Gov’t Mule. Photograph by Anna Webber.
Fall has always been my favorite season, and November my favorite month. Most people don’t look forward to the colder weather and less abundant sunshine, but hear me out. The reason this time of year is my favorite is mostly because fall is the month for the leaves to turn those wonderful Pennsylvania colors we all know and love. As tree leaves grow older, the vibrant colors appear almost to convince the observer that old things can be something new and exciting again. This month, I’m fixated on some musical throwbacks that prove that updated oldies can be goodies.
GOV’T MULE, 11/4, 8PM, THE FORUM, starts at $32
This event is definitely one of Harrisburg’s hidden gems this month. Gov’t Mule is a ‘90s rock band formed originally as a side project by Warren Haynes and Allen Woody of the Allman Brothers Band. Joined by drummer Matt Abts from the Dickey Betts Band, they started as a low-budget experimental rock trio and grew to the popularity they know today. If you’ve never heard them, check out “Life on the Outside,” a bluesy rock ballad with just a touch of old-school country. In 2016, the band has been touring extensively and recently released “The Tel-Star Sessions,” an album comprised of demos from 1994. This band will remind you of the good old days of American rock n’ roll.
JONATHAN RAGONESE & STEVE RUDOLPH TRIO, 11/6, 2PM, MIDTOWN CINEMA, $15
I know it’s a bit weird to feature a film in the music column, but stay with me. This month, Midtown Cinema will show the silent film, “The General,” accompanied by local legends Jonathan Ragonese and the Steve Rudolph Trio. The film is a classic silent comedy from 1926 starring Buster Keaton, telling the story of a Civil War-era man rejected by the Confederate army and desperate to get his beloved train back from Union spies. Just like in the old days, live music will provide the soundtrack for the matinee, played by saxophonist Ragonese and pianist Rudolph. Whether you like silent films or old-time jazz, this event will transport you back to the days of flappers, spats and bathtub gin.
FLUX CAPACITOR, 11/26, ABBEY BAR, 10PM, $7/$10
If you like old school, classic psychedelic rock like I do, you’re going to love these guys. This up-and-coming band, originally from the Philadelphia area, is self-styled as “neopsychedelic rock” and was the “Tri-State Indie Jam Band of the Year” in 2013 and 2015. When listening to these funky, dreamy tunes, you can tell the band gets its inspiration from a blend of well-known artists, such as Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Phish, Tool and Bob Marley. Their lengthy jams will keep you entertained with guitar shredding reminiscent of the days of Zeppelin and Santana, intricate ‘70s keyboard and Rasta drums. Flux Capacitor is currently on tour throughout the Northeast, centering mainly on their home state of Pennsylvania. Be sure to catch these guys if you’re looking an evening filled with mind-bending flower power.
Mentionables: Livingston Taylor & Tom Chapin w/Eva, Nov. 5, H*MAC; Henry Rollins Spoken Word Tour, Nov. 7, Whitaker Center; Cassie & Maggie McDonald, Nov. 13, Abbey Bar; Cheetah Chrome w/The Bo Deadlys, Nov. 17, H*MAC; Start Making Sense, Nov. 19, Abbey Bar; Community Concert of Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, The Forum; The Machine, Nov. 23, Whitaker Center
Author: Kait Gibboney
