Scranton book launch. Free and open to the public, and no tickets are necessary. Celebrate the Scranton launch of Barbara J. Taylor’s new novel “All Waiting is Long” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Love the Arts! Inc. Taylor will read from her novel and sign books. Copies of “All Waiting is Long” will be available for purchase. Taylor, a Scranton resident with an MFA from the Wilkes University creative writing program, teaches English at Pocono Mountain School District. Her most recent work comes as a sequel to her debut novel, “Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night,” which was named a “Best Book of Summer 2014” by Publishers Weekly.

Summit Summer Jam. $10 at the door. A multi-act showcase takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Ramada Clarks Summit, 820 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit. The evening features performances by Dawson Bailey, Kid Kern, Samuel, COU$IN VINNY, Sammy Haze & James Barrett.

First Friday at Adezzo. No cover. Enjoy a coffee house beverage and the unplugged musical stylings of A Season Underground and Mizimu starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Adezzo, 515 Center St., Scranton. A Season Underground kicks off the live music, and Mizimu starts at 8:15 p.m. The event is all ages and is part of Scranton’s monthly First Friday celebration.

Grrrls Night June: Sirens of Summer. No cover. An all female showcase of poetry, music and comedy kicks off at 8 p.m. Thursday at Ale Mary’s, 126 Franklin Ave., Scranton. Featured performers include Angelia Petrillo, Jenica Lodde, Amanda Rogan, Iris Johnston, Daryl Sznyter, Alex Kijek, Mandalyn Rose, Monica Noelle and Isabel Anderson. Participants are welcome to invite friends and family and encouraged to purchase food and drink from Ale Mary’s. Visit the event page, http://bit.ly/298hff7, and message organizer Jess Meoni to fill a performance slot.

Independence Day Concerts the NEPA Philharmonic performs patriotic pieces followed by fireworks. 7:30 p.m. July 3 at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, Scranton. For more info, call 570-240-4444.