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One of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets is the vibrant, grass-roots, art and music scene that is rapidly growing and being driven by many of our region’s young professionals. Engineers, entrepreneurs and students by day, these talented musicians and artists are helping to fuel the developing arts scene that is quickly becoming part of our region’s “cool factor.”
Richard Florida, an economic development scholar and author of “The Rise of the Creative Class,” writes that artistic energy and an authentic local music scene are an important part of a city’s brand – they also help to drive economic development. This makes our region’s creative culture important to all who live here, even if we are not active participants.
In addition to venues like the Mohegan Sun Arena and the Kirby Center, there are also many hidden gems scattered throughout the region, like Karl Hall. Located on North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, this unique venue offers performers the opportunity to showcase their talents and music lovers the chance to enjoy live, original music in an intimate setting. Will McHale who is plays in the indie band, Rosary Guild, helped christen the hall a little over a year ago as one of the opening acts.
“Those of us in the arts community definitely have a sense of pride in the music scene here – not every city has all that we have. There are many opportunities for artists to gather, collaborate, perform and enjoy each other’s music. The support from the community has been inspiring – as both an artist and a consumer.”
Then there is Ellie Rose, a Scranton University junior and electrical engineering major who recently performed at the Brigg’s Farm Music Festival. Ellie, a singer and self-taught guitarist whose vocals have been compared to Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse, recorded her first album locally in May. Several of her songs are now being played on the radio and her CD will be launched at a release party at Tony’s Wine Cellar in Pittston on Aug. 14. She credits her success to the encouragement and warm support she received from fellow musicians at Tony’s on open mic nights while she was in high school.
“I was lucky to be exposed to so much local talent at a young age. We have a great arts scene – and not just music – there are many great visual artists here too. I think sometimes people assume there isn’t much going on, but there is if you look for it.”
And you don’t have to look much farther than the Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre for an example of how a successful art scene can impact a region. According to an Institute economic impact study, the center generates nearly 10 million dollars in economic activity and spending each year in Luzerne County alone. It also now boasts a ranking of 93 out of 100 of the most successful theaters in the world based on ticket sales.
For those of us, like myself, who are artistically impaired and aren’t always active participants in this scene, it is great to know that there are many who are and their efforts are making our community a better place to live, work, and visit – and they are helping to drive our economy in the right direction.
A salute to you from those like me, whose gifts lie elsewhere. We appreciate your efforts. Your diverse talents and contributions give our region one more thing to be proud of.
Play on.
