Full STEAM Ahead: Getting creative at MakerShift

July 31, 2017 | by Susan Ryder

Photo by Dani Fresh.

Ingenuity, technology and creativity descended on Midtown Harrisburg recently.

The event, called MakerShift, brought area businesses, individuals and schools together to show off their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) creations and capabilities.

“Our goal is to expose the public to the great creativity and innovation that’s happening in the region and celebrate that,” said Chad Frey, president of Foundry Makerspace, an organization that helps Harrisburg schools bring STEAM into the classroom.

Event venues, marked with balloon towers, ran up N. 3rd Street from St@rtup Harrisburg to the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Fourth-grader Sylvia Givler watched as a 3D printer crafted a Coffin’s cube—a three-dimensional puzzle.

“I just like it because it’s cool, and you can learn new stuff,” she said, remarking on the technology. “It’s tricky, and I like a challenge.”

Cinematographer Seth Umbenhauer stood next to a young man trying out the Vive virtual reality headset. Controllers in hand, he played a game called Longbow, pulling and releasing his imaginary bowstring, defending his castle against attackers.

“It’s great to see the community come together and celebrate creativity,” Umbenhauer said.

Just outside, Michael Peluso demonstrated the ancient art of glassmaking.

“There’s not a lot of forgiving things about glass—gravity is always working against you,” he explained as he moved the molten glass in circles. “You have an ally in centrifugal force.”

He allowed onlookers to use didymium glasses, which serve as eye protection and show the heat content of the glass. He also explained that minute amounts of metal oxide produce colors in glass.

Watching Peluso, Central Dauphin High School sophomore Jordan McBarnett described the connection between art and STEAM.

“As you know, art comes from everything; it’s universal,” he said. “We should appreciate and respect it. Art is in chemistry and engineering, and coding is a language.”

McBarnett is part of the robotics team, (In) Formal Logic, at Covenant Christian Academy. The group created a cubed robot that collects then shoots balls.

The Makers

The folks displaying their creations are called makers.

“That’s an individual who basically creates for the love of creating within the STEAM field,” said event volunteer Allen Fernandez. “They range from inventors to entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Frey said that, for 21st–century jobs, workers must be able to communicate and innovate. Projects like those represented at the MakerShift showed the adaptability necessary for employment and “design thinking, walking through a process of building and making,” he said.

Cases in point: Francis Davis, 16, and Emmitt Altland, 12.

Davis designed and constructed a diabetic travel kit in which insulin pens could be kept cold until used. Insulin pens are often wasted because they can’t be re–cooled after becoming warm, he said. He described his technological challenges with the project.

“I made a cube into a spike when I was trying to make a rectangle,” he said.

Altland was creating a pocketknife that automatically opened after taking it out of your pocket. He made a hook that caught on the pocket and activated the knife latch. His problems were more mechanical.

“I had to bend the wire, and it was difficult to keep the same shape,” he said.

Better Understanding

Businesses like Dillsburg-based Katapult Engineering need this type of original thinking. To help the inspiration along, the company has started a makerspace, Katapult Libratory, in the old Dillsburg Library.

Makerspaces allow like-minded STEAM folks to come, use the equipment, create and have fun. For those who can’t make it to the makerspace, Katapult provides the option of a MakeBox, a monthly project subscription.

The State Library of Pennsylvania also has a makerspace open to schools during the academic year and a full schedule of free classes for makers in the summer. This year’s theme is anatomy and physiology.

Frey praised the growth of STEAM, but said that the thinking around it needs to evolve. Makers, he said, have typically lived in large cities and been of higher socioeconomic status.

“A shift needs to start to think more democratically—not just men, not just white, not just with money,” he said.

Anyone attending the MakerShift would have seen a great deal of diversity and left with a better understanding of STEAM (remember the art!). They may have had a first-time experience with the Vive and an up-close and personal view of a 3D printer in action. More importantly, they would have walked away amazed at the ingenuity just under their noses in the capital region.

To learn more about Foundry Makerspace, visit www.foundrymakerspace.com.

Author: Susan Ryder

The Little Chill: ”A Ghost Story” is quietly haunting

July 31, 2017 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

When you were a kid, chances are you considered being a ghost for Halloween.
Today’s ghosts have gotten very creative and gruesome, with bloody face paint or some wispy remnant of who the person was in life. But no one can forget the iconic bed-sheet ghost, with eyes cut out.

Writer/director David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” makes use of this classic, but not in the way that you would expect. The film, framed in a 4:3 aspect ratio that gives the impression of an old-fashioned home video, mostly follows a couple, played by Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck (they are listed simply as M and C, respectively), who seem to have differing opinions about the house they live in: she wants to move, and he would rather they stay. While it is clear that they love each other—the first half hour is peppered with quietly intimate moments between the two—the house is definitely a point of contention.

The tension rises slowly and nearly imperceptibly. This is a languid film, which makes no rush of the bare-bones plot, relishing in each scene as if holding onto its memory. While the film never tips into the horror genre that the title suggests, the noises the couple hears and odd glimpses of refracted light on the walls suggest something is awry. However, the horror our audience expects is more of a poignant, relatable fear of death, which is faced quite suddenly when C dies in a car crash.

This is when things start to get interesting. Our lovable bed-sheet ghost comes out to play. And, yes, I will warn you, you are going to uncomfortably wonder if you should laugh or not. There is something so silly about Lowery’s ghost—and yet chillingly beautiful. As M continues on with her life, the ghost watches his slip away. You don’t often get to see through the ghost’s perspective like you do here, probably because it achieves the opposite effect of a ghost story. It won’t make you scream; it will make you ache.

But that is the beauty of this film, and it goes deeper, even playing with the concept of time itself as the ghost does all he can to hold onto the house, even as things begin to shift and others inhabit it. There is even another ghost in the house next door, a piece that is beautiful in meaning, but ruined a little bit by the completely unnecessary captions for the conversations the two ghosts have (the story would still be understood without the captions, and my only guess is that Lowery was trying to make the audience laugh).

While both Mara and Affleck give compelling performances (Mara’s scene eating a pie is heartbreakingly difficult to watch in its honesty), the film’s true character is revealed in the cinematography. The long takes, with starkly minimal content, create a quietly alluring perspective that sets stillness as its focal point and really lets you meditate on the heart of the story, rather than extraneous details. This is a refreshing take on love and loss, one that will haunt you with its sincerity. “A Ghost Story” is coming soon to Midtown Cinema.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS AT MIDTOWN CINEMA

Director’s Collections: Spike Lee

“Do The Right Thing”

Saturday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live

“Salomé”

Monday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.

“Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches”

Saturday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 20, 1 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.

“Angels in America, Part 2: Perestroika”

Sunday, Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Free Outdoor Film Series

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

Friday, Aug. 11, at dusk

Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 12

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Friday, Aug. 25, at dusk

Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 26

Author: Sammi Leigh Melville

Runners without Borders: Harrisburg’s architecture, parks create a parkour playground.

July 31, 2017 | by Benjamin Miller

Photo by Ben Miller

I soared through the air across a 13-foot gap and jutted my feet firmly in front, aiming for a concrete ledge another 10 feet off the ground. In an ideal world, I’ll land on the balls of my feet on the ledge, sticking like glue to the cement.

“Parkour is an adrenaline rush, more than anything,” said Daniel Sorbello, a traceur, another word for parkour practitioner, from Maryland. “I’ve been training a little more than four years now, and I’ve never found something that quite compares.”

Since the sport’s birth in the late 1990s, parkour has spread around the world, even finding its way to Harrisburg. Daniel and a training partner, Patrick Smith, travelled up to give the city a shot. I met with the two of them at the Capitol Complex to kick off a session in May. With its refined and elegant architecture, the complex’s unique walls and ledges make it a perfect place to put theory into practice.

“It’s based around freedom,” Patrick said. “Your freedom to move and jump just the way you like. That’s what I like so much about it. I’ve got a lot of creative energy and parkour allows me to release it all.”

Tough One

The very essence of parkour—and what draws most traceurs to the sport—is the ability to break free from the conventional. Many athletes, like Patrick, have an innovative and creative style, their movement unique to themselves. The idea of something so exclusive is one of the compelling traits of parkour.

The pair spent longer than 10 minutes working on one jump. They took off from one leg to a wall, 8 feet away and 4 feet higher than the take off. A jump like this leaves potential for injury, making it necessary to focus very intently on everything that goes into it. Their dedication to the maneuver caught the attention of some government employees. Interested and astonished, they began to ask questions.

“What is it?” one asked.

“Um, that’s a tough one,” Patrick said. “It’s an expressionistic style of movement, one where you’re able to use the obstacles around you to jump and flip off from. It’s kind of like dance, almost, in an urban setting.”

Parkour is known for its showy features, such as roof gaps and unthinkable flips, which often get attention from onlookers. Thus, the sport is often misunderstood and seen as harmful. I feel a responsibility to educate people, to make them aware what we practice.

The workers’ interest grew. They asked if it was popular, and Patrick said, “Yeah. All around the world. It’s become a very widespread practice.”

So much so that Patrick and I travelled to Washington, D.C., in May for a parkour event called “Beast Coast.” There, I spoke with Mark Toorock, founder of American Parkour, a national parkour organization.

“I really, right off the bat, connected with it and thought this was going to be a thing that people really enjoy,” he said. “There are no boundaries [in parkour]. The world is so full of divisions. There is no division between us as people. Parkour is just about people wanting to move, and that’s a human trait.”

Mark began doing parkour in 2002 in London. Two years later, he created American Parkour and hosted one of the world’s largest events in 2016 with more than 650 people. Speaking with him opened my eyes to the vastness of parkour, that it helps people transcend what they once thought was impossible, both mentally and physically.

“We’re meant to explore,” he said. “We’re meant to play. We’re meant to skin our knees. That’s how we grow.”

Beauty and Wonder

A huge part of parkour circles around exploration. We, as athletes, take any opportunity given to us to venture to places we wouldn’t otherwise go. Parkour has taken me all over the East Coast and introduced me to many friends. The desire to explore is a trait that traceurs share.

Mark mentioned that some people have a negative image of the sport.

“I try to help them understand why there’s nothing wrong with parkour,” he said. “A lot of the negative perceptions come from things that aren’t actually part and parcel to parkour.”

Many in the community have dealt with people seeing them as mischief-makers who harm the environment and themselves.

After spending a couple of hours training at the Capitol Complex, Daniel, Patrick and I made a quick stop at Kunkel Plaza and finished our session at the PinnacleHealth building

on Front Street. That spot is so exposed that we attracted the attention of many passersby. After jumping for a while, a police officer pulled up.

“We got a call saying there were some kids vandalizing and loitering here,” the officer said, getting out of his car.

“We weren’t trying to vandalize anything,” Patrick said. “I understand if that’s what it looked like, but that’s the last thing we want to do.”

We mentioned parkour, and that rang a bell.

“I’ve seen that on the internet,” he said. “That’s awesome.”

We showed him a little of what we do, flipping off the walls and stairs. He appreciated our display and politely told us to find a different spot to train. We thanked him and were on our way.

“I understand it’s a liability issue,” Daniel said. “That’s why we leave when people ask us to. I don’t ever want to infringe. This kind of thing happens almost every time we train. I just like walking away knowing they understand we didn’t have any malicious intentions.”

Parkour, as a means of self-expression, has given Patrick, Daniel and me the ability to see the beauty and wonder in exploration. The sport provides a new appreciation for architecture and the simple structures in cities like Harrisburg.

“I hope to spread the knowledge of parkour with as many people as possible,” Patrick said. “I think it’s an incredible addition to society.”

Benjamin Miller will be a senior studying at the Capital Area School of the Arts Charter School (CASA).

Sweet Shop: Perfect your nest with Sweet 504

July 31, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Sweet 504

Rebecca Werley was blessed with a decorator’s eye and an artistic flair, but, until recently, considered herself just a hobbyist. Then she joined the growing contingent of enterprising female entrepreneurs who have set up shop in Camp Hill.

Deemed “Sweet 504,” the shop name is a combination of the phrase “Home Sweet Home” and the area code that, if dialed, connects to the Big Easy.

“My whole family is from New Orleans,” explained Werley.

The boutique shop is located a stone’s throw from the specialty gift and coffee shop, One Good Woman, and shares a corner property and a rear entrance with MollyBee Kids, a toy store that opened last year.

Werley explained how the pieces of the puzzle fell into place to inspire her to make a go of it in an area that is known for supporting small businesses.

“I have a background in many things,” she said. “Prior to moving here, I was COO of a workforce development corporation and, before that, I was a software director of training.”

Werley, who also worked as a stay-at-home mom for about a decade, was ready to launch into something new when her husband was transferred to the area.

“We both decided I would do something different and creative,” she said.

The concept evolved almost organically as Werley went about her day-to-day life gaining a reputation for having an “eye for design.”

“I kept helping friends with projects,” she said. “One asked me to design a foyer, an entrance, a living room and dining room on a shoestring budget of $600.”

Werley set the wheels in motion to make it work, pulling in thrift and antique items, as well as their existing pieces. The outcome was well received, and the positive response inspired her to continue.

“Since then, I started taking on individual clients, just for fun, and it just evolved into a business where I curate pieces and spaces and help people work within their budgets to create what works for them,” she said.

On any given day, customers are likely to find something different in Werley’s cozy shop.

New items, like organic textiles produced by Chambersburg-based Zestt, are displayed alongside vintage pieces—from china to giftware to furniture like a mid-century modern orange/gold sofa, a purchase inspired by a recent issue of Architectural Digest.

“I always ask myself if it’s well made before I buy it,” Werley said.

She’s also a big believer in the motto, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” and takes satisfaction in giving pieces “new life.” She gains pleasure from the thrill of the hunt—finding that perfect piece for a difficult puzzle that few have the ability to tackle.

“One of my friends came in the other day with pictures—sometimes people need one or two things in specific dimensions for an entryway, for instance,” she said. “I’m often on the lookout for pieces to fit in odd-sized spaces.”

Beautiful Pieces

Shelley Sheker met Werley at a Pilates class in New Cumberland. At the time, the Camp Hill resident found herself in a difficult space, both literally and figuratively.

“I had lost my mother to cancer and, when I was moving her belongings, I was having a tough time, and Rebecca asked me if there was anything she could do,” Sheker said.

She shared that she inherited a series of family heirlooms that were near and dear to her heart.

“My mother had beautiful pieces that belonged to her and my aunt, but they didn’t fit into the style of my home,” said Sheker.

Werley decided to help her friend find a way to integrate the items into the décor.

“It became a beautiful collection of eclectic pieces that matched my style,” Sheker said. “She stepped in and did a wonderful job at a very difficult time.”

Erica Moffitt-Dilks tells a similar story.

“My family and I moved to Camp Hill in June, and we loved our new space, but we knew it needed to be lightened, brightened and updated, but we didn’t know where to start,” she said. “I spoke to Rebecca at a get-together, and she mentioned that it was something she enjoyed doing.”

Werley was able to work within a budget to make inexpensive changes that transformed the space.

“Her suggestions were spot on,” said Moffitt-Dilks. “She has such a vision and is able to see it the way you want it to be.”

Frances Montresor agrees that Werley tends to think outside the box.

“She redid our living room and dining room and asked our daughters to create a painting to tie it all together,” she said.

And although Werley doesn’t claim to have an eye for landscaping, that hasn’t stopped her from bringing that aspect of design into her equation, as well.

It’s unlikely that Werley will branch out into landscaping. For now, she’s content to continue to pursue her passion of helping others create and customize their own perfect nests.

Sweet 504 is located at 1849 Market St. (rear), Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-884-4919 or visit or the Facebook page: Sweet 504.

Author:Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Like Maestro, Like Son: Zev Malina is already an accomplished pianist and composer—and he’s just 15 years old.

July 31, 2017 | by Robert Naeye

Zev Mailina

I’ve had a long-lasting musical love affair with Schubert’s “Trout Quintet” for piano and strings.

So, I snatched up tickets when I saw this piece on the program for a concert last winter at Whitaker Center. But what I remember most from that evening was the opening act—a spirited, nearly flawless solo piano performance of Chopin’s technically demanding Scherzo No. 2 by high school freshman Zev Malina.

“Wow, this kid’s got talent!” I thought to myself.

And I wasn’t alone. The audience gave the young man a standing ovation—quite an accomplishment for a musician making his professional debut and who felt nervous walking onto the stage.

If the surname “Malina” rings a bell, it should. Zev is the son of Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Music Director Stuart Malina. Stuart recognized Zev’s talent at an early age, when he realized his son had “perfect pitch”—a rare ability to identify a single note without any reference tones.

“He was always a very good music student,” said Stuart. “He learned things really fast. His ear and memory are remarkable. After playing through a piece of music once, he would know it by memory.”

Zev started playing the piano around the age of 4. He enjoys the feeling of touching the keys, and he relishes the piano’s sound and its wide range of capabilities for melody, harmony and expression. He is fond of many composers, but said that, “anything Chopin wrote is great to listen to and to play.”

Zev balances life as a Central Dauphin High School student with his musical exploits. He tries to practice piano 30 to 45 minutes a day, but certain times of year are busier than others. He’s currently learning works by Bach, Beethoven and Copland, along with Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto, which Zev describes as “a monstrous piece.”

When approaching a new piece, Zev starts off by following the composer’s intentions as closely as possible. But, as he gets to know the work better, he starts adding his own unique flair.

“I stick to the composer’s directions until I feel I have the right to elaborate,” he said.

More Gifted

Zev has been studying the piano for about five years under the tutelage of Ya-Ting Chang, who co-directs Market Square Concerts with her husband, violinist Peter Sirotin.

“Right from the first time I heard him play, I remember telling myself that this is one of those rare, talented kids who I don’t want to micromanage,” said Chang.

Zev sings in his high school choir, but he particularly enjoys playing bassoon in the band. He remembers hearing the bassoon solo that opens Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” which sparked his interest in the woodwind instrument.

“The world needs more bassoon players,” Zev said. “It’s kind of a dying art, which is a shame.”

And if being a precocious instrumentalist were not enough, Zev may be more gifted as a composer.

“Zev’s mind works much more creatively than mine does,” said Stuart, who studied composition in college. “You’d be hard-pressed to find many 15 year olds who are writing music of this sophistication.”

Zev recently submitted a five-minute orchestral piece titled “Dreamscape” to the National Young Composers Challenge. More than 100 composers aged 13 to 18 from all over the country submitted entries, and Zev was one of the three winners in the “Full Orchestral” category. The other two were three years older than he is.

What Comes Next

Zev started composing around age 9 by writing a waltz for solo piano, a piece his father describes as “very advanced” for a child who had no formal training in composition. He since has expanded his repertoire, and professional musicians have performed several of his compositions publicly.

His best-known work is a 20-minute musical accompaniment to a narration of Robert McCloskey’s 1948 illustrated children’s book “Blueberries for Sal.” The book’s pictures and story inspired Zev as he was growing up, and he wrote the piece when he was 13. Violin, piano, clarinet, bass and drums accompany the narration. The piece was performed publicly at the Forum in 2015, with Zev as narrator and his father on piano.

Zev intends to write pieces for the bassoon, the double bass and other underserved instruments. For example, at age 11, he composed a quartet for double basses, which was performed by the Shenandoah Conservatory Bass Ensemble.

Besides music, Zev enjoys reading, writing and acting. He still has not chosen a career path, but most of his interests involve the arts.

“Nowadays, it’s hard to find a stable career in the arts, which is unfortunate since those fields are such an important part of culture and society,” he said.

It would be natural to assume that Zev’s father is pushing him toward a musical career. But Stuart has refrained from steering his son in any particular direction, and emphasized that Zev’s interest in music is entirely self-motivated.

“I think he’s going to do great things no matter what he ends up doing,” said Stuart. “I know that music will be some part of his life. But I’m incredibly proud of what he has accomplished already at this young age, and I just can’t wait to see what comes next.”

For samples of Zev Malina’s works mentioned in this story, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE9zVOjJbPI www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LjPt53vwe4 and www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KtI_JSna5k. For more on classical music in the Harrisburg area, visit www.harrisburgsymphony.org and www.marketsquareconcerts.org.

Author: Robert Naeye

Heat & Energy: Hot bands for warm nights

July 31, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Hank & Cupcakes

Summer may be growing short, but there are still plenty of long nights to get some good music in. This month, I’ve found a few groups that promise to bring feel-good vibes with their own unique styles. If you’re a fan of indie rock, classic rock, blues/roots, funk and dance music, these acts are for you. If you’ve ever wanted to get into something new, what better time than now? End your sleepy summer right with these killer shows.

HANK & CUPCAKES, 8/5, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $8

Making a return to H*MAC in early August, Hank & Cupcakes will bring the party with them. The dynamic duo of vocalist/drummer Cupcakes and bassist Hank originally hailed from Tel Aviv, Israel. After coming to New York in 2008, the group became known as a “must see” act in the local music scene, eventually signing to BMG’s label. After their first release, “Ain’t No Love,” in 2012, the two decided to walk away from the label and produce their music more independently. Their latest album, “Cheap Thrill,” was recorded in Hank and Cupcakes’ Atlanta home in a custom setup where microphones were set up all over the inside and outside of the house to create “an array of sonic chambers and an ambient live record.” Brooklyn producer Van Goose is set to join them for the evening, and he is credited with helping them produce “Cheap Thrill.” This is going to be a unique and energetic live show that you won’t want to miss.

MARK DEROSE & THE DREADNOUGHT BRIGADE, 8/13, 6PM, ITALIAN LAKE, FREE

I hate to break it to everyone, but this is, unfortunately, the last free Italian Lake concert this year. The good news is it looks like it’s going to be a good one. Mark DeRose and his band, The Dreadnought Brigade, will bring a blues roots and classic rock sound to close out the summer. If you like Van Morrison, Counting Crows or The Band, this group’s for you. Their music has been called “thoughtful and provocative, laden with metaphors of hope and celebration for life” by Fly magazine, a Lancaster publication. Grab a friend, bring a lawn chair, and get ready for some feel-good summer vibes while the sun’s still hot.

STARSHIP MANTIS, 8/19, 8PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $10

The Abbey Bar is coming at you with some fresh funk out of Pittsburgh. Starship Mantis was founded by bassist Beni Rossman and strives to defy single genre stereotypes,embodying influences from hip-hop, funk, jazz-fusion, pop, rock, electronic and dance, to name a few. Creating an all-encompassing genre they call “Unity Music,” they say that their groovy style is “designed to cross the barrier of feel-good music and intellectual music, so as to make your mind and body communicate as one cohesive unit.” Far out, right? Joining them for the evening is Dr. Slothclaw, the Abbey Bar’s “favorite doctor of funk.”

Mentionables: Electric Love Machine, Aug. 11, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Yarn, Aug. 17, The Abbey Bar; Lara Hope and The Arktones, Aug. 17, JB Lovedraft’s Micro Pub; Taylor Perry, Aug. 18, Spring Gate Vineyard; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Aug. 25, Whitaker Center

Author: Kait Gibboney

Spirited Summer: Cocktails, Italian style

July 31, 2017 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Andrew Edsall

Back in the early 1970s, my husband and I often served the Italian spirit, Campari.

I no longer remember how our affection evolved for this bitter drink, but we likely gave it a splash of club soda and felt very European while we sipped it sitting outside on our little deck. We even had a Campari patio umbrella.

Fast-forward to the present, and my husband and I often find ourselves at Note Bistro and Wine Bar on N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg. It has become one of our favorite haunts for both the innovative food and the lovely cocktails prepared by Andrew, a professional bartender in every sense of the word.

Andrew describes his bartending skills as “classic.” And while that is true, he often puts a little spin on his classic drinks to make them extraordinary. I have often enjoyed the cocktail Andrew calls “The Sicilian” (I guess because I am). It is a little Manhattan-like and is made with bourbon, Amaro, Aperol and orange bitters. I asked what Amaro was, and Andrew explained it refers to the family of Italian bitter “digestivos” or digestive aperitifs. And that’s where Campari comes in—it too is part of the Amaro family. Who knew?

I wanted to learn more about this intriguing group of spirits. The Food and Wine website, along with one called Amaro 101, provided a wealth of information. Amaro, they said, is made by infusing grape brandy with a mix of herbs, bark, citrus peels, spices and flowers. It is then sweetened with sugar syrup and aged until silky and bittersweet.

I was amazed at the number of Amari out there, ranging from low to high on the “bitterness scale.” These spirits can be served straight over ice or mixed with vodka, gin, fruited liqueurs, lemon juice and different types of bitters. Some examples are:

Amaro Montenegro: light and gentle with notes of orange and rose water
Amaro Ramazzotti: sweet with hints of root beer and vanilla
Amaro Averna: flavors of licorice, citrus and chocolate
Aperol: bitter and sweet oranges with traces of rhubarb and other herbs
Campari: bright red and flavored with bitter barks and herbs—unique flavor with exact ingredients unknown

If you want to try your hand at this new (and becoming very popular) cocktail craze, here are some easy recipes to try.

The Americano

1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Club soda

This is a good place to start. Mix the Campari and vermouth together and top with chilled club soda. Add ice. This drink is lighter than the traditional Negroni that follows.

Negroni

1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz gin

Mix all ingredients together and serve over ice. This is the traditional Campari cocktail and is stronger than the Americano.

Black Manhattan

2 oz bourbon
1 oz Averna
1 dash Angostura bitters

Shake together with ice and serve straight up in a martini glass or over additional ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Add a cherry (Luxardo, if you can find them).

Or, for something very simple and cooling, try the Aperol spritz. Place an ounce or two of Aperol in a champagne flute and fill with very cold prosecco. Garnish with an orange twist.

Try one these unusual cocktails in place of your gin and tonic before the summer ends. You may find a new favorite. Or, if Amaro drinks are not your style, pay Andrew at Note a visit. He will introduce you to the “Bee Sting” with vodka and chili-infused honey; the Casablanca, gin touched with elderflower, or a PB&J, made with peanut-infused vodka and strawberry.

And, if you ask, Andrew can tell you the story of Dr. Peychaud of Peychaud’s bitters fame. But first, give his “Sazerac” a try!

Alla tua salute!

Author:Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 31, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museums and Art Spaces

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

“Hemmings Classic Car Detroit Underdogs,” highlighting the often overlooked, under-appreciated and easily attainable cars of youth, through Aug. 27.

“Camaro & Firebird 50^th Anniversary Exhibit,” featuring a show of these iconic American vehicles, through Oct. 8.

“Garage Finds: Unrestored Treasures that Survived Time,” through Oct. 8.

“Dynamic Duo—AACA ‘Most Awarded’ and ‘Most Traveled,’” through Nov. 1.

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

“In Your Face: Humor, Memory and Expression,” featuring the works of Douglas D. Anderson, Evelyn R. Burton, Cathy Frey, John Guarnera and Fred Scruton, through Aug. 31.

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

“Mythic Realms,” enchanting oil paintings by Jon Carraher, through mid-August.

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

Artist of the Month: Wendy Palmer

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

“Hanging by a Thread,” needlework exhibit showcasing handmade needlework, through Dec. 23.

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
galleryatsecond.com

Works by Irene VanBuskirk, Karen Commings and Mark Wesling, through Aug. 5.

Works by Julie Riker and Sue Marrazzo, Aug. 10-Sept. 23.

Works by Joanne Finkle at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., through Aug. 15.

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

“Membership Show & Gallery Student Show,” showcasing artists taking classes and workshops at the gallery, and Art Association members, through Aug. 26.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
dauphincountyhistory.org

“Uncle Sam Calls: Dauphin County in World War I,” an exhibit of historic posters and artifacts, through Dec. 22.

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

“Enhanced Thrift Art,” a group exhibition of salvaged thrift store or attic artwork with creative makeovers by local artists, Aug. 11-Nov. 4; reception: Aug. 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

“Girl Uninterrupted,” an exhibition of artwork all created by women; closing reception: Aug. 4, 7-11 p.m.

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

Works by Tina Berrier, Tami Bitner, Tara Chickey, Bob McCloskey and Marsha Souders, through Aug. 13.

Works by Mary Gelenser, Joan Maguire, John McNulty, Caroline Owens and Richard Souders, Aug. 15-Sept. 10.

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

“Reconstruction: The Unfinished War,” examining the unfinished issue of equality among races in the reunited states, through Dec. 31.

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

“Wild America: The Art of Roger Tory Peterson,” through August.

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

Works by Donna Berk Barlup, through August.

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

“Weaving Through the Countryside,” paintings by Valerie Moyer and basketry by Teena Beutel, through Aug. 5.

“PCCA Volunteers,” an exhibition of artwork by the volunteers who help Perry County Council of the Arts build community through the arts, Aug. 11-Sept 2; reception: Aug. 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Nov. 12.

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 30.

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

“Vessels,” a juried exhibition, through Aug. 6.

“Art in Balance, Motorcycles and Fine Art,” with modern and contemporary works on display juxtaposed with rare and historic motorcycles, Sept. 17.

“Earth and Tide: Connected through Place,” an exhibit featuring the work of eight central PA artists, opens Aug. 4.

“New Geometry” an invitational exhibit featuring abstract works by four artists, Aug. 11-Nov. 5.

Whitaker Center/The Curved Wall
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“Art on Tour,” featuring the works of Perry County Council of the Arts member artists, through Aug. 18.

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

“Art in the Wild,” nature-inspired art, through Oct. 31.

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

Works by Monica Smith, through Aug. 9.

Works by Charisah Cleath, Aug. 13-Sept. 10.

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

“Science Meets Art,” geometrical and symbolic designs by Katie Trainer, through Aug. 17.

“On the Record,” acrylic on vinyl records by Sarah Fogg, Aug. 18-Sept. 14.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Aug. 7-11: Art Speaks Summer Camp, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: Why Single Payer Healthcare? 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: Creative Crab Dishes, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 16: Fast and Flavorful Entrees, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 31: Italian Villa Dinner and Wine Pairing, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Curl up with the Classics—“The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” 10 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group (ages 15-18), 6 p.m.
Aug. 3: Drop-in Story Time, 6:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 21: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 7: Teen Short Story Workshop, 7 p.m.
Aug. 9: Meet & Play for New Parents, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 12: Story Time and Music Therapy by Sovia Therapy—Let’s Go Camping, 3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Fredricksen Reads—“The Painted Kiss,” 7 p.m.
Aug. 18: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Gardening with Nature—Ned Smith, Gone for the Day, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23: Meet & Play for Grandparents, 9:30 p.m.
Aug. 30: Story Time at Country Meadows, Mechanicsburg, 10 a.m.

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

Aug. 3-Sept. 21: Improv for Insight—A Drama Therapy Class, Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 6-Sept. 24: Improv Level 1, Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Healthy Living Kitchen
16 S. Rosanna St., Hummelstown
717-512-0077; healthylivingkitchenpa.com

Aug. 14, 28: Cooking Class—Summer Cook Nights 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 39: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Aug. 8: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 10: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Aug. 15: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 22: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Aug. 9: An Evening w/Zinzi Clemmons, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 12: “Lair of the Lion: A History of Beaver Stadium” book event, 4 p.m.
Aug. 19: Author Event w/Shelly Lipscomb Echeverria, 12-2 p.m.
Aug. 20: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Aug. 20: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Aug. 26: Author Event w/Dave Levitan, 4-6 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Macrame Wall Hanging Workshop, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 12-13: Abstract Painting, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 26-27: Color Mixing Workshop, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Aug. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10: 15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 4: Fun Friday, 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 7: Build a Better World: Minecraft Challenge, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 8: Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Book to Movie Matinee, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” 2-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 19: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 23: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 17, 23, 24: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: “When Mammoths Roamed Pennsylvania,” 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 18: 3^rd in the Burg—Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Kids Discover—Mammals of Wildwood, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 6: Beginner’s Yoga and Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 9: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 13: Flower Walk—Heat Tolerant Plants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: Get in Shape Walk, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 20: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 26: Cadette Girl Scout Workshop—Night Owl, 4:30-9 p.m.

Live Music

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

Aug. 6: Sonny Turner
Aug. 11: Clint Black
Aug. 13: The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Aug. 19: Kool and the Gang
Aug. 25: The Orchestra

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

Aug. 17: Yarn

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

Aug. 16: Ann Wilson

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

Aug. 1, 25: Daniel Sheahan
Aug. 2, 31: TBA
Aug. 3, 29: Jessica Perla
Aug. 4, 10, 18, 22: Noel Gevers
Aug. 5, 16, 26: Roy Lefevre
Aug. 8, 23: Maria Battista
Aug. 9: Deborah Anderson
Aug. 11, 19: Ted Ansel
Aug. 12, 17, 30: Corinna Joy
Aug. 13, 27: Anthony Haubert
Aug. 15, 24: Chris Purcell

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

Aug. 1: Kevin Devin & The Goddamn Band
Aug. 4: Alesana
Aug. 5: Chris Webby
Aug. 19: Greta Van Fleet
Aug. 26: Puddle of Mudd

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

Aug. 4: Antonio Andrade
Aug. 5: Hard Travelin
Aug. 6: Paul Zavinsky
Aug. 11: Joe Cooney
Aug. 12: Kevin Kline
Aug. 13: Michael Arthur & Kristina Machusick
Aug. 18: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Aug. 19: Doug Morris
Aug. 20: Kirk Wise
Aug. 25: Dominick Cicco
Aug. 26: GRIT
Aug. 27: Jim Steele

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Aug. 3 & Aug. 31: Open Jam w/Mark Santanna
Aug. 4: First Friday w/Glassbeard & Pfarrcyde
Aug. 5: Hank & Cupcakes and Van Goose
Aug. 11: Threesound, Electric Love Machine, Duck Duck Goose
Aug. 12: The OK-OK’s
Aug. 18: Entellekt, Vito DePiero, Windchill, Louie Loca & Lep
Aug. 19: 717 Entertainment Morningstar Festival
Aug. 26: Adam Stehr

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

Aug. 14: Yestival Summer Tour
Aug. 18: Alison Krauss & David Gray

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

Aug. 4: Honeypump
Aug. 5: DJ Ray Rossi, The Famouse
Aug. 11: The Big House Band
Aug. 12: DJ Magic, Hollywood Nights, D-Bo
Aug. 18: Sapphire
Aug. 19: DJ Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
Aug. 25: Luv Gods
Aug. 26: DJ Ray Rossi, Into the Spin

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

Aug. 6: Annual Sousa Concert at Carlisle Theatre

Johnny Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill
5327 E. Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2254; johnnyjoesbar.com

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Walter DeWall
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: DJ Eric B
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: DJ Joe Hertz
Aug. 5: Bare Creek Junction
Aug. 12: The Colt Wilbur Band
Aug. 19: Observe the 93^rd
Aug. 26: Adrian Blitzer

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

Aug. 12: Concert at New Cumberland Ice Cream

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

Aug. 18: Sean Marshall
Aug. 25: Heather Mae

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

Aug. 1: Tony Catalano
Aug. 5: Mark Baxter
Aug. 8: Colt Wilbur
Aug. 12: Hank Imhof
Aug. 15: Dave Kelly
Aug. 19: DJ Ray Rossi
Aug. 22: Keith Goldstein
Aug. 26: Lucas Gienow
Aug. 29: Ryan Morans

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

Aug. 5: Jazz Me Rhythm & Blues Band
Aug. 19: Kilmaine Saints
Aug. 26: MI Foundation Summer Concert

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

Aug. 22: Coffeehouse at Buddy Boy Winery

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Aug. 1: Nancy & Spencer Reid
Aug. 5: Giddy Hop w/Shawan and the Wonton
Aug. 8: Tom & Greg Stroman
Aug. 9: Open Mic & Jam
Aug. 15: Cathi Chemi & Steve Rudolph
Aug. 30: Open Mic & Jam w/Shawan Rice

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

Aug. 11: Dana Fuchs

Sand Trap Grill & Pub
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; thelodgeatlibertyforge.com

Aug. 3: Stan & Wes
Aug. 10: Shea & Len
Aug. 15: Open Mic Night
Aug. 17: TBA
Aug. 24: Nate Myers
Aug. 31: Swish & Joey

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Aug. 3, 17: Channalia
Aug. 4: Crossroads Duo
Aug. 5: Jamie & Jody
Aug. 10: Lucille
Aug. 11: Cotolo
Aug. 12: Amber Nadine
Aug. 18: Relics of Mediaevalish
Aug. 19: Craig Bonner
Aug. 24: Something Else
Aug. 25: Rhoads & Putt
Aug. 26: Joe Cooney
Aug. 31: Zach Burkett

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

Aug. 4: Swisher Sweets
Aug. 5: Visitors Duo
Aug. 11: Cruise Control Trio
Aug. 12: Shea Quinn and Friends
Aug. 18: DJ Rays—Rossi and Smith
Aug. 19: Music Thru Science Lite
Aug. 25: TBA
Aug. 26: DJ Downtown Penny Brown

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

Aug. 2: 3 Dollar Suit on the Pride of the Susquehanna
Aug. 20: Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards
Aug. 23: Camela Widad

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

Aug. 16: Nashville Unplugged w/Keith Anderson
Aug. 25: Kenny Wayne Shepherd

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

Aug. 18: Aaron Daniel Gaul
Aug. 20: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 11-20: “Ring of Fire”

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

Through Aug. 12: “Peter Pan”
Aug. 17-Sept. 23: “Pippin”

Gamut Theatre Group
3^rd Floor, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamutplays.org

Through Aug. 19: “The Ugly Duckling” w/Popcorn Hat Players

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

Aug. 11, 13: Level 1 Class Show
Aug. 25, 27: Level 3 Class Show
Aug. 27: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys

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

Through Aug. 6: “Tintypes”

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

Aug. 11-27: “Taking Leave”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Aug. 4-24: “We the People”

Stage of Life: Allison Hays steps in as Theatre Harrisburg’s new executive director.

July 31, 2017 | by Lori M. Myers

Allison Hays has only held Theatre Harrisburg’s executive director job for a few months, yet it seems she’s been preparing for this position all her life.

Her journey from her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to Harrisburg—with a stop or two along the way—has focused on the arts: its performance, its management, its future. She’s ready, for sure.

But, first, a bit of background.

For Hays, it only took one person to stoke the creative flames—her kindergarten teacher—who saw something in her, something special, and cast her as Suzy Snowflake, a leading role in a holiday play. In Hays’ words, she took to it like a “fish to water.” It helped that the artistic seeds were already being planted at home within a household of musical theater lovers, who began to notice their daughter’s passion for the stage.

“I have vivid summer memories of my mother working in the garage while I danced around in circles to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ or ‘Cats,’” she recalled. “I don’t think I know a time where I wasn’t singing, dancing or acting.”

In third grade, Hays got to see “The Nutcracker” and she proclaimed to her mother, “I wanna do THAT!”

Her parents enrolled her in a dance academy, drove her to theater auditions, and allowed her to join the Columbus Children’s Choir, where she learned solid musical skills. Theater became a part of her identity, and, while she hasn’t always had the good fortune to be employed in the arts, she has always found a way to actively participate through small productions or community theater.

And that’s where Theatre Harrisburg comes into “play.” Since 2010, Hays has performed in leading roles in shows such as “Camelot,” “Crazy for You” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” among others. She’s also choreographed, as well as been in the audience, when friends performed or cheered on those who were new to the Theatre Harrisburg family. While Hays has been involved in other projects at other venues, it’s there that she feels most at home.

“I have met so many wonderful people, and I have never ever felt like I didn’t belong,” Hays said. “I cannot express how fantastic it is to have beautiful set and lighting designs, be wearing a costume built just for you, and get to sing along with a professional pit orchestra. An amateur doesn’t often get that kind of experience.”

Hays also brings arts management know-how to her new executive director title. She has previously held positions at WITF, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. She recently managed an off-Broadway play and has served as a manager for a long-running musical called “The Days of ’98 Show With Soapy Smith” up in the wilds of Skagway, Alaska, where she’s run the daily operations—from directing to box office coordination.

“It’s a hoot,” she said. “Can-can dancing, ragtime piano, vaudeville humor. I’ve met several people from the Harrisburg area. It’s so fun to meet all the way up in the northland.”

While Hays loved Alaska’s extended daylights and starlit skies, she admits that Harrisburg has other advantages, such as its museums, a fabulous symphony and great dance companies, not to mention its proximity to larger cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C. She’s more than ready to continue to put Theatre Harrisburg’s stamp on the midstate, much to the delight of the board of directors who recognized Hays’ passion for the theater‘s mission.

“She possesses a diverse skill set which matches our needs and demonstrates the ability to work with people from different backgrounds and points of view,” said Solomon Krevsky, Theatre Harrisburg board president. “Allison has deep roots in the central Pennsylvania performing arts and business communities. We are thrilled to have her.”

And the feeling is shared. She was excited and nervous when Krevsky called with the offer, but “chewed it over in my mind” and then thought, “Let’s go!”

Theatre Harrisburg’s upcoming season (and Hays’ first as executive director) will include the musicals “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Hairspray” at Whitaker Center. The Krevsky Center on Hurlock Street will present “Rumors,” “Grave Doubts,” “God of Carnage” and a recent off-Broadway musical, “I Love You Because.”

“I have also added a holiday performance featuring young performers only,” Hays said. “Hopefully, it will also feature student directors, costume design, etc. Young people in our area are passionate about doing shows. I want to open up our opportunities to include them as a part of our community.”

Along with expanding youth programming at Theatre Harrisburg, Hays hopes to actively work towards building a community of volunteers and audience members along with balancing both classic and contemporary shows.

“All of my separate experiences now seem to be related when I look at how useful they are to this new position,” Hays mused. “I feel poised and ready to make a difference.”

For more information about Theatre Harrisburg, including its 2017-18 season, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

Author:Lori M. Myers

Burg’s Eye View: Harrisburg’s Midtown, in pictures

July 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda and Ali Waxman

Midtown may be the most diverse neighborhood in all of Harrisburg. Partially, that’s because of its size. As currently defined, Midtown includes a huge chunk of the city from Forster to Maclay streets, from the river to N. 7th.

But it’s also because Midtown is a generally desirable neighborhood that finds itself in the crosshairs of change. It includes many intact, densely built blocks that allow easy walkability to downtown and the Capitol complex, attracting young people and professionals to its narrow streets and Victorian-era buildings. But it also includes areas that fell on hard times as the city experienced deindustrialization, depopulation and flooding after the 1950s. Those blocks are some of the most desolate in all of Harrisburg. Midtown, though, has been slowly reviving over many years, with the pace of change picking up recently, especially along the vital 3rd Street corridor.

We asked photographer Ali Waxman to walk the streets of Midtown, taking pictures of anything that he found interesting. We include a small sample of his work in this photo feature.

Authors: Lawrance Binda and Ali Waxman

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