TheBurg

36 | theburg | 06.16 F ew things say "summer" more than an outdoor picnic with friends, reclining on lawn chairs as the sun goes down and seeing the fireflies come out. Add some music, and it's the perfect evening. is June, July and August, you can make that perfect summer night a reality at one of the most beautiful spots in Harrisburg, as Harrisburg Young Professionals reprises the Italian Lake Summer Concert Series. "e arts are a great way to build communities and introduce, or re-introduce, ourselves to music in a beautiful setting," said Derek Whitesel, HYP's executive director. PerFeCt bACKDroP e concert series is a terrific example of the community coming together to ensure that a beloved tradition lives on. In 2011, the city, which had run the series for nearly 20 years, decided it no longer could organize the event. So, HYP picked up the torch. the ItALIAN LAKe SuMMer CoNCert SerIeS June 12: Rachel B. July 10: e Dirty Sweet Aug. 14: Andy Mowatt's Steely Jam "Harrisburg Young Professionals has been fortunate to have had many tremendous leaders over the years," says Whitesel. "at was the case in 2011 with Ade Bakare and Rebecca Bush chairing the arts committee. ey took the endeavor head- on, and we are happy to say that the committee is as passionate today as they were then." HYP invests about $4,000 into the series each year. e group also gets financial or promotional support from a few partners, including M&T Bank, Dixon University Center, Dauphin County and eBurg. e series kicks off on June 12 followed by concerts in mid-July and August, each running 6 to 8 p.m. Rachel B., a singer and songwriter based out of Pittsburgh, will go first, featuring selections from her first album, "I'm e Boss," which dropped earlier this year. On July 10, Harrisburg's own e Dirty Sweet will take the stage, entertaining the crowd with a mix of funk, soul and R&B. Andy Mowatt's Steely Jam (described by HYP as a "funk-driven powerhouse") will wrap things up on Aug. 14. WaTer MUsiC summer concerts return to italian lake. bY rAChAeL DYMSKI e size of the audience typically ranges from 150 to 300 people. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Concerts are weather-dependent, but HYP said it will do its best to reschedule musicians in case of rain, especially those nasty summer thunderstorms. e organization is looking into alternate rain locations as well. Italian Lake, located in Uptown Harrisburg, provides the perfect backdrop for a night of music and friendship, especially when fortified with a picnic. is year, swans have been reintroduced to the lake, making it even more picturesque and the experience more special. When asked how the concert series benefits the community, Whitesel answered that it brings people together and attracts people into the city. "We see people drive into Harrisburg from all over the region for the concert series, and they, along with the neighbors of the lake, are able to enjoy a wonderful evening together in the city," he said. italian lake concerts are free of charge. for more information, visit hyp.org. a concert last summer at italian lake.

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