Scranton’s got rhythm—and for the last two decades, it’s been swinging to the sound of jazz. In this episode, Sydney Harris sits down with Marko Marcinko, founder and artistic director of the Scranton Jazz Festival, to reflect on 20 years of music, momentum, and community.
What began as a modest summer concert has evolved into a nationally recognized, three-day celebration that transforms downtown into a jazz-filled hub of culture and connection. From brass bands in the streets to big band headliners at the Cultural Center, the Scranton Jazz Festival blends global talent with Pennsylvania pride—and honors the region’s deep jazz roots, from the Dorsey Brothers to today’s rising stars. Tune in as Marcinko shares why jazz is “the ultimate version of democracy" and why Scranton might just be the coolest place to hear America’s greatest export.
