Block Party Musical Line Up

5:00 p.m.
Justin Padró Latin Jazz Ensemble

Justin Padró is a musician, writer, educator, sound engineer, DJ, and producer from Brooklyn, NY who has performed throughout Europe, Africa, China, Canada, and the U.S. He is the first-ever recipient of the Louis Armstrong Foundation Jazz Scholars Award, Center for Jazz Studies, Columbia University, New York, the founder of the Latin Jazz Hour radio show at 89.9 WKCR fm NY, has written about music, art and culture, contributing to books such as ‘The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse Records’ by Ashley Kahn, and was part of the Maybe Mars/D-22 Crew that founded the underground punk movement in Beijing, China. Justin will be backed by Ian O’Hara on bass, Nate Zaur on keys, and Nick Driscoll on sax.

6:00 p.m.
Schütengiggles

The Schützengiggles Oompah Band is German/Bavarian Brass Oompah Band based in Scranton, PA. They feature music from the Bavarian Celebration tradition includng polkas, waltzes, and marches as well as the pop music that has been incorporated into modern Oktoberfest celebrations.

7:00 p.m.
Gary Rixner Trio

Originally from Pittsburgh PA, Gary is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University School of Music as featured soloist with the Carnegie –Mellon Orchestra performing Byron McColloh’s Concerto for Large Trombone and Small Orchestra. He has made numerous appearances at Carnegie Hall in NYC including a solo performance with the Carnegie-Mellon Brass Quintet. He then toured with Gayle Sonders and BHQ, The Bill Harms Quintet. His sideman credits include The Temptations, Four Tops, Bill Haley and the Comets, COTA Festival Big Band, The Great Swamp Blues Band, soloist with The Rat Pack tour, Hal Linden, Lou Christie and The 5^th Dimension. He is currently dividing his time with various groups including, Picture Perfect, Paul Labelle and The Exact Change, Daddy-O-and The Sax Maniacs, Indigo Moon Brass Band and his own trio. Gary can be contacted at garyrixner@gmail.com.

5:00 p.m.
Merchants of Groove

The Merchants of Groove Blues is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier traditional houserockin’ blues band. Fronted by founder Paul Lyon on vocals and guitar, the band features the jaw-dropping lead guitar work of original band member Teddy Young, the harmonica and vocals of Les Toth and the rock-solid rhythmic grooves of original drummer drummer Mike Basalyga and bass player Robert “Frog” Fenstermaker, formerly of The Blue Sparks from Hell. The band plays original tunes penned by Lyon and a wide variety of classic blues and blues-rock tunes by such artists as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Walter, ZZ Top and many others.

6:00 p.m.
Picture Perfect Band

Picture Perfect Band is an 11-piece, high-energy party band.

7:00 p.m.
The TRiBE

Since their inception in fall of 2018, The TRiBE has toured consistently throughout the Northeast US, lourishing Lehigh Valley and NY state jam scenes. With a sound that might be considered jam-adjacent, The TRiBE’s concise and groovy produced sound expands into a nuanced improvisational live show. The sound – while buoyant and dynamic in its several forms, is consistently founded by a pocket groove and thoughtful melodies.

8:00 p.m.
Modern Ties

Modern Ties is a group of Northeast-PA musicians creating creating a pop/rock sound with indie flair. They sport catchy hooks and simple lyrics, but just under the surface of the polished sound is ag a pop/rock sound with indie flair. deep emotional core. They just released their debut album ‘Moments/Missed Opportunities’ a few weeks ago, and are ready to come out with a slew of new tunes for 2021. Follow them on Spotify and on all socials @moderntiesmusic.

5:00 p.m.
Dave Brown of Dave Brown & The Dishonest Fiddlers

Dave Brown & The Dishonest Fiddlers are a blossoming Americana group based in Northeast Pennsylvania. Since 2013, this group has been winning over the heart and souls of music lovers everywhere they go. They are armed with authenticity, determination, and sound that hearkens back to the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 60’s. Influenced by timeless artists such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, and David Bromberg, the band successfully weaves together a musical tapestry that rings true and familiar as those chimes on the front porch. The group heads into 2021 with an updated lineup, a rejuvenated energy, and a brand new studio album entitled, “Based on a True Story” featuring 10 original hand crafted tunes.

6:00 p.m.
Brendan Brisk Band

Brendan Brisk is an artist on the Astrology Days Records label. Following his solo debut album, Brendan connected with Bernard Gavlick (bass), Justin Malinowski (drums), and Miles Orfanella (trumpet) to bring his recordings to the stage. Artistic integrity is encapsulated through the band’s wild improvisations, turning their live shows into a platform for experimentation, expression, and creativity.

7:00 p.m.
The Boastfuls

Hailing from Scranton, PA and 2018 Steamtown “Best NewArtist” Music Award winner, NEPA’s premier alt-trio delivers alternative rock with nothing short of electrifying ntensity. Featuring Martin Monahan – Vocals & Rhythm Guitar, Christopher Benitez – Bass, and Chad Wescott- Percussion, the band also “Strips it Down” with an acoustic set which offers a pure up close and personal experience.

8:00 p.m.
Gabby Borges Band

Writing tunes dripping with both sarcasm and introspection, Gabby Borges escorts you to a world not often ventured. When was the last time you inspected yourself to find out why you are the way you are? Gabby approaches this endeavor, but not without having a little fun along the way.

12:00 p.m.
Brenda Fernandes

Brenda Fernandes is a Scranton Pa. based multi-genre musician, singer-song writer and record producer. Her captivating music is a blend of alternative beats, harmonium, synthesizer and soothing vocal melodies. Her poetic and insightful lyrical approach combines beautifully with her soulful sound. Her new album, “As I Am” was released in February of this year.

1:00 p.m.
Wade Preston Band

The Wade Preston Band (WPB) is Wade Preston, keyboards and vocals, Steve Kurilla on drums, and Jon Ventre on bass. Wade’s biggest claim to fame is playing the Piano Man role in the Billy Joel / Twyla Tharp Broadway hit Movin’ Out. As a result, on the east coast Wade is known as the Billy Joel guy,and does concerts with the Movin’ Out Band as well as solo concerts, mostly revolving around the music of Billy Joel.Before Wade landed the Broadway gig however, he lived in Southern California, and was well known for his original material, spirited vocals and piano chops. So, on the west coast Wade is still known as, well, Wade. Wade’s new CD featuring this lineup entitled Lost In the Noise is available at http://wadepreston.com/wades-new-cd/.

2:00 p.m.
Electric City Dixieland Band

A festival favorite, the Electric City Dixieland Band brings us back to the Jazz pioneers of New Orleans. Dixie “Jazz” underwent a revival in the 1940’s, but has always enjoyed a rich multicultural history deeply rooted throughout the South and later Chicago.

The Electric City Dixieland Band (Tom Kozic on guitar/banjo, Carmine Galati-Drums, Bob Baird -Trumpet and Tom Hamilton- Sax/Clarinet) takes a modern approach to Dixieland music, while retaining the American original artform as we know it to be “Jazz.”

3:00 p.m.
Kerry Kenny Band

Kerry Kenny is a singer/songwriter and teacher who has sung and performed many genres of music her entire life. Kerry studied Irish Music in Ireland, film scoring at New York University, and computer music composition at the Academy of Music in Krakow, Poland. She has collaborated with Ania Szwajgier on film scores for animated short films; written an entire musical score in Polish for a live stage show (Lans Macabre); and performed for Amnesty International in Limerick, Ireland. Kerry has proudly participated in the Audio Arts Festival and performed computer music compositions at the Goethe Institute, both in Krakow. In addition, Kerry has performed in South Korea, led bands in New York City, and toured Europe.

12:00 p.m.
Franklin House

An original band from NEPA playing genre bending tunes spanning folk, jam, Latin, funk and beyond. Chris Zawatsky – Guitar, Vocals: Carl Charles – Saxophone, Flute, Keyboard, Vocals; BJ Cook – Bass, Vocals;Jason Stefanski – Drums.

1:00 p.m.
Young Lion

Young Lion’s blend of roots, rock, and reggae is accomplished by the different playing styles and experience of its members. Young Lion live performances include improvisation on their songs to provide listeners with a fresh experience every time you hear them perform.

2:00 p.m.
Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentleman

Pennsylvania’s premier, blues-rock, power-trio Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen combine sexy grooves, infectious rhythm, and Douglas’ soaring guitar work and unmistakable vocal for a lightning charged, vintage style all their own.

Led by the transcendent lead guitarist/singer/songwriter Dustin Douglas (Lemongelli, The Badlees), The Electric Gentlemen (Tommy Smallcomb-Drums & Matt “The Dane” Gabriel-Bass) with its retro/modern style a-la (Jimi Hendrix, Rival Sons, ZZ Top, Marcus King) leave even the most discerning music fans with little left to ask for at the end of any live show.

3:00 p.m.
Clarence Spady & The Electric City Band

Acclaimed Pennsylvania bluesman, Clarence Spady, has been a long-time fixture of the Northeast music scene.  Spady has been a regular performer at Greenwich Village’s iconic Terra Blues club where he has been captivating travelers from all over the world with his guitar virtuosity and magnetic stage presence for nearly thirty years.  

His sophomore release, Just Between Us, garnered a 2009 Blues Music Award nomination for Soul Blues Album of the year.  We can all look forward to a new Clarence Spady album in 2021.  Until then, “Surrender” gives us an exciting taste of what the future holds.  “You’re going to hear a maturity of writing more with what we’re getting ready to do, even though it’s gonna have energy,” Spady says.   Spady doesn’t record nearly often enough, but the luxuriously downbeat and altogether cathartic “Surrender” confirms that when he does, he’s a truly gripping presence.

12:00 p.m.
Resham Band of the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation

Members of Resham Band of the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation play music of the Bhutanese/Nepali culture

1:00 p.m.
Band of Rustlers

The Band of Rustlers sing the harmonies and play the songs of the old west. They pay tribute to the great singing cowboys and vocal arrangements of The Sons Of The Pioneers, Rex Allen, and play the burning Western swing of Bob Wills and Spade Cooley. JP Biondo (vocals, mandolin) Kevin Williams (vocals bass) Roy Williams (vocals, guitar) and Alex Hargreaves (fiddle).

2:00 p.m.
Jacob Cole Handpan Trio

Jacob Cole is a world percussionist, instructor, composer,  jazz fusion drummer, and handpan composer.  In this project he is joined by fellow Rogue Chimp musicians, Mark Woodyatt on Violin and Jon Ventre on bass.  They will be performing songs off of Jacob’s new handpan album titled ‘HOPE’.

3:00 p.m.
BONGA and The Vodou Drums of Haiti

As an opener for the Rolling Stones, Bonga is regarded as a master of the Afro Haitian drum, sought-after for his extensive repertoire of pan-African rhythms. A dynamic performer, accompanist, session player and educator, Bonga works on stage, in the recording studio, and in educational settings. He is one of the few drum experts and craftsmen outside of Haiti who continues to build traditional drums using techniques that are centuries old.

Gaston “Bonga” Jean-Baptiste
Balendjo Jean-Baptiste, age 11
Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste, age 9