Capital Region Water to restart interceptor project, close part of Riverfront Park

September 5, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Capital Region Water at work (file photo)

Capital Region Water is giving its Front Street interceptor project another go, with plans to close part of Riverfront Park in Uptown Harrisburg for two months.

Starting on Monday, CRW will close the park between Shamokin and Emerald streets until Nov. 9 to install 1,765 feet of new pipe liner, called “cured in place” pipe, which helps prevent failure, sinkholes and leakage.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience during construction as we address our critical and aging infrastructure,” said CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer in a statement.

The park needs to be shut down in the area due to construction and because aboveground pipes will be installed in the park to bypass water flows during the installation, CRW said.

Last year, CRW closed down the park for several months as it attempted the same project. However, the utility was unable to complete it due to worse-than-expected deterioration of the 105-year-old Front Street interceptor, as well as unexpected utility conflicts, CRW has said.

The 30-inch diameter interceptor carries about 2.3 million gallons of wastewater every day from Harrisburg and Susquehanna Township to the Front Street pump station.

The project will not lead to full road closures on Front Street, but park pedestrians will be detoured across the street until completion.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 5, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

My weekend is a mix of business and chill. I’m off to Cornerstone tonight for a special Cornerstone Culinary Kitchen event (stay tuned to stories + IG feed). I’ve written about them many times in my career, but it’s been a couple of years since my last class (I think I was pregnant with Bo during a beer/cooking class!), and I’m eager to catch up with my local blogger/influencer pals. Friday I may or may not hit up XL Live (I’ve actually never been yet, shame on me, and I’d love to go and share it with you — but — not sure I can swing it just yet). There are a few tickets left for this Saturday’s special can release event at sip @ soma with our friends at Tattered Flag and Levante. Grab these while they last! On Sunday, we’re donning our best resort casual and heading to the Trés Bonne Annèe Patrons Party. The most fabulous way to close out the weekend.

What are you doing this weekend?

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Return Trip: Novelist Salman Rushdie to visit Harrisburg in December

September 4, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg

Two years ago, it was big news when world-renowned author Salman Rushdie ventured to Harrisburg. Now, he’s coming back.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore today announced that Rushdie will visit again in December to promote his latest novel, “Quichotte.”

“We’re thrilled to have Salman Rushdie back in Harrisburg,” said Alex Brubaker, manager of Midtown Scholar. “He really enjoyed his visit to the city a couple years ago, so we’re honored to welcome him back for his new novel.”

“Quichotte” is a modern-day take of the Cervantes’ classic, “Don Quixote,” telling the story of a hack genre novelist and his titular character. It is a sprawling novel that is both an homage to the classic literary work and a quest for love and family, Brubaker said. It was just published in the United States yesterday.

Rushdie first came to Harrisburg in September 2017 as part of a 12-city book tour to promote his novel, “The Golden House.” During that visit, attendees packed into Midtown Scholar as the author read from his novel, answered audience questions and signed books.

Rushdie’s December appearance will proceed much like the previous visit, Brubaker said. The ticketed event will cost $37 and includes a signed copy of “Quichotte.” Tickets must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell out quickly, he said.

“The book was recently shortlisted for the Booker Prize, so it’s especially exciting for him to return to Harrisburg for a novel that’s received so much praise,” Brubaker said. “He’s in top form with this one, so it’s going to be an unforgettable evening.”

Rushdie is the author of 13 previous novels, perhaps best known for his 1981 novel, “Midnight’s Children,” and his controversial 1988 work, “The Satanic Verses.” Queen Elizabeth II knighted Rushdie, who is of British-Indian descent, in 2007.

“An Evening with Salman Rushdie” takes place Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m., at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. To purchase a ticket, visit https://www.midtownscholar.com/salman-rushdie/event-ticket-and-book.

Pictured above: Salman Rushdie speaks at Midtown Scholar Bookstore in September 2017. Credit: Seung Chon

Burg Blog: Art Impact

September 3, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Artist Juuri and her husband Eric stand on a lift as they continue painting their mural today at 1005 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg.

Art is often hard to put into words, to measure and quantify its effects on a community.

But if Friday night’s VIP kickoff celebration of the Harrisburg Mural Festival is any indication, many in the Harrisburg community are embracing, excited and uplifted by the 14 new murals being created under the umbrella of the nonprofit Sprocket Mural Works.

More than 300 people gathered—artists, community leaders, mural sponsors and volunteers—on the plaza between the PA State Archives Building and the PA State Museum to celebrate the 2019 festival launch, which will add 14 colorful new murals to the city’s collection.

It was an impressive showing, and I was excited to emcee the event. Likewise, TheBurg is honored to be a strong supporter and media sponsor of the festival, as we believe that the murals both beautify Harrisburg and foster community here.

So, what is it about public art that has drawn hundreds of people together?

“Murals are making this town beautiful, interesting and dynamic,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises.

The company, which owns Strawberry Square, sponsored murals for both the 2017 and 2019 festivals. One such mural is currently being created on the entire back of International House, an apartment building housing students from around the country and world, located at 314 Chestnut St., with the mural along its rear-facing Blackberry Alley.

“I want to thank all the wonderful muralists who are bringing their art and their stories here to Harrisburg to share with us—you’re giving us a really special gift for our community,” Jones said to the crowd gathered Friday night.

Artist Marka 27 puts the finishing touches on his mural at the back of International House.

While Harrisburg’s mural gifts are still being unveiled and unwrapped, so to speak, other communities have already measured and studied the effects of murals, which send ripples beyond their colorful surfaces and into the surrounding community landscape.

Sprocket co-founders Meg Caruso and Jeff Copus are inspired by many city mural programs, including the groundbreaking Philly Mural Arts, considered a national and international leader in the mural arts movement.

What started as an anti-graffiti movement in 1984 has blossomed into an organization considered the nation’s largest public art program with a portfolio of 3,600 murals.

A 78-page, 2003 impact study cited both economic and social benefits from Philly Mural Arts’ work.

“For a government agency or public program, costs and benefits are never calculated only in economic terms,” stated the report. “A community mural represents a public good, both as a process and product, and is therefore worthy of public investment.”

“Murals are part of a community ecosystem in that they are a way to engage and mobilize people to address other local issues,” the report said. “Murals are part of a cultural ecosystem in that they intersect with other cultural programs and traditions, urban design and local history.”

While Harrisburg’s mural program is still in its infancy compared to Philadelphia’s program, many in the community recognize the power of the arts to energize Harrisburg.

“Nothing is better than seeing local businesses and artists from all over the world come together to make our city a more beautiful place and we are honored to be a part of that,” said Anna Vazquez, marketing director at XL Live, which is sponsoring an abstract mural incorporating Jimi Hendrix, by nationally known artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson, on the exterior wall of the live music venue.

Friday night, Jones acknowledged that Sprocket’s second full-length festival is only the beginning for Harrisburg.

“We are so excited for the 2019 murals to be done because then we will truly have a mural trail connecting the many murals in downtown walking up to Midtown,” Jones said. “Public art like this inspires people in so many positive ways.”

The Harrisburg Mural Festival runs through Sept. 8, with a block party on State Street in front of the state Capitol building, and coinciding with 2019 Gallery Walk. This week, many artists will be painting their murals, and they urge you to stop by and watch them at work. For more information, visit the Sprocket Mural Works’ website.

Community Corner: Notable September Events

August 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

September Community Corner

Mural Fest
Aug. 30-Sept. 8: Explore the 10-day Harrisburg Mural Festival, with local, national and international artists creating murals. The festival will host a weeklong series of events, including artist meet-and-greets, talks on public art, a community paint day and a final-day block party. www.sprocketmuralworks.com

Kipona
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Enjoy the 103rd annual Kipona Festival in Riverfront Park and City Island with food vendors, live music, handmade art and crafts, a beer garden, Native American pow-wow, canoe races, family fun zone and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Job Expo
Sept. 4-5: The commonwealth hosts “Government That Works! PA Procurement Expo & Forum” at the PA Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, with speaker Ron Jaworski, exhibits, demonstrations, educational sessions, networking opportunities, a job fair and more. www.paprocurementexpo.com

Archaeology Dig
Sept.4-Oct. 4: State Museum will conduct its annual excavation at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Archaeologists will be on site weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see what they find. www.statemuseumpa.org

Coffee Party
Sept. 6: Cracked Pot Coffee Shop, 130 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, hosts its “End of Summer Celebration” with food trucks, music, kids’ activities, cornhole tournament and cafe beverages, 4 to 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit shop, which supports foster youth. www.thecrackedpotcoffeeshop.com

Jazz & Wine Fest
Sept. 6-8: The annual Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival will be at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Local and national artists will join area wineries for the three-day event. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. www.dauphincounty.org

Boutique Week
Sept. 6-14: York City Boutique Week highlights York’s small and independent retailers and eateries. The week includes four main special events, as well as in-store events, trunk shows, pop-up shops and more. Facebook: York City Boutique Week

Memorial Ride
Sept. 7: Jason Frye Annual Memorial Ride will be held 8:30 to 10 a.m., beginning at Shermans Creek Inn, 5150 Spring Rd., Shermans Dale, and ending at Landisburg Fire Hall. Proceeds go to to the Jason Frye Memorial Fund. Contact 717-586-7320, 717-789-3048 or [email protected].

HBG Flea
Sept. 7: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Gallery Walk
Sept. 8: Explore 19 galleries and exhibit spaces to enjoy art, music and refreshments during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 31st annual Gallery Walk, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout Harrisburg. www.artassocofhbg.com

Restaurant Week
Sept. 9-20: Harrisburg’s premier dining event returns, spanning two weeks, Sept. 9-13 and 16-20. www.HarrisburgRestaurantWeek.com

9-11 Observance
Sept. 11: PA National Fire Museum, 1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, will host a 9-11 anniversary observance with a series of events starting at 8:30 a.m. www.pnfm.org

Mega Mixer
Sept. 11: Join members of West Shore, Carlisle Area, Mechanicsburg and Shippensburg chambers of commerce for 13th Annual Mega Mixer at the U.S. Army Heritage Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, 5 to 7 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Puppies and Pints
Sept. 11: 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. www.hyp.org

Tinkering Minds
Sept. 12: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Using a tinkering box of found materials, kids can explore and make their own creations. www.statemuseumpa.org

Gardening Demo
Sept. 12: Join Master Gardener Connie Hawkins at Perry County Food Bank Demonstration Gardens, 300A S. Carlisle Street, New Bloomfield, for “Putting Your Garden to Bed,” 6 to 7:30 p.m., with recipes and tips on wrapping up the garden for the season. www.extension.psu.edu

Hershey Birthday
Sept. 13: Head to ChocolateTown Square, Chocolate and Cocoa avenues, to celebrate Milton Hershey’s 162nd birthday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy live music, as well as cupcakes and milk chocolate bars. www.thehersheystory.org

Work Site Day
Sept. 14: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for a work site day volunteering time with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, 8:15 a.m. 3:30 p.m. No specific skills or expertise needed. www.hyp.org

Hispanic Heritage Fest
Sept 14: Latino Hispanic American Community Center presents Hispanic Heritage Festival, 13th and Derry streets, Harrisburg, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, food vendors, entertainment, games, kids’ activities and giveaways. www.lhacc.org

Arts Festival
Sept. 14: 38th annual Hummelstown Arts Festival will be held at the Hummelstown Fire Co., 249 E. Main St., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by juried artists, a silent auction, live music, a wine bar and catered appetizers. Visit Facebook page: Hummelstown Arts Festival.

Food Truck Fest
Sept. 14: The 2019 Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival will be held at AACA Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, 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

Less Stress
Sept. 14: Yoga at Simply Well, 28 Pitt St., Carlisle, hosts “Back to School with Less Stress: A Mother/Daughter Event,” 1 to 2 p.m., to explore tools and strategies for helping to manage the school year. Cost is $10 person. www.yogaatsimplywell.com

Rugged Run
Sept. 14: Ned Smith Center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts Tröegs Rugged Trail Run, 4 to 9 p.m. Registration begins at 4 p.m.; race starts at 5 p.m. Enjoy food, live and silent auctions, live music and more. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Leisure Bike Ride
Sept. 15: Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s Three Creek Century ride will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning at Penn Township Fire Dept., 1750 Pine Rd., Newville. www.threecreekcentury.com

Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 15: Celebrate fall with a craft show, children’s crafts and games, hay rides, carriage rides, exhibits, music, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.forthunter.org

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

Healing Concert
Sept. 15: World Surgical Foundation hosts “Music and Healing, a Concert to Benefit the World,” a performance by Odin Rathnam and Robert Koenig, 3 p.m., with a pre-event reception for VIP ticket holders. www.worldsurgicalfoundation.org

Crab Fest
Sept. 15: West Shore YMCA and Trinity High School, 3601 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, host the 3rd Annual Central PA Crab, Beer and Wine Festival, 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy craft beer, wine, crabs and live music, with proceeds benefitting the Central PA Food Bank. www.pacrabfest.org

Meet and Greet
Sept. 17: Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania, 1130 S. 19th St., Harrisburg, hosts an evening with professional golfer Jan Stephenson, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Proceeds support their programs and services. Contact 717-238-2531 or [email protected].

Photo Talk
Sept. 17: Maryland photographer Kathleen Hertel will present “Adventures of a Bucket List Photographer” at Harrisburg Camera Club, 7 to 9 p.m., in Giant Community Room, 3300 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill. www.harrisburgcameraclub.org

Fall Book Sale
Sept. 19-22: Shop the Friends of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. The library will hold a preview sale on Sept. 22, 2 to 7 p.m., and a bag sale on Sept. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
Sept. 20: 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

Harvest Hop
Sept. 21^: Spend the day in Camp Hill at “Harvest Hop—Sip, Stroll and Shop” to kick off the fall season, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local businesses will offer kids’ activities in the morning and adult-focused offerings in the afternoon. Facebook: Downtown Camp Hill.

Celtic Fest
Sept. 21: Head to the 2019 Celtic Craic Music Fest at Harrisburg Postal Picnic Grounds, 1500 Roberts Valley Rd., for live music, dancing, bagpipes, beer, wine, food, vendors and kids’ activities, 12 to 10 p.m., in support of Methodist Home for Children and Veteran’s Promise PA. www.celticcraicmusicfest.com

Bag Bingo
Sept. 21: Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Delta Research and Educational Foundation, present “Designer Bag Bingo” at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, to benefit community programs. Doors open at 3 p.m. Call 717-902-9813.

FAB Night
Sept. 21: In honor of 50th anniversary of Stonewall, LGBT Center of Central PA celebrates a “Legacy of Resistance and Resilience” at its annual FAB event, Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, 6 to 10 p.m. www.centralpalgbtcenter.org

Beer & Wine Fest
Sept. 21: Enjoy local beer, wine and food at the Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club’s Beer and Wine Festival, Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Enola, 3 to 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs to relax and enjoy live music. www.mechanicsburgnorthrotary.org

Comic Con
Sept. 21-22: Celebrate all things comics, anime, games, sci-fi, movies and pop culture at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., with celebrity guests, comics, cosplay, contests, panels, guest artists and vendors. www.fourstatecon.com

Fall Fest
Sept. 21: Junior Board of YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts its 10th 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. www.ywcahbg.org

Art & Beer Crawl
Sept. 25: Head to The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, for an evening of sampling beer, food and art, 6 to 9 p.m. Make art with Millworks artists and take home your creations. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Books on Tap
Sept. 26: Dauphin County Library System hosts “Books on Tap” book club at Sturges Speakeasy, 400 Forster St., Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m. Dive into new genres and forms while getting to know other readers. The club will discuss Fredrik Backman’s “Beartown.” www.dcls.org

Brexit
Sept. 26: Temple University political economist Alistair Howard will discuss Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union at West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill, 7:30 p.m. A dinner precedes the talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Tasting Tour
Sept. 28: Join Millersburg Rotary Club for a “Tasting Tour of Millersburg,” 12 to 4 p.m., with food, drinks, historic ambiance and river views. Funds support the club’s contribution efforts to Millersburg’s MYO Park Centennial Renovation Project. www.rotary.org

Coin Show
Sept. 28-29: Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, hosts the Harrisburg Coin Show with more than 70 exhibit tables, free admission, free parking, a raffle, door prizes, food and free seminars. www.harrisburgcoinshow.com

Yoga Festival
Sept. 28-29: Central PA Yoga Love Festival will be held at Amethyst Retreat Center, 44 Buffalo Creek Rd., Duncannon, featuring yoga studios, healthy food, vendors, live music, a drum circle and more. www.payogalovefest.com

Celebrate Wildwood
Sept. 29: Come to “Celebrate Wildwood,” 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy kids’ activities, pumpkin painting, environmental education, music, food vendors, used book sale and a “Walk for Wildwood.” www.wildwoodlake.org

Woofstock
Sept. 29: 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

Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Studebaker Cool: 114 Years of Innovation,” exploring South Bend, Indiana’s contribution to wheeled transportation,” through Oct. 20

“Harley-Davidson: History, Mythology and Perceptions of America’s Motorcycle,” through Oct. 20

“Raymond Loewy: A Retrospective,” an exhibit on the American industrial designer, who achieved fame for his design efforts, through Oct. 20

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

“Sustained: Artists and the Environment” Fall Membership show, Sept. 8-Oct. 10; reception: Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

“75th Anniversary Celebration: Yellow Breeches Chapter PA Guild of Craftsmen,” Sept. 6-21; reception: Sept. 6, 5-7 p.m.

“This Place I Call Home,” photography by Lori Snyder and pottery by Kurt Brantner, through Sept. 21

“People and Places, new works featuring candid observations of everyday scenes captured in plein air inspired style by Kim Stone and Pat Walach Keough, Sept. 27-Nov. 2; reception: Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Kourtney Cannon

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

“Leisure Time Exhibit,” highlighting what the Reily family did for fun in their spare time as previous owners and residents of Fort Hunter, through December

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

“Observations Absorbed by Patricia Marshall,” through Sept. 7

“Something for Everyone,” by Carrie Feidt, Sept. 11-Oct. 12; reception: Sept. 15, 3-5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

The Hershey Story Museum Exhibit, Sept. 5-8

Cocoa Beanery Art Exhibit, through Oct. 7

Hershey Public Library Exhibit, through Oct. 12

The Hershey Story Museum
63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

Hershey Area Story Museum Exhibit, Sept. 5-8

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

“Department of Art and Design Annual Juried Show 2018-2019,” through Sept. 6

“In Matter and in Mode” Faculty Exhibit, Sept. 13-Oct. 9

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

“LIKENESS: A group show of Portraits,” Sept. 6-Oct. 24; reception: Sept. 6, 7-11 p.m.

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

New works by Caleb Smith, P.D. Murray, Tara Chickey, Joelle & Justin Arawjo, Ann Benton Yeager, Tina Berrier, through Sept. 15

Now works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Joelle and Justin Arawjo, Kristen Fava, John McNulty, John Davis and Mary Kandray Gelenser, Sept. 17-Oct. 13

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

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

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

The Penny Gallery at The Pond
32 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-245-0382; thepomfretgroup.com

“Out of the Dark,” an exhibition of artwork opening the paths to healing and hope in the struggle for suicide prevention, Sept. 6-25; reception: Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

“ArtsLive Series,” an art exhibition from of work by Red Tomato Farm participants, Sept. 27-Oct. 12; reception: Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Up Close,” a group exhibition of artwork in a variety of media that explores small worlds or highlights a portion of a larger whole, through Oct. 4

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

“Felting Iki,” an exhibition of whimsical and cheerful felted art pieces by Crissy Miyake, who finds inspiration in the human relationship with and appreciation of nature, through Oct. 5

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

Ceramics works by Carolanne Currier and Jack Troy, Sept. 3-Oct. 3; lecture: Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral and School
221 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-4059

“Icons in Transformation,” Ludmila Pawlowska’s artistic interpretation of her experience of prayer and connection with eternity, through paintings and sculptures, Sept. 1 to Nov. 3

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

“Art of the State,” the 52nd annual juried exhibition featuring Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople, through Sept. 8

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Dec. 29

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 29

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

“Picasso: A Life in Print,” highlighting 1904-1970 works of Pablo Picasso from the collection of the John Szoke Gallery, through Sept. 22

“Artistic Expressions: Faculty Edition,” featuring the work of Harrisburg-area art teachers, through Oct. 20

“On Location: Harrisburg Sketchers,” featuring sketches from the past six years from a rotating cast of artists, through Oct. 27

“Hidden City,” the plein-air landscape paintings of Valeri Larko, through Nov. 17

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

“A Theater of Things: The Work of G. Daniel Massad,” signature works spanning five decades, curated by Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, Sept. 4-Oct. 20

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

“Art In The Wild,” naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands, through Oct. 31

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

“Elizabethtown During the Great Depression,” through Sept. 20

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Works by Jennifer Rabenstein

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

Art gallery by Darrienne Coffen, through Sept. 19

Art gallery by Stephen Zerbe, Sept. 20-Oct. 17

Read, Make, Learn

BrainVessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

Sept. 11: Introduction to Watercolor I—Southern Magnolia, 6:30-9 p.m.
Sept. 21: Introduction to Watercolor II—An Apple a Day, 2-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 25: Introduction to Watercolor III—Birch Trees, 6:30-9 p.m.

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

Sept. 2-30: Understanding Abstraction, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 3-Oct. 8: Wheel 101, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 4-Oct. 9: Play with Clay at the End of the Day, Wednesdays, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Sept. 7: Metal Etching, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: STOP! Don’t Throw That Away—Upcycled, Sustainable Fashion, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 9-Oct. 14: Throw BIG!, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24-Dec. 5: ArtWorks!, 3-5 p.m.
Sept. 25-Oct. 30: Fundamentals of Photography, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 25-Oct. 30: Fundamentals of Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 26-Nov. 7: Beyond Fundamentals of Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 28-Nov. 2: Intro to Cosplay Design, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 11: Sicilian Specialties, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 18: Weekend Gourmet, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 25: “Tailgating” Wings & Beer Pairing, 6-9 p.m.

Detweiler Park
1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin
717-559-5188; dauphincounty.org

Sept. 24, 29: Forest Bathing, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 17: Job Seeker Resources, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 17, 24: Born to Read, 10:15-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sept. 17, 24: LEGO Robotics, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 19: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Social Security Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 24: Annual Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 27: Stop the Bleed, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 28: Camp Read S’more, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Cards & Coffee, 9:15-10:30 a.m., 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 7: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Sept. 7, 21: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 11: Teen Book Club, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Anime Club, 6 p.m.
Sept. 12, 26: Community Knitters, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13: Second Friday, 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 14: Lace Cottage Tatting Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 21: Book Discussion Group, 9:15 a.m.
Sept. 21: Community Knitters, 11 a.m.

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

Sept. 3: Teen Homeschool Hangout, 10 a.m.
Sept. 3: Curl Up with the Classics—“The Turn of the Screw,” 10 a.m.
Sept. 3-30: Fall Story Times
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Bilingual Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 4 : Moving Forward Book Group with Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
Sept. 5, 19: Blood Pressure Screenings with UPMC Pinnacle, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 5, 19: The Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 30: Tween Makerspace Drop-In (ages 9-13), 4-6 p.m.
Sept. 12: “Fake News, Fighting Words and ‘Fire—How Free is Free Speech?” w/ Mette Evans & Woodside, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13: Indie Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Sept. 13: Blood Dr. w/Central PA Blood Bank, 4-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 19: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 23: Fredricksen Reads—“Bridge of Clay,” 7 p.m.
Sept. 23: Foreign Film Friday—“35 Shots of Rum,” 2 and 7 p.m.

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

Sept. 4, 11: Fiber and Friends, 6 p.m.
Sept. 19: Folk Art One Stroke, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 1: Jeremy Denk
Sept. 7: Telegraph Quartet w/Carl Ellenberger and Alex Shaw

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

Sept. 9-Oct. 28: Character Level 1, 7-10 p.m.
Sept. 10-Oct. 29: Intro to Improv, Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.
Sept. 14: Vocal Harmony, 1-4 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Sept. 4: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Sept. 6, 20: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7, 21, 28: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 8: Memoirs Class, 2 p.m.
Sept. 8: Friends Adult Program—Hospital Ship USNS COMFORT, 2 p.m.
Sept. 9: Hinduism in America, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Books and Babies, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25: 1, 2, Wheel!, 10 a.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: Teen Lounge, 3 p.m.
Sept. 12, 26: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 14: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Sept. 15: Friends Children Program—Poetry in Motion, 2 p.m.
Sept. 18: Adult Library Program—Nutrition for Kids, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: Friends Adult Program—My Friendship with Fred Rogers, 2 p.m.
Sept. 23: Central PA Blood Dr., 3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Succulents Planting Class, 2:30 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum
63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

Sept. 1-30: Chocolate Lab Classes, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Preschool Story Time, 9:15-10 a.m.
Sept. 13: “Celebration Truffles” Chocolate Lab Class, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Museum Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Sept. 3: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 9: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 9, 23: English Conversation Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 16: Monday Morning Board Games, 10-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 16: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 18: SciFi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 19: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 24: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sept. 25 : Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 25: Yoga for Seniors & Beginners, 7-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 12: Social Security Basics, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Storytime Yoga, 10:15-11 a.m.
Sept. 19: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20, 27: Born to Read, 10:15-11 a.m.
Sept. 25: Paperback Pumpkin, 6-7:30 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 Rd.s Young Adult, 4-6 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Rd.s Youth, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Passageways—Trans and Non-Binary Group, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 14: Queer & Trans People of Color Advisory, 6-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 16, 23, 30: Born to Read, 10:15-11 a.m.
Sept. 16, 23, 30: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
Sept. 17: Cooking with Essential Oils, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23: Cookbook Book Club—Potato Party, 6-7 p.m.

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

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Mid-day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, 12: Job Seeker Resources, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Dying for Love—A Library Mystery, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Device Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: STEM Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 3, 17, 24: Family Yoga, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 5: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
Sept. 14: Library Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 16: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 28: Teddy Bear Picnic, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 5: An Evening with Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 27: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11: An Evening with Sean Carroll, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14: An Evening with James Poniewozik, 6 p.m.
Sept. 15: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Sept. 15: LGBT Book Club, 4:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 10-Oct. 15: “If Walls Could talk” Mixed Media Class, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 13-15: Advanced Cold Wax Techniques, 6-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 28: Advanced Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 29: Kids Art Class, 12-1 p.m.

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

Sept. 5: The Fires of Penn’s Woods, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 21: Hunter Trapper Safety, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Sept. 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 5: Crochet Night, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Book Review Program—“Arrow Maker,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Wednesday Great Books Discussion group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 14: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Monday Great Books Discussion group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 19: Adult Fall Craft, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 21: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 22: Pete Seeger’s 100^th Birthday, 3-4 p.m.
Sept. 25: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Sept. 7: Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.
Sept. 11-Oct. 16: Arts for All inclusive art classes with The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties, Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 14: Bucknell University’s Small Business Development Center The First Step—Pre-Business Workshop for Artists, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 24-Oct. 29: Watercolors for Adults—Landscape Building Blocks, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 24-Oct. 29: Watercolors for Adults—Beginner Fundamentals, 6-8 p.m.

Rockhill Trolley Museum
430 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace
814-447-9576; rockhilltrolley.org

Sept. 7-8: Grandparents’ Day Weekend

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

Sept. 6: StoryTime—“Because of an Acorn,” 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 8: Artist Conversations, 2 p.m.
Sept. 12: Curiosity Kids—Tinkering Minds, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 20: Archaeology at Fort Hunter, 4-6 p.m.
Sept. 26: Nature Lab—Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, 11:30 a.m.

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

Sept. 18: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Sept. 22: Storytelling Workshop, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (at State Museum)
Sept. 29: Untitled at the Cinema—Life through Another Lens, 7 p.m. (at Midtown Cinema)

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

Sept. 1: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 8: Gallery Walk, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 11: Stress Relief Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Sept. 14: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 15: Flower Walk—Goldenrods, Asters, and Other Fall Surprises, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 19: Get in Shape Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Sept. 21: Brownies—Bugs & Hiker, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 3: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 5: Teen Night—Worst Case Scenario, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 11: 2nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 17: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Born to Read, 10:15-11 a.m., 11:30-12:15 p.m.
Sept. 23: Paperback Pumpkin, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 25: Social Security Basics, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 4-25: Restore Your Core Level 1, Wednesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 7-Oct. 5: Beginner Yoga 5 Week Series, Saturdays, 2:30-4 p.m.
Sept. 9: Mindful Mondays, 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Sept. 21: Kids Night Out—Celebrate Fall, 6-8 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 5: The Piano Guys
Sept. 8: WITF Music—Storyteller Sessions
Sept. 13: The Springsteen Experience
Sept. 21: Leroy Van Dyke
Sept. 22: Three Dog Night w/Charlie Farren
Sept. 28: Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade

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

Sept. 5: Treehouse! and Quasi Kings
Sept. 6: Cripple But Free (Grateful Dead tribute)
Sept. 13: Flux Capacitor
Sept. 21: Driftwood
Sept. 26: Badfish—A Tribute to Sublime
Sept. 27: Scythian

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

Sept. 8: Dweezil Zappa
Sept. 11: Reckless Kelly
Sept. 14: Shemekia Copeland
Sept. 25: Darlingside

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

Sept. 3, 17: Open Mic
Sept. 12: Shawan and the Wonton

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

Sept. 3, 24: Mike Dempsey
Sept. 4, 11: Andrea Britton
Sept. 5, 10, 13, 17, 20, 26, 27: Noel Gevers
Sept. 6, 19, 22: Anthony Haubert
Sept. 7, 14: Ted Ansel
Sept. 12, 21, 28: Roy Lefevre
Sept. 18, 25: Chris Purcell

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

Sept. 28: The Pettybreakers

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

Sept. 1: Social Distortion and Flogging Molly
Sept. 5: Eyehategod, 10 Years
Sept. 6: Samsara, Defiant
Sept. 7: Cold
Sept. 10: Lucy Dacus
Sept. 12: Sugar Candy Mountain
Sept. 14: Music for Paws and Claws
Sept. 18: Caludio Simonetti’s Goblin, The Toasters
Sept. 20: This Wild Life
Sept. 21: The Weeks
Sept. 22: VISTA
Sept. 25: God of Nothing
Sept. 26: C.W. Stoneking
Sept. 27: Saved By the 90’s
Sept. 28: If Not For More, Blessthefall and Escape the Fate, < PIG >

Cliff’s Tavern
1104 Carlisle Rd., Camp Hill
717-412-7323; cliffstavern.com

Sept. 6: Signal 21

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

Sept. 6: DJ Ecliptic
Sept. 7: Sugarhill Gang
Sept. 12: Supersuckers
Sept. 13: JS Ondara
Sept. 14: Cycles & Space Bacon w/Humandala
Sept. 20: Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown w/Coal & Volume To Nothing
Sept. 21: Trina
Sept. 26: Sebastian Bach w/Kobra & the Lotus
Sept. 27: The Struts
Sept. 28: Fever 333

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

Sept. 1: Samuel Sitler
Sept. 5: Kirk Wise
Sept. 6: Antonio Andrade
Sept. 7: Dominick Cicco
Sept. 8: Kevin Kline
Sept. 11: Open Mic w/Jonathan Frazier
Sept. 13: Joe Cooney
Sept. 14: Paul Zavinsky
Sept. 15: GRIT
Sept. 20: Michael Arthur
Sept. 21: Doug Morris
Sept. 22: David Fishel
Sept. 27: Janine Womack & Jody Echterling
Sept. 28: Hard Travelin
Sept. 29: Colette Eckert

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

Sept. 15: Springsteen tribute concert

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 1: Jeremy Denk
Sept. 7: Telegraph Quartet w/Carl Ellenberger and Alex Shaw

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

Sept. 1: Radio Neon
Sept. 6: Colt Wilbur Band
Sept. 7: DJ Magic, Josh Squared Band
Sept. 13: Sapphire
Sept. 14: DJ Ray Rossi, Kashmir, Honeypump
Sept. 20: Smooth Like Clyde
Sept. 21: DJ Koolie Kirk, The Luv Gods
Sept. 27: Uptown Band
Sept. 28: DJ Matrix, Jumper

Keystone Capital Chorus
717-350-5712; kccsing.com

Sept. 28: “Disney Through the Ages”

Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

Sept. 24: Common Hour Jazz

The Lodge at Liberty Forge
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-756-5032; lodgeatlibertyforge.com

Sept. 4: Open Mic w/Roy, Janelle & Frank
Sept. 5: North Mountain Ramblers
Sept. 12: Taylor Wire & Friends
Sept. 19: LeBlanc & Kissinger
Sept. 26: Shea & Len w/Devon Polulak

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

Sept. 18: REO Speedwagon
Sept. 20: Ronnie Milsap
Sept. 21: Alan Parsons
Sept. 22: Collective Soul

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

Sept. 20: Wind Symphony and Orchestra

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

Sept. 7: The Willys

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Sept. 20: Midori & Ieva Jokubaviciute

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

Sept. 14: Threefold Cord Women’s Choir
Sept. 15: Piano Times Two III
Sept. 20: Rod Gilfry
Sept. 27: Messiah College Wind Ensemble & Symphony

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

Sept. 6: ALOW

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

Sept. 7: Lucille
Sept. 14: No Band
Sept. 21: Ryan Mayersky
Sept. 28: Charlie McClanahan

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

Sept. 22: Pete Seeger’s 100th Birthday

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

Sept. 16: River City Big Band
Sept. 28: Don Johnson Project

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

Sept. 26: The Capitol Steps

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

Sept. 1: Willie Watson
Sept. 13: Vanessa Collier
Sept. 20: Driftwood

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

Sept. 6: Quentin Jones
Sept. 7: The North Side
Sept. 14: Ben Simcox
Sept. 20: Shea Quinn and Friends
Sept. 27: Drew Adams
Sept. 28: Ever Since Summer

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

Sept. 6: Bulgarika
Sept. 11: Rue de la Pompe w/Kevin Neidig
Sept. 20: Genticorum
Sept. 26: Old Blind Dogs

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

Sept. 15: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

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

Sept. 13: Josh Dominick
Sept. 20: Kevin Koa

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 20: “Peppa Pig Live!”

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

Sept. 13: Brent Terhune

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

Sept. 13-29: Disney’s “Frozen Jr.”

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

Sept. 1-21: “Finding Neverland”
Sept. 14: Dave Attell
Sept. 26-Nov. 9: “The Will Rogers Follies”

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

Sept. 14-28: “Sleeping Beauty” (Popcorn Hat)

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

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic
Sept. 6, 7: Sid Davis and Gali Koup
Sept. 13, 14: Davin Rosenblatt and Pat House
Sept. 20, 21: Brad Lanning and Tim Loulies
Sept. 27, 28: Frank Del Pizzo and Kate Brindle

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

Sept. 20, 22: Intro to Improv Class Show
Sept. 21, 22: Musical Level 1 Class Show

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

Sept. 10-15: Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Sept. 21: Hershey Symphony—Cirque de la Symphonie
Sept. 26: “The Price is Right” Live

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

Sept. 6-21: “Moon Over Buffalo”

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

Sept. 5: Almost U

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

Sept. 1: “Jeeves Takes a Bow”
Sept. 27-Oct. 31: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”

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

Sept. 13-29: “Mamma Mia”

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

Sept. 29: “Risque Business”

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

Sept. 6-22: “Noises Off” (at Whitaker Center)

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

Sept. 6-22: “Noises Off” (Theatre Harrisburg)

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 30, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Bicyclists on Harrisburg’s newly paved lower river walk

Harrisburg eased into the long Labor Day weekend with a mix of stories and events, from school and city news to community and artistic events. Here’s our recap in case you missed any of our coverage over the past week.

Brandon Spicer-Crawley is one of the many talented artists who are hard at work during the Harrisburg Mural Festival. Our feature tells his story, and you now can see his work for yourself.

Community Check Up Center celebrates 25 years of serving Harrisburg this autumn. Read the feature from our August issue on this vital medical resource for Allison Hill and South Harrisburg.

Dr. John George, the Harrisburg school district’s acting superintendent, condemned a proposal to create a voucher program that would allow Harrisburg students to attend private schools with public money. Read about why he objects to the proposed bill.

Harrisburg unveiled its repaired and rebuilt lower river walk along the Susquehanna River this past week. Newly laid concrete now extends about two miles from Shipoke to Maclay Street. Read about the project here.

Harrisburg Mural Festival kicked off on Friday, with local, national and international muralists creating 14 large-scale works of art. You can see these talented artists in action through Sept. 8, when the festival concludes with a big block party. Read what our arts columnist has to say and check out the online brochure.

Harrisburg Sketchers opened their first formal exhibit last week, in the DeSoto Vault space of the Susquehanna Art Museum. This homegrown Harrisburg group has come a long way, says our writer. Read her feature story here.

Kipona begins on Saturday and goes through the long Labor Day weekend. There will be plenty of food, music and water-based fun, along with a beer garden, Native American pow-wow and lots of special activities. Read our story here.

Quiche holds a special place in the heart of many baby boomers, and now it’s back, says our food writer. Read Rosemary’s column and recipe here.

Sara Bozich has plenty of ideas for the final weekend of the traditional summer season, with no end of festivals, outings and special events. Check out her list of 100-plus things to do.

Sprocket Mural Works was our “Artist in Focus” for our August issue. Check out their past work as you prepare for many more murals to take shape around Harrisburg over the next 10 days.

TheBurg released our new September issue, with a heavy focus on local arts. We have you covered, whether your preference is paint, performance or another artistic medium. Pick up the new issue or check it out online.

Whitaker Center and local officials took sledgehammers to a wall to ceremonially begin a new project—a new STEM Design Studio on the lower level of the Harsco Science Center. Shortly after, details were announced for the 2019 Très Bonne Année, one of Whitaker Center’s largest annual fundraisers. Read about both events here.

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Textured Life: Ceramist Amy LeFever sees patterns all around us.

August 30, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

During a good portion of our interview at Little Amps, Amy LeFever was staring at the brick wall behind me in the Harrisburg coffee shop.

“I love a lot of the textures in there, the patterns—how it’s breaking down,” she said. “That’s as good as my piece in the State Museum. I would hang that.”

It’s everyday sights like these that inspire LeFever and help launch her into her next project. The Middletown resident created hundreds of ceramic pieces full of unique textures and patterns. One of her latest works, rectangular white tile pieces covered in diagonal lines and divots, landed her first place this year in the ceramics category of the annual “Art of the State” competition.

“It was a sense of affirmation of what you do,” said LeFever, a HACC adjunct professor. “I came in and hung the piece myself. I was kind of nervous about it. It was something I shouldn’t have been nervous about, but I was. I was thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong, but it went super smoothly.”

Before her piece was hung in the State Museum, before winning numerous awards, and before traveling across the country to study art, LeFever was a musician. She started playing classical piano when she was in the third grade, her favorite being Chopin.

It was in high school when LeFever first started “messing around” with art. Her sister Letitia, who was an artist, would fish out clay from the creek behind their house and together they would create different creatures and objects from it.

It wasn’t until she started at HACC in 2004 that she really fell into the ceramics world. For her general studies major, she needed an art elective, so she took “Ceramics 1.”

“It sucked me right in,” she said. “I just spent all my time in there, and then I just continued down that path.”

From then, she won first and second place in two student art exhibits at HACC and was a featured artist in the Radius Gallery in the State Museum.

After earning her associate’s degree, LeFever studied at Alfred University in New York and earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Her art then took her across the world to study at the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute in China. For a month, LeFever went sightseeing in various cities, such as Shanghai, and learned different clay techniques.

“[My favorite part] was seeing ceramics in a new way, a new place, and working with new material,” she said.

Between her residencies at HACC and George Fox University in Oregon—and eventually earning her masters at the University of Tennesee in 2018—LeFever created numerous pieces and even dove into new media such as fabric work and digital design.

It wasn’t until three years ago that she started to really develop her signature look. Her art is known for having unique shapes and lines and for mixing different textures and patterns. It wasn’t something that was planned out or analyzed. According to LeFever, usually, when she is working on a piece, she doesn’t have a final look in mind. Instead, her work is the result of a series of reactions from the time she initiates the piece until she feels as if it’s finished.

“In some ways, I have a few different trajectories in ceramics that all come together at a certain point,” she said. “ I love rough sorts of textures and really playing with the material.”

Her upbringing also had a part in shaping her, and, therefore, her art. Living in Lancaster County with her conservative Mennonite family but going to church on Herr Street in Harrisburg, she saw a lot of different cultures mixing together.

When LeFever was in the eighth grade, her eldest sister was in a car accident that severely altered her brain.

“There was a certain tearing apart of the physicality of her brain, but also our family and how that changes you,” she said. “I always played with the concept of making a form, cutting it apart and reassembling it in different ways.”

Though these and other events have influenced her, she doesn’t really show them through her art.

“I wouldn’t say that my art is depicting these things, but they are integral to who I am,” she said. “I don’t think it’s why I’m interested in that certain visual language, but it just sort of makes sense to me.”

When asked what’s next, she shrugged and laughed. Her family keeps her pretty busy so she doesn’t have a firm timeframe for her art. However, she is still on the hunt for new shows, and, she says, making new art is always the goal.

But right now, having her work hanging in the State Museum where hundreds of people can see it—that’s enough for her.

You can check out Amy LeFever’s work at “Art of the State” at the State Museum of Pennsylvania through Sept. 8. To see more, visit her website at www.amylefever.com.

Meet the Artist: Brandon Spicer-Crawley installs his first large-scale work during Harrisburg Mural Festival.

August 30, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

Artist Brandon Spicer-Crawley (far left), along with volunteers from Sprocket Mural Works, prepares his mural prior to installation.

Sandra Spicer-Sharp said it was one of her proudest moments as a mom.

Her son’s artwork, created on parachute cloth, was laid out on the grass aside the Stokes Millworks Lumber Storage Building on 4^th Street near the Broad Street Market on Thursday evening, ready to be installed as part of the Harrisburg Mural Festival.

“My emotions are all over the place,” she said. “When it goes up on the wall, I’m going to lose it.”

While some muralists paint directly onto primed walls, live during the festival, others like Brandon Spicer-Crawley create their works ahead-of-time on the durable cloth that is then adhered to a wall’s surface and sealed, preserving it as mural art.

Spicer-Crawley is no ordinary artist. Within the diversity of the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival’s artist lineup, he is an intellectually disabled, African-American artist with a prolific ability for art.

“I knew he had artistic talent when he was 4 years old,” said Sandra Spicer-Sharp. “He was born with his own intrinsic drive to create art.”

Although the 38-year-old artist has had numerous gallery exhibits in his native Philadelphia area, this is his first mural and first large-scale work. Abstract in nature, it’s filled with patterns including repeating circles of bright colors. Like Spicer-Crawley himself, the work seems to radiate happiness and joy.

Brandon Spicer-Crawley’s mother, Sandra Spicer-Sharp, and his stepfather look at the mural installation site.

He created the mural over the past several months at the Wynnewood, Pa.-based studio, the Center for Creative Works, where he’s been a practicing artist since their opening in 2010. One tenet of the nonprofit Sprocket Mural Works is that artists creating murals for its Harrisburg Mural Festival are compensated for their talents; the rest of the festival is 100-percent volunteer-driven.

Thursday night’s installation means that festival attendees can view Spicer-Crawley’s mural during the entire 10 days of the festival, Aug. 30 to Sept. 8, and beyond. At the conclusion of the festival, 14 new murals will grace Harrisburg’s streetscape, bringing Sprocket’s grand total throughout the city to 40 murals.

Spicer-Sharp, who teaches special education at the Community College of Philadelphia, perched on a log bench set up by Millworks for the occasion and reflected on the significance of the moment.

“It’s poignant for me, because, in our special education textbooks, we note that, as a society, we talk about people’s exceptions before we talk about the person themselves,” she said. “But we also talk about people being capable—capable of anything with the right kind of exposure. I think today, with this mural, we’re moving the needle a little bit, creating a little change in the world.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Mural Festival, see https://www.sprocketmuralworks.com/. TheBurg is the event’s media sponsor.

20 Down . . .: Whitaker Center reflects on its past, plans for the future.

August 30, 2019 | by Hanna Martin

In the late 1980s, a group of local officials sought to build a cultural and science center for the growing Harrisburg area. They drafted a plan that included a fine arts center, a science museum and a theater.

Finally, in 1999, the distinctive-looking, $52.7 million Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts opened its doors in the heart of downtown Harrisburg.

Fast-forward to 2019, and this month, Whitaker Center celebrates its 20th birthday. The center, which includes the Harsco Science Center, the Select Medical Digital Cinema and the Sunoco Theater, has taken root and blossomed over that time.

Jeanne Schmedlen, who was involved in the creation of Whitaker Center, said that the cultural hub is central to the greater Harrisburg community.

“The mayor at the time, Stephen Reed, called this the crown jewel of Harrisburg when he cut the ribbon [at the grand opening],” Schmedlen said. “And often, still, people refer to it as the crown jewel.”

As Whitaker Center turns 20, President and CEO Ted Black is looking to the future, focused on modernization and expanding the center’s digital presence.

“We have some big plans and big things underway,” he said. “It’s just challenging getting through these transition phases, where you wish you had a magic wand and everything was built and up and changed.”

Renovations will both expand and modernize exhibits in the Harsco Science Center and Kids’ Place, providing a more enjoyable experience for children.

Kids’ Place will undergo some of the more dramatic changes. Not only will old favorites like the ambulance and the Midtown Market receive a new look, but visitors can expect the number of exhibits to double. Renovations will be implemented in three stages, with the first stage beginning Nov. 1. When complete, the revamped Kids’ Place will be 30-percent larger with new exhibits, such a life-sized Operation game.

Changes to the science center include a new grand entrance, which Black hopes will help to foster a sense of arrival and excitement as visitors eagerly await their entrance. Exhibits will receive a face-lift, too, with computers and software in the “Forces of Nature” exhibit set for upgrades, and some spaces may be reallocated.

Beyond the physical changes, Whitaker Center will have more technology-based programs to teach children crucial computer skills like coding. Classroom space, currently hidden behind plain doors in the science center, will be renovated for the first time since Whitaker opened to make it more accessible to interactive learning.

“We’re in the process of recruiting for a coding educator,” Black said. “Learning coding now is like learning Spanish 30 years ago. It’s a language you should know. And even if you don’t go in the computer direction, it’s also a way of thinking, a way of problem-solving.”

The “Surgery Live!” program for older students will continue in the Select Medical Digital Theater, which received a new Barco Smart Laser projector in July, providing a crystal-clear look into Hershey Medical Center’s operation rooms. “Surgery Live!” aims to pique interest in the medical field, allowing students to watch actual surgical procedures and ask questions.

Because the center offers programs for people of all ages, Deb Wagner, the communications manager at Whitaker Center, said that she enjoys watching local children grow up through the center.

“We celebrated 10 years of having ‘Surgery Live!’ last year,” she said. “We had a student who’s now a nurse who attended ‘Surgery Live!’ on a field trip. We get to watch a less-than 5-year-old grow through Whitaker Center and have a career in STEM. It’s incredible.”

New Ideas

Board member Gus Schmedlen said that Whitaker Center is working with Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, using state-of-the-art experimental learning design to rework exhibits and learning activities. Educational activities on science, technology, engineering and math will teach children how to contextualize the skills they’re learning in a larger community setting.

“Instead of just learning these isolated skills, they’re being enhanced with these so-called global competencies, or non-cognitive skills, which make students who learn them and the teachers far more flexible and adaptive,” Schmedlen said. “So, when the next disruptive technology comes out, these students will be able to navigate that using both the cognitive as well as the non-cognitive skills.”

Whitaker Center focuses on making an impact in children’s lives. During the 2018 fiscal year, it welcomed 11,600 students through the STEM scholarship program, up 2,000 students from the year before. It also has programming for underserved students, like the “Girls in STEM” initiative.

“[‘Girls in STEM’] allows us to bring in fourth- to eighth-grade girls for a weeklong discovery day camp that’s all focused on STEM for $50,” Wagner said. “So, it really provides an opportunity for an underserved population to come to the center. They get free play in the center, they get directed science, technology, engineering and math. They build roller coasters, they program robots to follow paths through the science center.”

However, the fun isn’t only for kids, as Whitaker Center has programs for adults, as well. Events like “Story Slam,” an acoustic singer-songwriter competition and sampling sessions of local beers and wines allow the over-21 crowd to join in the fun.

Looking to the future, Black wants to deepen Whitaker Center’s relationship with other local business and nonprofits, including nearby Harrisburg University, while continuing to foster an environment that supports new ideas.

“Fortunately, we have a really dedicated staff that believes in everything we’re doing here,” Black said. “I think that’s in the DNA of the building. This is a unique physical structure that not many places have, regardless of the size of the city. Everyone is excited to be a part of that.”

Whitaker Center is located at 222 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information about the center and upcoming events, visit www.whitakercenter.org.

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