Folks dance during an Italian Lake concert last year.
As the weather warms, live music takes to the great outdoors in Uptown Harrisburg, with five concerts slated over the course of the summer at Italian Lake.
This year, Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is adding two shows to its Italian Lake Music Series, with concerts every two weeks through mid-August.
Both local and national acts will be featured, and the fun kicks off this weekend.
“We’re excited to have these bands near and far for people to enjoy and listen to,” said Derek Whitesel, HYP’s executive director. “It’s really about getting the community together in and outside of Harrisburg city and having a good time.”
First up this Sunday, June 10, is Mark DeRose and the Dreadnought Brigade. DeRose has opened for national touring artists such as Rusted Root and The Sugar Hill Gang and performed during the NFL halftime show for the Baltimore Ravens. According to HYP, the roots-rock sound is perfect for fans of Van Morrison, Counting Crows and The Band.
The Singers Lounge is next to the stage on June 24. This collection of singers and musicians specializes in cover songs–everything from ‘90s hits to Motown.
On July 8, Sub-Radio, a pop-rock band from Washington, D.C., will bring its sound to Harrisburg. Run the Willow is next, on July 22. This Gettysburg, Pa., band produces an electric folk-rock sound with melodic vocals to match.
Roanoke closes out the series on Aug. 12. According to HYP, the folk/Americana group is known for its vibrant live shows, appealing to fans of The Civil Wars, The Lumineers or The Head and the Heart.
“We’re fortunate that [in] the last couple of years I have been involved with HYP, more and more people are starting to know and come out to the concert series,” Whitesel said. “Before we even got a chance to release when the concerts were, people were reaching out to me and others to try to find out, so they can plan their summer.”
Years ago, the music series at Italian Lake was hosted by the city. After several dormant years, HYP picked it up and revived it.
“It was something that our members and even all of Harrisburg enjoyed going to and being a part of,” Whitesel said. “People were sad when the city was not doing it. So, it seemed like a good opportunity for us to start doing concerts there throughout the summer.”
Last year, the series had around 1,000 attendees throughout the summer. With the addition of dates, Whitesel hopes the number of guests will increase.
“Harrisburg is such an awesome place, particularly the city, and I think some of our city parks, especially Italian Lake, are really under-utilized,” he said. “So it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase some of the most beautiful parts of Harrisburg city while [giving] some family-fun entertainment to do on a Sunday evening.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. A food truck will be on site, as well.
The Italian Lake Music Series begins this Sunday, June 10, 6 to 8 p.m. For more information visit hyp.org/events.
