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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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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A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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