For the sixth year in a row, the Midtown Tavern at 1101 N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg hosted Immersed In Music bands for the first of six live Spring shows. And once again, it was a rousing success! Just as in past years, IIM families and friends packed into the Midtown and showed this year’s bands lots of love, while they enjoyed food and drinks served by the Midtown’s always friendly wait staff.
KAAPE opened the night with their set featuring songs by U2, Pink Floyd, Blind Melon, Jason Isbell, and the Grateful Dead. Ellie took charge of the stage, handling lead vocals like a pro, and even playing guitar on”No Rain” (Blind Melon) and “24 Frames” (Jason Isbell). Aiden (on keys) and Alex (on guitar) both took solos that wowed the crowd, as Paige and Keegan held down the bottom end solidly.
Next up was Black Bandits, IIM’s Rockers Prep band. This band has come so far this year, and all their hard work paid off, as they roared through their show. Jayla, leading the band in its first time playing at the Midtown, sang commandingly throughout their 5-song set. Charlie’s featured guitar work on “Uma Thurman,” Sophie’s piano on “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and Clark’s bass on “Holiday” and “Centuries” were all held together tightly by Cooper, who played expertly on drums! They especially grabbed everyone’s attention with their show stopping finale of AC/DC’s “T.N.T.”
To close the night, Orbit jumped on stage with their wildly entertaining set featuring songs by everyone from The Raconteurs and Rex Orange County to Paramore and The Beatles. Ella and Yusuf have really honed their harmonies, as they comfortably shared the frontman (and woman) duties. This band can do it all: bouncy pop like Paramore’s “Caught in the Middle,” sweet acoustic like “Corduroy Dreams” by Rex Orange County, and hard rockers like the Killers’ “Somebody Told Me.” Jack’s bass playing on “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine” was a real highlight and Madison’s guitar work and Dakota’s drumming were stellar throughout the whole evening. By the time Orbit closed with Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So,” the audience was on their feet showing their appreciation for the hard work and dedication that this band has manifested throughout the whole year.
A huge Thank You from everyone at Immersed In Music to the management and staff of The Midtown Tavern for their gracious hosting! We all look forward to our second night there next Tuesday, June 4 at 6:30pm, when Woody’s Roundup, The Breads, and Revolution get their turn to rock the house.
Also, plan to come out this coming Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 pm to the Winner’s Circle Saloon at the Holiday Inn Grantville, when some of these same bands, plus The Breads, Young Rockers’ The Crazy Dragonettes, and the drum ensemble’s Breaking the Sound Barrier will all play a six band show. It’s always a great time at the Winner’s Circle, so come join us!