This is the month when my resolution to go to more live shows really kicks off. Harrisburg has a jam-packed March—from homegrown bands like Yam Yam to major artists like Third Eye Blind. I’m personally going to three concerts this month just because the Harrisburg area is being blessed with so many amazing artists. Some of them are new to the music scene, and some of them have made a name for themselves for decades. Either way, I’m pumped.
Certainly So, 3/3, XL Live, 8 p.m.
Certainly So is a semi-new band that formed in September 2019. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, John Mayer and many others, they have an eclectic singer-songwriter vibe. Two of the members, Tanner Gray and Colby Wilson, were childhood friends who parted ways for college. While in college, Gray met the rhythm section, Chase Porter and Zach Corder. However, the band didn’t form until a couple of years after they finished school. Certainly So has curated a unique sound with a range of music that can feel melodic and down-to-earth or speedy and upbeat. I’ve personally had their song, “Dizzy,” on repeat for weeks. It’s got an exciting start, which carries through till the end.
alt-J, 3/16, XL Live, 8 p.m.
Forming in 2007, alt-J has made a splash on the music scene. Originating from Leeds in the United Kingdom, their first few years were spent in college creating music, as well as their debut album, “An Awesome Wave,” which came out in 2012. Alt-J’s music has a full sound. If you listen to a single song enough times, you can pick apart the layers that make it up. Some have been featured on shows and movies, such as “Left Hand Free,” the theme song for the Netflix show, “Outer Banks.” Their debut album was the only one I had in my car when I was in high school. I could honestly listen to the whole thing on repeat for hours. It’s hard to compare alt-J to another band because their sound is so distinctive.
Yam Yam, 3/17, H*MAC, 7 p.m.
Yam Yam got their start in Harrisburg in 2015, but the band now performs around the country. This funky band has an interesting styling. They have the typical guitar, keys and drums setup, but the addition of a saxophone gives their music greater quality and depth. I would describe Yam Yam as having a “groovy” sound, as they pull in influences from 1970s-era soul music, often overlaid with a jazzy vibe. These Harrisburg boys also have a killer stage presence, and their music makes me want to get up and move. It’s upbeat and positive, which makes it hard to stay still while hearing it, especially when experiencing it live.
Mentionables
- The Grateful Shred, March 1, H*MAC
- Everclear, March 2, XL Live
- Kings Of Thrash, March 5, H*MAC
- Jxdn, March 15, XL Live
- Cold, March 23, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
- Third Eye Blind, March 23, Hershey Theatre
March Concerts:
3/3
Certainly So
XL Live
8 p.m.
3/5
Kings of Thrash
H*MAC
7 p.m.
3/16
alt-J
XL Live
8 p.m.
3/17
YAM YAM
H*MAC
7 p.m.
3/23
Third Eye Blind
Hershey Theatre
8 p.m.
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