When we first started doing these articles in June of 2011, we started with not just any band. We wanted a band that not just epitomized Schuylkill County but was much more. A band with incredible talent as a whole as well in the instruments, music, performances, and had that little extra. that is why we chose the Poptart Monkeys. That raised the bar high for the bands of our area. Due to issues beyond our control the features were stopped until April 2012. With this feature we added and changed things up a little and expanded to solo artists. There was a water fall of artists to pick from but decided on not only a great artist but also someone that had a album to release, showing more of that Schuylkill County talent. This was our First Featured Artist, Sherry Marchefsky. Over 2012 we would go back and forth with artists and features, including After Hours, Jason Mitchell, Ricky and the Ricardo's, Crobot, and the incredible Sterling Koch.
2013 started with something different again when the members (at the time) choose and wrote mini features on some of our favorite local bands) Not to be outdone February's feature was even better when a staple of Schuylkill County music, The Collins family. The rest of 2013 we saw the great talents of Y.M.I., Aaron Charles, Alison Standby, Jacob Kulick, and Toolshed Jack.
Now in 2014 the bar is still be raised and raised with every great band. So far this year we have seen Willie Jack and the Northern Light, Red Halo, 5 Ton Jack, Justus, Another Side and to celebrate our first Blog with Skook News (July/Aug.) we had a double featured band/artist with R.A.T.L. and John Pe-We Damiter.
2014 isn't over yet though and Schuylkill County Musicians Group is always switching things up. August's feature with show that bands come in all forms. New bands come into the area all the time so you never know who we will have posted. (August is late due to tech issues... my laptop died but is coming soon).
If you know a band that should be featured let us know or better tell these bands to contact us. We can be contacted on Facebook as well as by email: skookpamusic@gmail.com
Support Local Music
---------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER SHOWS! (Shows start between 9-10pm unless noted)
1st
* Zoostock 2014 at the Infamous Sports Zoo Grounds (390 w. Snyder Ave. Lansford) Noon-8pm w/Lyle Mantz, Cody Sassaman, Colin Jones w/Jason Kuhla, For the People, The Brand, TOOLSHED JACK, and A.D.D. (Benefits the American Cancer Society)
3rd
* Open Mic Night w/Jon Stefon at Hall's Nowhere Saloon,Girardville (Every Week)
4th
* Open Mic at Rumor's, Pottsville (Every Week)
* Open Mic at Hegins Inn (Every Week)
5th
* Sterling Koch Band at Bowers Chili Pepper Festival, Kutztown 9am-6pm (band 1:15-2pm)
6th
* Sterling Koch Band at Denny's hot rod, Cressona
* CROBOT w/Tatarus at El Corazon, Seattle Washington (I know most of us can't get there but Crobot was a featured band and this is one of the benefits of being a feature)
* Alias at the Steel Pub, Bethlehem 9:30-12:30
7th
* 1st Annual Lehigh Valley Soul Music Awards at McCoole's Arts and Events Place, Quakertown 4-10
10th
* Open Mic Night w/Jon Stefon at Hall's Nowhere Saloon,Girardville (Every Week)
11th
* Open Jam Session at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center 6:30-9pm
* Open Mic at Rumor's, Pottsville (Every Week)
* Open Mic at Hegins Inn (Every Week)
12th
* Sterling Koch Band at Legend's Café, Lebanon 7-9pm
13th
* Sterling Koch Band at Strausstown Community Fall Festival 1:30-2pm
** & Sterling Koch Band at Brookside Pub, Mahanoy City 7-10pm
* Peggy Acoustic at McNiff's Irish Pub, Mahanoy City
* Brez-zilla Bash at Joulwan Park Amphitheater 1-10 w/ Backroad Burners, Smokers Lounge, the Bleanies, The Margie Trick, Low-Cut Connie and SSA (That 70's band)
* Fall Fest 2014 at Fogleman Farmsted, 1536 Old Forge Rd., Annville 9am-11pm
14th
* Sterling Koch acoustic duo at Fieldwood Winery, Schuylkill Haven 1-4pm
17th
* Open Mic Night w/Jon Stefon at Hall's Nowhere Saloon,Girardville (Every Week)
18th
* Open Mic at Rumor's, Pottsville (Every Week)
* Open Mic at Hegins Inn (Every Week)
19th
* Sterling Koch Trio at Blue Mountain Summit, Andreas (rt. 309) 7-10pm
* Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg w/Cause of Affliction, Behind the Grey, A.D.D. and more 6pm start
20th
* Sterling Koch Band at Blue Mountain Fishing Lakes, Schuylkill Haven 9:30-12:30
* 1st Annual Pig Roast & Cornhole Tournament at Citizens Fire Co. Tamaqua. Performing will be Justus. (other details available) Noon Start
* Valkyrie at Brenn's Pub, York
21st
* Sterling Koch Trio at Denny's hot rod, Cressona 4-7pm
24th
* Open Mic Night w/Jon Stefon at Hall's Nowhere Saloon,Girardville (Every Week)
25th
* Open Mic at Rumor's, Pottsville (Every Week)
* Open Mic at Hegins Inn (Every Week)
26th
* Sterling Koch Trio at Vito's Pizza, Saint Clair 7-10pm
27th
* Sterling Koch Trio at Schuylkill Haven Borough Day, Luckenbill's Family Restaurant, Schuylkill Haven 9am-11am
** & Sterling Koch Band at Bowl Grille, Reading 9pm-midnight
* Missy Moyer Festival of Life at Spyglass Ridge Winery, Sunbury (all age) Show starts at Noon w/Duck Duck Goose, Greg Snyder, Nick Coyle, FEATURED BAND R.A.T.L. (at 5:20pm) and Timothy's Burden and Pandora
* Better Than Monday at Evan's Roadhouse, Drums (rt. 309 North of Hazleton)
28th
* Gabriel Chamber Ensemble at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven at 3pm. Celebrating their 25th anniversary in Schuylkill County
* Sterling Koch Band at Johnny & Hon's Smokehaus, Robesonia 3-4pm (event 1-7pm w/Pawn Shop, Ragu, and Big Bad Rockabilly Cats