Art for All: A venerable Lancaster gallery has new owners, a new look and a new focus.

February 28, 2018 | by Carissa Bannister Kauwell

Dreya Moore

A memorable experience at a young age sometimes can lead to a changed career path later in life. Dreya Moore, the new owner of The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 in Lancaster, recounted her earliest memory.

“When I was about 5 years old, my mom opened her first art gallery in the world-famous Italian Market in South Philly,” she said. “I remember standing on a milk crate and ringing up sales at the register. I used to build forts and dollhouses for my dolls out of stacks of art prints and framing supplies.”

Moore and her co-owner, Jackie Moore-Ballard, who also happens to be her mother, reopened The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 early last year. Before taking over this adventure as gallery owners, they had exhibited in the space. Moore is a mixed media artist who specializes in found objects, up-cycling and recycling.

“Since I’m a tactile person, each piece ‘tells’ me what it wants to become,” she said. “I describe it as a collaborative relationship between me and the piece. I’ve created small-scale wire sculpture as well as a 6-foot-tall mixed-media piece using only vintage jewelry, recycled paper and plaster.”

The previous owners, Ken and Vanessa Reisig, approached the mother/daughter team with the idea of selling the business. It turned out that Moore was ready for a change. She had enjoyed her decade-long job as a chemist, but her life changed two years ago when her daughter was born.

“I had been with the company for a number of years and had advanced to the management level, so more responsibility meant less time for home,” she said.

When she returned to work after three months of maternity leave, she realized how much it bothered her to be away from her daughter.

“She rolled over, crawled and said her first words while I was in a meeting with some client,” she said. “It was heartbreaking and not worth it to me. So, I quit with zero plan, except that I was going to be a good mom.”

Immediately after that, her mother came to her with a business proposal—it seemed like kismet.

“Women are a force to be reckoned with,” Moore said. “Women business owners are just as capable as men, but I personally believe women are a bit more empathetic in their practices, which gives them a boost.”

What advice would she give to other women starting their own business?

“For the love of all things—do it,” she said.

Moore’s goal for the first year at The Artist Studio was to honor the original message of Annex 24, which was to give all artists a voice and a chance.

“I wish I was cool enough, talented enough to call myself an outsider artist, but I’m good with just being the chick who respects outsiders and is willing to take a chance on good, interesting, evolving, emerging, proven, developed, kick-ass art,” Moore said.

The Artist Studio uses theme exhibits, which are curated by Moore with help from her mother. For instance, one exhibit last year was themed “#BlackGirlMagic” and featured works by African-American female artists.

“I love being able to take a self-guided tour, so I tried to implement this type-A personality quirk into my exhibition planning, hence having themes,” she said. “A theme creates an experience for the viewer, either by telling a story or invoking a feeling.”

For this year, some of the themes include cityscapes/countryscapes, pop culture and “LatinX,” which will focus on Latin and Hispanic artists. In July, an exhibit will open entitled “Hex,” which, Moore said, will be a “love letter to Lancaster.” This exhibit will focus on area folk art with works from Amish artists, fiber arts, wood creations and a new spin on Lancaster County hex signs.

As artists themselves and community advocates, Moore and Moore-Ballard want to offer art classes to underprivileged residents. Many hardworking locals raising a family couldn’t afford things like art classes, Moore said. So, The Artist Studio decided to offer free paint classes, as well as other classes at varying price points, to accommodate everyone. Proceeds from raffles and silent auctions and donations of supplies help offset the costs of free classes, she said. Many artists also volunteer to help out.

From that small girl helping her mom at her first art gallery, Moore has come full circle. And Moore-Ballard, who had to leave her first gallery to focus on her young family, has returned home.

The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 is located at 24 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.annex24gallery.com.

Clothes, Style, Family: Margaret Miller brings a boutique experience to the Carlisle Pike.

February 28, 2018 | by Rachel Jenkins

Margaret Miller

As you walk into Margaret Miller’s new boutique, you’re greeted by the warm glow of handcrafted candles burning alongside trendy earrings, necklaces and water bottles. The walls are lined with vibrant, colorful clothing that she has selected for occasions ranging from formal galas to a casual day at the office.

In January, Miller opened Three Little Birds Boutique on the Carlisle Pike after noticing a lack of sophisticated, stylish shopping in the area. She believes she is filling a void with pieces that can’t be found in big chain stores.

“This is a boutique that was created because I love beautiful clothes and because of the lack of shopping that there is in central Pennsylvania for pieces that were not typical,” she said. “We need pieces that have more quality, not just a one-season use.”

Miller also emphasizes the total shopping experience. From face wipes in the changing room to chilled champagne by the register, she has created a personal, pampering environment.

“I have pieces that you want to go out and feel sexy in and pieces that you want to feel conservative and modest in,” Miller said. “So, when I pull stuff and when I buy, I try not to discriminate by size, style, age and wallet. I have tops that are $38, and I have tops that are $115. My goal is for everyone to try on and find something they love here.”

Before opening her shop, Miller sold clothes as a fashion consultant with the national brand, LuLaRoe. She said that she began working with LuLaRoe to help herself feel beautiful and stylish again after having her third child.

In the process, she discovered that she could reach women all over the country by styling new pieces with what they may already have in their closets, then posting pictures of the results online.

“A lot of women really responded to seeing me in the clothes. I really started building relationships with these women through messaging,” Miller said. “I have all these relationships all over the country, and it obviously builds trust.”

When Miller started her own business, her online relationships paid off. Many clients followed her, which kept her dream afloat during months of unexpected construction and permit delays for her shop, which caused her to miss crucial seasonal shopping days like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

“We had our floors and white walls, that was it,” Miller said. “And in one week, my husband, myself [and shop employees], we did everything. My husband built the fitting rooms, he put the shelving up, and we painted all the shelves.”

After assembling the decor and moving a large inventory of clothing from her house to the store, Miller was finally able to open her doors on Jan. 20. Now, between the physical store, its website and social media presence, customers are discovering the boutique almost every day.

The store’s logo logically features its namesake—three little birds, perched atop a diamond. For Miller, this represents the perfect blend of motherhood, family and sophistication.

“I have twins,” she said. “When they were little, I needed a song to sing to them when they slept. I sang ‘Three Little Birds,’ and then more meaning came to it when I had my third child.”

To keep her logo on-brand with her store’s sophisticated sense of style, Miller incorporated a diamond and made it a deep burgundy color.

“This is to remind women that we’re sophisticated here,” she said. “Everything that I’m doing here and the look is high class. But it still stems from that motherhood. I have that connection to the family too.”

Miller is a former teacher at the Milton Hershey School, and she has used that perspective to shape her shop.

“I never want someone to come in here feeling defeated or deflated,” she said. “Sometimes, when I walk into a place and I can’t afford one thing, I feel really bad. I would think of my teacher paycheck, and I couldn’t afford an $80 sweater when I was a teacher in my 20s.”

Now, she’s taken her own life experiences and put them toward creating a welcoming atmosphere that she hopes other women will appreciate.

“The worst fear of mine is someone leaving and feeling guilty about something they bought or regretting something that they bought,” Miller said. “I always want someone to have a positive feeling with the Three Little Birds.”

Three Little Birds Boutique is located at 6455 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.tlbboutique.com or the Facebook page or call 717-309-2348.

Pieces of Peace: This spring, take a contemplative stroll along Harrisburg’s new Peace Promenade.

February 28, 2018 | by Diane McNaughton

Lenwood Sloan

Lenwood Sloan brought home a peace offering from Hawaii.

Inspired by a conference on global tourism in the Aloha State, he accepted the challenge to take part in the 2018 Global Peace Park Project, with the vision of erecting “peace parks” in all 24 time zones.

In Harrisburg, his idea now spans more than two scenic miles along the east bank of the Susquehanna River. He assembled a “Peace Promenade,” featuring seven existing, but frequently overlooked, monuments, along with the Harrisburg Riverboat, to represent eight pieces of peace.

He hopes that joggers, bikers, power-walkers, festival-goers and motorists moving along Front Street will pause for a moment and consider this pathway of peace. He realizes that far too many passersby never even look up, blinded by haste, jaded by the familiar, or unaware of the significance that inspired the stones.

The promenade is a passion project for Sloan, a self-anointed “catalytic agent” who formerly worked as the city’s arts and culture director and the state’s film commissioner.

When he began, Sloan found that the monuments along the riverfront, tragically, “were foster children.” The city cut the grass around them, but no one took responsibility for them, he said. Worse, few people even knew they existed—even though they may push a stroller or zoom by them in their climate-controlled cars every day.

He was initially “despondent” after several potential supporters declined to help with the project. But he persisted, eventually stitching together what he calls “a crazy quilt” of more than 40 organizations and 200-plus individuals, including state Rep. Patty Kim, the Dauphin County commissioners, local history aficionados and the downtown community.

Riverfront Park, he said, was a natural fit for the park because it already served as a backdrop to so many summertime celebrations on long holiday weekends and is the scene of many 5Ks and family reunions.

“Although we are often a diverse and conflicted community, everyone finds the river as common ground,” Sloan said.

The promenade starts at Market Street and continues to the Peace Pole and Garden, near Emerald Street, built decades ago by the Physicians for Social Responsibility. In the yearlong program, many businesses along 2nd and 3rd streets are offering community conversations as part of the “ground-up movement of coalition-building,” Sloan said, including the Art Association of Harrisburg and the Susquehanna Art Museum.

“This is a passion project by people who are already doing this work, but often in isolation,” he said.

Oasis
The project began last fall with dialogues on the nature of war and peace. After a mid-winter break, it was re-started in late February, as the group honored exemplars of peace, including Homer Floyd, Dr. George Love, K. Leroy Irvis and Dr. and Mrs. John Judson.

The next event in the series will be held later this month to honor the sacrifice of women, Sloan said.

The women’s monument at Front and Clinton streets is the centerpiece of the commemoration.

Erected after World War I, the monument features five women embodying five iconic roles: a mother waving to her military son, a woman in uniform herself, a farm woman holding a rake, a refugee and a Salvation Army nurse.

When the endeavor started, the monument was filled with graffiti and looked like a tombstone, Sloan said.

Former city economic development director Jeb Stuart helped identify cemetery experts who lent advice on how to clean the stone and plate. The Tri-County Federation of Democratic Women and the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club adopted the stone, which will be re-dedicated on March 24, and a circular sitting garden will be planted.

Two days later, a civic dialogue will be held with five area residents who will represent the iconic women symbolized on the monument. The Rev. Brenda Alton will moderate the discussion, featuring former York mayor and veteran Kim Bracey; Suzanne Sheaffer, a Gold Star mother; Major Elizabeth Greiner, who will represent the Salvation Army; Tara Bronbeck, who will represent the farmer; and Ho-Thanh Nyguen of the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network.

“Harrisburg is an oasis and safe house for refugee women all over the world,” Sloan said.

On April 9, the group will advance through time to World War II, focusing on the riverfront’s silhouetted Holocaust memorial. Lillian Rappaport of the Jewish Community Center will lead the dialogue for the event, which will be held at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (formerly Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center), which once served as Harrisburg’s Jewish Community Center.

Sloan said that not only was the Jewish population persecuted in the dark days of Hitler, but so were Catholics, the gay and lesbian community and the disabled. So, representatives from the LGBT Center of Central PA and the disabled community will take part in the discussion, too.

Change Agent
Sloan also pointed to the time capsule that sits virtually unnoticed at Front and Locust streets across from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral.

“People sit and eat their cheeseburger at Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day and never know it’s there,” Sloan said. “The capsule is a pretty shabby lady right now.”

It holds yearbooks, letters and more, but, because it was assembled in the early 1960s, many voices were left out, he lamented, including the voices of women and people of color.

To release those voices, a Chautauqua, or educational gathering, will take place on May 6 at St. Stephen’s. David Carmichael, the new director of PA State Archives, will be the keynote speaker and facilitator.

“All our events are free,” Sloan said, encouraging all to attend. “Just bring your heart, your spirit, and your will to be a change agent.”

For more information on the Peace Promenade, visit www.dauphincounty.org or email [email protected].

Uncommon Scents: Men and fragrances—the battle is on.

February 28, 2018 | by Dave Marcheskie

Ryan Spahr

What’s that smell?

If you’re a guy, that question should be an admirable one—not embarrassing. Men usually fumble when it comes to olfactory fashion and, honestly, it shouldn’t be our fault.

As we come of age (so to speak), we’re thrown an array of teenage essence that is more like smelling salts. Axe Body Spray, in my opinion, should be akin to Mace. “It stings the nostrils,” much like Sex Panther in “Anchorman.” Late ‘90s fragrances of Tommy and Curve for Him are gassed into my memory of failed first dances.

Our role models aren’t much better. My grandfather lathered up with Old Spice from a jar that looked like a bottle of hot sauce. Every gym locker room my nose has been in reeks of Aqua Velva and Barbicide. What’s my point? We generally stink at trying to smell good.

Have you ever heard of Cologne, Germany? That is where an Italian-born fella developed citrus-scented water in 1708 because it reminded him of an “Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain.” Romantical. He hawked it as the first-ever men’s fragrance, to much popularity at the time.

His philosophy of a man’s cologne was to invoke or create a positive memory. Brain anatomy studies have shown that smells are closely linked to memory and emotions. So, when choosing your signature scent, think of how you would like to be remembered.

Both my grandfather and dad have passed away, and I can remember the Old Spice and Issy Miyake, respectively. Which is why your invisible cloak could be perhaps the most important thing you wear daily.

First, there are three main ingredients to a fragrance: top, middle and base. Top scents are what hits your nose immediately—citrus zest, herbs and sweet notes. These should be light to lure you closer. The middle note is basically the bulk of the scent. These are smells of tobacco, leather, nutmeg and ocean. And the base is usually the category you may be asked what you personally are drawn to—woodsy, musk or clean.

Instead of rubbing magazine inserts on your neck, it would be best to go to a professional shop to try on different scents. Not just smell alone, but how your body reacts to the fragrance also matters. Head to a department store or big box fragrance shop to get an idea of the designer brands. Take a pal or significant other with you, because, honestly, the scent isn’t really for you. My wife digs my Burberry Touch and baby powder concoction. Proper application is vital. It should be a hint ‘o you—not a Glade plug-in. Take the spray bottle at arm’s length and spray once to the upper chest and neck area where nuzzling happens most.

With anything in life, there is an upper echelon of eau de Colognes. Chops Barbershop in Midtown crafts handmade scented aftershaves that you could slap on. The pièce de résistance of olfactory opulence is just north of us in Scranton. NOTE Fragrances on Spruce Street has infinite combinations of oils and extracts to help you tailor a signature scent. Book an appointment and tell them I sent you. They’ll say, “who?”

Dave’s Cocktail of the Month
Sip on this fragrant cocktail, which will help draw someone in to stop and smell the roses.

Herbal Es-scents
• 1 ounce Cachaça or Caribbean rum
• 4 kumquats, halved
• 3 lime wedges
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1 teaspoon cane sugar

Muddle kumquats, sugar, 1 sprig rosemary needles and 2 limes wedges in a shaker, pour in the liquor and shake over ice. Strain into glass and garnish with remaining lime wedge and sprig of rosemary. Breathe it in before each sip.

Dave Marcheskie, a former reporter and anchor for abc27 News, is our Sharp Press Man.

Cathedral Comeback: Events are reinvigorating Harrisburg’s magnificent Scottish Rite building.

February 28, 2018 | by Casey Kelly

Photo by Elena Jasic

Harrisburg is filled with history.

There’s so much that even longtime residents may be unaware of a landmark or of its original purpose or significance. The Scottish Rite Cathedral, an imposing stone-and-brick masterpiece near Italian Lake, is one of those.

Scottish Rite, a branch of Freemasons, built the cathedral in 1954 as a venue for meetings, public gatherings, Masonic ceremonies and entertainment events. At the time, the building’s 120-seat theater was state-of-the-art.

Lee Boltz, a longtime member who now serves as the rental and booking agent for the venue, said he’s working to give the cathedral new life by attracting a new crop of shows and events to the theater and other event rooms.

“Unfortunately, the public has forgotten about this place,” Boltz said. “There are people who have lived in Harrisburg for 15 or 20 years and come in here for the first time and their mouths drop open. They had no idea it exists here.”

Not as Popular
As an organization, freemasonry is based on brotherhood, respect and mutual support.

Besides aiding fellow members, Masonic branches typically support a community organization. For instance, Scottish Rite hosts The Learning Center, which is located on the lower level of the building and specializes in teaching children with dyslexia.

“Any child who is referred here does not pay anything,” Boltz said. “They just come in, and the staff works with them. We’ve seen a lot of success stories in our Learning Center, with school grades going up.”

For many decades, the Freemasons thrived. Until the 1980s, 400 to 500 Masons regularly returned for bi-annual reunions at the N. 3rd Street building, Boltz said. At that time, most of the cathedral’s event space, such as the ballroom, dining rooms and the theater, was reserved for Masonic use rather than public events.

About 20 years ago, the Scottish Rite began to see declining membership, due, in part, to an increase in family and work obligations and competing social and extracurricular activities, Boltz said.

“Fraternal organizations are not as popular as they used to be, the same way as churches, clubs, the Rotary, Kiwanis,” he said. “It’s difficult for any of those organizations to find people.”

Golden Age
Dwindling membership numbers drive the need to reinvigorate use of the cathedral’s stunning auditorium and replace funds lost from fewer dues.

Boltz is optimistic about making 2018 a revival year for the theater. He hopes to return it the the auditorium’s golden age, when such major acts as the Four Seasons, the Vogues, Chicago and the Glenn Miller Band graced the stage. To that end, he already has scheduled several upcoming shows and hopes to book more.

The theater is in nearly pristine condition. The décor has a retro, 1960s-era look, but is in fanstastic shape, as is the sound system and the large backstage area.

Aside from theatrical productions, the public can rent out rooms in the cathedral for other events, such as birthday parties, reunions and weddings. Its two kitchens are equipped with the essential appliances and stocked with dishes, glasses, silverware, serving utensils, etc. They no longer cater events themselves, but people can hire their own caterers.

“I’m looking for well-known, national acts, as well as local people,” Boltz said. “It’s going to take a little while to get moving again, and I’m willing to be patient. But I’d really like to see it become a thriving theater, concert hall, banquet facility, wedding reception hall — anything.”

What’s Ahead
Numerous events are planned over the next few months at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, including:

● March 15-18: Capital Area School for the Arts’ “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ticket price TBA.
● March 17: Open Stage of Harrisburg’s “Diary of Anne Frank.” Tickets start at $18. Show starts 2 p.m.
● April 7: Bluegrass bands Colebrook Road and Serene Green. Tickets $15. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.
● April 14: Rock & roll bands Grumpy Old Men, Jellybricks & Stereo Glow. Tickets $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.

In May, Scottish Rite is planning a Mother’s Day Brunch, complete with an omelet station, eggs made to order, breakfast meats and a carving station for beef sirloin, pork loin and roasted chicken. Adults cost $24.95, children 6 to 12 are $12.95 and children 5 and under are free. The event is by reservation only.

Each December, the theater also hosts the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” Throughout the year, The Studio dance school in Enola stages various recitals and performances there. The cathedral currently is negotiating to present an off-broadway comedy, as well.

The Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral is located at 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Harrisburg Scottish Rite Events Facebook page or www.valleyofharrisburg.org. For tickets to an event, visit eventbrite.com or call the theater office at 717-238-8867.

Theater Meets Cinema: “The Flick”: Scenes of life, staged inside a movie theater.

February 28, 2018 | by Laura Dugan

Photo by Haley Harned

Imagine a play that takes place in a movie theater. Then imagine being able to experience that play while sitting in a movie theater.

This spring, you will be able to just that, as “The Flick,” part of Open Stage of Harrisburg’s 32nd season, will be performed at Midtown Cinema.

“The Flick” offers a peek into the lives of Sam, Avery and Rose as they deal with life’s daily struggles while working at a behind-the-times, rundown movie theater.

“If you really love a good character study, this is for you,” said Brennen Dickerson, who plays Sam. “There are three really wonderful, deep, complex characters that have very different points of view. It’s a slice of life that you haven’t seen before.”

Dickerson, as well as Maddie McCann, who portrays Rose, said that audiences will find the play to be very relatable. Though a small ensemble piece, attendees are likely to recognize themselves in one of the characters, they said.

“I see so much of myself in Rose,” said McCann. “When I tell people that I was cast in this role, they are not surprised at all. I think we are very alike in ways that are good and also in ways that are not good.”

Open Stage Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon directs the show. Landon, who has worked in various capacities at Open Stage for 10 years, also has ties to the Midtown Cinema. He assisted in revitalizing the movie theater and has introduced many of the cinema’s special events, such as “Down in Front” and the annual “Red Carpet Evening” highlighting the Oscars.

“A good friend handed me the script while it was still in its original run,” Landon said. “I was blown away by the slow-brewing, slow-burning drama. I’m elated to bring together my two homes, Open Stage and Midtown Cinema, and two of my passions, theater and film. I think audiences are going to love this combination in ‘The Flick.’”

Written by Annie Baker, “The Flick” won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It’s not the typical kind of theater you see in central PA.

“Baker’s plays are really different than most of the things out there right now,” McCann said. “They are focused on people being people.”

Dickerson agreed, saying the show is unlike anything you are going to see in the area this year.

“If you want to see something different, this is definitely the play to see,” he said.

While many audiences may not be familiar with “The Flick,” McCann sees performing the piece at Midtown Cinema as a way to make the play more accessible.

“There is a different atmosphere when performing where the play is actually taking place,” she said. “It’s such an intimately written show. You feel like you’re peering into these people’s lives, and performing in an actual movie theater only adds to that.”

Landon is excited for the challenges of performing in such a unique place. This will be the first time any piece of theater has been hosted at Midtown Cinema.

“The play has such wonderful moments of heart and comedy and the joys and sorrows of everyday life,” Landon said. “All of that on top of having it performed at the cinema makes this a show audiences will not want to miss.”

“The Flick” runs March 25 to April 22 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. It is recommended that guests be at least 14 years old to attend. For information and tickets, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

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

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
March 7 to 24
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at the door.

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Educational Outreach Public Performances
March 16 to 18
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Doors and bar open one hour prior to performance.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office.

“Improvapalooza”
An evening of improvisational comedy, featuring the area’s most beloved improv theater troupes. Harrisburg Improv Theatre, The Oxymorons, Safe Word and Gamut’s own TMI can be seen in one location at one event. These “April fools” will be performing appropriately on April Fools Day weekend.
March 30
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. and will remain open throughout the event.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door.

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

“Akeelah and the Bee”
By Cheryl L. West
Based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison
Feb. 16 to March 11
A bright young girl from the South Side of Chicago trains to achieve a championship at the National Spelling Bee.

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 17 at 2 p.m.
Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacket
Based upon “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”
Based on the actual diary of a young girl who comes of age while hiding from the Nazis in a tiny, overcrowded attic with her family for more than two years.

“The Flick”
A new play by Annie Baker
March 25 to April 22
At Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg
While sweeping up stale popcorn in a movie house, three employees hold passionate debates about human connection.

Capital 10-Miler
March 31
A run for the arts.
To register, go to www.capital10-miler.com.

Square Truths: Wealth, class and the art of the persona.

February 28, 2018 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

“The Square is a sanctuary of trust and caring. Within it we all share equal rights and obligations.”

So says the plaque in front of the new art exhibit at a prestigious art museum in Sweden. Christian (Claes Bang), curator of the museum, explains to everyone who will listen the importance of The Square and its call to social responsibility. And so begins the array of experiences in director Ruben Östlund’s newest film that cultivate the phenomenon of not just art, but presentation.

Often, personal art and the art of presenting go hand in hand. A chef presents his dish in the best way possible, for example, because he wants the participant to fully enjoy it. But that is outward art—what of inward art? What façade do we craft and hone to present to the world? What behaviors do we want people to see, what part of our lives do we want visible? How do we present ourselves?

Östlund explores these thoughts in “The Square.” At times awkwardly hilarious, and at other times extremely uncomfortable, “The Square” teaches us a little about humanity and elitism and how intrinsically connected (and not always in a positive way) we are to our art.

For those who caught “Force Majeure” a few years ago, or any of Östlund’s works, you know his enjoyment in taking jabs at the elite and the systemic issues wrapped up in the lives of those with privilege—and he twists the knife in as far as it will go.

This trademark is represented perfectly in “The Square.” The story follows Christian in a personal disaster. After writing a threatening letter to the inhabitants of an entire apartment building in an attempt to get back a stolen phone and wallet, Christian must deal with a young boy who demands he apologize to his parents for calling him a thief. But this event removes his focus from his job, where the PR team is cooking up an inappropriate video advertisement for The Square.

Disaster will, of course, ensue, and each character navigates the disparity between altruism and self-centeredness in increasingly uncomfortable capacities. This is a film that will have you bursting into laughter one minute and cringing the next. Bang does a masterful job of complicating the story arc of the would-be hero, and his supporting cast—Elizabeth Moss, Dominic West, Christopher Læsso and Terry Notary, to name a few—create a rich, thought-provoking world to sink your teeth into, with so many little scenes and secondary plot points leaving an impression.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see “The Square” on the big screen. It starts at Midtown Cinema on March 2.

March Events

Red Carpet Evening
Sunday, March 4
Red carpet at 7 p.m.

Down in Front!
“Avalanche” (1978)
Friday, March 9, 9:30 p.m.

Women’s History Month Series
“The Women” (1939)
Sunday, March 11, 2:30 p.m.

“Little Women” (1994)
Sunday, March 18, 2:30 p.m.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
Sunday, March 25, 2:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“A League Of Their Own” (1992)
Friday, March 16, 9:30 p.m.

Music Mania: Warm up and get out.

February 28, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

As the winter winds die down, it’s time to break free from your hibernation and get the energy flowing again. Shake off that slumber with some rockin’ music brought to you by locals and touring bands alike. Check out some bluesy folk, artsy cover music, spicy rock and, of course, annual St. Patty’s day cheer. The cold’s not stopping you any longer, so go explore all the sounds that Harrisburg has to offer.

START MAKING SENSE – TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE, 3/1, 8PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $12-15
As I’m writing this article, I’m enjoying the sounds of one of my favorite albums on vinyl—“Speaking in Tongues” by the Talking Heads. My parents used to play it for me while I was growing up, and I was lucky enough to score a copy recently. So it’s only fitting that, this month, I make a tribute to a great tribute band covering one of my childhood favorites. Start Making Sense hails from Bethlehem, Pa., and they want to bring back the ‘80s with a bang. Don’t miss their hot performance as they take on some classic Talking Heads tunes. Front man Jon Braun, backed by a six-piece band, rocks the stage, masterfully creating their own versions of legendary David Byrne works. Look for crowd favorites like “Burning Down the House,” “Life During Wartime,” and, hopefully, my favorite, “Slippery People.” If you’re like me and wish that you had the opportunity to see the Heads in their glory days, you don’t want to miss this show.

MARTIN GROSSWENDT & SUSANNE SALEM-SCHATZ, 3/2, 7:30PM, FORT HUNTER CENTENNIAL BARN, $12-24
Harrisburg’s been getting real bluesy lately, and, frankly, I’m on board. Hectic city life can bring out a part in people that yearns for slower, heartfelt tunes from another time and place. Martin Grosswendt’s focus lies in prewar blues and roots styles, internationally recognized for his traditional renditions of southern acoustic music. His fiery fingerpicking and soothing voice combine with the honky-tonk liveliness and soulful blues of Susanne Salem-Schatz. A native of Boston and its roots music scene, Susanne brings her love of classic, American-born music to the stage and performs it with mastery, joy and poignancy. Together, you get a tour de force of skill and passion that is worth experiencing.

JOHN NOLAN, 3/4, 7PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $15-20
For a moment, transport yourself back to the early 2000s, to the emo and indie rock era. Taking Back Sunday was getting its start and making waves on the growing scene. During their career, the band has released seven albums, toured extensively, appeared on many shows, including “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and even scored music for films, such as “Spider Man 2.” Return to the present day, and we’ve got a treat for you. John Nolan, current guitarist for Taking Back Sunday, is bringing his solo works to H*MAC for a night of something nostalgic and something new. During his recording process, Nolan has shaped his sound into an exciting, fresh new genre brought together by his many music connections. Relive your punk days and try something new with an iconic guitarist at a favorite local spot. What’s not to love?

Mentionables:
Hot Jam Factory, March 9, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Buckcherry, March 11, H*MAC Capitol Room;
Six Bar Break, March 16, Capital Gastropub;
Kilmaine Saints, March 16, The Abbey Bar;
Erica Everest Duo, March 17, Ad Lib Craft Bar & Kitchen;
The Tommy D Trio, March 24, River City Blues Club

3/1
START MAKING SENSE
THE ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 8PM

3/2
MARTIN GROSSWENDT & SUSANNE SALEM-SCHATZ
FORT HUNTER CENTENNIAL BARN
5300 N. FRONT ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7:30PM

3/4
JOHN NOLAN
H*MAC STAGE ON HERR
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7PM

3/17
ERICA EVEREST DUO
AD LIB CRAFT KITCHEN & BAR
1 N. 2ND ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

3/24
THE TOMMY D TRIO
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

Old World Notes: Decades pass by joyously for Harrisburg’s premier klezmer band.

February 28, 2018 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

It was an unplanned band, composed of musicians who just liked to play together.

It didn’t even have a name until one member made one up on the spot in response to a reporter’s question.

That group, the Old World Folk Band, has now been playing together for more than 35 years and remains true to a mutual love of klezmer music—or, as it was once known, Jewish music. More accurately, it is the music of Ashkenazi Jews, its name derived from the Hebrew “kli zemer,” or musical instrument.

The band has a uniquely Harrisburg origin story.

In 1982, founder Fred Richmond was attending a conference of the state Department of Welfare when he ran into fellow employee Dale Laninga. Each played an instrument and tossed around the idea of getting together with a few others.

Soon, they started meeting Tuesday evenings in Laninga’s house.

“We had a piano, but had to move all the furniture to the side,” he said.

The impromptu musical gatherings began to attract more and more klezmer fans.

“People kept coming,” Richmond said. “Then, Faye Glick of the Jewish community invited us to the East Side Festival. Suddenly, we had a name and existed as a band.”

The thus-titled Old World Folk Band began practicing in a more professional setting—the Jewish Community Center in Harrisburg. It now holds practices at Temple Ohev Sholom, where it leads Friday night services once a month.

Over the years, the band has performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the National Folk Alliance Northeast Regional Conference, the Smithsonian Institution and the State College Arts Festival, among many other places. The band even fronted for the internationally known Klezmatics at Whitaker Center.

Notably, the Old World Folk Band is listed in a book entitled “The Essential Klezmer Music Lovers Guide,” which includes an introduction by renowned folk musician Arlo Guthrie. It also has put out five recordings.

Trained in clarinet and classical music, original band member Jessica Hayden said she loves the “spirited” nature of the music, typified by one night in the recording studio.

“One time, while waiting to record, we stayed up all night and got punchy,” said Hayden, who also is executive director of the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. “It was magical.”

For non-Jewish members of the band, such as Hayden and Laninga, participating has offered more than a musical education.

“I got to know Jewish culture,” Hayden said.

Likewise, for Richmond, the band teaches audiences not only about a certain type of music, but about Judaism.

Band members were also introduced to a different form of Jewish culture when Anatoly Kranshuskiy, a third-generation klezmer player from the Ukraine, and his wife, Dina, a singer, joined the band.

“I took lessons from Anatoly, our lead clarinetist and a great classical player, who added vitality and passion,” said Hayden.

Over the many years, the band has been held together by more than just a love of klezmer music. Members have formed strong friendships, getting to know each other’s families and sharing one another’s milestones. Over the years, some 57 musicians have passed through the group.

“We’ve also treated everyone equally, which is not the way it is in some groups,” said Laninga. “Whatever we make, a tithe goes to the organization and the rest to the musicians—divided equitably, whether they’re professional, classically trained or playing just for fun.”

Slowly, the band has changed its traditional repertoire, adding Beatles songs, the Stones, Motown. A concert is likely to include music from the ‘60s to ‘80s as well as traditional/liturgical Jewish music.

Members also are less likely to take to the road as often as they once did.

“Maybe it’s twice a month,” said Laninga. “Some of us are long in the tooth compared to when we started.”

One thing that hasn’t changed—the group’s bond with its audience.

“We communicate with our listeners,” Richmond said. “When they’re elderly, sometimes they have tears in their eyes, remembering music from their youth. Younger listeners might dance in the aisles.”

Through all the changes in personnel and repertoire, the Old World Folk Band, said Laninga, has another notable achievement.

“We have made a mark on the community,” he said.

For more information on the Old World Folk Band, visit www.oldworldfolkband.org.

Senior Class Photos: Latino seniors create art, learn a new skill, at LHACC.

February 28, 2018 | by Gina Napoli

Eight students sat holding cameras.

They first learned the basics: the camera parts, how to focus, how to zoom. They were told how to adjust lighting and instructed how to take the perfect snapshot.

This may sound like your average photography class, but there’s a difference. The students were all senior citizens, many of whom struggle with English. This class at the Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) offered them a unique way to get out of their houses for a few hours, to socialize and to learn something new.

“They learn about their own abilities,” said Executive Director Gloria Vazquez Merrick. “And they could take pride in the beautiful work they were creating.”

The idea for a photography class came to her during a weekend outing with her grandson at Wildwood Park. There, she met photographer Charlie Smith, who was teaching a youth class at the “Nature Day” program.

Smith, a program manager for camera company Canon, donates his time to teach through Canon’s youth program, “Photography for Kids.”

“Canon funds it 100 percent,” Smith said. “That includes loaning cameras, prints, and we have props from other programs.”

Vazquez Merrick pitched him the idea of expanding the program by holding classes for her seniors, which he agreed to do.

For six weeks, classes ran every Wednesday morning at LHACC, which is located on Derry Street on Allison Hill in Harrisburg.

On the day of the first class, two students sat at each six-foot table with backdrops, cameras and an array of props for their own photo shoots.

“It looked like Hollywood in here,” Vazquez Merrick said.

She wondered how the seniors would do with real cameras, given that many struggled with the basics of their own cell phone cameras. But they immersed themselves in the class, showing what they were capable of.

“For first-timers, they were pretty advanced for not having that type of skill or interest before,” Smith said. “Many don’t realize how hard photography is.”
Student Lydia Vasquez helped translate for the class.

“Our teacher was wonderful, so patient,” she said. “He explained to you step-by-step.”

It helped that, as a photographer, Smith is so visual, which allowed him to read his students’ faces to make sure they understood.

The students seemed excited to handle such expensive equipment, boosting pride in their abilities, Vazquez Merrick said.

“There was the feeling that someone thought enough of them to teach them how to use a camera,” she said. “So, they could take pictures that had meaning for them.”

The class was a welcome break for the seniors, who could take time from their everyday burdens, aches and pains. For an entire morning, they were able to think outside themselves, focusing on capturing pictures that brought out their personalities. They frequently called Vazquez Merrick over to show off their work.

“Their pictures were taking them back to their roots—meaningful images, like maracas and flowers,” she said. “It was beautiful to see them evolve over six weeks.”

Student Ramon Martes took many kinds of pictures. His favorite was a still life of a water droplet trickling over flower petals.

“I saw the motion of the water and when to take the picture at the right moment,” he said, leaning his photo forward to showcase it along with his certificate.

Vazquez Merrick said that, for some students, this was the first time they received any kind of diploma. They later built a slideshow for the seniors and held a graduation ceremony.

“I have my certificate and picture on my wall in my living room,” said Carmen Melendez. “People see them first thing when they walk in my house.”

She said that she has received many compliments on her art and her accomplishment.

“Now, I am saving money to buy my own camera,” she said.

Smith said he also was impressed with their images.

“Once they selected their photo at the end, they realized they got a great shot,” he said.

Smith also showed the students how to mat their photos, which were publicly shown at LHACC during last year’s Gallery Walk.

“Their photos were the focal point of our exhibit—such a conversation piece,” Vazquez Merrick said. “They were so proud their photos were picked.”

Contributing their art to the community empowered the seniors, enhancing their wellbeing and quality of life, Vazquez Merrick said.

“Seeing all those things come together for them was my favorite part of the class,” she said.

Smith said that he also enjoyed his experience with the seniors.

“I was impressed with how Gloria organized this,” he said. “The program brought together a social environment. They have such a strong and supportive community center.”

For more information on the Latino Hispanic American Community Center, visit lhacc.org.

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