Darling Parade rocks the house in Harrisburg

The band Darling parade performed a free concert at Morello's Pizza and Grill in Harrisburg Friday night to draw attention to the local music scene and musicians.

Band leader, Kristin Kearns, a 2008 graduate of Harrisburg High School is in the middle of a seven-state tour and made a stop in her hometown. Kearns and the band took the stage and delivered an engaging and emotive performance.

"Having a great time!" Kearns said, during a break in the bands performance. "Pumped and happy to be playing in Harrisburg!"

Kearns said that one of the reasons for the stop in Harrisburg was to help raise awareness and interest in the musical scene and artists in the Saline County area.

Kearns appeared with another band, Starlight & Asphalt formed by another 2008 Harrisburg graduate Derek Boykes. Founded some two to three months ago and based in Chicago, Boykes describes his band as "Folk Rock" and is joined by band members: Nathan Vallotti on Lead Guitar, Nicole Skylar on piano and back up vocals and Ryan Birket on drums. Asphalt & Starlight has made a number of appearances in the Chicago area, playing at the "Cubby Bear" last weekend.

The packed crowd filled the main stage area of Morello's and rock and rollers of all ages enjoyed the melodious sounds these two new bands.