Legendary bassist Ron Carter joins the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band for a special guest performance at the Scranton Cultural Center on Sunday, August 9, at 6:00 PM ET. It’s one of the marquee sets of the festival weekend, and it’s happening entirely indoors — so no matter what’s going on outside, the show itself is set.
Getting There: Watch the Late-Day Sky
The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 89°F on Sunday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 PM. Winds should stay light, around 0 to 5 mph out of the southwest, so this isn’t a windy-day concern — it’s a get-caught-in-a-downpour-on-the-walk-in concern.
With a 6 PM start and a 30% chance of precipitation building through the afternoon, there’s a real possibility of a stray shower or rumble of thunder right around doors and arrival time. That matters for the walk from your car to the Cultural Center, not for anything happening once you’re inside. Budget a few extra minutes to get from parking to the entrance, and keep an eye on the sky as you head out the door.
Once you’re through the doors, forget about the forecast entirely — this is a theater show, and the weather has zero bearing on the music.
What to Bring (and Not Bring)
Skip the festival-day gear. There’s no need for sunscreen, ponchos, or hydration packs for an indoor evening set — save that mindset for the outdoor stages. This is a sit-down, listen-close kind of night with a jazz legend.
Do think about layers, though. Theaters and cultural centers often run on the cooler side once the AC is fighting an 89°F day outside, so a light layer or jacket for the show itself isn’t a bad call, even though it’ll feel warm on the way in.
Practical Tips
- Arrive early. Give yourself buffer time for parking and the walk in, especially with afternoon storms possible.
- Check bag policies before you go — venues like the Cultural Center typically limit bag size for evening performances.
- Dress for two climates: warm and possibly damp outside, cool and comfortable inside.
Ron Carter’s résumé speaks for itself, and hearing him alongside the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band is a rare pairing worth planning around. Get to the Cultural Center with time to spare, shake off any raindrops at the door, and let the set take it from there.