Gold-Plated Spaces: Who thought that $4-an-hour parking was a good idea?

August 31, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Years ago, “Saturday Night Live” aired a commercial parody for a fictional product it called “Bad Idea” designer jeans.

In the commercial, SNL actors traded a series of terrible ideas, meant to illustrate the brand name of the jeans.

Actor 1: “We ripped up the pipes, wiring, having everything completely redone.”

Actor 2: “You’re renting, right?”

Actor 1: “Yeah.”

Cut to a shot of the jeans logo: “Bad Idea.”

The Harrisburg version would go something like this:

Actor 1: “Let’s raise the city’s already outrageous street parking rates by one-third.”
Actor 2: Are you serious?”
Actor 1: “Yeah.”

Cut to a shot of the jeans logo: “Bad Idea.”

Terrible, horrible, truly awful idea.

Harrisburg’s parking system is underperforming financially—that’s no secret. It’s struggled to meet projections ever since the insolvent city government, back in 2013, agreed to lease it out for 40 years as part of its financial rescue plan.

I won’t drag you through the tortured details of that deal again, except to say that the parking system now is under the control of an Atlanta-based asset manager, which runs it on behalf of the actual bond issuers—the commonwealth and Dauphin County.

I’m not here to re-litigate that complicated agreement, which did help the city pay off some of its crippling debt load, giving it a chance to regain its financial footing following the reckless Reed-era spending spree.

However, I am going to criticize the ludicrous decision to take an already wildly expensive system and make it even more wildly expensive, so that street parking downtown now clocks in at $4 per hour ($2 in Midtown). Parking in downtown Harrisburg is now much more expensive than in far larger cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Bad, bad idea.

In part, the asset manager justified the huge price hike by stating that an increase was necessary to “provide sufficient cash flow to maintain expenses associated with the parking system.”

But will that indeed be the result? If you have slack demand at $3 per hour, will charging even more fix your problem? Park Harrisburg may have a monopoly on downtown parking, but customers have a second choice—to not come at all.

Let’s say, for instance, that you own an ice cream shop and have few customers willing to pay $5 a scoop. To stimulate demand, do you charge 33% more? No. You lower your price until customers perceive fair value and return.

This analogy is imperfect. Parking isn’t ice cream, even though the general principle still applies. In fact, I would say that parking is unique in a very special way.

If you own a scoop shop and stubbornly charge too much for your product, scaring off customers, you only hurt yourself. But, if you run a parking system and charge too much for your product, you hurt many other people—perhaps profoundly so.

Back in 2013, when the price of street parking downtown quadrupled under the new regimen, people were outraged. Pay $3 per hour? No way, they said.

And, in fact, people did stay away. Restaurateurs, shop owners and salons screamed loudly, as downtown streets, once bumper-to-bumper with parked cars, became barren virtually overnight. A few businesses even moved or closed, placing blame squarely on the high cost of parking.

And now the problem has been made yet worse, with the added insult that businesses were just beginning to regain their footing after the devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Harrisburg’s parking masters need to understand that parking doesn’t exist for parking’s sake. People don’t consume parking as an end in itself, but as a means to an end. It’s part of an ecosystem, a web of hyper-local economic interdependence.

The parking vendor is a middleman between the consumer and the business, offering a temporary service so that one can access the other. In a perfect world, this system is in balance, with the parking operator, the businesses and the consumer all mutually benefitting.

Instead, with parking at $4 per hour, we have an out-of-whack system with the middleman recklessly steering the ship. His objective is to maximize revenue, which is fine except when the price becomes so prohibitive that it destroys demand. That is the situation here.

In my opinion, if Park Harrisburg wanted to stimulate demand, it should have lowered its street-parking rate, not raised it. I understand that the system has expenses, as well as bonds to pay off, but choking off demand—and killing the businesses around it—isn’t going to help anyone.

Our parking system does not exist in a vacuum. It exists within an integrated economic community, in a center of commerce already struggling. Many businesses rely on the parking system for their very survival, and the downtown relies on it to remain viable as a destination.

That future is now in peril, as a key player in the system has become unmoored from the economic realities of downtown Harrisburg.

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher/editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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A Hundred Years, Musically: As TFEC hits the century mark, a group of musicians will play up their appreciation

August 31, 2021 | by M. Diane McCormick

Jeremy Gill

A self-described “poor kid from Lewisberry” wasn’t the type to come up with the 1990s-era dollars needed to study at the prestigious Eastman School of Music.

“In those days, Eastman cost about $20,000 a year,” said Jeremy Gill. “I didn’t have much. I had a lot of scholarship money from Eastman, which was really helpful, and the Steele Fund added to that. So, that at the end of all those years, I had very little student debt.”

Gill is a proud—and very appreciative—recipient of a scholarship from the selective Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Fund (now the Steele-Drane Fund).

This month, he will join several other awardees, who will return to Harrisburg to give something back, demonstrating musically how well they’ve used the money.

On Sept. 18, five past Steele recipients will put on a free concert celebrating the centennial of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), holder of the Steele scholarships. The concert features a piece commissioned by TFEC and composed by Gill, a freelance composer, conductor and pianist based in New York City.

Pride & Joy

Born of a bequest from classical pianist and music teacher Vivian Steele and her architect husband, the Steele Fund awards competitive scholarships to students from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder and York counties who are studying classical music composition, teaching and performance.

Recipients can receive annual awards, traditionally up to $5,000 a year, throughout their studies. (Another fund created from the Steele bequest finances scholarships for young architects in honor of Joseph. He designed the Steele’s Camp Hill home with a dais in the living room where Vivian’s students presented recitals.)

Since the early 2000s, Gill has served on the committee awarding the scholarships. From a list of past and recent winners, he chose the most memorable, plus one local/native double bass player who never applied for the scholarship but who “easily would have won” had he applied, said Gill.

The resulting ensemble emerged from the powerhouses of music schools, including Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory of Music and the Julliard School. The process yielded an unusual mix of instruments.

“I don’t know any other pieces that are for oboe, trumpet, viola, double bass and piano,” Gill said. “They’re very distinct but also a balanced ensemble. I wanted to write for these people I remember.”

In his piece, composer Gill weaves a tapestry, telling the Steele scholarship story.

The other part of the scholarship story woven into Gill’s work comes from Dr. Robert Lau, renowned composer, educator and longtime chair of the Steele Fund classical music committee—who just happens to be Gill’s first composition teacher. Gill based the work on themes from Lau’s “Cantilena,” originally a piece for solo organ.

When Lau responded to Gill’s request to send a few favorite compositions, he thought Gill wanted to study them from a theoretical perspective. He was “dumbfounded” when he learned Gill’s secret intent—to select a piece on which to base his TFEC commission.

“He’s my pride and joy,” Lau said. “He was the best composition student that I ever had. He just went from one thing to another. He had a very humble background. I just knew this boy had talent.”

Independent scholarships are rare in classical music, Lau said.

“It’s a tough field to get any scholarship money in,” he said.

The musical skill of Steele applicants “has gone higher and higher every year.”

“Sometimes, we feel our only negative is that we don’t have enough to give to everybody,” he said.

Kind of Incredible

TFEC was founded in 1920 as the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, heralding a post-World War I, pre-Great Depression wave of creation of Harrisburg’s enduring nonprofit and cultural institutions (e.g., Harrisburg Symphony Organization, Harrisburg Community Theatre/Theatre Harrisburg, Art Association of Harrisburg).

Today, TFEC owns $130 million in assets and manages another $50 million, serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry counties, plus the Dillsburg area.

Among TFEC’s assets are 255 scholarship funds. The Steele Fund came about after the death of Vivian Steele in 1987, when her will’s executor, John Plesic, mentioned to then-foundation Executive Director Diane Sandquist that the Steeles wanted to start a scholarship fund with their $454,000 legacy.

“Diane jumped on it and said, ‘I can tell you how to get started,’” said TFEC Executive Director Janice Black. “A problem to someone is a fortune to us. We help them create the path they wanted to go on but didn’t really know how to do it.”

For the Steele Fund, Sandquist, Plesic and then-foundation Chair Lois Grass “put all the details together, and they did a fabulous job,” Black said. For each discipline, committees of professionals review submissions from students and award a total of about $30,000 in scholarships every year.

Presentation of Gill’s commissioned work was originally meant for TFEC’s 2020 centennial gala, but you know what happened to that year. This year, too. When pandemic conditions lingered, the TFEC board canceled the gala’s Sept. 18 makeup date, but by then, the peripatetic musicians had the date circled on their busy calendars. So, the decision was made to turn the night into a free concert, closing with Gill’s commissioned work.

Each musician selected a solo piece to play. Pianist, composer and conductor Chris Whittaker will play two world premieres he composed for solo piano and for oboe and piano.

“It’s a joy to have them coming back,” Black said.

Lau called the gathering of Steele winners “kind of incredible.”

“In a way, it’s something to show their gratitude,” he said. “They’re trying to say that they’re individual musicians, but TFEC made it possible for them to get somewhere. So, now they’re getting together to thank them. It’s a wonderful tribute.”

Black sees the concert as a gift to the community and a reflection of Vivian Steele’s passion for educating young classical musicians.

“It’s just wonderful to know that the wonderful work that the Steeles did is still going on through these young people and the gift of education they received through the fund that helped them to grow and be where they are today,” she said.

By convening local musicians who have scattered across the country and the globe—violist Maxwell Aléman is coming from the Netherlands—Gill said the concert will feel “like a coming together” in front of family and friends who were their first audiences.

“We’re all really happy to be able to come together and play a concert for the community from which we all came,” he said. “That feels really special, and to celebrate this wonderful foundation that supports musicians and architects. It’s really important that local organizations support young people who are aspiring to whatever they’re aspiring to. You support them and help give them the means to follow their dreams.”

TFEC Centennial Concert takes place on Sept. 18, 5 p.m., at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg. Free admission. A reception will follow the concert. Participating musicians are Alan Tolbert, trumpet; ToniMarie Marchioni, oboe; Maxwell Aléman, viola; Devin Howell, bass; Chris Whittaker, piano and composition; and Jeremy Gill, composition and piano. For more information on TFEC, visit www.tfec.org.

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Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through Oct. 16

“Keep on Truckin’: Light Duty Trucks,” an exhibit focused on the history of pickup trucks, through Oct. 22

“Iconic Chevrolets,” an exhibit presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, through Oct. 22

“Hershey’s History: Before & After Chocolate,” through Oct. 22

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

93rd Annual International Juried Show, showcasing the talent of local, regional and international artists of all ages and mediums, through Sept. 2

“Duality,” fall membership show that celebrates duality, which is the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements, Sept. 12-Oct. 14

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

“Left Behind,” photography by Michael Hower and sculptural work by Steve Dolbin, through Sept. 18

“Lunchbox Moments,” an exhibition by Korean-American artist, Amie Bantz, memorializing a collection of stories from the AAPI community by painting their narratives on a series of lunchboxes, through Sept. 18

“Suspended Energy,” sculptures by Gregg Silvis and oil paintings by Hannah Steele, Sept. 24-Oct. 30

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

September artist of the month

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

“Remnant: Studio Majors Thesis Exhibition,” featuring projects by senior studio art majors under the direction of Rachel Eng with Todd Arsenault, Anthony Cervino and Andy Bale, through Sept. 11

“In Light of the Past,” an exhibition considering how we experience photographs, through Oct. 9

“Horace Pippin: Racism and War,” centering on Pippin’s “Mr. Prejudice,” representing the artist’s response to the discrimination of African American soldiers fighting in World War II, Sept. 24–Feb. 19

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

“Millersburg’s Own, ‘Duffy’ Miller,” featuring the artwork by Vaughn “Duffy” Miller, a founding member of Millersburg Area Art Association, through Sept. 11

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

The Hershey Story Museum Exhibit of HAAA Member artwork, Sept. 10-12

HAAA Member Art display at the Backstage Café at Allen Theater, through Sept. 30

HAAA Member Art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 16

HAAA Member Art display at Campbelltown Academy, through Nov. 20

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

New works by Tara Chickey, Caleb Smith, Judy Kelly, Julie Iaria, Susan Bailey and Marsha Souders, through Sept. 12

New works by Pamela Black, Kelly Curran, Richard Souders, Reina 76 Artist, Tina Berrier and Lauren Castillo, Sept. 15-Oct. 10; opening reception of Kelly Curran’s exhibit, “Purify,” Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation; reality adjustments; and new experiences lived during the pandemic, through Sept. 18

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

Photo exhibit by Estelle Hartranft, Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Circle of Truth: 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” like a game in which a message is whispered in the ear of a first person, then relayed on, through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, who illustrates her journey of shifting between known and unknown spaces, through Oct. 17

“Mobility to Movement,” etchings by Isabel Bishop, Aug. 13-Oct. 17

“Unpredictable Nature,” works by Sandi Neiman Lovitz and Autumn C. Wright, who use gesture, shape, pattern and spontaneity to create abstract compositions, through Oct. 31

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

“Art in the Wild” exhibit of naturally inspired trailside installations inspired by the theme “reimagining,” through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

Sept. 4: One Day Obvara (Baltic Raku) Alternative Firing Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11: Opposites Attract—Slip Inlay & Overlay Techniques, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Figure Drawing, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 6-Oct. 9: Obvara (Baltic Raku)—Alternative Firing Process in the Fall
Sept. 7-28: Fall Pumpkins, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 9-30: Mosaic Stepping Stone, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 11: Vintage Tin Earrings 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 14-Oct. 5: Plein Air Painting, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Suicide Loss Survivors—Creating Together, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 20: Processing Photos in Lightroom Classic & Photoshop on Zoom, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 16-Oct. 21: Shoot, Share Discuss Photo Workshop on Zoom, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Clothing Up-cycling Workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Morris Chest and the Grand Review, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16: McCormick & Olewine Library Friends, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21: Novel Thoughts Too!, 1 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Sept. 7-11: Fall Book Sale
Sept. 9, 23: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Fair, 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Sept. 18: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Sept. 1: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Language at the Library—Fluent Spanish Speakers, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 16: Language at the Library—Beginner & Intermediate Spanish Conversation, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 5, 24: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—”Fahrenheit 451,” 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Natalie Craumer Writers’ Workshop, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Curl Up with The Classics on Zoom—”Les Misérables,” 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 10: Film Friday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Library for Lunch (ages 3-6), 1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Sept. 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13-Oct. 18: Intro. To Digital Photography, Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 20: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Sept. 20: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 23-26: Friends Of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale
Sept. 27: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—”The Tattooist Of Auschwitz,” 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 29: Hear Me Out—A Discussion Series, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 18: Beginner Basket Weaving, 1-4 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-Oct. 20: Level 1—Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, 30: HYP Sand Volleyball, 6-10 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: HYP Flag Football, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Heart of the Community Garden Clean Up, 5-7 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 16-Nov. 4: Painting, Your Way!, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8, 22: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Friends Children Program—Geology, 2 p.m.
Sept. 11: Zoom Friends—Women in Music, 2 p.m.
Sept. 18: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Sept. 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Sept. 22: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 23: Fear of Commitment Book Group at Cassel Vineyards, 6 p.m.
Sept. 25: Dried Floral Wreath Class, 11 a.m.
Sept. 25: Zoom Friends—Heros of Flight 93, 2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Story Time, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30: Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Rhyme Time, 12 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Block Party!, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 13, 27: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Sept. 16: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18: Discovery Club (K-1^st grade), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 22: Apple Users Group, 1 p.m.
Sept. 25: Trivia at Home— Schitt’s Creek, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Sept. 10: Open Mic and Coffee Cafe, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 14, 28: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.

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

Sept. 9: Andrew Kaufman in conversation with Therese Anne Fowler, 7-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 18, 19s: Fluid Art Class, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 24-26: 3-Day Cold Wax Workshop

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

Sept. 18: The Jubal Early School—How the Losers Wrote Civil War History,” 1-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 25: Fantastic Fungi and Where to Find Them, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Sept. 15, 22, 29: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 20, 23, 27, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 23, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 3: Virtual Artists Conversations, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 3, 18: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 3, 9, 17, 23, 25, 30: Animal Adaptations Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Adventures in Nature Lab (in-person and virtual)—Black Bears in PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 12: Animal Adaptations Tour, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Learn at Lunchtime— Curator’s Choice, Extinct Birds of PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 24: Learn at Lunchtime— Virtual State Museum Perspectives, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29: Explore! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Sept 11: The David Bromberg Quintet at Allegro Winery, Stewartstown
Sept. 11: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 5: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fall Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
Sept. 11: How To Improve Your Home Garden in the Fall, 9-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 11: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals (ages 5-10), 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Flower Walk—Goldenrods, Asters, and Other Fall Surprises, 1:30-3 p.m.
Sept. 16: Kids Discover—Creek Critters (ages 5-10), 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Kids Discover—Dirt (ages 8-10), 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Monarch Tagging, 12-2 p.m.
Sept. 30: How to Design a Home Garden Bed, 6-7:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 3-5: Pennsylvania Gospel Music Festival
Sept. 8: Amy Grant
Sept. 9: Johnny Mathis, Gary Mule Deer
Sept. 11: Three Dog Night
Sept. 12: Straight No Chaser
Sept. 14: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Sept. 15: Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle
Sept. 16: Ted Vigil John Denver Musical Tribute
Sept. 17: Blue Oyster Cult
Sept. 18: Gladys Knight
Sept. 19: The Temptations and the Tour Tops
Sept. 23: Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye & Sammy Kershaw
Sept. 25: Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade
Sept. 30: The Marshall Tucker Band w/The Outlaws and Molly Hatchet

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

Sept. 2: John Mayall
Sept. 10: Mark Klein
Sept. 18: York Symphony Open Air 2021-22 Sneak Preview

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

Sept. 16: DMC Duo
Sept. 23: Sound Method

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

Sept. 25: The Outlaws w/The Outcrops

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Jazz Series
Sept. 4: Durand Jones and the Indications
Sept. 16: Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones
Sept. 17: Cold Spring Union
Sept. 18: Ben Brandt & the Soul Miners Union
Sept. 23: Blaggards
Sept. 24: Funktion Band
Sept. 25: The Jellybricks

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

Sept. 2: Shea Quinn and Friends

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 5: The Naughton Sisters
Sept. 12: Magical Mix of Music and Dance
Sept. 18: Dali Quartet and Wister Quartet

Harrisburg University Presents
www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Sept. 4: Durand Jones & the Indications (The Englewood)
Sept. 18: Grouplove (XL Live)
Sept. 23: Cage the Elephant (Riverfront Park)
Sept. 24: Dawes (XL Live)
Sept. 24: Portugal. The Man (Riverfront Park)

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

Sept. 4: Messer w/ Defiant and IfNotForMe
Sept. 4: Bear Grillz
Sept. 7: Lyndia Lunch
Sept. 9: Fozzy
Sept. 10: Slaves, The Maguas
Sept. 11: Steel Panther
Sept. 12: The Queers
Sept. 12: Japanese Breakfast
Sept. 16: The Early November
Sept. 17: The Mavericks
Sept. 18: Short Fictions
Sept. 20: Al Stewart
Sept. 21: Butcher Babies
Sept. 22: Mac Sabbath
Sept. 23: Bowling for Soup
Sept. 24: The Widdler
Sept. 24: The Motet
Sept. 25: Lez Zeppelin
Sept. 26: Thievery Corporation
Sept. 30: Field Day

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

Sept. 25: The Jazz Tributaries Project
Sept. 29: Skerryvore

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

Sept. 24: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds

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

Sept. 10: Leblanc, Kissinger & Messano
Sept. 18: JJ Rupp

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

Sept. 11: David Bromberg Quintet
Sept. 26: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 11: Candlebox
Sept. 22: Madeleine Peyroux & Paula Cole
Sept. 24: Los Lobos

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

Sept. 10: Pop Evil, Zero 9:36, BRKN
Sept. 17: Badfish, The Quasi Kings
Sept. 18: Grouplove
Sept. 24: Dawes

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Sept. 1: Shrimp Ryan Jig Band
Sept. 8: Side of Yams
Sept. 15: Peter Stone

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 24: “Masters of Illusion”

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

Sept. 25: Brian Regan

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

Sept. 1-4: “Grumpy Old Men”
Sept. 9-30: “Mamma Mia”

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

Sept. 14-Oct. 2: “Aesop’s Fables” (Popcorn Hat Players)
Sept. 24: TMI Improv

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

Sept. 3: Divas Down Under “Slaying September” Drag Show
Sept. 3, 4: Josh Phillips and Moody Molavi
Sept. 7: Harrisburg Comedy Zone Local Talent Showcase
Sept. 10, 11: Alex Ortiz and TBA
Sept. 16: Earl David Reed
Sept. 17, 18: Joel Lindley and Bob Lauver
Sept. 24, 25: Matt Fulchiron, Chris Young
Sept. 27, 28, 29: Preacher Lawson

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

Sept. 25: Nate Bargatze

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

Sept. 3: Fifty Shades Male Revue
Sept. 12: Queens Who Brunch

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

Sept. 3: Uptown Band
Sept. 4: Jess Zimmerman Band
Sept. 5: Let’s Ride
Sept. 10: Honeypump
Sept. 11: Last Shot
Sept. 17: Jason Dumm Band
Sept. 18: Grant Bryan Band
Sept. 19: Josh Squared Band
Sept. 24: Downtown Sound
Sept. 25: Light Up the Moon

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

Sept. 11: Concert at Good Shepherd Church

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

Sept. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Sept. 24, 25, 26: “13—The Musical”

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

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

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

Sept. 4-26: “Every Brilliant Thing”

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Sept 16: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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Jewel in the Crown: After an extensive renovation, Harrisburg’s stately King Mansion opens for public use

August 31, 2021 | by Rachel Curry

Photos by Elliot Samuel from Hommati Photography. Courtesy of King Mansion.

When the traffic isn’t too heavy, David Morrison, executive director of the Historic Harrisburg Association, guides his bus groups down Front Street at a smooth 10 mph.

This gives him the chance to point out all the significant buildings that make up the streetscape. Morrison’s tour consists of the likes of the Harris-Cameron Mansion, Governor’s Row and—of course—King Mansion.

His focus on King Mansion makes sense. Built in the 1920s, the mansion may be the grandest privately owned residence in Harrisburg. Dressed in a red tile roof and surrounded by Mediterranean-style balusters, King Mansion’s presence is remarkable.

“It’s just an amazing feast for the eyes,” Morrison said.

About four years ago, an engineer named Marc Kurowski purchased the mansion as office space for his firm, K&W Engineers. But it wasn’t long before the new owner adjusted his focus. He restored some parts of the property to their original stature, redesigned others in a modern light, and, ultimately, enlivened the space as a whole.

Today, the second floor remains a K&W Engineering office. But for the first time in the mansion’s century-long history, the first floor is a space suited for public events like weddings, fundraisers and networking socials. With the gentlemen’s quarters, the salon space and the sprawling, well-lit ballroom that seats 160, the mansion is all dressed up, ready to host an extremely nice party.

Full Reign

Horace King, the original owner, didn’t have much of a personal impact on Harrisburg.

He was a businessman who lived in the city for just a brief time, walking to work every day from his home. His building, though, left a far larger footprint (even without the original bowling-alley-turned-shooting-range that King himself put in).

“It kind of proclaimed the peak of the extravagance of the roaring ‘20s in its size and its design,” Morrison said.

Kurowski isn’t the first business owner to claim the King Mansion. There were other offices before his, but he was the first to turn the mansion toward the public. Plus, he took out any traces of bland, office-style interior, giving the mansion’s grandeur full reign.

These days, most of Kurowski’s engineering team works remotely, but for those who do venture in, the staff feels a special kinship with their workplace. With Wi-Fi throughout the property, there’s no shortage of spots to get work done—a balcony, a terrace, you name it.

Kurowski’s effort to transform King Mansion is crucial in one key way. What was once a drive-by for Harrisburg locals and commuters is now a place where many people will get a chance to visit, if only for an evening.

With a quick glance of the interior, you’ll see that Kurowski has made sure to maintain and restore many historical parts of the mansion, but the work isn’t done.

“I have a good friend who does a lot of very detailed historic restoration up at the Capitol, and he’s been champing at the bit to get in here and kind of strip it down,” said Kurowski, pointing to painted-over cameos and molding.

Future Growth

Since opening the King Mansion to public use, demand for the space has been strong, especially for weddings.

In January, Gov. Tom Wolf even hosted a pre-presidential inauguration gala there, with hundreds of people under cozy, heated tents on the lawn that faces the river, smack-dab in the middle of a COVID-19 winter.

Mostly, Kurowski is glad that the King Mansion, which he bought in 2017, is no longer closed off, the exclusive province of the insurance and tech companies that once made it their headquarters.

With dozens of events planned throughout the year, you soon may find yourself sipping a cocktail while marveling at the interior restoration, a wonderful secret behind every corner. This includes functions by many nonprofit groups, including Historic Harrisburg, which itself plans an event in December.

In a broader way, Kurowski is pleased that he’s been able to contribute to his hometown in such a significant way.

“I still think that there are loads of unrealized potential in the city, in all kinds of ways,” Kurowski said, speaking like the engineer he is. “There’s growth to be done.”

King Mansion is located at 2201 North Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit, www.kingmansionpa.com. The mansion also will be a stop for the 30th Annual “Elegant Progressions” dinner, presented by the Historic Harrisburg Association and the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, slated for Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. For ticket information, visit www.elegantprogressions.org.

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Big Bang Beauty: An explosion of history in the Brandywine Valley

August 31, 2021 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Gardens at Brandywine

How do you turn explosives into trees, shrubs and flowers?

In a sense, that’s what happened in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, where one famous family amassed a fortune from gunpowder, the legacy of which can now be toured.

A recommended first stop is Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”), which is open to the public today thanks to Henry Francis du Pont, a horticulturist and antique collector who, upon inheriting the Wilmington property, set about turning the estate into a museum.

To understand how H.F. du Pont ran the estate, this quote from an article in American Heritage, reads: “Footmen in knee breeches attended to the family, and the atmosphere at Winterthur was so icily formal that one kinsman of ‘Uncle Harry’ thought it ‘too tony’ to bear and resolved never to return again. In a family not noted for humility, Winterthur was regarded as markedly pretentious.”

Guests can take a tram tour of the grounds to learn more about H.F.’s love of naturalist gardens. As a horticulturist, he believed it was important to select the best plants from around the world to enhance the landscape of his 60-acre garden.

Those who visit in the fall will enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves as they turn yellow, orange and copper, along with the crimson crabapples, which are loved by the birds and lend additional color to the landscape. Those who wait for spring will see even more color when the hills come alive with vibrant azaleas, daffodils, bluebells, lavender and white and pink magnolias.

The nearby museum boasts 175 period-room displays containing about 85,000 objects acquired by H.F., who continued to add to his collection until his death in 1969. Artifacts span two centuries of American decorative arts, dating from 1640 to 1860.

Visitors who ascend to the second floor of the gallery will learn all about the “Lady of the House,” Ruth Wales du Pont. Guests will find out about her love for her husband, her devotion to her daughter, her keen sense of humor, and her love of music. It’s also been revealed, through diaries and private letters in the Winterthur archives, that Ruth suffered from “melancholy” and anxiety, yet was lively and gregarious in public.

The gallery includes a reproduction of her 1916 wedding gown, personal objects like her sheet music and a traveling case to help visitors gain an understanding of what it was like to be Ruth Wales du Pont.

A second destination related to the du Ponts is the Hagley Museum, comprised of 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River. It’s also the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802. Many guests think of war when they think of gunpowder, but it was used for much more, such as mining and tunneling, which were extremely important in America’s early years.

Guests begin their visit by checking in at the visitor’s center, where they can schedule a ride on a bus to take them to the powder yard to see old stone structures that housed the manufacturing process, along with working 19th-century machinery, waterwheels and turbines, black powder explosion demonstrations and more.

The mansion on site was built in 1803 and was home to five generations of du Ponts. Visitors who tour the home will see it as it was when the last family member lived there—filled with furnishings, folk art and items that the family brought from France in 1799, as well as later furnishings.

The Hagley Museum also hosts special events and demonstrations throughout the year.

If you’re in need of accommodations, the Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa is among the 10 oldest hotels in the United States. It’s located within 10 to 20 minutes of Winterthur and the Hagley Museum and Library. Listed on the National Historic Register, it is comprised of 11 restored buildings that include 28 guest rooms.

The settlement, named after Alexandria de Montchanin, grandmother of the founder of the du Pont company, was once part of the Winterthur estate and was home to laborers who once worked at the du Pont powder mills.

Another notable destination is historic New Castle. Located six miles south of Wilmington, the city was settled in 1651 under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant, famous as the last director-general of the New Netherland colony, now New York City.

Walkable and quaint New Castle features a few shops and restaurants, including Jessop’s Tavern, which dates back 300 years. If you request a beer menu, expect them to drop a tome, reminiscent of a college dictionary, on your table. Jessop’s Tavern is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Within walking distance of Jessop’s Tavern is a historic cemetery, where George Read, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is buried.

This just scratches the surface of what to see in the Brandywine Valley region, especially if you’re a history lover.

For more information on things to do and see, visit www.BrandywineValley.com.

For more Information, attractions mentioned in this story include:

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
www.winterthur.org

Hagley Museum and Library
www.hagley.org

The Inn at Montchanin Village
www.montchanin.com

Jessop’s Tavern
www.jessops-tavern.com

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Take Your Seats: Harrisburg theaters make plans for a new season—eagerly, carefully

August 31, 2021 | by Gina Napoli

Clockwise, from top, left: James Mitchell, Aneesa Neibauer, Paul Hood & Frank Henley

It’s been almost 18 months since the pandemic extinguished the faint amber glow from the hobnail light fixtures by backstage doors.

Last season, local theater companies offered audiences a socially distant mix of virtual performances, partially opened, sanitized spaces and reduced audience volumes, with some taking advantage of the downtime to regroup.

Now, they’re all set to reopen to live audiences for the 2021-22 season, as the theater companies, like society in general, continue to stutter-step through the protracted pandemic.

Lot of Joy

Gamut Theatre was first to offer COVID-conscious, in-person performances to limited audiences, then later outdoors.

“Re-opening has been so emotional,” said Gamut Theatre’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson, who feels stress (the good kind) from organizing this season in three months rather than the usual eight.

Last season, Gamut used all core company actors. This year, they’re holding actual auditions and leveraging partnerships to open up to other artists.

A few blocks away, Open Stage, offered videos, with some re-shuffling of lineups to accommodate socially distant filming.

“The impact [of re-opening] didn’t hit me until I was back onstage, with a crowd looking at me,” said Marketing Manager Rachel Landon. “I immediately started crying happy tears. We feel grateful to do what we love in front of an audience again.”

Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon said that he was “overwhelmed seeing people back in the space.”

“Muscles had atrophied after having been away for 15 months,” he said. “It was a little shock and a heck of a lot of joy.”

Frank Henley, artistic director and founder of Narcisse Theatre Company, described feeling “cautious optimism,” with further uncertainty about the delta variant.

“We’re still in the age of COVID,” he said. “Moving forward, the most important thing is the health and safety of our audience, actors and production crew. We’re responsible to navigate this new environment.”

After last season’s strategic pause, Theatre Harrisburg will stage productions again. Artistic and Production Director Kristi Ondo stressed a commitment to welcoming audiences safely, as well as excitement, in re-opening.

“It’s wonderful to be back in the production center, working, planning, dreaming of what is to come,” she said.

Season Sampler

The shows to come this season will be different from where we dropped our programs in March 2020 and abruptly ushered ourselves out the door. And because we have all lived through this incredibly weird time, we inevitably will view the plays through our own changed perspectives.

In this spirit, each theater will present thoughtful offerings that, taken together, promise to expand upon and round out our thinking.

Open Stage

“As the world was reopening, we were in the midst of planning,” Stuart Landon said. “We didn’t know what the rules of engagement would be.”

This explains Open Stage’s one-person fall shows, with themes of healing, moving forward, reckoning and beckoning.

To quote Monty Python, here’s something completely different: “White Rabbit/Red Rabbit.”

Without any rehearsal or advanced reading, a different actor every night will read the play cold in front of the audience. Curious? Me too. If you need a little guidance on whether you should bring your teenager along, you can find more information on the website. If you do find out any spoilers, please don’t leak. The rest of us want to be surprised.

Less surprising—Open Stage will offer exciting Christmas shows, one of which is the silly and heartwarming “Who’s Holiday.”

“I miss making people laugh and making a fool of myself, so it’s important for me to wear Cindy Lou’s wig,” said Rachel Landon, the star of the show. “She can overcome dark places to find joy, love and life.”

Other offerings this season include “Every Brilliant Thing” in September and “The Mad Ones” in February and March.

Out of all of the plays, the Landons are most excited about “Fairview,” which, in partnership with Sankofa African American Theatre Company, will cap Open Stage’s season in May.

“This is a timely and important piece for Harrisburg,” Rachel Landon said. “It’s about white privilege and the white lens, white fragility, the way we see others, the way our race may play into that.”

Stuart Landon saw “Fairview” in Brooklyn and deemed it “a glorious experience.”

“I came home and I couldn’t stop jibber-jabbering about it,” he said. “It’s easily in the ‘top-three’ theatrical experiences of my life.”

Themes of connectedness will also emerge through their season.

“After the stagnancy thrust upon the theater world, characters will break through the fourth wall to interact with the crowds,” Rachel Landon said. “It’s just as important for the performers as the audience.”

Gamut Theatre

For their mainstage plays, Gamut Theatre’s all-female director lineup worked independently on their own concepts, landing on plays with smaller ensemble casts playing multiple roles.

Director Melissa Nicholson opens the mainstage season in October with Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In November, she directs local playwright Sean Adams’ clever script for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass,” full of adult nuances that will sail right over kids’ heads.

“It’s one student surrounded by strange adult characters,” Nicholson said. “We can look at this play through the lens of the pandemic, attacking this bonkers world Lewis Carroll wrote about.”

Notably, in January, Gamut will host the Shakespeare Theatre Association’s annual conference, bringing some of the world’s top theater professionals to Harrisburg.

Like Open Stage, Gamut will partner with Sankofa this season. In February, they will present “Echoes of Voices of the Eighth: Stories from Harrisburg’s Old 8th Ward.” This continues a series begun before the pandemic, which focuses on the largely African American, immigrant and working class neighborhood razed a century ago to expand the Capitol complex.

Later Gamut shows include Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” in March and “The Winter’s Tale” in June, which is this year’s selection for the always-popular “Free Shakespeare in the Park.”

Theatre Harrisburg

Four main-stage shows comprise Theatre Harrisburg’s return, with themes of “joy, renewal, choices and laughter,” said Ondo. “We wanted to celebrate with uplifting, heartwarming storytelling everyone can use after the last year.”

Unless you’ve been living in a pineapple under the sea for the last several decades, you’ve heard of SpongeBob. And you may know about The SpongeBob SquarePants musical’s successful run on Broadway. Theatre Harrisburg intends to spark joy in its audiences with this season opener.

“On the script, the author’s notes read, ‘Embrace joy.’ No other notes,” Ondo said.

Much like the cartoon, the play appeals to all ages.

“This show is about the power of optimism, reinforcing that anyone with the right mindset can pull a community together,” Ondo said.

Other highlights include “The Secret Garden” in February and “Now and Then” in April, the only play in their lineup without Tony nominations.

“This is a relatively new and unfamiliar play, a heartfelt romantic comedy about the choices we make,” Ondo said. “I’m excited to see what the director will do with it. I think audiences will like it and be surprised by it.”

Narcisse Theatre

You might find Narcisse’s themes on the other end of the joy spectrum, with promises of difficult or ambiguous endings during this challenging time.

The first performance is “Rashomon,” a hard-boiled psychological thriller set in Japan. Henley described it as a blend of western culture and traditional kabuki and kagura theater, topped with a layer of tribal African art.

Not necessarily for the kiddies is “Wise Old Crow Shadow Puppet Show,” a folk tale to teach the commonality of humanity. As part of Narcisse’s mission, this show will tread on “racial ethnic lines, tearing down the walls that divide us and building bridges that connect the theater scenes in Harrisburg,” Henley said.

Narcisse has engaged local playwrights, performance artists and the Blacklisted Poets of Harrisburg to present original works and expand traditional boundaries.

In partnership with Gamut, Narcisse will present a staged reading of “The African Company: The Mystery of the African Grove” by Paul Hood. The performance will take place during Gamut’s Classics Fest Celebration. The same author will present another original play called “Kill Keller,” a semi-autobiographical work featuring two teen brothers who have moved to Harrisburg with their abusive alcoholic stepfather.

Keeping it local, we can look forward to more original works. Aneesa Neibauer will read dramatic poetry “Black and Unknown Bards.” Local actor and artist James Mitchell will perform an inventive one-man show called “Mi Diego’s Playhouse.”

“We don’t want audiences to walk away with answers,” Henley said. “We want them to feel challenged, uncomfortable, walking away with the types of questions that cause psychological distress.”

For More Info

Whichever plays you see this season, please consider donating to any number of ongoing fundraising efforts. Help that light by the stage door to burn a little brighter.

You can find more information about the local theaters’ individual 2021-22 seasons at these websites:

The Blacklisted Poets of Harrisburg: www.facebook.com/theblacklistedpoetsofharrisburg

Gamut Theatre Group: www.gamuttheatre.org

Narcisse Theatre Co.: www.narcissetheatre.org

Open Stage: www.openstagehbg.com

Sankofa Theatre of Harrisburg: www.sankofatheatrehbg.com

Theatre Harrisburg: www.theatreharrisburg.com

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

Community Corner: Notable September Events

August 31, 2021 | by TheBurg Staff

Community Corner

Celebration of Friends
Sept. 2: Learn a new way of travel and meet friends from all over the world at the Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg’s free kickoff celebration from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.friendshipforcepa.org

HBG Flea
Sept. 4: Explore the HBG Flea on first Saturdays for art, handmade gifts and vintage wares from local artists and curators, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor markets are held at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Kipona
Sept. 4-6: Enjoy the 105th annual Kipona Festival in Riverfront Park and City Island with food, fireworks, live music, artist market, family fun zone, biergarten, canoe races, wire walkers and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Puppies and Pints
Sept. 8: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals at Midstate Distillery, 1817 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for Puppies and Pints, benefiting Homeward Bound Animal Rescue. Adoptable puppies will be on site and donations will be collected. www.hyp.org

Luminary Awards
Sept. 9: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will honor two female professionals at the Luminary Awards Luncheon at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Jazz Walk
Sept. 10: Explore the sights, sounds and yummy smells of Midtown Harrisburg while enjoying the sounds of local jazz musicians during the 2021 Harrisburg Jazz Walk, hosted by Central PA Friends of Jazz and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival. www.friendsofjazz.org

Morning Mixer
Sept. 10: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for a morning mixer of members at PaySmart Payroll Services, 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 100, Mechanicsburg, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. This free event is open to chamber members, and potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Pop-Up Carnival
Sept. 10-11: Enjoy a festive Mardi-Gras themed pop-up carnival with Zydeco music, dancing, cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and more at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Costumes encouraged. www.historicharrisburg.org

Bird Walk & Cleanup
Sept. 11: Harrisburg Young Professionals and Appalachian Audubon Society team up for a bird walk and to lend a hand during the Volunteer Work Day at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. The bird walk begins at 8:30 a.m. before the workday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.hyp.org www.wildwoodpark.org

Fall Garden Fun
Sept. 11: Join Penn State Extension Master Gardeners at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, to learn how to create excitement in your fall garden, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Workshops include indoor and outdoor components and are limited to 12 participants. Preregistration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Work Day
Sept. 11: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to enjoy the outdoors and 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

Rugged Run
Sept. 11: 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

Evening Mixer
Aug. 11: Build new relationships with local business professionals at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s September Evening Networking Mixer, 4 to 6 p.m., at Isaac’s Restaurant patio, Rossmoyne Business Center, 4940 Ritter Rd., Mechanicsburg. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Nocturnal Animals
Sept. 11: Explore nocturnal wildlife through sound and sight with a Wildwood Park Naturalist at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call for owls and discover insects that come to life at night. Admission is $5 per child; chaperones free. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Jazz & Wine Fest
Sept. 11-12: The annual Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival will be at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 9 p.m. Local and national artists will join area wineries for the event. Doors open at 2 p.m. www.dauphincounty.org

Gallery Walk
Sept. 12: Explore 20 galleries and exhibit spaces to enjoy art, music and refreshments during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 33rd annual Gallery Walk, 12 to 5 p.m., throughout Harrisburg. www.artassocofhbg.com

Garden Cleanup
Sept. 13: Harrisburg Young Professionals will host a cleanup at Heart of the Community Garden, 1421 Derry St., Harrisburg, 5 to 7 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help maintain and beautify the garden. RSVP at [email protected]. www.hyp.org

Restaurant Week
Sept. 13-24: Harrisburg’s premier dining event returns, spanning two weeks, Sept. 13-17 and Sept. 20-24. www.HarrisburgRestaurantWeek.com

Heart Walk
Sept. 15: American Heart Association’s Capital Region Heart Walk will be held 12:30 to 4 p.m. on City Island, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.; the walk starts at 2 p.m. www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk

3rd in The Burg
Sept. 17: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Coin Show
Sept. 17-18: Scottish Rite Entertainment Complex of Harrisburg, 2701 N. 3rd St., hosts the Harrisburg Coin Show with more than 70 exhibit tables, free admission, a raffle, door prizes, food and free seminars, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event supports the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central PA Harrisburg. www.harrisburgcoinclub.com/coin-show

Anniversary Concert
Sept. 18: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities celebrates its centennial with a concert featuring past scholarship recipients of the Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Fund. The free event starts at 5 p.m. at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, followed by a free reception. www.tfec.org.

5 Mile Run
Sept. 18: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals on City Island at 7:30 a.m. for the 8th Annual HYP 5 Miler to benefit HYP Outreach Initiatives, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Wildheart Ministries, Keystone Warriors and Make-A-Wish. This year, HYP partners with the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley’s Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival, which will take place directly after the race. www.hyp.org

Arts Festival
Sept. 18: Hummelstown Arts Festival will be held in the Hummelstown Square, Hanover and Market streets, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by more than 120 juried artists, children’s activities, a food court and more. Find Hummelstown Arts Festival on Facebook.

Food Truck Fest
Sept. 18: 2021 Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival will be held on City Island, 245 Championship Way, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live entertainment, children’s activities, music, a special wish reveal and more, in support of Make-a-Wish. www.wishuponafoodtruck.org

Book Event
Sept. 18: Fifty authors will sell and sign their books at The Barn at Creeks Bend at the Sports Emporium, 29 S. Middlesex Rd., Carlisle, 12 to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Dauphin County Library System. This event is for people 18 years or older. www.BooksBooksBooks2021

Crab Fest
Sept. 18: Trinity High School, 3601 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, hosts the 5th Annual Central PA Crab, Beer and Wine Festival, 4 to 6 p.m. This year’s event will be held grab-and-go style. All crab and BBQ orders must be placed by Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. www.pacrabfest.org

FAB Night
Sept. 18: Help celebrate the LGBT Center of Central PA’s work and honor leaders at “FAB 2021—Connected Across Communities,” at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. FAB 2021 is a hybrid event, with in-person and free virtual options. www.centralpalgbtcenter.org/FAB

Yoga Fest
Sept. 18-19: Central PA Yoga Love Festival will be held at Amethyst Retreat Center, 44 Buffalo Creek Rd., Duncannon, with yoga classes, workshops, hiking, live music, healthy food, camping, drumming, dancing and more. www.payogalovefest.com

Comic Con
Sept. 18-19: Celebrate all things comics, anime, games, sci-fi, movies and pop culture at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St.. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 and 11 a.m. to 5 pm. on Sept. 19. www.fourstatecon.com

Bike Ride
Sept. 19: Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s Three Creek Century ride will be held 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning at Penn Township Fire Dept., 1750 Pine Rd., Newville. www.threecreekcentury.com

Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 19: Celebrate fall with family fun, including arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, entertainment, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.forthunter.org

100th Celebration
Sept. 22: Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (VROCP) will host its second centennial celebration event at Linwood Estate in Carlisle, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets include a happy hour with live music and hors d’oeuvres, a full course meal, champagne toast and more. Proceeds support VROCP. www.vrocp.org

2021 Blue & Gray Gala
Sept. 23: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, will host the 15th Annual Blue & Gray Gala, 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can tour museum galleries while enjoying food and beverage pairings. A raffle drawing and silent auction will be held. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Annual Celebration
Sept. 23: Bethesda Mission will hold its Annual Celebration Banquet at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Stories of those helped by the mission will be featured, along with volunteer of the year awards and ministry updates. Reservations required. Visit BethesdaMission.org/Events or contact Rebecca Clymer at 717-257-4442 x229 or [email protected].

Fall Book Sale
Sept. 23-26: 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. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Native Plant Sale
Sept. 25: Appalachian Audubon Society will host a native plant sale at Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse, 571 Mountain Rd., Boiling Springs, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Portion of proceeds will benefit AAS environmental education scholarships. www.appalachianaudubon.org

Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup
Sept. 25: Make Harrisburg a cleaner and safer place to live, work and play by participating in the Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup. This event leaves a huge impact in a few short hours every year. Sign up at www.cactricounty.org/ghlc.

Celebrate Wildwood
Sept. 25: Help celebrate Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with a nature-themed afternoon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in kids’ activities, children’s crafts, live music, bird and plant talks, and the annual Walk for Wildwood. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Fall Fest
Sept. 25: Junior Board of YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts its 12th 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. 26: 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

Tribute Concert
Sept. 26: Central PA Friends of Jazz honors local music legend Steve Rudolph with a concert, “This One’s for You,” 4:30 p.m., at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Steve will play with many of his favorite musicians during his decades in Harrisburg. www.friendsofjazz.org/Rudolph

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Breaking the Ice: Central PA’s only independent synchro skating team forms amid COVID, debuts this fall

August 31, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Revolution Ice

There’s only one thing that gets Kristina Pae out of bed around 5 a.m. on Saturday mornings.

“I’m so not a morning person. I’m not early for anything except for skating,” said Pae, 39, of Etters. “It’s kind of a miracle. I’m literally the first one at the rink because I love it.”

What Pae loves is synchronized ice skating—called “synchro” for short—and her newly formed team. Revolution Ice Unity (RIU) is the only independent synchro adult team in central Pennsylvania. Saturday practices, from September onward, are preparing them for their first season of competition.

During the pandemic, while many of us were just “skating by” and trying to survive daily life, a core group of about 10 skaters—many who had skated together on past teams—connected virtually to form RIU. It happened on Zoom.

“We had all kept in contact and realized how much we missed skating. A lot of us said there was a huge void in our lives,” said Ashley Andyshak Hayes, 37, of Gettysburg. “I actually think it was good timing for us. As terrible as COVID was, it gave us time to sit and think about how to make it happen. We did a lot of planning on Zoom calls.”

First steps included securing RIU’s U.S. Figure Skating membership and a practice location at Lebanon County’s Klick Lewis Arena. Informal summer practices brought a few more skaters into the fold. It was all groundwork, to prepare for their icy footwork.

In Synch

So what exactly is synchronized skating?

“It used to be called precision skating,” said Andyshak Hayes, who grew up on skates, in her native Indiana County.

She’s been skating synchro for about 10 years.

“The main objective is for the whole team to be in synch,” she said. “It looks easy but is challenging.”

Basic skating skills are a must. Team elements include formations like wheels, circles and blocks. A wheel, Andyshak Hayes explained, looks like a pinwheel, with several lines of three or four skaters—arms linked, footwork in unity—rotating from the pinwheel’s middle.

“We walk the steps off the ice to make sure everyone is on the right foot at the right time,” said Andyshak Hayes.

Even though figure skate blades have flat bottoms, they also have inside and outside edges.

“The more comfortable you get on the ice, the more fluid you get with using your edges properly,” said Pae. “Synchro is about paying attention to your body lines, pointing your toe when you’re gliding, for example.”

Chill Skills

Teamwork is key, both on and off the ice.

“Everyone involved has been pouring their heart and soul into it, lending their talents professionally. It’s a team effort, not only on the ice, but behind the scenes,” said Andyshak Hayes, who works for Geisinger Health System’s media relations.

A fellow communicator, Pae is director of integrated marketing for the Milton Hershey School. RIU’s roster also includes two lawyers, a doctor and other varied professionals—many who are also wives and mothers.

Kasey Jordan, 29, of Swatara Township, holds down two part-time administrative assistant positions remotely while pursuing her master’s degree in sports psychology. It’s knowledge that she contributes to the team.

“To get competition-ready, there are nerves being in front of the judges,” Jordan said. “Being an athlete my whole life, I realize it doesn’t matter how much you train your body. If you don’t train your mind, all that training goes out the window. But having that open communication to share those experiences makes our group like a family.”

Jordan, a lifelong Harrisburg-area resident, started skating when she was 6 or 7 at the Twin Ponds rink. After a few years of lessons, she was ready to hang up her skates when she was invited to join a synchro team. She was hooked.

“My senior year, we placed second at nationals—that was my big glory moment,” said Jordan. “Today, our only goal really is to do our program to the best of our ability. At this point in our lives, we’re not going to be Olympians. We’re just trying to have fun and bring home a medal or two.”

Some team members have skated at higher levels. One formerly skated with the Ice Capades; others discovered skating later in life.

“That’s what’s so great—synchro is really for everybody, because you can learn as you grow with the team,” said Andyshak Hayes.

Pae, who grew up in Lower Paxton Township, laced up her first pair of skates when she got into Penn State’s coveted “intro to figure skating” P.E. class, the last semester of her senior year.

“I was always a summer sports participant, but I always dreamed about ice skating,” said Pae. “When you’re on the ice, you’re so free. It’s my happy place, the cold air in my face. It’s a different way of moving that’s addicting.”

How Cool

Pae describes the team as a “sisterhood.”

“I’m really proud of us taking a seed of an idea and figuring out how to make it work, together,” said Pae. “It was a beacon of hope and bright light, at a time when we were all in our houses.”

Amid a pandemic, nonetheless.

“It still gives us chills when we think about it—this happened because of one Zoom call,” said Jordan. “We giggle about it all the time. When we’re first announced as a team, we’ll know that we’ve really made it.”

For more information about Revolution Ice Unity, visit revolutioniceunity.com. The team welcomes inquiries from women interested in joining the team.

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Creative Vision: Nyeusi Gallery opens in Midtown with focus on Black art

August 31, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Dr. Dale Dangleben and Michelle Green

When business partners Dr. Dale Dangleben and Michelle Green are together, there’s a lot of talent in the room.

Between the two of them, you’ll find experience in art, writing, photography, technology and even healthcare. The pair of friends turned business partners have accomplished a lot individually, but recently have come together to fulfill a shared dream.

In July, Dangleben and Green opened the Nyeusi Gallery on N. 3rd Street in Midtown Harrisburg.

The gallery provides a space dedicated to showcasing Black art, while also offering room for the community to come together and create. Fittingly, Nyeusi means “Black” in Swahili, Dangleben explained, a name that Green thought of.

“This is about creating a space for everyone,” Dangleben said.

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Green is a podcast producer, photographer, artist and chess master/teacher. She has also worked at art galleries in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Green brings all of her skills to the table at Nyeusi, which features a gallery, podcasting studio and event space.

Dangleben is known for his position with Holy Spirit Medical Center as the trauma medical director. When he isn’t providing healthcare, Dangleben writes. He has 17 published books ranging in topics from health to thrillers to memoirs and has created three trivia apps. Dangleben said that his artistic abilities are limited, but he does dabble in photography and “doodling” (although Green says it’s far more than doodling). Nonetheless, he loves art.

“This is a true passion, not a hobby because, to me, this is rooted in education, it’s rooted in history, and it’s rooted in an understanding of self,” he said.

Nyeusi Gallery encompasses all of those things, including local and global art, from places like Ghana, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, much of which Dangleben has collected. The gallery also includes images of historic African American and African activists and philosophers, as well as other Black history artifacts. He hopes that people will reflect on the history of the art and possibly recognize ties to their own history and ancestry.

With the education piece in mind, Green holds paint party art classes at the gallery, as well as her chess club. The space also holds Green’s podcasting studio, which she uses to produce shows for community members.

“It’s a good place for creatives,” Green said. “Let’s bring the community together.”

Having been an artist in Harrisburg for years, Green is excited for her next chapter at Nyeusi. Although she’s been painting and photographing for years, Green often felt overlooked by other artists and galleries. But as she met Dangleben and their vision for the gallery took shape, Green finally felt like someone believed in her.

“To have someone have that type of faith and have that same vision was huge for me,” she said.

Since then, Green was an award-winner as part of Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply the Best” contest and has received a lot of positive attention for her artwork on social media, she said. In May, one of her paintings was featured on the front page of the local Black Wall Street Pennsylvania newspaper.

“I feel like this is my season right now,” she said. “I am humbled every time I put a piece out there and someone is like ‘Michelle that’s beautiful.’ I wish I always had that type of faith in myself.”

Green’s artwork touches on themes of strength and perseverance during tough times, a message that applies well to her experience as an artist.

She hopes the gallery becomes a place where artists like her can gather, draw inspiration and share their work.

Michelle Hairston is one of the artists featured in Nyeusi Gallery. A Philadelphia native, turned Harrisburg resident, Hairston is a graffiti artist. Growing up, she was inspired by the art, as Philly has a rich history of graffiti art. Now, she even teaches students hip hop and graffiti art education.

At Nyeusi, Hairston’s piece, “Depression,” hangs on the wall, depicting a woman crying. It tells the story of a woman suffering from mental health issues, abuse and homelessness, Hairston explained. It’s one of her many paintings centered around urban life, both its painful realities and beautiful aspects.

Although Hairston’s work has been featured in art galleries in other cities, it’s her first time showing in Harrisburg. She was honored to be invited into the gallery by Green.

“[The gallery] is bringing everyone together through art,” Hairston said. “To give this open and creative space is a beautiful thing.”

Green and Dangleben are proud to have opened what they believe is the first gallery dedicated to African American art in the city. They hope that Nyeusi will encourage youth and adults to appreciate and explore art and Black history for themselves.

“It’s about letting people express themselves,” Dangleben said. “It’s an outlet. A release of hidden energy.”

Nyeusi Gallery is located at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Art in Motion: With SAM’s VanGo, creativity hits the road

August 31, 2021 | by Jeff Falk

In Harrisburg, the question isn’t “Who is Van Gogh?” The question is, “What is VanGo?”

Physically, VanGo is creativity on wheels, a 31-foot extension of the Susquehanna Art Museum’s mission to introduce people to and educate them about art, all wrapped up in a neat recreational vehicle package.

Spiritually, VanGo is the very loose manifestation of the Dutch painter, who was one of the founders of modern art.

Logistically, VanGo is simply a method of taking art to people, instead of having people come to art.

Intellectually? Well, VanGo’s just a great idea.

“Art is important because, if you can find a piece that speaks to you, it can be a powerful reality,” said VanGo’s director Ross Tyger. “It can feel like you’re in someone else’s head, sometimes. It can bring you closer to the people around you. It takes a lot of looking to find art that speaks to you. But not all art is for everyone.”

For nearly 30 years, the Susquehanna Art Museum’s VanGo program, or “Museum on Wheels,” has been taking art on the road, to urban and rural destinations that might not be exposed to it otherwise. Loaded up with a handful of mostly interactive exhibits in a recreational vehicle, the VanGo program is designed mainly for students, but also for those young at heart.

“We intend it to be as kid-friendly as possible, but still palatable for adults,” said Tyger. “The height of the displays and the labeling are intended for kids, but I try to have something for everyone.”

VanGo serves the central Pennsylvania community within a loose 100-mile radius of Harrisburg. Typically, VanGo visits schools, libraries, colleges, conventions and other museums and can even be booked for parties and gatherings.

There is a fee associated with VanGo’s visits, but Tyger said that the fee can be negotiated, depending upon an organization’s ability to pay.

“We do a lot of presentations in Dauphin County, Cumberland County and Lancaster County,” Tyger said. “It’s really about taking the high-quality art and design that you can find at Susquehanna Art Museum, taking it into the community and making it as accessible as possible, especially for students.”

Human Element

Right now, SAM is in the process of replacing its repurposed RV with a new, custom-built, state-of-the-art vehicle that will be slightly larger than the current one. The new VanGo, which could be on the road as early as October, was funded through grants and financial assistance from supportive foundations.

“It’s essentially taking the current VanGo and making it better,” said Tyger. “We have a great opportunity to build on that, but we want the new VanGo to be as much like the current one as possible.”

But better, he added. Across the board, it will be higher quality and will include a wheel-chair lift, an awning for outside exhibits and better lighting.

“It’s going to give us a greater ability to serve new populations,” he said.

SAM started the VanGo program in 1992 in the belief that art was meant to be shared. The first VanGo vehicle was a repurposed city bus, which was replaced by a refurbished school bus, before the current renovated recreational vehicle was put into service.

There is a collection of elements associated with VanGo that contribute to its success, but none is more important than the human one. Not only does Tyger drive VanGo, he also schedules, designs and installs the rotating exhibits and acts as the program’s promoter and narrator.

It’s his outgoing nature that drives the program, as much as the engine that runs under VanGo’s hood.

“Honestly, I do know that,” said Tyger. “I’m a child at heart, and I’m a freak for art. But my skill set is all over the place. I love driving the VanGo. I love talking to people. I’m an extrovert. Once I start talking about the VanGo, I won’t shut up.”

So, it is only appropriate that Tyger gets to experience firsthand the good that VanGo does. Conceptually, everyone can understand the positive impact that art can have on lives, but Tyger gets to live it.

“When I first started this, I thought it was a little weird,” he said, citing his seven years of service. “But I would go to schools and then, after my visits when I pulled out, the kids would be running after the VanGo.”

He finds that level of excitement gratifying.

“There aren’t many places on planet Earth where you can see people jumping up and down for art,” he said.

The Susquehanna Art Museum is located at 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. To learn more about the museum and VanGo, visit www.susquehannaartmuseum.org.

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