10 For ’10

by Nikki M. Mascali
Weekender Editor

2010 is already shaping up to be an interesting year in the arts, entertainment and food-and-drink in Northeastern Pa. Will more moviemakers film their projects in our area? What trends can we expect to see on local restaurants’ menus? What local bands are working on new albums?

Here’s our rundown for 10 things to look for in 2010.

1. SCRANTON ON THE SILVER SCREEN

This year, you can expect two, maybe three, movies filmed in NEPA to see the light of day. The Ryan Gosling/Michelle Williams romantic comedy “Blue Valentine,” which was filmed partially in Honesdale and Carbondale and was screened last Sunday at Sundance; “Forged,” filmed in Scranton, set for release later this year; and the controversial Paul Sorvino-directed and Lackawanna County-funded “The Trouble With Cali,” which has a 2010 projected release, according to IMDB.com.

Joe Van Wie, who produced “Forged,” says NEPA has become a popular place to film due to proximity to New York City, diverse topography — “urban landscapes, suburban, valleys, rivers; it can always double for New York City” — and Pennsylvania’s “very cooperative tax break.”

The tax break, says Van Wie, who co-owns Revere Pictures in Wilkes-Barre, is in danger of being eliminated from the state budget. If the tax break stays intact, plan on seeing more moviemakers set up shop in NEPA soon. (M.L.)

2. STRIPPED-DOWN AND SUSTAINED

In 2009, sustainability became a popular food-industry word. But what exactly does it mean? And is it possible here in NEPA?

According to sustainabletable.org, sustainability “involves food production methods that are healthy, do not harm the environment, respect workers, are humane to animals, provide fair wages to farmers, and support farming communities.”

“We have been diligent in trying to bring in as many locally sourced items as we can,” says Maureen Gallagher, vice president of marketing for the Dallas-based Metz Group. “So yes, I think sustainability will be more prevalent in NEPA this year than ever.”

The Metz Group owns T.G.I. Friday’s in Wilkes-Barre and Dickson City; Wolfgang Puck Express and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Mohegan Sun; and Lucky’s SportHouse in Wilkes-Barre Twp. The company also does contract food service for schools, universities including Misericordia, businesses and more in seven states.

“Simplified and local” will be big this year, Gallagher says. “Natural and locally produced food will gain ground, as will products with stripped-down ingredient lists.” (N.M.M.)

3. ON THE MUSIC MAP?

We often lament that many mid-level bands skip our market during touring times, but two of those such acts will make a dent in that complaint in late March. On March 30, Coheed and Cambria will perform at Scranton Hardware Bar (formerly Tink’s), and the next day, Wilco will play in NEPA for the first time ever, at the Scranton Cultural Center.

New Jersey-based promoter Stan Levinstone Presents, which has brought acts like Alice Cooper and the Disco Biscuits to NEPA and is the co-promoter for the upcoming Breaking Benjamin show at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp., booked the Coheed show and expects it to sell out. However, he noted that promoting shows in our market, besides the major arena and amphitheater shows, are a challenge.

“You do a show in Allentown at the club level and in Scranton, and the one in Allentown almost always does better,” he said.

Levinstone said to expect more SLP shows at Hardware Bar. Whether or not NEPA finally gets a mid-sized club willing and able to consistently book diverse nationally touring artists remains to be seen, but the Coheed show is a step in the right direction. (M.L.)

4. BABY BREWERS

Small brewing companies — like Breaker Brewing Company in Plains Twp. — are starting to crop up all over the country, and they’re getting some behind-the-bar action as well. For example, Breaker Brewing’s beers can be found at nearly 20 establishments in the region.

“With drinks I think you are still going to see more locally brewed beers coming into our locations, as well culinary cocktails made with fresh ingredients,” Gallagher says. “Micro-distilled/artisan liquor also seem like they will be big sellers in 2010.”

Last year, Sazerac saw slow sales with some of its upscale bourbons, which ranged from $50-$100 per bottle, and this year, the company decreased some of its prices.

“We want to offer a little more to consumer than what they could get,” Ciabocchi explains. (N.M.M.)

5. ESCAPING THE UNDERGROUND?

Underground Saints recently released a teaser CD of two songs from their debut album, “Broken Machines,” which is slated for a March release. With gigs in NEPA and in New York City, the band — which features former members of Bent Blue and Mere Mortals — certainly has the songs to succeed. Whether or not the album — like most albums — reaches a wide audience will have to do more with promotion and radio play, two very inexact sciences. (M.L.)

6. CHANGING TASTES

Dave Scherbenco has been the bar manager at Senunas’ in downtown Wilkes-Barre since 1990, and he has seen his share of changing trends. The bar, founded in 1959, now has live music on the weekends and can be found on Facebook, so it’s safe to say Scherbenco’s seen a wide range of the changing tastes of his clientele, from kamikazes to ice beers to last year’s big drink, Southern Comfort and lime. And of course, with the establishment in the midst of King’s College, beer.

“A college student is a college student is a college student; they’re going to go with the flow,” Scherbenco says. “It’s kind of like rolling the wheel of what’s going to be hot.”

This year, Scherbenco finds flavored vodkas and MGD 64 are big sellers, and Bud Light has had a resurgence. But he doesn’t have plans to add any smaller-brewery drafts.

“To take a big chance today on draft, you’re taking a big risk,” he explains. “I’d rather have (beers on) tap that are going to move more than anything.” (N.M.M.)

7. AUNTS, ICARUS AND OAKS

Aunts and Uncles — a new band featuring Pappy Biondo and J.P. Biondo of Cabinet, Roy Williams and Kevin Williams of The Minor White and Bill Orner from The Orner Brothers and Mighty Fine Wine — plan to record an album this spring and summer, with a release set for late summer or fall. The album will be out on Orner’s Prairie Queen Records, which has plans this year to release a CD version of And The Moneynotes’ 2009 “On The Town, On The Vine” EP.

Summersteps Records has some interesting projects in the works for 2010: Kid Icarus’ first new album in five years, “Imaginary Songs and Aluminum Hits”; a new one from Marshmallow Staircase, “Terror De Loon”; and a set of Sebadoh covers by Tigers Jaw.

La Societe Expeditionnaire will issue the highly anticipated follow-up to Strand Of Oaks’ “Leave Ruin,” titled “Pope Killdragon,” which promises to have many Wilkes-Barre-centric themes courtesy of former city resident Tim Showalter. Lewis & Clarke is also working on a new album for the label. (M.L.)

8. SMALLER PORTIONS, SMALLER PEOPLE

It’s no secret healthy menu choices are a must anymore, and Metz Group’s restaurants have joined thousands of others in adapting their menus.

“(We’ve done) smaller portions, healthier items, including more fruits and vegetables for kids’ meals,” says Gallagher. “I also think you will see more items that are gluten-free and healthier with lower calories (this year).”

Friday’s offers “Right Portion, Right Price” menu options, with smaller portions and prices and less calories, which Gallagher says are big sellers. Lucky’s, too, is on the bandwagon, offering fruit instead of fries for kids and adults. With Lucky’s and Wolfgang Puck Express making items fresh daily, and sometimes to order, Gallagher says “it makes it easier for the restaurants to control the fat, calories and sodium going into its dishes.”

At the different end of the spectrum is Senunas’ in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It’s known for its burgers, so don’t expect too much good-for-you food.

“Oh, we’re definitely not healthy,” Jody Luksic, the bar’s chef, says with a laugh. “We have salads and grilled things, but college kids? They want fries and mini tacos.” (N.M.M.)

9. WINGMAN ON THE SMALL SCREEN?

James Holeva, the creator, executive producer and star of “The Wingman” TV pilot, says his team is in the final stages of post-production and will be pitching the piece to networks, and a local premiere is set for March.

“It’s a slick and edgy half-hour comedy pilot, in the vein of ‘Swingers’ and ‘Wedding Crashers,’ following the adventures and exploits of professional Wingman Vincent Grey (he’s paid to help people get laid) as he helps an array of creeping-impaired clients pursue sexual conquests,” says Holeva.

“We’re targeting progressive cable networks like HBO, Showtime, FX, Spike TV and Comedy Central,” he says.

Louis Vanaria (“A Bronx Tale,” “Don’t Say a Word”), Taylor Gildersleeve (“30 Rock,” “Law and Order SVU”), Connie Shelhammer (“Cubes”) and Jessie Holeva (97 BHT, Rock 107) fill out the cast. Jeff Fowler directed.

James Holeva is a Weekender columnist and correspondent. (M.L.)

10. THIS AIN’T NO SIPPIN’ TEA

A new drink is gaining popularity in NEPA: Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. Capturing the sweet drink prevalent in the southern states, Firefly now comes in raspberry, lemon, mint and peach flavors. The vodka is distributed locally through Sazerac, a New Orleans-based company with an office in Peckville.

“I would imagine the sweet tea vodka, which came out last year, will still be popular in 2010,” says David Ciabocchi, a field sales rep for Sazerac.

Products the company handles include Dr. McGillicuddy and Fireball cinnamon whisky, another new product.

“The McGillicuddy brand is still pretty popular in the area,” Ciabocchi says, “but Firefly is becoming the most popular one, and the majority of bars and restaurants are now carrying it.” (N.M.M.)