Plates from the Past – Mi Ranchito Bakery and Columbian Restaurant
On July 24, I headed over to Mi Ranchito Bakery and Columbian Restaurant on Meridian Ave for lunch after a glowing recommendation from a colleague.
Here’s what I ordered:
BRIAN FULTON / STAFF PHOTO
Chicken and Beef Empanadas with a green garlic dipping sauce.
BRIAN FULTON / STAFF PHOTO
Arepa Montanera: corn pie topped with refried beans, chicken, chorizo, cheese and avocado.
BRIAN FULTON / STAFF PHOTO
Fried Plantains
BRIAN FULTON / STAFF PHOTO
An assortment of baked goods, clockwise: Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Guava filled turnover and a pineapple filled doughnut.
For more information about Mi Ranchito Bakery and Columbian Restaurant visit their website, http://www.miranchitopa.com/ or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MiRanchitoPA/.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Time Warp – Aaron Carter and other acts team up at Montage
Aug. 11, 2001: Pop music, Pop-Tarts and the cable network Noggin made for a fun night for those attending the Aaron Carter concert at the Coors Light Amphitheater on Montage Mountain.
Concert-goers arriving at the venue were greeted by the World’s Biggest Pop-Tart, where they could pick up a sample of the toaster pastry.
Fans reach out for a handshake from singer Aaron Carter during his Aug. 11, 2001, concert at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain. Times-Tribune Archives
While waiting for the concert to begin, the audience enjoyed entertainment by employees of Nickelodeon’s sister channel, Noggin. The moderator threw out T-shirts and invited some members of the crowd to play games on stage. During one game, the moderator asked, “What would you do for a used Aaron Carter sweat towel?” to which a teen girl answered, “Run around totally naked.”
The games quickly came to an end with that answer, and Carter’s choreographer came out on stage for a quick performance before the show started.
Carter’s sister, Leslie, then performed, and the crowd welcomed her with squeals and applause. She started her set with a cover of the Kirsty MacColl song “They Don’t Know” followed by her own songs, “Mr. Shy Guy” and “Like, Wow.”
After her set, the Noggin team then returned to pass out more merchandise that this time included an Olympus High Snap Camera.
Following the camera giveaway, Swedish teen pop group A*Teens started its set with “Upside Down,” “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen.” At the end of its performance, group member Dhani Lennevald reminisced with the crowd about the group’s performance at Nickelodeon’s “All That Music and More” festival that stopped at Montage in 2000.
“We were right here like one year ago, and we’re tourin’ with Aaron Carter,” he said.
Fans reach out for a handshake from singer Aaron Carter during his Aug. 11, 2001, concert at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain. Times-Tribune Archives
Then came Carter’s time on stage. The 13-year-old began by tossing towels to the crowd and then opened with “Tell Me What You Want,” “Get Wild” and “I’m All About You.”
The next year, Carter returned to Montage with his “Rock, Rap and Retro” tour. Triple Image, Jump Five and No Secrets joined him for that show.
In 2017, Carter came back to Scranton on the day of the St. Patrick’s Parade. He traveled the parade route on a float sponsored by a local radio station and later held a meet-and-greet at Levels Bar & Grill.
To see more images from the Carter’s Aug. 11, 2001 performance click here.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Time Warp – Blink-182 draws thousands of fans to Montage Mountain
July 29, 2001: Close to 7,000 people spent the night with the music of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker at Montage Mountain.
Blink-182 appeared at the Coors Light Amphitheater in support of its latest album, “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.” The punk trio took to the stage following opening acts New Found Glory and Body Jar, starting its 90-minute set with its recent hit, “Rock Show.” The band followed that with “Dumpweed” and “M+M’s. ”
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- New Found Glory members Jordan Pundik, right, and Steve Klein perform before Blink-182 takes the stage Sunday, July 29, 2001 at Coors Light Amphitheater atMontage Mountain. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Mark Hoppus, of Blink 182, performing at Montage Mountain on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
As some audience members crowd surfed or joined in the mosh pit, Blink-182 continued with hits such as “What’s My Age Again?,” “All the Small Things,” and “Adam’s Song.”
The band returned to Montage Mountain a few times over the years, next appearing in May 2004 with opening act Taking Back Sunday. This show featured a new way for concertgoers to get up to Montage: the Electric City Express. The free bus ride to the venue was sponsored by the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, Electric City, Rock 107 and Clear Channel Entertainment. Guests could board the bus at various locations throughout downtown Scranton to avoid the traffic coming and going at the concert.
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- Bob Lockner, James David, Dan Moraski, Brett Ritterbeck and Mark Lees, all from Scranton, took the Electric City Express from downtown Scranton to Montage Mountain for the Blink 182 concert on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Bob Lockner, 23 from Scranton gives his ticket to driver Art Ware as he boards the Electric City Express bus, at the corner of Linden St and Adams Ave, on its way to the Blink 182 Concert on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Kathleen Bolus and Tom Holland, both from Scranton, board the Electric City Express bus at the corner of North Washington and Spruce Street on their way to the Blink 182 Concert on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- An Electric City Express bus leaves the corner of North Washington and Spruce Street on its way to the Blink 182 Concert on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Blink-182 returned 12 years later in August 2016 with bands A Day to Remember and All Time Low. This appearance featured its new vocalist and guitarist, Matt Skiba, who replaced longtime guitar player and vocalist DeLonge.
Fans in the mosh pit sing along to the lyrics during the Blink 182 concert at Montage on May 25, 2004. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Scoops from the Past – Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy
Today with Plates from the Past we are changing it up and going with Scoops from the Past as we visit Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy in West Pittston.
Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy has been making ice cream and delivering milk for over 75 years. The ice cream parlor and dairy wholesaler is located at 827 Exeter Ave. in West Pittston.
The ice cream parlor dishes up all sorts of traditional and creative ice cream sundaes or just a double scoop of your favorite in cup or cone. Here is a link to their extensive menu – http://www.blueribbondairy.com/parlor/blue_ribbon_dairy_menu.pdf.
When it comes to flavors they have all the traditional flavors – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and a few you have to try such as chocolate cookies n cream, toasted coconut or their flight of pumpkin ice creams.
Here are few of their creations –
Cicada Sundae – chocolate cookies n cream ice cream, hot caramel, hot fudge, broken cone pieces, chocolate sprinkles and red hot candy eyes.
Brian Fulton/Staff Photo
Shark Attack Sundae (in honor of Shark Week) – vanilla ice cream, strawberry topping, graham cracker crumbs and gummy sharks all topped with a homemade whipped cream and a cherry.
Brian Fulton/Staff Photo
Peanut Butter Crunch Coat – vanilla ice cream with peanut butter sauce and crunch coat (crushed peanut butter nougat mixed with sprinkles).
Brian Fulton/Staff Photo
You can see more images of Blue Ribbons tasty treats on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
https://www.facebook.com/blueribbondairy/
https://www.instagram.com/blueribbondairy/?hl=en
Here are two items for our archives dealing with Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy:
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Plates from the Past – Daystrom Cafeteria
The 735 employees of Daystrom Instrument Division Plant in Archbald can enjoy a hot or cold meal everyday in the plant’s cafeteria.
The cafeteria was open each day from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The main cafeteria accommodated 400 people with a smaller auxiliary cafeteria that accommodated 200.
The plant’s employees each received a 45 minute lunch break.
Food is served with a smile and received with a smile daily at the Daystrom Instrument Division Plant in Archbald. Vivian Bianchini, cashier/bookkeeper, left, lend a hand in serving the salads to Daystrom’s office workers, while Esther Solomon, at right back to camera, serves the hot meal of the day. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The cafeteria staff, which is headed by Joseph Messier, cooked up all sorts of items for the employees each day such as soup, meat, vegetables, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, desserts (ice cream, cake, pie and jello) and beverages (hot or iced tea, coffee, chocolate and white milk and buttermilk).
Daystrom’s office personnel and factory workers dine the cafeteria as “one, big, happy family.” The cafeteria is located in a well ventilated section of the Daystrom facility. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Here is recent menu from the cafeteria – Split Pea soup, broiled pork tenderloin with country gravy or corned beef hash, baked beans, pork and beans, sauerkraut, cold ham platter, lettuce and tomato, macaroni salad, cole slaw, cottage cheese, boiled ham, American cheese, pimento loaf and egg salad sandwiches.
Lunch was provided to employees at a reasonable price.
The photos and brief article on the Daystrom Cafeteria ran in the Scranton Times on July 31, 1952.
Here are few other food and drink items from the July 31, 1952 edition of the paper –
The Scranton Times – July 31, 1952
The Scranton Times – July 31, 1952
The Scranton Times – July 31, 1952
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Time Warp – Rock legends play their hits at muddy Montage show
July 1, 2001: Journey, Peter Frampton and John Waite delivered a rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza for close to 6,000 fans at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain.
In addition to the rock legends, rainy weather made an unwanted appearance at the mountainside venue and turned the lawn into a muddy mess.
Prior to the start of Waite’s set, amphitheater General Manager George Bieber invited all those with lawn tickets to come in from the rain and take an open seat under the roof.
Peter Frampton gives a rousing thumbs up to the 6,000 fans who came to see him, Journey and John Waite at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain on July 1, 2001. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Journey got the crowd ready for its set with a short video depicting its trip to Scranton that showed the Montage Mountain exit sign, the city’s welcome sign and stagehands setting up the stage. The crowd responded with thunderous applause.
Following the video, Journey jumped right in with “Lights,” “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Faithfully.” Throughout the rest of its set, the band played such hits as “Wheel in the Sky,” “Any Way You Want It” and “Stone in Love.”
Peter Frampton shows fans the way to jam during his performance at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain on July 1, 2001. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Frampton and his guitar playing were the true highlights of the evening, though. Marking the 25th anniversary of the release of his famed live album, “Frampton Comes Alive!,” he gave the audience a new memory: hearing him play the album in person. He played hits including “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do?”
“Everybody had that album,” Cathy Weber of Richmondale told a Scranton Times reporter. “You would put it on, and it was a good time, no matter who you were with or what you were doing.”
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
A look back: 1941 VFW Convention in Scranton
The 22nd annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Pennsylvania, took place in Scranton from June 26-28, 1941
Organizers reported there were 3,000 delegates registered for the convention and estimated an additional 10,000 guests would be in the city to attend.
With attendance that high, events were spread out across Scranton. Central High School was used as the home for large meetings, the Hotel Casey served as the delegates’ headquarters and the Hotel Jermyn housed the auxiliary headquarters.
Besides the meeting, the convention’s organizers made time for some fun for the delegates.
In the evening of June 26, the “Military Order of the Cootie” held a parade that went all around downtown Scranton. In the afternoon of June 27, a drum corps, marching bands and drill team competition was held at the Scranton-Dunmore Stadium on Monroe Avenue.
Here are images from our collection dealing with the VFW Convention –
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- The drum and bugle corps of the Forrest-Lodge Post No. 245 of Perkasie was one of the several muscial corps who performed on June 28, 1941 at the Scranton/ Dunmore Stadium. The performance was part of the festivies for the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention take in Scranton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHICES
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- The drum and bugle corps of the Sgt. Hamilton Fish Post No. 20 of Philadelphia was one of the several muscial corps who performed on June 28, 1941 at the Scranton/ Dunmore Stadium. The performance was part of the festivies for the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention take in Scranton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHICES
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- The drum and bugle corps of the Hattal-Taylor Post, No. 333, of Roxborough near Philadelphia was one of the several muscial corps who performed on June 28, 1941 at the Scranton/ Dunmore Stadium. The performance was part of the festivies for the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention take in Scranton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHICES
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- A parking meter in the 100 block of Washington Avenue was used as an improvised microphone by this trio of delegates to the 22nd annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on June 28, 1941. From left: A.E. Appleby, Dick Schooley and A.J. Bartholomew, all of Post 47, Uniontown. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Pictured are five of the leaders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here for the 22nd annual convention of the Department of Pennsylvania. The Times cameramen captured the men walking down Lackawanna Avenue in front of the Hotel Casey on June 27, 1941. From left: Col. Robert Woodside, of Pittsburgh, past national commander and Allegheny County controller; Carl B. Shelley, Harrisburg, Dauphin County District Attorney; Col. J.H. Shearer, Altoona, retired commander of Post No. 3 Altoona; Benjamin Ralsky, Bradford, past state department commander; and O.W. Graham, Pittsburgh, national Sergeant at Arms. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Greetings were exchanged many times on June 27, 1941 as delegates to the 22nd state convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Pennsylvania were out on the streets of Scranton. In this photo, from left, snapped out front of the Hotel Casey A.R. Hayden, Lansdale, president of the veterans’ home association, who first enlisted in 1889, J.G. Allen, Scotland, superintendent of the orphans’ school of the veterans’ association; is shaking hands with David Eisenhower, of Lansdale. Also in the photo are Mrs. L. Harvey, Bridgeport; R.R. Knapp, Tuttle Creek; H.E. Harvey, Downington; Wiilliam Banon, Lansdale; and C.J. Wideman, Philadelphia. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Here are few of the early arivals for the 22nd annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Pennsylvania standing out front of the Hotel Casey on June 25, 1941. Front row from left: Clif A. Gnau, Wolfe Rosenburg, Anna Belle Taylor, John W. Rankin, Edna Weader, Jeanne Mitchel, Ben Friedman and Albert F. Ceres. Second row: Wylie David, Dick Bregler, Mildred Wimer and Owen Kelly. Third row: C.E. Masten, Oliver W. Graham and William Winton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Ranking members of the Department of Pennsylvania, Veterans of Foreign Wars, were caught chatting before the start of the opening meeting at Central High School on June 26, 1941. From left Harry G. Small, of Brookfield, senior vice commander of the state department; the Rev. Darlington Kulp, of Reading, state department chaplin; and John W. Rankin, of Uniontown, commander of the state department. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- John W. Rankin, of Uniontown, commander of the Department of Pennsylvania, Veterans of Foreign Wars, declared the 22nd annual convention of the VFWs of Pennsylvania opened at the welcome meeting held at Central High School auditorium on June 26, 1941. Seated behind Rankin on the stage are ranking members of the VFW and its auxiliary units from across the state. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
A look back: Holiday Inn Scranton
On Saturday, July 3 Times-Tribune reporter Jim Lockwood wrote how local developer John Basalyga purchased the Red Carpet Inn at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Mulberry Street in Scranton. The Red Carpet Inn started out as a Holiday Inn when it opened back in 1963.
You can read about Basalyga’s plans for the property here – https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/basalyga-buys-rundown-red-carpet-inn-suites-in-downtown-scranton/article_e1595eee-cf14-58af-b64f-eed28ad06aa6.html
Here are few images from our archives dealing with the Holiday Inn –
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- Progress in the construction of the new Holiday Inn Motel can be seen in view from sixth floor of Scranton State General Hospital across Mulberry St. and Franklin Ave. on June 5, 1963. One of the sections of bedroom units can be seen in background. Steel is about completed for building at right which will house office, restaurant, meeting rooms and other facilities. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- George Homich, innkeeper of Holiday Inn in Scranton, prepares to cut motel’s first anniversary cake on Aug. 20, 1964. Looking on from left: M.D. Evans, secretary-treasurer of Central Atlantic Corp, which operates the motel; Atty. Edwin Presser, v-p and general consel of Central Atlantic; and Lloyd Kramer, clerk at the local motel who baked the cake. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Guest of the Holiday Inn are enjoying the motel’s pool on Aug. 30, 1969. The motel is across the street from the Scranton State General Hospital. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- An agreement apparently has been reached for the sale of the sprawling Best Western Motel on Mulberry Street and Franklin Avenue in Scranton on Jan 24, 1985 to a corporation created by United Penn Bank of Wilkes-Barre. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- The University Inn at Franklin Avenue and Mulberry Street, as seen on Nov. 9, 1985, has undergone $1 million renovation since the former Holiday Inn was taken over by Southern Tier Management of New York state. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Muhammad Ali, responds to question from the floor at news conference held Thursday Nov 9, 1972 at the Holiday Inn. Session was called to promote Ali’s appearance in the ring Saturday night in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Ground is broken at Mulberry St. and Franklin Ave. on Nov. 21, 1962 for 150 unit Holiday Inn Motel to be built and operated by Central Atlantic Corp., Jacksonville, Florida. Taking part in ceremony, from left: Edwin Presser, v-p and general counsel for Central Atlantic; Gordon Evans, members of Scranton Redevelopment Authority; Thomas L. Moran, SRA Chairman’ George W. Thomas, president of Central Atlantic; and Scranton Mayor William Schmidt. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Aerial view of the Holiday Inn at the corner of Mulberry St. and Frankin Ave. on Oct. 16, 1963. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- This is a hospital patient’s view of the new $2 million Holiday Inn Motel, Mulberry St. and Franklin Ave. Photo was taken from Scranton State General Hospital, across Mulberry St. on Aug 6, 1963. Target date for opening motel units is Aug. 15 and construction official said that it is expected that some of 148 units will be ready at that time. However, larger building at right, which will house the restaurant and lounge facilities will not be opened for another month. In center is partially completed swimiing pool. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- This is a hospital patient’s view of the new $2 million Holiday Inn Motel, Mulberry St. and Franklin Ave. Photo was taken from Scranton State General Hospital, across Mulberry St. on Aug 6, 1963. Target date for opening motel units is Aug. 15 and construction official said that it is expected that some of 148 units will be ready at that time. In center is partially completed swimiing pool. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Time Warp – Classic rock legends thrill Montage Mountain crowd
June 29, 2001:
It was a night of classic rock greats as Bad Company, Styx and Billy Squier performed at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain.
Nineteen-year-old up-and-coming artist Joe Stark got the crowd ready at the Scranton venue, playing a quick five-song set that included “Hang Together.”
Classic rock radio mainstay Billy Squier then started his hour-long set with “Never Die” and “The Stroke.” Guitarist Steve Conte took center stage with his performance on “My Kinda Love” and “Today’s Gone.” Later in the set, all eyes were on Squier during his falsetto performance of “Nobody Knows.”
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- Tommy Shaw, lead singer of Styx, thrills the audience at the Coors Light Amphitheater on Montage Mountain, Scranton, on June 29, 2001. Styx was on the bill with fellow hard-rock throwbacks Bad Company, Billy Squier and Joe Stark. TImes-Tribune Archives
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- Lawrence Gowan and Glen Burtnik render a heartfelt rendition of a Styx classic on keyboards and bass guitar on June 29, 2001, at the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain, Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
Bad Company had the crowd on their feet from its first song “Ain’t It Good,” and followed that with “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” The band also performed covers of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” and “I Feel Fine” and ended the set with “Running with the Pack” and “Bad Company.”
Styx rounded out the night, starting its set with “Borrowed Time,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “The Grand Illusion” before wrapping up the show with its hits “Renegade” and “Come Sail Away.”
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Time Warp – Poison, Quiet Riot bring glam rock back to Montage
Editor’s note: Over the coming weeks, Time Warp will look back at performances that took place at Montage Mountain during summer 2001.
June 20, 2001: Close to 6,000 fans of metal filled the Coors Light Amphitheater at Montage Mountain for the Glam Slam Metal Jam.
The night of metal featured Poison, Warrant, Quiet Riot and Enuff Z’Nuff. This was a return visit for Poison, which performed at Montage in 2000 with fellow rockers Cinderella, Dokken and Slaughter.
The jam started with Enuff Z’Nuff, a Chicago-based band well known for the hits “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle.”
Quiet Riot took the crowd back to the mid ’80s when it walked on stage.
“I’m gonna guess that everyone in attendance here tonight loves the music of the ’80s,” lead singer Kevin DuBrow said, and the crowd answered with generous applause. “The ’80s were not just a decade – they were a state of mind. A state of mind where you just wanna party and have a good (expletive) time.”
CC DeVille and Brett Michaels of Poison perform at Montage Mountain on June 20, 2001, as part of the Glam Slam Metal Jam. Times-Tribune Archives
Quiet Riot started its set with “Metal Health (Bang Yer Head),” “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” and “Cum on Feel the Noise.” During the latter song, DuBrow had guitarist Carlos Cavazzo climb up on his shoulders, recreating a scene from the song’s 1983 music video.
Between sets, Stanley Wender of Plains Twp. spoke with a Scranton Times reporter, recalling how he attended the Quiet Riot show in Scranton in 1983 when he was 13. This time, he brought his daughter, Samantha, to see Poison.
CC DeVille of Poison mugs for the audience during the band’s June 2001 concert at Montage Mountain. Times-Tribune Archives
“I want to be like my dad,” she said. “I look up to him, and this music’s better than that Tupac and Ja Rule.”
Cathay Paratis, also of Plains Twp., told the Times that “these bands write real music. Their songs have a lot of meaning, and they play from the heart.”
Warrant followed with its hits, such as “Cherry Pie,” “Heaven” and “Down Boys.” Poison then ended the night. Lead singer Bret Michaels, wearing a floor-length white fur coat and red jeans, got the crowd on its feet with “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” The band continued with hits such as “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Something to Believe In” and “Ride the Wind.”
Poison lead singer Bret Michaels takes the stage during the Glam Slam Metal Jam at Montage Mountain on June 20, 2001. Times-Tribune Archives
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast