I remember Blondie from my childhood. My father loved music and Blondie was played often. There was such a familiarity to Debbie Harry’s voice, almost comforting. Therefore, I think I love the band even more now because of the influence the music had on my upbringing. I was only a few years old by the time the band’s third album, Parallel Lines, was released. However, I grew up loving the songs from this album and Blondie definitely left a lasting impression.

Now, after 40 years since this album was released, Debbie Harry still has the ability to send be back in time to when I first heard these songs. It amazes me that she can take the stage and deliver a phenomenal performance just like she did in the 80’s. Although Blondie is performing later this month at The Anthem in D.C., Debbie Harry and company stopped by to pay an unexpected visit to York, PA. While we love D.C. and The Anthem, it is nice to see bands such as Blondie, find their way to this small town. York is very fortunate to have The Appell Center for the Performing Arts, which is a small but lovely venue which often features XPN sponsored performances.

Just a few weeks ago, on June 23rd, Blondie took the stage at The Strand to less than 2,000 audience members. Debbie Harry performed a set-list of songs that every Blondie fan would love including: “Heart of Glass”, “Call Me”, “Rapture”, and “One Way or Another”. Blondie also successfully recorded and made popular two cover songs which they also performed that evening: “Hanging on the Telephone” (which was originally recorded by 70’s power-pop trio, The Nerves) and “The Tide is High” (by the Jamaican ska band from the 60’s The Paragons).

If you were able to catch this intimate performance with Blondie, I am sure you will agree that it was a special show! Blondie will be returning to the area to perform at The Anthem along with Elvis Costello on July 26th. Tickets for this show can be purchased here.

Special thanks to Brandon Amos for making it out to the this show to take some photographs of Blondie performing at The Strand in York PA on June 23rd.