RIVER STREET JAZZ CAFE IS TOP FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT MECCA

Plains, Pa. is hardly the place one would expect to find a top-notch entertainment venue, but River Street Jazz Cafe, at 667 N. River Street fills the bill.

Rob Friedman, of Friedman Electric Supply, opened the establishment some 15 years ago, and, under the general management of Tom Moran, the “joint is jumping”!

Featuring a delectable array of foods, and beverages, one would be hard-pressed to find a better place to “hang-out” or to seek a variety of entertainment in the NEPA area.

Open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., River Street is available for special events and fund raisers, but the highlight has to be the entertainment provided to a public “starved” for a variety of music and good food.

The smokefree environment (until midnight), really hops on Wednesday nights when an “Open Mic” session is available for musicians and bands to promote their particular brand of music to an appreciative audience. The “no cover” sessions draw an audience which knows no age boundaries, and the performers vary from solo artists such as Scranton’s young Dan Dalrymple, contemporary keyboard performer/composer, to more seasoned performers like Bare Knuckles, a trio of professional-level heavy metal rockers Charlie Russello, Tony Garuba and Kevin Brislin who can blow away a crowd with their sounds.

Be it electronic, jazz, funk, contemporary, blues, rock, soul, bluegrass or reggae, music aficionados are bound to come away entertained and happy.

Thursday nights are usually occupied by the “house band” of Dylan, Dirk and Josh who perform an appetizing variety of jazz, funk jam and electronic.

Friday and Saturday nights are booked well in advance and offer such favorites as Cabinet & Big Leg Emma (bluegrass & jam); Clarence Spady Band (blues & rock), DJ Williams Project (soul, funk & blues); George Wesley & Roamin’ Gabriel (jazz, funk & reggae); Indobox Electronic (jazz & jam); Lotus (electronic, trance & jam); Rouge, Chimp & Telepath (trance, jazz & funk); and special nights.

Upcoming dates include Aug. 7^th, “Tom’s Birthday Bash” with Peter Prince & Moon Boot Lover, and a special guest star; Aug. 25^th with a “Tribute to Pearl Jam” by Ten; and a Sept. 1^st special with Abilene Bluegrass & Rock.

The Friday and Saturday dates are free of a “cover” until 8 p.m.

Tom (Moran) has been the general manager at the River Street venue for over five years and is a graduate of Lackawanna Community College with a degree in restaurant and hotel management. A knowledgeable and die-hard music fan, he is proud of his “charges” and offers young musicians and bands an opportunity to perform, with parents or chaperones on hand, in the early stages of the Open Mic sessions.

Sign up is required for performers and most entertainers are allocated at least three numbers to perform. With 6 mixes on stage, an excellent sound system and lighting system, and

professional-grade technicians on hand, Moran maintains a “hands-on” approach and, while he tries to strictly adhere to a time schedule, he treats everyone fair and equitably and is always available to offer constructive criticism if needed. Performers also have a “green room” available for their breaks and a spot to “kick back” before going on stage.

Recognizing that many performers are young, and with limited experience, he nevertheless treats them with respect and encourages them to pursue their goals.

In past years, River Street has hosted such notables as Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Average White Band, Bo Diddley and Yellow Jackets among a long list of nationally known acts.

The full-service bar offers a great variety of drinks, and a very capable wait staff is fast and courteous. Food items are served direct from kitchen to table in a manner consistent with any fine restaurant.

Boneless wings are a Wednesday night specialty and the servings are adequate and tasty at $4 per person. Thursday night’s Burger special features quality Angus beef and are a bargain at $4 per. Friday night highlights a Brazilian Rock Lobster Tail Dinner special for just $21.98 and the Saturday New York Strip Dinner, at $11.98, is highly prized.

The menu offers a complete variety, at reasonable costs, and the food, price and service are comparable, if not superior, to any restaurant in the NEPA area. But, once again, the entertainment is the main attraction and River Street Jazz Cafe is probably NEPA’s top value for music lovers of all ages and persuasions.

Incidentally, smokers are welcome to use a covered patio area or to step outside for a smoke. Or, they can wait until after midnight to light up inside.

The venue will celebrate its 15^th year of operation on Nov. 13^th and plans are underway to make it a rousing occasion. Call 570-822-2992 for further information and don’t be reluctant to visit the area’s best entertainment & dining spot. JT