Popstar Drive (top), formerly known as am Radio, will be one of two bands providing continuous live music at this year’s Books and Brews on May 12. According to vocalist Chris Maruzzelli, fan favorites include newer hits like “Shut Up & Dance” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and classics like “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” Veteran rock cover band Kartune (above) will also perform at Books & Brews.
By Rick Hiduk
(Also published in Living Susquehanna/Wyoming County Magazine)
Books & Brew is certainly one of the more creative fundraising collaborations to come along in recent years. Slated for Saturday, May 12, the bigger and better event at Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhanock, will benefit the Tunkhannock Public Library and feature local craft breweries, live entertainment, vendors featuring handcrafted items, and a variety of food options.
Live music will be provided by Kartune and Popstar Drive, formerly known as am Radio. Both bands have long histories of entertaining large crowds with time-honored pop and rock hits. The event will be held from noon to 5 pm rain or shine. No pets will be allowed, nor will any humans under the age of 21. VIP ticket holders may enter the grounds at 11 am.
Proceeds will support the Tunkhannock Public Library’s efforts to provide cultural programs and literary services for people of all ages. A successful but much smaller Books & Brew event was held in March of 2017 with a sole participating local brewery, live music, food and a book sale. Organizers saw the potential for expanding the fundraiser.
“The driving force for trying to think outside the box was that the annual fundraising for the library has been in a steady decline for the past five years,” said committee spokesperson Ann Way. “It was truly an issue of wondering if the library will have enough money to run.”
The annual book sale continues to do well, Way noted, as does the Library’s appeals campaign with the United Way. But a wine festival that once generated significant income suffered declining attendance. So, when last year’s Books and Brew generated interest in a new type of event, the next step was to find a venue that could accommodate more vendors and guests.
“Lazy Brook Park is the most beautiful spot to hold a large event for people,” Way remarked. “We also wanted to move it to a time of the year when the weather is more predictable.”
Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased at Gay’s True Value, Antonio’s Pizzeria, Nimble Hill, and the Library. Remaining tickets will be sold at the gate for $40. Those wanting to secure a good seat early on might opt for the $50 tickets to the VIP tent, which affords access to exclusive brew tasting and an opportunity to meet the brewmasters themselves. All tickets include a complimentary glass. The VIP Tent is limited to 120 seats.
“We want people to come and relax and enjoy themselves,” Way stated.
To learn more about what the Tunkhannock Public Library has to offer, log on to www.tunkhannocklibrary.org.