An Evening with Dashboard Confessional in Harrisburg

November 14, 2021

After breaking out into the alternative scene nearly 20 years ago Dashboard Confessional remain as relevant as ever and they showcased their refined talent at their intimate XL Live performance produced by Harrisburg University Present.

Harrisburg University Presents has cultivated an alternative market and culture that competes with that of a major market at this point as Dashboard Confessional became the latest artist to visit the area. As the show began for this intimate evening with performance at XL Live the crowd burst into a thunderous roar and applause as the band walked on stage. The moment was full of anticipation as there was some confusion and doubt for awhile if this show would be happening when the band pulled many of their fall dates. However, there was more than just a tour cancellation on the fans minds that evening.


The journey to Harrisburg and XL Live for this special show was a long one for Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional as he was involved in a serious accident while riding his motorcycle in June of 2020. As a result of the accident Carrabba extensively broke and dislocated both of his shoulders, severing his biceps and deltoids in the process. In addition he also broke and bruised a few ribs from the numerous points of impact during the accident. The initial road to recovery later included a COVID-19 scare and which put him into total isolation between major surgeries. As a result of the numerous surgeries and increased time in bed the Carrabbas’s legs began to atrophy. After many months Carrabba was able to leave the hospital a shell of himself prior to the accident at just 117 pounds prior to entering months of grueling rehab to regain muscle and motion from the surgures. Despite all of that Carrabba made a return to his band, the stage and the fans who were supporting him all along.

Carrabba and Dashboard Confessional shined brightly during this intimate evening with concert produced by Harrisburg University Presents. Their music was translated perfectly into this stripped down setting and was complimented by the relentlessly singing fans in the small venue. Harrisburg was treated to a well crafted setlist that allowed the band to highlight all eras of their now long career during the evening.


Without context you would have never suspect Carrabba was involved in as serious of an accident as he was as his presence on stage was as electric as ever, his vocals actually were possibly stronger than ever as well thanks to the long period of rest. By the end of the early night fans left XL Live satisfied from another fantastic event from Harrisburg University Presents and knowing that another show was likely on the horizon as their city has become the must play alternative market in Pennsylvania.

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Kaleo bring the 'Mixed Emotions Tour' to from Iceland to Allentown

By Matt Christine • September 19, 2025
On September 16, 2025, Icelandic rockers KALEO brought their Mixed Emotions Tour to Allentown’s Archer Music Hall, with Quarters of Change and Júníus Meyvant on the bill.

Stone Temple Pilots return to Pennsylvania to headline RockFest

By Matt Christine • September 16, 2025
Stone Temple Pilots’ return to Pennsylvania for RockFest was more than just another stop on tour as the band isn't on the road promoting a new album or anything particular at the moment making this one off show truly special. Their festival headline slot was a true celebration of a band that has not only endured but continues to thrive. After more than twenty years of music, their headline performance in Grantville showed that Stone Temple Pilots are still writing their best chapters. When Jeff Gutt first stepped in as lead singer, fans were curious about how he would fill the shoes of such an iconic role of those who came before him. A few years and countless shows later, there’s no longer any question. Gutt has evolved into the frontman the band always seemed to be waiting for - powerful, confident, and endlessly engaging. His vocals are as sharp and reliable as ever, but his presence has grown into something magnetic. Whether pacing the stage with fiery energy or locking eyes with fans in the crowd, Gutt now owns every moment in the spotlight. It has reached a point where it is harder to imagine Stone Temple Pilots without Gutt versus any version prior to his arrival with the band. As always, Robert and Dean DeLeo provided the backbone of STP’s unmistakable sound. Their tight musicianship and playful energy were the perfect counterbalance to Gutt’s intensity as he sprinted around the stage (and even jump off into the crowd at one point). The brothers looked like they were having just as much fun as the crowd, trading riffs, smiles, and moments of pure musical joy throughout the night. It was a reminder that their chemistry is the true heartbeat of this band, and it’s never sounded stronger. The night was a journey through the full scope of Stone Temple Pilots’ career. Fans were treated to a perfect balance of old favorites, deeper cuts, and fresh material. “Big Bang Baby” was a standout moment of the set early on, soaring with Gutt’s vocals. Hearing the classics re-energized while newer songs slid in seamlessly made the set feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. If this RockFest performance was any indication, Stone Temple Pilots are in the middle of an exciting new era. For long-time listeners and new fans alike, that means one thing: it’s time to get ready for more shows, more songs, and more unforgettable nights like this one. What is next for Stone Temple Pilots may be up in the air but one thing is for certain, they remain one of the tightest live bands in the genre.

Phantogram take over Archer Music Hall in Allentown for a Mid-Week Party

By Matt Christine • September 14, 2025
Tito Double P lit up the stage with an electrifying, sold-out performance at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA. Fans packed the venue wall to wall, singing along to every word and dancing late into the night. The high-energy show marked a milestone moment for the rising star, solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the regional music scene.