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For Wilkes-Barre musician and comedian, Eric Perluke, an appreciation for the plight of the Northeastern Pennsylvania artist added a point to his creative resume — variety show host.
Perluke, along with film editor Jamie Wood of Hazleton, has broadcast “The Loomis Show” since July 2015. The web series ia a vehicle of exposure for local artists, a platform for Perluke’s interests, a forum for profound discussion and a catalyst for business opportunities.
Playing in bands like Original Sin and his current project Winter Hill, Perluke faced the reality of thin crowds at local venues. He realized the importance of a digital presence for local artists.
“More people can watch you at night on Youtube than will come to your show,” Perluke said.
Named after Perluke’s nickname, the show features area musicians such as Zayre Mountain, Katie Kelly, Rich Janov; visual artist Emily Glycenfer, comedian Zach Hammond and film director James Merolla.
Perlukes partner in Winter Hill, Parsons resident, A.J. Bartoletti, wrote the theme song for the show and handles other musical responsibilities.
“I’ve always thought we have talented people around here,” Perluke said. “Helping out the local scene is the most rewarding part of this.”
Merolla talked about his film, “Red Room,” and joined the crew of the web series shortly after.
The show is shot in six hour film sessions, where the trio gets as much footage as they can to post future episodes.
“That’s the trick, is to keep punching out videos, because people forget about you,” Perluke said.
“The Loomis Show” has garnered modest followings on both Youtube and Facebook, but some single episodes have seen nearly 1,000 likes.
Some segments have been dedicated to predictions and discussion about UFC bouts. Talking about fighter and media sensation Connor McGregor has attracted subscribers from Ireland.
The web series has also attracted business for Perluke and Wood. They’ve filmed music videos for local acts The Catacomb Creeps and The Clamstompers.
“Bands that don’t have money to be recorded can come to us for a small fee,” Perluke said.
The pair has also done a commercial for Wilkes-Barre lawyer Michael P. Kelly in which Perluke acts a man dealing with a DUI charge. The commercial has aired on TV stations WBRE and WYOU.
“We try to get as creative as possible … no boundaries,” Perluke said.
Perluke even used the show to discuss intimate issues. Sober for six months, he addressed his own battle with substance abuse in an episode called “Coping With Addiction.”
“I figured even if it hits one person, that’s enough for me,” Perluke said.
Wood said the idea of the show was a mixture of “Wayne’s World” and “Trailer Park Boys.” Perluke’s personality, he said, makes for great entertainment.
“He’ll put himself in vulnerable positions and just run with it and go,” Wood said. “For better or for worse, it’s going to be a good story.”