A subsequent show at the West Shore Theatre by Harrisburg native and Rykodisc recording artist Jeffrey Gaines led the Howies to postpone renovations at The Wire and book some larger shows at the historic theater. “We wanted to expand so we could accommodate more national performers,” says John Howie. “Hooking up with the West Shore Theatre has allowed us to bring in these performers and still maintain the intimacy of The Wire.”

The Wire recently announced their first complete schedule since June, along with a new Subscription Series that offers discounted tickets to special shows. The Wire’s October lineup includes an eclectic mix of national and regional music. “The Subscription Series involves seven specific shows that run through October,” explains Howie. “People who buy tickets to four of the seven shows at one time receive a ten percent discount on tickets, a ten percent discount at our record store, The Groove, and free coffee during the four performances. Depending on the series’ success, we may expand it throughout the year.”

Upcoming shows include Iris Dement, Bobbi Carmitchell, Bet Williams, Francis Dunnery, Susan Werner, NotchoMa, Catfish Hodge, and Walk Like Shaggy.

On October 7, The Wire presents singer/songwriter Iris Dement at the West Shore Theatre. An Arkansas native, Dement walks the fine line between folk and country with an angelic voice. Dement has been described by Merle Haggard as the best singer he has ever heard. Dement grew up with a lot of gospel music in her house, but her musical palette greatly expanded through high school and college. Her 1992 independent release, Infamous Angel, won universal acclaim and landed Dement a recording deal with Warner Brothers. Her follow-up releases, My Life (1993) and The Way I Should (1996), have greatly expanded her fanbase and seen Dement move toward a more rock-influenced sound. Kate Jacobs opens for the show.

U.K. native Francis Dunnery visits The Wire on October 17. The headlining act for the 1998 WXPN Singer/Songwriter Festival, Dunnery mixes powerful guitar playing with a storyteller’s charm. Dunnery’s solo career began in 1991, but it was sidetracked when he toured as a guitarist for Robert Plant. In 1995, he released Fearless and followed it up with a live release, One Night in Saucheihall Street. Dunnery’s most recent release, Let’s Go Do What Happens continues to showcase an enchanting songwriter and performer.

Susan Werner grew up near Manchester, Iowa, as a music virtuoso. She received a degree in voice from University of Iowa and studied opera at Temple University. But after seeing Nanci Griffith perform, Werner cut short her budding opera career and took off for the coffeehouse circuit around New York City, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. Werner recorded her self-released debut, Midwestern Saturday Night, in 1993, but her career really took off after 1994’s Live at The Tin Angel. Werner’s hard-to-find 1995 major-label debut, Last of the Good Straight Girls, showcases her impressive guitar and piano chops, as well as one of the most electrifying voices in music today.

Catfish Hodge’s blues/rock career has spanned almost three decades and 22 records. And while he may not be a household name, Hodge’s distinctive voice and quick wit has lead to rave reviews all over the country. While critics struggle for the perfect term to describe Hodge’s music, he simply travels non-stop, unleashing his life occurrences on delighted audiences.

For additional information on any performances or The Wire Subscription Series, contact The Groove at 774-1078 or The Wire at 774-0678.