As spring creeps closer, more events start to make their way to us. Looking through the catalogue of events for this year, I’m starting to see more and more bigger band names at local venues.
Harrisburg venues, bars and other art spaces, I applaud your efforts to continue to grow our music community; I’m glad to see positive growth and change. Aside from music this month, look for the return of Moviate’s Underground Film Festival. On March 22 at the Midtown Cinema, 14 shorts from the 2019 Underground Film Festival will play again for one night only. Moving back into music, the Brownstone Lounge is hosting a DJ Relay Weekend, featuring four performances over three days from March 13 to 15. For live performances, we have a ton to choose from, and it all keeps getting better.
THE REVIVALISTS, 3/4, 8PM, THE FORUM AUDITORIUM, $44
New Orleans makes its way to Harrisburg for one night only, hosted within the beautiful and historic Forum. The Revivalists came to fame late in the game, right around their 10th anniversary as a band. Their single, “Wish I Knew You,” spent over 40 weeks on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart in 2016, with several weeks in the No. 1 slot. Since then, the song has created opportunities for the band to spread their southern roots sound. The name, the Revivalists, fits the band well, inspired by the comeback of their home city following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. No doubt band members will bring some of their home city’s creativity and energy to Harrisburg.
LIVE DEAD ‘69, 3/17, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $25-45
Among circles of “Deadheads,” this winter show is to die for. Pun definitely intended. The timing is special in particular for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s Woodstock performance. Leading the celebration for the evening at Whitaker Center is Tom Constanten on keys, Mark Karan on guitar, Slick Aguilar on guitar, Robin Sylvester on bass and Pete Lavezolli on drums. Constanten is the only original member of the Grateful Dead, while the rest of the band is associated with other acts like Rat Dog, The Other Ones and Jefferson Starship. If you’re into jamming and experimental styles, you’re meant to come out and relive the summer of ‘69 with these groovy guys.
LOTUS, 3/27 & 3/28, 8PM, XL LIVE, $30 FOR ONE NIGHT, $50 FOR 2-DAY PASS
Speaking of jamming, we’re rounding out the month with not just one but two nights of the iconic live band, Lotus. Electric, energizing and atmospheric rock sounds blend with electronic beats to create a unique sound perfect for a live setting. Inspired by idols the Grateful Dead and Kraftwerk, Lotus’s music is a jammier roots rock with a side of electronica. Funky and fresh, tight and improvisational, this band keeps audiences on their toes. XL Live’s mainstage and Lotus’s lights and sounds are the perfect recipe for a night on the town.
Mentionables:
Whit Waltman, March 8, Little Amps downtown;
Papadosio, March 13, XL Live;
Andy Mowatt Trio, March 13, Der Maennerchor;
Litz, March 13, The Abbey Bar;
Kilmaine St. Patrick’s Day, March 14, The Abbey Bar;
Fell From Zero, March 14, River City Blues Club;
Steve Hackett, March 15, Whitaker Center;
Rhett Miller, March 19, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Magical Mystery Doors, March 20, XL Live;
Riff Raff, March 20, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Martini Bros, March 28, River City Blues Club
