Dan Kimbrough, of Kingston, and Chris Langan, of Moscow, are the 26th and 27th #NEPACreatives, respectively. Dan brings creativity to the area through producing, storytelling and educating while Chris brings creativity to the area through playing the drums.

Dan said that as a producer, he helps get projects done. Many people have great ideas and concepts, but the process can be a burden. That’s where he likes to work, connecting people and ideas, helping them to make the connections needed to accomplish their goals.

As a storyteller, he likes to tell the story of others. Through photography, audio and video, he likes documenting and helping people to tell their stories. As an educator, much like a producer, Dan likes to see people grow. He teaches full time at Misericordia University, but even within the community, Dan is working on better ways to help people grow and learn when it comes to media.

Dan gets to work with a variety of individuals and organizations day in and day out. Some of these opportunities include working with local non-profits like NEPA BlogCon and the Roller Radicals, photographing bands and events to help people promote themselves, and service-learning work with students at the school.

To Dan, being creative means finding ways to get things done and get the story out — making sure other creatives have the outlets to shine.

Chris currently plays in several local and national acts including: London Force, Dani-Elle, Grant Williams, Tribes and Rob Palmitessa. He is the head drum instructor at The Scranton Music Academy, and also gives private lessons from his home studio. Recently, he has started offering online drum tracks to artists who need drums on their songs and albums.

“The drums are my creative outlet in so many ways. Being proficient in many different genres, I can convey emotions through rhythms, bringing joy to the listener. Who doesn’t love to dance, clap, jump or move to the beat?,” Langan exclaimed. “The other aspect is the instruction of the drums. I teach students of all ages, ranging from 4 to folks in their 60s. I never thought that teaching would be as rewarding as playing, but it most certainly is.”

To Chris, being creative means solving a problem in a unique way, taking a different approach to an idea. “Being a musician is the ultimate way to be creative. We have such a large array of options to choose from when being creative,” Langan explained. “No two people will ever play something the exact same way, which to me shows how much of a personal touch can be added when creating. Being creative to me means life.

When being considered as an NEPA Creative, individuals are asked to explain how they bring creativity to the area, how long they have been doing it and why, and finally what being creative means to them. Once chosen, the next step is to bring each creative into CoalCreative’s studio space to be filmed for a 60 second video that is shared every Wednesday across all their social media platforms. The series plans to highlight all sorts of creatives throughout the rest of the year. There are no limits to who could be considered. Photographers, musicians, barbers, magicians and improv artists are just a handful of the submissions CoalCreative has received thus far.

As a producer, Dan Kimbrough likes to connect people and ideas. He teaches full time at Misericordia University, but in the community, he works on better ways to use media to help people grow and learn.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Dan-Kimbrough.jpgAs a producer, Dan Kimbrough likes to connect people and ideas. He teaches full time at Misericordia University, but in the community, he works on better ways to use media to help people grow and learn. Courtesy of CoalCreative

Dan Kimbrough uses photography, audio and video to help people tell their stories.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_DanK.jpgDan Kimbrough uses photography, audio and video to help people tell their stories. Courtesy of Dan Kimbrough

Chris Langan, of Moscow, is the head drum instructor at the Scranton Music Academy and plays in touring acts London Force, Dani-Elle and others.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Chris-Langan.jpgChris Langan, of Moscow, is the head drum instructor at the Scranton Music Academy and plays in touring acts London Force, Dani-Elle and others. Courtesy of CoalCreative

‘No two people will ever play something the exact same way,’ Chris Langan said, ‘which to me shows how much of a personal touch can be added when creating.’
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_IMG_0340.jpg‘No two people will ever play something the exact same way,’ Chris Langan said, ‘which to me shows how much of a personal touch can be added when creating.’ Submitted photo
Video production, percussion help locals create

By Holly Pilcavage

For Weekender

To be considered for the series, submit a consideration form at www.coalcreative.com/are-you-a-nepa-creative or send an email to holly@coalcreative.com.