Few things say “summer” more than an outdoor picnic with friends, reclining on lawn chairs as the sun goes down and seeing the fireflies come out.
Add some music, and it’s the perfect evening.
This June, July and August, you can make that perfect summer night a reality at one of the most beautiful spots in Harrisburg, as Harrisburg Young Professionals reprises the Italian Lake Summer Concert Series.
“The arts are a great way to build communities and introduce, or re-introduce, ourselves to music in a beautiful setting,” said Derek Whitesel, HYP’s executive director.
Perfect Backdrop
The concert series is a terrific example of the community coming together to ensure that a beloved tradition lives on.
In 2011, the city, which had run the series for nearly 20 years, decided it no longer could organize the event. So, HYP picked up the torch.
“Harrisburg Young Professionals has been fortunate to have had many tremendous leaders over the years,” says Whitesel. “That was the case in 2011 with Ade Bakare and Rebecca Bush chairing the arts committee. They took the endeavor head-on, and we are happy to say that the committee is as passionate today as they were then.”
HYP invests about $4,000 into the series each year. The group also gets financial or promotional support from a few partners, including M&T Bank, Dixon University Center, Dauphin County and TheBurg.
The series kicks off on June 12 followed by concerts in mid-July and August, each running 6 to 8 p.m. Rachel B., a singer and songwriter based out of Pittsburgh, will go first, featuring selections from her first album, “I’m The Boss,” which dropped earlier this year.
On July 10, Harrisburg’s own The Dirty Sweet will take the stage, entertaining the crowd with a mix of funk, soul and R&B. Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam (described by HYP as a “funk-driven powerhouse”) will wrap things up on Aug. 14.
The size of the audience typically ranges from 150 to 300 people. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Concerts are weather-dependent, but HYP said it will do its best to reschedule musicians in case of rain, especially those nasty summer thunderstorms. The organization is looking into alternate rain locations for this year.
Italian Lake, located in Uptown Harrisburg, provides the perfect backdrop for a night of music and friendship, especially when fortified with a picnic. This year, swans have been reintroduced to the lake, making it even more picturesque and the experience more special.
When asked how the concert series benefits the community, Whitesel answered that it brings people together and attracts people into the city.
“We see people drive into Harrisburg from all over the region for the concert series, and they, along with the neighbors of the lake, are able to enjoy a wonderful evening together in the city,” he said.
Italian Lake concerts are free of charge. For more information, visit hyp.org.
The Italian Lake Summer Concert Series
June 12: Rachel B.
July 10: The Dirty Sweet
Aug. 14: Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam
