Grab your spritzing fans, swipe on some sunblock and buckle up because this August is full of great music in the area, humidity or not!
I had such a hard time narrowing down my picks for this month and would like to give a special mention for a few more. Local darlings Cumberland Honey have two local shows this month— first, at Fort Hunter Barn on Aug. 15, presented by Susquehanna Folk Music Society and Dauphin County Parks & Rec, and then they’ll play the Abbey Bar on Friday, Aug. 22.
The next set of gigs I’d like to highlight are back-to-back at Phantom Power in Millersville and, IMO, worth the hike. Country songwriter Sunny Sweeney hits the stage on Aug. 19, and alt faves AJJ come for a show on Aug. 20. Another show worth traveling for is briefly mentioned below. Do not sleep on Lizzie No when she comes to Valencia Ballroom in York at the end of the month.
BACK TO ROOTS
8/2, Midstate Shows presents The Head and the Heart, Riverfront Park
For fans of early 2010s indie Americana, I cannot emphasize enough how refreshing it is to listen to The Head and the Heart’s latest album, “Aperture.” It is a return to form in the best possible way, and it was so fun to speak with pianist Kenny Hensley from the band for a feature in the July issue to learn more about this next phase of their art. Even for concertgoers who attended the 2023 show in Riverfront Park, this evening will be a unique performance. See you in the crowd!
TEENAGE DIRTBAGS
8/8, Wheatus, XL Live
The ’90s are alive in Harrisburg! Rock band Wheatus celebrates 25 years of its self-titled debut album this year, playing the record in full and embracing fan requests from the past three decades of music. Wheatus has experienced a resurgence from Tik Tok trends using the band’s music from epic moments on recent tour stops and collabs with Ed Sheeran, as well as crowds singing along to fan faves like “Punk Ass Bitch” and the band’s well-known cover of “A Little Respect.” Experience it for yourself at XL Live.
SHAKE IT
8/15, Fitz and the Tantrums w/Snacktime, XL Live
Funk things up with Fitz and the Tantrums this month and be sure to get there early enough to catch opener Snacktime. Soul outfit Snacktime is just a blast to watch. I’ve seen them play and am consistently impressed with their sound and vocals. Check out their newest track, “Sunshine,” for a real summer bop. Indie pop mainstays Fitz and the Tantrums are supporting their new album, “Man on the Moon,” which the band says is their effort “daring to be different.” Expect to hear new singles like “Ruin the Night” and the title track, though I’m hoping we’ll also get to hear some old favorites like “Moneygrabber” and “Breakin’ the Chains of Love,” and maybe even “News 4 U.” Having caught Fitz, Noelle and the gang a few times, I can vouch that you’ll feel the band’s electricity in their grooves, stage presence and chemistry.
If you’ve caught word of a cool gig that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].
HONORABLE MENTIONS
8/3, Midstate Shows Presents Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley, Riverfront Park
8/9, Susquehanna Folk Music Society Apprenticeship Celebration, Fredricksen Library
8/9, Outlaw Music Festival, Hersheypark Stadium
8/15, Meaghan Farrell, Strawberry Square Music Series
8/17, Jonas Brothers w/Marshmello, Hersheypark Stadium
8/23, Sons of Pitches, The Abbey Bar
8/28, Kable House Presents Lizzie No, Valencia Ballroom
8/30, Tuba Skinny, Mt. Gretna Playhouse
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