There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to the music scene in the Harrisburg area, as the growth we’ve seen over the last few years continues. The Champ, previously a mainstay for the DIY scene during the oughts and 2010s, reopened at a new location at 600 Valley Rd. in Summerdale this past fall and is already booking some exciting lineups for this winter and spring.
As a nearly lifelong resident of the area, I’ve been so happy to see music returning to great community spaces like The Abbey Bar and the reopening of the West Shore Theatre in recent years. I’d be remiss not to mention that you should keep your eyes on the Broad Street Market and the Strawberry Square Music Series for live music during 3rd in the Burg, as well!
And, if your venue or friends have a show coming up that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].
RIDE THE WAVE
2/1, Delta Wave and Strangest Hearts, Little Amps
Regional Americana/indie project Delta Wave is joined by rockers Strangest Hearts at Little Amps (133 State St. location) on Feb. 1. The coffeeshop’s after-hours shows are always such a great time, and Delta Wave’s cool sound is the perfect vibe for this atmosphere. Keep an eye on @deltawaveband and @littleampscoffee’s social media accounts for details on the show. A $10 donation will be collected at the door.
FOLKIN’ IT UP
2/7, San Miguel Fraser, Fort Hunter Barn
Susquehanna Folk Music Society has been consistently booking shows that explore what’s historically been considered folk music in the United States, and this is no exception. Maria San Miguel and Galen Fraser are doing some interesting work fusing together tenets of traditional Castilian music through a Celtic lens. It’s warm and beautiful and has a liveliness to it that will transport you right into any ballroom you see on “Bridgerton” (though, don’t expect any SIA covers). Highly recommend checking out the duo’s 2023 album, “Dots of Light.”
DISCOVERY
2/22, Babel Map, Distant Humming, Natalie Ness, And Also Bye, Le Ghast, The Champ
Do not pass on this show. Go directly to the Champ on Feb. 22.
I’ve previously written about the talents of Babel Map, Le Ghast and Natalie Ness in this column (so please go listen to them!!!), but WOW, what talent we have! Indie outfit And Also Bye’s vocalist Sarah Ford has such a full voice that it calls to mind early demos from Hayley Williams of Paramore. The composition on tracks like “Filters” and “ADHD” is so beautiful, and the sound layering is rich and interesting. I’m so impressed and can’t wait to hear more from this group. Frederick, Md.-based artist Distant Humming’s short but sweet “grackles” is also a fun indie track.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
2/1, Joey Harkum, The Abbey Bar
2/1, Ghøstkid, HAWK, Crucifiction, The Champ
2/4, Lettuce and GZA, XL Live
2/7, Big Sky Quartet Album Release Show with The Wild Hymns, The Abbey Bar
2/14, Ahee, H*MAC
2/21, The Murphy Beds, Fort Hunter Barn
2/22, The Maxwell Project: The Music of Earth, Wind and Fire and other R&B Legends, West Shore Theatre
2/28, Motown with a Twist: An Evening with Erica Lyn Everest, Shea Quinn, Dr. Nyce & Friends, West Shore Theatre
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