Beyond the decorated procession and ritual celebration of Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Parade, local artists bring live entertainment to parade patrons throughout venues in the Electric City.

With a solidified lineup that includes veteran drummer Bill Lieback, South Side Bandits is poised to be part of an all-day music event that will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 11 at The Leonard Theater and also feature DJ Jay Velar and Pearl Jam tribute Lost Dogs.

Formed by Scranton singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist Jamie Zaleski, lead guitarist Brian Green and bassist Andrew Spangenberg in 2014, South Side Bandits has attracted a loyal following despite a revolving cast.

“It wasn’t even really in our control,” Zaleski said. “We played our first show, and the kids that were there were wild, and they loved it. Then we played the old Tinks, and there were kids swinging from the pipes. It was unbelievable.”

The band’s debut studio effort, “Where Are We Going,” was an 11-track LP that featured classic sounding rock ‘n’ roll that utilized elements of blues, reggae and country.

“Album one sounded as pure as you can get,” Zaleski said. “It had an organ on it from the ’30s and a piano on it from the ’20s. Not a lot of people would have a beat up old piano on an album, but to me it sounds cool.”

Zaleski said his focus was on making “songs that were catchy.”

“You want to make a song that’s going to live forever,” Zaleski said.

The band continued to draw crowds throughout the region but dealt with some inconsistencies on drums. Although the lineup was fluid, South Side Bandits continued to make new music, recording a second album “Starting to Believe,” but the strain of moving parts became a burden.

“I thought, ‘we need someone who’s going to be there and be the foundation,’” Zaleski said.

Lieback was a regular at the Windmill Agency Studio in Mt. Cobb where both he and South Side Bandits had recorded. Green was interning there when Lieback was in studio, and studio owner Eric Ritter introduced the two.

“I remember the first practice thinking, ‘this guy’s got chops,’” Zaleski said of Lieback. “Then he said one thing I was sold on. He said, ‘Just so you know, you’ll never have to check with me about a gig. Just tell me when it is … and I’ll be there.’”

Lieback, who has played in several successful groups based in NEPA, said he was attracted to the project in the summer of 2016, because the band members were serious about making music.

“And I had already heard the songs being up at the studio, so I knew the songs were really good,” Lieback said. “The songwriting is phenomenal, and Brian’s guitar playing … he doesn’t need any of us.”

With Lieback keeping time, the band is re-recording “Starting to Believe,” a collection of songs Zaleski calls “powerful jam-rock music.”

“But our songs don’t last 20 minutes,” Lieback said.

Zaleski said Lieback has brought his own interpretation to the rhythm on each of the album’s tracks and that the band has grown after a year of practicing, playing and working through kinks together.

“I have a vision for this band, and it doesn’t stop with ‘they were a great local band for 10 years,’” Zaleski said.

The band drew around 600 people to The Leonard the day before Thanksgiving. On March 11, they’ll take the stage at noon.

The front man likened the dynamic in South Side Bandits to that of a good team, with which he has experience after a stint in minor league professional hockey.

“It has the veteran, the young guys and a sense of camaraderie,” Zaleski said.

Jamie Zaleski plays acoustic guitar and sings during a South Side Bandits rehearsal. Zaleski was a founding member of the band, which played its first gig in 2014.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bandits1_faa.jpgJamie Zaleski plays acoustic guitar and sings during a South Side Bandits rehearsal. Zaleski was a founding member of the band, which played its first gig in 2014. Fred Adams | For Weekender

Brian Green takes a solo during a practice session for South Side Bandits at Windmill Agency Studios in Mt. Cobb. Drummer Bill Lieback said Green’s is a special talent on lead guitar.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bandits3_faa.jpgBrian Green takes a solo during a practice session for South Side Bandits at Windmill Agency Studios in Mt. Cobb. Drummer Bill Lieback said Green’s is a special talent on lead guitar. Fred Adams | For Weekender

Veteran drummer Bill Lieback joined South Side Bandits in the summer of 2016 believing in the work ethic of the members and the strength of the music.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bandits4_faa.jpgVeteran drummer Bill Lieback joined South Side Bandits in the summer of 2016 believing in the work ethic of the members and the strength of the music. Fred Adams | For Weekender

South Side Bandits will take the stage at noon on Parade Day, March 11 at The Leonard Theater in Scranton.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bandits5_faa.jpgSouth Side Bandits will take the stage at noon on Parade Day, March 11 at The Leonard Theater in Scranton. Fred Adams | For Weekender

https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_St.PatricksBoarder.jpgFred Adams | For Weekender
South Side Bandits featured on triple bill

By Matt Mattei

mmattei@timesleader.com

IF YOU GO

What: St. Patrick’s Parade Day at The Leonard featuring South Side Bandits, DJ Jay Velar and Pearl Jam tribute Lost Dogs

Where: The Leonard Theater, 335 Adams Ave., Scranton

When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 11

Additional information: No cover from 9 to 11 a.m., but a $10 cover will be instated after 11 a.m. Early bird happy hour from 9 to 11 a.m. will feature $2 16 ounce Coors Light cans. South Side Bandits will perform from noon to 3 p.m. with DJ Jay Velar following from 3 to 6 p.m. and Lost Dogs from 6 to 9 p.m. Hudson Valley Bagpipers will make a special appearance at approximately 3 p.m.

Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991-6651 or on Twitter @TimesLeaderMatt.