A lot is weighing on a new live music venue opening Friday night in Harrisburg.
The recently renovated two-story Capital City Music Hall at 234 N. Second St. is debuting with a double lineup: Cultus Black’s “Autumn Horror Road Show” at 6:30 p.m. and Emo Night Tour at 8 p.m.
Owner Justin Browning, who also heads Nocturnal nightclub, JB Lovedraft’s and Sawyers on the same block, is heading the project with his business partner, Craig Dunkle.
Together, the duo has invested several million dollars in projects along the street, with hopes of boosting business and creating a synergy to attract more patrons to the downtown.
In recent years, Second Street has struggled, marked by business closings and marred by graffiti since the pandemic that had thousands of state employees working from home.
The hope is CCMH will inject more business into the city, whether its people eating out at neighboring restaurants, reserving rooms at the Hilton Harrisburg or Crowne Plaza hotels, or visiting local tourist spots.
“They have been referring to it as an engine, something that draws people in and keeps them here,” Browning said.
Before they could open, Browning and team undertook a major renovation at the former craft beer-themed Federal Taphouse restaurant.
The project involved reconfiguring three rooms into one to create a unified space large enough for concerts. A section of the ceiling was removed.
Browning said Weidner Construction cut out concrete and steel beams, reinforced the ceiling and created a mezzanine with railings.
“I think it was about 20 30-yard Dumpsters that took out the material from that part. It was an awful lot of material,” he said, adding they are still cleaning dust.
Hershey AV Solutions installed the stage, lighting rigs and sound systems.
A concession stand features snacks such as hot dogs, sausages, nachos, pizza, popcorn and soft pretzels. Bar offerings run from beer and wine to ready-to-drink cocktails.
Because the building connects to Nocturnal, it allows the owners to use one liquor license for both venues.
As for the shows, Browning said CCMH will book a variety of genres, from metal and punk to folk, rock, country, EDM and hip-hop.
Future shows include Blues Traveler, Anthrophobia, Mac Saturn and Queensrÿche.
Browning’s foray in live music began at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co. in Hampden Township, where he hosted metal, punk and hard rock concerts under the “Lovedraft Presents” banner.
Last year, Browning and Dunkle closed the brewing company to shift concerts to CCMH.
Harrisburg is convenient for many groups who Browning said can pick up work on off nights as they travel through the area to larger markets such as Philadelphia, New York or Baltimore.
“It’s an artery between major destinations. The interstate definitely helps us a lot,” he said.
CCMH will also host events such as comedians, nights with authors or directors and vendor events such as flea markets, book and toy fairs.
It is available for booking events.
Along with the first-floor stage, CCMH’s smaller acts will perform on a smaller stage located in the basement. The second floor includes the mezzanine with a separate bar.
The opening night is expected to be a big draw, and so far, Browning said tickets are selling fast.
“I think people are curious more than anything,” he said.
Future shows include: Fight From Within on Oct. 4, Eyesawagod on Oct. 17, Mike V and The Rats on Oct. 17, What Lies Below on Oct. 26 and Mac Saturn on Oct. 30. A full slate of concerts with ticket prices is listed on the CCMH’s website.