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

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

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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Harrisburg City Council candidate’s nomination challenged, as plaintiffs cite past criminal convictions

July 24, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Lamont Jones

Months after Lamont Jones celebrated winning a spot on the November general election ballot, his future in public office may be in jeopardy.

A lawsuit filed earlier this month attempts to knock Jones, one of three Democratic nominees for Harrisburg City Council, off the ballot, citing several criminal convictions dating back nearly 20 years or more.

The complaint, which also cites the Dauphin County Bureau of Elections as a defendant, was filed on July 13 by plaintiffs Katherine Knapp and Sherron Roy. They argue that Jones’ past criminal convictions disqualify him from holding public office in the commonwealth.

Jones, a Harrisburg resident, won the third-most number of votes for the nomination for council at the polls during the May primary election. Incumbent council President Danielle Bowers and newcomer Crystal Davis also won Democratic nominations for the three seats. Jones was also endorsed as a candidate by the Dauphin County Democratic Committee.

According to the lawsuit, Jones was convicted in 1997 of false reports to law enforcement, a misdemeanor, and convicted twice, once in 2004 and 2005, with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony.

The complaint states that the convictions fall under what the state classifies as “infamous crimes,” offenses that disqualify someone from assuming office. Plaintiffs requested “equitable relief from this court to substitute Jones on the Democratic ballot […] with a viable candidate who will be qualified to serve on the Harrisburg City Council,” according to the lawsuit.

According to Marco Attisano, an attorney with Pittsburgh-based Flannery Georgalis, who is representing the plaintiffs in the case, Jones misrepresented his eligibility to hold office.

“If Mr. Jones were to win the November election, he is ineligible to serve,” Attisano said.

Jones has publicly shared his history with the criminal justice system and incarceration through his platform as an activist for improved support for those re-entering society after prison. He is the founder of Jones Resources, which helps find jobs for people with criminal backgrounds.

“Lamont has made tremendous advances in changing his life path for the greater good,” the Jones Resources website states. “He has taken his mistakes and made them assets to his life, his family and those he encounters on a daily basis.”

According to his website, Jones also mentors within Pennsylvania state prisons and halfway houses and is a certified life coach and recovery specialist.

Jones was reached by TheBurg, but declined to comment for the story.

In the lawsuit against Jones and the county elections bureau, the plaintiffs requested that the county elections bureau not interfere with the state Democratic Party’s ability to select a substitute for the nomination. If granted, that likely would mean that the party would hold the power to select a replacement nominee.

Attisano said that if Jones were elected to city council and disqualified based on his past convictions, Harrisburg City Council would be tasked with appointing a replacement to fill the seat.

“It’s about advocating that the voters are the ones who get to pick their representative,” Attisano said.

A court hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for Aug. 8 at noon at the Dauphin County Courthouse.

This story was updated on 7/24/23 at 7:50 p.m. to include a statement from the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the case.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 21, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Gallery@Second will participate in this year’s Harrisburg Gallery Walk.

It’s been another week full of news in Harrisburg and we have covered it all. If you’re not up to date on the happenings, make sure you catch up with all of our stories, linked below.

Activists in Harrisburg are working to make the city more accessible for those with disabilities. In our magazine story, read about some of the daily challenges they face and how they hope to partner with the city to make a change.

Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA) can continue educating area students, as its charter has been renewed by the Harrisburg School District for another five years, our online story reported. The school, located in Strawberry Square, first received its charter in 2013.

Gallery Walk is around the corner in Harrisburg and blogger Bob offers a sneak peek of some of the participating artists and venues. In his art blog, find out about some of the local city businesses that will be showcased.

Harrisburg weighed the possibility of creating a temporary home for displaced vendors of the Broad Street Market, which was heavily damaged by a fire, our reporting found. The following week, city officials announced that they would build a tent-like structure in the grassy lot across Verbeke Street to house vendors.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area dipped in June, but prices increased, our online story reported. In June, 659 homes sold in the three-county region, a decline from 770 in June 2022, as the median sales price rose to $273,000 from $264,050.

HU Presents teamed up with the Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC) to offer discounted tickets to The Roots concert coming to the riverfront, our online story reported. A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will support YPOC’s Adopt-a-Classroom fundraiser to assist local teachers.

Kitty Town Coffee not only supplies customers with their caffeine fix, but helps cats in need, as well, our magazine story reported. The profits from every bag of coffee sold supports local animal-related charities, such as rescues and shelters.

Lancaster Farm Sanctuary rescues neglected and mistreated farm animals and gives them a caring home. In our magazine story, read about the passionate founder behind the organization and about some of the animals that the farm has saved.

Plein air painting, organized by the Susquehanna Art Museum, will take place during 3^rd in the Burg and benefit the Broad Street Market, our online story reported. A group of artists will gather in the market courtyard to paint the scene around them.

Rosemary has cooked up an Italian-style sea bass with potatoes for June. Click here, for the recipe and to try making the perfect summer dish for yourself.

Sara Bozich has gathered up all of this weekend’s local events, and it’s looking like a great lineup. Click here, to find out what’s happening.

Shelters and rescues are impacted by a national trend of animal intakes outpacing outtakes, post-COVID. In our magazine story, find out more about how area shelters have been stretched to their limits and struggle for volunteers and resources.

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HU Presents, YPOC offer discounted tickets to The Roots, while raising funds for area teachers

July 21, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A local organization is hoping that an upcoming concert will not only raise the roof, but raise funds for local teachers.

Harrisburg University Presents has teamed up with Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC) for its July 29 concert, presenting hip hop band The Roots.

YPOC is offering tickets to the show, which kicks off HU Presents’ Summer Concert Series in Riverfront Park, at a reduced rate. A portion of the money will go towards YPOC’s Adopt-a-Classroom program, which donates supplies to Harrisburg teachers and classrooms.

“HU Presents has been awesome about extending this partnership to us,” said Dr. Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of YPOC. “We believe in these kind of collaborative efforts.”

The tickets purchased through YPOC do not include any extra fees, which they would if purchased through Ticketmaster, making them a discount at a flat price of $60, Campbell explained. A four ticket bundle is available for $192.

YPOC first started its Adopt-a-Classroom initiative in 2017, but put the program on hold during the pandemic.

Campbell said that several of YPOC’s members are local teachers who have shared how much of their own money teachers often invest into classroom supplies each year.

Funds raised through ticket sales, along with direct donations to the program, will fund teachers’ wish lists, providing access to technology upgrades, new furniture, snacks for students and other classroom supplies.

Considering YPOC’s mission to create community for and to empower Black and brown professionals, assisting the next generation “was a natural fit” for the organization, Campbell said.

“We are hoping for the best,” she said of the fundraiser. “It’s an honor to get to do this alongside The Roots. They are one of the most amazing groups that come to the riverfront.”

At the concert, there will be a designated tent for YPOC members. According to Campbell, everyone who purchases the specially priced tickets through YPOC, is invited to a pre-concert party with YPOC at 6 p.m. at Hurston Manor, 315 S. Front St., Harrisburg.

Tickets for the concert will be available up until the day of the show, according to Campbell.

To purchase tickets for The Roots, on sale in partnership with YPOC, visit Harrisburg University Presents’ website. For more information about YPOC, visit their website. Click here to donate to their Adopt-a-Classroom fundraiser.

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Purposeful Painting: Live, plein air painting to raise money for Broad Street Market

July 21, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Artists with the Susquehanna Art Museum will create plein air paintings in the Broad Street Market courtyard on Friday.

Artists are putting brush to canvas for a cause.

On Friday, July 21, a group of artists will paint in the plein air style in the Broad Street Market courtyard to raise funds for the market, which was devastated by a fire last week.

The group of artists, curated by the Susquehanna Art Museum, will paint in response to the scenes in and around the market buildings.

Early on the morning of July 10, the market’s brick building caught fire due to a ceiling fan malfunction, according to Harrisburg Fire Bureau officials. The brick building sustained significant damage, while the stone building was untouched by the flames.

Harrisburg and state officials have since pledged to rebuild the market and the art museum’s event will support that project.

Artists will paint from 5 to 7:30 p.m., in conjunction with 3^rd in the Burg, but will have until Aug. 4 to finish their work in-studio.

Paintings will be available for purchase through a silent auction, hosted by the art museum. On Friday, visitors to the market may bid on the paintings in person, and anyone can bid online from Aug. 9 to 18.

All proceeds from the art sales will go towards the market for its restoration.

For more information about the Susquehanna Art Museum, visit their website. To bid on plein air paintings, click here.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 20, 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: Broken Chair Brewing pop-up in SoMa Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg Things on my agenda this weekend: OOO

For your weekend(ish) planning

sip @ soma features Broken Chair Brewing this week
An Evening with Colson Whitehead on Friday
Theatre Review: Deathtrap at Oyster Mill Playhouse — runs through Sunday!
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

WIN VIP tickets to the inaugural Hershey Brew Fest on July 30
Did you get your tickets for Harrisburg University Presents Summer Concert Series?
SoMa Block Party is July 27
My top picks at Market on Market
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- Broken Chair Brewing at sip @ soma Tasting Room!
- Ballyhoo! @ XL LIVE with Tunnel Vision and Harbor Boys
- Sunset Relaxation Float with Susquehanna Outfitters
- Jurassic Park in Concert at Shippensburg University
- Live at the Beach: Shea Quinn at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Barbie The Movie PREMIERE PARTY at the West Shore Theatre
- Poetry w/ Blacklisted Poets of Hbg at HMAC

Friday

- 3rd in the Burg
- Broken Chair Brewing | 3rd in the Burg at sip @ soma
- July Third in the Burg at Susquehanna Art Museum
- at The Brownstone Lounge
- Sip ‘n Swap at HMAC
- Deathtrap at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- An Evening with Colson Whitehead: Crook Manifesto with Midtown Scholar at Whitaker Center
- Free Movie Night at the Bandshell: Spider-Man into the Spider Verse
- Live at the Beach: Bitsy McCann Music at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Dueling Friday Night Live: Pat Cusick & Crickets and Cicadas at Wolf Brewing
- Country Music Festival at SpringGate
- Summerfest: Music in the Vineyards at Nissley Vineyards
- Frets With Benefits at Cassel Vineyards
- Bayside and Hazing Over at HMAC
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Saturday Beach Bash: Chill Vibes at Harrisburg Beach Club
- New Cumberland Farmers Market on 4th
- New Cumberland Pride Drag Show at West Shore Theatre
- Popcorn Hat Players presents The Three Little Pigs at Gamut Theatre
- Fink’s Constant with Creekview Food Truck at Big Hill Ciderworks
- Rhett Miller with special guest Salim Nourallah
- Declan McKenna- The Big Return @ XL Live
- Country Music Festival at SpringGate
- Barbie Party at Nocturnal
- BO DEADLYS, GREG HOY & THE BOYS, THE 717’s Live @ Metropolis Collective
- The 2nd Annual Cute Li’l New Cumberland Pride Picnic
- Afterparty Drag Show! New Cumberland Pride
- Music in the Vines: Silver Bright Sound | Smoking Ace’s BBQ & Meat the Brown’s at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
- Deathtrap at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Grip at HMAC
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2

Sunday

- HYP Book Club: “The Ministry for the Future”
- Sunday Funday at The Englewood: Barre & Beers
- Live Music w/ Sunday Brunch: Shine Delphi at Wolf Brewing Co.
- Country Music Festival at SpringGate
- Royals of Pride Pageant 2023-2024 at Nocturnal
- Pride in Local Music Showcase – SPETTERS / LE GHAST / THE MOON ILLUSION at West Shore Theatre
- Harrisburg Board Game Day 2023 at Whitaker Center
- Sweet Summer Time Sip & Paint @ Big Hill Ciderworks
- Summer Artisan Market at Creative Grounds
- Deathtrap at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- The Wind Down at West Shore Theatre
- Sunday Bloody Sunday: Bloody Mary Specials! at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Yoga and Brunch at Wyndridge Farm
- Drag Brunch Bingo at HMAC

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

You May Also Like

What you’ll find:

For your weekend(ish) planning