UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

Clarence Spady, Host
Born Clarence Sloan Spady, July 1, 1961 in Paterson, NJ, he’s been performing professionally since the age of 5. The two-time Grammy award nominee and International Blues Hall of Fame inductee was once described as “the future of the blues” by Bill Dahl (Chicago Tribune).

With a sound more distinguishable now than ever before, he plays with a depth and sensitivity that can’t be taught while he effortlessly blends together a combination of blues, jazz, funk, Latin and rock into his own unique style.  His moving guitar play, rough street-edged vocals, songwriting and live improvisations are demonstrated with every performance.  Mister Spady continues to travel the Blues Festival Circuit throughout the Northeast Region of the Country and is a Regular Blues player in the heart of NYC’s Greenwich Village.

Media Reviews:
“A soulful singer and hot guitarist who takes the blues of BB King and Albert Collins, and mixes it with the soul of Ray Charles and some funk of James Brown” … Jazz Café, Hong Kong

“One of those rare surprises that smacks you upside the head and lets you know how lucky you are to be able to the listen to music.”  …  Vintage Guitar Magazine

“This is blues music for the 21st century: lively, sophisticated, and proud of its roots.”  … Rev. Keith Gordon, About.com

“Clarence Spady’s outstanding skills as a pleasantly fresh songwriter, solid vocalist, and as a superb guitarist who rises above it all.  This is future Blues, with prior influences firmly in place, performed to absolute perfection.”       …Bob Putignano, Blues Wax

Highlights:
-1996 Named to Living Blues Magazines Top 40 Blues Artists Under 40 Years Old
-1997 W.C. Handy Award Nominee for “Best New Blues Artist of the Year”
-1998 Awarded France Blues Trophy “Top International Blues Artist of the Year”
-2009 Blues Music Award Nominee “Best Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year”
-2011 Named Top 100 Most Gifted Guitarists You Should Know … truefire.com
-2012 Inducted into the International Blues Hall of Fame presented at Kenny’s Castaways, NYC
-2013 Appearance on the Artie Lange Show

Chris Zawatsky
Born in April 1985, Chris started playing at a semi young age. Thirteen to be exact. In no time at all Chris was performing in small venues across the state. Since then Chris has been featured on NBC’s WBRE – PA Live 76 times and has played alongside Clarence Spady, Zach Deputy, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Mark Diomede, Carl Charles, Matt Bennick and many more. His cutting new age sounds holds true to his roots in folk, improvisational jam, R&B, funk, jazz fusion, rock, alternative and contemporary. His newest album, Across The Sea, is due to be released in early 2019.

Celeste Urban
Celeste has a wide repertoire in the traditional jazz standards where she can indulge her vocals in a diverse spectrum of styles.  She sang with the Sol Yaged Band in Manhattan.

Kenneth McGraw
Ken McGraw is the leader of the orchestra Brass & Ivory along with Jon Searfoss.  The orchestra has been together for 35 years and has played for weddings all along the East Coast. The orchestra has also played the Governor’s Ball for the late Robert Casey. The orchestra is a regular at the Italian Festival backing up such shows as The Dean Martin Impersonator Show, The Billy Joel Review, and the Sinatra Show with Chris DiMattio. Ken is also an accomplished pianist who performs at many social functions throughout the year.

Ken is a retired teacher of music and gifted students in the Scranton School District, and is the Musical Director for the Wilkes University Theaters Musical Productions.

Ken lives in Clarks Green with his wife Linda, and has three children: Brittany, Alexandra, and Kendall.

Mike ‘MiZ’ Mizwinski
Mike (MiZ) Mizwnski is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from Northeast Pennsylvania known for delivering a soulful blend of original guitar driven Americana Rock N Roll. The artist known simply as MiZ has shared the stage with Derek Trucks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Leon Russell and many more. Catch him on tour in 2018 supporting his third studio album ‘A Year Ago Today.’

Asialena Bonitz
Asialena Bonitz is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist that continues to perfect her sound on the local scene in NEPA. She enjoys sharing the stage with all the local musicians who have become an extended family.  Her style has been compared to those of Norah Jones, Fiona Apple and Nina Simone.

“Singing feeds my soul. Your support fuels my ambition.” – Asialena

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FEBRUARY 12, 2019 evening of Underground Microphone has been CANCELLED due to weather. Performers will be rescheduled for a future date, please check our Facebook Page for updates.

UUnderground 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.

UNDERGROUND MICROPHONE

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.

Scranton Cultural Center PRESENTS
Make Yourself Comedy Tour

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.