Small City Well: To meet its destiny, Harrisburg needs to play to its strengths

January 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

We get visitors.

Nearly six years ago, TheBurg moved into very visible space on N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg and, since then, we’ve had people, every day, stream into our office.

Some are attracted by the merch displayed in our storefront window. Some come in to praise or complain or just say hi. Some folks tell us their life story.

Recently, a woman walked in to buy a sweatshirt and, in the process, said that she and her husband had moved up from the Tampa area to retire in Harrisburg. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t it usually work the other way around?”

Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised. Last year, U.S. News & World Report named Harrisburg the No. 1 place to retire in the United States. Yes, in the whole U.S. of A. Take that, Florida!

Now, our visitor didn’t come to Harrisburg because of that report, but, talking with her, she cited several of the attributes mentioned by U.S. News: affordability, walkability, easy access to the outdoors and larger metros.

The chilly, gloomy winter weather didn’t seem to bother her.

She chose to rent in the 1500 Condominiums, but other large buildings in Harrisburg also have become retiree havens. I know of several empty-nesters who have sold their houses and downsized to live in places like Riverview Manor and the Parkway, giving them easy access to restaurants, the waterfront, theaters, etc.

These buildings are not specifically meant for senior living, but they have become magnets for the over-65 set.

The problem, though, is that there simply are not enough of these buildings. Harrisburg city has few large apartment/condo buildings and not a single market-rate building explicitly designed for seniors.

Contrast that, if you will, with Lancaster, where Willow Valley Communities is erecting a 20-story, modern-style building smack-dab in the heart of the city. Soon, a couple hundred seniors will be strolling around downtown Lancaster, spending their disposable income in its restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers market.

Have developers heard that Harrisburg is now ranked No. 1 in the nation for retirees, while Lancaster has dropped to a lowly No. 3? If not, they read it here first.

About a decade ago, I wrote a column saying that Harrisburg should stop trying to be something it’s not. It’s not a museum mecca and never will be. It has some nice attractions, but isn’t a tourist hotspot either. Once an industrial city, those days are long gone. And while a state capital, Harrisburg oddly isn’t really a political town—even less so after COVID.

As I said all those years ago, Harrisburg is a walkable small city with great urban neighborhoods, situated on a beautiful river and geographically blessed near larger metros. That’s the destiny it should embrace.

In other words, a growing population—and the small businesses and enterprises that support it—is its destiny, not industry or tourists or state workers. Harrisburg should do what it can to attract residents who want an urban lifestyle at a fraction of the cost and congestion of its larger East Coast peers.

To me, that means narrowing and right-sizing busy streets to make the city even more livable. It means cracking down on a predatory army of slumlords and improving the housing stock. It means making streets safer, more attractive and more pedestrian-friendly. It may mean up-zoning and encouraging density in places like downtown and Uptown.

Another big blessing: Harrisburg has thousands of empty tracts of land where this development can occur. Heck, there are three large, underused surface parking lots just on my small, Capitol-area street. Half-empty office buildings, post-pandemic, present another opportunity.

Recently, the Washington Post lauded the success that Cleveland, Ohio, has had transforming a former transit hub into an urban “living room” full of people, not exhaust-belching cars and buses.

The strategy was threefold: Cleveland focused its efforts on a compact area downtown to build density. It created an attractive “public square” with green spaces, pedestrian areas and recreational amenities. It then offered incentives to developers to build there.

In response, since 2016, five nearby office towers have been converted to apartments, bringing in over 1,000 new residents. And, to serve this population, new restaurants, cafés, bars and shops have opened.

There’s no reason something similar can’t happen in Harrisburg. Sure, Cleveland is much larger, but it’s like Harrisburg in some key ways—a post-industrial city with a huge population loss and a downtown that’s seen better days.

The ways it’s dissimilar are also notable, as they’re almost all to Harrisburg’s advantage. Harrisburg’s location, walkability, Victorian-era neighborhoods and temperate climate are all huge pluses.

Most importantly, Harrisburg is a compact, well-located city that already is attracting young professionals, telecommuters, retirees and urban dwellers from larger, more expensive cities. It has some buzz and a running start. A lack of decent housing, though, both affordable and market rate, is dampening the city’s potential and its growth.

Back in 2013, I called Harrisburg, “a little jewel of a place perfectly sited on a grand river.” I further said that, “To succeed, Harrisburg must do small city well.” I continue to believe that this is Harrisburg’s superpower and the key to its future.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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Community Corner: Notable February Events

January 30, 2024 | by Missy Smith

February Community Corner

Calm the Mind
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Learn short, easy 15-minute calming meditations on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Led by Buddhist nun Kelsang Chonzdin, a teacher and practitioner of almost 20 years, the meditations are suitable for people of any religion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Get Fit
Feb. 1-29: Get fit with Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, at a series of in-person and virtual wellness and fitness classes. Sign up for a variety of classes including yoga, barre, Pilates and Tai chi. Find a full list of classes at www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com

Black History
Feb. 2: The Arts at Millersville University joins Lancaster’s First Friday celebrations with “We the People,” 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster. The event features a performance honoring Black history and Sir Dominique Jordan’s exhibit reflecting upon the present and future of Black activism in Lancaster. www.artsmu.com

HBG Flea
Feb. 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Drop-In Art
Feb. 3: Families are invited to Perry County Council of the Arts’ “Drop-In Art,” 1 to 4 p.m., at Landis House Creative Commons, 67 N. 4th St., Newport. Create up to three craft projects. Best suited for ages 3 to 12. www.perrycountyarts.org

Beef and Brew
Feb. 3: Join Puchog’s Beef and Brew at Chambers Hill Fire Co., 6400 Chambers Hill Rd., Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m., to enjoy food from Mission BBQ, live music and drinks while helping veterans get onto the ice to play hockey. Tickets are $35 in advance. A limited quantity will be available at the door for $45. www.puchog.org

Kids Discover
Feb. 3, 10: Kids are invited to make exciting discoveries at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. On Feb. 3, kids ages 5 to 10 will learn about groundhogs, and, on Feb. 10, kids ages 8 to 12 will explore rocks and fossils. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Book Sales
Feb. 3, 17: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Game Day
Feb. 4: Frederickson Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites the community to a board game day for people of all ages and skill levels, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The library will have games available to play, but feel free to bring your own. All ages welcome; kids ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Roots & Shoots
Feb. 5: Children ages 5 to 8 can participate in “Roots & Shoots,” a youth service program developed by Jane Goodall, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 7 p.m. Kids will learn how to foster respect and compassion for all living things and promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Networking Mixer
Feb. 8: Socialize with local business professionals at Central Penn College/Education Foundation evening mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Sigma Legal Advisors, 2101 Market St., Camp Hill. The event is free and open to West Shore Chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
Feb. 8: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants, and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Library Pups
Feb. 8, 15, 29: Meet library pups Calvin and Hobbes with their registered therapy team, at Frederickson Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 10 to 11 a.m. Children have the opportunity to interact with dogs and build self-esteem. All ages are welcome. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Film Friday
Feb. 9: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “A White, White Day” at 2 p.m. Watch the film at the library and stay for the moderated discussion. Read the description of the film on the library’s website. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Evening Concert
Feb. 9: Arts on the Square hosts tenor Jonathan Walker-VanKuren in concert at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., at 7 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of African American history through spirituals, accompanied by collaborative pianist Tyler Canonico. Admission is a free-will offering. Free parking provided in the adjacent Market Square garage. www.marketsquarechurch.org

Truffles for Couples
Feb. 9, 10: Enjoy a sweet date at Hershey Story’s Chocolate Lab, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., with an evening of truffle-making for Valentine’s Day, 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy drinking chocolates from around the world and making hand-rolled ganache. Tickets are $65 per person. www.hersheystory.org

Curious Kids
Feb. 9, 23: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids ages 3 to 6 and their families to “Curiosity Kids” at 11:30 a.m. On Feb. 9, kids will learn about two-dimensional shapes and, on Feb. 23, they will explore Mammal Hall. www.statemuseumpa.org

Birds & Coffee
Feb. 10: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Art & Beer
Feb. 13: Join The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, for a date night or an evening with friends at the Art and Beer Crawl, 6 to 9 p.m. Sip on beer, make art, and taste some delicious food in various studios and spaces throughout the building. www.millworksharrisburg

Galentine’s
Feb. 13: The Englewood, 1219 West End Ave., Hershey, will host a Galentine’s Day dinner with a cash bar, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, 6 to 9 p.m. Craft flower bouquets with Palmyra Green House, and design your own permanent jewelry with York Linked. www.englewoodhershey.com

Lecture Series
Feb. 13, 27: Join Wildwood Park, 110 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for “Winter Lecture Series—PA Natural Wonders,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more about Pennsylvania streams, rivers and caves. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Love Songs
Feb. 14: Send your loved ones a special treat on Valentine’s Day, with a Keystone Capital Chorus singing Valentine, rose and Hershey kisses. Singers are welcome to join rehearsals at Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Rd., Camp Hill. Music will be provided. www.kccsing.com

Winter Storytime
Feb. 14: Families are invited to join the Dauphin County Library System and Wildwood Park at 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a fun story time for kids ages 2 to 5, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Children will be introduced to Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language with stories, songs, rhymes, play and a craft. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Conflict Talk
Feb. 15: Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania hosts Professors Larry Goodson and Chris Bolan in a point-counterpoint discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the Susquehanna Club, New Cumberland, 7:30 p.m. www.fpaharrisburg.org

3rd in The Burg
Feb. 16: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Love of Art
Feb. 16-18: Hershey Art Association presents “For the Love of Art” exhibit of paintings, prints, photographs, 3D art, handmade jewelry and more at the Hershey Gardens Butterfly Conservatory, 170 Hotel Rd. The show is included with admission and free for members. www.hersheyareaartassociation.com

Girls who Code
Feb. 16, 23, 30: Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, hosts Girls Who Code, a program for girls in grades 6 to 12 to use computer science to impact their community, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Girls will build skills in teamwork, confidence, time management, communication and more. www.hersheylibrary.org

Shutter Workshop
Feb. 17: Design your own decorative wooden shutter sign or photo display using repurposed antique shutters at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Everything including paneled shutters, stencils and hardware will be provided. Cost is $40 per person. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Black Makers Market
Feb. 17: Join McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, to celebrate Black culture and innovation at the Black Makers Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will feature a variety of Black makers, artists and vendors. Learn about Black history and culture, support Black-owned businesses, and connect with your community. www.dcls.org

Free Museum Day
Feb. 17: National Civil War Museum welcomes the public to its Community Free Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy living historians, games, presentations and more. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Veg Meeting
Feb. 21: Penn State Extension hosts a “Winter Vegetable Meeting” at the Montgomery County 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Rd., Collegeville, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Conventional and organic commercial vegetable and small fruit growers can earn credits for their Pennsylvania or New Jersey pesticide applicator license. Cost is $50; pre-registration required. www.extension.psu.edu

Author Talk
Feb. 22: The Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Penn State Harrisburg will host a virtual book talk by Dr. Rachel Einwohner about her book “Hope and Honor: Jewish Resistance in the Ghettos of Warsaw, Vilna, and Łódź.” The webinar will begin at 12 p.m. and is free and open to the public. harrisburg.psu.edu/center-for-holocaust-and-jewish-studies

Peaceful Poses
Feb. 23: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts Peaceful Poses Yoga with Ann Fields for adults, 9:15 to 9:45 a.m., to explore yoga poses, breathing techniques and ways to deal with stress and anxiety. From 10 to 10:45 a.m., kids ages 2 to 5 can participate in mindful movement and deep breaths. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Spring Symposium
Feb. 24: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9:30 to 11 a.m., for a talk with Master Gardeners Michael Brewer and Steve Tambolas about climate change. They will discuss the challenges and present practical advice for taking action in your backyard. $10 per person. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

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Veggies from Heaven: Warm up the winter with a bowl of minestrone

January 30, 2024 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

One of my all-time-favorite movies is “Moonstruck,” the 1987 romantic comedy starring Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aielo and Vincent Gardenia.

The film, set in Brooklyn and New York City, just oozes a real feel of Italian culture, Italian food and most of all, family. You can almost smell the tomato paste.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Olympia Dukakis, who plays Cher’s mother Rose, visits a neighborhood restaurant, The Grand Ticino, for a dinner alone. The Grand Ticino was a real restaurant, a favorite of screenwriter John Patrick Shanley, who won an Oscar for “Moonstruck.”

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to eat here, along with my husband and parents, before it closed in 2001, a memory I cherish. The food and the atmosphere were classically Italian and wonderful. My dear father really did feel as if he had been transported to southern Italy.

In the film, Rose greets her favorite server (Bobo) and orders dinner: “A martini, no ice, two olives and a bowl of minestrone soup.” It would be my choice for a cold winter night, too.

It is said that there are as many versions of minestrone soup as there are cooks in Italy. There are summer recipes for the soup and winter ones. As we enter the deepest part of winter, I always think of homemade soup as the perfect heartwarming meal. There are usually lots of leftovers, and the soup is easily frozen for another night.

The recipe below is from the Ligurian region of Italy. I’ve made several adjustments, including adding canned tomatoes and beans to simplify it a bit. There are lots of ingredients but it is so good—and you can improvise.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
2 cups chicken, beef or vegetable broth
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
1 bunch Swiss chard, spinach or kale, stems removed and chopped (“bunches” vary, so about 2 cups)
3 potatoes. peeled and cut into small chunks (yellow golds are good)
2 cups diced vegetables of your choice (cabbage, squash, green beans, corn, eggplant, peas, zucchini or cauliflower)
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes (canned is fine)
2 cups canned beans, rinsed and drained (cannellini hold their shape well)
Piece of Parmesan rind (really worth it)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ pound small pasta (I love ditalini)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan or soup pot, over medium heat, cook the onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms (if using) in the olive oil, stirring frequently until tender and golden (about 10 minutes).
Stir in the chard, spinach or kale, potatoes, chopped vegetables, tomatoes, beans and the cheese rind.
Add the broth of your choice just to barely cover the vegetables. Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat to low. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook uncovered until the soup is thickened and the vegetables are soft (about 1½ hours). Add a little more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the pasta, stirring frequently until the pasta is tender (about 15 minutes).
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Serve in deep soup bowls and dust with lots of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese rind can be removed, cut into pieces and eaten (really!).
Serve with good crusty Italian bread dipped in olive oil (or splurge with butter).

It is fun trying different vegetables in this soup. Some regions of Italy substitute rice for the pasta, and you could try that. If you are a garlic fan, you could sauté some along with the onions, celery and carrots. Or you could add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme, oregano or basil.

Pasta note: Some cooks like to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when ready to serve. Pasta will absorb the broth as it sits and the soup can become very thick.

Some fresh fruit, like chilled pears, orange sections or crisp apple wedges, would round out the meal.

For me, Olympia Dukakis (Rose) had the right idea: An ice-cold gin martini, straight up with two olives—the best accompaniment to this hearty soup.

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Sweets & Sweethearts: A college couple reunited to open an ice cream shop in Arcona

January 30, 2024 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Sometimes, life takes unexpected twists and swirls.

For instance, Rita Weiss and Peter Neavling were college sweethearts who hadn’t seen each other in years. Later in life, they reconnected through Facebook.

“We dated in college, then went our separate ways, married other people, had children and got divorced around the same time,” Weiss said.

The connection then got even sweeter. In May 2020, the couple opened an ice cream shop called Shirley Rae’s, a 1,000-square-foot space in Lower Allen Township at Arcona. They named it for Neavling’s mother.

“It has an old-timey ring to it, and no businesses in the United States shares that name,” Weiss said.

More Upscale

The shop features lighthearted, beachy décor with homemade kites that hang from the ceiling. A colorful, whimsical mural painted along the back wall stars a large octopus, a bobbing jellyfish and other denizens of the deep. Attractive beaded curtains line the windows and twinkle in the sunlight in the bright space.

The younger set, some of whom are just learning to read, enjoy surveying the chalkboard wall, which is chock-a-block with dad jokes that are swapped out on a regular basis. The shop seats 20 inside and 16 outside, employing 12 to 16 workers during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

The couple serves products from Tamaqua-based Leiby’s Dairy, which has been churning out hand-dipped, premium ice cream for 90 years. Flavors include pistachio, birthday cake, pralines and cream, peanut butter cup and Tandy cake, among others. And if you’re not content to settle for a cone or dish of the frozen dessert, Shirley Rae’s sells sundaes, floats, milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches crafted with homemade brownies.

The couple also caters to four-legged friends with doggie ice cream.

“We make it out of whole milk, yogurt and all-natural peanut butter,” explained Weiss, whose daughter is in the veterinary medicine business and consulted with the couple to serve what’s best for canine health.

It’s no secret that the ice cream business slows down during the winter months. So, the couple has diversified to sell hot chocolate and sandwiches, which aren’t your run-of-the-mill scoop shop fare.

“Because we’re so close to Thea’s and SpringGate, we decided to make them a little more upscale,” Weiss said.

The sandwich/panini menu includes selections like turkey and guacamole, ham and brie, ham and cheddar with spinach and cranberry aioli and roast beef. For vegetarians, there’s apple and brie and a four-cheese option.

Phil Broder, who lives about a half-mile from Shirley Rae’s, said that he’s glad to have an ice cream place near him and that he and his wife also enjoy the sandwiches.

“My Labrador likes the pup cups,” he added.

Mike Fee of Duncannon also makes the trip, visiting about six times during the year and sometimes bringing along his mother, who hails from Hazleton.

“I like to order a scoop of black cherry with a scoop of chocolate on top,” he said.

Making Plans

Before opening, the couple struggled with the normal issues wrought by COVID-19, as they launched during the height of the pandemic.

“Contractors couldn’t work during the shutdown,” Weiss said.

However, those complications ended up paling in comparison to her health issues.

“I needed to be listed for a heart transplant and was in the hospital for 50 days,” Weiss said. “During that time, Peter was a great caretaker.”

The fact that he was recently retired proved to be a tremendous benefit.

“It gave me the opportunity to be with her and not be fired,” Neavling said.

Weiss was offered a heart transplant but learned that she has a rare antibody that rejects 98% of all hearts. So, right now, she is dependent on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which helps pump blood from the lower left heart chamber to the rest of the body. She carries with her a controller unit and battery pack that is connected to the LVAD through a small opening in the skin.

In the near future, Weiss plans to undergo what she calls a “very painful procedure” in order to receive the transplant.

She explained that the device hasn’t hampered her ability to work and that she’s glad to have reconnected with her college love, who has been by her side every step of the way.

“It’s been great working together, reconnecting and enjoying the smiles on the faces of our customers,” Weiss said. “However, what we are especially looking forward to is when the transplant is in the rearview mirror so that we can get back to living, loving and traveling like we have planned.”

Shirley Rae’s is located at Arcona at 1347 Saxton Way, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.shirleyraes.com or their Facebook page.

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The Painted Word: Steve Barber—a cut above the rest

January 30, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

Steve Barber

The timing could not have been more auspicious, occurring on the eve of Black History Month last February. Dr. Dale Dangleben, owner of Nyeusi Gallery, the area’s only dedicated Black art gallery, announced that Steve Barber would be its new art director.

Barber, an abstract expressionist painter, was tailor-made for the position, as it takes an artist to show and sell art no matter what it depicts. Barber, fully immersed in the process, deep dives into the details, relating what the artist is conveying on the canvas. He is a master storyteller, be it his own or that of the gallery’s compendium of artists and their works.

It starts with his mile-wide smile and the twinkle in his eyes, signaling that the best is yet to come. Getting to know the artist firsthand becomes second nature as Steve makes it a point to feature Nyeusi’s gallery of creatives with guest artist appearances, especially for 3rd in the Burg. Those monthly events on the third Friday also find jazz trio of renown, RC Rhythm Dual Band, at the gallery entertaining guests, romancing art through music.

“From the time I was a small child, I knew I was destined for a life where art would be the connective tissue,” he shared. “My sister and I loved to draw and paint at an early age.”

Steve attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and received an associate’s degree in visual communication. Unable to find work in his field, he was encouraged to continue his painting by one of the instructors, Miss Sophia, who recognized a “gift in his art and to never give up.” Steve, a native of Harrisburg, makes it his mission to educate visitors to Nyeusi about the history of Black art and its migratory march across continents as it became a vital link in the African diaspora. He became a member of the Art Association of Harrisburg in 1988 and is still actively involved 35 years later.

Steve stated that the greatest influence on his work was his instructor, the late expressionist painter Li Hidley of Harrisburg. In addition, he has studied under Linda Benton McCloskey of the Millworks studios and Thom Kulp, a local painter. His personality shines through his paintings as his exuberant persona bursts forth on the canvas, often told through explosions of color. One cannot help but smile with mood lifted, floating into the clouds, when viewing his art. The experience is like grabbing onto the string of a big red balloon going higher and higher. Steve achieves a Zen-like state, euphoric at times, by starting each day “in meditation of the day that lies ahead.”

“I explore my art as a building block for life,” he said. “My creativity comes from my heart and my actions.”

In his role, Steve features an artist of the month on the front gallery wall and also offers open mic poetry nights and, of course, jazz. In addition to being the art director at Nyeusi, he is the chief operating officer of Ethel Lee Vintage and Art (ELVA). Locally, his artwork has been featured on ad campaigns, as the face of numerous area businesses. His proudest accomplishment was being featured in the “International Contemporary Artist” (volume X) catalog.

“My goal and inspiration is to paint with design sense, imagination, a spiritual mindset and letting my skillset dictate what the actual creation is,” Steve said.

When asked about the responsibility of being the gallery director, he was candid.

“To be given this golden opportunity at Nyeusi and, for Nyeusi, the key to success is inspiring the next generation of youngsters who may have interest in expressing themselves through art, but not quite sure where to start, is where I come in,” he said. “As a role model for young Black artists, it is a challenge I look forward to every day. If I am able to guide a young person, no matter their race, and impact their lives in a positive way, then I am truly fulfilling my mission.”

In the grand scheme of life, having an art gallery dedicated to African, Caribbean and African American works of art should be a source of pride for all Harrisburg residents. Nyeusi is adding a new chapter to Black history in our city, making Harrisburg’s legacy richer and fuller by the day, page by page, or in Steve Barber’s words, “canvas by canvas.”

The Danglebens and Steve Barber take a great sense of accomplishment in bringing their vision to fruition, having celebrated the gallery’s second anniversary this past September. They look forward to the challenges and rewards that the New Year will bring. And for first-time visitors, art impressions will expand exponentially. They extend a warm invitation to drop in during gallery hours and for 3rd in the Burg evenings, to be inspired by the beauty of beyond.

Nyeusi Gallery is located at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.nyeusi.art.

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Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 30, 2024 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Muscle Cars—Past and Present,” through April 20

Austin-Healey, through April 20

“Legacy Series—Dodge Challengers Then & Now,” through April 21

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Figuratively Speaking,” AAH’s longest-running themed show, features artwork celebrating the human form in all shapes, sizes, and media, through Feb. 15

Kathleen Joffrian-Michael Pavol exhibition, Feb. 23 to April 4; reception, Feb. 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Impressions: Watercolors by Elaine Wilson,” through March 31

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Looking In, Reaching Out,” featuring art of all mediums that explore friendships, loneliness, mental hurdles and barriers to expression, through Feb. 3

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

February artist of the month

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Artist of the Month: Caryn Hand, Creations by CM Hand, through Feb. 24

Gallo’ry on Market
2010 Market St., Camp Hill
717-874-2999; galloryonmarket.com

February featured artists: Yachiyo Beck and Tara McHugh

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, Feb. 1-31

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, Feb. 10-April 13

“For the Love of Art” at the Hershey Gardens Butterfly Conservatory, Feb. 16-18

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Cover Design,” featuring a collection of book cover designs by David Fassett, through Feb. 4

Senior Art Educator Exhibition, through Feb. 4

“Among the Perishing,” an immersive installation by Zac Bension, Feb. 16-March 10; reception and artist talk: Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St.; Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

February featured artists

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

“Pursuit of Freedom—The Abolition of Slavery,” highlighting early attempts to abolish slavery in the U.S. and actions that ultimately ended slavery with the 13th Amendment, through June 2

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Art in the Stacks featuring Richard Neff

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4^th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“TIME,” featuring historical clocks from the Landis Collection, alongside contemporary artwork, through March 21

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

“M E T I N M E,” mixed media sculptures by Kourtney Stone, Feb. 9

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; FineArt2u.com

Exhibit featuring works by oil painter Lina Ferrara, in the gallery, through Feb. 24; artist reception, Feb. 8, 5-8 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Game Changers: Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across the state in diverse fields and detailing the contributions they made and challenges they faced

“Banner Heroes Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Benjamin Franklin & Pennsylvania—300 Years,” through April 2024

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Cocoon Steelton—The Migrations of Many” by Kate Browne,” Feb. 10-May 19

“I’m Fine. Pennsylvania,” a statewide community project dedicated to sculpting mental health awareness and conversations through art with ceramic masks, stories and photographs, Feb. 10-May 19

“Far Field,” paintings by Kate Stewart, inspired by brain activity research, through Feb. 11

“In the Grass, With a Baby,” paintings and drawings by Lee Nowell-Wilson, through Feb. 18

“The Shop Presents—Essentials,” Shelby Wormley explores barbershops and beauty salons in Black and brown communities during the global pandemic, through a series of photographs, through Feb. 25

“From Mantel to Museum—The Eclectic Legacy of Patricia L. Murray,” through April 7

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“American Modernism—Works from the Kruszewski Tobiasz Collection,” Feb. 2–April 7; reception: Feb. 2, 5-7 p.m.

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“Souvenirs of Ruin,” works by Italian artist, archaeologist and architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi, through Feb. 10

“The Boundaries Imagined,” paintings, drawings and prints by Louisa Chase, Feb. 23-April 6

“Disruptive,” a diverse selection of prints, sculpture, photographs and drawings that present disruptive combinations of texts and images from the 19th century to present day, through April 6

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Yondering with the Wheelers,” photography by James Wheeler and the pottery it inspired by Robin Wheeler, through Feb. 3

“How Do I Love Thee,” a group show of work inspired by love, Feb. 6-March 16

Read, Make, Learn

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
capitalbluecrossconnect.com

Feb. 1, 15, 29: Fit Chicks, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: BOOMer Strong, 10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 16: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: BOOMer Fitness, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Virtual Kids Art Class, 12:05 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 : Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Boomer Fit Zoomer, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Virtual Barre Insanity Express, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 21, 28: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 19, 26: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Feb. 21: Virtual Zumba, 12 p.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Feb. 3, 10: Good Hair Day (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Ring Dishes (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 14, 21, 28: Monet’s Watercolor Garden (ages 8-14), 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 17, 24: Say Cheese (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 19: Winter Wonderland (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 21: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

Feb. 1-29: All-Ages Winter Reading on Beanstack
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Winter Story Time (ages 3-6), 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 3: Winter Craft Day, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 12-17: Valentine’s and Book Lover’s Scavenger Hunt
Feb. 17: Bingo for Books, 12-1 p.m. or 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 26-March 2: Leap Day Challenge

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Feb. 6, 13: Zumbini, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Feb. 11: The Year of Ghibli, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Paws with a Cause, 6-6:45 p.m.
Feb. 17: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Family Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Baby Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Crazy 8s Math Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 20: Baby Musik Time, 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Feb. 20: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 29: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 1-29: Winter Reading Challenge
Feb. 2: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 4: Game Day, 1:30-4:30 p.m
Feb. 5: Roots & Shoots (ages 5-8), 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 6: Curl up with the Classics—“ A Raisin in the Sun,” 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 6, 20: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 6, 20: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
Feb. 8, 15, 29: Meet & Greet Library Pups, 10 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 9: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 10: Tween Crafternoon, 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 10, 11: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 11: Teen Mystery Party, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 12: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m
Feb. 12: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 12: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 19: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Feb. 21: Ask a Dietician, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
Feb. 23: Peaceful Poses Kids Storytime Yoga, 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 24: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 24: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 25: Tween Mystery Party, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 26: Fredricksen Reads—“Take My Hand,” 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 27: Tween LEGO Club, 6-8 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Feb. 8: Mosaic Heart, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Kids Valentine Gnomes Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 11: Sweetheart Valentine’s Day, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 15: Moonwalk Pendant, 6-8 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Feb. 4: Acting Tips and Techniques for the Improviser, 1-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 18-March 24: Kidprov (ages 9-14), Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Feb. 5-March 25: Oil and Acrylic Painting, Mondays, 6-9 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Chess Club, 11-3 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 6: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Feb. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Feb. 6, 20: Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
Feb. 7: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
Feb. 7: Library Happy Hour, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 7: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 8: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 8: Teen Zine (A Hershey Reads event), 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Board Game Night, 5-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Feb. 17: Crafting Supply Exchange, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Feb. 17: Wendy Makes DIY Card Class, 1-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: MOMS Club of Derry Township, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

Feb. 13: Paint-by-Number for Grownups, 5:30-7 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Feb. 5: Teen Movie Monday, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 8: Graphic Novel Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10-11: February Book Sale
Feb. 10, 24: Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Kindergarten Readiness, 1-2:15 p.m. and 6-7:15 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Teen Third Thursday, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 19: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 23: Apple Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 24: Trivia at Home—Music, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 26: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 29: Tales for TAILS!, 6-7 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Feb. 6, 13: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 14: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
Feb. 10: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, Passageways, 2 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

Feb. 1, 8: Game On! Coding Challenge, 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 3: Saturday Family Playtime, 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 5: Fiber Arts Club, 3:30-5 p.m.
Feb. 6: Around the World in Five Weeks, 5-6 p.m.
Feb. 7: Light the Way, Lewis Lattimer, 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 17: Black Makers Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St, Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

Feb. 1: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 19: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Feb. 6: An Evening w/Joel Burcat with Tory Gates, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 7: An Evening w/Sadeqa Johnson with Jo Piazza, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Kristin Hannah with Adriana Trigiani, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 15: Wake Up America—An Evening w/Dr. Keisha Blain, Ruth Richardson and Taifa Smith Butler, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 16: Allen Guelzo with Scott Lamar, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 24: Book Signing with Lindsay Hameroff, 1-3 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Feb. 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 1: Love Birds Storytime(ages 3 and older), 10:30-11 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m.
Feb. 1-29: Beanstack Challenge—For the Love of Reading (ages 0-18)
Feb. 1-29: February Scavenger Hunt—Community Helpers (ages 0-12)
Feb. 2, 16: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 3: Valentine Card-Making Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 3, 17: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 5: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12: Winter Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13: Winter Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Feb. 7: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Feb. 10: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
Feb. 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 15, 29: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 18: An Afternoon with Thaddeus Stevens, 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 20: MLK Celebration with local author and illustrator Shelly Lipscomb, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 28: Pet Rock Party (ages 4 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 22, 26, 29: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
Feb. 5: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 28: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Little Explorers Early Downtown Learning Classes, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 12: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 26: BYO Craft Night (adults 18 and older), 4:30-6:45 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4^th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Feb. 3: Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; FineArt2u.com

Feb. 3: Art demos by Thom Glace (transparent watercolorist) and Lina Ferrara (oil painter), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 14: Pop-up gallery at Rubicon, 5-9 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Feb. 1-3: Constellations, 1 p.m.
Feb. 1-4: We Are Stars, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1-4: Two Small Pieces of Glass, 2-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 7: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.
Feb. 9: Curiosity Kids—2-Dimensional Shapes, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 10: Color!, 10 a.m.
Feb. 11: Experience Folk Art, 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Traditions, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 16: Virtual Program—Presque Isle Behind the Lens, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 22-29: Exploration Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 22-29: Eclipses Crossing America, 1-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 22-29: Compass, Calendar, and Clock, 2-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Curiosity Kids—It’s Alive!, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Oasis in Space, 12-12:30 p.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

Feb. 3: Kids Art Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

Feb. 2: Date Night, Make Your Own Clay Mug, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3: Build Your Own Clay Gnome, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Paint Your Own Ceramic Heart Ring Dish, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Iris Folder Origami Paper Valentines, 11 a.m.
Feb. 10: Bob Ross Inspired Painting Class, 1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Clay Luminaries Workshop, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Spoon Rest with Clay Mug Workshop, 11 a.m.
Feb. 24: Ceramic Hand Built Candle Boxes, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 24: Foxy February Paint & Sip, 11 a.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

Feb. 3: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Wednesday Wellness Walk, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 10: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 10: Kids Discover—Rocks and Fossils (ages 8-12), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Winter Tree ID at Detweiler Park, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 13, 27: Winter Lecture Series—PA Natural Wonders, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Preschool Storytime—Winter at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 17: Redesigned Barn Shutter Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 20: Wild Recipes—Winter Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: PSE Master Gardeners’ Spring Symposium, 9-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 24: Winter Candle Making Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

Feb. 10: The Plot Thickens, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Dream Pillows—A Holistic Approach to Sound Sleep, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Feb. 9: Little River Band, Firefall
Feb. 17: Jo Dee Messina
Feb. 18: 50s Dance Party—The Music of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens
Feb. 23: Boyz II Men

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Feb. 2: Jazz in the City
Feb. 3: Let’s Sing Tayler—A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
Feb. 8: Sarah Jorosz, The Ballroom Thieves
Feb. 10: York Symphony
Feb. 17: York County Student Music Festival
Feb. 17: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd
Feb. 20: Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Feb. 9: Jonathan Walker-VanKuren

Boneshire Brew Works
7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
717-469-5007; boneshire.com

Feb. 1: Sherri & Dennis
Feb. 15: Holly Serio
Feb. 29: Josh Dominick

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Feb. 1, 8, 14: Andrea Britton
Feb. 2, 16: Ted Ansel
Feb. 3, 10, 17: Anthony Haubert
Feb. 7: Mathias Cabbell
Feb. 9, 23: Roy LeFever
Feb. 15, 24: Chris Emkey
Feb. 21: Chris Purcell
Feb. 22, 29: Dr. Nyce
Feb. 28: Tristan Lyncé

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Feb. 23: Dirty Deeds—The AC/DC Experience

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; www.etown.edu

Feb. 5: Maria Corley
Feb. 12: Erin Lippar and Justin Badgerow
Feb. 26: Anne Gross and Thomas Bandy

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

Feb. 10: Damn the Torpedoes Tom Petty Tribute
Feb. 17: Soul Miners Union, Cumberland Honey
Feb. 24: Rhett Miller

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Feb. 1: Jessica Kirson
Feb. 6: Vader
Feb. 9: Abstrakt Sonance & Wraz
Feb. 10: Veil of Maya
Feb. 15: Alash Ensemble
Feb. 17: SubDocta
Feb. 24: The Taylor Party

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Feb. 5: HSYO Winter Concert
Feb. 10-11: Stirring Strings

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Feb. 21: Indigo De Souza (XL Live)
Feb. 24: Sing & Swing (The Forum)

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Feb. 3: KC and the Sunshine Band

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

Feb. 2, 3: Emily’s ToyBox
Feb. 9, 10: Screamin’ Daisys
Feb. 16, 17: The Cellar Sessions
Feb. 23, 24: Colt Wilbur Band

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Feb. 6: Drum Tao
Feb. 20: “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
Feb. 24: Atlanta Rhythm Section & Pure Prairie League—50 Years Together!
Feb. 29: Michael W. Smith

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Feb. 18: Wind Symphony Family Pops Concert
Feb. 24: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 21: Galvin Cello Quartet

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Feb. 16: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds
Feb. 18: Mendelssohn Piano Trio
Feb. 23: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Feb. 16: Jon and David Robinson

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Feb. 3: Winter Coffee House
Feb. 9: Trischka, Molsky & Daves
Feb. 25: Winter Open Mic
Feb. 27: Lúnasa with Daoirí Farrell

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Feb. 16: Louis! Louis! Louis!
Feb. 23: MU Orchestra Winners’ Circle
Feb. 24: Shadows of the ‘60s A Tribute to Motown
Feb. 25: Spring Chorale Concert

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Feb. 18: The Robert Cray Band

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

Feb. 1: Boombox, Tep No
Feb. 2: Minnesota, Abelation, Corporate Thugz, Funkbot & Bishop
Feb. 3: The Lizards—Phish Tribute
Feb. 9: The Ten Bend—A Tribute to Pearl Jam
Feb. 10: Tesehki, Cache, Liah
Feb. 16: Papadosio & Tauk
Feb. 17: Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers
Feb. 21: Indigo De Souza (HU Presents)
Feb. 24: Splintered Sunlight

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Feb. 21: “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Feb. 6: “The Cher Show”
Feb. 16: Anthony Rodia
Feb. 24: Josh Blue

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Feb. 16-25: “Rock of Ages”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Feb. 1-17: Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”
Feb. 23-March 30: “The Addams Family”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Feb. 10-25: “The Jackson Rooming House—Music’s Resting Place”

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Feb. 16-18: “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Feb. 2, 3: Brent Terhune
Feb. 9, 10: Galyn Nash, Brandon Legendre

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Feb. 2: Free Improv Jam, Elderprov, Gingersnaps, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, All Over the Place, Bandito, Rites of Passage
Feb. 3: Kid Friendly Mixer, Clown Car, Solo Sleepover, Love Triangle, Euphoria
Feb. 9: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Our Bizarre Adventure, Leg of Lamp
Feb. 10: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Ham Juice, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
Feb. 16: Free Improv Jam, Team Z, Same Each, Original 6, Holy Moly, Bondfire Society, Girlzilla
Feb. 17: Free Mixer, Next Level, Uncomfortable, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Blackest Thing Ever
Feb. 23: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Is That Beef?, Offbeats
Feb. 24: Level 4 Class Show, Phil’s Arcade, Cosmic Trash, Elderprov

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Feb. 16: Amy Jo Brixius

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Feb. 16: Fortune Feimster

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

Feb. 9-25: “The Prom”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

Feb. 1-11: “Lost in Yonkers”

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Feb. 9: “Menopause the Musical 2—Cruising Through The Change”

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Feb. 3: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
Feb. 8: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Feb. 26: “Titanic The Musical”

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Feb. 23: 2024 Humanities Symposium Dance Concert
Feb. 29-March 7: “The Spitfire Grill”

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Feb. 24-March 16: “Sweeney Todd”

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-232-5501; theatreharrisburg.com

Jan. 26-Feb. 11: “Next to Normal” (Krevsky Center)

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

Feb. 18: Oxymorons Improv Comedy

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

What Price Democracy? “The Monk and the Gun” charmingly shows a society in transition

January 30, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Images courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

It’s 2006, and the people of Bhutan are about to discover democracy.

Director Pawo Choyning Dorji presents a piece of politically charged poetry set in a time shortly after Bhutan’s introduction to television and the internet, when the king announces that he will be ceding his power and allowing the people to choose a leader.

It is the government’s job to educate its people in the process of an election, and so a mock election is organized with three faux parties: red, blue and yellow. But the people of Bhutan, who have lived in a land renowned for its “Gross National Happiness Index,” are resistant to change, and the road to democracy may be more difficult than is initially expected.

“The Monk and the Gun” follows three stories: a man (Tandin Sonam) who has taken a job as a guide for a gun collector (Harry Einhorn) to pay his bills; a family that is splintering under the weight of competitive scorn from the mock election; and a monk (Tandin Wangchuk) on a journey to find a gun. If the idea of a monk with a gun puzzles you, then you know how the Bhutanese citizens feel when told they must choose a new leader. “But we already have a leader,” says one.

But democracy is an exciting prospect, one that people have killed for. So, the story unfolds, ploddingly (as any plot centered on a society that has just discovered the internet should—let the people have their moment of calm before the storm), with the characters of each story bumping into one another in an altogether satirically satisfying way, until they reach the day of the mock election. The comedy is prevalent, yet so quiet that you will question whether Dorji wants you to be amused or discomfited.

A story like this almost provides a devil’s advocate for democracy—the idea is pure and idyllic, but at what cost to achieve it? At the very least, the film is a shrewd critique of what we perceive as normal in the West and a lovely way to shake an audience into placing themselves in another culture’s perspective.

The cast is small and relatively unknown—some of them are not even actors (the young monk is played by the lead singer of a rock band, and his lama is played by an actual lama, Kelsang Choejay). But what the film lacks in celebrity, it more than makes up for in heart. Honestly, every American citizen would benefit from seeing “The Monk and the Gun,” especially given the political and social climate we’ve had as of late.

“The Monk and the Gun” will play at Midtown Cinema in February. Don’t miss this gem of a film.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

February Events
At Midtown Cinema

First-Run Film Openings
“The Monk and the Gun”
Feb. 9

“The Taste of Things”
Feb. 14

“Oscar Nominated Shorts”
Feb. 16

“Drive Away Dolls”
Feb. 23

Down in Front! comedy riffing
“Mitchell” (1975)
Friday, Feb. 9 at 9:30ish

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Cruel Intentions” (1999)
Friday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 p.m.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Stay Awhile: Sankofa, Gamut team to highlight local history in “The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place”

January 30, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Cast of ” The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place.”

When I think of great musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, Count Basie and Cab Calloway, Muddy Waters and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, I can’t picture any of these colossal stars in my hometown. But back in their heydays, all played Harrisburg venues as they worked their way up and down the East Coast.

This month, their journeys through Harrisburg will be highlighted in Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s original play, “The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place.” Sharia Benn, Sankofa’s executive artistic director, and Clark Nicholson, Gamut Theatre’s founding artistic director, co-authored this musical drama to celebrate Black History Month.

The play’s plot features the journeys of trailblazing Black artists who brought their legendary jazz, gospel, blues, country and western, and rock ‘n’ roll music to towns all across the country. It’s set against the historical backdrop of Jim Crow-era segregation, when mainstream travel wasn’t considered safe for Black people.

“Their music formed the contemporary music we enjoy today,” Benn said. “It became America’s music, enjoyed by all races and generations of people.”

The play opens with three young Harrisburg residents, who find themselves in the ruins of the Jackson Rooming House on N. 6th Street. When they cross over a magical portal, their surroundings transform into the hotel’s former glory during its primetime.

The young people learn directly from former owner, German Jackson, and present-day guides not only about the music that influenced the generations, but about how Black performers were afforded safe and dignified transportation and lodging by using The Green Book, a Black-friendly travel directory. From the 1920s through the 1970s, the Green Book listed the Jackson Rooming House, among other Harrisburg landmarks and Black-owned establishments.

Even if you’re only familiar with the present-day burger joint next door of the same name, this play will reanimate the Jackson Rooming House as a lively scene, complete with well-appointed rooms and concierge-level service. (Some of the musicians mentioned were even painted on the building’s mural before it collapsed in 2021.) And audiences will learn about the wonderful world of local rooming houses that hosted these famous entertainers so long ago.

Although Benn and Nicholson researched and wrote the play with middle school and high school students in mind, people of all ages will learn some important local history, as well as the greater message. And if education isn’t why you usually attend live theater, don’t worry—the play features a great live band you can skip, scat and doodle-do to.

Local actors play all the roles, many performing in previous productions for both Sankofa and Gamut.

“Local is part of Sankofa’s mission,” Benn said. “We have talent here that needs to be mined, developed and encouraged. When we do have talent, they will go away [from Harrisburg], but I want them to have something to come back to—and for.”

Marking the sixth year of Sankofa and Gamut collaborating, Gamut Theatre’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson values this partnership in support of Gamut’s mission to tell stories in new and exciting ways, to bolster their educational programs, and to be able to share history with student groups.

“It’s important to Gamut that we cherish classic stories, stories from the past and to share with future generations where we fit into history, especially Black history,” Nicholson said.

Benn is hopeful that this play will help to promote a sense of safe belonging for young people, especially “under the shadow of the pandemic and political unrest.”

Directly following each show, talkbacks will give attendees the opportunity “to ask questions, learn and share in a community where we find ourselves divided politically, culturally and socially,” Benn said.

“Music has a unifying spirit, bringing us together, allowing us to level set, to come out stronger, more respectful, more peaceful than when we went in,” she said.

Benn’s other challenge: “Sit next to someone you wouldn’t otherwise.”

And a postscript—Benn feels a special connection to Gertrude “Ma” Rainey because she portrayed her in Open Stage of Harrisburg’s 2012 production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” earning Benn a “Best Actress in a Play” award from Broadway World.

“The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place” runs Feb. 10 to 25 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.sankofatheatrehbg.com or www.gamuttheatre.org.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Baked to Perfection: Savor a song and a meat pie at Open Stage’s “Sweeney Todd”

January 30, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Brad Barkdoll as Sweeney Todd. Photo by Anela Selkowitz.

Sondheim returns to Open Stage this month with a melodramatic musical horror dealing with class structure, a corrupt sense of justice and bloodshed.

Sweeney Todd began as a character in a “penny dreadful” (horror pulp fiction) in the 1800s, and has, delightedly, haunted us ever since.

Stephen Sondheim adapted the musical from a theatrical version of the story in 1979, captivating the musical theater crowd, and a film was adapted by Tim Burton in 2007, further introducing “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” to the masses. It seems the story has never gone out of style.

So, what is “Sweeney Todd” about?

“It’s about murder and revenge and making things equal in the eyes of those who have done wrong,” says Brad Barkdoll, who plays the titular character in Open Stage’s adaptation, directed by Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon.

And that is about all you really should know going into it, according to Rachel Landon, who plays Mrs. Lovett, Todd’s partner in crime.

“If you’ve never seen the play or the film, I highly recommend going into it blind,” she said.

I’ll quickly add that this musical is not for the faint of heart. Its twists are gruesome, and its turns involve a heck of a lot of blood. As the saying goes, “revenge is a dish best served cold,” but the meat pies that Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett conjure up are best served hot—and to music.

Rachel Landon and Barkdoll have performed in many of the same productions at Open Stage, but never side by side—a key factor that both are excited to experience.

Barkdoll, a tenor who is stretching his vocal cords for a bass/baritone role, is excited to discover such a different character from the roles he’s played previously, and while he doesn’t necessarily feel a common bond with Sweeney Todd—thank goodness—there is something about the play that strikes a chord. Landon agrees.

“The plot has themes that modern society altogether finds too relatable,” she said, from criminal injustice to the seeming inevitability of violence in today’s society.

“Sweeney Todd” runs Feb. 24 to March 17 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander presents
Lunar New Year
Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

EFF Live!
A night of naughty fan fic readings
Friday, Feb 23 at 7:30 pm

Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Join the live studio audience!
Wednesday, Feb. 14 & 28 at 7:30 p.m.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
The Sondheim musical thriller
Feb. 24 to March 16

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Binding Community: Local educator will host gala to support mission of providing diverse books to area students

January 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Corey Dupree and a young reader at the Harrisburg Book Festival

Growing up, Corey Dupree loved reading book series like Harry Potter, Goosebumps and The Chronicles of Narnia.

But for as much as he loved the stories and the action, the characters were never described with features that looked like his.

“They could describe Ron Weasley with his red curly hair and Slappy, the doll from Goosebumps, but not once was there someone who looked like me,” he said. “The first time I can remember reading a book that had a Black protagonist was in sixth grade.”

Representation in literature is something that Dupree is passionate about now, as an adult with kids of his own. Not only is it important that Black and brown children see themselves reflected in what they read, but it’s crucial that all kids are exposed to diversity, he believes.

As a teacher and community member, he’s seen the effects of a child lacking that exposure.

Dupree, of Palmyra, remembers a day at the playground with his children, when several white middle-schoolers yelled a racial slur at his family. Dupree spoke with the neighborhood kids, sharing why the word was hurtful and explaining the meanings of words like “racism” and “diversity.”

“It led me to think about how I can impact my community,” he said.

In 2021, Dupree started Layers of Black History, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy and hosting educational events for adults and youth. Dupree’s main focus—collecting and distributing diverse books.

The initiative started with Dupree collecting books to donate to his local school district in Palmyra, but has since grown to support several other area districts, such as Harrisburg, Steelton-Highspire and Milton Hershey School, which he attended. Books also go to community organizations and businesses.

To raise funding to purchase books and for other events, Dupree hosts two annual events, The Layers of Black History Gala and The Little Layers of Black History Gala—one catering to adults and the other to youth.

In March, Dupree, along with his daughter Mariah, 12, will host the second annual Little Layers gala at the Keystone Building in the state Capitol complex.

And while Dupree has been known to throw a good party, his daughter may have the best intel on the target audience.

“I get to help him plan it all out because I know what kids like,” Mariah said.

Just in November and December, Layers of Black History donated 3,200 books. Those included books like “Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black,” “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You,” “Hair Love” and “The Swag Is in the Socks.”

With help from the upcoming gala, they hope to acquire over 6,400 books in the coming year. Money raised will also support the organization’s scholarship fund, as well as events like haircare workshops and an upcoming conference series aimed at educating and supporting men who are raising Black boys.

The gala will include author book readings, craft stations, STEAM activities, food and about a dozen vendor tables, among other activities. Dupree expects around 200 people to attend.

Ultimately, with each book purchased and donated, he hopes to inspire youth and adults to enjoy reading. Additionally, he hopes that students of color get to see themselves reflected in the books they read and that white students get to learn from new perspectives.

With encouragement from her dad, Mariah has followed in Dupree’s footsteps.

“I’ve been reading for a long time now,” she said. “It makes me proud when I see more Black people in books.”

When children can relate to the books they read, they become more engaged, which can ultimately increase reading scores, Dupree said, and just maybe, kids will be inspired to become writers and illustrators themselves.

“Libraries were my safe space,” he said. “When a student shares that they don’t like reading or they haven’t found the right book, that’s a personal challenge for me now to get them to engage in reading.”

The Little Layers of Black History Gala will take place on March 16. For more information or to purchase tickets (ticket sales close on Feb. 20), visit www.layersofblackhistory.com.

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