Silver Is Golden: HBG Jewish Film Festival celebrates 25 years in many languages, on many themes.

In “Working Woman,” one of the offerings of this year’s Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival, Orna, a mother of three, returns to the workplace to help support her family when her husband’s new restaurant is struggling. She gets a job with Benny, a former army superior who is now a successful real estate developer.

Under his mentorship, the talented Orna rapidly rises through the ranks. But there’s a price of success—trying to balance work and home demands. Even more insidious is the escalating sexual harassment from her boss.

Released in 2018, the Israeli film might have been ripped from today’s headlines. But Director Michal Aviad said that a woman whom she met more than a decade ago, who was similarly harassed, inspired her.

“Most of the time, the harassment was a constant unspoken threat. This woman was dependent on the job and believed she could handle it,” said Aviad. “Orna wants the job, and needs it. Benny doesn’t appear to Orna or to us as a plain villain. He’s generous and appreciates her work. It is confusing, but reality is full of complex villains.”

“The Last Suit,” a 2017 Argentinian film written and directed by Pablo Solarz, sets a very different tone.

At 88, Abraham Bursztein seems to be at the mercy of his grown children. They’ve sold his Buenos Aires residence, prepared his move to a retirement home, and disagree about how to handle his fading health. But Abraham, a curmudgeonly Holocaust survivor who made a successful life in a foreign land, has his own ideas. He empties his bank account, buys a one-way ticket to Poland, and sets out to fulfill a promise made 70 years earlier—to find the man who restored him to life after the horrors of the war.

“But I was not interested in an unfolding a series of events,” Solarz said. “I wanted people to feel the same as the characters—to feel the importance of telling one’s story to ‘die in peace.’”

Along the way, in a comic, yet poignant, late-in-life road movie, Abraham experiences the kindness of strangers. Viewers are unlikely to emerge dry-eyed at the movie’s end.

“This year’s slate [of films] is quite eclectic, and we hope that our increasingly diverse audience is well met, with pictures that highlight World War II and the Holocaust, the #MeToo movement, LGBT issues, the Israeli/Palestinian divide, and even the 2017 World Baseball Classic,” said Julie Sherman, executive director of the film festival.

“The Tobacconist,” a German drama by Nikolaus Leytner based on the best-selling novel, is a coming-of-age story of innocent, 17-year-old Franz, who arrives in Vienna shortly before Hitler’s annexation of Austria. As apprentice to Otto, a tobacconist, Franz becomes enamored of regular customer Sigmund Freud, whom he consults about his infatuation with unattainable goddess Anezka.

“The Tobacconist” is the subject of the annual “Book Club Film and Breakfast” event.

Several films explore facets of Israeli life.

In the comedy-drama, “The Unorthodox,” (by Eliran Malka), a Sephardic printer who has grown tired of feeling like a second-class citizen in an Ashkenazi-dominated country takes on the establishment in quintessential underdog fashion.

“Inside the Mossad,” a documentary by Duki Dror, explores the inner workings, achievements and moral dilemmas of the foreign intelligence organization.

One of the two LGBT-themed Israeli feature films is “Family in Transition,” about a long-married man who comes out as transgendered.

From Mexico comes “Leona,” directed by Isaac Cherem. Ariela, a young Jewish woman in Mexico City, is in no hurry to marry, yet she falls in love with a man guaranteed to meet with her family’s disapproval—in a close-knit community with one of the world’s lowest rates of assimilation.

Cherem will conduct a Q&A about his directorial-debut movie.

Films also come from many European countries, Canada and even South Korea.

Closing the festival is “If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast,” an American documentary by Danny Gold, which explores the secret to living into your 90s—and loving every minute of it. Writer-comedian Carl Reiner tracks down fellow nonagenarians—and a few others over 100—who are living happy, rewarding lives in their twilight years. Among them are comic actors Betty White and Dick Van Dyke.

Most films will be shown at the Midtown Cinema, though the festival will open at the PA State Museum and close at the Harrisburg Jewish Community Center.

“One secret to our success of the film festival is our relationship with Midtown Cinema and its members,” said Sherman. “It is expanding our audience, and a lot of these people are true cinephiles—just incredibly open to new and different film experiences.”

With its silver anniversary, the festival can claim success on many levels.

“Twenty-five years is a real milestone for the film festival,” Sherman said. “It’s been a great opportunity to consider—and be proud of—how we’ve grown, and to imagine what we can do going forward. It’s a very exciting time.”

The Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival opens May 5 at the PA State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg. It continues May 10 to 16 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. It concludes on May 16 at the Harrisburg Jewish Community Center, 3301 N. Front St., Harrisburg.


Screening times, film trailers, special events and other details can be found at
www.hbgjff.com.

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Act 2 Lancaster: Ranked first nationwide for retirement, the Red Rose City offers seniors fun, opportunities, second careers.

Ann Willets landed in Lancaster almost by accident.

Willets worked for years as a new product engineer for a large tech company in her home state of North Carolina. After a successful career, her company merged with another, and she lost her job.

“I talked with a friend who also had been downsized,” Willets said. “We agreed to start a bed and breakfast.”

And just like that, a second career was born. But where?

Her partner had grown up in New England, so they drew a line halfway between. Willets had been in Lancaster a few years before and enjoyed the area, and her partner liked the Amish environment and country living. So, the pair found the perfect B&B, King’s Cottage, just east of the downtown.

“We toured the city picking out the best restaurants, galleries and shops so we could provide tips to our customers,” Willets said. “We sold our customers, as well as ourselves, on this being a great place to live.”

And thus began Willets’ “retirement” job. Evidently, she did so in the perfect place.

Lancaster is the best place in the nation to retire, according to a recent ranking in U.S. News & World Report. The news magazine considered six factors: housing affordability, desirability, retiree taxes, happiness, job market and access to quality health care.

Maureen Leader sees many retirees each year in her position as public relations and communications manager at Willow Valley Communities, a 55-plus community just south of the city.

“Just because you are retired from paid work does not mean you are retired from life,” Leader said. “Our residents engage in a full life on our campus and in nearby Lancaster.”

Armand Weller, a minister, spent 17 years with a church in Florida before he retired seven years ago. Both he and his wife missed the beauty of Lancaster County and didn’t like the heat of Florida or the constant threat of hurricanes. So, they headed back north.

“My biggest fear was that I would retire, then after two weeks, go crazy from boredom,” Weller said.

That definitely didn’t happen. Like Willets, he found an unexpected second career.

Weller volunteered at a welcome center outside of Lancaster, where he was invited to fill in at a photo shoot. One of the models asked which agency he belonged to. That night, after talking to his wife and daughter, he decided to contact an agency.

“I called and, two months later, I had my first modeling job,” Weller said. “Now, I’m doing commercials, a documentary brochure and advertisements. For me, Lancaster has all of the excitement of bigger cities such as Philadelphia and New York without the traffic and crime.”

Ross Fairweather attended school in the Philadelphia area, then moved to Raleigh, N.C., as a sales representative for IBM. She was delighted to be selected to build a call center in Atlanta supporting sales of all products, from PCs to mainframes.

“After a 36-year career, I was caught in a downsizing operation, so moved back to the Philadelphia area before being laid off,” Fairweather said. “Tired of home ownership, I moved into an over-55 community in Lancaster because it had residents from a diversity of states.”

Fairweather joined a local church, which operated a breakfast program for students. Her involvement led the church to ask her to be the volunteer coordinator at a local school to recruit mentors for students, a program that continues to grow.

“I love the city.” Fairweather said. “Plus, I feel helping needy families is my calling.”

Betty Price has been in service nearly all her life.

After finishing college, she joined the Air Force, eventually obtaining a master’s degree in East Asian studies, which resulted in a career in military intelligence. As an intelligence officer, she served in a wide variety of duty stations, including the Pentagon and Korea.

When she retired from the Air Force, Price worked for MITRE Corp., a defense contractor. During this time, she moved to an over-55 community in Loudoun County, Va., and started her own company as a personal trainer.

“Washington, D.C., is an exciting place,” Price said. “But to get to the things I like, such as wonderful galleries or the Kennedy Center, I needed to fight traffic or take the Metro.”

So, she moved to Lancaster to retire, slow down the pace of life and pursue other opportunities.

What’s the secret to Lancaster’s No. 1 ranking? It seems to be a combination of urban living, historical charm, plenty of parks, lots of culture and nightlife and a chance to do something entirely new later in life.

“I love Lancaster because, like D.C., it has restaurants, art galleries and theaters, but all within a few minutes commute,” Price said.

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“Ragtime” Reinvented: Open Stage of Harrisburg showcases a melting pot of stories.

Photo by Haley Harned.

A woman struggling to find her identity as a wife and mother. A black couple facing racial tensions in their community. An immigrant and his daughter trying to better their lives in America. A wealthy young man swept up in a political movement, learning to fight for what is right.

These themes are all explored in the Tony Award-winning “Ragtime,” coming to Open Stage of Harrisburg in late May. The sweeping musical mixes fictional characters with real-life historical figures, resulting in a melting pot of American stories.

Traditionally presented with a cast of 40, large sets and vivid costumes, “Ragtime” Director Rachel Landon is taking a simpler approach in her direction, focusing on the basics needed to tell the story.

“With musicals, we can get lost in the spectacle,” said Landon. “Our approach will enable people to identify with every single character and the struggles they are going through. When you remove those elements often associated with a large-scale musical, you’re left with the story and characters.”

James Oronoz, who is playing Coalhouse Walker, Jr., is excited about the changes that are being made to the presentation of the show.

“What I love about the entire show is every song feels like it’s a finale,” said Oronoz. “It’s so grand and big and so beautiful. But, ultimately, why I love doing theater is telling stories. The changes being made are steps forward in an ever-changing world and will bring more strength to the piece.”

To accomplish Landon’s vision for “Ragtime,” actors will portray multiple characters, costumes and sets will be kept simple, and a small pit orchestra will provide the music.

“Presenting the show in a different way allows actors to play characters they may not have been able to play,” Landon said. “There will be modern and anachronistic elements that will support that choice. The music is so epic and boiling it down to a ragtime feel will add an additional element of Americana to the show.”

Based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, the musical was adapted by Terrance McNally, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The plot of “Ragtime” focuses on one question: “What is the American dream?” Set in the early 1900s and told through the daily lives of three different and diverse families, the story’s themes are timeless.

“These characters have to make very tough choices as the landscape of America is changing faster than they are prepared for,” said Landon. “Although set 100 years ago, we still struggle greatly with our relationship with immigration and race. These are social themes where people will say, ‘That’s us, too. That’s America.’”

Even though the presentation of the show will be simplified, it is important to Landon that the original story and themes be honored. The through-line of “Ragtime” is told through the third person with a switch to first person for intimate and challenging scenes. Open Stage’s version will maintain that method of storytelling.

“We want to respect the words these characters have to share,” said Landon. “One of the reasons we picked ‘Ragtime’ in our ‘Coming of Age’ season is because it exemplifies the country coming of age. It also shows us that, in many ways, our country is still coming of age. Our version of ‘Ragtime’ will emphasize that, showing these are incredibly flawed people who don’t realize how greatly they are flawed until these events grow out of control.”

As “Ragtime” concludes the season, the musical will be the final show in the theater’s current configuration. Major renovations to the theater will occur over the summer, including a new entrance, technical upgrades and updates to all existing classrooms, dressing rooms and office space, leading in to Season 34, which is aptly themed “Metamorphosis.”

While many changes are coming to Open Stage, audience members will enjoy seeing a familiar face return to the stage in “Ragtime.” Stuart Landon, producing artistic director, will portray Tateh. He last appearance in a main stage show was “Sondheim on Sondheim” in 2016.

Whether or not audience members have previously seen “Ragtime,” Open Stage of Harrisburg’s version of the musical will offer an intimate look at life in America—both the good and bad—and how people can learn from the past to better their futures.

“I would love for everyone to come in with an open mind and open heart,” said Oronoz. “And get ready to be entertained.”

The “Ragtime” cast also features Brad Barkdoll, Benny Benamati, Stiles Colbert, TJ Creedon, Georgianna Hicks, Jonathan Hoover, Alex King, Pilisa Mackay, David Payne, Gretchen Sutton, Ian Wallace and Stacey Werner. Musical direction is provided by Nicholas Werner and choreography by Kelly Strange. 


“Ragtime” runs May 25 through June 16 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. Tickets are available at
www.openstagehbg.com. For information on Season 34, please visit the Open Stage website.

 

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

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

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“Puss In Boots”
May 1 to 18
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Select Wednesday and Thursday performances available by request and availability.
Call the box office for more information. 717-238-4111

KIDSFEST at Artsfest
May 25 to 27
Riverfront Park, Harrisburg

26th Annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park”
William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
May 31 to June 15
Reservoir Park
Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

 

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

Musical Theatre Master Class
With Lara Hayhurst and Trey Compton
May 6 at 7 p.m.

“Ragtime”
May 25 to June 16
A breathtaking musical about what it means to live the American dream.

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Slice of Tradition: Smoke & Pickles carves out a place in Mechanicsburg.

Burg in Focus: Smoke & Pickles Artisan Butcher Shop from GK Visual on Vimeo.

David T. Mills has worn many culinary hats over the years.

He started as a dishwasher at 16 years old and quickly worked his way up the ladder to become an executive chef at the tender age of 19.

He then worked in food service and as a culinary arts instructor, while pursuing a certificate in brewery science at Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey.

He’s recently hit another milestone. Earlier this year, he opened Smoke & Pickles Artisan Butcher Shop & Kitchen, adding to the flavor of historic downtown Mechanicsburg, itself in the midst of a revival.

 

Ancient Practice

Many of Mills’ ideas for his shop originated with trips to Italy, Spain and France, journeys that were both eye opening and inspiring, he said.

“We ventured into a small town in Chianti in the Tuscany region [of Italy] called Panzano, where we visited a butcher shop,” he said. “It was an extremely busy place, and the butcher was blasting AC/DC as he handed me a water glass full of Chianti.”

It turned out that the butcher was the renowned Dario Cecchini, who’s been featured on many food programs, including in the Netflix documentary series, “Chef’s Table.”

Cecchini is an eighth-generation butcher, committed to doing his job in the traditional way. For instance, he uses all parts of the animal—an ancient skill that has been passed on through the family. This resonated with Mills’ sense of sustainability.

“When I returned to the states, I realized how broken the food system was,” he said.

His newfound knowledge led him to try to make changes in his small corner of the world in central Pennsylvania. He now serves on the board of the LEAF (leadership, education and farming) project in Carlisle, whose mission is to cultivate youth leaders through meaningful work in the food system. He also joined the nonprofit American Culinary Federation, where he currently serves as president.

“That [affiliation] gave me the opportunity to dive into what was next,” he said.

He’s since run into his Italian butcher/mentor stateside, as Cecchini has appeared at York’s Pullo Center, hosted by Caputo Brothers Creamery.

“I got wind that the same butcher I observed in Italy was slated to break down a hog on stage, while playing AC/DC, of course,” said Mills, with a chuckle.

 

Locally Sourced

Mills’ first task at Smoke & Pickles was to remodel the space on Market Street to accommodate several meat cases, a work area and a separate eatery, which includes seating for 27 customers.

Products for sale include pre-marinated steaks, roasts, farm fresh eggs, sausages, stocks, burgers, beef, pork, bacon, chicken, turkey, guinea fowl and duck, to just name a few items.

Those who prefer to dine onsite can choose from a variety of handhelds served on homemade rolls. Popular choices are the “Screamin’ Eagle,” prepared with boneless fried chicken, house-made sauce and slaw, and the “The Mechanicsburger,” made with ground beef and bacon and served with Bibb lettuce, red onion, garlic aioli and a fried tomato. “The Smoker,” another much-ordered option, features pulled pork, house barbecue sauce and slaw.

Customers can usually find Mills working onsite in the food preparation area. Both he and his staff are available to answer questions about the provenance of the products that he showcases each week.

“I visited every single farm,” he said, speaking about his products. “It is important for me to see how the animals are raised. You can tell how they are cared for, and, if you can smell the farm when you get there, they are not doing things how they should be.”

It’s also important to Mills that antibiotics are kept to a minimum.

“Most of them don’t use any,” he said, adding that he knows of one farm on his list of purveyors that has administered just four shots in the past decade. “That’s a testament to how he cares for the animals.”

Candace Bordner was one of the first customers to visit Smoke & Pickles. The Mechanicsburg resident, who dined onsite, said that she was impressed with the quality of ingredients used for food preparation and the fact that all the products are sourced ethically and sustainably.

“I love that they list where everything is from,” she said.

Owen Bower, Jr., drove from Halifax to purchase a bone-in prime rib for Easter and, while there, also bought pickles and a dry-aged, grass-fed tomahawk steak.

“My girlfriend lives in Mechanicsburg, and we were waiting for it to open,” he said. “I like the fact that everything is local. It’s worth the splurge.”

For Mills, opening an artisan butcher shop is the culmination of a dream, and he’s delighted that it has been received so enthusiastically.

“I’m just happy to revive the cozy, reputable, neighborhood butcher shop that meets all the traditional standards of the past, while breathing creative new life into the locally sourced food movement,” he said.

 

Smoke & Pickles Artisan Butcher Shop is located at 30 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg. Learn more by visiting their Facebook page or calling 717-795-4852.

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Artist in Focus: Andrew Guth

Do you own a Guth?

If you’ve been around Harrisburg awhile, you just might.

Artist Andrew Sedgwick Guth has been creating art in the capital city for more than a decade, formerly as part of the North Gallery and Mantis Collective and, now, as an independent artist with a studio in the Millworks in Harrisburg.

His painting and printmaking is eclectic in media and theme. One day, he might employ mixed media to create figurative art with a deeply personal message. On another, he’ll turn to abstraction. Then he’ll create whimsical representations of taco trucks, bears or parking meters. You just never know.

One thing you will know is that Guth’s art will be of high quality. His work has been shown regionally and nationally, and he has curated more than 125 exhibits throughout his career. His art has been showcased in such prestigious places as the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, where, in 2017, his work on paper took a first-place award in the annual, juried “Art of the State” exhibition.

On this page, we include a small sample of Guth’s work. To see more, visit www.andrewsedgwickguth.com or, even, better stop by his studio in the Millworks.

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Fruit Loop: Shopping in circles at the Round Barn.

When you think of a barn, a certain type of structure almost certainly comes to mind—boxy, with a sloping roof and a huge front door.

It’s probably not round.

But near Gettysburg, there is a unique structure that draws people from miles around.

The Historic Round Barn, otherwise known as the Noah Sheely barn, was built in 1914 and later purchased by the Knouse family, who converted it to a farm market and wedding venue.

According to Charles Leik, past president of the National Barn Alliance, round barns were built with efficiency in mind.

“If you look at a cow from above, you’ll see that it’s a wedge-shaped animal, so you could array this cow around a central feeding trough,” he said. “You had your cows with the heads toward the silo and the business end in the larger circumference of the round barn.”

Additional benefits included an open floor plan where farmers could work in a continuous direction unimpeded by posts supporting the building.

According to Leik, the round barn had its share of detractors.

“Your neighbors would probably give you a hard time for building something so unusual,” he said. “And your local carpenter was probably not very excited to deal with an awful lot of geometry that he was unfamiliar with.”

Another drawback was that the round barn was really only good for dairying. So, the farmer was locked into one business once the structure was built.

The popularity of round barns waned in the 1920s with the onset of prefabricated barns and the agricultural depression after the end of World War I.

 

Locally Made

The Knouse family bought the barn more than three decades ago.

“They built it to house cows, horses and mules, and it stayed in the same family until we purchased it in 1984,” said Kevin Knouse of Knouse Fruitlands, a multi-generational, family-owned orchard.

After a decade of renovations, the family opened the barn to the public and now operates it as a farm stand and wedding venue.

“We spent quite a bit of time doing work on the structure, which included replacing the roof,” said Knouse, adding that the current roof needs to be replaced again, with estimates in the $400,000 range. “It didn’t last as long as we anticipated.”

Those who visit the Historic Round Barn & Farmers Market today will not only find a large selection of produce, but other products. Some of the more popular items are sauces, spreads and salad dressings.

“Vendors make items like jellies and jams with our fruits,” said Knouse. “We pull in a lot of locally made products that you can’t find anywhere else.”

 

History, Food

Craig Nye often travels from Mechanicsburg to shop at the Round Barn. He said that, until his first visit, he had never seen a round barn, except in pictures.

“From an architectural standpoint, I find it interesting,” he said.

Nye said that he is impressed with the selection he finds there—from the baked goods to the produce to the arts and crafts. He recommends that visitors climb the staircase to view the inside of the roof.

“It’s interesting to see the upper part of the round barn from the inside,” he said.

Nye also enjoys the petting zoo, which includes pygmy goats, horses and donkeys, and likes learning everything he can about the Lincoln Highway. He was happy to see a nod to the old route on the property.

“It’s a painted gas pump that is one of many that were installed along the Pennsylvania portion of the Lincoln Highway in 2003,” he said.

Julie Rudisill is another frequent customer.

“I love the architecture, the history and the pies, sauces and other homemade food,” said the Lancaster resident. “Their barbecue sauces are also good, and the people are very friendly.”

With the popularity of barn weddings, the Knouse family recognized the opportunity to turn the place into a wedding venue, hosting their first about 12 years ago.

“In the past eight years, we’ve done additional work to make it a marketable venue for a wedding,” said Knouse, estimating that they average about 25 a year. “We offer the facility and rental items, and the families are responsible for everything else.”

Their woodland wedding chapel is a popular addition.

“There’s a view of the valley for miles, and we provide transportation from the barn to the wedding site,” he said. “But it’s within walking distance for those who prefer to walk.”

According to Knouse, people generally learn about the business via word of mouth.

“We also draw a large crowd from the Gettysburg tourism area,” he said.

Through all the challenges, including the expensive roof that looms large, Knouse said he loves what he does.

“Agriculture is a tough job, but being able to share my family’s heritage and passion for fruit growing, while continuing the family legacy, is extremely rewarding,” he said.

 

The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is located at 298 Cashtown Rd., Biglerville. The farm stand opens the last weekend of April and runs seven days a week through October and weekends in November. To learn more, visit their website at www.roundbarn.farm.

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Right Time, Wrong Place? Allison Hill stakeholders don’t necessarily object to a medical marijuana dispensary; it’s the location they don’t like.

Jeannine Peterson

Jeannine Peterson learned about a medical marijuana dispensary landing in sight of Hamilton Health Center’s South Allison Hill campus “the same way the public heard about it—in the paper.”

The Hamilton Health CEO had questions.

“Why did you decide to locate here in the first place?” she said. “They never asked anyone in the city. South Allison Hill has a very active community group. We could have told you all the plans already in motion for the businesses to come here and build up this community.”

Pennsylvania’s process for siting medical marijuana dispensaries reveals a slew of regulations tempered by a bit of art.

Many find their way to distressed areas because the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act incentivizes locating in Act 47 cities, which include Harrisburg. While dispensary owners claim economic benefit, some residents—at least in the case of the Allison Hill site—question whether the benefits stay in the neighborhood.

Those same Act 47 cities are usually home to clusters of schools and licensed day cares, and dispensaries must remain 1,000 feet away, unless they get a waiver through local and state officials.

Which is where the S. 17th Street facility might have encountered a snag. Two daycares with active licenses are within the restricted zone, according to Pennsylvania’s Compass childcare finder. Apparently, neither was cited in the dispensary’s permit application, which was approved on Dec. 18.

To seek a post-permit waiver of the 1,000-foot rule, applicants must obtain statements presenting the views of the city and the affected day cares or schools, said PA Health Department Director of Communications April Hutcheson. They must also demonstrate that they performed their due diligence in seeking out possible sites.

By mid-April, the department had not received a waiver application from Local Dispensaries, LLC, but Hutcheson said the company was “asking how to go about the process.”

The city, however, has already written the department verifying the nearby daycare, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. The dispensary owner has seemed willing to move, Papenfuse said. However, he added, “I think there’s some issues with how these permits are being awarded.”

The city supports dispensaries at other locations, Papenfuse said. The issue, as he sees it, is a lack of consultation with the community.

“Hamilton Health didn’t even know,” said Papenfuse. “Clearly, the Department of Health did not do due diligence in reviewing the application. I don’t blame the applicant. They did what they were supposed to do.”

And this concern about neighborhood support and impact isn’t confined to Allison Hill. Some Uptown residents have complained they weren’t consulted about the second approved facility in Harrisburg—the planned location of Harvest of South Central PA’s dispensary into the former Camp Curtin Bar-B-Que on N. 6th Street.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to be awarding licenses without the Department of Health having a conversation with the city,” Papenfuse said. “They really ought to have a requirement to have the immediate neighborhood’s support before awarding the license.”

 

Community Impact

As of press time, at least one affected childcare near the proposed Allison Hill dispensary had not been approached.

Debra Washington has operated Tiny Tears Day Care on Derry Street for 20 years. The inner city has “enough woes” without a medical marijuana dispensary, she said, as she wondered why the facility doesn’t locate downtown.

“The least they could have done was come and see why I object to it, but they never even bothered,” Washington said. “I guess they feel as though they can jump right over me, and I don’t think that can happen.”

Hamilton Health Center is also upset because its own planned day care center, approved by the city in 2017, falls within the 1,000-foot zone. However, land remediation issues have delayed construction, and according to Hutcheson, application reviews consider only existing facilities.

Peterson has told facility owners that Hamilton Health Center is “not opposed at all” to medical marijuana.

“We understand the efficacy of medical marijuana,” she said. “We just didn’t think that was an appropriate location for a dispensary.”

Dispensary applicants aren’t deliberately seeking low-income communities but, instead, look for “density of population” and ease of access, said Harrisburg attorney Judith D. Cassel, of Cannabis Law PA, which specializes in medical marijuana regulatory law.

“Inner cities often provide better mass transit, so the patients can get to them, as opposed to being out in rural areas,” she said.

Some Pennsylvania dispensaries are in higher-income areas, Cassel said. Hutcheson noted, for instance, that the dispensary in the Enola mailing address is actually in Hampden Township.

Dispensary permits are scored for criteria including security, business capacity and community impact. However, applications from the Dec. 18 round of permits are undergoing redaction and are not yet available for public review. Applicants can request that trade secrets be redacted, and, as Cassel noted, even a business plan’s community impact efforts can be shielded from rival dispensaries.

Local Dispensaries, LLC, received a community impact score of 93 out of a possible 100.

“How do you get a high score for community impact?” said Peterson. “What are the criteria? No one has been able to tell us that. They didn’t talk to anyone in the community.”

Peter Bio, listed in state documents as CEO of Local Dispensaries, LLC, did not respond to questions and messages sent to his contact information.

In a statement aired by ABC27, Local Dispensaries said that its primary goal “is to provide relief for the thousands of citizens of Harrisburg who previously had to find it through opioids, other pharmaceuticals or nowhere at all.” According to that statement, the company has been “in active dialogue with the department, Mayor Papenfuse and Hamilton Health Center” and expects to deliver “a project that will provide local jobs and inject $1.5 million into a previously vacant and disused lot.”

 

Not Helping

Wendy Scott, secretary of the South Allison Hill Homeowners & Residents Association, isn’t aware of any pre-application outreach to the community by dispensary owners. And she doesn’t see a shower of economic or health benefits for neighbors, especially because insurance doesn’t cover the costs of certification for medical marijuana use, state ID cards or product purchases.

“If it’s only for the elite, for those who can afford it, it’s not helping Allison Hill at all,” she said.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are not the head shops of old, said Hutcheson. Patients must be physician-certified with one of 21 approved medical conditions. Products are tightly packaged, and the department can “track the marijuana from the seed where it’s grown to the grower to the patient.”

“Only approved products can be sold at a dispensary,” she said. “Only approved patients can walk into a dispensary. It is very, very highly controlled and highly regulated.”

Papenfuse sees room for all perspectives.

“Bottom line is, the city does not have an issue with a dispensary coming into the city,” he said. “We just want to make sure that the location is correct and successful and has the support of the immediate neighborhood.”

Dispensaries must be operational within six months after permits are awarded, although extensions are possible. Hamilton Health officials know that the clock is ticking, said Peterson. But she sees “a perception that because we’re in a low-income community, that there’s no development going on, that they come in and they’re going to be the entity that creates economic development.”

In reality, she said, Hamilton Health Center has a $3 million expansion underway, new apartments are entering the market, and the Harrisburg Housing Authority and Tri County Community Action are among those pursuing redevelopment. The community really does “invest in ourselves,” she said.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” she said. “It’s not that we don’t want other businesses to come in. We do. Any time I get an opportunity, I’m encouraging businesses to come see what’s going on. We want businesses, but we want the right businesses, the businesses that can help our community to grow and thrive.”

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Community Corner: Notable May Events

May Community Corner

Art & Beer Crawl
May 1: Grab your friends and head to the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, for an evening of sampling beer, food and art, 6 to 9 p.m. Sample six different beers, try some hors d’oeuvres, make art with five Millworks artists. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Mid-Day Getaway
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Unwind over your lunch break at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for coloring, card games, board games or low-stress activities. www.dcls.org

Bike Month
May 1-31: For Bike Month, Bike Harrisburg has some great events planned, including Learn to Bike opportunities and Bike to Work Week contests. There are also family rides, tours of the Harrisburg area, the Spoke’n Gear Expo, the Seersucker and Lace Ride, social gatherings and more. www.bikeharrisburg.org

Go Red for Women
May 2: Join the American Heart Association at its 2019 Capital Region Go Red for Women Luncheon at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill, 4 to 7 p.m. Hear educational and inspirational speakers, enjoy a heart-healthy meal, shop the silent auction and more. www.harrisburggored.heart.org

Pilates Day
May 4: Absolute Pilates invites the public to free outdoor community mat classes at its two Mechanicsburg locations to celebrate Pilates Day, an international community event to foster appreciation and awareness of the Pilates method. www.absolutepilates.com

Run for Pets 2018
May 4: Get moving for a good cause at the Humane Society of Harrisburg’s 23rd annual 5K Run/Walk for the Animals at Wildwood Park, Harrisburg, with proceeds benefitting homeless pets. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the event is at 10 a.m. www.humanesocietyhbg.org

Cherry Blossom Fest
May 4: The 30th Annual Millersburg Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on the square in Millersburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy family activities, live music and entertainment. www.millersburgpa.org

Community Day
May 4: Head to New Cumberland Community Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists, food vendors and beverage trucks and area businesses will fill downtown streets with fun, food and festivities. www.NewCumberlandPA.org

Flowers for Mom
May 4: Kids can create a colorful flowering container for mom with Cumberland County Master Gardeners at the Cumberland County Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost is $10. www.extension.psu.edu/cumberland-county

Ready Set Explore!
May 4: Join WITF at the next “Ready, Set, Explore,” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg. Enjoy educational activities and play together as a family at this free event for kids 3 to 8. RSVP at witf.org. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Native Plant Sale
May 4: Manada Conservancy hosts its 19th annual Native Plant Sale at Boro (Schaffner) Park, Hummelstown, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with native plant vendors, art vendors, live music and refreshments. Proceeds benefit Manada Conservancy’s mission of local land preservation and education. www.manada.org

HBG Flea
May 4: Explore the HBG Flea, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares from local artists and curators. www.hbgflea.com

Colonial Festival
May 4: Friends of Fort Halifax Park presents the 16th Annual Colonial Festival celebrating the establishment of Fort Halifax 263 years ago, at Fort Halifax Park, 570 N. River Rd., Halifax The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.forthalifaxpark.org

Makeup Tips
May 4: Learn makeup tips from international celebrity makeup artist Bebe J at The Learn & Sip Makeup Tips master class at La Cultura, 214 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 4 p.m. Sip complimentary champagne while learning proper application. www.facebook.com/LaCultura717

Trail Hall of Famers
May 4: The late M. Jean Van Gilder Cashin, the late Paul M. Fink, Donald T. King, and the late Robert D. Proudman will be honored at the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet at the Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle. Reception begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Cost is $50, $40 for members. www.atmuseum.org

Trail Festival
May 5: Appalachian Trail Museum, 1100 Pine Grove Rd., Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, hosts a free Hall of Fame Festival, with five new exhibits dedicated, beginning at 10 a.m. Stay for a picnic lunch, tour the exhibits, chat with speakers, enjoy live music and participate in an open mic. www.atmuseum.org

Hair Culture
May 5: ARTCAN and La Cultura collaborative present “Don’t Touch my Hair” event at 214 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, where attendees can learn and celebrate hair culture, at 1 p.m. Hear from hair experts and specialists, shop locally made products, enjoy live art and more. www.facebook.com/LaCultura717

Plant & Bake Sale
May 11: 10th Annual Great American Plant and Bake sale will be held, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 3407 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, to benefit Castaway Critters. Visit Facebook page: The Great American Plant and Bake Sale. www.facebook.com/will1956/

Hunger Run 2018
May 11: Support the Hummelstown Food Pantry at the 5th Annual 5K Hummelstown Hunger Run, beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. in Schaffner Park. Race kicks off at 10 a.m. www.htownhungerrun.wixsite.com

Hershey Artfest
May 11: Enjoy an artistic day with the whole family at Hershey Artfest at The Cocoa Beanery, 1215 Research Blvd., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features a large, juried art display, flowers, entertainment, food, local beer and wine and kids’ activities. www.hersheyartfest.org

Multicultural Fest
May 11: Tri County Community Action hosts the 17th Annual South Allison Hill Multicultural Festival on Derry Street, 12 to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy local talent, kids’ activities and food vendors and local organizations. www.cactricounty.org

Home Tour
May 11: Experience the best of historic downtown Harrisburg during Harrisburg Young Professional’s 21st Annual Home Tour, 2 to 6 p.m. A SoMa Block Party with Sara Bozich will follow, 5 to 9 p.m. Registration runs 1 to 2 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. www.hyp.org

Mother’s Day Brunch
May 12: Harrisburg Consistory Scottish Rite hosts its annual Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in two seatings, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Harrisburg Arts Alive—The Theatre at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St. Adult price is $27.95 and child admission (ages 3 to 12) is $12.95.  www.HarrisburgArtsAlive.com

Decisions 2019
May 13: World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will host the last session of “Great Decisions,” a program organized by the Foreign Policy Association, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $10.  www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Food Preservation
May 16: Penn State Extension in Cumberland County hosts “Home Food Preservation: Freezing & Drying Foods,” 1 to 3 p.m., at Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Learn methods of freezing and drying fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats. Fee is $15. www.extension.psu.edu

Japan and East Asia
May 16:  Frederick Dickinson, professor of Japanese history, will discuss Japan and East Asia at a gathering of the Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg at West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill, 7:30 p.m. A dinner precedes the free talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org

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

We Rise Concerts
May 17-19: Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus and Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network offer a series of spring concerts, “We Rise Again,” presenting the voices of those finding refuge and building a better life in America. Concert dates and locations are found online. www.cpwchorus.org

Plant Fest
May 18: Join Penn State Extension Cumberland County Master Gardeners at its 15th annual Plant Fest at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for native plants from area growers and plants from Master Gardeners’ gardens. www.extension.psu.edu

Library ComiCon
May 18: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library hosts its fifth annual ComiCon at the First Church of God Community Center, 201 E. Green St., Mechanicsburg, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can take part in a cosplay contest, geeky trivia, DD gameplay, Magic the Gathering tournament, photo booth and more. www.thesimcon.com

Run with Heart
May 19: Join the American Heart Association for the first Capital Region Run with Heart 5K/10K at Milton Hershey School, 635 Brook Dr., Hershey, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., run starts at 9 a.m. www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk

Apollo Awards
May 19: Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Way, recognizes local students and high schools for outstanding achievement in musical and play productions at the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards, 7 p.m. Monetary awards given to further students’ education and encourage involvement in the performing arts. www.hersheyentertainment.com

New Member Social
May 21: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for its new member social, 6 p.m., at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. This event is for new and prospective members who would like to learn more about HYP. www.hyp.org

Business Women’s Forum
May 22: Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Women’s Forum at Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is designed to create opportunities for women to network and build leadership skills. www.wschamber.org

Annual Meeting
May 22: Neighborhood Dispute Settlement (NDS) hosts it annual meeting at Historic Harrisburg Association, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7 p.m. NDS will recognize several community partners, and guests can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a wine bar. www.disputesettlement.us

Plant Sale
May 25: Perry County Master Gardeners will host its 11th annual plant sale at the Perry County Extension office, 8 S. Carlisle St., New Bloomfield, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shop for a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, pollinator-friendly plants and native perennials. www.extension.psu.edu

Artsfest
May 25-27: Celebrate the 52nd annual Artsfest in Riverfront Park. The free event features juried artists and crafts people in a variety of mediums, live music, Kidsfest and FilmFest. www.artsfesthbg.com

Walk of Solidarity
May 27: Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) asks men of all ages to join during the Camp Hill 100th Memorial Day Parade for a “Walk of Solidarity,” offering positive, proactive solutions by engaging men as allies to end violence against women, 8 to 11 a.m. www.dvscp.org

Built in the Burg
May 29: Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP), St@rtup and TheBurg host Gary Huether Jr. of Arooga’s in “How It’s Built in the Burg,” at St@rtup, 922 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Hear about Gary’s triumphs, failures and insight in starting a company. Tickets are $15, free for HYP members. www.hyp.org

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Spot On: Tea lovers take a steep dive at Seasonal Grounds.

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy tea, and that’s kind of the same thing.”

So goes an anonymous, inspirational homage to the leafy drink served warm or cold.

Now, local enthusiasts have their own source of inspiration nearby as Seasonal Grounds Tea Bar opened recently in the brick building of the Broad Street Market.

Owner Thomas Brown, a former personal trainer, got into the tea-making business as a challenge about seven years ago. He originally started making his own coffee blends as a hobby. Friends and customers from his original, brick–and-mortar store in Hummelstown, where he sold his coffee blends, suggested that he start doing the same with tea. He accepted the challenge and now has a full-time business selling custom and locally blended teas at a pour-over bar in the market.

Seemingly similar, coffee and tea are actually polar opposites, Brown said.

“Coffee is more science, math, precision and knowing your bean very well and manipulating it,” he said. “Tea is a little bit of this and a little bit of that—very much like cooking.”

The teas are Brown’s own blends, without any artificial ingredients, syrups or sugars—just plain, loose-leaf tea, some of which even have fruit or nuts added into the recipes. He gets most of his teas from a company based in Germany that ships to Chicago, where Seasonal Grounds acquires product for shipment to Pennsylvania.

There are 27 different teas to choose from, each one carefully blended with unique names like “Lush It Up,” a coconut- and pineapple-based tea, and “Mad Squirrel,” a walnut, almond, brittle-based tea. Brown not only blends each recipe himself, he creates small, whimsical stories about each of the teas to both educate and entertain customers.

Seasonal Grounds has been busy since opening in late winter, warming over customers.

“This is my first time trying their teas,” said Natalie Burston of Harrisburg. “I bought the green tea, and it’s really clean. The teas are so unique. I may purchase a tea in bulk the next time I stop so I can make some at home.”

Customers can purchase a tea starting at $2.50 per cup or buy tea blends to take home to make for themselves. Understanding how to prepare it is key.

Brown makes it clear there is a right way and wrong way to steeping teas.

Seasonal Grounds uses hot water, not boiling water, and each tea is steeped for the appropriate time based on the blend. Brown also uses a filter when he steeps it, so customers aren’t left carrying around a tea bag in their cup for carryout.

“People complain tea is bitter,” Brown said. “In other countries like England and even Africa, some teas even taste like wine. Tea has been done wrong (here).”

For instance, putting boiling water on tea brings out the wrong acids, he said.

“We were brought up on the belief that you let the kettle boil and poured piping hot water over the tea bag, letting it steep too long,” he said. “This makes it bitter, and the oils and acid come out in the wrong way.”

Brown said that he has notebooks of hundreds of recipes as he continues to get a feel for what his customers like to drink. But he is excited that people don’t want to just buy a cup. They want to talk about it, too, something that gets him excited and powers his creative process.

Tea-drinker Erica Bryce definitely wanted to talk about the tea she purchased at Seasonal Grounds.

“The Bordeaux tea tastes a little sweet so you don’t have to add sweetener,” said Bryce, of Harrisburg. “I love fresh-brewed tea. I am excited they opened here.”

During the year, Brown plans to offer teas that align with particular holidays. He plans a springtime recipe that includes freeze-dried cotton candy. He is also planning to redo his website so he can list recipes for customers to try their teas with different spirits and liquors and to offer ideas for food pairings.

“I want people to come and get an education,” Brown said. “I want to change the culture of tea drinking.”

 

Seasonal Grounds is located in the brick building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.seasonalgroundsteabar.com.

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Musical Notes: Mature May

Joan Osborne. Photograph by Jeff Fasano.

Ah, springtime in Harrisburg, and the bees aren’t the only thing buzzing around here. We’ve got a lot of events and entertainment for you this month. So, it’s time, dear readers, for you to choose your own adventure.

If you’re looking for lively and local talent, CASA is hosting its annual live show on May 23, featuring junior and senior performances and sharing a theme, “Revolutions: A Lifetime on Repeat.” If a more traditional but still free festival is your thing, Dauphin County Parks and Rec’s Garden Faire on May 5 promises outdoor fun at Fort Hunter, featuring plants and art for sale, as well as music, food, games and more.

If you’re looking to get nostalgic, XL Live is bringing the “Saved by the ‘90s” interactive dance party to the Burg on May 11 with period cover bands, a DJ and costumes. This month, we also feature an extra show below. So, whatever your plans may be, join us in celebrating yet another busy season of songs. Cheers!

GABRIEL KELLEY, 5/10, 7PM, GREYSTONE PUBLIC HOUSE, $45
Part of the Harrisburg University Concert Series, the new “Music and Vines” lineup features singer-songwriters and focuses on pairing wine with intimate sets by well-known acoustic artists. Hot on the tail of a new EP, “Self-Titled,” Gabriel Kelley is first up, gracing the Greystone Public House for what is sure to be a moving performance. If you have love for some southern roots, this may be the show for you. If you’re looking for a night on the town with some class, this may be the venue for you. If you missed Kelley when he opened for Marcus King at Club XL, this your second chance to catch a performance by this talented musician.

JOAN OSBORNE, 5/14, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30
Another musical powerhouse is coming to Whitaker Center, performing the works of one of the most iconic musicians of our time. Joan Osborne shines as a vocalist, tackling and interpreting the lyrically rich songs of Bob Dylan. As a dedicated artist, Osborne became familiar with his works in 2016 while performing two residencies titled “Joan Osborne Sings The Songs of Bob Dylan” at Cafe Carlyle in New York City. Cutting straight to the heart with Dylan’s moving songs and her rich voice, this seven-time, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum chanteuse is sure to dazzle even the most ardent Dylan fan.

SAVOY BROWN, 5/23, 7PM, XL LIVE, $10-15
If you can never get enough blues, XL Live is bringing what you need. Savoy Brown is an early British blues band that helped to launch the blues movement in the United Kingdom. Their memorable music is credited, in part, in bringing about the ‘70s British rock revolution. Founded by guitarist Kim Simmonds, the band has been through a few lineup changes over the years, but maintains their classic sound. Fun fact: their name came from an American blues label, Savoy Records, and they added “Brown” because members thought that the plainness of the word would balance out the elegance of “Savoy,” better describing their Chicago blues-sounding music.

LEGENDARY PERFORMERS OF DOO-WOP, SOUL AND ROCK N’ ROLL, 6/2, 3PM, SCOTTISH RITE, $45-55
We’re giving you a special, early head’s up for this epic showstopper, a must-attend for fans of early rock. The “Legendary Performers of Doo-Wop, Soul and Rock N’ Roll” stops by the Scottish Rite auditorium in Uptown Harrisburg, and headlining the event is the insanely talented Bobby Brooks Wilson, son of famous soul singer Jackie Wilson. What a story! Sent out for adoption as a child, Bobby Wilson later discovered his parentage after he had an established career as a Wilson tribute singer in Las Vegas. Sample his soulful sounds as well as appearances by the Duprees, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters and the Classics. It’s a real treat to get this kind of music in Harrisburg, and now that Flagship Productions has teamed up with Scottish Rite and Zembo, expect more amazing shows in the future.

Mentionables:

The Clarks, May 3, The Abbey Bar;
Bowie Live—The Ultimate David Bowie Tribute, May 4, XL Live;
The Hollow Roots, May 4, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Hold Fast, May 4, River City Blues Club;
Marco Benevento, May 11, The Abbey Bar;
Don Johnson Project, May 11, River City Blues Club;
Hands Like Houses, May 16, H*MAC Capitol Room;
Josh Krevsky, May 16, Greystone Public House

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