Whether this is your favorite time of the year, or you’re just relieved this year is ending, there are some incredible performers coming to the greater Harrisburg area in December to keep your spirits lifted, and maybe—just maybe—get you to boogie.
LET’S DANCE
12/7-8, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & The Philly Sound,” The Forum
After seeing the Luther Vandross documentary “Luther: Never Too Much” this fall, I’ve been craving more of the Philly Sound, so more of the genre has made its way into my playlists over the last two months (highly recommend this for a mood boost!). Seems like the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is grooving into the same mindset, as they’ve arranged to play “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & the Philly Sound” with vocalists Chester Gregory, Cherise Coaches and Brik.Liam. This setlist promises favorites from The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Percy Sledge and a whole lot more, and is scheduled for two nights. So, take advantage of these opportunities to jam out for this special collaboration.
BROADWAY YULETIDE
12/17, Leslie Odom Jr., Hershey Theatre
Multi-hyphenate mega-talent Leslie Odom, Jr. is bringing his Christmas tour through Hershey this month for a show sure to feature selections from his two Christmas albums, “Simply Christmas” (2016) and “The Christmas Album” (2020). The “Hamilton” vocalist’s live performances have yielded glowing reviews, hailed as “perfection,” and have noted that these moments really showcase his abilities as a storyteller as well. I would add this to any plans of seasonal merriment in your calendar.
COMMUNITY CHEER
12/20, An Abbey Family Christmas hosted by Cumberland Honey, The Abbey Bar
Tap into holidays of yesteryear with a bit of a variety show setup hosted by local mainstays Cumberland Honey and lots of friends in the Harrisburg music scene, including but not limited to JP Biondo, Jason Mescia (of Yam Yam), Vincent Yarnell (Rivers) and many more. Warm and cozy and full of good songs to hear? Count us in.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
12/6, Big Shrimp & Solar Circuit, The Abbey Bar
12/7, The Dirty Grass Players, The Abbey Bar
12/13, The Dirty Sweet, XL Live
12/13, Everything Yes, H*MAC, Stage on Herr
12/13, April Verch and Joe Newberry, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg
12/15, Michael Dease & Company, Rose Lehrman Arts Center
12/28, Eggy, XL Live
12/31, New Year’s Eve with the Martini Bros, West Shore Theatre
12/31, New Years Evil starring D-Loc The Gill God, H*MAC
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