Tom Diecidue
What began as a modest idea—just a handful of local musicians recording holiday music to help neighbors facing the cold—has grown into one of central Pennsylvania’s most meaningful traditions.
Through “Joy to the Burg,” area artists lend their voices, creativity and time to support shelters and housing programs that serve the most vulnerable in the region.
The charity project was founded in 2019 by Sheldon Jones, then a newcomer to Harrisburg, who saw people sleeping on the sidewalks and wondered how he and other musicians could help. They decided to put together a Christmas album to raise money for the unhoused.
The effort gained momentum when Jones partnered with Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU), an organization supporting people facing poverty and housing insecurity in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.
Local Artists
One of the project’s strongest advocates is Brandon Valentine, executive director and founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, a nonprofit formed in 2019 to uplift and strengthen the local music scene.
“The CCU did it on their own for a few years, then pulled us in to facilitate the relationships with the local artists,” Valentine explained.
Each year, musicians come together to record a new holiday album to benefit the unhoused. As the word got out, more artists wanted in.
“In the beginning, the albums had 10 to 15 tracks,” Valentine said. “Now, it’s more like 20 to 30.”
Nick Mucci, CCU’s director of development, said that some of the songs are original and some are traditional. Contributors have included well-known local artists and groups like The Groove Rebels, the Susquehanna Chorale, Greg Platzer, The Jellybricks, No Last Call, The Starving Musicians and many others.
The effort has raised more than $214,000 over the years—if you count the money made from a much-anticipated annual party that attracts 200 to 300 people and features bands that participate in the project. The benefit concert takes place this month at the Abbey Bar in Harrisburg.
So Many Ways
“Joy to the Burg” isn’t limited to a single seasonal concert. Over the years, it’s grown to include other events and activities.
Last month, the artist D-Bo! performed on a float in the Harrisburg holiday parade.
“We’ve been collecting items for homeless shelters, and Ollies (brought) along 20 to 30 employees to collect donations from those in attendance at the parade,” Mucci said.
He added that items like hand warmers, ramen noodles, hot chocolate packs, disinfectant wipes, coffee, beanies and gloves are always needed.
Also, holiday greeting card sets, curated in partnership with the Susquehanna Art Museum, help support the cause and are available for purchase. The sets feature artwork by local artists including Carol Scott, Stephen Michael Haas and Ross Tyger, to name a few. The cards are available online.
There are so many ways to help the needy, and “Joy to the Burg” seems to discover more each year. From albums to parade floats to benefit concerts and greeting cards—these are just a few ideas that have gained traction.
Mucci said that his organization is proud to be part of a very important mission that helps our most vulnerable.
“Bringing together the arts community with the local social services network is a win for all,” he said. “I’m a big believer that music is good for the soul. There is a need for beauty in the world—and artists understand that.”
The “Joy to the Burg” concert takes place Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Abbey Bar, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.joytotheburg.com or their Facebook page.
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