Supersuckers
You know, Harrisburg’s really got it going on with music. We may be a small city, but it’s full of talented musicians ready to share their sound.
This month, I’m celebrating a year living in Harrisburg. So, I think it’s only fitting to show some city pride in my column. A large part of what drew me here was its unique community of musicians. A lot of my friends, neighbors and coworkers are into the local music scene through their bands, and they often perform in spaces around the city. Last spring marked the first time I started going to shows at spots like H*MAC and the Makespace. For the sake of nostalgia, these are my (mostly) local picks of some alternative rock shows coming up that remind me of my first year here. I wouldn’t want to jam anywhere else. Cheers!
HOT JAM FACTORY, 5/12, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10
This show is lining up to be a local band triple threat. Hot Jam Factory is a fairly well known band originally hailing from Harrisburg. Joining HJF for the evening are fellow Harrisburg natives, indie folk singer-songwriter Marie Danielle and the alternative rock group, The Give Take. Starting as a two-piece band at H*MAC’s notorious open mic nights, Hot Jam Factory expanded their sound and eventually moved on to open for MTV’s 2011 Winter Tour. This art rock group has a lot of high-energy, experimental tunes that will make you want to dance and sway the night away. If you like some good, guitar-heavy garage rock sounds like I do, I recommend their song “Cold Water” on their “Checkered Past” album.
SPACE PARTY, 5/20, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
Break out the metallic fabrics, chunky moon boots and star-shaped sunglasses because it’s time to boogie on down. Shawan and the Wonton is set to headline this interstellar evening with friends Gobbo and DJ Star Dog. Lead singer Shawan Rice’s style melds blues, jazz and R&B together into some healing music magic. Her rich vocals blend well with the band’s chill vibes, produced by Mike Dempsey on keys, Billy Cave on lead guitar, Xander Moppin on bass, Jason Mescia on winds and Logan Bedard and Dani Fiore on percussion. The event promises to be an “inclusive space escapade” that highly encourages costumes and props. Space cowboys and aliens alike welcome here.
THE STONEWALL VESSELS, 5/27, 8PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $10
Hailing from Lancaster County, this group is close enough to be considered local-ish. The Stonewall Vessels will team up with locals Sun & Rain for a dynamic evening of high-flying psychedelic rock. This band is known for playing with various acts ranging from pop punk to metal. The Stonewall Vessels enjoy taking advantage of their hard-to-pin-down nature to spread some energetic jams locally and nationally. This five-piece is bound to intrigue you with their soaring vocals and varied rock influences. Their single, “The Great Swindle,” draws you in with the smooth guitar, and the lively instrumentals don’t let you slow down once you’re strapped in.
Mentionables: Supersuckers, May 5, Abbey Bar; Doughland Stucks, May 5, Little Amps downtown; The Maccabeats, May 7, Whitaker Center; Pinegrove, May 7, H*MAC Capitol Room; Dossey, May 11, Spring Gate Vineyard; Peter Paulsen Quintet, May 26, River City Blues Club
5/5
SUPERSUCKERS
ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON STREET, HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM
5/7
THE MACCABEATS
WHITAKER CENTER
222 MARKET ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 3:30PM
5/12
HOT JAM FACTORY
H*MAC STAGE ON HERR
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM
5/20
SPACE PARTY
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM
5/27
THE STONEWALL VESSELS
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 8PM
Author: Kait Gibboney
