UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

JP Biondo, Host
JP Biondo is a 31-year-old singer/songwriter from Scranton, Pennsylvania and is known mostly for being a member of the experimental bluegrass band “Cabinet”. But Biondos’ latest work, which will be released towards the end of 2018, is a solo album by the name of “Blue Radio”. The album showcases the Americana and Folk styles that he has been honing for the last 15 years.

As one of the primary songwriters of Cabinet, JP spent his time with the band blending writing influences from the classics. The Beatles, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Jim Croce; to name a few. But there are hints of more modern influences that also expose themselves through his melodies. Ideas drawn from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, The Shins, and Jack Johnson, also find their way into his music.

His songs explore the personal struggles, emotions, and life lessons that come along with the challenge of being a musician in today’s world. But his willingness to expose his own ups and downs through song gives any listener the chance to relate; musician or not.

In his own words, “I like to think that my tunes provoke the feeling of when you’re having a deep conversation with an old friend over a few beers in your quiet little hometown hole in the wall.”

Biondo has played countless numbers of shows across the U.S. including performances at large scale festivals and historic theaters such as “The Capitol” in Port Chester, N.Y. “The Tower” in Upper Darby, PA and “The Bluebird” in Denver, CO.

Bret Alexander
Bret is a singer/songwriter/producer based in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  His career began as a studio engineer in the late ’80s. Here he met the members of what would become the band The Badlees.  The Badlees were signed to Polydor/A&M in 1995 with Bret playing the role of principle songwriter/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist. Their self-produced album “River Songs” yielded two hit singles, “Fear of Falling” and “Angeline Is Coming Home” in 1996. He has toured and shared the stage with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Bob Seger, The Allman Brothers, Edwin McCain, Live, The Gin Blossoms, and countless others. His work has been featured on The Winter Olympic Games, MTV, The Real World, Extra, The VMAs, and various films and TV shows.

Today, he continues to perform solo and with his new band, Gentleman East as well as producing, writing, and performing with several other independent artists. In 2015, Bret was the recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award from The Electric City Music Conference.

Current projects include contributing music for the film “All in Time” and music supervision for the BMX film “Heroes Of Dirt”. Bret released the collaborative effort, Alexander Leaman’s “Second Story Music” online in July of 2016. An acoustic compilation with songwriter Lex Zaleta called “Two Souls In Flight” was released online in May 2017.

https://www.bretalexanderonline.com/music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8niSnOrGM1g

Dave Brown
Singer/songwriter Dave Brown & The Dishonest Fiddlers are an up and coming Americana/Roots band from Northeast Pennsylvania.

Traditional folk and bluegrass music are obvious influences that have helped to forge a unique, homegrown sound atop a solid musical foundation. Socially conscious songwriting and old-timey sensibilities are certain to open even the most discerning ear.

Dave’s lyrics and delivery are heartfelt and authentic. Behind him lies a top-shelf string band who are a force to be reckoned with.

Bandmembers
Dave Brown (guitar/vocals/harmonica)
David Hampton (lead guitar)
Jami Novak (percussion)
Todd Kopec (fiddle)
Dennis Walrath (upright bass)

http://www.thedishonestfiddlers.com/tour/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDishonestFiddlers/videos/the-tv-store-dave-brown-2016/1050837611691409/

Tori Viccica
West Pittston Native, Tori Viccica entered the Northeast Pennsylvania music scene just a and has maintained a steady schedule of shows   She’s 16 years old and is already recognized as a formidable player among her peers.  Classic Rock has served as a major influence in her writing You can catch Tori on Facebook and her YouTube channel for current music posts with her and her band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-jgRDAUyX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8tmdGo8gKs

Also joining us will be AJ Cimino!

ABOUT UGM:
Underground Microphone is NEPA’s premier LIVE performance series which features our region’s finest talent. Each week we bring you an exclusive up close and personal lineup of poetry, comedy, music and more!  Voted 2017’s Best New Event by readers of Electric City, Underground Microphone offers the unique experience that honors the Weekday Warrior!  Reward yourself with an evening out downtown or a quick drink and entertainment after work.

Located in the Lower Level, the Raymond Hood Room is transformed into a listening room café where artists and their work are respected and supported. This very special space is named after the architect who designed the Scranton Cultural Center in the 1920s. Hood is widely known for his Art Deco and Neo Gothic design style which is evident throughout the entire building. Nationally recognized works include 30 Rockefeller Plaza, American Radiator Building, Daily News, The Emporis, Tribune Tower and The Ocean Forest Hotel in Myrtle Beach among others.

Doors open at 6:00 PM and entertainment starts at 7:00 PM!
No Cover – Cash Bar for 21+ – Valid ID required
Exceptional Entertainment — Classic Atmosphere

Artists: For anyone interested in performing: there are no rules. We encourage free form prose, poetry, stand up, improv and original music. It’s the perfect space to test out new material or projects.  For information on how you can become involved, contact Maria at marias@sccmt.org or (570) 346-7369 x102.

Guests: Please be reminded that since this is a performance space, we do ask that you keep the conversation to a whisper.  We recognize that this is a social setting, and there is ample lobby space for interacting and networking.

Sponsored by United Gilsonite Laboratories and LT Verrastro. Supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.