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Normally this space is reserved for one of three things: talk of upcoming events around the area, talk of trends in the area or random crap spilling from my brain that most of you probably can’t make sense of anyway.

But once in a while something pops up in my column that matters and this is (unfortunately) one of those days.

The Scranton area recently lost a long-time musician with the passing of William Bromage Sr. The long-time drummer was well known throughout the area for playing in numerous bands throughout his career, as well as being a founding member of the Tranquilizers in 1956 and playing with Joe Noto and the Diplomats, and the Pete Mills Band.

Even back then, the music scene was a competitive place and the long list of bands he played with proves Bromage had plenty of talent, much of which he passed on to his son, William Jr., a drummer in the band Isle Rising.

Electric City sends its condolences to Bromage’s family and friends. He will be missed.


Drawing near

We’re less than two months from the first Pages & Places Book Festival on Oct. 3 in downtown Scranton, which means organizers are making their final preparations and raising the last few dollars to help make the event a kick-ass time for book nerds, myself included. They’re planning a fundraiser on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Southern Union Building at 417 Lackawanna Ave.

The event, Bourbon and Beaujolais, features samplings of whiskey and Beaujolais (a French wine), as well as cheese from iGourmet and cigars from the Scranton Cigar Club. The tasting will be hosted by Dionysus Downtown. The event donation is $50, is tax deductible and can be paid at the door in cash or by check, or by credit card online. Reservations are required by visiting www.pagesandplaces.org.


More my style

Whiskey and wine aren’t really up my alley, although there are some mornings where I could use a stiff drink to get me through the first few hours in the office. Fortunately, The Bog is now part of the downtown coffee business — missed that with the cover story last week; sorry! — with coffee (the non-alcoholic variety), organic tea and homemade goodies starting at 7:30 a.m. each day. They’re also selling reusable coffee sleeves made at GreenBeing.

So now you can have a few adult beverages while listening to some live tunes at The Bog at night, then stop by a few hours later on the way to work to grab a coffee to help flush the “cobwebs” from your head.


Why vacation sucks

I spent four days in Myrtle Beach, S.C., before returning Monday night and let me tell you, it was difficult to walk back into the office Tuesday morning. The weather was in the high 80s and low 90s down there, I think I saw one cloud the entire time and the ocean water was simply perfect. Not to mention the many bikinis bouncing around on the beach on the weekend.

Considering the lack of nice weather in the 570 this summer, the lack of bikinis in the 570 all the time and the countless e-mails, voice mails, faxes and headaches awaiting me at my desk, I’m wondering why I bothered driving home.


Barbed Wire

Just a reminder that Rube Lomax is on vacation this week. The Barbed Wire column will return next week.
-rshemanski@timesshamrock.com