I hope your summer’s off to a great start with lots of good music. I’ve been on a real discovery kick lately and have been making more of an effort to dig into something new each week (though I’ve revisited a few beloved albums in recent days, namely Sufjan Stevens’ 10th anniversary edition of “Carrie & Lowell,” Gigi Perez’s “At The Beach, In Every Life” and the 2024 Freak Slug album, “I Blow Out Big Candles”). It’s been fun to hear some surprises and save a few new favorites, like Chinese American Bear and Samia, who both were immediately added to my and my husband’s playlist mix for an upcoming beach trip.
What’s your go-to “vacation state of mind” song, artist or album? There are a few that come to mind, but I’d be curious to hear what the “soundtrack for a good vacation” is for others.
THAT’S FOLKIN’ FRESH
7/18, WXPN Welcomes Barkley Cove, Strawberry Square
Named for the fictitious town in the book, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Barkley Cove is an exciting central PA folk trio that’s been plucking their way onto local bills for 3rd in the Burg events and national festivals lineups, a la Musikfest, alike. The group’s Instagram bio reads, “The best pickers this side of the Susquehanna,” and I’d argue you’ll be hard-pressed to prove them wrong. The group’s impressive single, “From My Room,” is available to stream on Spotify, but you can also hear more charming arrangements and harmonies on originals like “Cecilia,” “I’m Not Her, My Love,” and fresh covers of classics like “Something Stupid” on Tik Tok (the band’s handle is @barkleycoveband). This show is part of the Strawberry Square Music Series and is totally free to attend.
NIGHT MOVES
7/18, The After Hours & Tucked In, Abbey Bar
Phoenixville indie rockers Tucked In will join Harrisburg dream pop mainstay, The After Hours, for what’s sure to be a real vibey evening at the Abbey Bar. “Sometimes” and “Diorama” are standouts from Tucked In, who are currently playing cities in the mid-Atlantic and New England in a “Roughest Roads” tour to support their 2024 EP, “Saints & Cannons.” It’s no secret that I also love local rock outfit The After Hours and will be delighted to see them on the stage again at the Abbey Bar—file that under “things just make sense,” ya know? See you there.
TWANG THANG
7/29, Russell Dickerson, Riverfront Park
Generally, Billboard country performers like Russell Dickerson are not my cup of tea, but his ’80s rock infused hit, “Happen to Me,” is a really fun song I’ve had on repeat this summer. If this recent direction he’s taken is any indication of his energy at live shows, sign me up. I’d also check out “Blue Tacoma” and “Yours” for a taste of his other tracks and songwriting skills.
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
7/2, The Disco Biscuits, XL Live
7/12, Yelawolf 45 Tour, XL Live
7/12, Pressing Strings, The Abbey Bar
7/12, Marc Broussard, Whitaker Center for Science and The Arts
7/12, Luke Bryan, Hersheypark Stadium
7/13, Umphrey’s McGee, XL Live
7/18, The Motet, XL Live
7/25, Pantera, Hersheypark Stadium
7/26, Shania Twain, Hersheypark Stadium
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
