Musical Notes: August Is Hear

July 28, 2023 | by Skye Leppo

Let’s skip the small talk and dig into the music, because there’s a lot of good stuff happening in the 717 this month!

DON’T MISS

The Head And The Heart, 8/26, HU Presents Summer Series, Riverfront Park

In the fall of 2011, a very cool friend of mine, who is responsible for much of my early music discovery, invited me to a small music festival at the Ukie Club in Philly, and last-minute tickets were about $12. The lineup? An incredible snapshot of time in indie music—Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Jukebox the Ghost, Good Old War, and an amazing folksy band called The Head And The Heart that absolutely blew me away. My friend threw the band’s song, “Rivers and Roads,” on a CD mix for me and I was hooked. This Seattle folk rock outfit has been a mainstay on the indie scene for the better part of the last 12 years and has seen peaks and valleys of stellar successes and criticism. While they’ve taken on a much more polished sound in recent releases, including 2022’s LP “Every Shade of Blue,” I can vouch for the band’s live performance skills.

GET ON YOUR FEET

CupcakKe, 8/24, XL Live

Rapper CupcakKe writes what are possibly the funniest lyrics I’ve ever heard. CupcakKe mostly, if not entirely, raps about sex with euphemisms and comparisons that are second to none. At 26 years old, she’s had an impressive rapping career for 13 years and nearly retired from music altogether in 2019 after concerns that her music was “corrupting youth,” but emerged from her hiatus 40 days later with new music. While none of her music is appropriate to print on the pages of this magazine, this show is likely going to be a great time. For a slightly more accessible intro to her music, check out the track “Squidward Nose.”

GROOVIN’

Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, 8/18, H*MAC

Duane Betts is an astounding talent in his own right for his phenomenal guitar playing and singing in the Allman Betts Band, of which he is a co-founding member, not to mention the years he spent playing on tour with his father, Dickey Betts & The Great Southern. This time around, he’s putting forth his first solo effort, “Wild & Precious Life,” released in July via Royal Potato Family Records. I’d plan to arrive to this show early to catch opening act Cordovas, too. I’ve been especially digging their song “High Feeling.”

FOR CONSIDERATION

Windborne, 8/12, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg

As seen on #FolkTok (that’s the folk music section of TikTok, for those of you scratching your heads,) an insanely talented vocal group called Windborne will perform at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg as part of Susquehanna Folk Music Society’s 2023 Susquehanna Folk Weekend. The quartet, comprised of Jeremy Gordon-Carter, Lynn Rowan, Lauren Breunig and Will Rowan, released a beautiful album in 2022 called “Recollections|Revolutions.”

Honorable Mentions

Outlaw Music Festival, 8/4, Hersheypark Stadium
The Smithereens w/Marshall Crenshaw, 8/4, The Englewood
Pantera, 8/5, Hersheypark Stadium
Beres Hammond, 8/9, H*MAC
The Chicks, 8/10, Hersheypark Stadium
Splintered Sunlight, 8/11, XL Live
Guns N’Roses, 8/11, Hersheypark Stadium
Shakey Graves, 8/16, XL Live
Samantha Fish, 8/17, XL Live
Southern Rockfest: A Brothers Revival, 8/19, H*MAC
Black Flag, 8/21, XL Live
Quinn Sullivan, 8/25, H*MAC
RalphReal & The Family Jam, 8/27, West Shore Theatre
Rival Sons, 8/29, XL Live

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Summer Stuffer: A perfect meal for those giant garden zucchini

July 28, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

I’ve written several times about the “first world problem” of having too many zucchini at the end of summer. We have all been there.

A co-worker brings a big shopping bag of baseball bat-sized zucchini from their home garden, and there is enough for everyone! Well, luckily, there are many zucchini recipes out there now, including zucchini muffins and cakes, zucchini pickles and even crispy zucchini chips.

Zucchini need to be “dressed up” a bit as making them without seasoning or without other ingredients can result in a rather bland vegetable side dish. One of my mother’s best summertime casseroles was a combination of sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, olive oil and lots of breadcrumbs baked until it was bubbling. Even on a hot day, it was delicious and a nice accompaniment to a grilled steak or chicken. She never wrote the recipe down but I have made a similar dish by “winging it.”

But one of my very favorite zucchini preparations is from a very old publication called the “Grass Roots Cookbook.” It is a compilation of best-loved recipes from home cooks all across the country. “Sausage Stuffed Zucchini” is a great summer dinner because it can be made early in the day and gently heated when you are ready to eat it. It only needs some ripe, sliced beefsteak tomatoes dressed in olive oil and vinegar to accompany it to the table (and maybe some heated Italian dinner rolls). For me, once the prep is done, it is an easy meal with no last minute grilling. It is perfect for a buffet table, and leftovers can be served for lunch.

Sausage Stuffed Zucchini

Ingredients

6 medium zucchini, scrubbed well and stem ends trimmed
A large pot of lightly salted water
½ pound sweet Italian sausages
A medium onion, peeled and finely minced
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup dried breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper

Directions

Half the zucchini lengthwise and then parboil them in the lightly salted water. (You must be careful here. The recipe says to boil for 10 minutes, but you must check frequently with a little fork. You want the zucchini to be “crisp tender” and not mushy and falling apart.) When they are done, remove gently with tongs and lay on a dry, clean dishtowel to drain and cool.
When cool, scrape out the central portions of the zucchini, leaving the shells with walls about ¼ inch thick. Chop the scooped zucchini very fine and set aside.
Slit the casings on the sausage, scoop out the meat into a large, heavy skillet set over low heat.
Break up the clumps with a wooden spoon and sauté very slowly until no traces of pink remain.
The meat should be fine and crumbly, but only lightly brown.
Add the minced onion, basil, parsley and oregano. Turn the heat to medium low and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the reserved chopped zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper. Mix all together briskly with the wooden spoon.
Fill the zucchini shells with the stuffing mixture, dividing it equally among the 12 shells and mounding it slightly in the center.
Arrange the filled halves in a heavy baking pan with the shells touching each other for support as they bake.
Bake uncovered in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes just until the stuffing is lightly browned.

I’ve written so often about how Italians love to “stuff things,” especially vegetables. I know the prep for these stuffed zucchinis seems a little involved, but they are a perfect summer meal and this recipe makes a lot. Make ahead of time, and dinner will come together easily. Even people who don’t like zucchini will like these. Enjoy the best of summer. It is passing by so quickly.

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Messy, Like Life: “Mutt” is a fabulous film that’s also authentic

July 28, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photos courtesy of Strand Releasing.

Vuk Lungulov-Klotz’s “Mutt” is an absolutely phenomenal film that takes a stroll straight to your heart.

At first, the term “Mutt” seems a bit harsh during the setup of the film. Feña (Lio Mehiel), having undergone breast reduction surgery and perhaps unintentional social surgery, explains to an acquaintance that, just because he hasn’t given himself genital surgery doesn’t mean he’s any less of a man. It is partially conversations like these, and a number of other reasons, that Feña finds himself with a different crowd of friends and disconnected from a lot of people he knew previously, including his family.

But suddenly, those he was close with prior to transitioning begin to pop back into his life unexpectedly. His father (Alejandro Goic) is visiting in order to renew his green card; his ex (Cole Doman) is back in town; and his sister (MiMi Ryder) comes looking for him when she gets her period for the first time and their mother doesn’t give her the time of day. Simultaneously navigating a bustling New York City without a car and navigating several tumultuous relationships without any warning, Feña makes the effort to reconnect with his past, all the while knowing that these connections may end up just being temporary.

“Mutt” may be one of the most naturally occurring stories I’ve seen in a while. The relationships feel natural, the acting feels genuine. Though many things go wrong for Feña narratively, the culminating events of his very stressful couple of days don’t feel like they’re being forced on us. They unfold with boldly realistic nuance, never quite trespassing into over-sentimentality at the expense of Feña’s character development. Overall, the story feels really satisfying, in a messy, haphazard sort of way. True to life as it can ever be.

Mehiel gives a breathtakingly honest performance, shading in the details of their complex character with ease. And the supporting cast rounds out the film nicely. Each and every relationship in this film is so delicately woven, and the result will suck you right in.

Don’t miss your chance to see “Mutt” at Midtown Cinema this August.

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

August Events At Midtown Cinema

Music on the Patio
Every Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.

Film Opening
“Theatre Camp”
Friday, Aug. 4

Free Outdoors Film
“Inside Out” (2015)
Saturday, Aug. 5, at dusk

“The Sandlot” (1993)
Saturday, Aug. 19, at dusk

Cat Video Fest
Aug. 6 to 13

Down in Front! Presents
“Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” (2002)
Friday, Aug. 11 at 9:30(ish)

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Deadpool”
Friday, Aug. 18, 9:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Fleabag”
Sunday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.

Sunday Docs Series
“Summer of Soul” (2021)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 4 p.m.

Trivia Night on the Big Screen
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

Late Night Frights Presents
“Barbarian” (2022)
Friday, Aug. 25, 9:30 p.m.

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

Community Corner: Notable August Events

July 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Evening Mixer
Aug. 3: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet 5 N Orange St., Suite 3, Carlisle, 4 to 6 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Sunset Series
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Dauphin County’s “Movie & Music Series” takes place at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Performances start at 7 p.m., movies start at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. Find a full schedule on the Fort Hunter website. www.forthunter.org

Kindergarten Program
Aug. 5: WITF, 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, hosts “Ready Set Go… Kindergarten,” a fun morning out for families with children entering kindergarten and for recent kindergarten graduates, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. www.witf.org

Mystery Conference
Aug. 5: Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop hosts a Mystery Conference at 125 E. Main St., Shiremanstown, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. Enjoy an afternoon with 15 authors speaking on several panels, author roundabouts and books to purchase and have signed. Admission is $20 per adult and $18 per young adult. www.MysteryBooksOnline.com

Home Tour
Aug. 5: Enjoy the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna’s iconic homes at the annual Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes and Gardens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a self-guided walking tour to see how people have transformed cottages to accommodate modern life while keeping the Mt. Gretna charm. www.gretnamusic.org

Summer Flea
Aug. 5: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily 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

Book Sale
Aug. 5-8: Hershey Public Library will hold its Friends Annual Summer Book Sale at 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey. www.hersheylibrary.org

Bike Trifecta
Aug. 5-Sept. 17: The Central PA Bicycling Trifecta brings together the Chocolate Tour in Manheim on Aug. 5, the Lancaster Bicycle Club’s Covered Bridge Classic in Lancaster on Aug. 20, and the Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s Three Creek Century in Newville on Sept. 17. Each of these events offers scenic rides of varying distances. www.threecreekcentury.com

Folk Arts
Aug. 6: the Susquehanna Folk Music Society will recognize artists completing the first year of their Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant at the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 1 to 4 p.m. The celebration will include performances, interviews and demos. www.sfmsfolk.org

Macramé Workshop
Aug. 6: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to learn macramé, the art of decorative knotting, and create a handcrafted plant hanger to take home, 2 to 4 p.m. No previous experience is needed. The workshop fee includes all materials and instruction needed to complete one plant hanger. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Sousa Concert
Aug. 6: The Carlisle Town Band will host the 35th annual Grand Sousa Concert at the Carlisle Theatre, 40 W. High St., at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music in the style of the iconic “March King” John Philip Sousa, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. David Kammerer, professor of music emeritus, Rider University. www.carlisleband.org

Garden Camp
Aug. 8: Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County hosts Summer Garden Camp at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, for kids ages 7 to 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers will learn about beneficial birds and insects and harvesting times of herbs, plants and flowers. They will also make a lawn ornament. www.extension.psu.edu

Food Rally
Aug. 10: 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

Golf Open
Aug. 11: The Education Foundation of Central Penn College hosts the 52nd annual Golf Open, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rich Valley Golf, 227 Rich Valley Rd., Mechanicsburg. All proceeds benefit student scholarship funds. www.centralpenn.edu

Folk Weekend
Aug. 11-13: The Susquehanna Folk Festival is taking a year off, but the Susquehanna Folk Music Society is still packing the second weekend of August with world-class performers, workshops and hands-on fun in Lancaster, Harrisburg and Hershey. www.sfmsfolk.org

Volunteer Day
Aug. 12: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves will be provided, and refreshments will be available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Block Party
Aug. 12: Brethren Community Ministries (bcmPEACE) invites the community to a block party at 2 p.m. on the 200 block of Hummel St., Harrisburg Enjoy free food, tours of bcmPEACE facilities, and activities for all ages. Learn more about what bcmPEACE offers to the community to help their neighbors thrive. www.bcmpeace.org

SoulFit Festival
Aug. 12-13: Enjoy music, performances, dance classes and fitness classes at the 4th annual SoulFit Festival, 1 to 5 p.m. each day at Camp Curtin School, 2900 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. 717-425-3314

Opera in the Park
Aug. 13: Enjoy Harrisburg Opera Association’s “Opera in the Park—Make ‘Em Laugh” at Italian Lake, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. The free, educational outreach concert is kid friendly and geared toward music lovers of all ages. Picnicking and aloha or casual attire will be celebrated. www.harrisburg-opera.org

Evening Mixer
Aug. 15: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at Harrisburg’s West Shore Scuba, 203 Valley St., Enola, 5 to 7 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Plant Sale
Aug. 17: Manada Conservancy will host a summer native plant sale at its native plant nursery, within the East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Road, Grantville, 5 to 8 p.m. www.manada.org

Garden Workshop
Aug. 15: Join Penn State Master Gardeners for “Gardening with Nature—Pruning Basics and Beyond,” a hands-on workshop, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn how to tackle your pruning projects with greater skills and confidence. www.extension.psu.edu

Jazz Party
Aug. 17: Historical Society of Dauphin County hosts “Flowers & All that Jazz—A Jazz Age Lawn Party” at John Harris- Simon Cameron Mansion, 6 p.m. Enjoy food, dessert, wine, beer, a specialty cocktail, raffles, croquet, live music, flowers, mansion tours, conversation and networking. Tickets start at $60. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Golf Scramble
Aug. 18: The 12th Annual Harrisburg Young Professionals Golf Scramble will be held at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, 650 S. Harrisburg St., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Teams of four golfers are invited to register online. Shotgun start begins at 2 p.m. Scramble includes a round of golf, a golf cart, lunch, dinner and an opportunity to win prizes. www.hyp.org

Film Friday
Aug. 18: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Rabbit Proof Fence” from Australia at 2 p.m. Following the film, you are encouraged to join the library for a film discussion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
Aug. 18: 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

Cleanup Day
Aug. 19: Wildheart Ministries hosts a Love the Hill cleanup event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteer to work outside picking up trash, doing basic landscaping, helping with dumpsite removal or planting flowers in the neighborhood. Bring a pair of gloves, a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and any tools you may have. www.lovethehillpa.com

Art Soiree
Aug. 19: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the “Manor on Front Soiree” at the home of Mark and Sheri Bennington, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with featured plein air artists Jonathan Frazier, Brian Eppley, John McNulty and Steve Wetzel. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. www.artassocofhbg.com

Flower Walk
Aug. 20: Take in the sights of summer at Wildwood Park, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a free nature walk to see some wetland plants along the North Boardwalk, including American lotus and the rose mallows. Common ragweed, responsible for a great deal of allergic response, will be identified along the trail, as well. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Choral Concert
Aug. 20: The Susquehanna Chorale will perform their 2023 spring concert, “Songs for the Journey,” at Mt. Gretna’s open-air Tabernacle at 7 p.m. A variety of music will be performed under direction of chorale founder and artistic director, Linda L. Tedford. www.susquehannachorale.org

Farm to River
Aug. 20: Fort Hunter will host its annual “Farm to River” fundraiser at the mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m., with locally sourced, homemade dinner offerings, local brews and wines, live acoustic music and more. www.forthunter.org

Golf Tournament
Aug. 21: Bethesda Mission will host its annual Mission Open Golf Tournament at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, 4901 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, to raise funds for its long-term recovery program, beginning with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. www.bethesdamission.org

Yard Concert
Aug. 26: Tim and Polly Alexander will host a “Front Yard Concert” at Deer Road/White Rock Acres in Boiling Springs with Christie Lenée, 7:30 p.m. The driveway opens at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $20 donation per person, and guests are asked to register online. Bring a lawn chair, picnic food and cold beverage. www.mansionconcert.com

Run Wild
Aug. 26: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for the 4th annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K, 8 to 11 a.m. This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the lake and the Towpath Trail along the Pennsylvania Canal. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Concert Series
Aug. 27: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert Series concert with Mark DeRose and the Dreadnoughts at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

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

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

BMW Motorcycles Centennial, through Oct. 21

Early Cadillacs, through Oct. 21

“A Celebration of 20 Years—Going Back in Time,” through fall 2023

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

95th Annual International Juried Exhibition, through Aug. 24

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

“Isolated,” drawings and etchings by Sue Frotscher inspired by unusual natural forms, simple man-made dwellings and lone figures, Aug. 11-Sept. 16; reception: Aug. 11, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

August artist of the month

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

“On the Porch” with Delana Gray-Tuttle, Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Annual Membership Show, through Sept. 2

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, Aug. 1-Sept. 30

Hershey Public Library Exhibit Galleries, through Aug. 12

Hershey Public Library Exhibit Galleries, Aug. 12-Oct. 14

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

Juried Student Art Exhibition, through Aug. 24; award ceremony and reception: Aug. 24, 4 p.m.

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

New works by Paul Gallo, Elaine Elledge, Rebecca Adey, Linda Benton McCloskey, and Tiny Homestead, through Aug. 15

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
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Pen & Ink,” featuring the art of Benjamin Ladieu, through Sept. 16

9th Annual Juried Exhibition, featuring outstanding local and regional artwork, Aug. 17-Oct. 26; reception: Sept. 8, 6-8 p.m.

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

Solo art exhibition featuring Karen Van Newhyzen, through Aug. 8

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

“A Flair for Public Service—Genevieve Blatt and C. DeLores Tucker”

“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 in their lifetimes

“HORSE2AUTO—A Transportation Revolution,” through 2023

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

“The Matter of Money,” artwork by Mark Wagner, best known for his intricate collages made entirely from deconstructed U.S. dollars, through Aug. 13

“Art and Activism at Tougaloo College,” through Sept. 10

“8th Annual Juried Exhibition—Transformative Craft,” through Oct. 15

“The Hidden Museum, 2018,” installation in which viewers are challenged to locate “hidden” works of art, through Dec. 31

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

“Gscharre und Leichdüche (Tools and Shrouds),” featuring the work of sculptor-photographer Stephen Althouse, Aug. 25-Oct. 22

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

“Perspectives,” a 40th anniversary showcase of art from The Trout Gallery’s permanent collection selected by gallery audiences, through Oct. 16

“Power and Politics—Recent Acquisitions in Photography,” presenting an array of recently acquired contemporary photographs with subjects from sports to hairstyles and tanks to bicycles, through Oct. 28; reception: Sept. 1, 5 p.m.

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

“The Art of Instruction,” works by the educators at Wheel of Light Studio, Aug. 29-Sept 30; reception: Sept. 2, 2-4 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 30: INSPIRED Virtual, 9 a.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 4, 18: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: BOOMer Strong @Enola Store, 10 a.m.
Aug. 4, 18: Medicare Coffee Club @Enola Store, 10 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: BOOMer Fit @Enola Store, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 21, 28: Tai Chi @Enola Store, 4 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Aug. 10, 24: BOOMer Fit Zoomer @Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Aug. 11, 25: Virtual Barre Intensity Express, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 17: Fit Chicks @Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Aug. 31: Fit Chicks @Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.

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

Aug. 4: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 5: Copper Enameling, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19: Drawing 101 for Teens (ages 12-17), Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 7-11: CALC Comicon (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 7-11: Tesselations (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 12: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 14-18: Surreal Summer (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 14-18: Cartoon Drawing (ages 9-14), 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 14-Sept. 11: Teapot Time!, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 19: Plein Air Painting at Allenberry (ages 16-adult), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 19: Art Together 1-Day Workshop, (ages 6-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 26: Summer Daisy Painting (ages 16-adult), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Aug. 9: Spanish Language Conversation Group on Zoom, 6-7 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8: Device Drop-In Hours, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: Marble Run Building Challenge, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

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

Aug. 3: BINGO, 6-6:45 p.m.
Aug. 10: Crafting Free for All, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 18: Teen Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Aug. 9, 23: Stories on the Stairs, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 12: Children’s Mansion Tour, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 27: Home Skills from History, 1-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Curl up with the Classics—“Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 1: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 2: Moving Forward Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 2, 3: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16: Summer Baby & Toddler Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16:: Summer Children’s Storytime, 11-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: Pajama Day, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Aug. 3: Art 101, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 4: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9-10 a.m.
Aug. 4: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-10:45 a.m.
Aug. 4: Youth Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: Tween LEGO Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10: Tween STEAM Meetup, 3-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 10, 17: Meet and Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 15: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 15: Gardening with Nature, 7-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 16 Teen Crafternoon, 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Tween Epic Comic Club, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 18: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 19: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Aug. 22: Genealogy Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 27: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 28: Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 30: Computer Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 30: Medicare 101, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 3, 4: 3-Day Mini Camp and Make and Take (ages 6-13) 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 19: Paint Your Pet, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 26: Alcohol Ink Jewelry, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Space—Crochet Night, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 1, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Walking Hershey, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3, 17: Teen Zine, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 4-7: Book Sale
Aug. 8, 22: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Hershey Towne Square, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 18: Craft & a Movie—“ Ratatouille,” 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 25: Play Day for Families, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 26: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time in the Park, 10 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time in the Park, 10:30 a.m.Aug. 3, 10, 31: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 9: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 11, 25: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 21: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 22: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 26: Trivia at Home—90s Sitcoms, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 3: Book Bingo at Kline Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Egg Drop Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9, 26, 23, 30: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Aug. 12: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Aug. 4: Masked Sing-Along, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 16: Critters of All Kinds with Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15: Code Your Story, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16: LEGO Stop Motion Animation (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17: STEAM Sensory Play Time (ages birth to 5 years), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14: Calling All Coders, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 11: Dinosaur Expedition Adventure, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 2: Wacky Wednesday—Two of a Kind at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Middletown, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 4: Summer Reading Bash at Hoffer Park, 10:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 3: An Evening with Laura Lippman and Sarah Pekkanen, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 5: Storytime and Signing with Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox, 9-10 p.m.
Aug. 9: An Evening with Lisa Jewell and Catriona Ward, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 19: An Evening with Mary Louise Kelly and Scott Lamar, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 26: Meet & Greet Book Launch with Robert Swartwood, 12-2 p.m.

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

Aug. 12, 26: Free Kids Art Class, 12-2 p.m.

Aug. 13: Bundle Dye Workshop, 1-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 12: George Armstrong Custer Symposium, 8:45 a.m.

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

Aug. 1-31: August Scavenger Hunt—How to Show Kindness (ages 0-12)
Aug. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 3: Kathleen Jacobs and Puppets, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 5, 9: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 8: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 10, 24: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 11, 25: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Aug. 11, 15: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Aug. 12: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
Aug. 14: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Aug. 16: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 19: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 19: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 23: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 26: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 2: State Symbols—Milk, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 2: Victorian Toys and Games, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 3: Great-Horned Owl, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: Highlights Tour, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 4: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 4: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Aug. 5: Mastodons and Mammoths, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 6: Set the Scene, 1:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Kids Art Club—Craft Media (ages 7-9), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 23: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 12: Second Saturday Workshops and Artist Demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 19: Intro to Hand Building with Clay, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 19: Game Night at the Wheel, 5-9 p.m.
Aug. 25: Paint & Sip, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 26: Intro to Wheel Throwing, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Aug. 31: Wood-Burning Cheese Boards, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Macrame Plant Hanger, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 9: Preschool Storytime—Summer at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Aug. 10: Sustainable Living Series—Aquaponics, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 11: Kids Discover—Insects (ages 5-10), 9:30-11 a.m.
Aug. 12: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 13: Floral Jewelry, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 15: Wild Recipes—Summer Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 19: Kids Discover—Insects (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 19: Kids Discover—Insects (ages 7-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 20: Flower Walk—Heat Tolerant Plants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 22: Kids Discover—Monarchs (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 24: Dried Flower Shadow Box, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: AFL Friends—Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
Aug. 12: Crafternoon at the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 15: AFL Friends—Novel Thoughts Too, 1 p.m.

Live Music

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

Aug. 1: Donny Osmond
Aug. 2: Melissa Etheridge
Aug. 3: Ted Nugent
Aug. 6: Air Supply
Aug. 11: The Original Kenny Rogers Band with Don Gatlin
Aug. 12: American Harmony—The Lettermen & The Association
Aug. 19: Johnny Mathis
Aug. 20: The Righteous Brothers—Bill Medley & Bucky Heard
Aug. 25: Grand Funk Railroad
Aug. 26: The Doo Wop Project
Aug. 27: The Marshall Tucker Band with Blackhawk

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

Aug. 3: Curtis Smith

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

Aug. 2, 30: Jessica Perla
Aug. 3, 17, 24, 31: Andrea Britton
Aug. 4, 25: Roy Lefever
Aug. 5, 16, 19, 26: Chris Emkey
Aug. 9: Chris Purcell
Aug. 10: Doctor Dyce
Aug. 11, 18: Ted Ansel
Aug. 12, 23: Anthony Haubert

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

Aug. 12: Chuchito Valdes

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

Aug. 4: The Smithereens
Aug. 6: The Shootouts
Aug. 16: Fantastic Cat
Aug. 19: Steven Page
Aug. 30: The Lao Tizer Band

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

Aug. 6: Grand Sousa Concert at Carlisle Theater

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Aug. 11: Take 6
Aug. 12: Chuchito Valdés
Aug. 13: Amaryn Olmeda
Aug. 14: Mr. Music Mondays free family sing-a-longs
Aug. 26: Hello Cello!
Aug. 27: Teens Talking
Aug. 27: Galvin Cello Quartet

Greystone Brew House
303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg
717.347.0632; greystonebrewhouse.com

Aug. 4: Noel Gevers
Aug. 5: Pink Marmalade
Aug. 11: Keara Rose
Aug. 12: Curtis Smith
Aug. 18: Shine Delphi
Aug. 19: North Mountain Ramblers
Aug. 25: Tony Catalano
Aug. 26: Phil Freeman

Greystone Public House
2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg
717-829-9952; www.greystonepa.com

Aug. 4: Phil Freeman
Aug. 5: Noel Gevers
Aug. 11: Corinna Joy
Aug. 12: Tim Colgan
Aug. 18: Dave McCullough
Aug. 19: Roy LeFever
Aug. 25: SOC Duo
Aug. 26: North Mountain Ramblers

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

Aug. 8: Hinder
Aug. 9: Beres Hammond
Aug. 12: Tana Mongeau
Aug. 18: Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel and Cordovas
Aug. 19: Southern Rockfest—A Brothers Revival
Aug. 20: Alesana
Aug. 24: Young Buck & DJ Paul
Aug. 25: Quinn Sullivan
Aug. 26: The Lacs
Aug. 26: No Mana

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Aug. 26: The Head and the Heart (Riverfront Park)

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

Aug. 4: The Luv Gods
Aug. 5: Honeypump
Aug. 11: Funktion
Aug. 12: Dance Fever
Aug. 18: Cazhmiere
Aug. 19: Kevin Miller’s Classic Kings
Aug. 25: Breck
Aug. 26: Hot Toddys

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

Aug. 12: Concert at Baughman UM Ice Cream Festival

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

Aug. 12: Clay Walker
Aug. 19: Oak Ridge Boys

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Aug. 26: Shotgunn

Perry County Council of the Arts
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Aug. 11: Big Sky Quartet

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

Aug. 20: “Songs for the Journey” at Mt. Gretna Campmeeting Tabernacle

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

Aug. 11-13: Susquehanna Folk Weekend
Aug. 11: Tony Trischka, Bruce Molsky & Michael Daves
Aug. 12: Windborne
Aug. 13: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
Aug. 23: Open Mic Night

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

Aug. 12: The Fabulous Hubcaps

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

Aug. 4: Parrotbeach—A Jimmy Buffett Tribute
Aug. 11: Splintered Sunlight
Aug. 16: Shakey Graves
Aug. 17: Samantha Fish, Jesse Dayton
Aug. 18: ALO
Aug. 21: Black Flag
Aug. 24: Cupcakke
Aug. 26: Dumpstaphunk
Aug. 29: Rival Sons

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 4-13: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”

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

Aug. 2-5: Disney’s “Newsies”
Aug. 11-Sept. 16: “Guys and Dolls”

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

Aug. 5-19: “Three Little Pigs” with Popcorn Hat Players
Aug. 17: “Snow White and the Two Dwarfs” with Popcorn Hat Players

Gretna Theatre
Mt. Gretna Playhouse
200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna
717-964-3627; www.gretnatheatre.org

Aug. 3-6: “The Life & Slimes of Marc Summers”
Aug. 5: “Curious George—The Golden Meatball”

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

Aug. 11-13: “The SpongeBob Musical”

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

Aug. 4: Four Horsemen Comedy Show

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

Aug. 11, 18, 20: Level 4 Class Show

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

Aug. 24-27: “First Date”

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

Aug. 4-6: “The Sound of Music”

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Aug. 11: Shakespeare in the Woods

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

Aug. 26-27: 2023 Penguin Project’s Annie Jr.

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Burg Review: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit deliver a powerful opening to HU Presents Summer Series

July 27, 2023 | by Skye Leppo

Jason Isbell on the Riverfront Park stage on Wednesday night

HU Presents Summer Series kicked off Wednesday night with a spectacular show from singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Even with the climbing temps, about 4,000 attendees ditched an evening in air conditioning for the show at Riverfront Park. The atmosphere felt relaxed, yet still brimming with excitement and energy.

After a haunting opening set from S.G. Goodman that would have fit right in with stage acts on David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Isbell took the stage around 9:15 and powered through 19 songs, mostly starting with songs from the band’s recent “Weathervanes” LP.

Kicking things off with “When We Were Close,” Isbell’s class act musicianship and penchant for guitar solos really exuded from every song. Although we were only three songs in, the guitar solo on “King of Oklahoma” was so mind blowing that the show could have ended right after that and I’d have felt 100% satisfied.

Jason Isbell and his band, the 400 Unit

Isbell endeared himself as one of the most personable and charismatic folks in show business, frequently talking to the audience between songs with lots of gratitude, graciously introducing his bandmates and touting their talents with every chance he could. Some touches that I found so charming were the additions of accordion accompaniment on “Strawberry Woman” and “Cast Iron Skillet.”

About halfway into the set, around the time the band played “Overseas,” talk of Isbell’s time in Drive by Truckers came up, prompting cheers from the crowd, who then broke into even more uproarious praise when Isbell talked about his sobriety. He then told some stories about his time in the early days before singing his beautiful hit “Alabama Pines” from 2011’s “Here We Rest.”

There were quite a few times Isbell threw the limelight over to guitarist Sadler Vaden, who audience members might recognize from Vaden’s time in Drivin N Cryin, and the band even did a rendition of Drivin N Cryin’s “Honeysuckle Blue” that was so fun to watch. I heard quite a few people in the audience singing along to this one, which just added to the sheer joy unfolding on stage. Isbell also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for central PA treating him so well and said his daughter, who he shares with fellow musician Amanda Shires (who is also his wife), had a great time skating around the city before the concert.

The band ended their performance with a solemn but beautiful “Cover Me Up,” where Isbell was all but alone on stage for this one, awash in moody purple lighting until his bandmates slowly and dramatically started joining in on stage again with guitar, gong hits and some help from organs. With that, they thanked the crowd and left the stage for about three minutes.

Amidst cheers from the audience, Isbell and the 400 Unit came back and broke into an energetic “24 Frames,” before the stunningly beautiful “If We Were Vampires.” I didn’t know this until Isbell shared this at the concert, but he said he wrote “If We Were Vampires” while on a day off in Hershey, which just made it feel all the more special, before ending with a rocking finish of “This Ain’t It.” And in true Jason Isbell fashion, thanked the crowd twice again before making an exit.

SET LIST

When We Were Close
Save The world
King of Oklahoma
Strawberry Woman
Last of My Kind
Death Wish
White Beretta
Middle of the Morning
Overseas
“Alabama Pines”
Stockholm
Flying Over Water
Cast Iron Skillet
Honeysuckle Blue rendition
Miles
Cover Me Up

ENCORE

24 Frames
If We Were Vampires
This Ain’t It

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 27, 2023 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find:

For something new: The inaugural Hershey Brew Fest is on Sunday at The Englewood Worth noting: SoMa Block Party TONIGHT, HU Presents The Roots in Riverfront Park on Saturday!! Get tickets here. Things on my agenda this weekend: Block Party, The Roots, maybe the Hershey Beer Fest on Sunday??

For your weekend(ish) planning

Did you get your tickets for Harrisburg University Presents The Roots?
SoMa Block Party is TONIGHT!
How to help the Broad Street Market and its displaced vendors
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

My top picks at Market on Market
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Harrisburg’s National Night Out to take place on City Island, build community between residents, first responders

July 26, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past National Night Out in Harrisburg.

The Harrisburg community will soon get a chance to interact with area first responders during a fun, family-friendly event.

National Night Out will return to the city on Aug. 1 with the goal of creating a space for residents and members of the Harrisburg Police and Fire Bureaus to meet and share a night of food, music and activities.

The festivities will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on City Island.

National Night Out block parties take place annually across the country on the first Tuesday of August.

“We often times are so busy that we don’t have enough time to be able to extend ourselves in our regular duties,” said Chardan Huston, director of community relations and engagement for the Harrisburg Police Bureau. “This is an opportunity to be able to do that and engage with our community, to show them who we are and what we look like, and be able to interact in a safe environment.”

Throughout the evening, there will be games, face painting, a police cadet dunk tank, pop-up mini golf holes and live music, courtesy the John Christopher Wave Quartet. Additionally, kids can explore a firetruck and watch police K-9 demonstrations.

A BMX bike trick show by Dialed Action Sports will take place as well.

Attendees can get a bite to eat from Bricker’s Famous French Fires, Schander’s, Farm Show Milkshakes and Blue Bear BBQ, a food truck operated by Harrisburg Police Officer Wesley Feduke. City Island Water Golf has also donated 500 ice cream sandwiches and water.

In addition, more than 30 community vendors will be on site, the City Island Railroad and carousel will be running and The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will offer free 30-minute rides for families. Water Golf will be closed.

“City Island is a great venue to be at,” Huston said. “It’s a family-oriented venue, and a great park that highlights a lot of activities our children don’t normally get a chance to experience.”

According to Huston, this is the first time the event will be held on City Island. As the event has grown in the past few years, the city has realized the need for a larger space, she said.

Parking is available for free in both the north and south parking lots on City Island. Bicycle riders can park for free near where the batting cages and arcade used to be located, courtesy of Recycle Bicycle.

In addition, Capital Area Transit will offer free bus service on all city routes from 5 to 8:30 p.m. to help families get downtown. Harrisburg Police will offer golf cart shuttle service across the Walnut Street Bridge for people with handicaps. Handicap parking will be available near the stables on City Island.

No cars will be allowed on Riverside Drive or Championship Way during National Night Out.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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After a long search, Harrisburg hires city engineer with local experience

July 26, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg has a new top official to oversee engineering projects in the city.

After over 18 months without an in-house city engineer, Harrisburg announced that it hired Daniel Snow to fill the position.

After the previous city engineer, Wayne Martin, resigned in November 2021, the city contracted with Lower Paxton Township-based Dawood Engineering to provide services on an interim basis.

Snow, of West Hanover Township, started with the city on July 10.

Snow received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Penn State University in 2014. He has held positions with engineering companies, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG), TRC, and, most recently, Michael Baker International. In all of those jobs, he worked as a consultant for PennDOT, assisting with construction management and design work.

Snow has worked on projects such as the East Shore portion of PennDOT’s I-83 widening project, the Market Street Bridge redesign and the P3 Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. He has also assisted with the city’s MulDer Square road construction, at Mulberry and Derry streets, as a contracted project manager.

When Snow heard that Harrisburg was looking for a city engineer, he saw it as a chance to become more involved in the community on a local level.

“I saw it as a good opportunity to try something different and to make a positive impact on the community,” he said. “Projects on the local level are really rewarding.”

Snow was hired with a salary of $140,000.

He explained that his experience in administrative work, with tasks like applying for grants and tracking budgets, will assist him in his new role. His relationship with PennDOT, having consulted with them for years, will also be an asset, he said.

“That open communication will be helpful for the city,” Snow said.

His priorities include pushing Harrisburg’s State Street construction project and a project to narrow Forster Street, between the Harvey Taylor Bridge and N. 2^nd Street, through to their construction phases.

Additionally, Snow hopes to create a committee of stakeholders from throughout the city to weigh in and offer input on projects.

“I want to do what the residents want,” he said. “I want to make sure everyone gets a say and has input.”

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LGBT Center of Central PA purchases permanent home, plans renovations before relocating

July 24, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

The LGBT Center of Central PA soon will move into this building on N. Front Street in Harrisburg.

After several years in a temporary location, the LGBT Center of Central PA has purchased a permanent home on a prominent Harrisburg street.

Last month, the organization bought a commercial-style building at 1323 N. Front St., near the corner of Verbeke Street, for $255,000 from DMI55 Enterprises LLC, according to Dauphin County sales data.

In a press release, the LGBT Center stated that it will officially move into the 3,000-square-foot space this fall, following renovations. Improvements will include making the space fully ADA accessible, expanding the lobby and community room, and installing a full kitchen, according to the organization.

“This is especially meaningful for us because it is ‘A Home of Our Own,’ a building that we own, and a permanent space for the center,” said Executive Director Amanda Arbour. “Past experience showed us the importance of having control over our own space. Ownership will also support the long-term financial health of the Center, as we build equity and plan for the future!”

LGBT Center officials stand in front of their new building. From left: Wallace McKelvey, Brad Gebhart, TaWanda Stallworth, Ted Martin, Amanda Arbour.

The LGBT Center was located for nearly a decade in a building on the 1300-block of N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg, but moved out almost two years ago. It since has been operating out of the GLO-Harrisburg building on the 1700-block of N. 3rd Street.

The center serves over 2,000 people each year across Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lancaster counties.

“Our work at the LGBT Center of Central PA is as important as ever in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discrimination,” said Wallace McKelvey, board co-chair. “With the establishment of a home of our own, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who support our efforts in fostering the health and wellbeing of our community.”

According to the release, the LGBT Center was able to raise 61% of its $350,000 goal during its “quiet” fundraising phase, enabling it to purchase the building. The fundraiser is now in its “public” phase to raise the rest of the funds for the building.

“The LGBT community now has a home where firstly we should rest and recognize the work it took to get us here,” said Ted Martin, chair of the Capital Campaign Committee and one of the founders of the center. “And after we’ve taken that breath, gather everyone together under our roof and plan for the future.”

In the meantime, the center is planning A Home of Our Own “Soft Launch” Event on Friday, Aug.18, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the new building during 3rd in the Burg. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

The new LGBT Center of Central PA is located at 1323 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website. Photos used with permission of LGBT Center of Central PA.

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