PITTSTON — Within the blink of an eye of the first event in May, the Second Friday Art Walk’s second event of the season is quickly approaching.
The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9.
Main Street Manager Rose Randazzo was thrilled with the outcome of last month’s event, particularly because of the younger members of the crowd she noticed.
“I thought it was great because there were many more teenagers and children than ever before,” she said. “We’re definitely attracting a younger crowd now, and we’re happy about that.”
Although there won’t be any groundbreaking surprises in June, Randazzo pointed out one of the things that was hit in May was Chordial Connection, a local barbershop quartet.
“I think what’s been a forgotten art is the barbershop quartet music,” she said. “They’re pretty impressed by the young people who have never heard that type of music. So, I think that’s like a lost art.”
Ty Williams, who sings tenor for Chordial Connection, said the group has been around for over 20 years singing songs from the late 1800s to the 1950s acappella style, meaning without instruments.
“Our quartet belongs to the Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus in Tunkhannock and we have the opportunity to get exposed to many different songs,” he said. “Some of them are written from the 1860s and some the 1950s. There’s a broad spectrum of opportunities to sing great songs. We sing anything that strikes our fancy in between those eras.”
The quartet consists of Williams, Bill Shaffer, who sings lead vocals; Lou Volpetti, who sings baritone; and Marty Wise, who sings bass.
Williams said the group was called by Randazzo about being part of the Second Friday Art Walk, and the members enjoyed every minute of it last month.
“We had so much fun that we just kept doing it,” he said. “We would see a group of people and go up to them and ask if they want us to sing a song for them? We never had anybody say no.”
Regular happenings will occur once more at the June event such as an interactive mural for local children to paint, face-painting artist, Kristen Rinaldi’s human canvas and live entertainment.
Paint N’ Pinot will offer outdoor paintings.
Jeff Evans, owner of Paint N’ Pinot, said his business will offer spring-related paint options ranging from $15 to $30, depending on the size of painting.
Participants will paint throughout the entire event, weather depending.
“This is our first time doing this for the art walk and we’re doing it to be seen more and be present on the street,” Evans said.
Various vendors and artists this month include Alana Lori, who will sell pottery and jewelry while Cindi Spitzman and Mariah Sol Jewelry will also sell jewelry.
Kelly Klee and Billy Brandenburg will sell mixed media while Mary Kroptavich and Tony Traglia will sell photographs.
Adam Lionhart will do caricatures while Piera Marotto and Darlene Smith will sell paintings and Autumn Dyches will sell various illustrations.
Christina Solomon and Cheyenne Natt will each sell candles, and Ann Corcoran and Marie Brennan will sell crafts.
Mucclio Family Wines from Old Forge will have a wine tasting event at Art on Main, as well.
With the downtown art revitalization, William said he’s excited to be part of the art walk and Pittston’s growth.
“I was really impressed with the way Pittston has bounced back,” he said. “All four of us have been impressed with how Pittston has been modernized.”
