Ah, summer is upon us! While it may be hot, the days are long, and the nights are perfect for catching some peak performances around Harrisburg. You don’t have to plan an elaborate trip to have a fun time this summer. Get into vacation mode at home and check out some hot shows happening this month. The usual venues never fail to disappoint, and it’s always fun to check out the newer places bringing the noise. Look out for some of my favorites this month and kick off your summer right.
JASON RICCI AND THE BAD KIND, 6/1, 7PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $10-12
Whatever you expected in music featuring harmonica, Jason Ricci’s about to blow your mind. This ain’t just blues, baby. This multi-genre artist is considered among many as a revolutionary and well-known harmonica player worldwide. Throughout his 10 years of touring, TV appearances and recording, he has built a recognizable name for himself, but, every once and awhile, he goes by his old nickname, “Mooncat.” His newest work, “Approved by Snakes,” was released last year with his band, The Bad Kind. When you listen to the first track, “My True Love is a Dope Whore,” you can feel his life experiences, his struggles and his triumphs all reflected into his soulful lyrics and smooth instrumentals. It’s like George Clinton met Jack White while touring the New Orleans golden age of jazz. I dig it, and I’m sure y’all will too.
OLDE TIGERS, 6/2, 8PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $5
Coming at you straight from your local bike shop is the hardcore fix you’ve been needing. Olde Tigers from York headlines a night of hardcore and punk featuring other PA bands, USVSW and L.M.I. Unapologetically loud and riffy, these guys describe themselves as “East Bay punk meets East Coast hardcore,” influenced by music from the Bay Area punk rock and New York hardcore music scenes. To get a better idea of their sound, check out their album “PennsylVANia” on Bandcamp. Their driving guitars and fast drums create heavy layers of sound to get lost in. Whether you’ve been in the scene for years, headbanging and throwing yourself to the mercy of the pit, or if you’re checking out a new sound, local DIY shows like this are the backbone of the music scene in Harrisburg and deserve a hearty shout out.
THE MOTET, 6/22, 9PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $20-25
“Music and escapism go hand in hand.” This phrase, uttered by the band itself, perfectly encapsulates what The Motet is all about. “When you’re listening to us, I want your mind to be taken away from wherever you are during the day and into some other place,” said drummer Dave Watts. Specializing in bringing you the freshest funk, this Denver-based seven-piece is made up of Watts on drums, Lyle Divinsky on vocals, Joey Porter on keyboards, Garrett Sayers on bass, Ryan Jalbert on guitar, Parris Fleming on trumpet and Drew Sayers on saxophone. Since their start in 1998, they’ve released seven albums, toured and performed at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Electric Forest. H*MAC has been on a roll lately with big artists coming to our humble city, and this show will be one I hope you don’t miss. To warm up to their sound, check out their latest release, “Supernova.” This single kicks off their latest tour and will certainly get you in the mood to groove.
Mentionables:
The Nose, June 2, Little Amps Downtown;
Bumpin’ Uglies, June 7, The Abbey Bar;
The Posies, June 12, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Beatlemania Now, June 15, Scottish Rite;
Emily’s Toybox, June 16, H*MAC Capitol Room;
Shawan and the Wonton, June 16, GK Visual;
Joe Olnick Band, June 16, River City;
KIX, June 16, Club XL;
The Trainjumpers, June 29, The Abbey Bar
