December 9th, 1999 Just Around The Corner

Just Around The Corner
Noteworthy Events in the Greater Harrisburg Area

The Nields’ Sisters in Concert
The Wire
December 11

In the mood for a great night of music? Can’t get enough of live rock and roll? Always on the look out for a band that’s making some waves in the industry? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then The Nields show at The Wire is the show for you. Begun in the late ’80s when sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields combined their talents with a college friend, the band now numbers five, has recorded seven CDs, signed a major record deal (with Rounder Records offshoot Zoe Records), and is in the midst of quite a lengthy tour.

As part of that tour, Nerissa and Katryna will be making a stop in New Cumberland to support their 1998 release Play and spread the word about their upcoming release If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home Now.

With their sound described by one critic as “…itchy, twitchy rock’n’roll,” the Nields have mastered the art of lyrics, craftily covering topics ranging from life, love, saying goodbye, and maintaining one’s sanity all the while staying true to their quirky musical mixture of rock, folk, and pop.

If you’re a music lover and you’ve never experienced The Nields this is the perfect opportunity. Catch Nerissa and Katryna at The Wire on December 11. It’ll be a blast!

Call 774-0678 for more information.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Annual Holiday Spectacular Concert
The Forum
December 11-12

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Holiday Spectacular Concert is here — and in a big way! This year’s event will feature the talents of two orchestras and two conductors, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) under Keith Brion and the Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Ronald E. Schafer.

Part of the HSO’s SuperPops series, the concert will include holiday favorites ranging from selections from Victor Huber’s Babes in Toyland to traditional carols such as “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” and is guaranteed to be a showcase for both performing groups — providing the opportunity for each of the orchestras to work both in tandem and on its own.

According to Keith Brion, the annual event is something that he’s more than happy to be a part of. “I am delighted to be a part of Harrisburg’s long-time love of the HSO Holiday Spectacular program,” he said. “My goal is to share with the Harrisburg community the finest in pops performances, and to lead this great orchestra with style and affection.”

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Holiday Spectacular Concert will take place December 11 at 8pm and December 12 at 3pm in The Forum, Harrisburg. For more info, call 214-ARTS.

Dickens in Hershey
December 12-14
Hotel Hershey

There’s nothing like “A Christmas Carol” read aloud at Christmas. And, short of having Charles Dickens recite it himself, there’s nothing like sharing an evening with Tiny Tim, Scrooge, and the ghosts of Christmas with Dickens’ great-great-grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens.

In his only Pennsylvania performance, Dickens will perform all 26 characters of “A Christmas Carol” as part of a unique dining experience. If you’re up for a four course meal, Hotel Hershey’s Circular Dining Room is the place to be — as the heir to the Christmas throne presents his performance between courses. Not to be outdone, however, Hotel Hershey is also offering a “Holiday Tea with Scrooge” in the Fountain Lobby of the establishment.

To have either dinner or tea with Gerald Charles Dickens at Hotel Hershey make reservations by calling 534-8886. Dinner will be held each evening at 6:30pm; adults are $75 and children ages three to eight are $35. Tea will be held each afternoon at 3:30pm; adults are $27 and children ages three to eight are $15.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Dickens’ classic tale brought to life — you won’t be sorry!

Francis Dunnery
Whitaker Center For Science and the Arts
December 18

Onetime frontman of the progressive British rock band It Bites and featured guitarist on Robert Plant’s “Fate of Nations” tour, Francis Dunnery is spending these days making music of his own — and doing a good job of it.

In fact, his latest release, 1998’s Let’s Go Do What Happens (Razor and Tie Records), is a reflection of Dunnery’s newfound freedom, boasting an eclectic sound and a near-mystical view of the world.

A critic favorite, Dunnery has trademarked a style of catchy choruses and unique sounds — ranging from his current, more traditional ‘pop’ style to the non-traditional elements that arise from his “tapboard,” a guitar-like instrument that he created early in his career that comes complete with such odd ‘instruments’ as an egg timer.

Regardless of the musical mood Dunnery is in when he arrives in town for his December 18 performance, you’re guaranteed a good show — simply because there’s nothing like watching a performer at his peak.

Francis Dunnery will take the Whitaker Center stage on December 18 at 7pm. For ticket information, call 214-ARTS.