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Abington Journal exclusive

February 27
Good people, good music

PocoNotes announces four-part acoustic storyteller series at the Waverly Community House

By Christopher J. Hughes / chughes@theabingtonjournal.com

WAVERLY – In less than two years, PocoNotes has been able to conduct its mission with a series of one-night-only events.

Country blues guitarist Patrick Sweany is the first featured artist in a four-part storyteller series presented by PocoNotes beginning April 12 at the Waverly Community House.

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This year, the group, founded on the principle of bringing live music of all genres to venues across Northeastern Pennsylvania, is changing their methods a bit. Founders Dolores Hippler and Pat Harper, of Lake Ariel by way of New York City, confirmed in a recent phone interview that they will conduct a four-part storytelling series at the Waverly Community House beginning in April.

Titled “Hear ’Em at The Comm,” the series opens on Saturday, April 12, with country blues guitarist Patrick Sweany. Sweany plays more than 150 shows a year and has shared the stage with modern guitar legends such as G.E. Smith, former director of the Saturday Night Live Band, Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody and His Planet Airmen, and Bob Margolin from the Muddy Waters Band. Opening for Sweany on April 12 will be Dalton acoustic guitarist Billy Rogan.

Additional artists on the extended bill include contemporary blues / ragtime guitarist Toby Walker on June 28, blues guitarist Spencer Bohren on September 13 and blue grass / folk guitarist Roy Book Binder on November 9. Each artist is an instructor at the Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, which is frequently attended by Harper.

PocoNotes comes to the Waverly Community House this year thanks in part to a grant from the Lackawanna County Council on Education and Culture. Hippler said they discovered the community center through an email from The Comm. “My first thought was that they might want to be a venue,” she said. “The universe often gives you what you need, and we needed a venue. We think it’s an utterly charming location, and we’ve spoken to several musicians who have already played there.”

The pair added that the Abington area seemed to lend itself well to experienced, talented musicians that may not be known to the masses. “There’s something about Clarks Summit that shows a sense of class,” Hippler said.

Harper said that the artists that have already visited the area through PocoNotes, including The Storyville Stompers and Hot Tuna, have asked to come back. “We just treat people as our guests, whether it’s an artist, audience member or venue,” he said. “By doing that, everyone always asks when they can come back.”

The four artists are accomplished guitarists and captivating storytellers, according to Hippler. “These are artists that will entertain you for an evening and impact you for a lifetime,” she said. “We know quality, and we’re bringing in good music.”

Each performance will be accompanied by an educational workshop focused on each artist’s area of expertise. Class sizes will be limited for the pre-performance classes and are available with advanced ticket sales only.

As a student of each of the featured performers, Harper knows the timbre of musicians coming to the Abingtons. “These are the guys for this series,” he said. “When you’re around performers like them, you’re going to have a smile on your face the whole time.”

Want to listen?

What: PocoNotes acoustic storytelling series “Hear ’Em at The Comm”

When: Beginning Saturday, April 12, with performer Patrick Sweany. Future events set for June 28, September 13 and November 9.

Where: Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Rd., Waverly.

Info: Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For more information or ticket sales, contact PocoNotes at 1-888-800-POCO or the Waverly Community House at 586-8191.