Wow, there’s a lot going on in July.
Spring Gate is hosting a few food and drink festivals with local and touring artists. Tribute bands for AC/DC and the Grateful Dead are in town playing a few rad shows. 717 Entertainment is celebrating its 100th show at the Abbey Bar, with several bands lined up. There’s even a band that will be playing on the Pride of the Susquehanna. Summer is great, y’all. Here are a few shows I chose of the many happening around Harrisburg that you lovely readers have to look forward to this month.
HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR, 7/7, 7PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $7
Ever since the Underground Bike Shop opened up a few months ago, Ian Morrison, owner and operator, has been hosting a few shows through the Makespace, Little Amps and others. It’s my new favorite place to hear some great music, and, this time, Homeless Gospel Choir will be headlining with some local and touring bands mixed in. HGC is from Pittsburgh and specializes in a folky mix of punk and gospel. If you want to get a sense of their sound, the EP “Normal” is available on bandcamp.com. This is definitely summer jam music that feels fresh yet nostalgic. Joining them on the bill are locals Small Pollen and Apes of the State with touring band Early Riser from Brooklyn.
GINGER COYLE, 7/9, 6PM, ITALIAN LAKE, FREE
I haven’t lived in Harrisburg for too long, but I’ve often heard how fun the concerts are at Italian Lake. Something just seems so right about sitting in a lawn chair with friends, family and neighbors and enjoying great live music together. It’s the perfect summer activity, and it’s free. Can’t beat that. This year, Ginger Coyle graces the stage with her “soul music for conscious souls.” Coyle has been performing since she was 14 and hasn’t slowed down since. After cultivating a mainstream music career, she left the industry to pursue her own authentic, unique sound. Today, this indie singer-songwriter produces music that is uplifting, edgy and intimate. Pull up a lawn chair or lay down a blanket for the best experience possible.
ARC IRIS, 7/14, 8PM, GAMUT THEATRE, $12
Typically a destination for stage performances, Gamut Theatre is opening its doors for a unique performance by Arc Iris. This indie rock group from Providence, R.I., has been touring for three years, releasing two albums during this time. Now, they’re ready to share their newest project. A huge musical influence for band members has always been Joni Mitchell, especially for Jocie Adams, the band’s lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. For this performance, Arc Iris will perform their re-imagination of Joni Mitchell’s iconic album “Blue.” If you’re a huge Joni Mitchell fan like my mum or if you’re in the mood for a modern take on a classic album, don’t sleep on this.
Mentionables: Back in Black, July 8, H*MAC Capitol Room; Hydroponic Philharmonic, July 22, Pride of the Susquehanna; Jeffrey Lewis, July 25, Little Amps Uptown; Plain White T’s, July 29, Whitaker Center; 717 Entertainment 100th Show Celebration, July 29, Abbey Bar
Author: Kait Gibboney
