Wizard Rock at the Fredricksen Library
On June 9, the wizard rock band Tonks and the Aurors performed a magical concert for a group of Potter fans. Every year at the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, there is a kickoff celebration for its summer reading program. I’ve been to several of these celebrations over the years, and this by far was the most exciting!
Tonks and the Aurors performed on an outdoor stage for the library community, playing some of their classics, as well as their recent music to be released on a new album on June 29. Their song titles include “YES ALL WITCHES,” “Werewolf Love,” and “We Are Magic.” The all-girl band graced the stage with their fandom-themed outfits and a bright-yellow Hufflepuff guitar. Throughout the concert, audience participation and dance parties were encouraged, which added to the hype of the afternoon.
The band began back in 2007 after the final Harry Potter book was released. The frontwoman of Tonks and the Aurors is Steph Anderson, who was kind enough to let me ask her a few questions throughout the day. Using my Quick-Quotes Quill, I quizzed her on all things Potter related. It was clear from her merch that she was a major Hufflepuff supporter. I asked her, “What is one thing the world should know about Hufflepuffs?” She explained that there are not enough choices for Hogwarts House apparel.
I’m all for selling more Hufflepuff merchandise.
In addition to Hufflepuff outreach, one principal theme of the band is the importance of women in Harry Potter. When Anderson went onstage, she assumed the persona of Tonks herself, making plenty of jokes about the lovable Metamorphmagus. Several of the songs have Tonks included in the lyrics. This theme becomes major in their song “YES ALL WITCHES,” one of Anderson’s personal favorites, but another song means just as much to her.
My favorite is ‘Charlie Weasley,’ but ‘YES ALL WITCHES’ is a close second.
I can see what she means; the songs, especially “1991-Charlie Weasley,” are extremely catchy!
A steady line was soon forming outside the band’s booth after the concert concluded. Everyone was wearing their Hogwarts House apparel and arguing over various Potter opinions. More than anything, Tonks and the Aurors started a conversation about the books! Anderson was generous with her time as she got involved with the exciting Potter exchanges, just like any other fan. I asked her a few more questions about what she admired most about the Potter books, and when she told me her favorite moment in all the books, I was surprised.
My favorite moment in the series is when Molly Weasley killed Bellatrix.
Tonks and the Aurors goes beyond just a love of Hufflepuffs; they appreciate women of all Houses in the wizarding world.
When I asked if Anderson had anything she wanted to add, she expressed her hope that wizard rock would continue to grow and become mainstream.
People should keep making wizard rock. It’s not too late!
If you’re interested in the band’s music or booking them for an event, you can find Tonks and the Aurors at
https://www.tonksandtheaurors.com.
