First Posted: 8/29/2014

THIS WEEK: Sept. 3 to 9, 2014

Breakfree, the Christian-music band in a back-to-school lawn party. Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. 570-342-8263.

Celebration of the Arts, the 37th annual Jazz and Arts Festival in downtown Delaware Water Gap with dance, art, food and more than 15 performances by 75 artists including Phil Woods & the COTA Festival Orchestra, Nancy and Spencer Reed, the Evan Gregor and Matt Vashlishan Quartet, Najwa Parkins and the After Hours Trio, Bob Dorough and Friends, Expansions: The David Liebman Group, Nellie McKay and more. Also: a Sunday Jazz Mass and the Music Motif Art Show. Kicks off 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 with events at the Dutot Museum on Main Street and the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain on Church Lane. Continues noon to 9 p.m. at the outdoor Main Stage Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7. $28 one day; $40 two days. 973-769-9246 or cotajazz.org.

The Poets, the eighth annual Funfest Kickoff Concert with the oldies and pop-music group. J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. 570-455-1509.

Winger, the hard-rock band with multi-platinum rock group FireHouse. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. $24 advance; $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

John Denver Tribute with Ted Vigil. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. $25. 570-325-0249.

Broken Road, the Jim Thorpe Christian duo. Hilltop Christian Coffee House, Plains United Methodist Church, 133 N. Main St. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. 570-899-2264.

Scott Michael Bennett, the inspirational recording artist from Michigan. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 17 Martin St., Hudson. Free. 570-852-3942. Also 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 316 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Free. 570-899-2264.

A Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective, by Lehigh Valley duo AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m Saturday, Sept. 6. $25. 570-325-0249.

David Griffin, the Christian-music artist from Jim Thorpe. Agape Christian Coffee House, Plains United Methodist Church, 133 N. Main St. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. 570-371-6363.

Spuyten Duyvil, a “barn-burning Americana romp” by the Hudson Valley band that combines soaring vocals, traditional jug band energy, slide guitar, fiddling and Chicago-style blues harp. Hawley Silk Mill, 8 Silk Mill Drive. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. 570-588-8077.

Tom Hamilton & Friends, an outdoor jazz concert at Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Free. 570-343-7271.

Jimmy Welch Quartet, big band, Dixieland and jazz tunes. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Donation. 570-996-1500.

Leeann Lemperle and Matt Evans, Christian music. Brewing River Christian Coffee House, Moving River Ministries, 453 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. 570-899-2264.

Step by Step, contemporary Christian music. Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave. 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Free. 570-675-3616.

FUTURE

Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 Band, the jazz-fusion drummer and his all-star cast of players. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. $35. 570-325-0249.

Willie Nelson & Family, the legendary country music singer and songwriter touring in support of his 69th album “Band of Brothers.” Included: Willie’s son Lukas Nelson and his band Promise of the Real. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. $97 limited pit; $67, $57, $47. 570-826-1100.

Solas, the quintessential traditional Irish-American band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. $25. 570-325-0249.

Broken Road, the country-music duo. The Truth Christian Coffee House, New Life Community Church, 570 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Free. 570-301-7081.

Cast of Beatlemania, a re-creation of the sights and sounds of The Beatles. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13 with different shows each night. $22 Friday; $25 Saturday. 570-325-0249.

Comedy Fest, a night of standup with three comedians including Ladies of Laughter winner Chris Rich. Balzano’s Italian Kitchen, 208 East St., Bloomsburg. 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. $15. Age 21 and older. Reservations: 570-317-2704.

Gary Belles, the Christian-music recording artist. My Cup Runneth Over Christian Coffee House, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 190 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. 570-824-2991.

Big Apple Jazz, a fundraiser for the Back Mountain Chamber with New York City jazz musicians in a tribute to trumpeter Bobby Baird along with a New York street-style menu and signature drinks. Huntsville Golf Club, 1334 Market St., Dallas. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. 570-407-8870.

Comedy Variety Series, with cabaret-style entertainment by regional standup comics. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. Saturday, Sept. 13 with cocktails at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $16. 570-344-1111.

Lisa Lampanelli, an evening of racy comedy. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. Saturday, Sept. 13 with doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $65, $50. 877-682-4791.

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, the mandolinist and his bluegrass/newgrass group including Mike Munford, 2013 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year. The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. $15 advance; $20 at the door. 570-253-2020.

Ana Popovic, the award-winning guitarist performing electric funk, jazzy instrumentals and blues vocals. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. $22 advance; $27 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Concert in the Park, with the Jim Buckley Jazztet. Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. 570-344-5656.

An Evening with Erica Kiesewetter and Jon Nakamatsu, a chamber concert with the violinist and pianist from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Studios, 100 WVIA Way, Pittston. Wednesday, Sept. 17 with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7 p.m. $30. 570-270-4444 or nepaphil.org.

Wailin’ Jennys, the Canadian harmony trio. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. $30. 570-325-0249.

Mustard’s Retreat, the Michigan folk duo performing traditional and contemporary songs along with storytelling. The Bookhouse, Eastern Monroe Public Library, 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. 570-421-0800.

Bratislava Boys Choir, the acclaimed group from Slovakia in two concerts honoring the 150th anniversary of the birth of Father Jozef Murgas “Radio’s Forgotten Genius.” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Free admission but a donation of $15 is suggested. 570-287-6554.

Lily Allen, the British pop music singer and songwriter. Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. $25. 215-627-1332.

An Evening of Tchaikovsky, the 2014-15 season opener of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic with performances of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony and Piano Concerto No. 1 (performed by guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu). F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Friday, Sept. 19 with a free pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. and concert at 8 p.m. $37.60 to $63. 570-270-4444 or nepaphil.org.

Concert at the Barn, with singer-songwriter Dani Moz, a finalist on NBC’s show “The Voice.” The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Free. 570-696-2881.

Kendall Mosley, the local Christian singer. Amazing Taste, How Sweet the Grounds Christian Coffee House, Centenary United Methodist Church, 24 N. Main St., Ashley. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 570-899-8073.

Consumed, the Bloomsburg Christian duo. First United Methodist Church, Route 11 and East Butler Street, Shickshinny. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 570-899-2264.

The truTV Impractical Jokers, comedy and hilarious videos by the foursome of Brian “Q” Quinn, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto and James Murray, who challenge each other to outrageous dares and stunts as presented on their truTV show. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Age 18 and older. $125 (VIP and meet and greet); $49.50. 570-826-1100.

Recital with guest soprano Rebecca Turner and faculty pianist Rick Hoffenberg. Marian Chapel, Swartz Center, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Free. 570-348-6211.

The New York Trumpet Ensemble, directed by Mark Gould. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Free. 570-941-7624.

Wishbone Ash, the veteran progressive-rock act. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. $25. 570-325-0249.

Sunday Music Series, with saxophonist Neil Wetzel performing jazz, polkas, hymns and old-time cowboy music. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. $25. 570-344-1111.

An Evening with the Robertsons. Meet Willie and Korie Robertson, stars of the A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty.” Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. $43, $38. 570-387-4145.

Newsboy, the Christian pop-rock band with singer-songwriter Britt Nicole. Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22. $25, $20. 570-387-4145.

Ryan Pelton as Blake Rayne, the Elvis impersonator and star of the rock drama “The Identical.” Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. $15, $10. 570-387-4145.

Open Electric Jam, led by the group Right Side Up! Bring your instruments, voice and talent. The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24. Donation. 570-253-2020.

Chris Young, the country-music singer and winner of USA network’s “Nashville Star” singing competition. Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24. $44, $39. 570-387-4145.

Upper Choir, a concert by the ensemble from Liebigschule, Germany. Marian Chapel, Swartz Center, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton. 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Free. 570-348-6211.

ZZ Top, the bluesy southern rock band performing hits from its four-decade career. Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. $51, $46. 570-387-4145.

William Doney, the Christian-music recording artist. Voice of Hope Christian Coffee House, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 231 E. State St., Nanticoke. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. Free. Broadcast live on WVHO-FM (94.5). 570-735-1760.

Little Big Town, the country music quartet. Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. $46, $41. 570-387-4145.

Sam Bush, the mandolinist and his quintet expanding the horizons of bluegrass with jazz, rock, blues and funk. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. $35. 570-325-0249.

Sue Yurkanin, the singer-songwriter in a Christian coffeehouse concert. The Main Bean Cafe, 161 Main St., Luzerne. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Free. 570-899-2264.

What Makes It Great? The Great American Songbook, with conductor, composer and commentator Rob Kapilow and soprano Magdalyn E. Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Free. 570-941-7624.

The Ultimate Doo Wop Show, with Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners, the Vogues, Jimmy Clanton, the Marcels, the Edsels, Barbara Harris of the Toys, Randy & the Rainbows, the Cookies and the Blue Suede Orchestra. Bloomsburg Fair, 630 W. Third St. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. $35, $30. 570-387-4145.

Mark Doyle and the Maniacs, the blues-rock band with Pete McMahon on harmonica and vocals. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. $15. 570-325-0249.

Leftover Salmon, the genre-blending band from Colorado offering bluegrass, rock, country and Cajun. With Little Feat keyboardist Billy Payne. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. $32. 570-325-0249.

Tribute to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the songs and comedy of the famed duo as portrayed by Tom Stevens and Tony Lewis. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. $28.50, $23.50. 570-344-1111.

CSNSongs, seven professional musicians performing the songs of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. $23. 570-325-0249.