As the summer draws to a close, there are still plenty of chances to catch live music in the midstate. Whether you prefer a smaller, intimate venue or a sold-out stadium, there is something coming this month for everyone.
I personally believe that the concerts lined up for August are even better than those that came earlier in the summer. There are a lot of big names coming to Hersheypark Stadium and Hollywood Casino, as well as some very talented musicians headed to places like Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park and The Englewood in Hershey.
Here are the shows that you won’t want to miss:
Lord Huron, 8/20, 8 p.m., Riverfront Park, $55
When I spoke to Frank Schofield, Harrisburg University’s director of live entertainment and media services, about their summer concert series, he told me that Lord Huron was selling the most tickets. And rightfully so. This indie band’s music is described as having “cinematic flair.” You can hear that in their song, “The Night We Met,” which some may recognize from TikTok. Lord Huron’s music is often guitar-driven, exemplified on tunes like “I Lied” and “Ends of the Earth.” They’re sure to put on quite the show as they take the stage this month in Riverfront Park.
Lady Gaga, 8/28, 7:30 p.m., Hersheypark Stadium, $108-$450
In my opinion, this is the biggest name to come to the Harrisburg area this summer. The Grammy and Oscar award-winner is bringing her “Chromatica Ball” tour to only 18 cities across the globe, with one of them being Hershey. Gaga will perform songs from her 2020 “Chromatica” album, including the hit “Rain on Me” featuring Ariana Grande. Although this concert will most likely draw a younger crowd, fans of any age will be able to appreciate hearing hits like “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance” live.
Cordovas, 8/30, 8 p.m., The Englewood, $25
Cordovas is a folk-rock band from Tennessee, and they are phenomenal. I am so glad I discovered their music because they’re a group worth checking out. Their new album, “Destiny Hotel,” focuses on the theme of openness, with songs like “Afraid No More” and “Destiny” being about living freely and authentically. This band is sure to delight not only fans of folk, rock and country, but also fans of musicians who tell stories.
Mentionables
- Steve Forbert and the New Renditions, Aug. 6, The Englewood
- Santana and Earth, Wind and Fire, Aug. 6, Hersheypark Stadium
- “Weird” Al Yankovic, Aug. 6 & 7, American Music Theatre
- Creed Bratton, Aug. 10, H*MAC
- The Toasters, Aug. 11, H*MAC
- JJ Grey and Mofro, Aug. 11, XL Live
- Courtney Barnett, Aug. 12, XL Live
- Susquehanna Folk Festival, Aug. 12-14, York Expo Center
- Ballyhoo! and Shwayze, Aug. 18, XL Live
- Chris Young ft. Rodney Atkins, Aug. 13, My Heroes Stage at Hollywood Casino
- Rick Springfield, Men at Work and John Waite, Aug. 20, My Heroes Stage at Hollywood Casino
- The Beach Boys, Aug. 21, American Music Theatre
- Chris Stapleton, Aug. 27, Hersheypark Stadium
- Alesana, Aug. 28, H*MAC
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