggs Farm Bluesfest, the 15th annual outdoor concert with Bernard Allison and Moreland and Arbuckle. Also: Mississippi Delta-style foods, sweet-corn roast, free hayrides, vendors and camping. Briggs Farm, 88 Old Berwick Highway, Nescopeck. 4:30 to 11 p.m. July 6; 4 to 11 p.m. July 7. 379-2003 or briggsfarm.com.

The Sensational Sounds of Swing, with the Midiri Brothers Septet. Wells Fargo Amphitheater, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 8 p.m. July 9. $15, $8 lawn. 674-6719.

Arrival, the Swedish ABBA tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. July 13. 866-605-7325.

Jim Messina, the country-rock musician formerly of Buffalo Springfield, Poco and Loggins & Messina. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. July 20. 866-605-7325.

Jim Gaffigan, the stand-up comic on his “America Tour.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. July 26. $49.75, $39.75. 826-1100.

Pennsylvania Blues Festival, the 2nd annual event with 15 national and international blues, soul and gospel artists, both acoustic and electric. Included Michael “Ironman” Burks, Mikey Junior & the Stone Cold Blues Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Wallace Coleman, Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, Teeny Tucker, Brooks Family Blues Dynasty, the Joe Louis Walker Band and many more. Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton. 8 p.m. to midnight July 27; 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. July 28; noon to 9 p.m. July 29. $30 one-day; $50 two-day. 474-5049 or skibluemt.com.

Neil Sedaka, the veteran singer-songwriter and pianist and 2004 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame headlines the ‘Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival’ in an outdoor concert at Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas.8 p.m. July 27. $45, $30 lawn. 674-6719.

Sherman Summer Stage, with rock bands 311 and Slightly Stoopid. Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond Road, off Route 115, Long Pond. 7 p.m. July 31. $49.50. 420-2808.

An Evening with Vince Gill, the country-music artist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Aug. 18. 866-605-7325.

Rock and Blues Fest, with Johnny and Edgar Winter, Mountain’s Leslie West, Rick Derringer and Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds. The Mount, Bushkill Falls Road, Tamiment. Aug. 19 with gates at 5 p.m., opening acts at 6 p.m. and headliners at 8:15 p.m. $75.50 (VIP), $57.50, $45.50. 401-855-2594 or mountlaurelpac.com.

Blake Shelton, the reigning Country Music Association’s “Male Vocalist of the Year.” With special guest Sunny Sweeney. Great Allentown Fair, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. 7 p.m. Aug. 29. $51, $35. 610-433-7541.

The Band Perry, the award-winning sibling group combining country with rock, gospel and soul. With opener country singer Easton Corbin. Great Allentown Fair, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. Aug. 31. 610-433-7541.

Victoria Justice, the teen singing star of the hit Nickelodeon series “Victorious.” Great Allentown Fair, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. 7 p.m. Sept. 2. $35, $25. 610-433-7541.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, the season opener with guest pianist Adam Neiman performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Also: Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. Sept. 14. 341-1568.

KISS and Motley Crue. Two of the biggest, baddest bands in rock history team up for a concert at the Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. 7 p.m. Sept. 18. Tickets at livenation.com or ticketmaster.com.

Disney in Concert, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and four guest singers performing music from Disney’s most popular films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and more. 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

A Night in Vienna, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 along with waltzes, polkas and marches by the Strauss Family. With guest soprano Katy Williams performing arias from “Die Fledermaus.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 17. 341-1568.

Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic joins forces with the Grammy Award-winning composer and violinist for a concert of holiday favorites. 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

I’ll Take Romance, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell in a selection of favorite love songs. 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 8 p.m. Feb. 9 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

Mendelssohn and Mozart Festival, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” and Mendelssohn’s selections from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and his violin concerto performed by young violinist Shanshan Yao. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. March 9, 2013. 341-1568.

The Streisand Songbook, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and award-winning vocalist Anne Hampton Callaway perform Barbra Streisand favorites. 8 p.m. April 12, 2013, at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre; and 8 p.m. April 13, 2013, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 341-1568.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, in an all-French concert including Berlioz’ “Symphonie Fantastique,” Ravel’s “La Valse” and Saint Saens’ first cello concerto with soloist Alberto Parrini. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 26, 2013. 341-1568.

Maestro at the Movies, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performing favorites from the silver screen. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. June 8, 2013. 341-1568.