Frightened Rabbit- Harrisburg 1/27/09 VIDEO
Tuesday night was poetry-in-motion on my “Year of Collaboration” resolution.
Caleb Smith and I have known each other, topically, for several years. For almost two years, I had been prodding him to bring his Moviate film and art events to The Gallery at ABC. It’s really a perfect fit.
So for the past six months or so, Moviate has found a new home for filmmaker meet-n-greets, film screenings and open-screenings.
Moviate does sound events occasionally as well- normally more obscure, avante-garde or international stuff.
About six weeks ago, we had a listening party in The Gallery. (I really *do* listen to every press kit that comes in). In attendance were my partner Sarah Staub, Jonas from Progressive, Roxbury came in for a bit and Caleb from Moviate.
We got to the point of the session where we were calling up URL’s on MySpace and You Tube. Showing each other different new bands that we individually dug.
Caleb had just heard of Frightened Rabbit and we watched the video for Heads Roll Off. Afterward, he said that he had been trying to get them in for a show – I told him we’d love to have them.
Skip ahead a week or two, and a date manifested. A Tuesday between Pittsburgh and Charlottesville. First play in a c-market…on a Tuesday.
Lo and behold, Tuesday was one of the strongest, most well attended and incredibly anticipated shows at The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company since The Hold Steady in 2007.
Kudos to Moviate. And proof in the fact that when similar-minded and skilled business people in Harrisburg actually work together, great things usually happen.
I thought the show was great. Good turnout, all three bands put on a good show – Frightened Rabbit gave everything they had.
Thanks to everyone involved in putting on this show. I’m hoping more shows like this happen in Harrisburg.
That show was fantastic. Loved that it was actually on a day that I have off too. With potentially more college kids coming to the city with the new Harrisburg U campus, it’d be awesome to start seeing more stuff on weekdays, especially the avant garde shit. My biggest complaint about the music scene in Harrisburg has been the lack of originality in the acts that play here. Any plans on bringing the hold steady back to town? Midtown Arts Center opens in April. I got an email the other day that they’re starting to book for April on. It’d be awesome to start seeing some all ages shows with bands like that in the area. Maybe kids will start driving here for shows instead of Lancaster and Philly. Keep up the good work bro.