The Sherman Theater, located in downtown Stroudsburg, has expanded its popular independent rock series to include community fundraising efforts and youth leadership programming.

The Sherman’s full time staff, the people responsible for shows Like Weird Al, Bob Weir, and the most recently the Rocky Horror Picture show, will now be handling all aspects of the local independent series. In the past the organization has successfully co-promoted events with other booking agencies but has decided to promote the shows themselves to allow room for more community outreach opportunity.

“We decided that it was time to make a more consistent product and streamline the process for bands to be able to play here,” said Sherman programming director Cheryl Yosh. “With so many bands excited about playing here, as well as the opportunity to book bands at other facilities, it just makes sense to keep everything in house.”

In order to keep community opinion close at heart, the Sherman has implemented a new advisory board made up of local concert goers, primarily teenagers, and band members to help keep the theater “on track” and to ensure a fair opportunity for everyone to play. The advisory board will meet for the second time this Saturday to continue plans for the theater’s December and January Independent Rock Series events.

In addition to the advisory board the Sherman will be directing a portion of the proceeds from the Independent Rock Series to local charities. “By empowering the youth of our community we believe that we will help them engage themselves in our community,” said Executive Director Richard Berkowitz, “as well as let the community get a feel for the positive things the youth of our community can do.”

Berkowitz expects the rock shows to continue to be the biggest in the Poconos, especially with the addition of new bands and a 34 foot video game screen for use during shows. “The support these young people have given the Sherman Theater Art Center has been amazing. They deserve this space and they deserve the recognition within our community,” said Berkowitz.

For additional information about this music series, to get your favorite band to play or to find out how your kids can be a part of the success, contact info@shermantheater.com or call the Sherman Theater at 570-420-2808. For show information visit www.shermantheater.com.