Millenium '98 Showcases Offer a Wide Variety

Millenium ’98
Showcases Offer a Wide Variety

By Ed Yashinsky

With more than 100 bands playing at 14 different venues in three days (February 13, 14 and 15), even the most hard-core music fans have to realize they can’t see every band at Millenium ‘98. So, there are two basic strategies: pick a club and hang out all night or highlight the bands you want to see and be prepared to club hop. Whatever your choice, keep in mind that last year’s showcases were almost always on time (most bands play 45 or 60 minute sets), so if you really want to see someone, be punctual.

Here’s an overview of the venues and some of the scheduled performers. (complete performance schedule is in Agenda):

Courtyard Nightclub at the Best Western
As Millenium’s symposium site (and the only venue with multiple stages), the Courtyard is hosting nearly a quarter of the showcase bands. On Friday night, The Courtyard’s main stage plays host to hard-rockers like Bamboo Igloo and Dr. Hadley, while a second stage features alternarockers such as Nectar. Saturday afternoon features several acoustic acts, before some of the area’s heaviest hitters–The Martini Brothers, Bloom Box, The Almighty Senators and Jet Silver–take over the main state in the evening, while a second stage hosts the likes of Mightyhead and The Vibro Kings. On Sunday, the Courtyard closes Millenium ‘98 with Big Tubba Mista and Rocket 88’s.

Zee’s Clubhouse
Zee’s Clubhouse is playing host to many of the region’s best-known bands. Friday night, dubbed “Pop Night with Host Beatle Bob,” features The Polins, Cherry Twister, Dan Kibler and The Jellybricks. Saturday night takes on a roots-rock country twang with Handsome Uncle Johnny, Boil, Badlees side-project The Cellar Birds and Big Back Forty, while Sunday’s showcase offers a little something for all musical palettes with Into the Woods, Woodstew and others.

The Midtown Tavern
The Midtown hosts 12 bands over three nights and may take a special award for the best band names. Besides some well-known acts like The Tony Perry 3 and The Howlers, the Midtown also features Petey Gets Around, Cutting Funks, Shorty Porter’s Brother Boys, Dem Guise and Jimmy D. & Wide Load Rhythm.

The Wire
This always-eclectic coffeehouse kicks off Friday with Future Jazz: A Sonic Gathering to Enlighten the Senses, featuring DJ230, Brandon Coy, Kevin Yost and Geoffro and Charlie Brownski. On Saturday and Sunday, The Wire gets back to live music Job’s Tears, The Chameleons, Lisa Barter and others.

Shakey’s
Located just off the main drag in Hershey, Shakey’s is Millenium’s true satellite location. The large venue features 12 bands over Friday and Saturday. Focusing primarily on hard rock, Friday’s highlights include Hypervent, Reach Around Rodeo Clowns and Negative Space, while Saturday cranks it up a little louder with the likes of Wiseacre, Bitter Delores and Aslan.

Vortex
In a move that will please metalheads and metal-haters equally, the all-age Vortex Club hosts 22 hardcore, deathcore, punk and heavy metal bands. Because Vortex is a no-alcohol club, the music will go way past last call on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Here’s a few of the performers with names that only a mother could love: Meat Hook, Damn Third Eye, Pill Poppa, Fatal Aggression and Skurj.

Kokomo’s
The bar with (it seems like) 40 televisions, hosts six bands on Friday and Saturday. Featured performers include Plum Loco, Craig Kelly Band and Full Tilt.

Gingerbread Man Riverside
The G-Man in Wormleysburg hosts seven bands over Friday and Saturday. Highlights (besides an incredible view of the city) include Cloud Party, Oregano, Case 150 and Blue Grace.

Appalachian Brewing Company, Dewey’s, Nick’s 1014 Cafe, Rusty Nail, The Vault, Zembie’s
These Harrisburg area bars are each hosting one night of showcase performances. Some of the scheduled performers include Shirley Bunnell, Jason Timoll, Pair O’ Dimes, Mike Banks, Ken Swartz, Flophouse, Miss Lonelyheart, The Commercials, Gear, Tri Color Convention and Munch.