Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Musical Notes: Shake It Off (The Cold, That Is)

Finally!

Winter is almost over, and spring is starting to spread around the city. It’s time to banish seasonal depression, and what better way to do it than with some music? This time, I’ve picked a few bands that are upbeat and lively to help you brush off the snowflakes and embrace the sunshine. For those of you soured by the cold and seeking sunnier days, warm up to the new season with these upbeat tunes.

SCYTHIAN, 3/3, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $15

There’s bound to be at least one Irish group in this month’s column with St. Patty’s Day coming up, and here’s one sure to lift the spirits. Scythian (pronounced sith-ee-yin), named after Ukrainian nomads, is a self-described “Immigrant Rock/Celtic-Gypsy-Americana”
group from Washington, D.C. Music critics from sources such as The Bluegrass Situation, iHeart Radio and Nashville’s Music City Roots affirm that Scythian brings a high-energy fiddle fest to each memorable performance. Near the end of this year, the band starts a tour across Ireland after traveling around the United States. If you decide to come to one of their performances, it’s highly advisable to bring some dancing shoes along with you.

AORTIC VALVE, 3/17, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $5

This local-ish favorite band knows just how to lure you out of hibernation mode. You may know Aortic Valve from their longtime stint at H*MAC, but River City also hosts these audio/visual artists. If you’ve never seen them, you’ll be wowed by their experimental style, which blends with vivid imagery set up on several screens. Sometimes, they create their own mixes from current songs, and sometimes they blow you away with their uniquely styled originals. Dancing shoes also recommended for this one, folks.

THE JIGSAW SEEN, 3/24, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10

All the way from Los Angeles, H*MAC is luring The Jigsaw Seen to the east coast for some feel-good Indie rock. This band’s been around since 1989 and has seen some serious action in their day. No stranger to television, The Jigsaw Seen’s music has been featured on shows such as “Futurama,” “Wilfred” and “Shameless.” The group is also known as a seasoned touring band, opening for acts such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Kara’s Flowers, also known as early Maroon 5. Reintroducing themselves to the touring scene, this band is perfect for newcomers or for longtime fans searching for some good vibes.

Mentionables: Sons of an Illustrious Father, March 2, The Underground Bike Shop; Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold the World, March 10, H*MAC at the Capitol Room; Low Lily, March 11, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park; Animal Logic, March 17, Little Amps downtown; Larry Keel Experience, March 24, The Abbey Bar; Babel Map, March 24, Little Amps downtown

Author: Kait Gibboney

 

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