Tag Archives: Central PA Friends of Jazz

Jazz Walk will bring back the beat to Midtown next month

August 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Musicians perform at a past Jazz Walk at TheBurg office.

Music will soon ring out across Midtown.

The Central PA Friends of Jazz will bring back its annual Jazz Walk on Sept. 5, with local businesses and venues hosting musicians.

The free Friday evening event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., invites community members to stroll the city and pop into venues to enjoy performances by local jazz groups.

The following locations and bands will participate in Jazz Walk:

Pursuit Coworking – Jazz Walk ‘Hub’ with The Organic Vibes Trio featuring Marko Marcinko (drums), Ron Oswanski (Hammond B-3 Organ) and Chuck Redd (vibraphone)
TheBurg – Nancy and Spencer Reed (vocal/bass/guitar duo from the Poconos)
Historic Harrisburg Association – The Wave Trio featuring Roger Harris (guitar), John Christopher (bass) and Dave Santana (drums)
Midtown Scholar Bookstore – Joshua Davis and Love Salad featuring Joshua Davis (bass), Todd Harrison (drums), Jonathan Epley (guitars) and An Lai (voice)
The Millworks – Vonada/Perbetsky Quintet featuring Jay Vonada (trombone), Bill Perbetsky (trumpet), Kirk Reese (piano), Steve Meashey (bass) and Dan Monaghan (drums)
Susquehanna Art Museum – David Ballou Avant Trio featuring Dave Ballou (trumpet), Mike Kuhl (drums) and Steve Arnold (bass)
High Dive – Hassan J.J. Shakur (bass), Gavin Horning (guitar) and Larry Marshall (drums)
Midtown Cinema – Mystery Guest Soloist to be announced

The event is presented in partnership with Dauphin County Parks & Recreation as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival, which takes place Sept. 6 and 7 at Fort Hunter Park.

For more information about Jazz Walk, visit their website.

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Jazz camp offers students of all abilities chance to be immersed in music

May 5, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

2024 jazz camp

An upcoming camp will allow students to spend full days immersed in music.

Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz announced that its annual jazz camp will host youth from June 11 to 14, offering them a chance to learn from the best and jam with their peers.

The camp, which will take place at Messiah University, accepts students of all skill levels and with a variety of instruments, from saxophone to trombone, piano, guitar and several others.

“We really pride ourselves on the fact that it’s open to students of any ability,” said Camp Director Mark Hunsberger. “It’s really about helping to introduce young students to jazz.”

This year, students will learn from internationally renowned bassist and recording artist Rodney Whitaker, the camp’s spotlighted guest faculty member. Hunsberger described him as a “living legend” and noted that students will get to learn from him and attend his concert.

Additionally, students will take classes in music theory, jazz history and improvisation and participate in listening classes, rehearsals and jam sessions with peers.

High school student and saxophone player Ian Brookmyer has attended jazz camp for six years and sits on the Central PA Friends of Jazz board as a student representative. Brookmyer said that, when he first attended camp, he was in the beginner skill level group and now is in the top ensemble.

“It’s certainly helped me a lot in allowing me to advance,” he said. “You’re basically playing all day long for four days.”

Brookmyer plans to go to college to study music education, a goal that he said was further encouraged by his years at the camp.

The program is open to students ages 12 through 18.

Hunsberger said that the camp also helps connect campers to private lessons, further education and other opportunities. Many camp alumni have gone on to pursue musical careers and passions, he said.

“It’s incredible that we create space for them to be immersed in the jazz experience,” he said.

For more information on the Central PA Friends of Jazz camp, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and Features around Harrisburg

September 6, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

This section of Forster Street in Harrisburg is slated for a redesign.

The work week may have been short, but there was still a fair bit of news around Harrisburg. If you missed any of our local coverage, you’ll find it all listed and linked below.

Central PA Friends of Jazz has new direction and energy, says our magazine story. There’s also a slate of jazz events around Harrisburg this weekend.

Forster Street has been a six-lane urban highway since the 1950s, but a new road project is scaling it back, somewhat. Our online story details what is happening along a small stretch of the road that cuts through the heart of Harrisburg.

Gallery Walk is on Sunday, and the weather forecast is promising. In a feature story, our fine arts writer tells you where to go and what to see.

Harrisburg is at an inflection point, going from “Government Town” to, well, something else. In his monthly column, our publisher speculates on what the future may hold for the city as the commonwealth’s influence recedes.

Harrisburg Planning Commission held a three-hour marathon of a meeting, weighing several development projects, including a revived downtown apartment proposal. Find out what happened in our online story.

Music lineup is looking great around Harrisburg in September, says our music writer. Check out her monthly “Musical Notes” column for a preview and recommendations.

Open Stage has selected Fleetwood Mac for its fall musical showcase. Our reviewer has a rundown of the troupe’s tribute to this legendary rock band, which, she says, is a must-see for any fan.

Sara Bozich has a very busy weekend ahead. Join her at one of many events or select one of your own from her Weekend Roundup.

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Musical Mindset: Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz tunes up for another Jazz Walk, looks toward future

August 29, 2024 | by Kawena Jacobs

Justin Morell. Photo courtesy of Amy Spangler and Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz.

September in Harrisburg brings many things: a crisp fall breeze to cut through the heat, the beginning of trees turning all sorts of warm hues and, of course, jazz music drifting through Midtown courtesy of Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz’s (CPFJ) annual Jazz Walk.

The free, one-day jazz festival transforms local businesses and organizations alike into pop-up jazz clubs, allowing anyone to enjoy the music, whether the listener is a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious passerby.

“It’s an opportunity for people to discover jazz without paying for a ticket,” CPFJ’s Operations Manager Sara Bozich said.

This year’s event will take place Sept. 6 with familiar spots such as the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Millworks, TheBurg and the Historic Harrisburg Association hosting shows.

CPFJ Board Vice President Dave Wagner said featuring local artists is a crucial part of the Jazz Walk’s success, drawing a larger crowd and more support when people are familiar with the performers.

“There’s a lot of competition for entertainment these days, and jazz is one of the things that we want to continue to keep on everybody’s mind,” Wagner said.

Pursuit Coworking will act as CPFJ’s hub for the evening. The space, Bozich said, will include a winery on site for refreshments, tables and information from the event’s sponsors and maps and cards to keep track of where all the performances will be.

Patrons will also be able to purchase tickets for CPFJ’s fall concerts, the Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival on Sept. 7 and 8 and sign up for their new and updated membership program.

Last year’s Jazz Walk featured over 40 artists in various groups and bands across 14 venues, which, Wagner said, was the most venues they have had in recent years.

“I think that it went over very well operationally and functionally,” Wagner said. “The music was awesome. It’s just a great vibe to go on down there.”

Flowing Well

CPFJ began in 1980, started by jazz pianist Steve Rudolph, lawyer Lee Swartz, local radio DJ Russ Neff and Jack Snavely, who worked in finance. Rudolph said the group wanted to grow the presence of jazz in Harrisburg and keep jazz artists coming through the city.

“I think Jack Snavely was the one who actually first said the words, ‘well, let’s form a jazz society,’” Rudolph said.

From local artists to touring national acts, CPFJ organized and hosted a slew of concerts in their early years. Rudolph credits the success to the support system that arose around the group.

“I think the heart of the organization from the beginning was the amount of volunteers that we had who were seriously into music,” Rudolph said.

The first Jazz Walk kicked off not long after CPFJ’s founding and was born from the larger jazz festival they would hold in the 1980s, which Rudolph said received a great deal of financial support from local charities and art organizations.

“One of the things we would have at the jazz festival, which was usually a three- or four-day event, [was] a Jazz Walk,” Rudolph said. “And in the ‘80s, there were probably six or seven clubs in downtown Harrisburg, right on 2nd Street, that had offered jazz on a regular basis.”

Since then, the prevalence of jazz in Harrisburg has dwindled, but Rudolph does not worry about losing it to time.

“The music is too strong to be denied,” Rudolph said. “So, it’ll always be happening, but on what level is always a curious thing to find out.”

Along with the Jazz Walk and concerts, CPFJ runs educational camps for children interested in playing jazz music, like their jazz camp at Messiah University. Last year, 80 kids attended.

“The focus of the organization now is a little more towards education and a little less towards presentation, but it seems to be flowing quite well,” Rudolph said.

Bozich was hired in May of this year and believes her expertise in marketing and management can help the organization with its ongoing mission.

“My goal with Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz is to help elevate the organization, ultimately resulting in a more robust membership and programming so that people continue to enjoy and love jazz music,” Bozich said.

For more information on Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, visit www.friendsofjazz.org.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 3, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Artist Gloria Jean Martin completed her mural for Sprocket Mural Works in the Patrick Alley pocket park.

It seems some of the hottest and rainiest days are behind us, Harrisburg. Cooler days are here just in time for the long weekend. Before you head out to the Kipona festival, catch up on this week’s local news, below.

Ana White was named Harrisburg’s new director of community relations and engagement for the police bureau, our online story reported. White, a Harrisburg native, takes the place of Blake Lynch, who held the position for three years before recently leaving.

The Broad Street Market met its fundraising goal and can move forward with replacing its iconic sign, our reporting found. The sign was damaged during two wind storms in the past year.

The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz will hold Jazz Walk in Midtown on Sept. 10, our online story reported. Musicians will play at venues across the neighborhood, giving attendees a chance to sample the local talent.

The commonwealth held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in the Riverfront Office Center this past week, our online story reported. They hoped to increase accessibility for those who have not yet received the shot.

Our Community Corner has all of September’s notable local events for your perusing. Jazz & Wine Fest, Gallery Walk, Restaurant Week, we’ve got all the deets, here.

The federal eviction ban came to halt last week, leaving local tenant activists wondering what’s next. As Dauphin County distributes millions of dollars to renters in need, some activists aren’t sure it’ll be enough to prevent a possible eviction crisis, our reporting found.

Harrisburg’s mid-year financial condition appears strong, with a healthy budget balance, according to a mid-year fiscal update. Our online story has more information on what the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg discussed during a recent meeting.

The Harrisburg Mural Festival is moving on to its next project, the Mulberry Street Bridge, our reporting found. This will be organizer Sprocket Mural Works’ largest mural yet.

The Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority chose local developers Chris and Erica Bryce and contractor Harrisburg Commercial Interiors to complete the MarketPlace development in Midtown, our online story reported. The land consists of 67 lots sprinkled between Reily Street and the Broad Street Market area.

The local Make-A-Wish chapter will hold a food truck festival on City Island on Sept. 18 to raise support for kids with critical illnesses, our online story reported. They hope to raise enough money to grant wishes to three children.

Many Methodist churches in Harrisburg were forced to close and were put on the sales market two years ago. Our magazine feature tells story behind what happened and where congregations are now.

Street parking rates in Harrisburg recently were raised, and our editor has something to say about it. Who thought $4-an-hour parking was a good idea?

For the month of September, our editor reflects on the Harrisburg arts community’s resilience during the pandemic. He encourages people to continue supporting local theaters, museums and galleries.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ways for you to spend your Labor Day weekend. Find them, here.

Significant rainfall and flooding hit Harrisburg earlier this week, leading the city to take safety measures, our reporting found. They set up barricades at low-lying areas prone to flooding and cleaned out storm drains.

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Community Corner: Notable September Events

August 31, 2021 | by TheBurg Staff

Community Corner

Celebration of Friends
Sept. 2: Learn a new way of travel and meet friends from all over the world at the Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg’s free kickoff celebration from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.friendshipforcepa.org

HBG Flea
Sept. 4: Explore the HBG Flea on first Saturdays for art, handmade gifts and vintage wares from local artists and curators, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor markets are held at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Kipona
Sept. 4-6: Enjoy the 105th annual Kipona Festival in Riverfront Park and City Island with food, fireworks, live music, artist market, family fun zone, biergarten, canoe races, wire walkers and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Puppies and Pints
Sept. 8: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals at Midstate Distillery, 1817 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for Puppies and Pints, benefiting Homeward Bound Animal Rescue. Adoptable puppies will be on site and donations will be collected. www.hyp.org

Luminary Awards
Sept. 9: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will honor two female professionals at the Luminary Awards Luncheon at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Jazz Walk
Sept. 10: Explore the sights, sounds and yummy smells of Midtown Harrisburg while enjoying the sounds of local jazz musicians during the 2021 Harrisburg Jazz Walk, hosted by Central PA Friends of Jazz and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival. www.friendsofjazz.org

Morning Mixer
Sept. 10: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for a morning mixer of members at PaySmart Payroll Services, 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 100, Mechanicsburg, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. This free event is open to chamber members, and potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Pop-Up Carnival
Sept. 10-11: Enjoy a festive Mardi-Gras themed pop-up carnival with Zydeco music, dancing, cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and more at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Costumes encouraged. www.historicharrisburg.org

Bird Walk & Cleanup
Sept. 11: Harrisburg Young Professionals and Appalachian Audubon Society team up for a bird walk and to lend a hand during the Volunteer Work Day at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. The bird walk begins at 8:30 a.m. before the workday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.hyp.org www.wildwoodpark.org

Fall Garden Fun
Sept. 11: Join Penn State Extension Master Gardeners at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, to learn how to create excitement in your fall garden, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Workshops include indoor and outdoor components and are limited to 12 participants. Preregistration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Work Day
Sept. 11: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to enjoy the outdoors and help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided. Pre-registration required. www.wildwoodlake.org

Rugged Run
Sept. 11: Ned Smith Center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts the Tröegs Rugged Trail Run, 3:30 to 10 p.m. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., and the race starts at 5 p.m. Enjoy food, auctions, live music and more. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Evening Mixer
Aug. 11: Build new relationships with local business professionals at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s September Evening Networking Mixer, 4 to 6 p.m., at Isaac’s Restaurant patio, Rossmoyne Business Center, 4940 Ritter Rd., Mechanicsburg. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Nocturnal Animals
Sept. 11: Explore nocturnal wildlife through sound and sight with a Wildwood Park Naturalist at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call for owls and discover insects that come to life at night. Admission is $5 per child; chaperones free. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Jazz & Wine Fest
Sept. 11-12: The annual Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival will be at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 9 p.m. Local and national artists will join area wineries for the event. Doors open at 2 p.m. www.dauphincounty.org

Gallery Walk
Sept. 12: Explore 20 galleries and exhibit spaces to enjoy art, music and refreshments during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 33rd annual Gallery Walk, 12 to 5 p.m., throughout Harrisburg. www.artassocofhbg.com

Garden Cleanup
Sept. 13: Harrisburg Young Professionals will host a cleanup at Heart of the Community Garden, 1421 Derry St., Harrisburg, 5 to 7 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help maintain and beautify the garden. RSVP at [email protected]. www.hyp.org

Restaurant Week
Sept. 13-24: Harrisburg’s premier dining event returns, spanning two weeks, Sept. 13-17 and Sept. 20-24. www.HarrisburgRestaurantWeek.com

Heart Walk
Sept. 15: American Heart Association’s Capital Region Heart Walk will be held 12:30 to 4 p.m. on City Island, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.; the walk starts at 2 p.m. www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk

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

Coin Show
Sept. 17-18: Scottish Rite Entertainment Complex of Harrisburg, 2701 N. 3rd St., hosts the Harrisburg Coin Show with more than 70 exhibit tables, free admission, a raffle, door prizes, food and free seminars, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event supports the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central PA Harrisburg. www.harrisburgcoinclub.com/coin-show

Anniversary Concert
Sept. 18: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities celebrates its centennial with a concert featuring past scholarship recipients of the Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Fund. The free event starts at 5 p.m. at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, followed by a free reception. www.tfec.org.

5 Mile Run
Sept. 18: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals on City Island at 7:30 a.m. for the 8th Annual HYP 5 Miler to benefit HYP Outreach Initiatives, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Wildheart Ministries, Keystone Warriors and Make-A-Wish. This year, HYP partners with the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley’s Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival, which will take place directly after the race. www.hyp.org

Arts Festival
Sept. 18: Hummelstown Arts Festival will be held in the Hummelstown Square, Hanover and Market streets, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by more than 120 juried artists, children’s activities, a food court and more. Find Hummelstown Arts Festival on Facebook.

Food Truck Fest
Sept. 18: 2021 Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival will be held on City Island, 245 Championship Way, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live entertainment, children’s activities, music, a special wish reveal and more, in support of Make-a-Wish. www.wishuponafoodtruck.org

Book Event
Sept. 18: Fifty authors will sell and sign their books at The Barn at Creeks Bend at the Sports Emporium, 29 S. Middlesex Rd., Carlisle, 12 to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Dauphin County Library System. This event is for people 18 years or older. www.BooksBooksBooks2021

Crab Fest
Sept. 18: Trinity High School, 3601 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, hosts the 5th Annual Central PA Crab, Beer and Wine Festival, 4 to 6 p.m. This year’s event will be held grab-and-go style. All crab and BBQ orders must be placed by Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. www.pacrabfest.org

FAB Night
Sept. 18: Help celebrate the LGBT Center of Central PA’s work and honor leaders at “FAB 2021—Connected Across Communities,” at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. FAB 2021 is a hybrid event, with in-person and free virtual options. www.centralpalgbtcenter.org/FAB

Yoga Fest
Sept. 18-19: Central PA Yoga Love Festival will be held at Amethyst Retreat Center, 44 Buffalo Creek Rd., Duncannon, with yoga classes, workshops, hiking, live music, healthy food, camping, drumming, dancing and more. www.payogalovefest.com

Comic Con
Sept. 18-19: Celebrate all things comics, anime, games, sci-fi, movies and pop culture at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St.. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 and 11 a.m. to 5 pm. on Sept. 19. www.fourstatecon.com

Bike Ride
Sept. 19: Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s Three Creek Century ride will be held 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning at Penn Township Fire Dept., 1750 Pine Rd., Newville. www.threecreekcentury.com

Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 19: Celebrate fall with family fun, including arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, entertainment, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.forthunter.org

100th Celebration
Sept. 22: Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (VROCP) will host its second centennial celebration event at Linwood Estate in Carlisle, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets include a happy hour with live music and hors d’oeuvres, a full course meal, champagne toast and more. Proceeds support VROCP. www.vrocp.org

2021 Blue & Gray Gala
Sept. 23: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, will host the 15th Annual Blue & Gray Gala, 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can tour museum galleries while enjoying food and beverage pairings. A raffle drawing and silent auction will be held. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Annual Celebration
Sept. 23: Bethesda Mission will hold its Annual Celebration Banquet at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Stories of those helped by the mission will be featured, along with volunteer of the year awards and ministry updates. Reservations required. Visit BethesdaMission.org/Events or contact Rebecca Clymer at 717-257-4442 x229 or [email protected].

Fall Book Sale
Sept. 23-26: Shop the Friends of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. The library will hold a bag sale on Sept. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Native Plant Sale
Sept. 25: Appalachian Audubon Society will host a native plant sale at Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse, 571 Mountain Rd., Boiling Springs, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Portion of proceeds will benefit AAS environmental education scholarships. www.appalachianaudubon.org

Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup
Sept. 25: Make Harrisburg a cleaner and safer place to live, work and play by participating in the Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup. This event leaves a huge impact in a few short hours every year. Sign up at www.cactricounty.org/ghlc.

Celebrate Wildwood
Sept. 25: Help celebrate Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with a nature-themed afternoon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in kids’ activities, children’s crafts, live music, bird and plant talks, and the annual Walk for Wildwood. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Fall Fest
Sept. 25: Junior Board of YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts its 12th Annual Fall Fest, 4 to 7 p.m., to raise funds for Camp Reily, 300 Camp Reily Rd., Harrisburg, a summer day camp for children. Enjoy beer tastings, food and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. www.ywcahbg.org

Woofstock
Sept. 26: The annual celebration of all-things canine returns to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring music, food, prizes and the largest pet adoption event on the East Coast. www.cpaawoofstock.com

Tribute Concert
Sept. 26: Central PA Friends of Jazz honors local music legend Steve Rudolph with a concert, “This One’s for You,” 4:30 p.m., at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Steve will play with many of his favorite musicians during his decades in Harrisburg. www.friendsofjazz.org/Rudolph

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Happenings: Our July Calendar of Events

June 30, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through Oct. 16

“Keep on Truckin’: Light Duty Trucks,” an exhibit focused on the history of pickup trucks, through Oct. 22

“Iconic Chevrolets,” an exhibit presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America

“Hershey’s History: Before & After Chocolate,” through Oct. 22

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

“Free For All, 3rd Annual Student & Member Show,” through July 8

“93rd International Annual Juried Show,” July 16-Sept. 2; reception, July 16, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Ink/Glaze/Paper/Clay,” ceramic constructions by Beverlee Lehr and ink drawings by Jo Margolis, which are explorations of the interaction of shape and form, through July 24

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

July artist of the month

Dickinson College
The Trout Gallery
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“Remnant: Studio Majors Thesis Exhibition,” featuring projects by senior studio art majors, Anthony Cervino, and Andy Bale, through Sept. 11

“In Light of the Past,” an exhibition considering how we experience photographs, through Oct. 9

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA member art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 10

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

New works by Joelle and Justin Arawjo, Huckle Buckle Boys, Paul Gallo, Averil Shepps and PD Murray, through July 11

New works by Ann Benton Yeager, Paul Vasiliades, Rebecca Adey, Mary Gelenser, John Davis and Amie Bantz, July 14-Aug. 15

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Director’s Choice,” a selection of outstanding student artwork from Youth Art Day 2021, through July 17

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation, reality adjustments and new experiences of the last year, July 24-Sept. 18

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

“Persephone/Persephone,” a multi-panel collaborative installation by Elody Gyekis and Joanne Landis, through Aug. 8

“From Selfie to Community,” large-format woodcut self-portraits created by Bloomsburg University printmaking students, through July 18

“The Circle of Truth, 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, through Oct. 17

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

“Art in the Wild” exhibit of naturally inspired trailside installations created by artists using mostly natural materials and inspired by the theme “reimagining,” through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

July 12-16: Trash to Treasure! A Reclaimed Art Experience (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 13: All Day Plein Air Workshop, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 21: Collage & Paint, 6-8 p.m.
July 24: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 26-30: Pop Goes the Sculpture (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 26-30: Bookworm Boogie Bookmaking Workshop (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 26-30: CALC & YWCA One Voice, Artistic Expression (rising 3^rd-5^th graders), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 31: Bundle Dye with Flowers and Herbs, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Discord Hangouts—Chat, 3-5 p.m.
July 1, 15, 29: Librarians on Twitch, 6-8 p.m.
July 2: Virtual Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
July 3, 10, 17, 24: Teen Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
July 6: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Discord Hangouts—Gaming, 3-5 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Book Club on Zoom, 4 p.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Virtual Born to Read (up to 18 months), 9:30 a.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Art Club, 4 p.m.
July 13: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
July 13: The Next Chapter Book Club, 4 p.m.
July 20: Virtual Animal Crossing with The Library, 4 p.m.
July 22: Lawyers in Libraries—Civil Legal Services, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
July 28: Spanish Language Conversation Group, 12-1 p.m.
July 28: Crafternoon with The Library, 4 p.m.

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

July 1, 15: STEM Stations, 2 p.m.
July 1, 15, 29: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 6, 20: Teen Summerzine 2021 on Zoom (ages 12-19), 4-5:30 p.m.
July 10, 24: Make It, Break It (ages 5+), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Make It! Mondays, 12:30 p.m.
July 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
July 22: Forgotten Friends, Reptiles, 10:30 a.m.
July 22: Big Bubble Bonanza, 2 p.m.
July 22: Tales of Authors Movie Night, 5 p.m.
July 29: ZooAmerica Tales of Tails, 1 p.m.

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

July 13: Park Rx—Art Heals w/Susquehanna Art Museum, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 28: French and Indian War in America, Pa., and the Lives of Soldiers virtual illustrated talk, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
July 7: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
July 5, 19: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
July 5, 19: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
July 12, 26: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
July 13: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—”Our Town,” 10-11 a.m.
July 26: Virtual Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 10, 17: Fresh herb wreath workshop, 2-4 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: HYP Kickball, 6-9:45 p.m.
July 6: Trash Tuesday, 7 p.m.
July 11: Sunset Rocks Hike, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 11: HYP Book Club—“The Woman in the Window,” 2 p.m.
July 19: Wildwood Walk After Work, 6-8 p.m.
July 25: Little Buffalo Hike, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

July 10: Advanced Fluid Art Class, 1-4:30 p.m.
July 12, 14, 19, 21: 4-Day Drawing workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 17: Sip and Paint, 3-5 p.m.
July 22-23: Watercolor Realism 2-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

July 1: Longwood Gardens’ Community Read with Abra Lee, 7-8 p.m.
July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22: Reading Garden—The Story Garden, 10 a.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23: Virtual LEGO Club, 3:45 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19: Lose the Quarantine 15 Library Style, 9 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19: Facebook Live—Stories for Everyone, 10-10:30 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20: Read Stampede Walking Group, 9 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21: Reading Garden—Furry Tales, 6:30 p.m.
July 17: Fused Glass Class, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
July 20: Crafts in the Reading Garden (teens & tweens), 6:30-8 p.m.
July 27: Community Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
June 26: Family Book Group—“Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Glass Doors,” 2 p.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 12 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time on Zoom (ages 3-6), 1:30-2 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea & Stitches, 10-11 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Try-It Tuesday, 1 p.m., 6 p.m.
July 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
July 10: Block Party!, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 12: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 14: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
July 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
July 24: Trivia at Home— Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?, 6-8 p.m.

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

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Online Science Fiction Book Club
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Star Trek Rewatch online group
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Wagging Tails Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

July 15: An Evening with Michael Pollan, 8-9 p.m.
July 20: Chuck Wendig in Conversation with Aaron Mahnke, 7-8 p.m.
July 28: Eddie Glaude Jr. in Conversation with Drew Hart, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 5: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
July 14, 28: Free Kids Class on the Roof, 5-7 p.m.
July 17, 18: Fluid Art Class
June 25, 26, 27: Abstract Workshop

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

July 17: “Shaping the Contours of Federalism: The American Civil War in New Prospective,” 1-2 p.m.

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

July 1-2: Dinosaur Tails and Tales Take and Make Activity Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 1-2: Grab & Go STEAM Jr. (ages 5-8), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 1-30: Grab & Go STEAM (ages 8-12), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 5-Aug. 2: Ready for K!, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 6, 13: Babies & Books, 9:15-9:45 a.m.
July 8: ZooAmerica Tails & Tales on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 12: Farm Storytime (ages 3-6), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 12-17: Farm Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 12-17: Tasty Take and Make, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 13: Nature Activity—Weather (ages 3-7), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
July 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
July 19-24: Jungle Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 19-24: Superhero Take and Make, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 26-31: Pet Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 29: Summit Search & Rescue: Rescue Dog Demonstration, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22: Little Explorers Virtual Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
July 10-15: Annual Used Book Sale
July 12, 19, 26: Tails and Tales Monday Morning Virtual Program, 11-12 p.m.
July 14: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

July 2, 17: StoryTime (age 2-PreK, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 2: Virtual Artists Conversations—Fashioning a New Nation, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 8, 15, 22, 29: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 9: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Fishes of the Susquehanna River, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 11: Virtual Tonight’s Sky—A Live Chat with the Planetarium Director, 2-3 p.m.
July 16: Virtual Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 23: Virtual State Museum Perspective, 12:15 p.m.
July 30: Virtual Treasures from the Vault, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

July 10, 17, 24, 31: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 21: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 1: Bird Walk—Nesting Birds, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
July 1-31: Wildwood Park Coloring Contest, 10- a.m.-4 p.m.
July 9: Kids Discover—Nature Journaling (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
July 9: Kids Discover—Nature Journaling (ages 7-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
July 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 15: Kids Discover—Outdoor Play, 5-7 p.m.
July 17: Sustainable Forestry—A Flower Arranging Workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
July 18: Flower Walk—Still More Blooms, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 21, 27: Kayak the Swatara with Cocoa Kayaks, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
July 27: Detweiler Park Photo Walk, 8-10 a.m.

Live Music

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

July 1: Michael W. Smith
July 11: The Original Coasters, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters & Sonny Turner
July 17: Little River Band
July 23: The Lettermen
July 24: The Oak Ridge Boys
July 30: Mark Lowry
July 31: Resurrection, a Journey Tribute

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

July 1: Marrisa Porter
July 8: Jeff Seyfried
July 22: Shawan Rice

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

July 10: Gretna Grooves—Jazzmeia Horn
July 16: Harrisburg Jazz Collective at Fort Hunter Park

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

July 11, 18, 25: Jazz Brunch with Central PA Friends of Jazz

July 7, 14, 28: Wednesday Jazz Series

July 10: Clyde Wrenn & Rebecca Gray

July 16: Teen Town

July 21: Big Band Jazz with The Harrisburg Jazz Collective (formerly River City Big Band)

July 24: Patrick Cusick

July 31: Crippled But Free

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

July 2: Sunset Series, Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame presents Dandy
July 16: Sunset Series, Central PA Friends of Jazz presents Harrisburg Jazz Orchestra

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

July 3: Gretna Music for Kids—Charlotte Blake Alston
July 10: Jazzmeia Horn
July 11: Allen Krantz and Julien Labro
July 25: Chanticleer
July 29: Mutts Gone Nuts
July 31: Gretna Music for Kids—Empire Wild

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

July 16: Open Mic
July 20: Mark DeRose

HMAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

July 2: Medusa’s Disco, Rascal Revival, Illusions of Grandeur
July 2: First Friday at The New HMAC
July 3: Breakfast with Tiffany
July 3: The Seldom Scene
July 9: Wildstreet
July 10: PNB Rock
July 11: Sevendust
July 16: In House We Trust, Mochahontas, Chocolate Diva
July 16: Babyface Ray
July 23: Laine Hardy
July 24: Struggle Jennings
July 24: Blunts & Blondes
July 31: Gemini Syndrome

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

July 21: Jasper String Quartet
July 24: Francisco Fullana
July 27: Harlem String Quartet

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

Live music on the roof every Thursday

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

July 23: Enter the Haggis

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

July 9-30: Carole King’s “Tapestry” Live

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

July 11: Happy Traum

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

July 1: 2nd Annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards
July 17: Almost Queen

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

July 9: Big Fat Meanies, Wynton Existing, Wallace
July 10: Pentagon
July 16: Smooth Like Clyde
July 17: Defiant, If Not For Me, Gallowglas, Ultraviolent, Voice The Chaos, Dreams of Eden
July 23, 24: Yam Yam, Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer
July 29: Adelitas Way
July 30: The Amish Outlaws

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

July 7: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
July 10: Peter Stone
July 14: Side of Yams
July 15: Boozy Bingo hosted by Felicia O’Toole
July 28: Mark Santanna

The Stage Door

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

July 9: Corey Hunter

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

July 3-31: “Beauty and the Beast”

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

July 30: Sunset Series Gamut Theatre TMI Improv

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

July 14-Aug. 14: Popcorn Hat Players present “Thumbelina”
July 16-17: Shakespeare in the Woods at Ned Smith Center

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

July 2: Divas Down Under “Triumphant Return” Drag Show
July 9, 10: Andy Beningo and Tony Vihn

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

July 22-Aug. 1: “Rock of Ages”

HMAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

July 11: Queens Who Brunch

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

July 16-Aug. 1: “Grease”

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

July 16-17: Gamut Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Woods—“Hamlet”

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

July 9-30: Carole King’s “Tapestry” Live

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

July 9-17: “The Last Five Years” stream event

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

July 14: “Andy’s Wild Amphibian Show” livestream
July 14: “Liars Contest”

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Artless Cuts: Some arts groups fret, others take it in stride, as loss of federal funding looms

March 31, 2017 | by Gina Napoli

There’s an old adage that says that money makes the world go ‘round.

The arts are no exception, which is why some local groups are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration and Congress will ax an important source of their funds—the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is one organization that would feel a significant impact if the NEA were eliminated.

“It will reduce the scope of what we are able to do,” said Executive Director Jess Hayden, who said that NEA grants account for about 10 percent of the group’s operating budget ($125,000 over 11 years).

The society also would lose its connection with NEA staff, which often offers ideas and expertise about folk traditions and artists, she said.

Over the past 20 years, NEA has awarded $17.8 million in grants to Harrisburg-area arts programs, averaging $890,000 per year. Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) received the bulk of that funding, $16.1 million, averaging $805,000 per year.

PCA gets about 10 percent of its annual budget from NEA and the remainder from state appropriations. PCA then re-grants across Pennsylvania to schools, smaller arts councils, churches, individual artists, senior centers and statewide programs.

PCA is deeply involved with central Pennsylvania’s cultural scene, helping to support the work of such organizations as Central PA Youth Ballet, Susquehanna Art Museum, Whitaker Center, Harrisburg Symphony, Open Stage, Rose Lehrman Art Center, Central PA Friends of Jazz, Gamut Theatre, Theatre Harrisburg, Art Association of Harrisburg, Perry County Council of the Arts and Jump Street.

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society also receives grants from PCA, which, together with grants from the Cultural Exchange Fund and private foundations, allows world-class musicians and other folk performers to visit central PA.

“This allows us to bring authentic artists we couldn’t otherwise afford to broader community bases via public events and make ticket prices affordable,” Hayden said.

Jump Street receives 11.5 percent of its funding from PCA, which means that cuts in federal funding could substantially impact the Harrisburg-based arts group.

“It would put a huge hole in our budget,” said Executive Director Melissa Snyder. “We will continue to educate and advocate. We’ll need to find sponsors and foundation grants to supplement.”

School arts programs also could be affected, as they often rely on PCA money. Less funding from the NEA could trickle down to fewer schools receiving grants.

“Special projects centered on education are large, one-time grants that move the needle forward with arts programming,” said Chad Barger, executive director of the Cultural Enrichment Fund. “This is where I see the biggest risk to the arts, should public funding be eliminated.”

And then there’s what Snyder called the “trickle-down educational effect.”

“Students learn geography by building kites,” she said. “Arts careers, like fashion designer or architect, are revealed as arts career paths.”

And it’s not just grants that arts groups are worried about. Proposed federal tax changes could further impact their bottom lines.

Harrisburg Symphony Association’s Executive Director Jeff Woodruff is concerned that tax reform may limit or cap the deductibility of charitable contributions.

“All 501(c)3 charities … receive substantial indirect support [from] that deduction,” he said. “Just how that plays out in Congress as they negotiate tax reform is of concern to the symphony and all charities, especially the larger ones soliciting big-time donors.”

Will Supplement

Some in the arts community expressed less worry, putting the possible loss of federal funding into the broader picture of what they must do every day to survive.

“Generally speaking, only a small fraction of most local nonprofit arts’ operating budgets stem from federal sources, about 9 percent,” said Bill Lehr, who has served on the board of numerous arts organizations.

National statistics show that arts groups receive about 60 percent of revenue from operations and ticket sales, with about 30 percent from contributions, according to Lehr.

“The government piece is important, but not a prime piece, not in terms of the larger, overall budget picture,” he said.

Barger, of the Cultural Enrichment Fund, added that arts organizations are accustomed to the uncertainty of public money.

“This churn happens with any change in administration,” he said “Every year, arts funding is on the table with school funding because arts are considered non-essential. Those who work with government agencies are used to uncertainty.”

Groups that lose federal money will “just supplement with other sources,” Barger said.

Alternative funding streams typically include ticket sales, corporate and private sponsors, nonprofit groups, partnerships, volunteer time and state and local governments. Recently, crowd-funding has gained in popularity.

Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed creating a special fund for arts grants financed by selling bonds, said Jenny Hershour, executive director of Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania.

Potentially, that approach could increase the amount of state aid available for the arts. However, Hershour expressed concern that this plan removes the budget’s line item as an annual operating expense, placing it into a special fund for which fundraising will be required every year.

“When a line item is removed, it’s hard to get it added back,” she said. “If a new governor is elected, that represents another risk.”

In the meantime, Hershour and others are turning to political activism to get the ear of legislators. Last month, Americans for the Arts held an “Arts Advocacy Day” to show support for such things as arts education policy, the charitable tax deduction and funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We [went] to Washington to share our concerns with congressional offices,” Hershour said.

She also encourages anyone concerned about arts funding to join her in Harrisburg. On April 25, her group, Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, will hold its own “Arts Advocacy Day” at the PA state Capitol.

To learn more about Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, including their plan for “PA Arts Advocacy Day,” visit www.citizensfortheartsinpa.org.

Author: Gina Napoli

Music, Gumbo, Faith: Hot time for a great cause at “Taste of Jazz.”

March 31, 2015 | by Priscilla Morales

Steve Rudolph

Spring. Flowers. Easter. April is a month for being outdoors, warming up and preparing for the summer ahead.

Perhaps lesser known, it’s also a good month to listen to some great music. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and there may be no better way to celebrate in Harrisburg than with a “Taste of Jazz.”

Sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, this event features the sounds of vocalist Diane Wilson Bedford, the Steve Rudolph Trio and the Break from Blue Collar Barbershop Quartet. That’s the jazz part. The “taste” part comes thanks to the Cajun cuisine of Crawdaddy’s, where the event takes place.

But it’s not just cool jazz and spicy food. “Taste of Jazz” also serves as a fundraiser, supporting and highlighting the work of the church.

“It will create a sense of family and community, understanding of the programs and mission of church, as jazz is multicultural, which highlights the theme of the church, and is a day of celebration,” said Sarah Weedon, senior warden of St. Paul’s Vestry.

Diversity, Empowerment

Event organizers expect more than 150 people to attend the event, given the popularity of the performers and the restaurant.

Steve Rudolph is a prominent fixture in Harrisburg’s jazz scene, keeping the movement alive and going. He is currently the executive director of Central PA Friends of Jazz.

Harrisburg native Diane Wilson Bedford is a well-known vocalist locally and performs both regionally and nationally. Break from Blue Collar is a barbershop quartet comprised of classically trained singers.

“They will provide an added dimension to the event displaying tight harmony to the jazz standards they will perform,” explained Christyan Seay, the musical coordinator of the event, member of St. Paul’s and participant in the choir.

Given the multicultural nature of jazz, the event fits well into the mission of St. Paul’s, which ministers to a diverse congregation and neighborhood in Uptown Harrisburg.

The church has been at the corner of Green and Seneca streets since 1993, though it first came together as a Mission Sunday School at St. Stephen’s in November 1857. Due to floods, fires and economic spirals, St. Paul’s has switched building locations throughout Harrisburg over the past 150 years.

In addition to worship services, St. Paul’s oversees several important community programs. In partnership with St. Barnabas, a youth center that is located at St. Paul’s, the church runs a summer program for about 60 Uptown neighborhood children. Meals, educational activities and field trips, including theaters and amusement parks, are incorporated in this child-focused ministry.

A newer ministry, which just launched on March 3, is the Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope. This health clinic is targeted to those in the community who are uninsured and underserved in the Dauphin County area. Volunteer doctors and nurses supply a holistic treatment in caring for these people.

“[St. Paul’s] is about empowering people to do God’s work in the church and the community,” said St. Paul’s member Kara Beem.

To continue its ministries, St. Paul’s relies largely on congregational donations and community fundraisers. Much has gone into “Taste of Jazz,” as it is the first fundraiser of its kind for the church, and the event planning committee has been hard at work since last summer, carefully fine-tuning the details.

“[The goal of ‘Taste of Jazz’] is for everyone to have a good time, acquire a sense of breadth with what St. Paul’s is about, which is love of God and neighbor, an appreciation of community, to know more, meet people and enjoy fellowship,” said the Rev. Canon Katherine Harrigan, the rector of the church.

“Taste of Jazz” takes place April 12, 2 to 5 p.m., at Crawdaddy’s, 1500 N. 6^th St., Harrisburg. The cost is $45 per person. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-taste-of-jazz-tickets-15485657017?aff=eac2.

All That Jazz: A fusion of styles, locales at annual Central PA Jazz Festival.

July 31, 2014 | by Jess Hayden

Sometimes, when life hands you lemons . . . well, you know the rest.

It may be a cliché, but making the best of a bad situation is exactly what the folks at the annual Central PA Friends of Jazz did after funding was reduced for their annual jazz festival.

“We used to hold our entire festival centered around the Harrisburg Hilton and downtown sights in Harrisburg,” explained Steve Rudolph, CPFJ’s executive director. “But, because of some funding cuts, we’ve lost some of the affiliations that made that possible.”

Instead, CPFJ has chosen to reinvent the event and spread it out over a broader geographic area.

“For the past three years, the festival has been in sites all over the place, “said Rudolph. “It’s really helped us to draw in a wider audience.”

CPFJ also recognizes that fans like to listen to their jazz in different type of settings.

“For this festival, we are trying to appeal to a variety of tastes,” said Rudolph. “Some people like the formal concert thing and some people prefer to enjoy music in a more intimate space.”

He also noted that a lot of people like to bring their families out to events such as their annual picnic. “We’ve had the picnic for about 30 years,” he said. “But only in the past two years have we included it as part of the festival schedule.”

Another departure from the original festival model is that now the event features fewer headliners, instead showcasing a cadre of excellent jazz musicians who live locally or in nearby cities.

”The one thing that we can still guarantee on a quality level is that, anytime you come to a Friends of Jazz event, you’re going to hear some of the best jazz musicians alive today,” said Rudolph. “It may not be anyone who you have ever heard of, but, if you love jazz music, you’ll love what we are presenting.”

With that, let’s take a look at what CPFJ has planned for the 34^th annual festival.

Thursday, Aug. 7: Jazz Cruise, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The Central PA Jazz Festival will kick off with a riverboat cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna, which leaves from City Island in Harrisburg. During the summer months, CPFJ sponsors a weekly Thursday evening series called “Jazzin’ on the Pride,” but, according to Rudolph, “we beef up the money for the band on festival night.” The Dave Stahl Quintet, featuring Stahl and woodwind master Tom Strohman, will provide the entertainment. Food and drink will be available, and there is a $10 admission charge.

Friday, Aug. 8: Jazz Party, 6:30-11:30 p.m.

New for this year’s festival is a jazz party held in three different venues in the 1500 Condominium building at N. 6^th and Reily streets in Harrisburg. Two restaurants in the facility, Café 1500 and Crawdaddy’s, will feature live jazz. Crawdaddy’s is scheduled to honor legendary area drummer Sammy Banks with music by pianist Danny Stuber and his trio. In addition, CPFJ will host “Jazz Under the Stars” on the building’s rooftop patio, featuring jazz vocalist Diane Wilson Bedford and Jimmy Wood’s Trio. There is no cover charge for the restaurants, but tickets are $12 for “Jazz Under the Stars.”

Saturday, Aug. 9: Picnic, 2-7 p.m.

The Jazz Picnic, a festival highlight for many, will be held this year on the grounds of Indian Echo Caverns at 368 Middletown Rd. in Hummelstown. Many activities for families will be available, including tours of the caverns and a petting zoo. Continuous music will be provided, including the Larry Marshall Trio at 2 p.m., Central PA Youth Band at 3 p.m., Greg and Tom Strohman at 4 p.m., the Sonia Vrooman Group at 5 p.m. and No Last Call at 6 p.m. Food is available for purchase or picnic-goers can bring their own. Complimentary beverages are included with the ticket, which is $15 for adults and free for children under 12.

Sunday, Aug. 10: Jam, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

A jam session will be held in the afternoon preceding the concert at The Timbers Restaurant at 350 Timber Rd. in Mt. Gretna. Jonathan Ragonese will be coming home from New York to lead the jam session, and all aspiring jazz musicians are welcome to sit in. Everyone is also encouraged to enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Admission to the jam is $5, but free for students, children and musicians who participate.

Sunday, Aug. 10: Concert, 7:30 p.m.

The festival will culminate with a concert featuring two great jazz luminaries—harmonica and vibraphone virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens and legendary bassist Lee Smith. It will be held in cooperation with Gretna Music at the Mt Gretna Playhouse at 200 Pennsylvania Ave. in Mt. Gretna.

Hendrik Meurkens is first on the bill. He will appear with his New York Samba Jazz Quartet, which features Russian pianist Misha Tsiganov and Brazilian musicians Gustavo Amarante on bass and Adriano Santos on drums. Meurkens, who is German born, fell in love with the music of Brazil while living there. He currently resides in New York, where he has recorded 15 CDs for Concord Records.

“Hendrik is a fantastic jazz musician,” said Rudolph. “He is widely considered to be the greatest jazz harmonica player ever.”

The Lee Smith Sextet will close out the festival. The group features Smith on bass, Marc Adler on flute, Tim Thompson on trumpet, Tim Warfield on sax, Joshua Richmond on piano and Justin Faulkner on drums. Perhaps better known as a sideman for jazz greats such as Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and Roberta Flack, Smith started focusing on his own compositions and arrangements while working on his latest recording, ” Sittin’ on a Secret.” Now, with a new recording due out in the fall, Smith has had the opportunity to explore a growing repertoire with the members of his sextet.

“When I write, I try to compose in such a way to reach out to as many people as possible and not just the jazz enthusiasts,” he said. “At the concert, people are going to hear some songs that they know and some that they don’t. They should just expect to hear some really good melodies.”

For tickets and to learn more about the festival, visit www.friendsofjazz.org.

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