Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Songs & Sunshine: Get some positive energy into your life

Xiu Xiu. Photograph by Cara Robbins.

It seems that, as soon as spring is in full force, everybody is out doing things and being active. Positive energy is all around, and events around the city are in full swing.

If you’re still getting over feeling cooped up over the long winter like I am, you may be in need of a good concert to get you into the spring mood. This month, I’ve found a few different bands with some feel-good sounds. No matter what your tastes, you’re bound to find something here to give you the energetic boost you need to get through those inevitable April showers.

XIU XIU, 4/8, 7PM, DER MAENNERCHOR, $15

I’m not going to lie—I’m super excited for this show. Xiu Xiu is an underground indie rock band known for their experimental, supernatural sounds. Last year, while finalizing their new album “FORGET,” the band released another album, “Plays the Music of Twin Peaks.” Around the same time, they collaborated with singer-songwriter Mitski on a song for a soon-to-be-released John Cameron Mitchell film, composed music for Danh Vo for his art exhibitions, recorded an album with Merzbow, and scored their own reworked, experimental version of Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute.” Whew! These guys have clearly been busy with some new material, so now is the time to see them. If you need another excuse to go to Der Maennerchor, Moviate, Harrisburg’s source for underground and independent entertainment, is turning 20. So, come out and celebrate!

SAMANTHA FISH, 4/15, 9PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $20

Blues has slowly been making its way into my heart, so here’s your chance to get into that Americana roots mood with me. You may have heard Samantha Fish’s song, “Let’s Have Some Fun,” featuring some skillful, southern-esque guitar and playful, yet sultry, vocals. Her most recent album release, “Wild Heart,” is her third studio release featuring Samantha on guitars, Luther Dickinson on various strings and Brady Blade on drums, and featuring other guests such as Lightnin’ Malcolm on guitar, Shardé Thomas on drums and Memphis session singers Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Risse Norman. The album was recorded in three different studios while on the road from Louisiana to Mississippi, so you know it’s dripping with that southern soul. Join her in the Capitol Room at H*MAC for some down-to-earth tunes.

SPIRITUAL REZ, 4/21, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $10-12

Nothing gives you better vibes than reggae music, and that’s a fact. Spiritual Rez is like what happens when reggae, funk and ska mix with Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at a dance party. Their sound is full of layered, groovy instrumentals and soulful vocals, providing the perfect conditions to work on your rusty dance moves. You can find their latest album, “Setting in the West,” on their website and listen to it if you want a taste of what’s to come. I recommend “Together Always” for a relaxing yet upbeat song to start your day.

Mentionables: Shakespace, April 1, H*MAC; Solar Federation Performing the Music of Rush, April 1, The Abbey Bar; Black Black Beast, April 7, Little Amps downtown; GL8TM, April 15, River City Blues Club; Country Music Festival, April 22, Spring Gate Vineyard; Average White Band, April 27, Whitaker Center

4/7 – BLACK BLACK BEAST
LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN
133 STATE ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7 PM

4/8 – XIU XIU
DER MAENNERCHOR
221 NORTH ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7PM

4/15 – SAMANTHA FISH
H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

4/21 – SPIRITUAL REZ
ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

4/27 – AVERAGE WHITE BAND
WHITAKER CENTER
222 MARKET ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7:30PM

Author: Kait Gibboney

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