Comfort Clothes: Playgowns help children in the hospital focus on being a kid

April 27, 2023 | by Rachel Lindsley

Devin in a Harrisburg Senators Playgown

Sometimes, inspiration arises from life’s toughest experiences.

For instance, Harrisburg native Pete Hayden founded Playgowns to help a boy he knew who was battling Louis-Bar Syndrome, a rare childhood neurological disorder.

“I would spend time with Josh while he was in the hospital with his progressive disease,” Hayden said. “During his final days, his mother wished to see her son wearing something other than a hospital gown.”

Hayden was determined to make her wish come true and put a smile on Josh’s face one last time. He immediately left the hospital, purchased materials and began sewing his first Playgown to resemble a Philadelphia Eagles football jersey.

Since then, Hayden has designed more than 500 custom gowns in a variety of styles, including princesses, superheroes, firefighters and more. On each sleeve, a patch is added in honor of Josh and his story.

Hayden uses his art background to hand-draw each design. Then, he sends the sketch to get sized to fit on a gown. Playgowns come in two sizes and are locally made with dyes-sublimation printing, a special printing process that allows gowns to be washed multiple times in a hospital setting without cracking.

Donations of 50 gowns or more can be specially packaged with a local business’ name or logo on them. Hayden has partnered with the Hershey Bears ice hockey team and the Harrisburg Senators baseball team to donate franchise-logoed gowns to two local children’s hospitals, UPMC and Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Matt Connors, UPMC major gifts officer, and Sandra Schreffler, UPMC child life specialist, are thankful for the relationship that their hospital system has developed with Playgowns.

“Playgowns is committed to finding a way for children to wear something more comfortable and age-appropriate while inside the walls of a hospital,” Connors said.

Schreffler agreed.

“These gowns add a sense of normalcy to the high-stress environment of a hospital,” she said. “They also remind our staff that pediatric patients are just kids who enjoy fun things, even the simplest of things like a soft hospital gown.”

Costume gowns can be purchased as gifts from loved ones and delivered right to the hospital where a child is receiving treatment. A donation of $59.99 pays for a full gown or small donations can add up to a gown being given away to a children’s hospital.

Nikosha Norton is thankful for her daughter’s Playgown, which helped her overcome her fear of hospitals. Norton’s daughter has a sensory disorder, making certain fabrics such as a normal hospital gown bothersome.

“When Lay tried on her princess Playgown, she immediately fell in love and couldn’t stop talking about how soft it was,” Norton said. “The gown has snaps on it, making it easy for nurses to access ports, while also keeping each child comfortable.”

Pete Hayden

Hayden hopes that his Playgowns are able to give children strength on their road to recovery. He wants to bring the same kind of joy he brought to Josh and his family to millions of children who have to spend time in the hospital.

“These kids are my heroes, so they deserve to feel like one when they are battling every day,” Hayden said. “Bringing a smile to a child’s face is the reason this whole thing started.”

For more information on Playgowns or to make a donation, visit www.playgowns.com or follow @Playgowns on Facebook.

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I’ll Drink to That: Harrisburg restaurateur Adam Sturges masters the art of the neighborhood bar

April 27, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Adam Sturges

The family farming business might not have been the right career fit for Adam Sturges, but the qualities he saw in farmers growing up, like dedication, would stick with him.

He remembers watching farmers working late into life, and today, as he reflects on the restaurant business he has built, he imagines working for as long as he can, too.

“I love this industry,” he said. “So, I’m going to stay in it as long as I can.”

Sturges has worked in the field in some form since high school, when he held a part-time job as a short order cook, and would later work jobs as a bartender.

These days, he owns three Harrisburg restaurants of his own, McGrath’s Irish Pub, The Sturges Speakeasy and Mad Moose Tavern, managing a large staff and feeding loyal customers.

Growing up, Sturges loved watching the sitcom, “Cheers,” and fantasized about someday owning a bar like the one on the show, but he never believed it was actually achievable. He never attended business school and didn’t have lots of extra cash to throw around, but he made it happen. Even now, as he takes inventory of his business success, the relationships he’s built and recent expansions, he can hardly believe it.

“It’s funny, for you to say you want to do a story about me, that blows my mind,” he said. “I’m just a bartender, that’s how I still think about myself.”

Setting the Table

After years of cooking and bartending, Sturges’ first big step in the industry came when he took on the role of general manager at McGrath’s Pub in downtown Harrisburg when it first opened in 2002. Under then-owner, Tom Scott, Sturges learned the ins and outs of operating a restaurant.

“He really taught me a lot of things about the business that really set me up to be successful,” Sturges said.

After 10 years of working at McGrath’s, Sturges opened his own place in 2012—The Sturges Speakeasy. It wasn’t hard for him to come up with the idea or theme for his restaurant. He simply looked at the building to determine what would fit best in the space and the neighborhood. Veering from the Irish pub he had spent so many years in, he decided on an American theme and, he thought, what’s more American than a speakeasy?

“I wanted to make this a good neighborhood bar that had better-than-average food, that people felt comfortable in,” he said.

In 2017, Sturges purchased a second restaurant, this time one he was very familiar with. Scott sold McGrath’s, leaving his business in the hands of his trusted former employee.

Sturges’ day-to-day work changed with the expansion, forcing him to bounce back and forth between locations and spend more time running behind-the-scenes operations. It was an adjustment, he explained.

But the changes would only continue as he opened his third business in late 2022. Sturges purchased the former Midtown Tavern in Harrisburg, reopening shortly after under the name the Mad Moose Tavern. The restaurant fits well with his others, as it offers the same neighborhood bar feel, where friends can catch up over a drink and a burger or pizza.

“So far, the response to the food, to the atmosphere, has been fantastic,” he said. “Everybody’s been so supportive.”

Cheers & a Smile

While Sturges has continued to expand his restaurant portfolio, he hopes that the growth provides more opportunities for his staff members.

Chris French has worked alongside Sturges since 2002, bartending at McGrath’s and later working for him as a manager. Velva Hockley is another staff member who has worked with Sturges since he opened the Speakeasy in 2012.

Both described a positive work environment where staff felt cared for, even noting times when Sturges financially helped employees who were going through a rough time. Staff feels more like family than co-workers, they explained.

Expanding to the Mad Moose was all part of Sturges’ plan to give some of his longest, most loyal employees, who have worked years behind the bars, taking orders and organizing shift schedules, the chance to advance into operational management positions.

Both French and Hockley are now part of that management team.

“Adam is very good to his employees; he cares about them a lot,” Hockley said. “I’ve never considered leaving, even on the hardest days because I knew we’d get through it.”

Customer loyalty at Sturges’ restaurants runs deep, as well. Jacki Hagmayer has been dining at McGrath’s for over 20 years, as well as the Speakeasy and Mad Moose. She’s known Sturges since his bartending days at McGrath’s.

“He always served beer with a ‘cheers’ and a smile,” she said. “He knew our names, there’s something to be said about that.”

Over the years, she hasn’t shied away from giving Sturges a little constructive criticism here and there, but only because of the relationship he’s built with her.

“I’ve always liked Adam,” she said. “He a good guy.”

Friends & Family

That’s what Sturges loves about what he does—the longtime staff members who have become family and the customers who have become friends.

“When you can walk in and walk around the bar and talk to 20 people—it’s that communication with the customers that I really enjoy,” he said.

Although his time is now spread between three restaurants, Sturges still makes sure he’s easy to reach. Customers can always dial extension four after the business’ phone number to talk to him.

“I want people to know I’m as invested as they are,” he said.

Sometimes, Sturges will sneak into one of the restaurants, sit at a table, and look around at the room full of people, many of whom he’s built relationships with over the years. He admits that his busy schedule doesn’t allow him to do it too often, but when he does, it’s rewarding.

“I can sit back and think, wow, I can’t believe that I was able to build this,” he said. “When everybody’s having a blast at a place that I took the risk and went for, it feels great.”

McGrath’s Irish Pub is located at 202 Locust St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.mcgrathspub.net.

The Sturges Speakeasy is located at 400 Forster St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.sturgesspeakeasy.com.

The Mad Moose Tavern is located at 1101 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.madmoosetavern.com.

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Subs, Salads, Skills: Patience, caring are the extra ingredients at Sassy Gourmet

April 27, 2023 | by Susan Ryder

Kameron Stambaugh

“We don’t look at someone and look at what they can’t do. We look at what they can do,”

So says Shannon Grippin, the director at the S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training (CIT) in Mechanicsburg, a program of The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties.

CIT works with people with disabilities, employing and training them for competitive work. For instance, trainees make boxes for Apple computer returns, connect bolt kits for industry, and prepare products for shipping.

Without question, the tastiest job at CIT is in the Sassy Gourmet kitchen.

“For the individuals, the goal is to learn skills and move on to competitive employment,” Grippin said. “For CIT and Sassy, the goal is to provide a good service to the community, while teaching individuals skills to become independent in the community.”

Sassy provides lunch for CIT employees. Roast beef, mashed potatoes and stuffing were on the menu this day. It also offers catering of sandwiches, subs, salads and nearly famous scratch-made cookies, especially the chewy oatmeal raisin.

“I put something, a little extra ingredient, into that,” said Tracy Chicoine, food service coordinator, without divulging the secret.

Trainees work in all aspects of the kitchen—prepping, hot line, cold line, grill, stocking and cleaning up. They enter the kitchen with varying degrees of skills.

“We work at their pace and try and get them up to where we need them to be, but we start with where they are and have patience with them,” Grippin said.

Chicoine described one trainee who had difficulty with fine motor skills. She said she just wasn’t sure he would be able to advance in the kitchen. In the end, though, he thrived, just needing patience beyond what a traditional kitchen setting would provide.

“He’s a really good worker, and if he’s done with something, he’ll come here and ask, ‘What else can I do?’” Chicoine said.

Sassy Gourmet not only provides lunch for its workers, but also caters parties, events and daily contracts. I like “making subs for the military,” said Jody Chestnut, a Sassy Gourmet trainee. She’s referring to the 40 or so subs the kitchen provides for the Military Entrance Processing Station in Mechanicsburg each day. Chestnut runs the slicer to prepare meats for the wraps, sandwiches and subs.

“I love it. I do,” said trainee Kameron Stambaugh. He’s often responsible for the fryer and the crispy chicken strips for Sassy’s crispy chicken salad.

The catering is one stop. Everything is provided: napkins, tablecloth, plates, plastic ware, condiments and dressings. And the food coming from Sassy’s kitchen is beautiful, delicious and plentiful.

“They [customers] don’t expect that much food,” Chicoine said.

Chadwick Dewey

Hardworking

Matt Wagner, the executive director of Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region, heard about Sassy through the grapevine and decided to use it for a fundraising event.

“As a nonprofit, your cost is always a driving force,” Wagner said. “I knew it was cost-effective. It was also good to know that we would help a community-based organization.”

He was surprised by the quantity of the trays of sandwiches and salads.

“The amount of food for what we paid was amazing,” he said.

Trainees take pride in what they create, especially when they can participate in the serving and receive immediate feedback.

“We had a special event two weeks ago, and they are still talking about how they liked doing it,” Grippin said.

Trainees at Sassy Gourmet are also employees, receiving payment for their time. Some go on to competitive employment in places like Weis Markets, Giant Food Stores and Cracker Barrel, while some stay on at Sassy. Stambaugh has been there for seven years.

“They’re very hardworking,” Chicoine said. “They enjoy coming to work, and they like to see people and to know that they are making money.”

A misperception exists that it may be a challenge to work with trainees because of their different abilities, but Grippin disagrees.

“It’s challenging because of transportation,” she said.

Right now, no trainees drive, so they rely on public transportation or others to get them to work. Some employees would prefer to stay for a longer day but are limited by the transportation options.

Chicoine resists any praise sent her way for working with differently abled folks.

“People say you have to be a really good person to work with someone that has a different ability,” she said. “I think that everybody can do that. I mean, it’s like working with anybody else right? We all have something.”

The “something” Sassy Gourmet trainees have is a talent and desire to create food for all to enjoy.

To order from Sassy Gourmet, visit www.cparc.org/order-sassy-gourmet.

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Sweet Stuff: Honey Bee’s Café and Bake Shoppe opens in Harrisburg, creating breakfast and lunch buzz

April 27, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Linda Smeltz & Melissa Laughlin

You might think that, if you’re used to cooking for venues full of hundreds of people, you’d have no issue cooking for a few café customers at a time.

But according to chef Melissa Laughlin, it’s quite an adjustment.

For years, Laughlin worked for her mother Linda Smeltz’s successful catering business. But when her mother decided it was time to retire and close the business, Laughlin was left wondering what was next for her career.

However, she knew her passion was to cook.

At the end of February, Laughlin opened Honey Bee’s Café and Bake Shoppe in downtown Harrisburg. Here, Laughlin isn’t serving banquet halls full of wedding guests or large gatherings of corporate professionals, but hungry Harrisburg professionals and residents. The scale is a change she’s still adjusting to. But one thing has remained the same—she’s still working alongside her mom.

“It’s been an adventure,” she said. “We are taking it one day at a time.”

The café, at the corner of N. 2nd and North streets, offers breakfast and lunch in a cheery, welcoming environment. Laughlin described the menu as “eclectic,” familiar café items, but with a twist. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich has artichoke spinach dip inside, a Reuben is made with Kielbasa sausage, and a burger is topped with blueberry barbecue sauce and brie. To top it off, most everything at Honey Bee’s is made from scratch.

Most of the staff assists with cooking meals, but Laughlin doesn’t share the baking with anyone—that’s her specialty. A glass case displays daily treats like cookies, cupcakes, Danish and scones. Keeping the café’s namesake in mind, there are usually a few sweets featuring honey.

As they find their footing, Laughlin said they plan to keep testing new menu items and taking customer suggestions, as well.

While the roles may technically be reversed now for Laughlin and Smeltz, as the daughter takes the lead in business where her mother once did, the duo still considers themselves partners. And they love working together. They’re more than partners, more than mother and daughter, but best friends, Laughlin explained.

“I can always count on her to be my cheerleader,” she said. “I’m grateful for that.”

Smeltz is also often the friendly face that greets you at the register, and when her daughter describes her as a “ray of sunshine,” it’s true. Her cheery personality matches the yellow-painted walls.

Smeltz has been in the food business for years and estimates that she has probably catered around 700 weddings, but she still can’t get enough of it.

“I just love to cook,” she said. “It’s what I love to do.”

Laughlin and Smeltz are hopeful about the possibility of getting involved in the community, something they can do in a brick-and-mortar shop that wasn’t as easy in catering. They’ve already had return customers and have become friendly with neighboring businesses.

Most of all, Laughlin wants people to feel welcomed, enjoy good food, and walk away a little happier.

“I’d like it to be a comfortable place for people to come and hang out,” she said. “We are hoping we can add a little sweetness to everybody’s lives.”

Honey Bee’s Café and Bake Shoppe is located at 620 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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The Write Ingredients: Restaurateur Sophia Nelms shares her secrets, her stories through a pair of cookbooks

April 27, 2023 | by Molly Foster

Sophia Nelms

Freshly baked bread is a nostalgic aroma for Sophia Nelms, owner of Sophia’s at Walden.

It transports her back to childhood—her mother’s modest kitchen in their Harrisburg house—where she learned that water, yeast, sugar, oil, flour and salt, when combined and baked with love, become a loaf of bread with taste and meaning so pure that it can’t be found prepackaged on a grocery store shelf.

“We never had store-bought bread because my mom made everything from scratch,” Nelms said. “Growing up in a fairly large Greek family who loved to bake and cook, I have so many beautiful memories in the kitchen and breaking bread around the table. That’s where my love for homemade food came about.”

When Nelms’ parents passed away a year apart in 2020 and 2021, she realized that her mom didn’t have many of her recipes written down, because she always made them from memory.

So, in the summer of 2021, Nelms, with the editorial assistance of Stacie Shenenberger—the sister of her life partner, Trevor—locally released the first of her two cookbooks, “From the Kitchen at Sophia’s,” in honor of her mom.

To their humble surprise, the 500 cookbooks they independently printed sold like hotcakes.

Responding to its popular demand, the duo released a second edition of “From the Kitchen at Sophia’s,” followed by Nelms’ second and final cookbook, “Cooking with Love,” in December 2022—dedicated to her customers, whom Nelms fondly refers to as her “guests.”

“We went into it with the mindset that, if we sell a couple of books, we’d be happy,” Shenenberger said. “When we had a launch party last July and nearly 200 people showed up, and then we sold more than half the books in a week, we were at a loss for words. It was such a validating moment for us, knowing that we created something special with this cookbook. We captured the heart of Sophia’s and preserved the recipes that make it so special.”

The cookbooks not only include guest favorites from the restaurant, such as chicken pastina soup, cinnamon roll pancakes and coconut-crusted shrimp, but also how to make her mom’s bread, other beloved family recipes passed down through generations, and the stories that connect them all.

“People have asked me why I’m ‘giving up my recipes,’ but I tell them that I simply thought it was the right thing to do at the right time,” Nelms said. “I may not have all of my mother’s recipes, but at least my guests have these recipes that they can try to make at home and see which ones they really love—keeping the tradition of home-cooked meals alive.”

In February, Sophia’s at Walden turned 10 years old—a milestone anniversary that Nelms plans to celebrate with the community on May 20, in the way that she knows best—with good food and good company. Her second cookbook, which is currently on sale for $35 at the restaurant, will also be available for purchase and signing during this upcoming anniversary event.

Reflecting on the last 10 years, and looking onward at what the next 10 might hold, Nelms wonders if, one day, someone as passionate about family and food as she is will come forward and say, “I learned how to make all of the recipes from your cookbooks, and I’d like to buy Sophia’s.”

If the person and the timing felt right, Nelms said she might not decline.

“Creating these cookbooks made me fully realize just how much heart and how many people—family and those who feel like family—have gone into making Sophia’s a cherished place in the community for all these years,” she said. “If and when someone decides they want the place, I hope that they see it as I do—a place reminiscent of home, where families can gather and continue creating memories around the table for generations to come.”

Sophia’s at Walden is located at 129 Walden Way, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.sophiasatwalden.com or follow them on Facebook.

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Tuck In: Healthy foods are in flavor at Tucker&Co.

April 27, 2023 | by Julia Mary Register

Heidi Tucker baking scones.Photos courtesy of Annie Minicuci Photography.

Banana chocolate chip muffins, chicken and goat cheese paninis, orange peach smoothies—all are common café menu options.

But at Tucker&Co. Bakery Cafe, the latest place to grab a bite in downtown Dillsburg, there’s a special twist.

All of their items are gluten- and refined sugar-free, from their chocolate chip scones to their homemade coffee syrups. In a town full of pizzerias, this bakery café offers a healthier alternative for patrons.

Since opening in December, owners Heidi and Isaac Tucker have been living out their mission to serve the community food that’s both “nutritious and delicious.”

Move Back

Heidi has struggled with digestive issues since college, and, in 2018, she started experimenting with alternative baking ingredients.

Choosing gluten-free flours and natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar and honey, she created Tucker&Co. as a safe place for those with dietary restrictions.

“We do joke sometimes that the only reason we opened a café was because I wanted a place I could go and have breakfast,” Heidi added.

“A lot of people, when they make a business, it’s usually the thing that they don’t have,” added Jane Tucker, the couple’s 9-year-old daughter, who helps out around the bakery.

Located in the heart of downtown Dillsburg, Tucker&Co. can be found in a renovated, early 20th-century home previously owned by local Jane Alexander, who used the space as her law office. Now known as the “Alexander House,” the bakery café features an original wooden staircase and outdoor mural by Amie Bantz, warmly inviting those wandering by to come in and sit awhile.

As Dillsburg natives and Northern alumni, the Tuckers are familiar with what the area has—and doesn’t have. After graduating from Messiah College in 2009 and briefly moving to Franklin, Tenn., the couple returned inspired by the vitality of small-town Franklin, with hopes to spark the same abundance in their hometown.

“We came back to Dillsburg because we knew we wanted to make the town cool and be a place where we’d want our friends to move back to,” Isaac said.

And the Tuckers are doing more than just selling baked goods.

“We’re trying to help build up the local food economy and support other small business owners,” Heidi said, referring to their retail section where people can purchase local produce, Pennsylvania maple syrup and honey and farm fresh eggs.

They’re also invested in helping the community and, on multiple occasions, have partnered with the Polar Bear Foundation, the nonprofit educational foundation for Northern York County School District, by providing food and space for their events.

“They work incredibly hard, and they work with their hearts,” said Elizabeth Ayers, board member and incoming president of the Polar Bear Foundation. “They want to provide good, healthy food for people, and they want to provide a place for the community to be together.”

Community & Customers

The vision for Tucker&Co. wasn’t always a brick-and-mortar bakery. Their brand began as an event planning company before transitioning to selling baked goods at local farmers markets. Eventually, they developed their own granola line before opening their café.

And now the Tuckers are going back to their roots and making it a point to hold monthly events for the community with open mics, concerts and sold-out trivia nights.

Since February, they’ve held “Tucker Talks” (a play on “Ted Talks”) with new guest speakers and themes each month, such as the foster care system and sustainable farming.

“They’re a free educational thing for our community and to give people a place to share about subjects they’re experts in or passionate about,” Heidi said.

The Tuckers are dreamers and are constantly thinking of new ways to improve Dillsburg. With visions of bookstores and goat farms, they’re looking to partner with like-minded locals to make their goals a reality.

“We cannot do all the good we hope to do with our company without the support of our community and customers,” Heidi said.

Tucker&Co. is located at 148 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg. For more information, visit www.tuckercobakery.com.

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Happenings: Our May Calendar of Events

April 27, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“The Liberty Car: Great War Cadillac US1257X,” through summer 2023

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

“The Eppleman Collection—A Triano Family Gift,” through June 22; reception: May 19, 5-8 p.m.

“Correlated Cultivations,” a three-artist invitational guest that features the work of Young Won, Earle Rock and Marina Radanovic, through June 22; reception: May 19, 5-8 p.m.

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

Paintings by Irene Appleyard, through May 28

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

“Flavors of Here,” a CALC Collaborative exhibition created by students in Artworks, through May 27

Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters, through May 27

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

May artist: Connie Betz

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

Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen, through May 20

MJ Lauder’s Stained Glass On The Porch, May 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Delana Grey-Tuttle On The Porch, May 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

MAAA Past Scholarship Recipients Show, May 24-June 24; opening reception: May 28, 3-5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

HAAA Rotation at The Cocoa Beanery, through May 8

Backstage at the Allen Theater, through May 31

HAAA Rotation Exhibit Galleries, through June 10

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

“Traveling While Black,” through May 8

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

Juried Student Art Exhibition, May 8–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 Millworks studio artists

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

“Art in the Stacks” featuring fine art photographer Eva Seraphine, May 1-31

Susquehanna Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America, May 1-31

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

“Director’s Choice,” a selection of noteworthy student artwork from Youth Art Day 2023, through May 6

“Stillness & Motion,” a solo exhibition by Louise Thomas, through June 24

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

Student Honors Show, through May 5

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

“Game Changers: Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across the state, detailing their challenges and contributions

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

2023 South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards, through May 7

“HORSE2AUTO—A Transportation Revolution,” through 2023.

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

“Layered Artifacts,” featuring a range of abstract and non-representational works by Brian Truesdale, through May 7

“Intent/Content—Celebrating Women Artists,” highlighting women artists following in the footsteps of pioneers and bringing previously unheard artistic voices into the mainstream, through May 21

“Valery Sutherland—Paintings,” with works completed between 2021 and 2023, illustrating the artist’s investigation into the passage of time and its reflection on nature, through June 18

“Ju Yun—Hybrid Identity,” featuring vibrant mixed media pieces that take inspiration from the popular culture found in both Korea and the United States, through June 25

“The Creatures Collages” series is the visual component of a collaboration between visual artist Dan Zdilla and composer Rusty Banks, through June 25

“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

Studio Art Thesis, through May 15

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

Senior Studio Majors, through May 21

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

“These Two Hands,” the ceramic art of Shawna Rene, through May 20

Read, Make, Learn

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu

May 2: Jazz Masterclass with John Daversa, 11 a.m.

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

May 1-22: Monday Art Club, Mondays (grades K-2), 3:45-5 p.m.
May 2-23: Intermediate/Advanced Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
May 2-23: Beginning Oil Painting—Heron by the Sea, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
May 5-26: Friday Art Club, Fridays (grades 3-5), 3:45-5 p.m.
May 6: Art Together 1-Day Workshop (ages 6-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 8-June 12: Monday Wheel Throwing 101, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
May 9-June 13: Fundamentals of Photography (ages 18-adult), Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 13: Make a Succulent Planter (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 13: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 17: Photoshop for Photographers (ages 18-adult), Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 20-June 10: Figure Drawing (ages 17-adult), Saturdays, 2-5 p.m.
May 21: Plein Air Painting at Allenberry, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 22: Suicide Loss Survivors, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

May 19: Detoxifying Menu, 6-8:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

May 10: Spanish Language Conversation Group on Zoom (ages 15 and older), 6-7 p.m.
May 13: Reading the Rainbow Book Club at Elementary Coffee, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 11: Internet Fundamentals, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

May 1, 15: Paws 2 Read (ages 6-11), 6-7:30 p.m.
May 2: Retiring in Uncertain Times, 6-7 p.m.
May 6: Mindfulness and Yoga Workshop: What is Your Mind Full of?, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 10: Let’s Discover Art (ages 8-13), 5-6 p.m.
May 14: Sip & Speak, 12-1:30 p.m. (ages 18 and older)

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

May 4, 11, 18, 25: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Knitter’s Group, 5-7 p.m.
May 6: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 13: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
May 16: Musik Time, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
May 20: Dog Tales, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

May 2: Historical Tree Walk, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
May 13: Kids Discover—Creek Critters (ages 5-10), 4-5:30 p.m.
May 21: Home Skills from History, 1-3 p.m.
May 21: Mrs. Reily’s Tea—Exploring the Wyeth Dynasty, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

May 1: Roots & Shoots Program, 6-7 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30 p.m.
May 1, 15: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
May 2: Curl up with the Classics—“Light in August” 10-11 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23: Natalie D. Crauer Writer’s Workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 2, 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 3: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
May 3: Teen STEAM Meetup, 4-5:30 p.m.
May 3: Teen STEAM Meetup, 5-6 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24: Spring Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 4: Tween Epic Comic Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 5: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
May 5: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9-9:45 a.m.
May 5: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.
May 9: Managing Time in a 24/7 World, 10:30-11 a.m.
May 11: Book Keepers Teen Book Club on Zoom (ages 15-18), 6-8 p.m.
May 11, 18 : Meet and Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
May 17: Computer Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17: Embroidery Workshop, 1-3:30 p.m.
May 17: Tween STEAM Meetup, 5-5:45 p.m.
May 19: Family Paint & Pix!, 6 p.m.
May 20: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 23: Attitude is Everything!, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 23: Genealogy Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 4: Mini Trio on Wood, 6-8 p.m.
May 13: Wire Bonsai Tree w/Mark Golomb, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 20: Decoupage w/Kathy Cook, 1-4 p.m.
May 26: Patriotic Painting w/Chris Pettman, 6- 8 p.m.

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

May 9: Improv for TV & Film, 7-9 p.m.
May 10: Fix it or Make It Worse, 7-9 p.m.
May 18-July 6: Level 1—Intro to Improv, Thursdays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

May 2-June 6: Painting with Oil and Acrylics, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 4-June 8: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15: Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m.
May 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
May 2, 9 25: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
May 3: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
May 4, 18: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
May 6, 13: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
May 9: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2 p.m.
May 9, 23: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Hershey Towne Square, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 10: Artisan Wednesday—Make Your Own Journal, 3 p.m.
May 15: Movie Monday—“Princess Bride,” 3 p.m.
May 20: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
May 22: Adult LEGO Club @ Troegs, 6:30 p.m

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

May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 31: Rhyme Time (18 months and older), 10:15-10:35 a.m.
May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 31: Toddler Time (18 months-3 years), 10:45-11:05 a.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
May 2: Kindergarten Readiness, 1 p.m.
May 2: Kindergarten Readiness, 6 p.m.
May 2: Teen Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
May 4, 11: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
May 8: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 9: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
May 10: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
May 13, 27: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 13, 27: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 15: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
May 18: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
May 18: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
May 20: Discovery Club, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 20: Adventure Club, 11:30 am.-12:15 p.m.
May 20: Teen Squad Meeting, 3-4 p.m.
May 23: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
May 23: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
May 25: STEAM Club (grades 1-2), 6 p.m.
May 25: STEAM Club (grades 3-5), 6 p.m.
May 27: Trivia at Home—2022 in Review, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 10, 24: Paws 2 Read, 5-6 p.m.

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

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Passageways, 2 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
May 13: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 8: Mindfulness and Yoga Workshop: What is Your Mind Full of?, 5-6 p.m.
May 11: STEM Technology Open House, 4-6 p.m.
May 19: STEAM Open Play Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 25: Let’s Build STEAM, 5-6 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen STEM Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: STEM Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
May 4: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Online Science Fiction Book Club
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Star Trek Rewatch online group
May 15: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

May 9: An Evening with Brianna Wiest and Bianca Sparacino, 7-8 p.m.
May 10: Afternoon Tea with Patti Callahan Henry and Amy Jo Burns, 1-2 p.m.
May 12: Julia Quinn with Amanda Matta, 7-8 p.m.
May 19: An Evening with Wajahat Ali, 7-8 p.m.
May 23: An Evening with Jonathan Eig and Drew Hart, 7-8 p.m.
May 25: An Evening with Jeff Shaara, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 6: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
May 7: Herbal Medicine Making, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 13: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.

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

May 6: 2023 Lessons in History Presentation with David O. Stewart, 1-2 p.m.

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

May 6: Spring Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22: Storytime & More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
May 1, 15: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 1-31: Beanstack Reading Challenge—May Mindfulness (ages 0-18)
May 1-31: Foodways—A Cookbook Challenge
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
May 3: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 5, 19: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 6: Spring Yoga for Kids (ages 3 and older), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 6, 20: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 9: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 9: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 10: Mom & Me Paint Party (ages 6 and older), 6-7 p.m.
May 10, 24: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 11, 25: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 12, 26: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
May 17: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 20: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
May 23: Strawberry DNA (ages 7-12), 6-7 p.m.
May 24: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

May 7: Paint and Sip, 3-5 p.m.

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

May 10: Foundations of Drawing, 7-9 p.m.
May 13: Kid’s Art Club—Unique Surfaces (ages 6-10), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 27: Kid’s Art Club—3D Paintings (ages 7-12), 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 2: Arts in Education virtual workshop, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 12: Macramé Wall Plant Hanger, 6 p.m.
May 13: Second Saturday Workshops and Artist Demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 20: Susquehanna Clay Club “Got Pots?” Seconds Sale fundraiser for NCECA
May 26: BYOB Paint Party w/Linda Shuey, May Flowers

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

May 3: Bird Walk—Peak Migration, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
May 4: Spring Flower Walk at Detweiler Park, 2:30-4 p.m.
May 5: Bird Walk at Detweiler Park, 2:30-4 p.m.
May 6: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Home Gardening Series—Spotted Lanternfly, 9:30-11 a.m.
May 9: Wild Recipes—Spring Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Wild About Dogs!, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 18: Redesigned Barn Shutter Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 20: Girl Scouts—Outdoor Art-Maker, Creator, Apprentice, Explore & Expert Badge, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 22: Spring Tree ID at Wildwood Park, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

May 20: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 6: Tommy James & The Shondells with The Box Tops
May 7: Amy Grant
May 12: Dylan Scott
May 18: Ashley McBryde, Harper O’Neill
May 19: Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder
May 20: The Guess Who
May 21: David Foster & Katharine McPhee
May 24: Cheap Trick
May 27: Michael W. Smith

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

May 5: Jazz in the City
May 8: Martin Sexton, KT Tunstall
May 20: York Symphony—Puccini & Pictures

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu

May 2: John Daversa
May 3: Piano Ensemble
May 4: Handbell Concert
May 5: Faculty Jazz Concert with Guest Artist John Daversa

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

May 21: Vanisha Gould Trio

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

May 7: Concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle

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

May 5: Damn the Torpedoes—A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
May 12: Right Now—A Celebration of Hagar-Era Van Halen
May 26: Sugar Mountain

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

May 5: Tim Colgan
May 6: North Mountain Ramblers
May 12: Keara Rose
May 13: Curtis Smith
May 19: Jason Carst
May 20: Soc Duo
May 26: Tony Catalano
May 27: Zach Nyce

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

May 4: Moon Hooch
May 6: The Emo Night Tour
May 7: Puddles Pity Party
May 11: Outline in Color
May 12: Kreator & Sepultura
May 12: Ceramic Animal
May 13: The Menzingers
May 17: Like Pacific
May 19: Shrek Rave
May 20: Hunter Hayes
May 23: Bloodywood
May 26: Meet Me @ The Altar
May 26: Michigander
May 27: V TEN
May 30: Michigan Rattlers

Harrisburg Maennerchor
221 North St., Harrisburg
hbgmaennerchor.com

May 20: Calling Hours, Shades Apart, Social Pressure

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

May 6-7: The Force of Destiny
May 14: Mother’s Day Concert

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

May 3: Half Alive, Tessa Violet at XL Live
May 4: Sueco, Teenage Disaster at XL Live
May 6: Rick Ross at XL Live
May 9: Frank Turner, Lauren Jane Grace, Kayleigh Goldsworthy at XL Live
May 13: Muna, Nova Twins at XL Live
May 24: Waterparks at XL Live

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

May 26: Daryl Hall w/Todd Rundgren
May 28: Boz Scaggs

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

May 6: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

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

May 9: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

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

May 14: Susquehanna Chorale Spring Concert

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

May 13: Swearingen & Kelli—Music of Simon & Garfunkel

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

May 18: Coffeehouse Open Mic at The Winery at Hunters Valley
May 20: MOEJOE

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
pinestreet.org

May 7: Brandon Cedel

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

May 12: Concert at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey
May 13: Concert at Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg
May 14: Concert at Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts (Parmer Hall), Messiah University, Mechanicsburg

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

May 14: May Jam & Song Swap
May 18: Cristina Vane, Zach King

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

May 5: Big Fat Meanies
May 7: Galactic Empire
May 9: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
May 12: The Uptown Band
May 13: The Martini Bros.
May 20: Rascal Revival, Dan Jamison, Joe Cigan

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

May 3: Half Alive, Tessa Violet
May 4: Sueco, Teenage Disaster
May 5: Lotus
May 6: Rick Ross
May 9: Frank Turner, Lauren Jane Grace, Kayleigh Goldsworthy
May 12: The Amish Outlaws
May 13: Muna, Nova Twins
May 19: Almost Queen
May 24: Waterparks at XL Live
May 25: Neal Francis

The Stage Door

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

May 5: “Madagascar The Musical”
May 9: Sam Morril
May 12: Ellen Karis, Stephen Steele
May 20: Earl David Reed, Michael Anthony Davis
May 31: Edward Twins present The Ultimate Variety Show

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

May 12-21: “Holes”

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

May 2-20: “Footloose the Musical”
May 26-June 24: “Elvis—A Musical Revolution”

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

May 4-6: “HairStory—Reclaiming Our Crown”
May 6-13: “Rollicking Ripsnorters—American Tall Tales” w/Popcorn Hat Players
May 19-21: “Dreadful Marches to Delightful Measures—A Staged Reading of Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses”

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

May 5-7: “The Secret Garden”
May 19-21: “The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less”

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

May 5: Divas Down Under present “Queens of the Night” Cinco de Mayo Drag Show
May 5, 6: Davin Rosenblatt and Rick Allen
May 12, 13: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 19, 20: Keith Purnell and Rachel Williams
May 26, 27: Joey Callahan and Billy Chiang

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

May 5: Free Improv Jam, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Frankenstein’s Monster!, Bandito
May 6: Kid Friendly Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Baby, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches, Uncomfortable, Tiny Town
May 7: Kidprov Class Show, Kidprov Class Show
May 12: Free Improv Jam, Is That Beef? , Team Z, Leg of Lamp, Phil’s Arcade, Holding Hands w/ John and Tyler: A Late Show w/ John and Tyler
May 13: Level 3 Class Show, This Show Will Self Destruct, Mary Todd Lincoln—The Real Babe-raham Lincoln, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
May 19: Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Cosmic Trash, The Bondfire Society
May 20: Free Mixer, Baby, Sunday School, Rockstar Goes Supernova, JODY, Barn Bitches Presents The Haircut
May 21: Level 3 Class Show
May 26: Level 1 Class Show, Level 2 Class Show, Is That Beef?, Team Z, Midtown Funk, Merely Players
May 27: Free Mixer, Dark Horse, Original Six, Elderprov
May 28: Level 1 Class Show, Level 2 Class Show

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

May 25-June 5: “Bandstand”

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

May 20: Hershey School of Dance
May 21: Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards

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

May 5-7: “Cinderella”

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

May 20-June 4: “Come Blow Your Horn”

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

May 27: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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

May 4-7: “Tiny Beautiful Things”
May 10, 24: Black NewsBeat w/Dr. Kimeka Campbell
May 19: EFF Live!
May 27-June 17: “Poirot Investigates!”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; www.oystermill.com

May 5-12: Lady Windermere’s Fan

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

May 5-14: “Sideshow” at Whitaker Center

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

May 5: We the People First Friday—“Acts of Welcome”

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

May 11: A Night of Improv w/Susan Messing and John Lehr

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

May 5-14: Theatre Harrisburg presents “Sideshow”

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Musical Notes: Marvelous May

April 27, 2023 | by Belle Frank

I love seeing the array of artists who visit the Harrisburg area every month. We get to experience small, intimate settings with independent singers, but also larger stadiums with decades-established bands. Since moving here almost a year ago, I feel that Harrisburg has opened my eyes and ears to so many new artists and even some who have been in the industry for longer than I’ve been alive. It’s incredible that we get to witness such talented artists right here, so close to home. This month, there are plenty of bands and artists to experience live.

Moon Hooch, 5/4, H*MAC, 6 p.m.

Brooklyn natives Michael Wilbur, Wenzl McGowen and Cyzon Griffin were no strangers to playing their tunes in subway stations. Now, they have graduated from busking to playing larger venues. When Moon Hooch first started out, they were completely acoustic, with just two saxophones and a drum. These days, they’ve added electronic and found sounds into their songs. The futuristic jazz music has a way of transforming your mood completely, like their song, “8-bit,” my personal favorite.

Hunter Hayes, 5/20, H*MAC, 7 p.m.

Hunter Hayes’ love for music started early in his life, and it’s apparent in his ability to play over 30 instruments. He started his performance career when he was just 2 years old and, at the age of 4, began appearing on national TV to sing. His popularity in the industry climbed in 2011 when he performed as an opening act for Taylor Swift on her “Speak Now” tour. Later that year, Hayes released his self-titled album, on which he co-wrote every song and played every instrument. Hayes’ most popular song, “Wanted,” rose to No. 1 on the “hot country” songs chart. The platinum-selling artist released his latest album in March 2023 with a sound reminiscent of his early music career.

Blink-182 5/27, Hersheypark Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Some of us never grew out of our “emo-phase” of applying too much eyeliner and listening to classic pop-punk bands. Although I have lightened up on the eyeliner over the years, I definitely haven’t quit listening to pop-punk. And let’s be honest, Blink-182 is a classic. Their fame was solidified in the mainstream industry in 1999 after the release of their album, “Enema of the State.” Three songs from that album, “All The Small Things,” “Adam’s Song” and “What’s My Age Again?” became wildly popular and started playing on the radio. Blink-182 released their most recent song in October 2022, and if you had told me it was off of their first album, I would’ve believed you. Although the band has gone through changes through the decades, they have stayed consistent and true to their sound.

Mentionables

Half Alive, May 3, XL Live
Rick Ross, May 6, XL Live
Ill Niño, May 9, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, May 9, XL Live
The Menzingers, May 13, H*MAC
Michigander, May 26, H*MAC

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Kitchen Tips: Rosemary shares what she’s learned along the way

April 27, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

I have been cooking for almost 54 years of married life. I come from a family that treasured good food, mostly Italian.

It is true, as my husband often jokes, that my mother and her sisters barely finished one meal before they began talking about what they were going to make for the next. To this day, I have never heard of a person other than my mother who purchased an entire bushel basket of cantaloupes, then asked in all sincerity, “Say, who’s going to eat all these?” And we still laugh at my mother’s earnest statement that, while she didn’t need anything at the grocery store, she wouldn’t mind going to browse.

So, I guess I am a legitimate “foodie.” Italian food has always been my favorite, but, every so often, I try my hand at making food from different cuisines. I still look at contemporary cooking magazines, as I always have, but honestly, I often don’t know what some of the ingredients are. I’m still trying to find a use for a bottle of gochujang I bought because Bobby Flay thought I should have it.

I love cooking and do so almost every day except once a week when we head downtown for “date night.” I’ve learned a lot and thought that this month I’d share a few things acquired along the way. But please know, these are just my thoughts, and you may not agree at all. Here we go.

Meatballs

Of all Italian foods, meatballs are nearest and dearest to my heart. When my mother made them, she bought a big chuck roast, had the butcher cut off all the fat and “grind it twice” (I don’t know). I have made peace with using the “meatloaf mix” I buy at my favorite butcher at the farmers market. It is a mixture of beef, pork and veal, has good flavor, and results in a moist meatball. Forget about using very lean ground round. I know it is likely a healthier choice, but you will end up with hockey pucks. And while we are discussing meatballs—I know the big box stores carry bags of pre-made meatballs. Don’t do it. Throw some bacon into your pasta instead. Or tuna.

Cooking Meatballs

Now it’s time to cook them. The latest “thing” is to bake meatballs in the oven. My best friend who lived in Italy is doing it and so is Ina Garten, the “Barefoot Contessa.” Some cooks believe cooking meatballs on sheet pans in the oven is less messy. I dislike cleaning sheet pans and absolutely love the smell of meatballs gently sautéing in olive oil in a skillet on the stove. It is a smell embedded in my childhood memories. My sons would stand on chairs next to their Grammy by the stove and taste the little samples she made and recommend more salt or cheese as needed before the whole batch was cooked. The olive oil splatters, and I clean it up.

Ricotta Cheese

I suppose we all love ricotta cheese for its very familiar role in classic tomato and cheese lasagna. But I learned over the years that there is the processed ricotta found in grocery stores in plastic containers and fresh ricotta found in specialty delis and Italian grocery stores. Fresh ricotta is often sold in large containers, piled high like big ice cream cones. The important thing for me is, “How wet is it?” If the ricotta seems very wet and, if you are going to use it for baking, like an Italian cheesecake, place it in a cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl and refrigerate. Discard the liquid in the bowl. I have also learned that lasagna Bolognese has no ricotta at all and is so good. Remember ricotta is not the same as cottage cheese!

Parmesan Cheese

When buying cheese for grating, buy the real thing. No green containers in the grocery aisle. Real Parmesan Reggiano has little round pinholes in its rind, which are very distinctive. Professional chefs recommend buying a small wedge to keep in the fridge for grating. Some delis sell containers of pre-grated cheese, and I often cheat by buying that. Make sure you wrap the wedge of cheese well for storage in the refrigerator. I have been known to cut out little spots of mold and am still standing.

Romano Cheese

Pecorino Romano cheese is favored by many in Italian cooking. It differs from Parmesan in that it has a stronger flavor and is usually saltier. Every once in awhile, my mother would use it in her meatballs, and I could notice a distinctive flavor from those made with Parmesan. Some cooks prefer it over Parmesan, but the two cheeses, in my view, are not interchangeable. My 5-year-old grandson wouldn’t eat my Romano cheese meatballs one day, but then he doesn’t eat much of anything.

Entertaining

I love cooking for people. In my early days, I would spend days scouring cookbooks for special recipes and even more days preparing food for company. I since have learned a simple meal is best and appreciated just as much. In winter, a big pot of soup, a green salad, and good crusty bread is wonderful. In the summer, some nice steaks on the grill and a fresh corn salad are the best. The most important thing is sharing a meal with those you love. I made a tomato aspic for company once. It looked beautiful but nobody knew what it was. There was a lot left over.

I am running out of my allotted space and feel as if I’ve just begun. I could write and talk about food forever. Perhaps my editor will let me write a chapter two!

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Stuffy Yet Silly: Settle in for campy fun as Open Stage presents an Agatha Christie classic

April 27, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photos from left: Rachel Landon as the Movie Star, Chris Gibson as Captain Hastings, Rachel Landon as the Femme Fatale, Stuart Landon as Inspector Japp, Rachel Landon as the Awkward Femme Fatale, Stuart Landon as Hercule Poirot.

Fun fact: it takes a novel 95 years from the date of publication to lose its copyright. Another fun fact: every year, countless great stories fall into the public domain because of this law, and sometimes we don’t even notice.

This applies even to stories by renowned authors like Agatha Christie. Her short story collection, “Poirot Investigates,” was published in 1924, which means that, at the height of the pandemic, many of Poirot’s escapades became fair game.

This was something that Stuart Landon, producing artistic director at Open Stage and long-time fan of Christie, could not let go to waste.

“I was like, ‘I get to adapt one of my favorite things, and play one of my favorite characters!’” he recalled.

He and the theater’s “disease cluster,” as he put it—a handful of Open Stage staff—were already planning several theater/film hybrids in the quarantine interim and decided to put on Poirot. Landon adapted the script. They set up some cameras, and, by the fall of 2020, Poirot was gracing Open Stage’s YouTube page.

“It was this tongue-in-cheek, ridiculous adaptation of some of [Christie’s] short stories, but made with all the love,” Landon said.

It was a great chance for people to be distracted from the global panic—and to laugh. Open Stage had done comedic shows before, but never something quite so farcical. But they had a blast with it.

“Some takes, I was barely keeping it together,” Landon said.

Of all the theater/film hybrids they made that year, Landon said that it felt the most like theater. Now, he wants to bring that farcical glory to the stage.

The chosen story is “Adventure of the Western Star,” one of the two classics that they filmed during quarantine. And naturally, all the familiar characters will be back: Poirot and Hastings, two highbrow, rich guys who are very entitled in the way they behave, and two other actors juggling the rest of the characters and supporting the storytelling.

One of the most outlandish characters from the story, Lady Yardley, has some hilarious moments, Landon recalled. I won’t relay them here because, well, the laughs she elicits are so much better in person.

This version will be different.

“It’s gonna be shorter, and it’s gonna be simpler,” Landon said. “We are building this specifically to bring to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024.”

But it will have that same silliness to it. The mystery almost feels secondary to the frivolity that plays out.

Landon is excited to see what the theatrical performance will look like. As he will be both directing and acting—a feat he’s never done before Poirot—he is a little nervous to see it all come together.

“But I also have a really great team with me,” he added

And that confidence, plus the security of a great story, will work to the team’s advantage.

And it really is a brilliant piece of theater. While we may not need as much of a distraction in 2023 as we did in 2020, Poirot and his high-camp, lowbrow cast of characters will bring just as much lighthearted joy as they did the first time around.

“I hope that the audience is able to just have a good belly laugh and take home a smile,” Landon said. “And have a damn good time while they’re here. I’m looking forward to that.”

“Poirot Investigates! The Adventure of the Western Star” runs May 27 to June 17 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg, Tickets can be bought at the box office or online at www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

“Tiny Beautiful Things”
A new play based on the Cheryl Strayed memoir
Now through May 7

Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Join us in the studio audience for an episode taping.
May 10 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
June 14 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

EFF (Erotic Fan Fiction) Live!
Naughty readings of fanfics
Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m.

“Poirot Investigates! The Adventure of the Western Star”
A farcical adaptation of the Agatha Christie short story
May 27 to June 17

OSHKids Summer Theatre Camp
“The Wizard of Oz”
June 8 to 30

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

Popcorn Hat Players
“Rollicking Ripsnorters: American Tall Tales”
May 6 & 13 at 1 p.m.

Stage Door Series
“Dreadful Marches to Delightful Measures: A Staged Reading of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses”
May 19 & 20 at 7:30 p.m.
May 21 at 2:30 p.m.

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

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