There is a lot of entertainment planned in the region and some surprises to watch for. Here’s what to keep on your calendar:
Lackawanna County
In Scranton, The Ritz continues to book rock shows and eclectic entertainment while the Wyoming Avenue building is up for sale. Owner Josh Balz said it is “business as usual.”
Among the shows at the Ritz: an anti-Valentine’s event is Friday, Feb. 13, with the Screaming Infidelities throwing their eighth annual Black Heart Ball. Balz also highlighted a Beatles tribute called The Taxmen, on Feb. 20; and a Mario Kart tournament Feb. 27. The winner takes home $500.
The Bucktown Music Fest in Dunmore will begin June 14, with Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax. There will be eight or nine concerts. Acts lined up so far include Picture Perfect, the Wade Preston Band, QBall, the Mike Kwiatek Band, Past Our Prime, the East Coast Trio and EJ the DJ.
“Kinky Boots” will play Scranton. (COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN SCRANTON)
Trisha Yearwood to perform in Wilkes-Barre. (COURTESY OF THE F.M. KIRBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)
The Pottsville St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 14.
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“Kinky Boots” will play Scranton. (COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN SCRANTON)
“I’m excited,” said committee member Brian McGurl.
The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple hinted at developments in November, when it merged with Broadway Theatre League. No details yet.
The next nationally touring theatrical show at the Cultural Center is the musical “Kinky Boots,” the weekend of Feb. 13. It is followed in the spring by “Chicago,” “Clue: A New Comedy” and “The Music Man.”
There are at least two touring versions of “Swan Lake” coming to the area, by separate ballet companies. One is at the Scranton Cultural Center on Feb. 8 and the other at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre in May.
Machine Gun Kelly’s “Lost Americana Tour” comes to the Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Scranton, June 12.
Luzerne County
There is a big name at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre on Friday: comedian Jerry Seinfeld. There are a scattering of tickets available for the 7 p.m. show, including some right up front. There are more available for the 9:30 p.m. show.
Other big names headed to the Kirby Center: country star Trisha Yearwood, in April; and singer-songwriter and pianist John Legend, in May.
The Harlem Globetrotters bring their Century Tour to Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Feb. 25. Monster truck shows are an annual arena favorite; Monster Jam Freestyle is in March.
At Mohegan Pennsylvania, the Plains Twp. casino, the “Cup of Ambition: A Dolly Parton Cocktail Experience” is Feb. 21, with two shows. It’s an age 21-plus evening of themed cocktails, games and interactive moments with the cast.
The annual free Rockin’ the River concert series in Wilkes-Barre and the Rockin’ the Mountain series in Hazleton are yet to be announced.
The Greater Hazleton Area Concert Series at Hazleton Area High School returns with the Original Kenny Rogers Band on March 7. It’s not a tribute act. They are musicians who played with the late country legend. The Tommy Dorsey Band will also be there in March, according to the series website.
The Summer Movie Series at CAN DO Community Park in Hazleton returns June 19.
This year is the nation’s 250th anniversary, with events already underway. The state America250 commission promises a big-name concert in Luzerne County around the Fourth of July.
Pottsville area
Yuengling & Son holds occasional pour parties that unveil limited-edition beers, with music and discounts. All year long, it also gives free tours of America’s oldest brewery, which end in a tasting room.
At Pottsville’s Majestic Theater, a Feb. 13 Valentine’s cabaret will include a chance to make your own flower bouquet.
The Music at the Mansion series at the Yuengling Mansion, Pottsville, will return with good weather. The first date is May 17.
The Mansion’s third annual Easter egg hunt festivities, including a market, are March 29.
Around the region
Amid a slate of tribute acts, the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe is hosting shows appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day in March. That includes the Kilmaine Saints and the Tartan Terrors.
Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, the Scranton and Pottsville parades are March 14 and the Wilkes-Barre parade is March 15.
Opening weekend at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is April 25-26, according to its website.