Past concerts at Riverfront Park. Photos courtesy of HU Presents.
Roll the windows down and turn the volume up, as Harrisburg’s stages are about to get hot with a month full of excellent music on the horizon.
In the meantime, I’m curious to hear what people’s favorite albums are so far this year. My playlists have been a frequent rotation of ups and downs—mood-wise—with Noah Kahan’s latest, “The Great Divide,” and Kacey Musgraves’ “Middle of Nowhere,” as well as MUNA’s “Dancing on the Wall” and Charli XCX’s soundtrack for “Wuthering Heights.” Let me know what you’ve been listening to!
PROUDLY PENNSYLVANIAN
6/13, Low Cut Connie, Snacktime and more, Fort Hunter
This year’s Proudly PA Festival at Fort Hunter boasts an embarrassment of riches, with a stacked lineup featuring a variety of genres from local folk pop mainstays, The Wild Hymns, to funky faves, Snacktime, and the toughest cookies you’ll find rocking the keys, Low Cut Connie. We all know the Keystone State exudes with talent, but this all-day celebration really sets a high bar for summertime fun. Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—you’re going to want to dance at this one. See you there!
MILLENNIAL STOMPCORE
6/20, Mumford & Sons, Hersheypark Stadium
Listen, I was in college in the early 2010s and donned mustache scarves with the best of ‘em. I’m not too proud to admit that I, too, was swept up in the yearning, optimistic folk pop that persuaded all of us to learn ukulele and exclusively wear earth-toned color palettes. This accompanied a love for Mumford & Sons, starting with their debut record through their EP “Johannesburg” (2016). Since then, I had pretty much counted them out until this year’s “Prizefighter” album dropped in February. My gosh, what a treat! This album really gets back to what made Marcus Mumford’s earliest music so infectious, with honest songwriting and stunning collaborations with other artists I admire like Hozier, Gigi Perez and Finneas. Get a preview of what to expect with “Rubber Band Man” or “Icarus.”
SURF’S UP!
6/27, The After Hours, Fleur Bleu-e and Eastwood Drive, The Abbey Bar
Bring out your best beach get-ups for indie rockers The After Hours’ big summer bash, featuring French ethereal wave outfit Fleur Bleu-e and alt-rock band Eastwood Drive. The dance floor will become an atmospheric luau for what’s sure to be an awesome showcase. I’ve written about the After Hours in this column before, but I recommend listening to tracks like “Surrender,” “STAR” and “STOLT 89” from Fleur Bleu-e for a taste of their music. For fans of fuzzy psych rock, the York-based band Eastwood Drive is also worth catching; check out songs “Wetlands” and “Piesinoe.”
If you’re a musician and/or promoter, or a fan of a local artist, and you’d like to share some upcoming shows with TheBurg, drop me a line at [email protected].
HONORABLE MENTIONS
6/5, The Jellybricks, XL Live
6/11, Tyler Childers, Hersheypark Stadium
6/11, Umphrey’s McGee, XL Live
6/12, Tiny Park Concert Series presents Meaghan Farrell, Coronet Park
6/19, Cumberland Honey w/Rivers, The Abbey Bar
6/21, Sister Wife Sex Strike, Capital City Music Hall
6/24, Chris Stapleton, Hersheypark Stadium
6/26, Santana & The Doobie Brothers, Hersheypark Stadium
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