Greetings Rockers ’N’ Rollers! 2024 has begun with many talented local shows in Central Pennsylvania, while the National band scene has its quiet time of the year. Skid Row Garage in York had a great triple bill with sets from Bo Deadlys, The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters and Timmy’s Creepshow. Quite possibly three of the best bands currently in Central PA. Skid Row Garage is becoming more and more popular as a great venue for live bands since they opened in May 2023 with a performance by The Virus. Bo Deadlys, The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters and Edgewood all join together again at Mechanicsburg’s Metropolis on February 9th. The Luv Gods played Hollywood Casino in York on January 12th and 13th. The band’s current lineup consists of Shea Quinn, Steven Swisher, Phil Cannizzaro, James Klippel and Greg Folsom.
Legendary local experimental jam band, Hexbelt, returned to HMAC’s Stage On Herr on January 13th for the zodiac Capricorn Birthday Celebration. Hexbelt have been around for decades and continue to play wonderful shows featuring their blend of blues, funk, ska and rock-n-roll. The band has a very loyal fan base that always brings a great evening of dancing and joy. The following week, Hexbelt singer Dann Ottemiller played an acoustic set opening for Jerry Joseph at Harrisburg’s XL Live on January 18th. Jerry Joseph is an incredible artist that began playing guitar professionally at the age of 15. He began his music career in 1982 with rock/reggae band, Little Women, which lasted until 1993. Joseph then began a solo career until forming the Jackmormons, while living in Utah. He then formed the group, Stockholm Syndrome, with Widespread Panic bassist, Dave Schools. Joseph continues to tour regularly playing songs from all three of his previous bands reworked to fit his current solo acoustic aesthetic.
Summer tours by many known National artists are being announced almost daily. Janet Jackson and Nelly have partnered for 35 dates on her “Together Again Tour.” The tour visits Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC and Hersheypark Stadium on July 6th. Sum 41’s farewell tour titled “Tour Of The Setting Sum” includes 76-shows worldwide including Baltimore’s Pier 6 on April 29th and Reading’s Santander Arena on May 8th. Sum 41’s final show will take place January 25th, 2025, in their home province of Ontario at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. Avril Lavigne announced a 27-date tour dubbed “Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits. Special guests All Time Low, and Simple Plan will join Avril Lavigne at Camden, NJ on August 29th and Bristow, VA on August 31st. Jewel and Melissa Etheridge are teaming up for a two-part co-headlining tour that features stops in 19 cities across North America. Plus, Etheridge has announced a run of nine co-bill dates with folk-rock duo Indigo Girls which visits Philadelphia’s Mann Center on August 22nd. Following the success of last summer’s joint tour, Pixies and Modest Mouse are hitting the road once again with stops at Philadelphia’s Mann Pavilion June 12th and Columbia, MD Merriweather June 14th. Cat Power will also continue on the tour as support.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Doobie Brothers will play 38 cities across the United States this summer, following on from last year’s 50th anniversary tour. Stops include Camden, NJ August 3rd, NYC Madison Square Garden August 7th and Pittsburgh Star Lake Pavilion August 20th. Last year’s tour reunited Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee for the first time in a quarter century. The Doobies will be joined on select dates by Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray and Grammy winner Steve Winwood.
Southern rockers The Black Crowes will tour 35 cities in North America and Europe in support of the band’s first album of new music in 15 years. The “Happiness Bastards Tour,” visits Washington DC’s Anthem April 30th, Bethlehem, PA May 3rd and Philadelphia’s Met May 7th.
P!NK added 66 new stadium tour dates for 2024, including Philadelphia’s Linc Field August 18th and Hersheypark Stadium October 1st. P!NK is continuing right where she left off in 2023, selling nearly 3 million tickets and [grossing] a staggering $350 million throughout last year. Dave Matthews Band returns this summer with 32-dates including Camden, NJ July 19th and 20th.
The first round of festival announcements has included: Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn June 13-16 (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Fred Again..). Boston Calling in Massachusetts May 24-26 (Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, The Killers). BottleRock in Napa Valley, CA May 24-26 (Ed Sheeran, Pearl Jam, Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion). Governors Ball in Queens, NY June 7-9 (SZA, Killers, Post Malone). New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 25-28 (The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Chris Stapleton, The Killers). Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena, CA May 18 (The Postal Service, Death Cab For Cutie, Phoenix, The War on Drugs, Passion Pit, Tegan and Sara). BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, CA May 3-5 (Sting, Incubus, My Morning Jacket, DEVO, ZZ Top).
FEBRUARY CONCERTS: Jet Silver / Jellybricks / Edgewood – Camp Hill Underground Live Feb 3. Band Of Horses – Baltimore Soundstage Feb 9. Edgewood / The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters / Bo Deadlys – Mechanicsburg Metropolis Feb 9. Cat Power – Glenside Keswick Feb 13. Militarie Gun – Philadelphia First Unitarian Feb 14. Tommy Conwell & Young Rumblers – Harrisburg XL Live Feb 17. Timmy’s Creep Show / Comb Over Here- Mechanicsburg Metropolis Feb 17.
