In April, I had the opportunity to join a few creative minds in the Harrisburg music scene as an extra in a music video for local R&B/neo-soul musician Kita P’s single, “Friends (Over & Over).” Her soulful voice and dreamy melodies are beautiful, and she’s got a real talent for creating soundscapes that will transport listeners to a moment of peace. Kita P’s next album should be dropping sometime this summer, so keep an eye out for more from this sensational Harrisburg talent.
SHOW OF THE YEAR?
6/8, Mannequin Pussy, XL Live
I do not say this lightly: Mannequin Pussy is one of the greatest living rock bands of our time. Between the band’s growth sonically and frontperson Missy Dabice’s command of the stage, Mannequin Pussy could teach a masterclass in transforming a room into both an arena and a sweaty basement show. A group of Philadelphia’s punk mainstays, Dabice, Kaleen Reading, Bear Regisford and Maxine Steen have enjoyed a meteoric rise that has been so fun to watch and hear over the last five years. The band really came into its own with the release of “Perfect” in 2021 and last year’s “I Got Heaven,” which was my top-ranked album of 2024. I’ll see you in the pit.
CAN’T MISS
6/16, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Hersheypark Stadium
Who’s ready for Mustarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd?! K. Dot & SZA are bringing their incredible double-headlining “Grand National Tour” to the stage at Hersheypark Stadium in June, and I for one am super excited for this show after watching Kendrick’s explosive halftime show during Super Bowl LIX. Based on videos and photos from the tour’s Philly performance in May, concertgoers are sure to have the best time hearing hits like, “squabble up,” “Not Like Us,” “All the Stars” and “Kill Bill.” Ticketmaster is still showing tickets available for this show at the time of print, so good luck securing your spot if you decide to go!
PROM ROCK
6/20, Le Ghast, Strawberry Square Music Series
Local synth/indie project Le Ghast is such a treat to watch live. I’ve had the pleasure of catching them several times at the West Shore Theatre and working with them during last year’s New Cumberland Music + Film Festival. Steph Werner, Michael Stipe and Jordan Zabady work so well together, finding new and interesting ways to interpret beloved songs into funky and ethereal covers alike with beatboxing and synth touches on songs like “Jolene” and “Short Change Hero,” while also creating something completely unique on songs like “Anemone,” “How It Ends” and “Drive.” Check out the band’s 2024 release “Dead of Summer” for a taste. This show is free.
If your venue or friends have a show coming up that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].
HONORABLE MENTIONS
6/7, Avril Lavigne, Hersheypark Stadium
6/13, Rodney Whitaker, Messiah University Parmer Hall, CPFJ
6/13, Borderline, Burden of Guilt, And Also Bye, Corey James, H*MAC
6/21, Tophouse with Kindred Valley, XL Live
6/21, Minka & The Red Meat Conspiracy, The Abbey Bar
6/27, Ruiness, H*MAC
6/27, Love Unleashed! Pride Show feat. Babel Map, Suzi Brown, Natalie Ness, The Abbey Bar
6/27, Killer Queen, Whitaker Center
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