Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Musical Notes: Warming trend–less snow, more sounds.

I am so sick of winter.

It’s been way too cold, and Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast gets me down. My hunch is that you are as tired of hiding under blankets as I am. Thankfully, March means spring is just around the corner. And while warming weather and buds on trees are worth celebrating on their own, March also features some wonderful music to wake you from your winter hibernation. So, you may need to squint as you emerge from winter’s darkness, but, I assure you, these shows are worth the trip.

HEXBELT w/THE WILD HYMNS, 3/6, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $5/$7:
Both of these area bands have a rootsy vibe. However, for Hexbelt, this vibe is channeled through high-energy performances that oscillate between punk rock abandon and jam band guitar licks. Equal parts political and personal, their music evokes a range of moods and experiences. The Wild Hymns, on the other hand, are much more subdued, but no less evocative. Ethereal, indie-folk arrangements perfectly complement the soulful voice of lead singer and songwriter Krystle Seitz. This is a show that is sure to satisfy the tastes of a variety of music fans.

STELTH ULVANG w/FLOWER GARDEN, 3/9, 7:30PM, THE MAKESPACE, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION:
Piano driven and high energy, Stelth Ulvang, who has been touring as a member of the Lumineers, breaks down your expectations of what a bluesy songwriter should sound like. With a voice that permanently sits at the cusp of laryngitis, Ulvang’s music perfectly exemplifies the touring life. He can slow it down, as well, but his music never loses that impassioned edge. The result is a deeply personal and raw experience that is still accessible. He will be joined by upbeat Harrisburg locals Flower Garden.

VERNAL EQUINOX CELEBRATION w/MISHA KASHOCK, CLINTON DAUB & JIM AGUZZI, 3/20, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN, FREE:
Although this night of percussion and dancing in celebration of the coming of spring may be atypical for “Musical Notes,” it seemed too inviting to pass up. Although it will feature some set performers, it also promises to be interactive, welcoming attendees to join in on the fun. This evening will be especially appropriate for families. Plus, it’s free! So stop on by and really celebrate the end of winter.

Mentionables: George Thorogood & the Destroyers, 3/11, the Forum; Tommy Emmanuel, 3/12, Whitaker Center; Dean Thomas, 3/13, Little Amps Downtown; Kites in Flight, 3/20, Midtown Scholar; Juggling Suns, 3/27, Abbey Bar

3/6
Hexbelt w/The Wild Hymns
Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
Starts at 8 PM

3/9
Stelth Ulvang w/Flower Garden
The MakeSpace
1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Starts at 7:30 PM

3/12
Tommy Emmanuel
Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
Starts at 7:30 PM

3/20
Vernal Equinox Celebration
Little Amps Downtown
2nd & State streets, Harrisburg
Starts at 7 PM

3/20
Kites in Flight
Midtown Scholar Bookstore
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Starts at 7:30 PM

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