NEPA After Dark

2010-08-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

“NEPA After Dark”
The Real Entertainment Newsletter for Talent, Venues & Rising Stars
537 N. Washington Ave. # 504 tel 570-342-1033 Scranton,Pa 18509 Joe Talamini-Editor/Publisher email:Josephblade.1@usa.com

We're coming back! That's right, NEPA After Dark will be returning in September 2010 with a whole new approach to providing information about talent, venues, and the marketplace for NEPA's entertainers.

Our fresh new approach will be highlighted by a 4-page weekly newsletter, complete with photos,for your reading pleasure. You'll learn about the changes which are happening on the NEPA scene and information about talent, old and new, and what venues are friendly to talent and customers alike.

Have you wondered about what happened to that young band, Kenny & The Lumberjacks? Do you know who Marko Marcinko is, and anything about his band? Do you have any idea who is playing in upcoming weeks, and where they are booked?

We'll answer these questions and offer tips and advice from the “pros”, including big names who have made it in various and sundry segments of the entertainment business.

Let “NEPA After Dark” be your entertainment guide to events which are upcoming, and ongoing, and find out who to contact and how to contact them, whether it be entertainers, venues, or fan clubs. Learn the difference between “garage bands” and those who are serious about their careers, including many who are recording, new cd's, and touring groups.

We'll have personal insight into the who and what of actors, musicians, singers, bands and anyone who is connected to the entertainment business, including bars, restaurants, and other venues which cater to the wants and needs of talent, both new and old.

Right now we are in the processing of establishing our new web site and will endeavor to have it up and running within the next few weeks. We hope you'll bear with us and that you'll let “NEPA After Dark” become a staple in your quest for news and info about the entertainment industry!

Thanks for the cooperation we know we will receive from our readers and we look forward to establishment a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with you!

Joe Talamini
Editor/Publisher
“NEPA” After Dark

P.S. Feel free to contact us at Josephblade.1@usa.com...we welcome your input!

2010-08-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

“NEPA After Dark”
The Real Entertainment Newsletter for Talent, Venues & Rising Stars
537 N. Washington Ave. # 502 tel. 570-342-1033
Scranton, Pa. 18509 Joe Talamini-Editor/Publisher email:Josephblade.1@usa.com

We're coming back! That's right, NEPA After Dark will be returning in September 2010 with a whole new approach to providing information about talent, venues, and the marketplace for NEPA's entertainers.

Our fresh new approach will be highlighted by a 4-page weekly newsletter, complete with photos,for your reading pleasure. You'll learn about the changes which are happening on the NEPA scene and information about talent, old and new, and what venues are friendly to talent and customers alike.

Have you wondered about what happened to that young band, Kenny & The Lumberjacks? Do you know who Marko Marcinko is, and anything about his band? Do you have any idea who is playing in upcoming weeks, and where they are booked?

We'll answer these questions and offer tips and advice from the “pros”, including big names who have made it in various and sundry segments of the entertainment business.

Let “NEPA After Dark” be your entertainment guide to events which are upcoming, and ongoing, and find out who to contact and how to contact them, whether it be entertainers, venues, or fan clubs. Learn the difference between “garage bands” and those who are serious about their careers, including many who are recording, new cd's, and touring groups.

We'll have personal insight into the who and what of actors, musicians, singers, bands and anyone who is connected to the entertainment business, including bars, restaurants, and other venues which cater to the wants and needs of talent, both new and old.

Right now we are in the processing of establishing our new web site and will endeavor to have it up and running within the next few weeks. We hope you'll bear with us and that you'll let “NEPA After Dark” become a staple in your quest for news and info about the entertainment industry!

Thanks for the cooperation we know we will receive from our readers and we look forward to establishment a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with you!

Joe Talamini
Editor/Publisher
“NEPA” After Dark

P.S. Feel free to contact us at Josephblade.1@usa.com...we welcome your input!

2009-12-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

PLANS FOR NEW MUSICAL

A unique opportunity is being created for the writing (including music & lyrics), and production of a brand new musical, based on a theme surrounding a well-known piece of art work. The plan was announced by Joe Talamini, editor/publisher of NEPA After Dark.

The project has been considered for some time, but Talamini said the thought came to him that this should be a creative project which would allow the input of a large number of people, especially those young musicians who have the desire to participate in this type venture.

Calling on readers of NEPA After Dark, he said he believes a collaborative effort might work if there is sufficient talent and energy placed on the creation of what could prove to be a landmark effort to tap into the musical scene. Recent successes by such as Andrew Lloyd Wright and Elton John, among others, led Talamini to the idea that such a project might work.

Basic story line involves an "old" art work which comes to life and tells the audience its version of how the classical work was created. It would involve a three-act story line, put to music, and transit the old to the new. In other words, the transformation would be from the time of the art work's creation into the present and would include classical as well as modern music, including rock.

Interested parties are invited to contact this publication via snail mail at: Joe Talamini, NEPA After Dark, c/o 537 N. Washington Ave., # 502, Scranton, Pa. 18509 and should include a brief resume or profile, and contact number, address, and e-mail address. Everyone who wants to participate is invited, and should be ready to tackle a task which could prove to be beneficial to all. Everyone chosen to participate in the project will be considered a part of the production team and will receive credit and a share of any monetary benefit which may be derived should the production ever make it off the ground. A privacy agreement will be required!

This is a golden opportunity to unleash your talents and all it takes is the desire to have your work produced, and to become a "team player" in what could be a very lucrative and rewarding professional creation. Contact this publication a.s.a.p. as we are anxious to get the project up and running in the very immediate future.

We look forward to your participation and hope to assemble a team that could become a "new force" on the music scene. Good Luck and we hope to hear from you soon! If you'd ever thought about getting involved, this could be your golden opportunity. JT

2009-09-29T14:16:00.001-07:00

"A SOCIAL STATE" IS HOT NEW BAND

Finally, a hot new band is making the scene in N.E. Pennsylvania! After months of working with different "garage bands", the quartet of Ed Cuozza, John Fletcher, Bill Trently & Nick Ogonosky have gotten together and are producing a "new" sound! Formerly associated wirh various "buddy bands", the group, "A Social State" has been working on a new CD, and paid us the courtesy of supplying us with the first 6 tracks of the demo.

Quite frankly, having been familiar with the individuals, and their previous associations, we were more than happy to see this fine young group unite in a common cause, to make music and to take it seriously!

Cuozza, an extremely talented guitarist and vocalist had been with his previous band for far too long, and now has afforded himself the opportunity to make a move upward. His vocals, and guitar, are the key to the future success of the new band and he has displayed the needed ingredients to make the band "go". John Fletcher, who has worked laboriously to hone his skills on bass, shows us he can be a factor in the local music scene. Bill Trentley, a guitarist and back-up vocalist, lends a new spin to the need for a local band which can play, and sound good, in the area's ever-changing music world. We can't say enough about the drum work of Nick Ogonosky who gives "credibility" to the fact that a young band can get it together and make a move in the right direction. Together, this group has all the potential of becoming a tour band in the near future.

We managed to catch the group at Heil's recently and was impressed with the "paying crowd" and their reaction. Not an easy venue to play, the band never-the-less emerged from the gig with a solid "acceptance" from their audience and, despite a few rough edges, should go on to bigger and better things. Scheduled to play this Saturday night, at Scranton's Vintage Theater, we look forward to catching the group again and offering you a few "on scene" photos in our next edition.

Anyone looking to book a solid group, though still a touch away from being "rock solid", would do well to consider "A SOCIAL STATE" for its next booking. These kids can. and will, make it if dedication, sincerity and a good work ethic are combined with the discipline necessary to step up into the bigger venues. We wish them all the luck in the world and wish them nothing but the best! Contact John Fletcher at 570-687-8201.

"PLUTO" STILL RISING...DAN DALRYMPLE MOVING UP

"SO LONG PLUTO", Scranton's hottest band, recently finished a "tour" with stops in Western Pa., Ohio and Michigan, playing primarily for fraternities and on college campuses. According to our reports, the band was a big hit and has been invited back, most recently playing a gig at Ohio State Univ. last weekend. There is no question they are the hottest group around, but we foresee better things happening in their immediate future.

DAN DALRYMPLE, who's growing popularity as the area's top keyboard man seems to know no boundaries, is working on a musical for the University of Scranton, and is serving as musical director for the show. Dan also has been busy playing with a new "wedding" band and also performing at various venues as a soloist. He seems to be making adjustments in his style and is well on his way to becoming another "ex-Scranton" musician as we see him moving on to bigger and better pastures in the near future. Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. He has been getting prodded by fellow Scrantonian JON VENTRE to join up with a cruise ship line. According to "Jonny Vriz", Dan is headed for the big time and would enhance his standing by signing on for a cruise ship gig.

The former local musician made his move to Atlanta, and is well on his way to being a top bass player. Currently working Carnival Cruise Lines as a member of the Jafar Curry Band, he is slated to be a part of the February STEVIE WONDER SHOW in Las Vegas. Just proves our point, you can make the big time if you are willing to work at it!.

2009-09-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

JON VENTRE WELL ON HIS WAY

We had a call from our dear friend Jon Ventre, who is performing aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing out of Baltimore. Jon, at last contact, was sailing in Chesapeake Bay, on his way to Nassau, the Bahamas, as part of his weekly gig. Tough job, sailing from Baltimore to Nassau, every week, and having the chance to sun himself on deck, or on the beach at Ft. Lauderdale, or on the sandy beaches of Nassau. Poor guy is really having a "tough" life.

To make it short, Jon is a bass man, (hometown Scranton, Pa.) who has been playing with the Jafar Curry Band (Atlanta based), and is living the good life. He has been with Jafar for some time now and, since leaving Scranton, he has been playing, recording, writing, and enjoying his hobby (photography) while doing "his thing".

Jon's first love, jazz, is still his forte, but with Jafar he has been instrumental in promoting the careers of many upcoming young stars, including Chimere, a super talented young vocalist from Atlanta. She has been a back-up singer with such notables as Ludicrus, and is well on her way to future stardom as a solo artist.

In the meantime, Jon's career is taking a major upturn, and he is beginning to realize the dreams which go along with his ambitions and talents. He is tentatively set to perform (with Jafar's group), in Las Vegas as part of the Stevie Wonder show, slated for a February opening. This opportunity will be a giant step into the really "big time" for the talented young bass player. From being a "garage band" musician in Scranton, he has made rapid progress, playing the best jazz clubs in Atlanta, moving on into the cruise ship circuit, and soon slated to become a performer in the big time music scene of Las Vegas. Another potential, which may soon come to fruition, is a tour of Australia and New Zealand, but this gig is on hold pending the outcome of the Stevie Wonder gig.

We have to offer our congratulations to Jon and our best wishes for his career and his future. We still have hopes that he will get together with our dear friend, Jack Gregg, contrebassist of international fame. Jack, whose credits are too many to mention, is based in his adopted home in Paris and recently completed a three week long jazz school for international musicians and plays regularly with his jazz trio, "Jazz in the Moment" in Paris and around Europe and the Middle East. Not bad for a kid from Memphis. Tenn. who found his niche while in the Army and has been a member of numerous internationally famous musical groups.

I guess our point is, and it is a valuable one, if you've got the talent, and the burning desire to "make it" in the big time, the opportunity is there, but it takes a lot of hard work and luck. NEPA has a lot of talented musicians, but only a few who have the guts to give themselves a real chance. Sitting on your laurels just doesn't cut the mustard. If you're sitting around waiting to be "discovered", those days went out with the 50's and don't look for them to come back. The future of music is not in the recording industry, not when people can download anything free from the internet. It is in live performances, and it means you need to get off your duff and make it happen. Good luck to all, and especially to the Jon Ventres of the world!

2009-05-29T01:08:00.001-07:00

Following our decision to put NEPA After Dark on hold, we received several emails and a few phone calls expressing disappointment. Our decision was based solely on what appeared to be a lack of interest on the part of musicians, bands and performers, as well as venues. It just didn't seem to be there, so we decided to take a break!

A lot of time and effort went into producing this newsletter, and none of it was paid for. Without the cash, we were forced to curtail our “print” issues and to rely on electronic production! Now let us explain our position in clear terms so all will understand!

We have been around the entertainment business for a very long time. We have background in public relations, publicity, management and production. Having been in the acting business for some time, we felt we could help those who truly and seriously wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment field.

Our experience has been in all levels of entertainment; including stage and screen actors (many notable); singers, dancers and musicians (many who made it in the “big” time) and yes, even some notable sports figures. We have taken many performers by the hand and virtually babysat and led them into a career. This is not a reflection on any individual or group. It merely means that in order for a performer to perform, he or she, needs to concentrate on their talents, not the business end of things. Look at it this way: most of us own cars, or computers, but that doesn't make us automotive engineers or sophisticated technical people. It just means that somebody had an idea, put it together, and got the necessary people to make it work and then to market it. It took untold thousands or hours before it wound up in our laps. That's a lot of time and effort, and tons of money. But most of all, it took somebody with vision to make the dream and the hope a reality.

The same applies with show business. There is a whole lot of talent out there, and many of you probably have more talent than some high-paid performers. The difference is, the high-paid performer worked at his trade and left the details of making it happen to some pretty experienced and dedicated people. It took a lot of work to create an image, mold the talent, and present it in a marketable package!
And a lot of time and tears were shed to make the talent what it is...a highly polished and well-oiled entertainer. The combination of desire and know-how is what makes it work, coupled with a whole lot of luck. I hope you understand this because it is so important!

In order to market your talent, you need more than just raw talent! You need someone who can read between the lines and figure out the best way to put that talent in front of an audience. The days of record companies, a & r men, and big investments in raw talent are gone. The financial rewards have been so drastically reduced that only a real entrepeneur is willing to invest in talent, and that's where the hard part comes into play. You can spend hours upon hours of working at your trade, but how do you go about selling it and making a success? You can listen to your friends and buddies tell you how great you are; take encouragement from your family; play local gigs for nickels and dimes, but the bottom line is YOU have got to put in the effort and find the right people to help you SELL YOUR TALENT to those who don't know you or have never heard of you. That, friend, is the bottom line!

Henry Ford didn't go to his friends, or to a shoe store, to market Fords. He went to people who knew what he didn't know, enlisted their help, and made his dream come true! That's how it works!

Now, down to the nitty gritty. You have talent, be it as an individual or with a group. You work to make that talent marketable, then you try to sell yourself. The local club is looking for talent to bring customers in. They also have a bottom line! In order to pay you, they must make enough money to warrant that expense. That means YOU have to bring in more customers than they are used to having; entertain those customers; and make them want to come back....because YOU have something to offer!
No businessman in his right mind can afford to hire someone who can't fill his needs. In order to make yourself that needed addition, YOU must have polish and be professional. That is up to you...the businessman is not going to invest in YOUR future unless YOU can show him YOU have what it takes.
When you go into a grocery story, or any business to buy something, the first thing you look at is the packaging! Would you buy a CD that had a torn or dirty cover, without a label? Would you buy a package of hamburger that looked bland and dry? Would you buy a car that looked like it had been through the wars and had bald tires and a bad engine? Of course not....the packaging must be attractive, interesting, and saleable. It could be the best thing you ever bought, but unless it looks good, you and nobody else is going to touch it with a 10 foot pole. Get the picture?

Our purpose was to help you achieve that goal! We want to help you market yourself; offer a presentable package; and be a saleable item. At the same time, we want to help screen the talent and package so the venue knows they are going to get something that people want!

That, Dear Friend, was our goal and still is! We want to help you, and help your market source, both succeed. That's why we reviewed entertainers and venues. BUT, without your help, and your input; and without the venues showing an interest in what we have to say; we were barking up the wrong tree! If we are going to resurrect NEPA After Dark, we need YOUR help and that of the potential venues!

We're waiting to hear from you! Tell us what you want, and show us you're willing to spend the time and effort to get there! As for the venues, we want to be a clearing house for you. You don't have the time, or desire, to do it like it was done in the old days. No auditions, no word-of-mouth from friends of the talent! You want a marketable package that's going to bring in the $$$$ and we want to help these talents get a share of the $$$$. If we can work together, we'll all be happy! Let us know...we're waiting to hear from all of you. If you're looking for friends and neighbors to pay your way, and for just somebody to allow you to say “You're Good!”, forget it. You can get plenty of that before you finally fold your tent and call it quits. If you really and truly are sincere about your talent, and want to market it, we're here. And, the same applies to any venues. If you really want something to sell, and you want it to bring in and bring back customers, we hope to offer you real talent...talent that is ready, willing and able. You help us and we'll help you! THAT'S OUR BOTTOM LINE! It's up to you friends. JT

2009-04-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT HR 1147
WRITE OR CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN

ATTENTION MUSICIANS: We urge all of you to write or contact your Congressman to support HR1147, a bill presently circulating in the House of Representatives. The bill would open airways to low power FM radio stations which broadcast to neighborhoods and small towns.

Known as the Local Community Radio Act, the bill, if passed, would offer local musicians a chance to be "heard" on their radio stations. At present, it is extremely difficult for small local bands to get any airplay! If this bill becomes law, and we hope it will, every musician would have a chance to get radio airtime and to present their music to a live musical audience.

We need your help! Contact your Congressman now, and urge your friends and family to do the same. This may be your last chance to have your music offered on the airwaves. Remember, HR1147 can only benefit you and your immediate action is needed.

The bill is presently circulating in the House and has 28 co-sponsors. YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED!

2009-04-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

NEPA After Dark has been placed on temporary hold!

We have been reluctant to publish due to the lack of cooperation from entertainers and bands in the area. Without your input and cooperation, we cannot provide sufficient information to make the newsletter worthwhile.

This newsletter is yours, and without your input, we can't get your message out to those who can help you, your fans and possible bookings.

We sincerely regret that this situation has come up, but the fault lies directly with you, the people we are trying to help!

From time to time, we will publish when the situation presents itself! JT

Test Podcast

2009-03-02T12:10:00.001-08:00

http://ourmedia.org/node/489836

This is a test

2009-02-19T19:10:00.001-08:00

NEPA After Dark

Joe Talamini, editor/publisher, has announced that NEPA After Dark will begin a weekly podcast on March 2, 2009. The one hour podcast will be hosted by Joe and will feature news as well as clips from local bands and others who submit CDs for our listening. We will also be conducting interviews and offering profiles of bands and entertainers during the podcast.

We have already been in contact with a few of our friends on the professional level who have offered to render their advice and input. It is anticipated that we will feature a "new talent" each week and we plan to archive the podcasts for future listening.

On the home front, bassist JON VENTRE is back in Florida and is playing aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship based out of Orlando. This gig is expected to last at least two months and Jon may or may not sign on for another cruise. He is planning on operating from a home-base in Atlanta, Ga. and has definite plans for his career.

JOHN GINTY, the ultimate studio musician, has been jamming with his "new" band, the JOHN GINTY BAND, which was featured recently on WVIA-TV, and received accolades from its studio audience as well as viewers.Ginty plays keyboard but is also proficient on electric guitars, though he has "tired" of them, he says. The group consists of a guitarist, drummer, a diversified percussionist (wild array of acoustics), and a fine percussionist-bass who runs the gamut from bongos, congas and stand-up bass. From the little we were able to gather, Ginty plans to tour the group (originally dating back to the '90's) with their variety of jazz and modern versions of standards, including many stand-bys. This is about the most together group we have encountered in many a day and we wish them well.The versatile "leader" has a unique style and we hope to bring him into "our fold" before too long.

In the meantime, we encourage local musicians to maintain contact with us, whether or not you have any intention of becoming serious musicians or just playing for your own satisfaction. We have heard from several out-of-town venues who would like us to buiild a base for future bookings, including club gigs and possible opening acts for concerts. One has expressed a desire to put on two or three concerts a year in the local NEPA area.Could be interesting.

We had a call from a friend who is planning on trying to put together a "serious" band who would be interested in pursuing a concert tour and traveling. He tells us he wants to build his band around a vocalist and will be seeking keyboard, guitar, bass and others who would be willing to enter the "struggle", including a really solid drummer."I have a good female vocalist in mind, " he tells us, "and I'd love to build a solid band around her." The gentleman has a firm foundaion in music and plans on forming the group in the very near future. "But, I'm only interested in people who have the desire and discipline to work at their trade," he adds.

"Nothing is rock solid at the moment," he said, "but, if I can find the right blend of talent, I plan to start moving forward in the spring of this year." His plans call for a college tour and several mid-sized communities where the band could refine its talents and be ready for recording by the fall.

That's it for this week, but keep up with us as things are beginning to look up as we continue to weed out the "wannabees" from the serious-minded. Garage-band lifers need not apply! JT

2009-01-07T19:31:00.001-08:00

“NEPA After Dark”
The newsletter for bands, venues, and entertainment talent in NEPA

537 N. Washington Ave. # 502 tel.570-342-1033 Scranton, Pa. 18509 email: NEPAAfterDark@gmail.com

VILLA MARIA II ROCKS WITH 3 BANDS

Joe & Lori Macciocco had to be pleased with last Saturday night’s “CD Intro” bash which featured three local bands and a popular young solo act. Nearly 225 locals showed up for the “So Long Pluto” CD introduction show, at the popular VILLA MARIA II, and from outward appearances, everybody left happy, and satisfied.

Kicking the night off was “Skip Venkman”, a solo act who entertained the crowd and got the ball rolling with an entertaining and professional performance. This young man is in the process of polishing his act, and should go a long way. His 20 minute gig set the pace for the night and he charmed his audience with music, banter and a stage presence that many find hard to achieve. The personable young entertainer has obviously developed quite a following and didn’t disappoint his audience. Most people don’t realize the energy and confidence needed to be a solo act, but Skip’s determination and abilities, coupled with his charm, are an integral piece of the puzzle for solo performers.

“Awkward Silence”, a young Clarks Summit band, followed with a rousing performance which helped set the mood for the night. James Sanderson, Harrison Wolff, Andrew Cutillo, Robert Salazar and Steve Zampano make up this group which is not only entertaining, but seems to know what they are doing. Our only criticism is that these kids need to spend a lot more time “getting it together” They still have a long way to go and just didn’t seem to mesh, though their future looks optimistic. Only time, and a lot of practice and hard work, will achieve the “solid” stature these kids seem to need. Our prediction is that they will be around for a long time, once they get it together.

“Losing Caufield” took the stage next, and by our estimation, this group is well on it’s way to becoming a regular, working group. Stefan and Nick Ogonosky, along with Pat McGlynn, Kevin Stone and Mike Borthwick are well on their way to “earning their keep” as a cohesive unit and should be a force on the local scene for some time to come. The group introduced their “The Darkest Side of Town” CD recently at the Scranton Cultural Center, and, along with “Pluto” and “Livingston”, let their Scranton fans know that they are present and can hold their own in any venue. Still in the process of polishing their act, the group never-the-less gives an excellent accounting of their abilities and seem to enjoy themselves, rewarding their followers with an aura of showmanship and feeling for their audience. An onstage bonding between Pat McGlynn, lead vocal, and bassman Kevin Stone comes across and lends itself to the “relaxed” feeling the band seems to possess. That message is conveyed to the audience and was met with an enthusiastic display when the group finished their performance. They enjoyed themselves and the message carried over. Fans mobbed the group at the conclusion of their bit.

Finally, “So Long Pluto” took the stage and the “host” group blew their audience away with a combination of original numbers, interspersed with a few “covers”. Unquestionably well-prepared for the debut of their “Come Revisit El Paso!” CD, the band knocked the socks off the audience. Highlighted by keyboard player Dan Dalrymple’s rousing artistry on a solo, the group whacked the raucous crowd with a combination of keyboard artistry and Dan’s “uninhibited” performance. There is little doubt that by adding Dalrymple to their team, Chet Williams, Joe Kincel, Matt Murphy and Matt Belfanti have thoroughly enhanced the fledgling band’s future. The keyboard virtuoso, who recently attended Berklee, a premier musical college in Boston, is, by nature, a very reserved young man, but when he is on stage, all hell breaks loose. Being in front of an audience seems to boost the adrenalin for Dan, and he can hold his own with the best of them. This kid is unquestionably destined for the big time and his addition to “Pluto” is a major step in the right direction. We predict big things for the group, but especially for Dan Dalrymple.

As for Villa Maria II, there is little question that this venue is ideally suited for entertainment, as well as offering quality food at reasonable prices. Many patrons, who savored the predominantly Italian fare, were well pleased and well-fed. The varied menu which runs the gamut from Spaghetti & Meatballs ($7.95) to Veal Parmagiana w/side of penne pasta ($12.95) include a side salad and bread. The “Villa Maria Wings” and Buffalo Chicken Wings (w/blue cheese) , ($5.25 for either) also proved popular with the patrons. Add Strombolis, a variety of Chicken Dishes, and a Pizza menu (($7.00-$13.00) and there is little doubt, Villa Maria II is one of Scranton’s better dining-entertainment venues. Coupled with the entertainment potential, the Washburn St. spot should prosper.

“Losing Caufield” had been scheduled to play in the lounge Sat. night, but the show had to be cancelled due to recording obligations. Hopefully, they will be rescheduled for another date in the very near future.

UCP BENEFIT RESCHEDULED

Fagan’s All-Age Venue has rescheduled their Jan. 10th Benefit, to Jan. 24th. Area music lovers will be treated to a variety of bands, including “Losing Caufield”, “The Window Shoppers”, “No West”, “At The Terminal” and others.

The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation will benefit from the show, scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m., with doors to open at 5:00 p.m. Admission to the show is $8.00 and the proceeds will go to charity. Fagan’s is located on Rt. 6 in Jermyn and is fast becoming one of the better-known spots for entertainment.

STATEMENT OF OUR MISSON

This is our second edition of “NEPA After Dark” and we want to thank the numerous readers we have been gaining. We hope you’ll continue to read our 4-page weekly newsletter and that we will be able to provide you with information on talent, venues, and artists and bands from throughout the NEPA area.

The newsletter is FREE and will be available at selected venues, including advertisers, and on-line at NEPAAfterDark@gmail.com.

We encourage groups, individual talents, and venues to keep us abreast of what is going on in their particular “world”. Material may be submitted via email, snail mail c/o # 502, 537 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, Pa. 18509 or by phone (570) 342-1033.

Our goal is to help promote the entertainment industry in NEPA and to do all we can to encourage talent, be it individuals or groups, and venues. Photos may also be submitted and we will try to attend as many events as physically possible. Unfortunately, due to the crowds at last week’s event, we were unable to get suitable photographs of the bands, but we plan on doing our best to get “on stage” photos of the entertainers as best we can.

If we can be of assistance to any individual or group who is seeking to get their “publicity” out there, we will do so, subject to space availability. Advertising is limited to (20) ads per issue on a pre-paid (4 week minimum) w/camera ready copy. Ads are to 2 1/2 x 1 ¾ size. Larger ads will require suitable space and will be billed at the going rate for space required. At present we are limited to black and white copy only, but we anticipate adding color as the newsletter builds.

With an extensive background in show business and publishing, Joe Talamini is the publisher/editor of NEPA After Dark. He was formerly associated with famed-singer John Gary and has managed several groups and individuals, including Bobby Burrow and others. We will offer info on subjects ranging from “how to” information to the latest on the who, where, when, how and what of NEPA entertainment. In addition, we will offer revues of shows, performances, CD releases and venues.

We strongly encourage performers and venues to contact us at least one week in advance so we may include your information in the next issue. Deadline for submitting copy, photos, etc. is the Monday before the next scheduled Wednesday publication date. Ad deadline is the Friday before publication and we are responsible only for corrections after the first week’s publication. Advertising rates are available on request.. Publication date is Wednesday, and we will publish 48 times per year. All submissions are subject to editing and space availability and no “offensive” language will be permitted.

We hope you will bear with us as we undergo our growing pains and we look forward to presenting a more professional look as we continue to grow. We anticipate our new format will be established by the fifth issue and are working towards building a good relationship with our performers and venues.

CD’s will be reviewed as we get them, and performers are encouraged to send us your CDs prior to release so we may thoroughly go over them and report on them. We will offer our honest appraisal and hope to do what we can to help promote them.

SPECIAL NOTE TO PERFORMERS

As we all know, there are enough “bands” in this area to keep the entire populace entertained for the year, without hearing the same group twice. Some of them will make it, many others will fall by the wayside. A wealth of talent is prevalent here, but how many have the desire and discipline it takes to “make it”?

We are particularly encouraged by the fact that many of you have decided to work in cooperation with other bands. It takes a good, strong and confident group to perform on the same bill with competitors, but the trend toward helping others, especially in CD introduction venues, is encouraging.. This is a very tough business, and egos have been the downfall of many, including those in the big time. We praise those of you who have set aside your egos to help a fellow group in their promotion. People skills are vital to any performer and this co-op effort is a step in the right direction. Never let your ego exceed your talent! It doesn’t work and never will! And don’t forget your audience! Without them, you’re nothing, so don’t sell them short! Play to them and you’ll come out ahead!

“THE DARKEST SIDE OF TOWN”

We have had a chance to listen to “Losing Caufield’s” latest release and we can highly recommend this CD, We found it to be entertaining and though not quite falling into our personal preference zone, we never-the-less found it professional and well presented. If we had to fault anything, we found the vocals to be slightly weak. Don’t get us wrong, this is a fine group of young musicians and their music is good. We just feel the vocals need work and the band would benefit from the extra effort. Some good musicians and a fine and coordinated group, on the verge of being “solid”. Our decision: A Definite Buy!

THIS WEEKEND AT TINK’S

Sat., Jan 10th, TINK’s will feature “Sleep Well”, “Awkward Silence”, “Split Fifty” and “Bayside”. At least one of the bands, “Awkward Silence” is in the process of recording and their CD release should be out before too long. The venue, long one of Scranton’s most popular, is making a major comeback after undergoing a management transition and temporary closing. We’re glad to see these bands being given a chance. They deserve it!

2009-01-01T13:49:00.001-08:00

APOLOGIES TO BAND

Our apologies to ‘LOSING CAUFIELD” for adding an ‘l’ to their name. While we corrected the blog, the “print” version was already finished. At first I was going to kill Kevin, but then I realized it was my sloppy and hurried editing which was the cause. I should know better!!! Sorry, Kevin, if I put you on the spot. The fault is entirely mine!

2008-12-30T23:47:00.001-08:00

“NEPA After Dark”

The newsletter for bands, venues, and entertainment talent in NEPA
537 N. Washington Ave. # 502 email: NEPAAfterDark@gmail.com
Scranton, Pa. 18509 tel.570-342-1033
Joe Talamini, Editor/Publisher
_______________________________________________________________________

TALENT, DESIRE, AMBITION= ROAD TO SUCCESS!

The Scranton area is known for a wealth of talented musicians, but JON VENTRE, young (21) bassist has found the key to the high road. Utilizing his talents and youthful charm, coupled with the desire to succeed and the ambition to make it happen, he is well on his way to “making it” in a business noted for its heartbreak and shattered hopes.

Jon, the son of Bob Ventre, noted jazz guitarist, and Jane, a vocalist with strong operatic abilities, can thank his stars that he seems to have been born with a talent. Coupled with a strong desire to succeed in music, and the ambition to make things happen, he left Scranton for a possible career in Atlanta, noted for its music opportunities. There, he hooked up with an old college friend and music mentor, Leeland Davis, and things began to happen. While playing the local Atlanta scene, Jon met an up-and-coming young singer, Chimere Scott, who had been a back-up singer for such notables as Ludacris; India Arie and others, and was especially well known on the Atlanta music scene.

Putting together a band for the talented and aspiring singer, he also served as musical director for the group and they played some of Atlanta’s better venues. In that period, young Ventre also managed to meet up with another group who was looking for a bass man and Jon happily joined them and signed on for a gig with Carnival Cruise Lines, playing top 40 music in the ship‘s lounge. At the end of that 4 month tour, the group was slated to switch to another cruise line, but at the last minute, the deal fell through. Unfettered, Jon regrouped and headed back to Scranton, planning to return to Atlanta after the holidays, to continue his search for musical success.

With the realization that he could make it in the big time, Jon is planning to return to the South and concentrate on playing jazz, his first love. While back in Scranton, through a mutual friend, he was put in touch with Jack Gregg, internationally-known bassist, who now resides in France and still plays major gigs all over Europe and holds annual seminars for young musicians. Gregg, a native of Memphis, and Ventre, are similar in many ways. Gregg grew up playing country music, latched onto blues, and graduated to jazz after hearing and playing with the likes of Claude Thornhill, Marion Brown, Larry Coryell, Jack DeJohnette and others. He also met and played with the legendary Juma Santos, even walking the back roads of Ghana, where he and Juma sought to authenticate the Afro beat into jazz. He left the U.S. and toured Europe before forming a jazz trio in Beirut and establishing the Double Bass program at the National Conservatory of Music in Lebanon, and later forming the Three Wheel Drive jazz trio with Arthur Satyan and Steve Phillips. He also played with the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra while continuing to hone his skills. His advice to Jon; “work at your music and don’t be afraid to get out in the trenches. Music is a lifetime ambition and it has been very good to me!”

To date, Ventre has begun to build himself a reputation and his skills are in demand. His ambition, to follow Gregg’s advice and to make the most of his career by playing, and working, wherever it takes him. He credits not only his parents, but also his maternal grandmother, and takes pride in his brother Rob, an actor in New York who has been establishing himself, and his sister, Jennifer, who works for the University of Scranton.

Some of Jon’s credentials include playing with notables Grant Green, Jr, son of the great Grant Green; Steve Ellington, noted drummer; pianist Jerry Farber; bassist Joel Powell; drummer Steven Gooden II; and sax man DeJi Coker. He looks forward to the day when he can accept Gregg’s invitation to come to Europe and sit down over a cup of coffee, at an outdoor café, and enjoy sharing musical discussion. At the rate he is going, we foresee Ventre & Gregg meeting in the very near future. It will be interesting to see two like-minded musicians, who despite the great disparity in their ages, have taken the same path to success. One has made it big and we look for the Jon to join the ranks of international stardom soon. Keep an eye on Jon Ventre! He is destined for the “big time”!

“SO LONG PLUTO” TO DEBUT NEW CD ON JAN. 3rd

Local band “So Long Pluto”, will debut its new CD at Villa Maria II on Sat. Jan. 3rd. The group, in keeping with latest trends, will be joined by other local bands “Losing Caufield” and “Awkward Silence”. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

“Pluto” was on the bill when “Caufield” debuted their latest CD at the Scranton Cultural Center recently. Also playing at that time was “Livingston”, another local favorite.

This latest “release” show is expected to be well attended at the N. Washburn St. venue. We will be attending the show and will revue the event in the next issue.

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY TO BENEFIT FROM JAN. 10th SHOW

Area music lovers will be in for a treat on Sat. Jan 10th when a “band-a-thon” featuring local groups will perform at Fagan’s Billiards, Rt. 6, Jermyn with all proceeds going to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Slated to appear on the bill are “Losing Caufield”, “The Window Shoppers”, “No West”, “So Long Pluto”, “Days of Thunder”, and “Kenny & The Lumberjacks”.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. and admission is $8.00. Let’s all attend this worthy event!

STATEMENT OF OUR MISSION!

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading “NEPA After Dark” and outline our mission.

To be published 48 times per year, “After Dark” will be a four-page newsletter and will be distributed through advertisers and online, FREE of charge.

Written and edited by Joe Talamini, a successful former newspaper, magazine and newsletter editor and publisher, we will endeavor to bring you information on entertainers, bands, and venues, including scheduled dates. We will also review new releases and shows on a regular basis.

Joe was formerly PR man for the popular and internationally known singing star, John Gary, and has worked with and managed several artists during his career, including Bobby Burrow, and several others. He is a long time friend of many well-known stars, including Jack Gregg, world-renown bassist extraordinaire, with whom he maintains an email relationship. Gregg has been living in Europe since 1976 and was a member of the famed Marion Brown jazz group, and a friend and confidant of the late Juma Santos, the great jazz drummer who is credited with incorporating the Afro and Latin beats into jazz. The pair walked the back roads of Ghana, learning and studying the Afro influence.

Talamini also did considerable acting work in off-Broadway productions, after attending the Senior Dramatic Workshop in NYC, and was affiliated with the former music giant, Paramount Records and many A & R men. He was also a resident performer at several in-house repertory companies, including Ted Flicker’s famed improv theater in N.Y.

Now retired (?) he decided to create “NEPA After Dark” as a venue to help publicize local bands, performers and venues in an effort to offer an outlet for the local music scene. Having lived and traveled coast-to-coast, he saw a need for performers to have an opportunity to expose themselves to a hungry audience.

While acknowledging the changes in the music scene, an ongoing thing, Joe realized that young and talented performers were faced with the task of promoting themselves while they strived to earn a living. Many “entertainment publications” seek to offer news, but few have the interest of the “performer” at heart, he says. “It’s not easy to work full-time, practice and rehearse, perform, and still try to promote and manage your career. We intend to offer entertainers that venue and encourage all to contribute photos, info, and CD’s for us to analyze and promote. Some will benefit, others may be disappointed, but everyone will have the opportunity to get their name and their music “out there” to the public. This is a tough business, and like any other which requires a high degree of input from the performer, can be fraught with heartbreak and failure.”

He says, “in spite of the obstacles out there, someone who is talented can make it, but the road to success is loaded with failures, primarily because the discipline and dedication, coupled with hard work and desire, are too much for some people to handle. Anything we can do to help make the road easier to travel, we will do”, he concludes.

Contributing stories and photos are encouraged, but are subject to screening and space availability. Call us at 570-342-1033 or email us at: NEPAAfterDark@gmail.com. Snail mail will also be accepted c/o 537 N. Washington Ave., # 502, Scranton, Pa. 18509.

ADVERTISING POLICY

Due to limited space, advertising will be restricted to 20 ads per issue. Advertisers will be allotted an ample supply of newsletters for their customers, and ads will also be published on our web site as part and parcel of the agreement, and will remain in our archives.

Ads will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are published subject to the discretion of the publisher. No offensive language will be accepted, and first-time advertisers must agree to a 4-week, prepaid agreement, with camera-ready copy. We are responsible only for corrections to the first ad. All ads will be 2 ½ x 1 ¾ inches in size.

Advertising rates are available on request and all ads must be submitted by the Friday preceding the Wednesday publication date of each issue. At present, we cannot accept color ads, but we do hope to do so in the near future. For further info, contact us.

We thank you for your readership, and for your cooperation. This is a tough business, not only for the performer and the businessman, but also for the publisher. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and letters to the editor will be accepted, subject to editing, If you like us, let us know. If you don’t, tell us why!
JT

SIDENOTE: We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Jon Ventre, Dan Dalrymple and Bob Maciejeski for their friendship and encouragement., and particularly Kevin Stone, without whose assistance we would not have met our deadline. Thanks guys, and we wish you nothing but the best in your future. YOU helped make “After Dark” possible!

WELCOME to NEPA After Dark!

2008-11-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

Slated for introduction on or around January 1, 2009, NEPA After Dark is a weekly newsletter. To be published 48 times per year, and devoted to providing information about local bands, talent, and personalities. We will feature details on bands, recordings, dates, band members, singers, personalities and all talent associated with show business.

Written and edited by Joe Talamini, a successful newspaper/magazine/newsletter editor and publisher, NEPA After Dark will contain a limited number of ads (20) and will be distributed FREE through advertisers and selected outlets in and around our area,

Joe Talamini has been around the business for too many years to count, and has maintained his interest in promoting and helping talent. He was formerly associated with many groups and was a publicity consultant for such top talent as singer John Gary, Bobby Burrow, and several other bands and singers. He also maintains a long term relationship and friendship with Jack Gregg, bassist extraordinaire, who has been a jazz bassist with Marion Brown, Noah Howard, Memphis Slim, Juma Santos, Booker T Laury and many others. Mr. Gregg is presently a resident-performer in Paris, France.

Long convinced that there is a wealth of talent in the area, Joe believes he can be a factor in helping to promote bands, singers and talent in their pursuit of “professionalism”. He is a knowledgeable businessman, publicist and promoter, and will also serve as a “middle man” between talent and venues. He also has managed several groups and individuals.

The intent of NEPA After Dark is to inform the public about groups and individuals, keep track of their progress, and keep abreast of venues and dates as well as new releases and “works in progress”. NEPA After Dark will also publish as many photos related to its articles as space permits, seek to present a weekly profile of bands or individuals, and promote as many venues and talent as is possible in limited space.

Contributing stories and photos will be accepted, subject to editing and screening. Reviews of CDs and performances will also be included.

Contact Joe Talamini at: JT Publications, After Dark, 537 N. Washington Ave., # 502, Scranton, Pa. 18509 or by phone at 570-342-1033. Email: NEPAAfterDark @gmail.com.

Advertisers contact us for rates and agreements. Remember, ad space is limited to 20 ads!

Enjoy NEPA After Dark, coming soon!