The Electric City Music Conference

11th Annual Electric city Music Conference: September 12-14, 2024

The Electric City Music Conference has become a Scranton, PA tradition. Annually, over three Autumn days the city is transformed into a haven for musicians and music industry professionals. The unique event consists of an award ceremony, education panels, seminars, meet and greets and a city-wide music festival. The ECMC begins with Scranton’s premier night of music, The Steamtown Music Awards, where the area’s best musicians are honored and recognized for their annual achievements. On Friday and Saturday, a two-day, multi-venue music festival sees local musicians and acts from across the United States descend upon the city’s various bars and music venues. Saturday’s educational conference connects musicians with veteran music industry professionals through intimate panels, seminars and networking sessions.

Over the past 11 years, artists from every genre have performed at the Electric City Music Conference. Over 150 acts from 20 different states brought their unique musical styling to downtown Scranton. Many artists who have graced our stages have gone on to become household names. Don’t miss your chance to discover new music and potentially see the next big name in music.

Our Story

The Electric City Music Conference can trace its roots back to 2005. Organizers worked alongside and learned valuable lessons from John Phillips when he ran the Steamtown Original Music Showcase from 2005-2012. Caviston and Phillips originally brainstormed the idea for the Steamtown Music Awards in 2011, although the event never came to fruition until 2014.

In 2013, there was no music conference or festival in downtown Scranton and the void was noticeably felt. After a year’s hiatus, with the blessing of Phillips, Joe Caviston and Ken Norton developed a plan and launched the Electric City Music Conference in 2014. The first year was a scaled-back trial run of the event, with a small award ceremony, a few scattered performances Friday night, and a small festival on Saturday. The event also took place in October.

After reviewing what did and didn’t work, the current incarnation of the Steamtown Music Awards and Electric City Music Conference was born. The first major change, the event is now annually held on the second or third weekend in September. In 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event took place virtually and in 2021 it took place in November, due to COVID surges. The awards have become a focal point and a two-day music festival was established.

Here we are, 10 years later, and ready to launch the 11th Annual Electric City Music Conference & Steamtown Music Awards. Coming to NEPA on September 12-14, 2024!

Want to know more? Watch this amazing video interview by our friends at NEPA Scene!