For me, there’s a little feeling of magic whenever September rolls around.
I don’t know if it’s the hint of pumpkin spice in the air, the nostalgia of Lisa Frank-adorned school supplies in clearance bins, or an absolutely stacked lineup of concerts to catch when the weather is exactly right. Need further evidence? Please continue reading. Happy show bouncing!
DON’T MISS
Mt. Joy, 9/16, HU Presents Summer Series, Riverfront Park
It is an indie rock lover’s paradise in Harrisburg this month, with the pinnacle being Philly’s own Mt. Joy delivering their special blend of jaunty yet slightly melancholy rock’n’roll to the main stage at Riverfront Park. The band’s beautiful lyrics, anthemic Americana-infused rhythms and visual psychedelic influences are going to make for a great live experience. (If you don’t believe me, check out the band’s shows at Red Rocks and Lollapalooza for more support).
Tash Sultana, HU Presents, 9/19, The Forum
Aussie Tash Sultana has been on my concert bucket list for a looong time, and I’m so pumped they’re making a tour stop in Harrisburg (at a venue with some of the best acoustics in the region, no less). Sultana is a masterful multi-instrumentalist, bringing together their talents on guitar, vocals, piano and keys, percussion, beatmaking, harmonica, bass… the list literally goes on and on, and on… and on. Their moody hit, “Jungle,” is a good intro track, but be sure to check out “Pretty Lady,” “Notion,” and “Bitter Lovers.” By the time this column is published, Sultana’s latest EP, “Sugar,” will be out, which we’ll likely hear performed live at the Forum.
FOR NOSTALGIA’S SAKE
Broken Social Scene, HU Presents, 9/26, XL Live
If you lived for the post-rock indie scene in the early aughts, this is for you. The Canadian rock supergroup Broken Social Scene’s iconic “You Forgot It In People” album turned 20 last year, and the band is bringing their anniversary tour here for a special show at the end of the month. The band’s been known to have as few as six musicians on stage, or as many as 19—feel free to DM me with your best guess on how many will join them on this tour stop, and, if you’re right, maybe I’ll buy you a drink. To redeem, you’ll find me softly weeping along in the crowd.
FOR CONSIDERATION
Son Little, 9/16, H*MAC
What an amazing time to be living in Harrisburg when there are at least two awesome shows scheduled for the same night, just miles apart (and on more than one night this month, might I add!). I caught Son Little as an opening act for Leon Bridges in 2016, and was absolutely blown away by his talent. He’s currently touring to support his 2022 LP, “Like Neptune.” If you want to hear some truly excellent R&B, I highly recommend checking him out.
Honorable Mentions
Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top, 9/9, Hersheypark Stadium
Dinosaur Jr., 9/11, XL Live
HU Presents ZZ Ward, 9/13, XL Live
New Cumberland Music + Film Festival Opening Show ft. Le Ghast, 9/15, SOURCE Creative House
The Why’re Reunion Show, 9/16, West Shore Senior Center (yes, really)
Shawan Rice w/West & Ward, 9/17, West Shore Theatre
HU Presents Summer Series Trey Anastasio and Classic Tab, 9/17, Riverfront Park
The Happy Fits, 9/19, H*MAC
Joan Osborne, 9/20, The Englewood
Further Seems Forever & The Juliana Theory, 9/22, H*MAC
Red Hot Chili Peppers w/St. Vincent, 9/27, Hersheypark Stadium
HU Presents Margo Price, 9/28, XL Live
WXPN Welcomes Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, 9/29, Appell Center for the Performing Arts
WXPN Welcomes Grace Potter, 9/30, XL Live
Borgore, 9/30, H*MAC
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