Since beginning his business booking bands in 2002, Mike Van Jura, aka Jersey Mike, brought some of the most innovative and in-demand music to the City of Harrisburg, most especially to the Abbey Bar at the Appalachian Brewing Company.
Sometimes partnering with moviate or XPN, other times working his wonders alone, Jersey Mike booked bands that attracted people from not just the city, the region, from all corners of Central PA, but also from other cities, states, and places. He undoubtedly put the City of Harrisburg on the map for more than one music-loving soul. His achievement:
"Packed. Sweaty. Drunk. Anticipatory.
Alive.
Celebrating the music. The message. The unity that we all felt. Being part of it together."
That's what Mike Van Jura wrote on May 20, 2007 after The Hold Steady show at the Abbey Bar. Here are some songs from that night:
The Hold Steady, May 12, 2007
And here's a sampling of other remarkable music moments Jersey Mike brought to Harrisburg over the years:
The Shackeltons, February, 15, 2008
Hackensaw Boys, November 21, 2008. "Cannonball"
Frightened Rabbit, January 27, 2009. "Good Arms vs Bad Arms"
Theresa Andersson, September 16, 2009. "Find the Cost of Freedom"