Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“ATVs: Off-Road Adventure,” an exhibit of 3-wheel and 4-wheel ATV machines from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, through Oct. 16

“Orphan Cars—Vehicles from Discontinued Marques & Brands,” cars, buses and motorcycles that represent discontinued marques and brands from across the motoring landscape, through Oct. 23

“AMC through the Decades,” through Oct. 26

The Jenkins 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Deluxe Microbus, through Dec. 23

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

“Silver Screen” Fall Membership Exhibition, Sept. 11-Oct. 13

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

“At the Table,” an exhibit about nourishing mind, body and soul, with ceramics by Janelle Hoch, Amy LeFever and Kirsten Olson, through Sept. 10

“In Full Chroma,” paintings by Jonathan Frazier, Thom Kulp and Geoffrey Thulin, three painters of different mediums and genres who all employ vivid color in their works, through Sept. 10

“Heartscapes and Landscapes,” works by Peg Belcastro and Gail Walden Coleman, Sept. 23-Oct. 29

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

September artist of the month

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

“The Gilded Age at Fort Hunter Fashion Exhibit,” through Dec. 23

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

“Bits ‘n Pieces” through Sept. 24

Fiber Art Show featuring Elke Isenberg, opens Sept. 28

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

“Falling for Art” show at the Conservatory at Hershey Botanical Gardens, Sept. 2-4

The artwork of Stephen Duzick and Alyson Tran, through Sept. 30, at Backstage Café’ Art Gallery, Allen Theatre, Annville

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

“Faculty Highlight—Daniel Finch,” Sept. 2-22

“Handwriting,” Jeff Morton paintings and drawings exploring the landscape as a palimpsest, Sept. 9-Oct. 2

“Homecoming” alumna exhibition with Kathryn Yoder, Sept. 30-Nov. 3

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

New works by Tara Chickey, Julie Iaria, Rebecca Adey, Elaine Elledge, and Paul Gallo, through Sept. 11

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)
Landis House, 67 N. Fourth Street
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

8th Annual Juried Exhibition, through Oct. 27

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

“Art of the State” annual juried exhibition selected by a distinguished panel of jurors, Sept. 1-Jan. 15

“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

“A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania,” a long-term exhibition highlighting the history of three integration efforts in Pennsylvania after World War II

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

“Making Your Mark,” an array of 52 works on paper that break down various methods and materials used in modern artistic practice, through Sept. 18

“Future Places,” artists render their vision of a promising future, through Oct. 16

“Four Pillars—Mount Gretna Artist Residency,” Nov. 20

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

“And The Beat Goes On,” works by Richard J. Watson, artist-in-residence and exhibitions manager at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Sept. 2-Oct. 23

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

“Robert Rauschenberg—Surface Series” of 18 screen prints, through Oct. 15

“Bronze—Highlights From the Permanent Collection,” through Feb. 25

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

“Art in the Wild” features works of art composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

Sept. 3-24: Figure Drawing, Saturdays, 2-5 p.m.
Sept. 5-Oct. 17: Wheel Throwing 101, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Beginning Oil Painting, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Intermediate/Advanced Painting, Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 6-Oct. 11: Close Up & Macro Photography, Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 16: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 17: Copper Enameling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 21-Dec. 14: Middle School Art Lab, Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m.
Sept. 22-Dec. 15: High School Art Lab, Thursdays, 5-7 p.m.
Sept. 24: Harvest Platters, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 24: Vintage Tin Earrings, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 25: Plein Air Painting, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Sept. 15: Sliding into September, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 8, 20: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16-30: Speech Links to Literacy, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Sept. 3: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8, 22: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Sept. 10: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Sept. 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.
Sept. 20: Musik Time

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

Sept. 2: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Curl up with the Classics—“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 6: STEAM Storytime & Object Discovery Zone, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sept. 6, 20: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 7: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 7: Teen STEAM Meetup, 4-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 10: Young Explorers (ages 5-8), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: Baby & Toddler Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13: Teen Writers’ Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: iPhone Foundations for Adults, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Family Paint & Pix, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 17: Teen Crafternoon: Craft-a-palooza, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 19: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Sept. 20: Gardening with Nature, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 26: Fredricksen Reads—“Lady Clementine,” 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 27: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 1: Advanced Photography, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fall Floral Arrangement, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 15: Wind Chimes Workshop #2, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 24: PA Dutch Woodburning Plaque, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 28: Autumn Wreath Workshop, 6-8 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 1-Oct. 6: Learn to Draw, Draw to Learn, Thursdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 6-Nov. 1: Oil and Acrylic Painting, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Sept. 1: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.
Sept. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Towne Square, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Sept. 7: Stormwater Management Public Hearing, 6 p.m.
Sept. 8: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 10: Dried Fall Flower Wreath, 11 a.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 12, 26: Movie Monday, 3 p.m.
Sept. 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 13, 27: Early 20th Century American & European Modernism Art, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13: Books & Brews, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14, 28: Drop In DIY Greeting Cards, 6 p.m.
Sept. 15, 22, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 20: Early 20th Century American & European Modernism Art, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21: Artisan Wednesday, 3 p.m.
Sept. 24: Friends’ Children’s Program—Food Chains, 2 p.m.
Sept. 27: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 6: Kindergarten Readiness, 1 p.m., 6 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 11:30-11:50 a.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 12-12:20 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 3: Children’s Mental Wellness Day, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Teen Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Story Time, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 23: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 12: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Tween Scene, 6 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Crazy 8s Math Club (grades 1-2), 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Crazy 8s Math Club (grades 3-5), 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sept. 14: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 15: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
Sept. 17: Discovery Club, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 17: Adventure Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sept. 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20: American Girl Club (grades K-2), 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 20: American Girl Club (grades 3-5), 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 21: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 22: STEAM Club (grades 1-2), 6 p.m.
Sept. 22: STEAM Club (grades 3-5), 6 p.m.
Sept. 23: Red Cross Blood Drive, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Trivia at Home—Pixar, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 27: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Tales for TAILS!, 6 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 8: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Sept. 10: LGBTQ Book Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13, 27: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.

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

Sept. 23: An Evening with Sean Carroll, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Ben McIntyre with Michael Neiberg, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 30: An Evening with Tara Stillions Whitehead, 7-8 p.m.

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old West Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

Sept. 1: Tony Catalano
Sept. 8: Ryan Mayersky
Sept. 15: Jason Carst
Sept. 22: Dave McCullough
Sept. 29: Roy LeFever

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

Sept. 3: Free Kids Art Class on the Roof, 12-2 p.m.
Sept. 17: Fluid Art Class, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 30: Cold Wax Teaser, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 24: Fungi Foray, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 24: Shelf Fungi Painting Workshop, 1-3 p.m.

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

Sept. 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 1, 15: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 1-30: Beanstack Challenge—Fall into Reading
Sept. 1-Oct. 1: Fall Scavenger Hunt
Sept. 3, 17: Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 6: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 6: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 8: Story and a Show, 5 p.m.
Sept. 9, 23: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 12: Apple Pie Slime (ages 4-8), 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 12-26: Storytime & More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 13-27: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Sept. 15: Family Game Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 18: Friends Cultural Series, 3 p.m.
Sept. 19: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: KIND Club (ages 8-12), 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: Evening Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Sept. 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-4: “Birth of Planet Earth”
Sept. 1-4: “C.O.L.E. and C.A.M.I. Explore the Planets”
Sept. 1-29: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
Sept. 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 7: Explore! Amusement Parks, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 7: Explore! Color, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 11: Curiosity Kids—LINE with works from the 2022 Art of the State Exhibition, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 21: Explore! Color, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 25: Curiosity Kids—Bicycles, Tricycles and Scooters, 11: 30 a.m.

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

Sept. 3: Making in Multiples—Relief Printmaking, 2-5 p.m.
Sept. 14: Instructed Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

Sept. 4: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 9: Walk and Talk with a Master Gardener, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Home Gardening Series, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Flower Walk—Goldenrods, Asters and Other Fall Surprises, 1:30-3 p.m.
Sept. 15: Kids Discover—Creek Critters at Lykens Glen Park (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Fall Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Sept. 17: Wellness Naturally, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 17: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 27: Monarch Tagging at Fort Hunter Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 28: Monarch Tagging at Detweiler Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 29: Macrame Workshop, 6-8:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 2-4: Gospel Music Festival
Sept. 11: Dick Fox’s Golden Boys, with Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Lou Christie
Sept. 14: John Fogerty
Sept. 16: Sara Evans
Sept. 17: 38 Special with The Artimus Pyle Band
Sept. 23: The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Sept. 24: Resurrection—A Journey Tribute
Sept. 25: John Denver Musical Tribute with Ted Vigil
Sept. 28: Dead on Live
Sept. 29: Michael W. Smith

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Sept. 3: Spiritual Rez

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

Sept. 10: One Night of Queen w/Gary Mullen & The Works
Sept. 15: Southern Culture on the Skids
Sept. 16: Josh Ritter
Sept. 17: Celebrating the Music of Sam Cooke

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

Sept. 8: Nate Myers
Sept. 22: Shawan Rice

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

Sept. 16: Foreigners Journey with Constantine Maroulis
Sept. 23: Hollywood Nights—The Bob Seger Experience

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

Sept. 2: Solar Federation—A Tribute to RUSH with
Sept. 17: Old 97’s with Vandoliers
Sept. 18: Sam Bush
Sept. 23: The Ogham Stones
Sept. 30: Rascal Revival

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 3: Horowitz, Bak, Wang GM4K
Sept. 3: Vision Duo
Sept. 4: Horowitz, Bak, Wang Trio
Sept. 11: Tao-Teicher
Sept. 17: Ulysses Quartet with Sam Suggs and Orion Weiss

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

Sept. 2: Sought Out City
Sept. 3: Shine Delphi
Sept. 9: Jason Carst
Sept. 10: Roy LeFever
Sept. 16: The Live Dudes
Sept. 17: Joe Cooney
Sept. 23: Zach Nyce
Sept. 24: Dave McCullough
Sept. 30: Keara Rose

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

Sept. 2: Chris Webby, Rittz, Ekoh
Sept. 8: Lacuna Coil and special guests
Sept. 9: Jeffrey Gaines
Sept. 11: Apocalyptica
Sept. 13: Knocked Loose, Dying Fetus, Terror
Sept. 15: Richie Kotzen of Poison & Mr. Big
Sept. 16: Shakey Graves
Sept. 19: The Dip
Sept. 21: Dirty Honey
Sept. 22: The Cadillac Three
Sept. 23: Taylor Swift Night
Sept. 24: The Emo Night Tour

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Sept. 7: Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs with Alvin Youngblood Hart at XL Live
Sept. 20: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (Riverfront Park)
Sept. 24: The National (Riverfront Park)

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

Sept. 10: The Piano Guys
Sept. 13: Tom Jones
Sept. 21: Gary Clark Jr.

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

Sept. 2: M80 Band
Sept. 3: UUU Band
Sept. 9: Dance Fever
Sept. 10: Hunkajunk
Sept. 16: Downtown Sound
Sept. 17: Bunchafunk
Sept. 23: Velveeta
Sept. 24: D-Bo!
Sept. 30: Cazhmiere

Keystone Capital Chorus
717-329-7541; kccsing.com

Sept. 10: 7th Anniversary Show with York White Rose Chorus

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

Sept. 10: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Creek
Sept. 18: Concert at Bridges at Bent Creek

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

Sept. 23: Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Sept. 28: Balourdet String Quartet, Adam Sadberry

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

Sept. 3: One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen & The Works
Sept. 24: Lonestar

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

Sept. 23: Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony Concert

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

Sept. 18: Music for Piano Times Two IV “Nostalgia and Hope” with Stuart Malina, Ya-Ting Chang, Patrice Ewoldt and Richard Roberson
Sept. 23: Messiah University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds Concert

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Sept. 5: Monday Night JamFest
Sept. 8: Frank Wicher Band
Sept. 22: Zach King

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

Sept. 16: Brian Culbertson
Sept. 18: Lucinda Williams
Sept. 20: Henry Rollins

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

Sept. 7: Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs with Alvin Youngblood Hart presented by Harrisburg University
Sept. 8: Saving Abel
Sept. 9-10: The Disco Biscuits, Dog in a Pile, Yam Yam
Sept. 17: Here Comes the Mummies with Saxsquatch
Sept. 22: Old Crow Medicine Show
Sept. 25: The Badless, Jellybricks, Martini Bros
Sept. 30: Bumpin Uglies, Kyle Smith

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Sept. 2: DJ KYNZ
Sept. 7: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
Sept. 10: Natalie Ness
Sept. 16: Josh Dominick
Sept. 24: Shine Delphi

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 10: A Bronx Tale—One Man Show starring Chazz Palminteri
Sept. 30: Masterchef Junior Live!

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

Sept. 1-16: “Guys and Dolls”
Sept. 22-Nov. 11: Jimmy Buffet’s “Escape to Margaritaville”

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

Sept. 14-Oct. 8: “Rapunzel” w/Popcorn Hat Players
Sept. 16: TMI Improv

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

Sept. 11: Queens Who Brunch

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

Sept. 30-Oct. 2: “The Princess and the Pea”

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

Sept. 15: Earl David Reed

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

Sept. 2: House Team Q, 7th Kevin, Heart Throbs, Nuclear Family, The Offbeats, Humpday Momentus
Sept. 3: Free Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Beautiful Baby, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches, The Renegades, Uncomfortable
Sept. 9: House Team Z, House Team S, Bandito, Leg of Lamp
Sept. 10: Free Mixer, This Show will Self Destruct, The Bat, Barbara, Tiny French Cigarettes
Sept. 16: House Team Q, 7th Kevin, Cosmic Trash, Mane n’ Tail
Sept. 17: Free Mixer, Sunday School, The Bondfire Society, Rockstar Goes Supernova
Sept. 23: House Team Z, House Team S, Midtown Funk, Merely Players
Sept. 24: Free Mixer, Snicker Casket, Sugar Weasel, Elderprov, The Original Six, TBA

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

Sept. 27-Oct. 2: “The Book of Mormon”

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

Sept. 3: “Elephant & Piggie’s, We Are in a Play!”

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

Sept. 3-18: “The Importance of Being Earnest”

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

Sept. 8-11: “Jolene—A Dolly Parton Song Cycle”
Sept. 17: “The Obstructed View”

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

Sept. 9-25: “The Glass Menagerie”

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

Sept. 9-18: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Sept. 15: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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

Spectacular September: Something for everyone this month around Harrisburg

August 31, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Fall is almost here again, and with it comes a new lineup of concerts in the Harrisburg area. Although the number of concerts has shrunk with the end of summer, there are still plenty of good shows coming up.

This month’s concert lineup has everything from country groups to cover bands to metal groups and electronic rock bands. There is at least one upcoming concert for every taste.

Here are some shows coming to the Harrisburg area that you won’t want to miss:

“One Night of Queen,” Gary Mullen & The Works, 9/10, 7:30 p.m., Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Queen is my all-time favorite band, so, of course, I will be drawn to anyone who plays their music. Let me tell you, Gary Mullen & The Works takes this famous group’s music and runs with it. Mullen does not try to be Freddie Mercury (though he does dress up like him for the live shows). His voice is crystal clear and glides along to the hits like “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Dare I say it—the backing band is almost as good as the original members of Queen. Any fan should 100% check this show out.

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, 9/20, 8 p.m., Riverfront Park

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats is not the type of band I normally listen to, but I liked every one of their songs that I have heard. Their folk, blues and soul style, mixed with rock, makes them enjoyable to a wide-ranging audience. Their songs “S.O.B.” and “A Little Honey” are extremely catchy, the perfect examples of the half-folk, half-rock vibe that this band exudes. For fans of artists that blend multiple genres, this is a concert for you.

Dirty Honey, 9/21, 7:30 p.m., H*MAC Stage on Herr

If you love Greta Van Fleet, you will love Dirty Honey. Both are hard rock/blues rock bands with songs that make you want to sing along at the top of your lungs. Plus, in my opinion, their lead singers even sound the same. Songs like “When I’m Gone” and “Rolling 7s’” are so good that you may need to keep listening to more of their other material. This is a band I definitely recommend checking out if you don’t know them already.

Mentionables

Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs, Sept. 7, XL Live

Tom Jones, Sept. 13, Hershey Theater

Josh Ritter, Sept. 16, Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Here Come the Mummies, Sept. 17, XL Live

The Old 97s with Vandoliers, Sept. 17, The Englewood

The Cadillac Three, Sept. 22, H*MAC Stage on Herr

The National, Sept. 24, Riverfront Park

The Badlees, Sept. 25, XL Live

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

Community Corner: Notable September Events

August 31, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Summer Flea
Sept. 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Kipona
Sept. 3-5: Enjoy the 106th annual Kipona Festival in Riverfront Park and City Island with food, fireworks, live music, artist market, family fun zone, beer/wine garden, canoe races, wire walkers and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Chili Cook Off
Sept. 4: Exchange Club of Hanover’s Chili Cook Off takes place at Moul Field, N. Forney Ave., Hanover, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taste chili, enjoy live music and entertainment, grab food and beverages from food trucks and vendors. www.hanoverchilicookoff.com

Board Game Day
Sept. 4: Harrisburg Board Game Day will be held at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg, 12 to 8 p.m. Attendees can learn new games, meet other gamers, test in-development games and enter to win door prizes. Facebook: Harrisburg Board Game Day

Mega Mixer
Sept. 6: Join the four Cumberland County chambers of commerce—Carlisle Area, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg and West Shore—at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Enola, for this combined mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Luminary Awards
Sept. 8: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will honor two female professionals at the Luminary Awards Luncheon at the Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.wschamber.org

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

Jazz Walk
Sept. 9: Central PA Friends of Jazz and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation present the Harrisburg Jazz Walk, 6 to 9 p.m., at locations across Midtown Harrisburg, as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival. Relax at one venue or stroll the neighborhood. www.friendsofjazz.org

Jazz & Wine Fest
Sept. 10-11: Join Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at Fort Hunter Park to enjoy national, regional and local recording artists. Visit PA’s top wineries and browse craft and food vendors. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets. www.forthunter.org

Volunteer Work Day
Sept. 10: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided. Pre-registration required. www.wildwoodlake.org

Plant Sale
Sept. 10: Shop Manada Conservancy’s Native Plant Sale fundraiser at East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Rd., Grantville, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for perennials as well as ferns, shrubs and trees. www.manada.org

Food Truck Fest
Sept. 10: The 2022 “Wish Upon a Food Truck” festival will be held in George Park, 300 Nyes Rd., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live entertainment, kids’ activities, raffle baskets, scavenger hunt, vendors and more, supporting Make-a-Wish. www.wishuponafoodtruck.org

Cleanup Days
Sept. 10, 30: Wildheart Ministries hosts Love the Hill cleanup events, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteer to pick up trash, do basic landscaping, help with dumpsite removal or plant flowers. Bring gloves, water bottle, sunscreen and any tools you may have. www.lovethehillpa.com

Rugged Run
Sept. 10: Ned Smith Center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts the Tröegs Rugged Trail Run, 3:30 to 10 p.m. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., and the race starts at 5 p.m. Enjoy food, auctions, live music and more. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Flower Walk
Sept. 11: Take a walk in Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., to see goldenrods, asters, etc. Learn to identify common ragweed. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Gallery Walk
Sept. 11: Explore 18 galleries and venues to enjoy art, music and refreshments during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 34th annual Gallery Walk, 12 to 5 p.m., throughout Harrisburg. www.artassocofhbg.com

Restaurant Week
Sept. 12-23: Harrisburg’s premier dining event returns, spanning two weeks, Sept. 12-16 and Sept. 19-23. www.HarrisburgRestaurantWeek.com

Curiosity Kids
Sept. 15, 29: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to Curiosity Kids to explore lines and “Art of the State” on Sept. 15, and bicycles, tricycles and scooters on Sept. 29, at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Curiosity Kids events are included with museum general admission, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

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

Coin Show
Sept. 16-17: Explore the Harrisburg Coin Show at the Scottish Rite Entertainment Complex of Harrisburg, 2701 N. 3rd St., with more than 70 exhibit tables, a raffle, door prizes, food and free seminars, on Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.harrisburgcoinclub.com/coin-show

Arts Festival
Sept. 17: The 40th Annual Hummelstown Arts Festival will be held in Hummelstown Square, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by more than 160 juried artists, children’s activities, a food court and more. www.hummelstownartsfest.com

Printers Fair
Sept. 17: See printing demonstrations and equipment and letterpress vendors at the 9th annual Lancaster Printer’s Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Center for Letterpress and Book Arts at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 117 Parkside Ave., Lancaster. www.lancasterprintersfair.org

Book Event
Sept. 17: More than 55 multi-genre authors will sell and sign books at the Barn at the Groff Event Center, 234 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, 12 to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Dauphin County Library System. Event is for 18 years and older. www.BooksBooksBooks2021

Bash & Benefit
Sept. 17: Grandview Bash & Benefit 2022 will be held at Grandview Vineyard, 1489 Grandview Rd., Mount Joy, 12:30 to 8 p.m., with live music, food trucks, wine barrel auction and more. Bring blankets and chairs. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. grandviewwines.com

Ukrainian Dinner
Sept. 17: Enjoy a three-course Ukrainian dinner at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 S. York St., 4 to 6 p.m., to benefit Come Back Alive and the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation. View a presentation on Ukrainian cuisine and review traditional recipes. [email protected]

Crab Fest
Sept. 17: Trinity High School, 3601 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, hosts the sixth annual Central PA Crab, Beer and Wine Festival, 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy crabs, barbecue chicken, artisan beer and wine, live music and more. Portion of the proceeds benefits New Hope Ministries. www.pacrabfest.org

Heritage Gala
Sept. 17: Heritage Day Gala will be held at the Peter Allen House, 1801 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of fun, food and music and bid on raffle and auction items to benefit the Dauphin-Middle Paxton Historical Society after it suffered a fire in October 2021. www.dauphin-middlepaxtonhs.weebly.com

Nocturnal Animals
Sept. 17: Explore nocturnal wildlife through sound and sight at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call for owls and discover adaptations that allow them to search for night-flying insects. Admission is $5 per child (ages 5 to 10); chaperones are free. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Bike Ride
Sept. 18: Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s 20th anniversary Three Creek Century ride will be held 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning at Penn Township Fire Dept., 1750 Pine Rd., Newville. Event features low-traffic country roads with scenic riding. www.threecreekcentury.com

Doll Show
Sept. 18: Central Penn Doll Collectors Club hosts a doll and bear show at the Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will offer antique, vintage, modern and artist dolls, doll clothing and furniture, bears and other doll-related treasures. www.centralpenndollcollectorsclub.org

Heart Walk
Sept. 18: American Heart Association’s Capital Region Heart Walk will be held on City Island, Harrisburg. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.; the walk starts at 2 p.m. www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk

Cultural Series
Sept. 18: Friends of the New Cumberland Library hosts Dr. Susan Rimby in a free talk on “Mira Lloyd Dock and the Progressive Era Conservation Movement in Harrisburg,” 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Foundation House, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Concert Series
Sept. 18: Harrisburg Young Professionals presents a free Italian Lake concert with Natalie Ness at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 18: Celebrate fall with family fun, including arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations, exhibits, walking tours, entertainment, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.forthunter.org

Fall Book Sale
Sept. 22-25: Shop the Friends of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. The library will hold a bag sale on Sept. 25, 1 to 4 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Shoe Strut
Sept. 23: Join the Salvation Army Harrisburg for its annual Shoe Strut benefit event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr. Enjoy a networking lunch, auctions, a fashion trends presentation, contests and more. Each purchased ticket provides one shoe voucher to a local child in need. www.shoestrut.com

Run/Walk
Sept. 23: “ZERO,” the End of Prostate Cancer’s annual run/walk, returns to City Island, Harrisburg, at 5 p.m. Event helps raise funds and awareness for patients, caregivers, survivors and physicians fighting prostate cancer. www.zerocancer.run/harrisburg

Blue & Gray Gala
Sept. 23: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, hosts the 2022 Blue & Gray Gala, 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can tour museum galleries while enjoying food and beverage pairings, as well as a silent auction and wine pull. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Annual Celebration
Sept. 23: Bethesda Mission will hold its annual Celebration Banquet at the Radisson Penn-Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to celebrate the community and raise funds to sustain its ministry. www.bethesdamission.org

Celebrate Wildwood
Sept. 24: Help celebrate Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with a nature-themed afternoon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in pumpkin painting, children’s crafts, live music and guided walks. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Fall Fest
Sept. 24: Junior Board of YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts the 13th annual Fall Fest, 4 to 7 p.m., to raise funds for Camp Reily, 300 Camp Reily Rd., Harrisburg, a summer day camp for children. Enjoy beer tastings, food and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. www.ywcahbg.org

Woofstock
Sept. 25: The annual celebration of all-things canine returns to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring music, food, prizes and the largest pet adoption event on the East Coast. www.cpaawoofstock.com

Church Lecture
Sept. 25: First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2147 N. Front St., Harrisburg, hosts a lecture, “Experiencing Heaven Now,” at 2 p.m. www.csharrisburg.com

Chili Cook-Off
Sept. 25: Taste chili from local restaurants and amateur chefs, participate in raffles, enjoy live music and more at the Alex W. Smith Foundation’s “Alex’s Chili Cook-off for a Cause” at Greystone Public House, 2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg, 4 to 7 p.m. Event provides financial assistance to central PA high school students. www.alexwsmithfoundation.org

Evening Mixer
Sept. 29: Build new relationships with local business professionals at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s September Evening Networking Mixer, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at PaySmart Payroll Services, 650 Wilson Lane Suite 100, Mechanicsburg. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

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

Hateable Yet Relatable: Workplace dysfunction abounds in the cringey, “The Good Boss”

August 31, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Image courtesy of Cohen Media Group.

If you are curious about watching a film that personifies selfish nature, you might want to put “The Good Boss” on your list.

Director Fernando León de Aranoa has handed over a subtly crafted nightmare that leaves you unsure which characters to root for in the end. It is a film that perfects the concept of cringe humor, though Aranoa’s take on the genre made at least this reviewer cringe more than laugh—which might just mean the film has hit its target.

As can be imagined by the title, our protagonist, played by Javier Bardem, is a boss. The “good” part is still very much up for debate. Blanco Scales is about to win an award for excellence in business. It’s not the first award the company has won, but the power of its potential still grips Blanco, who meddles with his employees’ lives to ensure the company is in tip-top shape on the day of assessment.

It starts with an underperforming employee. Miralles (Manolo Solo) has been with the company for years—and has known Blanco since he was young—and has started making mistakes, ordering the wrong shipments, and getting distracted during important business decisions. His performance is affecting the company’s untarnished image. So, Blanco swoops in, asking what is going on in his life and trying to get involved in the resolution.

Then there’s the employee who was included in the last round of layoffs (the “ceremony” of which the film uncomfortably opens with), who camps outside the business’ property in protest and refuses to leave. And then there’s the intern that Blanco is attracted to—and the employee whose son is getting into trouble, who asks his boss for help. The situations are endless, and they all begin to pile up, resulting in one hell of a denouement by the film’s close.

But it’s the way that Blanco herds all of these employees that will shrivel you up in your seat in discomfort as you watch. He takes on the role of the friend, the good boss, putting on a façade that the company is like his family and that he cares deeply for them, while it is clear that all he cares about is that award. The line that gives it all away, as Blanco wheedles Miralles into divulging about his life, is, “If you treat me like a boss, I’ll treat you like an employee.”

The beauty of this film is the discomfort it brings, using abhorrent circumstances to stir up the hypocrisy of Blanco’s character. There aren’t many likable people in the film, and it is hard to know whom to root for, but that makes the tornado of events even more fascinating. Bardem, as usual, has disappeared into his character, majestically toeing the line between hateable and relatable, and thus making him the perfect candidate for “The Good Boss.”

“The Good Boss” plays at Midtown Cinema in September. Don’t miss this one—and be ready to cringe.

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

August Events At Midtown Cinema

National Cinema Day
Saturday, Sept. 3

Down in Front! Presents
“Troll 2”
Friday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 p.m.(ish)

3rd in TheBurg Movie Night
“Best in Show”
Friday, Sept. 16 at 9:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Straight Line Crazy”
Sunday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

Manhattan Short Film Festival
Sept. 23 to 29

Music on the Patio
Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

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

Hoop Hopes: The Central PA Kings take the court with a ball and a dream

August 31, 2022 | by Jeff Falk

Central Pennsylvania Kings

To Josiah Peay, the sports landscape around central PA had a huge, round hole.

There were professional and semi-pro baseball, hockey and football teams, but no basketball team. And that was weird.

“If you go around Harrisburg, you’re going to see guys playing basketball,” said Peay, the founder, owner and general manager of the 3-year-old Central Pennsylvania Kings. “Everybody plays it. Everybody watches it. Everybody has a favorite team. Everybody has a favorite player.”

The Kings are based in Middletown and play their home games at the Main Street Gym. With a roster comprised mostly of former local high school and college stars, the team plays a 23- to 24-game season that begins in October and runs into the early part of the new year.

“I played basketball my whole life,” said Peay, a 33-year-old Harrisburg transplant raised in Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y. “I put myself into it, and I think a lot of athletes can relate. When I’m not doing it, my life isn’t going right. Some of these guys need to be around basketball.”

The Kings are associated with and compete in the American Basketball Association, not to be confused with the old ABA, which merged with the National Basketball Association in 1976. With nearly 150 franchises, the current ABA, founded in 2000, is one of the largest professional basketball leagues in the country.

“The league is a fast-paced league,” Peay said. “It’s a high-scoring, high-level brand of basketball. We want to press full court and create a fast pace. Defensively, we just want to be dogs. On offense, we want to move the ball, have fun and trust each other.”

During the 2021-22 campaign, guard Mookie Bates averaged more than 30 points per game to lead Central Pennsylvania in scoring. Now in his early 30s, Bates starred at Central Dauphin East in the late 2000s before going on to play basketball on the small-college level.

“The game is my identity, as far as my life to this point,” Bates said. “I’ve been around it for as long as I can remember. I have a lot of love for the game, maybe too much. For me, it can be therapeutic. When I’m on the court, it seems like everything else goes away.”

Players are reimbursed for their time, and Peay expects them to conduct themselves in a certain manner—to consistently attend practices, games and community events.

The approach is very much related to what Peay is trying to pull off with the Kings, and very much related to the team’s future. The term “professional” goes beyond simply meaning “money,” extending to how players go about their business.

“Last year, our players signed contracts, and they were paid at the end of the season,” Peay said. “This season, there are going to be more opportunities to earn compensation. When people hear about us, the first question out of their mouths is, ‘Do you pay?’ And my first question to them is, ‘Are you willing to do what it takes to earn it?’”

Peay founded the Central Pennsylvania Kings in December 2019, just before the pandemic hit, partly as a way to keep himself involved with the game and partly to quench the area’s thirst for basketball. To this point, the Kings have experienced their share of ups and downs, cancellations, setbacks, growing pains and coaching changes.

The team’s future success will hinge on a mutual support system fostered between themselves and the greater Harrisburg community. Step one is just making sure local residents know who they are and what they’re about.

“I really think basketball means a lot to the city of Harrisburg,” Bates said. “We have some real good talent here. What I like about basketball is how it brings people together. I think our unique style of play can attract people, and, if we can keep winning, I think the Kings can turn even more heads.”

Peay’s venture into the world of professional sports may seem like a risky undertaking, but, according to the owner, it’s one that had to get done.

“Anything worth having in this life isn’t easy,” Peay said. “You have to get through the ‘b.s.’ before you get to the gold. I want to make sure the community has this. I just want people to treat the organization like it’s their baby.”

The Central Pennsylvania Kings play at the Main Street Gym, 32 W. Main St., Middletown. For more information, visit www.cpkingsaba.com.

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

Marathon Misstep, Marathon Miracle: How Harrisburg runners rallied to save a life

August 31, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Karen Good, Becky Knox, Dennis Reardon, Tom Gifford and Nicole Young

The last thing that Dennis Reardon remembers is feeling his legs “vibrating” after crossing the finish line on City Island, so he held onto a chair for support. Seconds later, he lost consciousness and collapsed.

Reardon, of Camp Hill, had just run eight miles in the Harrisburg Marathon Relay, a team event in which four runners combine their mileage to equal 26.2 miles. It’s organized by, and benefits, the nonprofit Harrisburg Area YMCA.

On that November 2021 morning, what happened next was nothing short of a miracle.

A race volunteer stationed at the finish line, Becky Knox of Camp Hill, happened to be a registered nurse (RN).

Runner Nicole Young of Halifax was also nearby. She had planned to run the first relay leg, like Reardon, except she made a “game day decision” to switch to the final five-mile leg, since it would be less taxing on her body. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Young was scheduled to start chemo in two days—but she wanted to run one more race while she still could.

When Reardon collapsed, one of Young’s friends screamed her name. That’s because Young is also an RN—actually a nurse educator with UPMC West Shore.

Knox and Young both reached Reardon—who was turning blue—around the same time. He didn’t have a pulse.

“We instantly started performing CPR, alternating back and forth, and sent somebody to get LifeTeam,” said Knox.

Their teamwork was especially remarkable considering they didn’t really know each other. It was the first time that Young performed CPR outside of a medical facility.

“It felt like a year, but it was probably three or four minutes,” said Young, who ripped Reardon’s race bib from his shirt to learn his name and age. She also checked his running watch, which had recorded his race pace. The two RNs knew he had probably overexerted himself.

At that point, Karen Good just happened to be wrapping up her normal Saturday running route. When she saw the commotion, her instincts told her that a runner was in trouble, and she rushed over.

“He did not look well—he was pale and blue, together,” said Good, who has seen many runners in distress over the years. That’s because, as a clinical nurse specialist with UPMC Harrisburg, Good organizes the Harrisburg Marathon’s medical tent, providing care to injured runners.

Her all-volunteer medical tent wasn’t in operation for the relay, but, the following day, she’d be at the helm for Sunday’s full marathon. And her co-organizer? None other than Young, one of the nurses performing CPR on Reardon. So, Good stood by, just in case they needed help.

“On race day, I’m all over the place—usually out on the course—but I just happened to come back to City Island in the middle of compressions,” said Tom Gifford, the Y’s race series director. “Even though there was a crowd, it was quiet. Then we heard someone say, ‘We have a pulse,’ and you could hear a collective sigh of relief.”

LifeTeam, UPMC Harrisburg’s EMS ambulance hired by the Y to be stationed on City Island, took over Reardon’s care, placing an oxygen mask on him, whisking him into an ambulance.

“I remember coming to and hearing beeping,” Reardon said. “I remember thinking it was for someone else, at first.”

After a full battery of tests—and day of rest—at the hospital, Reardon was released.

“I can’t speak highly enough about (UPMC) Harrisburg hospital, and I’m so grateful to these two highly trained women who started CPR,” said Reardon. “And this is the part I want to emphasize—the God part—because I was blessed. All of this sounds like a coincidence, but it was all meant to be.”

Reardon, surrounded by Knox and Young, Good and Gifford, gathered together for this story, reunited for the first time since last November, to hug, remember and reflect.

“For a five to 10-minute window, we all just happened to be at the same place, out of a six-hour race,” Gifford said. “As a YMCA, we were so lucky to have them around.”

The experience changed all their lives.

It propelled Knox into HACC’s PHRN (Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse) program, similar to paramedic training, because “then I can do everything in my power to save a life,” she said.

Young, now cancer-free, told Reardon, “I think of your story a lot, and it’s given me a lot of hope.”

Looking back, Reardon, now 44, a special education teacher for the Dallastown School District, admits that he made a number of critical mistakes. His story serves as a cautionary tale to other runners, so they don’t follow in his footsteps.

“I trained by running up to five miles, instead of eight—that was problem number one,” Reardon said. “And I started training later than I should have—in August. So, it was a combination of under-training, plus being very dehydrated, and then my male ego—stupidly pushing myself, being competitive with another runner for the last few miles.”

Instead of training for a fall 2022 race, he’s preparing for a speaking engagement at his church. He wants to tell others how God can work through strangers, to set a chain of events into motion.

“I realize I’m blessed, but I don’t want to leave it there,” Reardon said. “This changed my perspective on everything.”

Going the Distance

Harrisburg Marathon medical tent co-chairs Karen Good and Nicole Young offer the following training tips for long-distance races:

Train up to, slightly below, or slightly over, your race-day distance.
Hydrate—drink plenty of water up to two days before race day and minimize alcohol, which dehydrates.
During longer runs, drink more than water—you also need beverages with electrolytes.
Develop and test your fueling plan during training.
Get adequate rest, leading up to race day.
Train in all types of weather, so that you’re prepared for anything.
Don’t try anything new (in terms of food, running pace, etc.) on race day.

“If your body is telling you something, listen to it,” Good said. “And at the end of the race, don’t try to zoom past people in the last mile, because that’s when a lot of injuries happen.”

To hear more of Dennis Reardon’s story, plus stories from Karen Good’s 15 years in the Harrisburg Marathon’s medical tent, tune into TheBurg Podcast’s September show, dropping on Sept. 9. Learn more about the Harrisburg Area YMCA Race Series, including the Harrisburg Half Marathon on Sept. 11 and the 50th Harrisburg Marathon on Nov. 13, at harrisburgareaymca.com.

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

Capital Blue Cross’ Commitment to Harrisburg

August 31, 2022 | by Todd Shamash

Todd Shamash

As the only health insurer headquartered in central Pennsylvania, Capital Blue Cross has called Harrisburg home and provided peace of mind to individuals and families in the greater Harrisburg region and the Lehigh Valley for nearly 85 years.

While our primary focus is on building strong communities by promoting health and wellness—and providing the products and services to help everyone live their healthiest—we also realize educational opportunities are critical to our collective success and growth as a community. That’s why we have such strong relationships with schools, educational foundations, and arts and civic organizations that help our children learn and grow.

We are proud to be the health plan of choice for more than 85 school districts, intermediate units, and technical schools in Pennsylvania. Our involvement with the education community goes beyond the traditional carrier-customer relationship. Capital also makes ongoing community commitments to help our children benefit from quality learning opportunities and resources that help them achieve.

Our education-focused contributions to the Harrisburg region include:

Volunteer involvement and financial support for the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Beyond School Walls” mentoring program for minority students from the Harrisburg School District. Capital was the first company in central Pennsylvania to participate in this research-based mentoring model, which was designed to create a trusting relationship between young adults and professionals, inspiring the students to see a future beyond high school.
Financial assistance and support of the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Investments in the Dauphin County Library System’s ongoing library renovations.
Support for the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg, the Hannah Education Foundation, the Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation and other entities across central Pennsylvania through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
Live Healthy School grants that support schools looking to implement health and wellness initiatives that help students stay physically active, improve their nutrition, or provide nutrition education. In 2021 alone, Capital awarded $60,000 through these grants to 33 districts, schools or intermediate units.
Support of arts and culture opportunities for our young people, including funding for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, the CASA Charter School, Open Stage of Harrisburg, and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.

Of course, our support of our region’s children goes beyond learning opportunities. We also make continuing investments in their overall health, safety and wellness. For example, we donated 150 infant CPR kits to Hamilton Health Center to help prevent injury or death due to choking, suffocation or sudden cardiac arrest, which affects more than 7,000 children a year, according to the American Heart Association.

Over the years, we have donated millions of dollars to support countless events and organizations in and around the capital city, and we will continue to support the community we call home. We recognize the important role education plays in promoting good health, and we are committed to helping our schools and educators improve the wellbeing of our students, their families and the neighborhoods we serve. Never has there been a more important time to thank our educators for the tough years we’ve endured and their critical role in the promise of our future.

Capital Blue Cross has an unwavering commitment to Harrisburg, and we have never forgotten our roots here. We will continue to be an active participant in the region’s vibrant growth and continued success.

Todd Shamash is president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross.

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Dauphin County residents can learn about emergency services at “After the Disaster” showcase

August 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A Harrisburg Fire Bureau informational table at a past event in Strawberry Square

If the unexpected happens, would you know what to do?

Dauphin County and Strawberry Square are partnering next month for “After the Disaster,” an event designed to help educate residents on emergency resources available in the county.

On Sept. 8, 10 governmental and nonprofit organizations will participate in a showcase of emergency services in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

“Harrisburg is fortunate to have a multitude of service agencies that stand ready to serve our community during and after events,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. “Having them share information to proactively help individuals and families is invaluable.”

The following organizations plan to participate to help the public learn, ask questions and receive information:

American Red Cross, Central PA Chapter
Baptist Resource Network
Dauphin County Department of Human Services
Dauphin County Department of Public Safety
Harrisburg Bureau of Fire
NOAA and the National Weather Service
PEMA
Salvation Army
Susquehanna Disaster Response Ministry
Team Rubicon Disaster Response

“We are proud of our emergency responders and their commitment to public service,” said Mike Pries, chair of the Dauphin County commissioners. “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, residents can count on our emergency response teams to answer the call.”

“In many ways, we hope no one ever needs these services,” Jones said. “But, realistically, we know the need is very real.”

“After the Disaster” showcase will take place on Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

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Harrisburg artist’s work featured as part of Sony’s “The Woman King” movie marketing campaign

August 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Artist Dionn Reneé

Harrisburg artist Dionn Reneé was already looking forward to next month’s release of the movie “The Woman King.”

So when her artwork was chosen in a contest to be featured as part of the movie’s marketing materials, she was ecstatic.

“It’s the biggest project that I’ve achieved this far,” Reneé said. “This is a dream come true.”

Movie poster for “The Woman King,” by artist Dionn Reneé for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc.

“The Woman King,” a Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. movie, is set to premiere in theaters on Sept. 16. The film is based on a true story of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who protected the African kingdom of Dahomey during the 1800s. Actress Viola Davis plays the lead role as General Nanisca who leads her warriors into battle.

In anticipation of the movie’s release, the company launched a contest to receive movie poster designs submitted by artists around the globe. The contest was organized in partnership with artist-promoter Talenthouse and Columbia Tristar Marketing Group, Inc.

A friend of Reneé’s told her about the contest, and she decided to enter. She had nothing to lose, she said.

“I wanted to see the movie, and I like what it stands for,” she said. “I never in my life tried a competition like that. I took a chance.”

A few weeks later, Reneé was chosen as one of the top-10 winners of the contest and so will have her illustration featured as part of the movie’s marketing campaign. This could include social media, print materials and merchandise.

According to Reneé, a graphic designer and painter, she has created designs for movie posters, CD covers, book covers and flyers before, but never for a project on this scale.

“It feels like winning the lottery,” she said. “I’m officially on a new level.”

Find Artist Dionn Reneé’s work on her Facebook page or on Instagram @dionn_renee.

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Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival to return with food, music, laser light show over Labor Day weekend

August 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A wirewalker performs at the 2021 Kipona Festival

Continuing a longstanding Labor Day weekend tradition, Harrisburg will celebrate the end of summer with one of its largest annual events.

This year’s Kipona Festival will feature food trucks, live music and a laser light show during the event, which runs from Sept. 3 to 5 on City Island and Riverfront Park.

“Kipona offers something for everyone,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, manager of special events for the city, during a meeting with the press. “It’s a good opportunity for people to come to the downtown area.”

The three-day event has historically featured Native American cultural experiences. This year on City Island, attendees can enjoy a Native American Pow-Wow, ax throwing, Aztec fire dancing and cultural foods.

Over in Riverfront Park, musical acts will perform on two stages, 28 food trucks will line N. Front Street, artists will sell handmade wares, and beverages will be available in a beer and wine garden.

Several popular experiences will return, as well. Wirewalkers will make the journey across the Susquehanna on a wire suspended from the Walnut Street Bridge to the lower river walk during all three days. There will be a special illuminated walk on Sept. 3 at 8:15 p.m. The Dick Reese canoe and kayak races are also back this year, continuing an over 80-year-old Kipona tradition, according to Ranck-Cameron.

On Sept. 4, at 8:15 p.m., a laser light show, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, will display laser effects choreographed to music.

For families attending the festival, there will be a UPMC Family Fun Zone with crafts, face painting, magicians, balloon animals and live theater performances. The Bubble Festival will also return, on Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with entertainer Grandpop Bubbles creating up to 70-foot long bubbles.

Ranck-Cameron said that she expects around 70,000 attendees from across the region at Kipona over course of the multi-day event. According to Lt. Kyle Gautsch, the Harrisburg Police Bureau will have a “significant police presence” at the festival.

Street parking in the city is free on Sunday and Monday. On Saturday, downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. and the code LUVHBG can be used before then to receive four hours of free street parking. The Market Square Garage is discounted to $10, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Recycle Bicycle will provide free bike parking along N. Front Street, near Market and Forster streets.

For more information about Kipona Festival, visit the city’s website.

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