Life of Service: Through her actions, Kathy Speaker MacNett shows her love of neighborhood, of Harrisburg.

February 28, 2020 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Kathy Speaker MacNett

Kathy Speaker MacNett credits her parents for sparking her lifelong passion of public service.

“The way I was raised was to help other people,” said Speaker MacNett, who grew up in New Jersey before downtown Harrisburg became her home nearly 50 years ago. “My father was a volunteer firefighter, and my mother did a lot of volunteering around the community, as well.”

Today, Speaker MacNett, a labor relations attorney and a managing member of the Harrisburg law firm of SkarlatosZonarich, is known as a virtual powerhouse around the city, serving the community through a myriad of paths.

How so? Let’s count the ways.

In 2019, Speaker MacNett was appointed to a five-year term on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, the state body that oversees Harrisburg’s finances. The ICA since has approved the city’s five-year financial plan, bringing Harrisburg closer to exiting Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed cities.

She also sits on the steering committee of Capitol Area Neighbors, which meets to discuss issues and projects that affect the downtown Harrisburg neighborhood.

Then there’s her position on the board of the Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, where a capital campaign is underway for a $5.7 million project that will renovate the circa-1950 Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School on Liberty Street and the adjacent, 109-year-old Shanahan Center on North Street.

“I very firmly believe in Catholic education,” Speaker MacNett stated. “We do it with limited fund-ship and give every student the attention they deserve. My daughters (Pamela and Colleen) graduated from Catholic schools, and so did I.”

It also doesn’t hurt that Speaker MacNett lives directly across the street from the Shanahan Center. She characterizes the upcoming school project as another step forward in the continued redevelopment of the Capitol neighborhood.

There’s that word again. Neighborhood. For all intents and purposes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger advocate of Harrisburg than Speaker MacNett.

“I like the access here,” she explained. “I like walking around the city. I like it so much that I’m notorious for letting my car sit for a week. I walk to and from work. I like looking out the window and seeing the energy that’s here.”

Another downtown advocate, Harristown’s Brad Jones, has known Speaker MacNett for “15 or 20 years.”

“Kathy is like a bright ray of sunshine,” said Harristown’s president and CEO. “She’s always looking at the bright side of the city. She’s very observant about the things that need to be changed and really cares about this city.”

Savvy
Speaker MacNett first came to Harrisburg as an Immaculata College (now University) student during the summer of 1968. She was a recipient that year of the prestigious James A. Finnegan Foundation Fellowship and spent the interim between her sophomore and junior years working in Harrisburg with the Republican State Committee.

It was the start of her long-term love affair with the city.

“One of the great things about Harrisburg is the river,” she said. “I love walking along it. It gives the city a sense of openness that other cities don’t have.”

After earning a bachelor’s of arts in history from Immaculata, she moved to Harrisburg full-time in 1971. Today, she sits on the board of the Finnegan Foundation. Her daughters haven’t moved far, living in separate homes just across the street, and Speaker MacNett recently purchased and renovated another house on the block to improve the neighborhood.

“Harrisburg is history,” she said. “I’ve worked to save 10 buildings in Harrisburg on my own and with my daughters.”

After settling in Harrisburg, Speaker MacNett worked on a political campaign before becoming research director to the state House Labor Relations Committee. She then went on to clerk at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and serve as assistant counsel at the state Labor Relations Board.

In the meantime, she earned a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in industrial relations from St. Francis College. She went on to earn a law degree from Dickinson School of Law (now Penn State) in 1981. She first became a mother two weeks before her third-year finals at Dickinson.

In 1983, Speaker MacNett became an associate counsel for the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. After that, she served as an associate or partner for several law firms, focusing on management-side labor relations, employment law and related legislative and regulatory developments. In 2003, she began at SkarlatosZonarich, where she’s now a managing member.

SkarlatosZonarich counsel Jim Cawley has known Speaker MacNett “as a lawyer and as a friend” for around 40 years, he said.

“Kathy does what is right and advises other people to do what is right,” Cawley said. “She backs up her intelligence with a great deal of savvy. She’s a delightful individual and a darn good hard-nosed lawyer when she needs to be.”

Artist in Focus: Peg Belcastro

February 28, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Sometimes, you have to leave home to gain a fresh perspective.

That’s what Peg Belcastro did, choosing to live in Alaska for a decade. When she returned to central Pennsylvania, her art had changed, deeply influenced by her time spent in America’s “last frontier.”

“The people who live in Alaska have a particular way of thinking, which is essential for surviving in the far north,” she said. “It’s the attitude of courage to be true to yourself, to honor your passions and to live life to the fullest—no matter what anyone else thinks.”

For Peg’s art, the result became an abstract expressionism that represents joyful exploration, a variety of mixed media, bold brushstrokes and exuberant colors.

Since returning in 2012, Peg has shown throughout the state, including at the Bethlehem House Contemporary Art Gallery in Bethlehem, Garth Gallery in Columbia, CALC in Carlisle and the Art Association of Harrisburg. She is represented by PURE Gallery of Mechanicsburg.

To see more of Peg’s work, visit www.PegBelcastro.com.

Lend a Hand: A beginner’s guide to helping the homeless.

February 28, 2020 | by Susan Ryder

Bethesda Mission

“A kind ear, a hot meal, and someone that’s caring.”

That was the response of Art Miles when asked, “What do the homeless need most?”

Miles works at Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven (SHSH), a program of Christian Churches United, which houses homeless men with mental health challenges and operates a winter men’s shelter.

More important than his answer was the question. The first step in sustainable, impactful relief to those experiencing homelessness is asking questions.

Darrel Reinford, executive director of Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area, said people should begin by “educating yourself about what’s being done and asking, ‘what’s missing,’ rather than assuming…what the needs are.”

Those who call the streets home generally need food, clothing and some type of temporary shelter such as a tent, and Harrisburg hosts many organizations that meet those needs.

If people are interested in giving or serving this way, contacting one of those agencies (G2:10 Outreach, Bethesda Mission, Downtown Daily Bread) is a great beginning. When donating to organizations, keep in mind that one man’s trash is not always another man’s treasure.

Angela Parker-Quarles, services director of Shalom House, said that those donating should “avoid bringing anything that they would not use for themselves.” Such goods include soiled or torn clothing or damaged items.

Also, donating through an agency, rather than dropping off bags of clothing or containers of food in places the homeless frequent, prevents a buildup of trash and rotting food.

“The best way to meet the need is in a coordinated way,” Reinford said.

Beyond the basic necessities, the homeless need a more permanent place to stay, support getting back on their feet, and meaningful experiences with people who care.

At the SHSH overnight men’s shelter, in a cafeteria-style room that sleeps about 23 men, Reinford explained that the organization needs volunteers.

“To take guys out to social things, the social things we take for granted,” he said. “They often don’t have either the funds or the positive people to do them with.”

Those things may include attending a baseball game, watching fireworks or dining out for pizza. He explained further that the greatest needs come from loneliness and feeling that no one cares.

Parker-Quarles agreed on both accounts.

“Exposure is powerful,” she said, adding that donations of tickets to the movies, Hershey Zoo or Whitaker Center can show the women and children at Shalom House that life can be different.

Other out-of-the box ways to help include bus and Uber passes to get to work or appointments, money for a shower at the YMCA, a bucket of cleaning supplies for those who move into an apartment, or mentoring time.

She added that, sometimes, we don’t need to offer the person on the corner anything other than a smile and a “hello” to make them feel valued enough to be spoken to. The homeless are often ignored.

Great Stewards

According to the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) “Point in Time Report” for Harrisburg and Dauphin County, there were 418 homeless individuals in 2019. Of that number, 40 people were living and sleeping on the streets and 370 were in some type of emergency or long-term shelter.

Organizations that assist the homeless in shelter settings (Bethesda Mission, Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families) or transitional housing (Brethren Housing Association, Family Promise of the Capital Region) have a variety of needs, with limited resources to run them.

To that point, Parker-Quarles’ office resides in the basement of Shalom House’s 15th Street building. The walls consist of floor-to-ceiling donations of shampoo, blankets and soap.

House repairs show up regularly on the wish list, as well as office supplies and office furniture. Much of what they have now is ancient, verified by the office chair sporting a shiny coat of black duct tape.

With as many as 10 women and 12 children living at Shalom House at one time, the common area furniture is heavily used—and it shows. The couch is pushed up against the bookshelf to keep the arm from falling off.

“We are great stewards of the resources we receive,” said Parker-Quarles.

Another obvious resource that nonprofits need—money.

Jennifer Wintermyer, board member of CACH, said that many 501(c)(3) organizations receive grant money that has stipulations. She said that unrestricted funds allow more flexibility to purchase items like pens and notebooks for street outreach volunteers or to fund shoes for someone in immediate need.

Aid agencies appreciate service through office administrative help because it frees up staff to work directly with those they serve. The gift of professional training shores up staff in professions with high burnout rates.

Training and office tasks may not be the first thing someone thinks of when talking about aiding the homeless, but Quarles said, “Ask [yourself] what do you feel you have to offer?”

Wintermyer said, “We probably have a committee where your, ‘I’m really good at,’ would be helpful.”

That help also could come in the form of a rental property. Wintermyer pointed out that folks who have subsidized housing vouchers are waiting in shelters due to lack of landlords willing to rent to them.

Many avenues to assist the homeless exist, some more direct and tangible than others. Those with boots on the ground advise that help given is best preceded by the question, “What do those experiencing homelessness need?”

According to Quarles, there’s an answer.

“Connection, to be trusted, to be heard,” she said. “To be understood, to learn to heal, to feel valued and have opportunities.”

Taking Action

To find out more about how to help the area’s homeless population, visit the websites of the groups mentioned in this story, including:

Bethesda Mission: www.bethesdamission.org

Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness: www.cachpa.org

Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area: www.ccuhbg.org

Downtown Daily Bread: www.pinestreet.org/ministries/downtown-daily-bread

Shalom House: www.shalomhouse.net

To the Ages: With his death, Steve Reed has gone from former mayor to one of Harrisburg’s most important historical figures.

February 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Three years ago, I was told to “lay off.”

That directive came after I had written a column critical of former Mayor Steve Reed, following his guilty plea to theft-related charges.

It didn’t come from anonymous hate mail (I got that, too), but from someone whom I know and respect.

“Enough already,” she said, sternly, looking me directly in the eye. “Steve did a lot for this city.”

Her comment got me thinking that maybe I had judged the seven-term mayor too harshly, a thought I had again following his death in late January.

In official statements and on social media, city officials, community leaders and ordinary folks spoke fondly of Reed, pointing to all he had done through 28 years in office. They also praised his character, though, as a journalist, I’m most interested in his actions and importance as a political and historical figure.

I suppose that my harsher assessment had something to do with my own timing. I came to Harrisburg at the tail end of his lengthy tenure, so didn’t know him well or experience his achievements, but I did experience the fallout.

I didn’t know of Harrisburg before the Hilton and Whitaker Center and Harrisburg University and a revived downtown, all things many credit to Reed’s vision and hard work. But I did know first-hand of the city’s subsequent financial collapse.

In other words, I missed half the story.

Since I cover and write about Harrisburg, it’s important for me to consider the totality of Reed’s service. He was one of the most significant historical figures in Harrisburg over the past century, ranking right up there with Harvey Taylor, with arguably an even greater impact on the city.

So, I’m going to give another go at writing about his legacy, which, as it turns out, isn’t radically different from my first try three years ago. I consider his mayoralty to be a mixed bag—granted, a very impactful mixed bag.

Stephen R. Reed became mayor in 1982, 32 years old, already a veteran politician, having served in the state Assembly and as Dauphin County commissioner. He immediately attempted to turn around a demoralized city that had experienced little but bad news for 30 years.

Arguably, his first big success came a few years later, when his failed attempt to build a hydroelectric dam threw off enough interest from a bond offering to pay for cleaning and building up then-seedy City Island. Other victories followed: a new flagship hotel downtown, a minor league baseball team, an impressive arts/science center.

Reed dreamed big, but his big dreams came with equally big price tags. To finance his ambitions, he turned the city’s utility authority into an investment bank, surreptitiously diverted bond fees to buy artifacts for museums he hoped to build, and burned through hundreds of millions trying to salvage the city’s debt-laden incinerator. If you’re reading this column, you probably know all how it all ended—with a financial collapse practically unrivaled in U.S. history.

When assessing Reed’s place in history, it’s important to look at both ends of his legacy. His successes were huge, but so were his failures. He was not a man of small measures.

Ultimately, I believe that the bad outweighed the good, but that’s because I believe strongly in fiscal prudence and in transparency. Furthermore, I don’t believe government should micromanage the economy, and Reed often treated Harrisburg as a real-life version of Sim City.

However, I certainly understand if you weigh the man’s actions and reach the opposite conclusion. Heck, I walk around downtown Harrisburg daily, and I look up and see the buildings and institutions he helped create. What if those weren’t there?

Reed was an ambitious builder and used the public purse in unorthodox, sometimes troubling ways. Many of his projects were moonshots. Some failed horribly, some succeeded magnificently, and others survived but still struggle today, as does the city government itself.

The ones that have succeeded most had great leaders who built upon what Reed seeded, even when the foundations were shaky. Harrisburg University may be the best example of that. On the other hand, the city school district, which Reed took over and promised to turn around, fared poorly then and even worse since.

If I’m still around in 10 or 20 years, I should revisit this subject again, with another reassessment of Reed’s legacy. When enough time passes and all the bills finally get paid, I may agree with his supporters that, yes, Reed made some mistakes, but, in the end, he was the leader that Harrisburg needed.

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

Musical Notes: Mega March

February 28, 2020 | by Kait Gibboney

As spring creeps closer, more events start to make their way to us. Looking through the catalogue of events for this year, I’m starting to see more and more bigger band names at local venues.

Harrisburg venues, bars and other art spaces, I applaud your efforts to continue to grow our music community; I’m glad to see positive growth and change. Aside from music this month, look for the return of Moviate’s Underground Film Festival. On March 22 at the Midtown Cinema, 14 shorts from the 2019 Underground Film Festival will play again for one night only. Moving back into music, the Brownstone Lounge is hosting a DJ Relay Weekend, featuring four performances over three days from March 13 to 15. For live performances, we have a ton to choose from, and it all keeps getting better.

THE REVIVALISTS, 3/4, 8PM, THE FORUM AUDITORIUM, $44
New Orleans makes its way to Harrisburg for one night only, hosted within the beautiful and historic Forum. The Revivalists came to fame late in the game, right around their 10th anniversary as a band. Their single, “Wish I Knew You,” spent over 40 weeks on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart in 2016, with several weeks in the No. 1 slot. Since then, the song has created opportunities for the band to spread their southern roots sound. The name, the Revivalists, fits the band well, inspired by the comeback of their home city following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. No doubt band members will bring some of their home city’s creativity and energy to Harrisburg.

LIVE DEAD ‘69, 3/17, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $25-45
Among circles of “Deadheads,” this winter show is to die for. Pun definitely intended. The timing is special in particular for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s Woodstock performance. Leading the celebration for the evening at Whitaker Center is Tom Constanten on keys, Mark Karan on guitar, Slick Aguilar on guitar, Robin Sylvester on bass and Pete Lavezolli on drums. Constanten is the only original member of the Grateful Dead, while the rest of the band is associated with other acts like Rat Dog, The Other Ones and Jefferson Starship. If you’re into jamming and experimental styles, you’re meant to come out and relive the summer of ‘69 with these groovy guys.

LOTUS, 3/27 & 3/28, 8PM, XL LIVE, $30 FOR ONE NIGHT, $50 FOR 2-DAY PASS
Speaking of jamming, we’re rounding out the month with not just one but two nights of the iconic live band, Lotus. Electric, energizing and atmospheric rock sounds blend with electronic beats to create a unique sound perfect for a live setting. Inspired by idols the Grateful Dead and Kraftwerk, Lotus’s music is a jammier roots rock with a side of electronica. Funky and fresh, tight and improvisational, this band keeps audiences on their toes. XL Live’s mainstage and Lotus’s lights and sounds are the perfect recipe for a night on the town.

Mentionables:

Whit Waltman, March 8, Little Amps downtown;
Papadosio, March 13, XL Live;
Andy Mowatt Trio, March 13, Der Maennerchor;
Litz, March 13, The Abbey Bar;
Kilmaine St. Patrick’s Day, March 14, The Abbey Bar;
Fell From Zero, March 14, River City Blues Club;
Steve Hackett, March 15, Whitaker Center;
Rhett Miller, March 19, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Magical Mystery Doors, March 20, XL Live;
Riff Raff, March 20, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Martini Bros, March 28, River City Blues Club

Happenings: Our March Calendar of Events

February 28, 2020 | by Missy Smith

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Age of Aquarius,” featuring unique vehicles that were manufactured and marketed in America from about 1967 through the early mid-1970s, through April 26

“To Protect and Serve: Pennsylvania State Police Museum Exhibit,” through May 6

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

“Bootleg Meets R76/Hear Me?,” a collaboration of artists Charles Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden, through March 26

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

“True Blue” members show with artistic interpretations of the color, through March 7

“A Celebration of Student Art,” Carlisle Area School District student and instructor artwork, March 12-April 11; reception: March 12

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the Month: Mary-Ann Byrne Walker

Dickinson College
The Goodyear Gallery
595 W. Louther St., Carlisle
717-254-8044; dickinson.edu/coa

“Follow Me @lilhotdog6969,” an exhibition of artwork by Dickinson’s 2019-20 post-baccalaureate-in-residence Sammy Polinsky, March 3-28; reception: March 4, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Imaging the Divine: Religious Mythology and Art,” an exhibit of works from the museum’s permanent collection curated by Dickinson student Abbie Cottle, through April 4

“Framing Space—Depictions of Land, City and Sea,” an exhibit exploring the concept of represented and perceived space in paintings, prints, drawings and photographs from the gallery’s permanent collection, through April 1

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

Lenkerville Elementary student art show, by kindergarten to fifth grade student artists, depicting the ways art is found in their daily lives, March 4-28

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Backstage at the Allen Theatre Café, through March 31

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
717-233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

“100th Anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles,” Vance McCormick’s role as chair of the American Delegation, through spring

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Night, Desert, Garden,” paintings by Matthew Doll, through March 13

Senior Show I—artwork by senior art majors, March 28-April 8; reception: March 28, 7-9 p.m.

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

New works by Ann Lawson, Jovana Sarver, Mary Gelenser, Kristen Fava, Julie Iaria and Christine Goldbeck, through March 15

New works by Kelly Curran, P.D. Murray, Richard Souders, John McNulty, Paul Vasiliades and Erica Binder, March 17-April 12

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

“Boots and Saddles: Horses in the Civil War,” through June 7

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

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibition of Perry County Council of the Arts’ member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, through May 9

Jennifer Lynn Becker’s “Botanical Art for Native Gardens”; reception: March 21, 1-4 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
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Perry Portraits” exhibit of historic figures in celebration of Perry County’s bicentennial, through March 20

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibit of PCCA member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, through May 9

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

“Kenya in Focus,” travel photography by Irene VanBuskirk, through April 4

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

Paintings by Peter Van Dyck, through March 19

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,” March 1-Jan. 3

2020 South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards, March 7-April 26

“Clean Water—Tap Into Tomorrow” display, showcasing sustainability solutions from sixth to eighth grade students who won the 2019-2020 “Future City” competition, March 7-April 26

National History Day in Pennsylvania competition display of winning student entries, March 7-April 26

“Picturing a More Perfect Union—Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919,” through April 26

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

“Separate and Unequaled: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Negro League,” March 6-July 19; 3rd in the Burg free admission, March 20, 5-8 p.m.

“Many Visions, Many Versions—Art From Indigenous Communities in India,” works by contemporary artists from four major indigenous artistic traditions in India, through May 10

“Flashpoints—Material/Intent/Fused,” four artists explore a wide range of materials and processes linked through craft and meaning, through April 26

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

“Danny Lyon: Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement,” through March 22

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

“FEMINA: OtherMothers,” juried art exhibit that explores the many ways that women create and raise up families, communities, businesses and works of art, March 6-27; reception: March 6, 5:30 p.m.

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

Art gallery by Marina Randovic, through March 19

Art gallery by Ted Walke, March 20-April 16

Read, Make, Learn

Bass Pro Shop
3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg
717-565-5200; basspro.com

March 14: Kids Casting Challenge, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

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

March 4: Intro to Metal Jewelry—Riveting & Texture, 6-8 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Hand Building, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 6 & 7: Windchimes 2-day workshop, Friday, 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
March 7-April 4: Photography Club (ages 8-14), Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 12-April 2: Worsted Weight Socks, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
March 13: Create a Planter, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 14: 3D Thinking (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14 & 21: Shibori and Indigo 2-day workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 14: Pet Portrait Furry Friends Network Fundraiser, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
March 17-April 21: Wheel 101, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 18: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 19: Film and Gender Discrimination in the Arts, 7 p.m.
March 20: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
March 24: Intro to Metal Jewelry—Learn to Love Your Jeweler’s Saw, 6-8 p.m.
March 28: Make A Book (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

March 6: Chicken Dinner Winners, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
March 12: Garlic Lovers Paradise, 6-9 p.m.
March 26: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, 6-9 p.m.

The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues
Dickinson College
360 W. Louther St., Carlisle (Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium)
717-245-1875; clarke.dickinson.edu

March 2: “While Reason Slept: Recapturing the Founders’ Vision of a Rational Republic,” 7 p.m.
March 19: “Lethal Flows: The U.S. Role in Arms Transfers and Arms Trafficking to Latin America and the Caribbean,” 7 p.m.
March 23: “The Wayne and Mary Ellen Borges Memorial Lecture: What the History of Anti-Semitism Tells Us About Hate Today,” 7 p.m.
March 24: “Devising Civic Practice: Listening is the New Revolution,” 7 p.m.
March 26: “Re-Engaging Research Through Citizen and Community Science,” 7 p.m.
March 31: “Wesley Lecture: Wolves in Shepherds’ Clothing,” 7 p.m.

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

March 5: “Jonah and the Whale: Mythology and Satire,” 6:30 p.m.

Dickinson College Music Department
240 W. High St., Carlisle (Rubendall Recital Hall)
717-245-1568; dickinson.edu/music

March 19: “Nomi Dave—Big Mouth: Radio Feminism in Guinea,” 7 p.m.

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

March 3, 17: Job Seeker Resources, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 14: Springtime Sprouts, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 20: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 24: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11:15 a.m.

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

March 3: Crazy 8s Math Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Evening Cards & Coffee, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Baby Time, 9:15 a.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
March 7, 21: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 21: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
March 10: Plant the Seed of Learning (infant-2 years), 6-7 p.m.
March 12, 26: Community Knitters, 6 p.m.
March 14: Lace Cottage, 10 a.m.
March 14: Dog Tales, 10:30 a.m.
March 21: Book Discussion Group, 9:15 a.m.
March 21: Community Knitters, 11 a.m.
March 24: Healthy Bites with Giant Food Stores, 10:30 a.m.

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

March 2, 16, 30: Great Decisions, 1 p.m.
March 3: Curl up with the Classics—“Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” 10 a.m.
March 4: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
March 5, 19: Blood Pressure Screenings w/UPMC Pinnacle 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 5, 19: The Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
March 6: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
March 7: One Book One Community—“Discussing Heartland,” 2 p.m.
March 7, 28: Getting to Know Islam through its People and Films, 1:30 p.m.
March 9: Twisted Stitchers Knitting Group, 6:30 p.m.
March 12, 26: Drop In Family Story Time—All About Feelings, 6:30 p.m.
March 13: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
March 15: Game Day for All, 1:30 p.m.
March 19: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
March 19: Mira Lloyd Dock—An Advocate for Women’s Rights, 6:30 p.m.
March 20: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
March 23: Fredricksen Reads—“Braiding Sweetgrass,” 7 p.m.
March 24: Getting to Know Islam through its People and Films, 7 p.m.
March 25: Plant Science—A Longwoods Gardens Community Read (grads K-2), “The Enormous Potato,” 4:30 p.m.
March 27: Blood Drive with the Central PA Blood Bank, 4-7:30 p.m.
March 27: Teen Paint Night (ages 11-14), 5:30 p.m.
March 31: American Girl Book Club (ages 8-12), 5:30 p.m.

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

March 8: One Day Workshop—Go Deeper, 1-4 p.m.
March 11-April 29: Level 2—Game of the Scene, Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

March 5-May 7: Water Media, Thursdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

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

March 2, 9, 16, 23: Books and Babies, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
March 3: Teen Reader’s Café, 3 p.m.
March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
March 4: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Lounge, 4 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
March 6, 20: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
March 7, 21, 28: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
March 8: Rosemary Wells (Friends Children’s Program), 2 p.m.
March 12: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 9:45 a.m.
March 14: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
March 15: The British are Coming (Friends Adult Program), 2 p.m.
March 23: Blood Drive, 3 p.m.
March 28: Pysanky Egg Class, 1 p.m.
March 30: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

March 23: Preserving and Restoring Historic Windows, 6-8 p.m.

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

March 2: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 3: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
March 4: Across the Pond—Irish music, 7-8 p.m.
March 5: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, & 26: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 9: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
March 10: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 11: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
March 13: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 16: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 16: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
March 18: Sci Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
March 18: Recycle Workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 19: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
March 21: BYOB Trivia—DISNEY Trivia 6-8 p.m.
March 24: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 25: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
March 25: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
March 31: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 3: Springtime Sprouts, 6-7 p.m.
March 3, 17, 31: Ready for School, Ready to Succeed Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 10: Protecting Family—Guardianship, Estate Planning and You for Seniors, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 17: Protecting Family—Guardianship, Estate Planning and You for Young Adults, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 18: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-8 p.m.
March 19: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Young Adult, 4-6 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Youth, 6-8 p.m.
March 7: Understanding Medical Marijuana, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 14, 28: Passageways, 2-4 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 : Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
March 3: The Pardon Process, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
March 7: Harrisburg Genealogy Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 16: Cookbook Book Club—Italian Feast, 6-7 p.m.

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

March 4, 11, 18, 25: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 20: Constellation Cross-stitch, 6-7 p.m.

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

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: STEM Club, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
March 3, 17, 24, 31: Family Yoga, 6-7 p.m.
March 5: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
March 16: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 18: Daytime Book Club, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

March 4: An Evening with Adam Higginbotham, 7-9 p.m.
March 4: An Evening with Gretchen Sorin, 7-9 p.m.
March 12: Katherine Stewart in Conversation with John Fea, 7-9 p.m.
March 13, 27: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
March 14: Drag Storytime at the Scholar, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 15: Midtown Writers Group, 1-3 p.m.
March 15: LGBT Book Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 18: An Evening with Amber Sparks, Joseph Scapellato and Jamie Beth Cohen, 7-9 p.m.
March 21: An Evening with Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez, 7-9 p.m.
March 23: An Evening with Tom Brier, 7-9 p.m.
March 25: Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 7-9 p.m.
March 26: An Evening with Nicole Santalucia, 7-9 p.m.

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

March 7: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
March 8: Fluid Art, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 11: Art Inspired Beer Dinner, 6-9 p.m.
March 20-22: Cold Wax Workshop
March 26: Sip & Stitch, 6-9 p.m.

The Movement Center
2134 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg
717-238-0357; themovementcenter.net

March 8: Free Community Yoga Class, 10 a.m.

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

March 15: 2020 Discovery Series—Ducks & Geese of the Susquehanna River, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 2, 16: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storytime and More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 123 Library! Family Storytime (ages 2-6), 6:30 p.m.
March 3: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Book Babies Storytime, 11:15 a.m.
March 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 5: Team Puzzle Contest, 1-3 p.m.
March 6: Mini Mathletes (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 7: LEGO Madness (ages 3-12), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 7: Weird Plants (ages 8+), 1:30-3 p.m.
March 7, 21: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 10: Book Review Program—“Bounty of Desire,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 11, 25: Wednesday Great Books Discussion group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 13, 27: Minis in Motion (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 14: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 19: Plants—the Weird and the Wonderful, plus Climate Change Effects, 6:30 p.m.
March 20: Mini Scientists (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 21: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 21: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
March 22: What You Probably Did Not Know About our U.S. Presidents, 3-4 p.m.
March 25: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

March 8: “The Exclusivity of the Cross: Is it Good News?,” 8:45 a.m.
March 15: “How Art Redeems Abused Women of the Hebrew Bible: The Story of Hagar,” 8:45 a.m.
March 22: “How Art Redeems Abused Women of the Hebrew Bible: The Story of Jephthah,” 8:45 a.m.
March 29: “The Inclusivity of the Cross: It is Good News!,” 8:45 a.m.

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

March 5: Curiosity Kids—Feeds the Birds, 11:30 a.m.
March 6: Learn at Lunch—Gradual Abolition of Slavery Act of 1780, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
March 8: Charter Day, 12-5 p.m.
March 19: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.
March 20: Learn at Lunch—Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

March 7, 14, 21, 28: Saturday Morning Art Club (ages 4-7), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 18: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.
March 21-April 4: Art Moves + Accompaniment, Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.

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

March 7: Boys and Girl Scouts—Juniors, Webelos and Higher Scout Program—Leave No Trace, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 14: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 14: Spring Wreath Workshop, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
March 21 & 28: Fundamentals of Photography I 2-day workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 21: Junior Girl Scout Program—Geocache, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 22: Flower Walk—Cold Tolerant Plants, 1:30-3 p.m.
March 25: Bird Walk—Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants, 8-10 a.m.
March 25: Preschool Storytime—Spring at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 28: Bear Scout Program—Fur, Feather and Ferns, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 3: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 5: Teen Night—Gardening 101, 6-7 p.m.
March 12: Springtime Sprouts, 6-7 p.m.
March 14: Constellation Cross-stitch, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 17: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

March 13: Story Hour, 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m.
March 21: Heirloom Seed Swap, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Yoga at Simply Well
28 S. Pitt St., Carlisle
717-968-0167; yogaatsimplywell.com

March 1-22: Restore Your Core Level 1, Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 4-25: Restore Your Core Level 1, Wednesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 6: Amrit Yoga Nidra, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 7: Meditation to Heal the Impossible, 1-3 p.m.
March 7: Kids Night Out, 6-8 p.m.
March 21-May 9: Kids Yoga 6-Week Series (grades K-5), Saturdays, 2-3 p.m.
March 21-May 9: Youth Yoga 6-Week Series (grades 6-12), 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Live Music

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

March 1: “Always…Patsy Cline”
March 5: Michael W. Smith
March 6: Jake Owen
March 7: The Oak Ridge Brothers
March 12: Martina McBride
March 22: Ted Vigil, John Denver Musical Tribute
March 27, 28: Celtic Woman

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

March 7: Mountain Road
March 13: LITZ
March 14: Kilmaine Saints
March 20: Hot Jam Factory, Babel Map, Wayward Giants
March 21: Mungion
March 27: Hexbelt and Jelli
March 28: Solar Federation—RUSH Tribute

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

March 4: Graham Nash
March 6: Jazz in the City
March 12: Postmodern Jukebox
March 14: York Symphony Orchestra
March 20: Start Making Sense—Talking Heads Tribute
March 21: YorVoice
March 28: Jimmy Webb and Robin Spielberg

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

March 22: Concert Choir
March 30: Matt Keown and icarus Quartet (iQ)
March 31: Common Hour Jazz
March 31: Concerto Aria Competition

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

March 5: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
March 12: Dave Gates
March 19: Shawan and the Wonton

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

March 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 24, 27: Noel Gevers
March 4, 12, 31: Natalie Ness
March 5, 14, 22: Anthony Haubert
March 7, 18, 26: Roy Lefevre
March 11, 19: Andrea Britton
March 20, 28: Ted Ansel
March 21: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers
March 25: Christine Purcell

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

March 20: Top of the World—The Carpenters Tribute
March 28: The Outlaws

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

March 8: Matt Wilson Quartet

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

March 5: Reel Big Fish, The Goddamn Gallows
March 6: Sam Grow
March 7: Fea, Hardy
March 12: D.O.A.
March 14: Sad & Boujee Trap & Emo Dance Party
March 15: Granger Smith
March 18: Tiny Moving Parts
March 19: Drake Bell, Body Thief, Rhett Miller
March 20: Jameson Rodgers, Glen Matlock
March 21: LA Guns
March 22: Yacht Rock Revue, Komrades

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

March 1: Peter Stone
March 6: Antonio Andrade
March 7: Dominick Cicco
March 8: GRIT
March 13: Paul Zavinsky
March 14: Doug Morris
March 15: Ric A
March 20: Jeanine & Friends
March 21: Steve Gellman
March 22: Shawan & The Wonton
March 27: Kevin Kline
March 28: Hard Travelin
March 29: Daniel Zukowski

Dickinson College Music Department
240 W. High St., Carlisle (Rubendall Recital Hall)
717-245-1568; dickinson.edu/music

March 21: Heng-Jin Park and Blanka Bednarz

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; www.etown.edu

March 16: “Voices of Women—From Unknown to Renowned”
March 30: Jeffrey Werbock

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

March 14: A Celtic Concert w/Seasons, 1:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 29-March 1: Lisa Vroman
March 14-15: Passion and Pathos

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

March 7: Parkside Harmony
March 12: RAIN—A Tribute to The Beatles
March 13: Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Kiltie Band of York
March 17: Brit Floyd
March 21: Hershey Symphony—Symphony of Illusions w/Michael Grandinetti
March 27-29: Blue Man Group

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

March 6: Kevin Miller Band, Smashed
March 7: Sapphire
March 13: Light Up the Moon
March 14: Until Sunrise
March 15: Kilmaine Saints
March 20: The Luv Gods
March 21: Emily’s Toybox
March 27: Uptown Band
March 28: Smooth Like Clyde

House of Music, Arts & Culture (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

March 3: Mac Lethal
March 6: Mir Fontane, Kizzle, Yung Dev, Nicky the Jet
March 6: Trapt
March 8: Doll Skin, Fame on Fire, Flashing Lights, Eternal Frequency, Words for Hands
March 10: Sink the Ship, Glass Hands, Somewhere to Call Home
March 19: Rhett Miller
March 20: Voidhidden, down to ruins
March 21: Psymbionic, Zebbler Encanti Experience
March 26: Mr. Bill, Tsimba, Gorilla Smack, Bluhtii
March 27: Jon B
March 27: Neil Zaza

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

March 8: Nick Harley, Whit Waltman, Lupia, Cory Paternoster
March 11: Hayfitz

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

March 13: The Stylistics

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

March 3: Kingfish Vinyl Night
March 7: Cam Molloy Band
March 13: Carmorant’s Irish Fancy
March 14: Shrimp Ryan Happy Hour
March 15: Open Irish Jam Session
March 21: Nate Myers Trio
March 28: Vinegar Creek Constituency Duo
March 29: Kirk Wise Duo

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

March 21: Polonsky-Shifrin-Wiley Trio

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

March 1: Kuhlman Competition
March 6: Messiah College Orchestra Concert
March 26: Sunnat Ibragimov and Benjamin Dominguez
March 27: Messiah College Concert Choir

The Midtown Tavern
1101 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-236-5783; themidtowntavern.com

March 7: A Side of Yams
March 28: Babel Map & Northern Gloom

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

March 7: Mr. Music kids’ concert

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

March 4: Pianist Anne Guenin
March 11: Pianist Caleb Flick
March 18: Tenor Timothy Lupia
March 21: Beethoven Concert—A Tribute to Beethoven’s 250th Birthday
March 25: Organist Joseph Garrison

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-525-8926; rivercityhbg.com

March 14-15: Fell From Zero
March 16: River City Big Band
March 28: Martini Bros

Rose Lehrman Art Center
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

March 16: Danú

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

March 8: Crystal Bowersox

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

March 6: Drew Adams
March 7: Ben Simcox Music
March 13: Quentin Jones
March 14: Derek Henry
March 20: Natalie Ness
March 21: Shea Quinn and Friends
March 27: Frets with Benefits
March 28: Visitors Duo

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

March 1: Jaerv
March 8: March Jam Session
March 14: Canal Street String Band
March 22: Nordic Fiddlers Bloc

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

March 1: Jaerv
March 8: Wind Bands
March 12: Téada
March 28: Allegro’s Music in the Round—Jupiter
March 29: Allegro’s Core Concert—Jupiter

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

March 5, 12: Thursday Afternoon
March 15: Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited Tour
March 17: Live Dead ‘69
March 20: Whitaker Unplugged

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

March 6: Smooth Like Clyde
March 7: The Red Shoe Remix 2020
March 13: Papadosio
March 14: The Motet and TAUK
March 20: Magical Mystery Doors
March 21: Mod Sun
March 27: Lotus w/Random Rab
March 28: Lotus w/Sky Society
March 29: Future vs. Hndrxx

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

March 6: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
March 20: Jelli
March 29: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

March 14: “MasterChef Junior” Live!
March 15: STOMP
March 19: “The Bachelor” Live on Stage
March 21: The Peking Acrobats

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

March 13: Mark Gregory
March 19: “Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure”
March 27-29: “The Drowsy Chaperon” w/William Penn Fine Arts Academy

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

March 27-29: “The Miracle Worker”

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

March 1: Craigslist Comedy

The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues
Dickinson College
360 W. Louther St., Carlisle (Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium)
717-245-1875; clarke.dickinson.edu

March 17: “Diagonal Life: Theory and Praxis” w/Bread and Puppet Theater

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

March 4-28: “Grumpy Old Men”

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

Through March 15: “An Enemy of the People”
March 14-28: “Three Billy Goats Gruff”
March 27: Improvaplooza

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

March 13-15: “Peter Panic”

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

March 6: “Diva’s Down Under Totally Tubular 80s Drag Show”
March 6, 7: Rich Vos
March 8: Oxymorons Improv Comedy
March 13, 14: Kier and Jen Espenshade
March 20, 21: Larry Reeb and Aaron Weber
March 27, 28: Patrick Garrity and Luke Swanson

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

March 1: Level 1 Class Show
March 6: Level 1 Class Show
March 8: Level 1 Class Show
March 13, 15: Improv to Sketch Class Show

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

March 26: Ron White

House of Music, Arts & Culture (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

March 1: Queens Who Brunch

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

March 1: Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies”

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

March 5-14: “Casa Valentina”

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

March 22: “Mutts Gone Nuts”
March 31: “The Bachelor” Live on Stage

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

March 6: The Irish Comedy Show
March 16: “42nd Street” The Musical
March 19: Ballet Folclórico Nacional De México de Silvia Lozano
March 30: “Swan Lake” w/Bolshoi Ballet

Market Square Presbyterian Church
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

March 13: Manor Winds

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

March 28: Azaguno “Nukpɔkpɔ”

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

Through March 8: “Amelie” The Musical
March 17-20: “The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 13-24: “James and the Giant Peach”

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

March 20-April 5: “Barefoot in the Park”

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-525-8926; rivercityhbg.com

March 22: Risque Cabaret

Rose Lehrman Art Center
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

March 1: “SEVEN” w/L.A. Theatre Works

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

March 6-15: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at Whitaker Center

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

March 6: We the People—OtherMother Performance
March 7: Reji Woods—“Portrait of a Lady”
March 14: Downtown Dances—Dreamscapes
March 14: NetCo Dance Company—Sharing Space
March 21: “The Snowy Day” and Other Stories
March 26-29: “Seussical the Musical”

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

March 6-15: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” w/Theatre Harrisburg

Trailblazers: York County woman’s book explores untold stories of women who helped establish the Appalachian Trail.

February 28, 2020 | by Karen Hendricks

Above: Ruth Blackburn at a congressional meeting in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Gwen Loose was hiking with a friend on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) when a question crossed her mind.

While Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery are considered the founders and fathers of the A.T., “Who was holding down the fort at conference headquarters?” she wondered.

Someone must have been keeping track of all the details that went into the planning of the 2,192-mile-long trail stretching from Maine to Georgia during its formative years, reaching back to 1925.

Loose’s friend encouraged her to search for answers while writing her thesis for her master’s degree. So, began an eight-year journey, which not only turned into a successful thesis but became the basis for a book being released this June.

Her research first pointed to Jean Stephenson (1892-1979), who devoted her life’s work to the A.T. Conference, an organization that became today’s A.T. Conservancy and manages the longest footpath in the world.

“It was like the old adage—‘Behind every successful man is a successful woman,’” Loose said.

“We Were There Too” details previously untold stories of women—primarily Jean Stephenson, Ruth Blackburn and Margaret Drummond—whose contributions in different decades directly led to the creation of the A.T.

“Their untold stories will balance the public perceptions of A.T. work as a boys’ club—it never was that way and isn’t now,” said Brian King, the ATC’s publisher. “It’s not that the record out there is wrong—it’s just incomplete.”

Stephenson’s work helped garner early support for the creation of the trail; Blackburn helped secure the A.T. corridor when development threatened its existence; and Drummond was instrumental in establishing models still used today—for volunteers, regional trail clubs and strategic planning.

King, who works at ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry, W. Va., said he often feels Stephenson’s “ghost” nearby. It was there that Stephenson worked and compiled many of the A.T.’s early guidebooks.

“She was an old-school writer and editor, very careful—meticulous and organized,” King said. “And she was also a lawyer, so she brought all that to the project, trying to keep Myron Avery straight.”

Loose said she was constantly inspired by photographs she discovered.

“There is a classic photograph of Ruth [Blackburn],” Loose said. “She’s in a congressional meeting in Washington, D.C. She was a small woman, and she’s sitting there, surrounded by men, and they’re all looking at her because she’s prepared with all the facts and figures, and they know it.”

Loose said she identifies with all three of the pioneering women.

“They were very comfortable in their own abilities,” Loose said. “They weren’t girly-girls, they weren’t afraid to be themselves, and they knew, if they worked hard enough, they would be good at it. So, they dedicated themselves to their work.”

And Loose should know. As executive director of the York County Rail Trail Authority, she too could be considered a trailblazer. She’s overseen the expansion of the Heritage Rail Trail from 10 to 27.5 miles over the past 23 years—since 1997. A golden spike in the city of York this fall will connect the main trail to its northern spur. And the authority is expanding the trail in new directions. It purchased the former Hanover Trolley Trail from Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., in late February. Grant requests for $8 to $11 million are being submitted to transition the rails into trails stretching west from York to Hanover.

It could be that trails and railroads are in her DNA. Loose grew up in Enola, where her father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a car inspector in the Enola Yard, the world’s largest freight yard at the time.

Just as Loose is her father’s daughter, King also sees a connection between Loose and the trailblazing subjects of her book.

“I do think there’s a parallel, in that women are and have been fully involved in developing and maintaining trails,” King said. “And she [Loose] is part of that. And it’s true in the bigger world of outdoor recreation.”

The ATC is currently being guided by Sandra Marra, the second female CEO in the organization’s history.

Loose serves as vice president of the board of directors for the Appalachian Trail Museum located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. A resident of Dover, York County, she is an active member of the York Hiking Club, which regularly hikes sections of the A.T.

As Loose researched her book over the past eight years, she was struck by the prevalence of women rising to leadership roles in the daily news.

“It seemed like every year, the book and the theme of women in leadership roles was getting more relevant,” she observed.

She hopes that “We Were There Too” inspires a new generation of female leaders, especially conservationists, to find their paths.

“I hope they’re inspired in their own volunteer work,” Loose said. “Their contributions can make a difference to organizations they’re passionate about, and it’s fulfilling. A lot of our organizations today depend on that type of giving.”

“We Were There Too” is being published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and will be available on the ATC’s website, appalachiantrail.org, as well as Amazon and major book retailers.

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

Squidding Around: Rosemary puts pot to ink.

February 28, 2020 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

For a long time, I have wanted to try squid ink pasta.

My husband and I often visit the little Italian restaurant, Pastorante, in Midtown Harrisburg. They serve a beautiful dish of black squid ink pasta bathed in a rich cream sauce and topped with shrimp. I have come so close to ordering it only to default to my usual spaghetti with meatballs. I do like seafood very much, including calamari, but I don’t like “fishy fish.” And, since it’s made from the black ink extracted from ocean squid, calamari or cuttlefish, I was certain squid ink pasta must be fishy.

But after talking to several people who have eaten this unusual black pasta, I decided this Italian cook had to give it a try. So first, I had to find some. I found one bag at my favorite place at the West Shore Farmers Market, Peggy’s Silver Spoon. This was dried pasta, although I would have preferred a fresh version, which Pastorante uses.

Trying to re-create a dish I had only viewed from afar was a challenge. I knew that a cream sauce would be best for the dark pasta and, although I thought briefly about crab, I settled on shrimp. But I struggled with the mechanics of the dish.

Should I make a traditional béchamel? This is a blend of butter, flour and milk, and I wasn’t sure a flour-based sauce was what I wanted.
Should I use cream and could I cook it long enough that it would thicken? Or maybe half and half to cut the richness?
What about other seasonings? Would chopped garlic or hot pepper add just the right touch?
Should I cook the shrimp separately from the cream sauce?
How much butter would be just enough or would olive oil be better?

I normally follow recipes rather than create them. But spoiler alert: This turned out very well. Here are the ingredients I used, and this is what I did.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 pound uncooked, cleaned and de-veined raw shrimp
A tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste or a teaspoon of red chili flakes (I used the chili paste)
3 or 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
2 cups fresh heavy cream
10 to 12 ounces squid ink pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet. Sauté the shrimp over medium low heat for about 2 minutes. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Calabrian chili paste or ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little kick to your dish. Keep the shrimp warm until the sauce and pasta are finished.
Cook the squid ink pasta according to package directions.
In a large sauté pan or saucepan, melt the second tablespoon of butter over medium low heat and briefly cook the minced garlic.
Add the 2 cups of heavy cream and simmer it gently for about 15 minutes. (I kept stirring it and watching it carefully until it became moderately thick.)
When the cream has thickened, add the grated Parmesan and whisk it until very smooth.
Before draining the pasta, scoop out about a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Place the drained pasta into the pot with sauce and gently toss together. Add the sautéed shrimp and toss again. Thin with a little pasta water if needed.
Place the finished pasta in a large, warmed serving dish. Sprinkle with a little chopped parsley for a little color, if you want.
Ready to serve!

So, I took my first bite. It was delicious! The sauce was just the right consistency. The garlic and chili gave just the right kick to the bland cream. The two tablespoons of butter were just enough. The cheese was a nice complement to the shrimp, although they are often not used together. And the pasta was not at all fishy.

I am embarrassed to say, that for a very brief moment, I looked around for the TV cameras. It was fun. I am ready to make the dish with scallops or crab. Maybe lobster? What about lightly sautéed calamari for a perfect match?

Give this a try. I think you will like it, too.

Women Who Want: “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” seems quiet, but packs an emotional punch.

February 28, 2020 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Every once in a while, we are gifted with a film that speaks volumes without ever having raised its voice.

This is the case with Céline Sciamma’s newest film, “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire.” Keeping true to her minimalist style, the film is quiet in temperament but emotionally explorative in its bones.

Sciamma’s slow-burning drama resides in the cliffs of Brittany, France, where a painter named Marianne (Noémie Merlant) has been hired by a Comtesse (Valeria Golino) to paint a wedding portrait for a subject who refuses to sit—her daughter, Héloïse (Adèle Haenel).

Marianne learns that Héloïse does not want to marry her suitor, who lives in Milan and needs the painting to confirm his future bride’s appearance. She also learns that Héloïse’s sister, who arrived in Brittany before her, threw herself off the cliffs and died in the churning waters below. Since Héloïse has already spurned the artistic endeavors of another painter, refusing to even show her face, the Comtesse tells her that Marianne is simply a “companion” (though Héloïse understands it to mean “guard”) to walk with on the cliffs.

And so Marianne begins her task, studying Héloïse during daylight hours as they walk and painting at night. But her companionship for Héloïse grows steadily, and, at the completion of the portrait, she reveals her true identity to Héloïse and destroys her own work, announcing that it isn’t a good representation of her subject. To her mother’s surprise, Héloïse finally commits to sitting for the painting, and, so, while the Comtesse is away for a few days, the two set to work, idly monitored by the servant, Sophie (Luàna Bajrami).

What follows is a devastatingly beautiful account of women who want. For Héloïse, though, her spirit is vibrant, and her will is strong. She still understands that she will have to submit to the ways of her era. She does not desire men, and this is something she doesn’t readily admit until Marianne comes along. For Marianne, though, she has made herself independent with her painting, and she still feels a jealousy for her newfound lover. Even Sophie has her thread, worrying about her future as a servant upon finding out she’s pregnant. But in the solitude provided by the Comtesse’s trip, each woman is able to act on her wants, even with the understanding that it is a temporary lease.

The entire cast gives phenomenal performances, but Haenel absolutely steals the show, and rightly so, since her fire is what ignites the surrounding characters. What a steadfast, stunning performance for such a heartfelt, widely relatable story. There is a lot of emotional gravity stitched into the fabric of “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire,” and the impact of the characters’ journey carries on far past the credits. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this film.

“Portrait of a Lady On Fire” plays this month at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

March Events
At Midtown Cinema

National Theatre Live presents
“All My Sons”
Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m.
“The Lehman Trilogy”
Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.

Down in Front! Presents
“Friday the 13^th, Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan”
Friday, March 13, 9:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg
“Drop Dead Gorgeous”
Friday, March 20, 9:30 p.m.

Inconvenient Truth: Gamut stages timely “An Enemy of the People.”

February 28, 2020 | by Tara Herweg-Mann

I can’t imagine that Henrik Ibsen wrote “An Enemy of the People” with the idea that its subject matter would be more timely than ever nearly a century and a half after he put pen to paper.

In fact, from what I can gather, he wrote it in response to the outcry his previous work, “Ghosts,” evoked from the public (the words “immoral” and “degenerate” were lobbed at him and the play because it dealt in a decidedly sober way with adultery and syphilis). But here we are, in 2020, and “An Enemy of the People” rings just as true now as it did then.

The play is centered in a small village in Norway with aspirations of greatness—a municipal spa has opened, and vacationers seeking the healthful benefits of the baths have infused the town’s economy with the capital it’s needed. Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the health officer in charge of the spa (and brother of the town’s mayor, Peter Stockmann), is a well-respected member of the community. When Dr. Stockmann discovers that the waters tourists are bathing in under his supervision are contaminated with harmful bacteria, he wastes no time in recruiting the local newspaper to publish his findings.

If only it were so easy. As it turns out, blowing the whistle leads not to a swift resolution of the problem, but a downward spiral of countercharges, recrimination and retaliation. Sound familiar?

I was able to pick the brains of two of the actors in Gamut’s production: Gamut’s Artistic Director Clark Nicholson, who portrays whistleblower Dr. Thomas Stockmann, and a newcomer to Gamut’s stage, Marc Lubbers, who portrays Mayor Peter Stockmann. Through them, I was able to get a better glimpse into the central protagonist and antagonist of the play and how they feel about bringing Arthur Miller’s translation of Ibsen’s play to Harrisburg.

What made you interested in producing/performing in this play?

NICHOLSON: Frank [Henley, the director of this production] came to me several years ago with a proposal for Gamut’s Stage Door Ensemble to produce a staged reading of “An Enemy of the People.” I felt that it was a timely story, a classic play, and just the sort of thing that the Gamut mainstage should be producing. So, I put it on our full season roster.

LUBBERS: “An Enemy of the People” is a profound statement about power, truth, morals, corruption and family dynamics. Every character has a broad spectrum of emotions to manipulate, choices to make, and interactions in which to engage. For the audience, the play has points to make and lessons to teach, but, to the immense credit of the author(s), it does so in a way that forces the audience member to decide for his/herself what their individual perspective is on what’s good and bad, right and wrong, just and unjust, etc.

Tell me about your character. Has your opinion about him changed since you first started?

NICHOLSON: I initially felt that this story was about a fairly uncomplicated protagonist embarking on a difficult but righteous crusade. However, I’ve come to realize that it’s the story of a flawed messenger (and that we all are ultimately flawed messengers) trying to bring the truth to light. I believe that what Ibsen (and his translator, Arthur Miller) were trying to say was that humanity may aspire toward the pure, but this purity can only be championed by the flawed. And that can make the pursuit of absolute purity and truth both desirable and ultimately doomed to failure. Which does not mean that the pursuit is folly, just that it’s ultimately a never-ending and often brutal process—a hard but important lesson.

LUBBERS: Peter Stockmann has an element of “pure” antagonism to him, in terms of what he says and does in front of the audience. His motives, in the context of the action of the play, are clearly self-serving and manipulative, oftentimes to seemingly malicious ends. As with most figures who exercise power forcefully, however, layers underneath those base elements can be found—insecurity, jealousy, even frailty. I’m not necessarily trying to find ways in which to make my character tragic or sympathetic. It’s just that attention to these broader components of the character allow for a much richer arsenal of choices to make regarding his attitudes and demeanor. In terms of my opinion of him—part of my job as an actor is to make Marc Lubbers’ opinion of Peter Stockmann totally irrelevant. My job is to portray the character, wholly. Any influence on that by how I myself might “feel” about the character and his actions would interfere with a genuine portrayal. To be sure, an actor must draw upon his/her own experiences and capacity for emotion to add color and flavor to a character, but these things need to be filtered through Peter’s sensibilities vs. presenting them as Marc’s.

Are there questions you are left with, even after getting to know the play so well?

LUBBERS: Unfortunately, questions that arise for me from this play include, “How can these sea changes in people’s attitudes and allegiances occur so easily?” and “How can people be so easily manipulated?” I call them unfortunate because they apply all too well to real-time and real-life events in our country and world at this moment in history. It’s been, actually, often times frustrating that the timeliness and relevance of this play are so poignant to our current circumstances, despite its having been composed by Henrik Ibsen more than 130 years ago and adapted by Arthur Miller just about 70 years ago.

NICHOLSON: We still do not know what the final few moments of the play ultimately mean. We play them. We work on them. But they are a mystery. And, I believe that to a great extent, they are supposed to be. What is happening in the souls of the affected as the lights go down is profoundly unsettling. I’m not sure that we’re actually meant to know fully what the author(s) meant. It seems to me that this final image is a reflection on what it means to forge forward in the face of ultimate uncertainty.

“An Enemy of the People” opens on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Gamut Theatre in downtown Harrisburg, and runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 15. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m., with the box office, Capital Blue Cross reception lobby, and Peggy’s Pub open to the public starting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday matinées start at 2:30 p.m., with box office, lobby and bar open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.gamuttheatre.org/tickets.

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

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

“An Enemy of the People”
By Henrik Ibsen
Feb. 29 to March 15
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

“Three Billy Goats Gruff”
March 14 to 28
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday matinees available by request for groups of 20 or more.

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

“Amélie,” the musical
through March 8
The charming, uplifting musical based on the French film.

Court Street Cabaret: After Hours
March 5 and 6 at 9:30 p.m.
Featuring local singers performing songs from Broadway and beyond.

“Lady Boy Sings the Blues”
March 12, 14, 21, 26, 28 at 7:30 p.m.
March 13 at 9:30 p.m.
A drag cabaret featuring local drag clown Mister Treats

“EFF (Erotic FanFiction) Live!”
March 7 and 28 at 9:30 p.m.
The best of the worst the internet has to offer in cringe-worthy fandom, read out loud by local actors.

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
The annual production about an extraordinary young woman coming of age and her indomitable spirit that has inspired the community for over 20 years.

The Teen Studio Presents…
March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
An evening of song with the students of the Alsedek Theatre School.

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