NEPA Scene Podcast Episode 21 - Organizing DIY community events in Scranton with Jess Meoni

NEPA Scene

In Episode 21, we sit down with Jess Meoni, a graphic designer, writer, editor of Ruthless Zine, and organizer of The Bad Trip Psychedelic Show - a free concert on Saturday, Aug. 12 on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton with Piece of Mind, Walau-eh, Signs & Wonders, Earthmouth, The Mysteries, Mind Choir, and High Noon – along with Grrrls Night at Ale Mary's in Scranton, Scranton Zine Fest, and many other community events in NEPA. Before and during the interview, we drink some crowlers provided by Beer Boys in Wilkes-Barre, this time with a blueberry theme. We try Becky Blueberry Cider by Platform Beer Company, which is new to the area, Blueberry Belch by Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown, and Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale by Sea Dog Brewing Company, comparing each of their flavors and styles. We discuss how The Bad Trip came about, a new wave of psychedelic-influenced local bands, working with the city and the county on events, what goes into organizing a community event, the importance of putting events together yourself rather than waiting for someone else to do it and inspiring others to do the same, why she personally feels the need to create niche but inclusive events, ignoring naysayers like on Talkback 16, how people are shaped by concerts and other events, highlighting local female artists at the Grrrls Night open mic and a recent surprise engagement, how crowds and venues have changed over the years, saving The Marketplace at Steamtown, and more. We also answer some questions and comments from live viewers. In The Last Word, we talk about Wilkes-Barre’s first Multicultural Parade & Festival. We talk about why it was special and important, the local naysayers who were proven wrong about diversity, and Brittany describes her experience at the festival. The NEPA Scene Podcast covers arts, entertainment, and the issues that matter to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It airs as a live video stream every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NEPA Scene’s Facebook page and is available afterward on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, YouTube, and nepascene.com. This episode and all previous episodes are available now on NEPA Scene, the award-winning independent arts and entertainment website that combines the accuracy and professionalism of a print magazine with the immediacy and convenience of a blog, offering a wide variety of content to readers in NEPA, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. The show is made possible by local sponsors Beer Boys, The Keys, and the F.M. Kirby Center, Coal Creative, and viewers who tune in every week.