Smart Talk debuts “First Friday” focusing on the arts

Lancaster Roots and Blues and Sprocket Mural Works on first program

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

 Joe Ulrich / WITF

Smart Talk is premiering a new and special feature – “First Friday.” The first Friday of every month we’re devoting the program to the arts, with particular attention to the arts in central Pennsylvania. We’ll talk with artists, musicians, actors, directors – anyone and anything connected to the arts.

The debut of Smart Talk First Friday includes a look at the comeback of one of the region’s largest music festivals and art in the form of murals throughout the region.

Our first conversation is on Lancaster Roots and Blues, A Festival of Music and Art that features 80 musicians performing 100 concerts at seven venues on 10 stages October 15^th, 16^th and 17^th..  Festival director Rich Ruoff is with us.

Then we’ll hear from Sprocket Mural Works, that is producing its 50^th mural in Harrisburg this weekend with an eye toward community and diversity. Sprocket’s President and Co-Founder Meg Caruso and mural artist Bryan Hickman join us in conversation.