Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 30, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

July Community Corner

HBG Flea
July 1: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com for more details.

Beginner’s Yoga
July 2: Join yoga instructor Traci Wolfe for a guided 3.1-mile walk around Wildwood Lake with stops for simple yoga exercises. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. in the front of the nature center. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Independence Celebration
July 3: Enjoy an Independence Day celebration on the front lawn of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., Hershey. The event will have food and beverages for purchase, a Hershey Symphony Orchestra performance and kids’ wellness activities. Rain date is July 4. Visit hmc.pennstatehealth.org.

Circus Camp
July 3-7: Circus of the Kids comes to the Jewish Community Center, 3301 N. Front St., Harrisburg, for a camp for kids (age 6 to 14), with instruction in circus arts standbys like fire-eating, juggling, pyramid building and mini-trampoline acrobatics. The week culminates with performances on July 7 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visit jewishfedhbg.org.

July 4 Celebration
July 4: Join Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library for its annual Independence Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy patriotic marches and show tunes by the New Cumberland Town Band at 10:30 a.m., purchase picnic foods and baked goods, and shop a book and vintage jewelry sale. Visit newcumberlandlibrary.org for more details.

Declaration of Independence
July 4: The Historical Society of Dauphin County will present the 7th annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion at 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with John Harris, Jr. re-enactor David Biser. Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Taste of Independence
July 4: Harrisburg toasts the nation’s birth with a “Taste of Independence” food truck festival with more than 30 food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and more in Riverfront Park, 3 to 9 p.m. The annual fireworks display follows at dark. Visit harrisburgpa.gov for more information.

Bike Rodeo
July 5: AAA Central Penn, the PA Capitol Police, the Harrisburg Senators, InGear Cycling & Fitness and other community partners are bringing the AAA Bike Rodeo back to central PA. The free event uses simulated situations and fun to teach children bicycle safety skills. For more, visit to AAA.com/BikeRodeo.

Blood Pressure Screenings
July 6: PinnacleHealth will offer blood pressure screenings in the Food Court Pavilion at the Harrisburg Mall, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com for details.

Story Time
July 7: Gather in the State Museum’s PA Turnpike exhibit to enjoy the story, “Roadwork,” by Sally Sutton and sing about big construction trucks. StoryTime is a read-aloud series, followed by a related play activity, for children 3 to 5 years old, at the State Museum, N. 3rd and North streets, Harrisburg. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Artist Conversation
July 7: Explore the 50th annual Art of the State exhibition with PA First Lady Frances Wolf and award-winning Harrisburg artist Andrew Guth as they lead a casual tour of the exhibit at the State Museum, N. 3rd and North streets, Harrisburg, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Central PA Blood Drive
July 7: Donate blood to support the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, 2 to 6 p.m., at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St. The blood drive will be located outside of the Wells Fargo Bank entrance. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Volunteer Work Day
July 8: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. Bring along a water bottle. Refreshments will be available. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Pump Primers
July 8: PA Pump Primers returns to Harrisburg starting at 10 a.m., when a parade of antique fire trucks will leave the state Farm Show building and travel to Riverfront Park, where they will be on view all day. Speak to owners, play games, grab food and listen to music. Learn more at papumpprimers.org.

Library Book Sale
July 8-13: Palmyra Public Library will hold its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E Birch St. The book sale opens on July 8 with an early bird preview from 7:30 to 9 a.m. for a $5 fee per person. At 9 a.m., the sale will open to the public and will run until 1 p.m. July 13 is $5 per bag day. Visit lclibs.org/palmyra.

Junior Naturalist Camp
July 10-14: Campers ages 9 to 11 will learn a variety of naturalist and outdoor skills at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Campers will use those skills to explore habitats while hiking, using binoculars and canoeing. There is a $115 fee per camper; pre-registration is required. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Fill a Backpack
July 10-14: Strawberry Square and Harristown Enterprises will host The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region’s “Fill-A-Backpack” event, in the Strawberry Square Atrium, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Visitors can purchase school supplies to fill backpacks or donate $40 for entire backpacks. Visit salvationarmyharrisburg.org.

4-H Days
July 12-19: The Cumberland County 4-H program invites youth ages 8 to 12 years old to experience fun-filled activities and hands-on learning each day from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Penn State Extension Office of Cumberland County, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. For more details, visit extension.psu.edu/cumberland.

Outdoor Movies
July 14 & 28: Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema present two free outdoor movies in July: “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” on July 14 and “Jaws” on July 28 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Both films begin at dusk and, in case of rain, will be delayed until Saturday. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Brewfest
July 15: Taste more than 30 craft brews while listening to music and sampling food from area restaurants. The Dauphin County Brewfest takes place on the front lawn of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. $35 advance, $50 door, $15 designated drivers. Visit forthunter.org.

Car Show
July 15: JPM Racing will host the “Rumble of the Night” car show from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Harrisburg Mall parking lot across from Macy’s Backstage entrance. The event will include food, music and a special muffler rap contest. Rumble of the Night benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com for details.

Art Soirees
July 15 & 22: The Art Association of Harrisburg will hold two fundraising soirees this month in Harrisburg. The first, on July 15, will be hosted by Wendell and Brenda Hoover at their house on Italian Lake, and the second, on July 22, will be hosted by Alex and Kristine Hartzler at their house on Front Street. The cost to attend is $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information, visit artassocofhbg.org.

Hamm Camp
July 17-21 & July 24-28: Hamm Camp, 2451 Market St., Harrisburg, offers a free, week-long camp for girls and boys that combines high-level, on-the-court skills instruction with a daily workshop focusing on essential life skills. The camp’s goal is to build higher expectations for achievement among inner city youth. Visit hammcamp.com.

Outdoor Week
July 17-21: Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will discover the natural world while learning skills like building a debris hut, fishing, identifying wild edibles and canoeing on the Susquehanna River, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $115 per person and pre-registration is required. Visit wildwoodlake.org for more details.

“Wicked” Tunes
July 19: Join Fredricksen Library for a night of music from the popular Broadway show, “Wicked!” Fans of all ages will sing along to the CD, and lyric sheets will be provided, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/FRE.

Harrisburg Mile
July 19: Enjoy family fun at the Harrisburg Mile along Front Street in Harrisburg, 6 to 7:45 p.m. The starting line is at Front and Maclay streets by the Governor’s Mansion. Enjoy music provided by WINK 104, grab some refreshments and check out the activities along the Susquehanna River. Visit ymcarun.com.

3rd in The Burg
July 21: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Exhibit Reception
July 21: The State Museum of Pennsylvania will host an evening of refreshments and a tour of the 50th anniversary Art of the State exhibition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more details, visit statemuseumpa.org.

Putt it Into the Park
July 20: Head to City Island in Harrisburg to enjoy an 18-hole mini-golf course and a Harrisburg Senators game during the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Putt it Into the Park,” 4 p.m. Cost to attend is $25, ages 13 and older; $20, ages 4 to 12; and free for kids 3 and under. Visit wschamber.org for more information.

Blood Drive
July 22: Premier Eye Care Group will host a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Shipoke office, 92 Tuscarora St., Harrisburg. Premier will raffle off a pair of sunglasses for the event. Visit premiereeyes.com.

Quidditch World Cup
July 26: The Quidditch World Cup comes to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19^th St., Camp Hill, at 6:30 p.m. with U.S. vs. Britain, featuring alumni from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny. Register a team or individual by calling the library. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org for full details.

Pride Festival
July 29: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities hosts the 25th annual Pride Festival of Central PA in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy the annual “Voices United” concert with Central PA Womyn’s Chorus, Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus and Voices of the Spirit at Market Square Presbyterian Church on July 28 at 8 p.m. Visit centralpapridefestival.com.

Nature & Art Fest
July 29: The Ned Smith Center will celebrate its 24^th annual Nature and Art Festival at the center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature music, food, children’s activities and many nature-themed programs. Most activities are free. For more information, visit nedsmithcenter.org.

Block Party
July 29: Transcend Church will hold a summer block party, 3 to 6 p.m., at the church at 1801 State St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit transcendchurch.org.

Tea Party
July 30: The Art Association of Harrisburg, 21 N. Front St., will host a tea party in its garden from 12 to 2 p.m., with freshly baked scones, preserves, tea sandwiches, mini-pastries and individual pots of tea. Reservations are required at $25 per person. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Optimum Benefit: Chanele House–Aspiring beauty mogul by day, truck driver by night.

June 30, 2017 | by Allison Moody

Chanele House

Chanele House lives many lives. She’s a self-described woman of faith, a wife, mother, entrepreneur—and full-time tractor-trailer driver.

Yes, that’s right.

Owner of a budding business, Shea Optimum, House spends her days creating 40 beauty products from her kitchen. At night, she sits in a semi and hauls hazardous materials from York to northern New Jersey. On Saturdays, she sets up her stand at the Broad Street Market’s brick building, donning technicolor eyeshadow and surrounded by a constant stream of customers.

“I have a tendency to step out of the box and try new things [because] I believe God has placed many talents in me,” House said.

House has used herbs and natural remedies in her home for years. After encouragement from her friends and family, she “stepped out on faith” with just $200 and started creating products from shea butter for men and women.

Since she started the business last October, House’s products have hit shelves in New York Beauty Supply in York, Hair Viva in Lancaster and the Broad Street Market.

House’s favorite product and bestseller is raw shea butter, packed into a hollow gourd and imported from Ghana. She also sells scented shea butters, oils, soaps and other naturally sourced products.

“A lot of people know about shea butter, but they don’t know about all of its benefits,” House said.

Shea butter is known to “repair, renew and protect all skin types,” among other things, according to the lid capping each of her containers. Customers rarely need to read the lengthy benefits, as House answers questions in great detail, giving personalized recommendations to every one of them.

At the Broad Street Market, House greets customers with a gleaming smile, which helps to attract passersby, including first-time customer Sheryl Watson. Watson said she’s worked for a body-care company in the past but prefers the lighter scent and natural source of Shea Optimum products. House’s outgoing personality was an added bonus, she said.

“She’s fun to be around,” Watson said. “She really makes you want to buy her products.”

House is discouraged by the way retail stores divisively separate beauty products by gender and ethnicity, so she markets Shea Optimum to everyone.

“I wanted to build a brand that everyone can benefit from,” she said.

House has two children, Nilah, 9, and Deon, 18. She and her husband, Derik, have just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.

“I’m juggling a full-time job and running a business, but with my faith and family, I know that I have everything I need for success,” she said.

House’s original idea of her life never included working as a full-time truck driver. Before switching to piloting a semi for A&S Kinard in 2009, House was a dental assistant for 11 years.

“I chose trucking to show people how gifted I am,” she said. “When I went from dentistry to trucking, it confirmed that I had many gifts and talents.”

She holds degrees in biblical studies and counseling and is a certified temperament and pastoral counselor. House said that, while she enjoyed her previous profession, she wants to spend her life pursuing all of the opportunities possible.

She chose the name Shea Optimum as a reminder of this. The name means getting the greatest use out of shea butter, as well as one’s talents and gifts, she said.

“I wanted my brand to speak life into a person when they come in contact with it,” she said. “I’m all about embracing what’s inside us.”

House’s skills and talents are geared to one goal—one day to fill an entire tractor-trailer with Shea Optimum products, with her logo plastered on the side. With the money she accrues from her business, she then would like to start a nonprofit organization.

“When you have a vision or a dream, you don’t stop until you’ve accomplished that dream,” she said.

Shea Optimum can be found on Saturdays in the Broad Street Market’s brick building.

Author: Allison Moody

The Magic of Miyazaki: Enjoy a full weekend of the Japanese movie master.

June 30, 2017 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Hayao Miyazaki has retired three times.

You may ask: How is that possible? How can you retire again?

Ah, well. That is the great trick that Miyazaki, renowned Japanese animator/director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has played on us time and time again. He retires—and then comes out of retirement.

It makes sense, really.

The work of Studio Ghibli has served as a bridge for many into the world of anime. In most anime films, each frame is more akin to a painting than an animation, and the stories are rich with meaning and symbolism. The amount of time and effort it takes to pull off each masterpiece, especially with the quality that Miyazaki brings to the production, make it understandable that he would want to take a break. But it seems that retirement is just not interesting enough for the man. There is always another creative endeavor, and that is something that he cannot pass up.

So, as long as Miyazaki keeps coming out of retirement to make more films, Midtown Cinema will keep playing his films en masse—or, at least, for a full weekend.

In July, audiences will get the chance to see four Miyazaki films on the big screen: “Spirited Away,” “Ponyo,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Hayao Miyazaki has wooed generations of children and adults with these beautifully animated stories, ranging from whimsical to fantastical, with larger-than-life characters, odd scenarios and animist tendencies.

While “Nausicaä” tackles both war and environmental issues head on, “Ponyo” caters to smaller children, conveying a simple story full of magic. And “Spirited Away” is a fan favorite, dripping with symbolism and pushing the limits of imagination. But for this critic, “Howl’s Moving Castle” will always be one step ahead of the others. From the moment Sophie discovers that erratically assembled, chicken-footed castle traipsing about the land, the mysterious Howl has already won us over.

Miyazaki’s whole body of work is a celebration in itself, and we can only hope that it will continue to grow. “Miyazaki Movie Madness” is a retrospective that everyone can get behind.

“Miyazaki Movie Madness” plays July 21-23 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Visit www.midtowncinema.com.

MIDTOWN CINEMA
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

National Theatre Live
“Obsession”
Monday, July 10, 7 p.m.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Monday, July 24, 7 p.m.

Outdoor Films
Down in Front! presents
“I Was a Teenage Werewolf” (1957)
Friday, July 14

“Jaws” (1975)
Friday, July 28

3^rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Spirited Away” (2003)
Friday, July 21, 9:30 p.m.

Miyazaki Movie Madness
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984)
Friday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 23, 8 p.m.

“Spirited Away” (2003)
Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m.

“Ponyo” (2008)
Saturday, July 22, 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2005)
Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 23, 2 p.m.

Author: Sammi Leigh Melville

Resort Rebirth: After a full renovation, Allenberry reopens to visitors, the community.

June 30, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Allenberry Resort

John Keats once said, “The poetry of the Earth is never dead.”

But in today’s pressure-driven and wired society, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us. To claim that we are a population that is constantly “on,” is hardly an exaggeration when the smart phone has morphed into an appendage.

Perhaps that is why the public has followed the Allenberry story so closely. After 70 years of serving the community as a bucolic, serene retreat, the landmark’s future became uncertain when the Heinze family decided that it was time to sell.

Few could blame them for craving a bit of relaxation, but John Heinze, who is now in his 80s, felt the need to explain anyway, jokingly calling himself and his siblings “a little too long in the tooth” to continue operating the facility. Suddenly, families around the region were reminiscing about bygone days as they awaited the fate of the beloved landmark.

Soft Spot

Lucy Gnazzo grew up in Boiling Springs and worked at the property while in high school. She returned for proms, bridal showers, family dinners and plays.

“They supported the students by providing them with jobs, and I even recall visiting as a very young child during the holidays for a reading of ‘The Night before Christmas,’” she said.

Gnazzo, like many, has a soft spot in her heart for Allenberry. It is a love that spans generations.

“Allenberry was one of my Aunt Doris’ favorite places, and she’d take the nieces, nephews and grandchildren,” she said.

When Gnazzo was seeking a picturesque area for her daughter Lauren’s senior photos, Allenberry, with the Yellow Breeches as a backdrop, seemed a no-brainer.

“So many memories and milestones,” she said with a sigh.

The property lingered on the market for a few years. Right before the historic resort was slated for public auction, Michael Kennedy and a group of investors sprang into action to save it.

Since then, Kennedy and his team have been hard at work updating the property to bring it into the 21st century, while preserving its 1700s-era charm. Renovations to the existing structures should be completed by mid-summer.

News of the new and improved Allenberry came as a relief to Gnazzo and many others who cherish the memories created there.

“It’s fulfilling to see the passion behind the renovations and fabulous to see the investments,” she said. “It’s going to be a tremendous resort for the region.”

Romantic & Rustic

Those, like Gnazzo, with warm memories of Allenberry will be pleased to know that it’s returning much as it was—as a resort with lodging, dining and entertainment—only in fully updated condition.

Staying the Night

For those interested in an overnight stay, the options are many. The 1800s-era, 4,000-square-foot renovated Mansion is especially popular with wedding parties and features four luxury rooms, complete with kitchen, dining room, living room and wraparound porch that overlooks the scenic Yellow Breeches.

Other accommodations include the Meadow Lodge with 32 renovated rooms, the new Pine Lodge with more contemporary furnishings, the Hillside House that offers four suites and the rustic Still House, situated just yards from the creek. There are also cottages of various sizes and the Stone Lodge, which once served as the estate’s barn and stables. On the lower level, guests will discover a renovated carriage house that has been transformed into a cozy restaurant. Dimly lit, with fieldstone walls and heavy barn doors separating the bar and dining room, the Stone Lodge Tavern Carriage Room décor can be described as a union of romantic and rustic.

Chris Douglass visited the resort while in town for the Carlisle Ford Nationals and spent time socializing in the tavern.

“I was looking for unique lodging and found it at Allenberry,” said the Virginia resident. “The staff was very friendly, and I liked the historic and relaxing feel of the place.”

An added plus, said Douglass, was meeting so many welcoming locals willing to strike up a friendly conversation in the tavern.

The Main Lodge

Work continues at the Main Lodge, which dates back to 1778. Upon completion, the lodge will feature a general store, two bars, a bakery, meeting rooms and a flagship eatery called the Barn Restaurant, where Chef d’Cuisine Joseph Randle will serve American fare crafted with locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients.

Kennedy and company have merged the old with the new in carefully preserving the murals that decorate the walls of the barn. An insider tip: Take a close look at the hunting scene. The original painting depicted two hunters, but today only one remains—the sad reminder of a family feud memorialized with a few extra brushstrokes. During nice weather, guests can stroll past the mural and contemplate their own familial relations with the help of a few libations on the terrace.

Spa Time

Another exciting project nearing completion at Allenberry is the 3,500-square-foot day spa, where guests can undergo pampering, an amenity especially convenient for bridal parties. The resort is partnering with Changes Salon and Day Spa in Mechanicsburg to offer a variety of services to bring out the Zen in just about anyone.

Indoors & Outdoors

Of course, Allenberry wouldn’t be Allenberry without its iconic, 250-seat playhouse, which also has undergone an extensive renovation. Productions will feature local talent led by Dustin LeBlanc, executive artistic director of Keystone Theatrics.

Kevin Gaughen recently had the opportunity to see the renovated resort while attending a murder mystery play with his wife Laryssa.

“Entertainment, food and service were all top notch,” he said, adding that he was impressed with the improvements that have been made throughout the property.

Shows for the rest of 2017 include “Shrek,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Allenberry also is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Appalachian Trail is located just minutes away. For fly fishermen, the Yellow Breeches is a little slice of heaven. To introduce up-and-coming fly fishermen to the sport, Allenberry is partnering with TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs to offer classes and lessons.

Kennedy said plans for the future include the construction of a 128-unit residential resort on adjacent land.

An ongoing priority, however, is providing superior service to everyone who visits.

“We sit on arguably the most beautiful parcel in Cumberland County and will be working with our guests and team to continue to develop the Allenberry experience,” he said. “We will always judge our success one guest at a time.”

The Allenberry Resort is located at 1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs. For more information, call 717-258-3211, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.allenberry.com.

Author: Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Only the Beginning: A young musician finds his footing.

June 30, 2017 | by Trey Knarr

“I always wanted to be in a band. I always wanted to make music.”

Landon Stuckey, who performs under the moniker Doughland Stucks, offered that explanation for his choice of a musical career before a recent performance at Little Amps Coffee Roasters.

Stuckey, 21, who has lived in the Harrisburg area his entire life, makes music within the vein of Daniel Johnston and Beck (in his early years). His goal seems to be to create a unique body of work while still paying homage to these influences.

Beginning with “Joy Ride,” Stuckey cruised right through additional originals, such as “B.Y.O.S.” (“Bring Your Own Soda”) and “Chemicals.”

“Millennial Scum,” the fourth song Stuckey played, was one of the highlights of his set. As the folk-punk strumming and the attack of his raw, untrained vocals combined to become a powerful force, I thought of one of the formative bands of my musical youth, the Violent Femmes. Gordon Gano, their lead singer, came to mind, despite the fact Stuckey’s voice is far less nasally. It was something in the approach that recalled Gano.

“They were actually a huge influence for me in the way I sing,” Stuckey said. “When I first found my ‘voice’—I guess to say, after trying a bunch of different styles—was when I first sang ‘Blister in the Sun.’”

It may be no shock that, as a young man, Stuckey writes “many of my songs about women.”

Of course, many of history’s greatest songs have explored the territory of love and loss. But unlike, say, Nick Drake’s body of material, or the singer-songwriter movement of the early 1970s (Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor), there is a humorous attitude to Stuckey’s material.

His ability to engage audiences between songs with wit and directness was a natural fit within this style, and it was clear from his laid-back approach that he views the power of community as crucial to his method.

“I always try to keep in contact with everyone, always try to make new friends and become friends with the people who come to my shows,” Stuckey said. “I try to make posts on my Facebook page, and on other pages on Facebook and Reddit, but nothing has seemed to give me more success than just talking to people and being nice.”

I asked him about his stage name and where it comes from, and he replied that it originated with high school friends playing around with his first name.

“I guess I have all my friends (to thank) for coming up with the name Doughland Stucks because well, that’s what they called me,” he said.

Stuckey showed a lot of promise for a musician of his age, and I wondered where his career would take him.

“It would be cool if I was as big as Bob Dylan,” Stuckey said. “But I don’t write super thoughtful songs. I just kind of write how I’m feeling at the time.”

As I listened to the closer, “I Don’t Mind,” it occurred to me that, while accompaniments often work wonders for the kind of music Stuckey performs, sometimes (such as in the case of Daniel Johnston) it removes the endearing authenticity of one performer, alone with their guitar and voice. But it is something Doughland Stucks has considered.

“I would really like to make an indie-style album with full band instruments, but that’s going to take a while,” he said.

Perhaps one day, we’ll find out what that might sound like. For now, let’s appreciate what we have—a blossoming singer-songwriter finding his footing.

Doughland Stucks can be reached via Facebook at “Landon Stuckey” or on Bandcamp at www.doughlandstucks.bandcamp.com. He is slated to perform at The Empire in Shippensburg on Aug. 26.

Author: Trey Knarr

June News Digest

June 30, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Dog Park Proposed

Terriers and hounds soon may displace groundhogs and squirrels from a block of long-empty land in Midtown, as plans are afoot for Harrisburg’s first public dog park.

The community group Friends of Midtown is raising about $18,000 to cover two years of expenses for the off-leash park, which would be created on a grassy, three-quarter-acre expanse at N. 7th and Granite streets.

“We have the enthusiastic support of the city, the planning bureau,” said Annie Hughes, who is spearheading the effort for Friends of Midtown with her husband Andy. “Everybody’s all in, essentially.”

The Vartan Group owns the lot and has agreed to a two-year commitment, Hughes said. Friends of Midtown should hear soon on the fate of a grant application from PPL Electric and also is soliciting funds from individuals. It hopes to have the park, which would be free and open to the public, ready by spring 2018.

Plans call for a fence to ring the lot, which would be divided into two areas—one for large dogs and the other for small dogs. Dog waste bags would be available on site, and signs would be posted with the rules of the park.

The desire for a dog park in Harrisburg has come up repeatedly in recent years. Two years ago, it was the fifth most-popular suggestion among 1,200 ideas for inclusion in the city’s comprehensive plan, Hughes said.

She added that the dog park would be temporary, serving as a pilot for the city, which may use data collected from this effort to build a permanent park.

Jackson Hotel Mural

A new mural will celebrate Harrisburg’s African-American history, adorning the side of a building that once hosted such luminaries as Louis Armstrong and Pearl Bailey.

Sprocket Mural Works announced the project last month for the former Jackson Hotel and Rooming House on the 1000-block of N. 6th Street, a building that, decades ago, catered primarily to a black clientele refused service in the city’s major, segregated hotels.

“It will be an African-American historic mural, playing off the history itself,” said Sprocket co-founder Jeff Copus.

The Jackson Hotel painting is one of 10 murals that will be created during the Harrisburg Mural Festival, which Sprocket is organizing for the first 10 days of September.

Copus last month told the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB) that the mural will feature people who stayed at the hotel, possibly including entertainers like Armstrong, Bailey, Cab Callaway and Ella Fitzgerald. It may also incorporate images of important Harrisburg figures such as Ephraim Slaughter, an escaped slave who fought in the Civil War and later settled in the city.

In August, Sprocket will seek public input for the mural design, Copus said.

Sprocket is commissioning artist Cesar Viveros to paint the mural. Locally, Viveros is best known as the artist-in-residence who helped design and lead the creation of the Mulberry Street Bridge murals.

Stop the Drop

A small change to trashcan lids may cut the amount of litter on Harrisburg streets.

That’s the idea behind “Stop the Drop,” a campaign to turn home trashcans into, essentially, public trashcans.

The new lids are bright orange with a hole in the center that residents can attach to their trashcans, replacing their existing, solid lids. Pedestrians then can put litter into the can through the hole, rather than toss it in the street, said Julie Walter, neighborhood revitalization manager at Tri County Community Action, a part of the grassroots coalition Clean and Green Harrisburg.

A successful, three-month pilot run on 6th and Market streets convinced the coalition to roll out the lids citywide, Walter said.

“[We were] excited that people were actually using the lids,” she said about the trial run. “When we would go check them out, there would be coffee cups and chip bags in the cans. You can tell that there was actually a need.”

Later this month, residents citywide will be able to volunteer to swap their lids out with the new lids. These new lids work well with rowhome residents who place their trashcans at the front of their houses, she said.

King Mansion Sells

Harrisburg’s iconic Horace King Mansion sold last month, purchased by an engineering firm that plans to relocate there.

K & W Engineers, under the holding company name 2201 NFS LLC, purchased the building at 2201 N. Front St., along with several adjacent parcels, for $1.8 million from a group called 2201 Partnership, which had owned it since 2003.

The 10-person engineering and consulting firm expects to leave its current offices in Swatara Township and move into the building once renovations are completed this fall. To that end, CREDC provided a $325,000 Enterprise Zone Loan for improvements to the second floor.

The building also houses the marketing firm Sacunas, which moved into the first floor late last year.

Home Sales Up Again

Area home sales continued a years-long climb, as unit sales rose 4.4 percent in May, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

GHAR said that May sales totaled 948 units versus 908 houses in the year-ago period. The median price dipped to $170,000 compared to $174,900 in May 2016.

Dauphin County sales were strong, with 355 units sold versus 297 in the year prior, with the median price unchanged at $155,000. In Cumberland County, 310 houses sold compared to 326 in May 2016, with the median price falling to $190,125 versus $193,950, said GHAR.

In Perry County, 43 houses sold versus 30 in the year prior, and the median price fell to $127,000 against $151,500 in May 2016, said GHAR.

GHAR covers Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Andrew Guth of Harrisburg took first place in the category of “Work on Paper” at the 2017 “Art of the State,” a juried exhibit held each year at the State Museum of PA to honor the commonwealth’s best artwork. Guth is a Millworks and Burg artist, contributing the cover art for our May issue. You can see his winning entry, “Where We Used to Go When Everything Was Wrong (I Watched the Lilies Grow Until They Got Old),” with the rest of the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 10 at the State Museum.

Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop opened last month at Walnut and N. 2^nd streets in Harrisburg, featuring doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies and espresso drinks. The business, owned by Ron Kamionka, is located in the rear portion of the former Molly Brannigans Irish Pub, which closed almost three years ago.

Excelon Corp. is making plans to shutter Three Mile Island in 2019 absent policy reforms by the state legislature to make nuclear power more competitive. TMI employs 675 workers, most of whom would lose their jobs if the facility closed.

Freshido, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, is expected to land this fall in Strawberry Square, at the corner of N. 3^rd and Market streets. The 50-seat eatery will occupy the 2,200-square-foot storefront long vacated by Plum Sport.

Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District launched “Discover the Ducks Downtown,” an outdoor art and beautification exhibit for the summer. Along with HDID, Harrisburg-based Sprocket Mural Works commissioned artists to paint 15 fiberglass ducks, which now can be seen throughout the downtown.

Harrisburg Hoopla, a field day of track-and-field activities, raised $5,500 last month for local nonprofits. Fourteen groups with 101 participants competed for select organizations in this first-ever charitable event, sponsored by Emerging Philanthropists Program, a partnership of TFEC and HYP.

Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitor’s Bureau last month received a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation from the Public Relations Society of America. The award was for “Tourism in Your Town,” a series of advertorials that appeared in TheBurg throughout 2016.

PFM Asset Management signed a lease last month for 63,133 square feet of space in an office building at 213 Market St. in Harrisburg. By year-end, the firm plans to relocate its 150 employees from 100 Market St., where it has been for the past 20 years, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE Group, which represented the company.

Rite Aid has opened in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. The new, 14,000-square-foot store moved from cramped quarters across Market Street after a yearlong build-out.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2418: G. Brown to R. Ivey, $30,000

Balm St., 60: Kusic Financial Services LLC to OJK Enterprises, $32,000

Bellevue Rd., 1921: CNC Realty Group LLC to J. Romelfanger, $55,000

Berryhill St., 2202: PA Deals LLC to R. Narinesingh, $62,500

Berryhill St., 2316: D. & Y. Jiang to D. & L. Nguyen, $30,000

Boas St., 1925: P. Long to Resistance Properties LLC, $38,000

Camp St., 521: G. & S. Gallagher to K. Moralez, $30,000

Conoy St., 123: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development & Information Systems Network Corp. to E. Fultz, $73,000

Elliot St., 1080, Lot 2: R. & C. Berger to A. Gerges, $250,000

Fox Ridge Ct., 307: B. Miler to C. Hoover, $121,500

Green St., 1007: R. Nicoli to J. & C. Nunley, $110,000

Green St., 1915: J. & K. Johnston to S. Williams, $207,900

Green St., 1930: A. Miller to I. Bailey, $205,000

Green St., 2013: L. Binda to M. Didone, $214,000

Green St., 2137: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Trustee to N. Morrison, $32,694

Green St., 2321: J. Yoder to Willowscott Investment LLC, $37,500

Hale Ave., 447: K. & L. Torres to D. Norris, $62,000

Hamilton St., 242: J. & J. Collins to P. Christensen, $150,309

Harris St., 207: MTGLQ Investors LP & Selene Finance LP to K. Clark, $117,900

Harris St., 344: MidAtlantic IRA LLC Phillip Sachs IRA to M. & A. Gilbert, $108,500

Herr St., 269: G. Thall to M. Berlin, $115,000

Hoffman St., 3221: W. Wood to N. Consagra & L. Umberger, $109,900

Holly St., 2006: W. Thompson III to SCC Ward Inc., 32,000

Kelker St., 427: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development & Information Systems & Networks Corp. to I. Jordan, $32,500

Kensington St., 2110 & 2116: Donald L. Pong Trust to M. & A. Robinson, $59,000

Lewis St., 237: J. Toro to M. Horgan & Innovative Devices Inc.., $43,500

Locust St., 202: AMTO LLC to Sturges Property Management LLC, $300,000

Luce St., 2320: EAD Associates LLC to S. Ginder, $38,000

Muench St., 278: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development & Information Systems & Network Corp. to H. & C. Foley, $44,06

N. 2^nd St., 1522: J. Cantarell & A. Meck to K. Reiter, $164,000

N. 2^nd St., 2323: LSFP Master Participation Trust to M. Horgan & CR Services Inc., 63,900

N. 2^nd St., 2528: A. & C. Broadus to E. Pine & S. Ransome, $145,000

N. 4^th St., 3119: R. & C. Steele to T. Gottshall, $123,500

N. 4^th St., 3213: A. Semancik to G. Erdman & S. Ukodie, $120,000

N. 4^th St., 3227: Central Penn Properties to T. Barnes, $142,000

N. 5^th St., 2515: 2013 M&M Real Estate Fund LLC to T. & V. Williams, $129,900

N. 5^th St., 2600: PA Deals LLC to S. & S. Aiken, $69,900

N. 7^th St., 2714: M. Owens to L. Owens, $45,158

N. 14^th St., 1206, 1314 N. 15^th St. & 603 Benton St.: Kirsch & Burns LLC to Equity Trust Co. Custodian John Spencer IRA, $165,000

N. 15^th St., 1340: MidAtlantic IRA LLC James Yeager IRA to Z. Yap, $39,000

N. 16^th St., 1216: R. Urrutia to W. Jones, $110,000

N. 17^th St., 1102: C. & N. Finnell to J. Martinez & T. Kobayashi, $33,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 605: A. Lenda to C. Carter, $173,500

Peffer St., 219: N. Braun to D. Wendt & S. Shultz, $122,000

Peffer St., 317: 1515 Associates to D. Berhe, $75,000

Penn St., 1605: R. Daniels to L, D. & R. Olenowski, $87,500

Reel St., 2416 & 2418: 24 Reel Street LLC to American Rental Home LLC, $52,000

Rudy Rd., 2454: J. & S. Merlina to J. Howard, $57,500

Sassafras St., 269 & 1112 Susquehanna St.: R. & J. Ruth to Major League Properties LLC, $60,000

Showers St., 605: H. Madsen to J. Moore, $163,900

South St., 122: Tang Liu Realty LLC to FA Realty LLC, $126,000

S. 2^nd St., 316: WK Rentals to Diamond Real Estate Solutions LLC, $32,000

S. 13^th St., 1456, 1460 & 1466: Davden Property Investments Inc. to 4880 East Prospect LLC, $66,000.

S. 16^th St., 947: R. Splawn to L. Jackson, $30,000

S. 24^th St., 623: K. & D. Brown to S. Jordan, $72,200

Swatara St., 2055: G. Barlow to S. Thomas, $34,500

Swatara St., 2413: J. Garisto to PI Capital LLC, $85,801

Verbeke St., 300: Kidder Wilkes LP to Silverstone Enterprises LLC, $215,000

Watson St., 2815: R. & A. Gates & C. Windham to LJ Realty Trust, $59,800

Harrisburg property sales for May 2017, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Check This Out! Fredricksen Library marks 60 years of growth, service.

June 30, 2017 | by Rachael Dymski

If you spend any time in Camp Hill, you’re almost sure to sense the unique affection that borough residents have for their library, which, this year, celebrates its 60th year. So, it may be no surprise that Fredricksen itself began with a love story.

James Patterson’s wife, Betty Snowden Patterson, was an avid reader. So, after she died, he decided to preserve her memory by honoring her love of books.

He donated $500 to the Camp Hill Civic Club, which had requested shelf space at Shaeffer Elementary School. Through Patterson’s donation and book donations of other Camp Hill organizations, the library began. A charter was signed on April 16, 1957, by Judge Robert Lee Jacobs, making the library an official part of the Camp Hill community.

The library has had several homes over the years: Shaeffer Elementary, the Log Cabin on 22nd Street, a building on N. 31st Street. It grew in popularity and circulation, so by 2000, it needed a new, permanent home. The town responded, raising $6.4 million to fund a new building, which is named for local philanthropist Cleve J. Fredricksen.

Today, the library circulates 850,000 items yearly, and its service area consists of 82,000 people. It’s the busiest library in Cumberland County.

“We are not your grandma’s library,” said library Director Bonnie Goble. “We strive to be the community center. We want to be the destination of choice for educational, technological and recreational needs.”

To that end, Fredricksen hosts a bounty of events each month, including children’s story time, programs for new parents, “Fredricksen Writes,” book and cooking clubs, movie and documentary showings, educational seminars and outdoor concerts, to name a few.

“We offer activities that are free to the public,” said Goble. “We present programs, sometimes more than one, virtually every day that we are open.”

Some patrons visit the library not primarily for books, but to use computers, borrow DVDs and access other resources.

“I don’t come in to get books at all,” said Pam Dunham, who has been a patron since 2014. “I’m hooked on the seasonal (TV) shows. I keep a list in my car of what season I need next. This library has so much material, I haven’t bought a show in a year and a half. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Julie Barr, a public service specialist at Fredricksen, said that the best part about the library is that it is still free.

“We offer books and technology that others may not be able to afford,” she said. “We provide concerts and events that draw the community in. We try to be diverse in what we offer.”

Books, though, will never lose their status as the heart of Fredricksen. Thelma joined the library three years ago to quench her love of mystery and crime novels. She comes in once a week and checks out eight to 10 books at a time.

“I like to read (about) murder,” she said. “The bloodier, the better. Romances are all the same—they get sappy. But Fredricksen has a mystery collection that keeps me interested.”

The library also depends upon a small army of volunteers to keep it functioning and appealing, inside and out.

“The objective of the landscape care was to make it simply beautiful and beautifully simple,” said volunteer Calvin. “We continue to tweak it, but we try to make it relatively easy to maintain.”

Roberta, a volunteer since 2004, said that the library is her second home.

“It keeps me young,” she said. “I’m on my feet, I’m learning, and I’m part of the community.”

Looking ahead, Goble has high hopes for the next 60 years, including a possible building expansion, continuing a story that began with one man’s love for his wife.

The Cleve J. Fredricksen Library is located at 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-761-3900 or visit www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/FRE or the Facebook page.

Author:Rachael Dymski

Hoppy Trail: Best of the West Shore featured in Cumberland Valley Beer Trail.

June 30, 2017 | by Karen Hendricks

By the standards of the craft beer industry, Market Cross Pub may be the ancient man of Cumberland County.

The English-style pub opened in 1993 in downtown Carlisle, adding a brewery in 2002 that today produces 12 to 15 varieties annually.

But Market Cross now has teamed up with a bunch of young bucks to form the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, which showcases 15 of the West Shore’s breweries, restaurants and pubs.

Conceptualized last summer and launched in April, the beer trail “received immediate, positive response” from both breweries and patrons, said Aaron Jumper, communications coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, which created the trail.

“We learned very quickly that the breweries love partnering with each other,” he said. “It’s a unique industry, and they’re very willing to collaborate.”

It works like this: Patrons pick up a beer passport at participating locations, collect stamps at each location, and mail the passport to the visitors bureau after five, 10 or 15 stamps for one, two or three chances at a monthly, $50 gift certificate redeemable at any trail establishment.

Jumper said that beer trails are popping up all over the country, following closely in the footsteps of wine trails. And he calls Market Cross Pub a “cornerstone” in the trail’s creation, as owner Ashleigh Corby provided invaluable advice. Market Cross is one of several beer trail locations with a brewery on site.

“We use the Peter Austin brewing system, an English system with open fermentation,” explained Corby. “It’s all very manual, with brick-lined kettles and mashing by hand—it’s fairly unique.”

In addition to Market Cross Pub, beer lovers can enjoy local creations from Carlisle’s Desperate Times Brewery, Carlisle’s Molly Pitcher Brewing Co., Mechanicsburg’s Harty Brewing Co., Appalachian Brewing Co. in Mechanicsburg, Chambersburg’s Roy Pitz Brewing Co. and Camp Hill’s Ever Grain Brewing Co., which occupies an industrial building that once housed Sun Motors.

“Having an open brewery, being able to see the tanks and our brewer working, is one of the appealing aspects,” said Angella Hodges, Ever Grain’s marketing director.

With styles ranging from a light-bodied, German-style helles lager to a coffee-infused, Russian-style imperial stout, the lineup at Ever Grain also includes playful creations like Fluffhead, a Bavarian-style hefeweizen. The former car dealership window opens to the neighboring Red Sky Café, where patrons can order a bite to eat.

Designated drivers on the beer trail can enjoy numerous handcrafted sodas, and the trail’s cuisine includes English, Belgian, German and even Italian food—transporting you to Europe via the Cumberland Valley. For example, you can nosh on bangers and mash at Market Cross Pub, pomme frites at Café Bruges and specialty pizzas at Al’s of Hampden.

Café Bruges is one of several CV Beer Trail stops that carefully curates a collection of imported and/or craft beer. Others include Grain + Verse, T. J. Rockwell’s, Brewhouse Grille and Al’s of Hampden, which also features selections from the onsite Pizza Boy Brewery.

“Belgium treats beer as the rest of the world treats wine—they’re very bold with lots of different, fun flavors,” said Café Bruges manager Chantal Schurr, who credits the creative use of wild yeast for Belgian beer’s layered flavor profiles.

Café Bruges carries more than 80 different Belgian beers.

“This is huge, because Belgians can be hard to get,” Schurr said. “Additionally, Belgium has six of the world’s Trappist (monastery) breweries, and we carry five right here.”

There are interesting twists and turns along the trail. Carlisle’s Castlerigg Wine Shop features a wine bar, and downtown Mechanicsburg’s Larsen Meadworks explores the fine art of producing mead—an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water and infusing flavor via fruit, spices, grains or hops. It’s one of about 10 meadworks in Pennsylvania.

“What I found is that mead has the ability to appeal to both beer and wine people,” said owner Nate Larsen, a former Lower Paxton Township police officer.

Larsen uses 500 to 600 pounds of Lancaster’s Dutch Gold Honey monthly. Captain Awesome, inspired by spiced rum, is his most popular creation. On the other end of the spectrum, Cello-Sol (a.k.a. “Liquid Happy”) is a light, refreshing mead that combines honey, lemon and mango.

Jumper predicts the trail’s expansion as additional breweries pop up throughout central PA.

“The beer industry seems to be flourishing in our region, providing great experiences for residents and visitors alike,” he said. “There is definitely growth potential on the horizon.”

To learn more about the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, visit www.visitcumberlandvalley.com and click on “things to do.”

Author: Karen Hendricks

Musical Notes: Jammin’ July–Don’t forget your shades.

June 30, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Wow, there’s a lot going on in July.

Spring Gate is hosting a few food and drink festivals with local and touring artists. Tribute bands for AC/DC and the Grateful Dead are in town playing a few rad shows. 717 Entertainment is celebrating its 100th show at the Abbey Bar, with several bands lined up. There’s even a band that will be playing on the Pride of the Susquehanna. Summer is great, y’all. Here are a few shows I chose of the many happening around Harrisburg that you lovely readers have to look forward to this month.

HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR, 7/7, 7PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $7
Ever since the Underground Bike Shop opened up a few months ago, Ian Morrison, owner and operator, has been hosting a few shows through the Makespace, Little Amps and others. It’s my new favorite place to hear some great music, and, this time, Homeless Gospel Choir will be headlining with some local and touring bands mixed in. HGC is from Pittsburgh and specializes in a folky mix of punk and gospel. If you want to get a sense of their sound, the EP “Normal” is available on bandcamp.com. This is definitely summer jam music that feels fresh yet nostalgic. Joining them on the bill are locals Small Pollen and Apes of the State with touring band Early Riser from Brooklyn.

GINGER COYLE, 7/9, 6PM, ITALIAN LAKE, FREE
I haven’t lived in Harrisburg for too long, but I’ve often heard how fun the concerts are at Italian Lake. Something just seems so right about sitting in a lawn chair with friends, family and neighbors and enjoying great live music together. It’s the perfect summer activity, and it’s free. Can’t beat that. This year, Ginger Coyle graces the stage with her “soul music for conscious souls.” Coyle has been performing since she was 14 and hasn’t slowed down since. After cultivating a mainstream music career, she left the industry to pursue her own authentic, unique sound. Today, this indie singer-songwriter produces music that is uplifting, edgy and intimate. Pull up a lawn chair or lay down a blanket for the best experience possible.

ARC IRIS, 7/14, 8PM, GAMUT THEATRE, $12
Typically a destination for stage performances, Gamut Theatre is opening its doors for a unique performance by Arc Iris. This indie rock group from Providence, R.I., has been touring for three years, releasing two albums during this time. Now, they’re ready to share their newest project. A huge musical influence for band members has always been Joni Mitchell, especially for Jocie Adams, the band’s lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. For this performance, Arc Iris will perform their re-imagination of Joni Mitchell’s iconic album “Blue.” If you’re a huge Joni Mitchell fan like my mum or if you’re in the mood for a modern take on a classic album, don’t sleep on this.

Mentionables: Back in Black, July 8, H*MAC Capitol Room; Hydroponic Philharmonic, July 22, Pride of the Susquehanna; Jeffrey Lewis, July 25, Little Amps Uptown; Plain White T’s, July 29, Whitaker Center; 717 Entertainment 100th Show Celebration, July 29, Abbey Bar

Author: Kait Gibboney

A Milestone in Music: Stop by Mt. Gretna this summer for some ’90s music–the 1890s.

June 30, 2017 | by Jess Hayden

Photographs courtesy of Gretna Music. Left to right: Gretna Music performers Vijay Iyer, Orion Weiss, Paul Jacobs and Anna Polonsky.

It’s a major birthday for beautiful Mt. Gretna and, to celebrate, Gretna Music is taking a trip back in time.

In honor of Mt. Gretna’s 125th anniversary, Artistic Director Carl Kane has programmed several concerts for the summer series that pay homage to the town’s important milestone.

“Mt Gretna was founded in 1892,” he said. “So, each of these concerts has a special element that will take audiences back to that era to get a glimpse of what was the popular music of the day.”

These events include a concert with the River City Brass Band on July 8, a piano recital with Anna Polonsky and Orion Weiss on Aug. 27, a silent film with live organ accompaniment by Clark Wilson on Sept. 2, and a performance of the Verona String Quartet and organist Ryan Brunkhurst on Sept. 10.

The River City Brass Band is a group that Gretna Music has had on their “wish list” for a long while, Kane said.

Hailing from Pittsburgh, the band is a 28-piece ensemble that is among the only full-time touring brass bands in the country. While on the Gretna Music stage, they will recreate a vintage 1890s brass band concert drawing from music that would have been in vogue when Mt. Gretna was founded. This time period was the “Golden Age” of brass band music, when American composers like John Phillips Sousa, George M. Cohan and Scott Joplin were writing the toe-tapping cakewalks, two-steps, rags and marches that defined the era.

“It’s a really fun time for brass band music—pre-jazz—but it’s the dawn of American pop music,” said Kane. “River City Brass will be bringing us the equivalent of an 1890s rock concert.”

A little detective work led to a concert featuring Anna Polonsky and Orion Weiss, a husband-and-wife duo. Considered to be two of the finest pianists of their generation, Polonsky has collaborated with musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, while Weiss has performed with many prestigious orchestras. This special commemorative concert will include a repertoire that was performed at the first Mt. Gretna concert 125 years ago.

“I asked Sue Hostetter, president of the Mt. Gretna Historical Society, to root around the basement of the society’s building and find the first Chautauqua music program ever printed,” Kane said. “Well, she found it and passed it on to me. And now these two fabulous pianists will be playing compositions from that first-ever piano recital.”

To mix things up, an event featuring theater organist Clark Wilson will take audiences to the days of silent films when the organ was used to accentuate the twists and turns of a movie’s plotline. Wilson has been playing organ since the age of 9 and is currently associated with Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Ariz., where he is on the staff. He will accompany the Harold Lloyd 1924 silent comedy classic, “Girl Shy,” as well as a Laurel and Hardy short.

“Clark Wilson is properly the world’s most foremost theater organist,” said Kane. “This will be a fun evening of 1920s music.”

Kane has planned a special treat for the last concert of the season. He has commissioned Nick DiBerardino, a Rhodes scholar who is a graduate student at the Curtis Institute of Music, to write an organ prelude based on the official Chautauqua hymn, “The Day is Dying in the West.” Like Bach did with his “Choral Preludes,” DiBerardino has used the hymn’s melody as scaffolding while creating his own music around it.

“Although it has a really terrible title, the hymn is actually pretty upbeat,” said Kane. “The words and music were written for the New York Chautauqua for their daily service in the 1880s.”

And, if you need something more traditional that evening, you’re in luck—the renowned Verona String Quartet is also on the bill.

All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna. The Gretna Music Series offers many other concerts during the summer season. For tickets and information, visit www.gretnamusic.org or call 717-361-1508.

Author: Jess Hayden

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