Tag Archives: Federal Taphouse

Mid-summer opening planned for Capital City Music Hall, new venue in downtown Harrisburg

April 11, 2025 | by Skye Leppo

The future location of Capital City Music Hall

You may have heard that a new music venue is being planned for downtown Harrisburg. But details have been sparse—until now.

Capital City Music Hall, which will occupy the former Federal Taphouse space at 234 N. 2nd St., is undergoing renovations to prepare for a mid-summer opening, according to new owner Justin Browning.

Browning, who also owns JB Lovedrafts, Sawyers and Nocturnal along the same block on 2nd Street, said he felt this venue plays heavily into plans for rebooting 2nd Street.

“Harrisburg is my home, my hometown, and my partner [Craig Dunkle] and I both agreed that in order to help ‘Restaurant Row’ and rebuild the downtown dining district, a live music venue could be key to that,” Browning said.

The team is hoping that, much like bigger cities like Philly and Baltimore, folks will visit for the shows, dine at the local restaurants and stay afterwards to enjoy the nightlife in the area, he said.

No clear determinations have been made on occupancy yet, as that’ll be up to the fire marshal, but Browning expects the space to hold about the same number of patrons from the building’s time as the former Dragonfly nightclub, which he believes held about 1,000.

The club will book all genres of music, Browning stated, adding that the new name beckons to the city and is a different direction from the metal and punk scenes that Lovedrafts Brewing Co. in Mechanicsburg drew.

“We’re still doing Lovedrafts Presents events for punk, metal, hard core, just to continue that legacy, but this bigger space is us trying to grow up a little bit, I guess,” Browning said.

According to Browning, that means greater flexibility.

“If we want to do bluegrass or country, folk or hip-hop, or indie genre type things,” he said.

The talent team at the club will book a mix of national tours and local acts, Browning said. In time, the plan is to add a variety of programming, including comedians, special presentations featuring panels and conversations with authors, filmmakers, and the like to take advantage of all the space has to offer.

Getting into details for the interior of the space, Browning said it’s going to look very similar to what patrons saw at Federal Taphouse so that performers have a blank canvas to work with, though the exposed kitchen space has been removed to make way for a stage.

The bars on the first and second floors will remain in place. However, as long as floor plans are approved, Browning is hoping to open up the center of the second floor to create a mezzanine level. The lighting and audio elements are also being upgraded for guests to have a high-quality audiovisual experience.

Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the pass-through that’ll exist between Nocturnal and Capital City Music Hall since the two connected properties are now under the same ownership.

“Unlike Lovedrafts Brewing, we’ll be using an extension of our liquor license from Nocturnal, so we’ll be able to serve all spirits, not just PA brands,” he said.

Keep an eye out for announcements about a July opening, though the timing remains in flux due to the approval process.

“Right now, we are finalizing variance applications with the city,” Browning said.

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Sawyers set to reopen with fresh music, food, drink options, as new owner aims to revive downtown nightlife

March 13, 2025 | by Skye Leppo

The exterior of Sawyers in downtown Harrisburg

Sawyers recently changed hands, and now the details are out.

As you may have heard, the downtown mainstay has a new owner, and he’s planning big changes for the popular nightlife venue.

Starting this spring, Justin Browning, who also owns JB Lovedraft’s Micro Pub, is revamping the 2nd Street club with a synthy ’80s Miami/South Beach vibe, featuring an updated drink menu and quick-serve bites.

More importantly, Browning said that the music will be at the forefront of entertainment at the space.

“We’re updating the music—that was the first big ask from everyone,” he said. “The logo has been the same for quite a long time,” as he turned his phone to show me the new look. “We’re keeping the name but changing the style of it.”

The new Sawyers logo

Folks can still expect to dance with the talents of DJs filling the space, but Browning wants to bring back monthly musicians to the club, too.

“That’ll be more early evening,” he said, mentioning that he plans to start with tribute acts first, “to help with early dinner hours” for guests dining outdoors at Cafe Fresco and Stock’s on 2nd as well.

“The diner hasn’t had food for at least 10 to 15 years,” Browning said, referencing the diner car on site at Sawyers, which will now offer items like tacos and nachos. “They briefly had hot dogs when The Spot closed, but it’s been a long time.”

The bar’s soft opening will be April 3, with plans for a grand opening weekend on April 4 and 5.

“Our goal is to bring entertainment to 2nd Street,” Browning said.

He added that he really wants to rejuvenate “Restaurant Row” and nicknamed his efforts the “Restaurant Row Reboot.”

“This used to be the heart of the city,” Browning said. “We’re planning to give it our best to bring it back.”

He added that Judd Goodman, owner of the former Federal Taphouse, and longtime Harrisburg club owner Ron Kamionka have been encouraging and helpful to him throughout this process.

Browning, who also owns Nocturnal Nightclub, recently acquired the former Federal Taphouse building at 234 N. 2nd St. but declined to elaborate more on plans for the space at this time.

“I hope that what we’re doing encourages more people to come back and open new things, and hopefully we can get back to that status of ‘Restaurant Row,’” Browning said. “I think the city is on the brink of a new fruitful era. Things are blossoming. I know everything looks like gloom and doom right now, but it’s really not. We definitely wouldn’t have invested so heavily if we didn’t feel like something was capable.”

Sawyers is located at 210 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For updates, visit their Instagram page here and their Facebook page here.

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Ahoy Harrisburg: Local group’s musical brings pirates, puppets, rock and roll to the stage

February 16, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Cast of “Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life–The Musical”

Coming to Harrisburg next month is a show that producer Jay Bowser can only describe as “guaranteed crazy time.”

“Plunder and Lightning: A Pirate’s Life – The Musical” will combine rock and roll, pirates, theater and puppets for a one-of-a-kind experience at Harrisburg’s Federal Taphouse in April.

“I wanted to put out something new and fresh,” Bowser said. “We are throwing caution to the wind. It’s a blend of two worlds that I don’t think you’ve ever seen before.”

The show will mix musical theater with rock and feature a live band performing original songs inspired by doo-wop, heartfelt ballads and, fittingly, sea shanties.

Several years ago, Bowser, with a background in writing music and playing in bands, set out to create a concept album around the story of a pirate. He identified with the individuality and rebellious nature of pirates. For a while, he performed the songs at local restaurants and venues and audiences loved it, he said.

“It turns out, everybody wants to be a pirate. That’s what I found out really quickly,” he said.

While Bowser always considered himself more of a “hardcore” rock music guy, his daughter introduced him to musical theater, and he was intrigued by the storytelling power the art has.

The show has since evolved to include 20 musicians and performers, some of whom have relocated to Harrisburg because of the production. Bowser worked with co-writer Jamie Kramer to write a script that was personal, but would also relate to viewers, even if it took several re-writes to get it perfect.

And then there are the puppets.

Currently, Monday nights are “puppet days,” where the group works to develop and create their own characters like a pair of rats, a parrot, a skeleton and a pirate. Bowser said that he often finds himself thinking, “What would Jim Henson do?”

But don’t be confused; this isn’t a kids’ show. Bowser rated the show PG-13 for adult humor.

There will be a good amount of audience participation, as well, he said, and there may even be times when people are encouraged to throw things at the cast.

“Plunder & Lightning” is meant to be a good time, a time to leave your worries at the door, and that, he said, is something people need right now.

“We are putting on a party,” he said.

The show will take place on April 13, 20, 26 and 27 in the second-floor performance space of the Federal Taphouse.

After April’s shows, the future of “Plunder & Lightning” is uncertain, but Bowser has a good feeling about it.

“I have a hunch that this will catch on,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything like this before.”

To learn more about “Plunder & Lightning” or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

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Reel Me In: Sushi Yatta rolls into Midtown Harrisburg’s restaurant sea’en

August 31, 2021 | by Norah Griffiths Johnson

Selections at Sushi Yatta

Judd Goodman is a veteran in the region’s restaurant industry. In recent years, you may have wandered into one of his Federal Taphouse locations in downtown Harrisburg or State College.

And while he has worked to build a solid reputation in the food and beverage world, Goodman is never one to rest on his past successes.

Last year, as the pandemic forced pivots and modifications for most restaurants and bars, he looked around Harrisburg and started thinking about how he could help address an unmet need in the market.

“I started working to come up with something that has mass appeal but is still fairly niche,” he explained.

And from there, it wasn’t long before he took notice of the absence of a sushi restaurant in Midtown.

The perfect location soon appeared in the form of a historic storefront at the corner of 3rd and Herr streets. Joined by chef Alex Coenen, who learned to make sushi while working at a restaurant in New York, Goodman recently opened the doors of Sushi Yatta, a unique sushi establishment that features a streamlined to-go format.

Goodman believes convenience and expediency help set Sushi Yatta apart.

“You just order online and, in 15 or 20 minutes, we’ll have your food ready for you,” he said.

Top Notch

As Coenen worked to develop Sushi Yatta’s menu, he did so with an eye toward creating a blend of the traditional and the unexpected to ensure selections that were both tasty and accessible. For the holdouts out there who still think raw fish is for the birds, Sushi Yatta offers a number of signature offerings that just might reel you in.

So if you’re curious but aren’t sure where to start, Coenen recommends the surf and turf roll, which features steak, lobster, spicy crab and asparagus, topped with tobiko, wasabi aioli and unagi sauce.

“It’s just top notch,” he noted, smiling.

Coenen’s recommendation for seasoned sushi fans interested in trying something new?

“The haystack roll is just really, really good—my favorite by far,” he said. “It has lobster, shrimp tempura, crunchy potatoes, asparagus and avocado, topped with spicy mayonnaise, unagi sauce and scallions.”

Rounding out this flavor adventure, Sushi Yatta’s menu also presents a wide selection of more traditional offerings, like California and Alaska rolls, and nigiri and sashimi. In addition to sides and appetizers like pork, shrimp or vegetable dumplings, patrons can choose from a selection of fish, meat or vegetarian-focused bowls. Bento boxes offer yet another hearty option, complete with a choice of a protein paired with sides of soup, salad and rice.

For a firsthand take on Sushi Yatta’s many offerings, I tried the tuna poke roll, which is Coenen’s sushi version of Hawaii’s beloved poke bowl: spicy tuna, asparagus, avocado with marinated onion, jalapeño, toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of ponzu. The spicy tuna was delicious, and the marinated onion gave the dish a rich, savory flavor and unexpected, complex texture. I also tried the more classic salmon nigiri, which featured tasty, sunset-hued slices of salmon over generous portions of rice.

Even though Sushi Yatta is in its early days, you don’t have to look far to find people who love it. Harrisburg resident Susan Ewing-Rathfon shared that she and her family are already big fans.

“We love sushi, and every experience we’ve had there so far has been impeccable,” she said.

Ewing-Rathfon called out the restaurant’s takeout and delivery options as selling points, as well as their delicious bowls, rolls and desserts.

“It’s the perfect option for our family and for date nights,” she said.

Fun Details

Speaking of families, kids are likely to be drawn to Sushi Yatta’s frushi creations, which feature fresh strawberry, mango and kiwi wrapped in coconut milk-infused rice and topped with crushed pistachios, toasted coconut and raspberry sauce. Coenen noted that it has already exceeded their expectations in terms of interest.

“I didn’t anticipate it to be one of our signatures, but it’s beautiful and delicious,” he said.

To further entice your sweet tooth, Sushi Yatta has a number of mochi selections, including green tea, chocolate and strawberry.

It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, right? So Sushi Yatta’s current and future fans should keep in mind that the restaurant offers bespoke catering options, perfect for small, in-home gatherings or larger scale events.

Staff will work with you to develop a menu based around their signature offerings and scaled to the event size. Catering customers can even bring in their own platters, which not only cuts down on single-use plastic, but streamlines the process for an event. So, there’s no need to carefully transfer the artfully prepared sushi.

Looking ahead, Goodman anticipates expanding Sushi Yatta’s hours and introducing some fun, unexpected details.

“We’ll be adding a bit of a marketplace in the front of the store to feature some signature grab-and-go items, small plates, chopsticks and some branded merchandise,” he said.

Sushi Yatta is located at 1100 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-980-5160 or visit www.sushiyatta.com.

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A Road, a Journey: “On Time” reflects a band growing, maturing.

March 29, 2019 | by Erika Firestone

Photo by Anela Selkowitz.

Some say that Harrisburg-based band Colebrook Road helped pave the way for bluegrass in central Pennsylvania.

But that’s not necessarily how the band sees it.

“Bluegrass chose us,” said founding member and mandolinist Wade Yankey.

Yankey described how he and Jesse Eisenbise, lead guitarist and vocalist, were introduced through a mutual friend over their love for the genre.

Now a well-rounded, five-piece ensemble including Joe McAnulty on fiddle, Mark Rast on banjo and Jeff Campbell on upright bass, Colebrook Road’s original sound exudes the confident cohesion that comes as a result of a decade of playing and touring together.

On May 3, the band will officially release its third full-length album, “On Time.” The recording demonstrates what Colebrook Road has become known for—timeless harmonies and a progressive, new take on the genre.

For the album, Eisenbise took the lead on songwriting.

“I usually have an idea pretty well fleshed out and bring it to the guys to arrange collaboratively,” he said.

McAnulty chimed in, describing how fun the process is when a new song is brought in and ideas start to float around. Along with their most complex arrangements yet, the songwriting for the new album has taken on a more personal turn regarding subjects such as love, family and loneliness.

“On Time,” the name of both the album and its first single, reflects a relatable theme that defines the dynamic of the band. Despite holding full-time jobs and raising families, band members make time for their music.

Yankey related how the song is about all of the stress that fades away when it comes time to play.

“After squeezing out of work early on a Friday and fighting traffic to places like D.C. or Baltimore, getting on stage is just a sigh of relief,” he said.

To support the album, members are excited to get out on the road, heading out as far as Washington state and to bluegrass festivals across the country, including Greyfox, a seminal, four-day festival held each summer in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.

But, wherever they go, band members take a little bit of home along with them. A map of the state reveals several rural, winding Colebrook Roads that connect small towns. The name itself is a metaphor for their music, which has taken on even more meaning over the years as they connect intimate, back-country vibes to the more modern and distinct Pennsylvania sound that they have helped to forge.

2018 was a particularly big year for the group, as they signed with Virginia-based Mountain Fever Records, where they recorded “On Time” in one weekend. Eisenbise described how far they’ve come over a decade, a journey that started with recording their first, self-titled album in his basement.

“It’s a progression that complements how we’ve grown together as a band,” he said.

Colebrook Road’s album release show takes place on March 30 at Federal Taphouse in Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.ColebrookRoad.com or their Facebook or Instagram, @Colebrook Road.

Musical Notes: March Mix

March 1, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

It’s nearly springtime in Harrisburg and, as always, there’s plenty to do in and around our fair city.

Since it’s March, Irish pride takes over at a few venues for some St. Patty’s festivities. The annual Harrisburg St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off on March 23, brought to you by the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District. Up the road, Appalachian Brewing Co. hosts its ABC Irish Fest, filled with 17 days of Irish music performers, food and, of course, beer. Amidst the holiday fun, don’t forget to check out some other one-of-a-kind performances happening around the city. Here’s some of the best that the Burg has to offer this month.

GRAHAM NASH, 3/13, 7:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $49.50-69.50
Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Graham Nash makes a splash at Whitaker Center this month. He’s best known for his work with supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) before heading on to a highly successful solo career. A seasoned musician, Nash was also in the UK pop group, the Hollies, inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame twice, and has won a Grammy award. His messages of peace and love come through in his soft sound and honest lyrics, capturing the spirit of several generations. Last December, Nash’s bandmate, David Crosby, also played at Whitaker Center for a very special evening. If you missed your chance to check out a CSN-styled performance, Graham Nash will have what you’re looking for.

TIG NOTARO, 3/16, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30
Sometimes, I like to throw in a performance that isn’t strictly music, but still qualifies as a performance that can’t be missed. If you like comedy but don’t want to go too far for a live performance, Tig Notaro is arriving right on your doorstep. Traditionally a stand-up comedian, Notaro has experience as a writer, radio contributor and actor. Her popular debut album, “Live,” earned a nomination for a Grammy Award for “Best Comedy Album,” and her special, “Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted,” earned a nomination for an Emmy award for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.” Check out the show and her deadpan style of humor if you’ve been looking for some good laughs.

COLEBROOK ROAD, 3/30, 8PM, FEDERAL TAPHOUSE, FREE
It’s not a true music column without showing some local love, so here’s a show that’s bound to be quite the party. Colebrook Road is celebrating the release of their newest album with a show at the Federal Taphouse in downtown Harrisburg. The album, “On Time,” showcases the band’s newer sounds in their classic yet contemporary bluegrass stylings. The album drops officially on May 3, but trust me when I say that these guys are best experienced on a live stage. Buy a CD, support local music, and get swept away by their sweet, southern stylings.

Mentionables:

Shine Delphi, March 2, River City Blues Club;

Black Coffee, March 2, H*MAC Stage on Herr;

Illusions of Grandeur, March 8, H*MAC Stage on Herr;

The Marcus King Band, March 9, Club XL;

Willie Jack and the Northern Light, March 15, The Abbey Bar;

Goose & Catullus, March 22, The Abbey Bar;

Shawan & the Wonton, March 28, Boneshire Brew Works

Best of the Brews: A self-described “beer snob” makes the rounds of our rapidly expanding craft beer scene—and shares his favorites.

April 28, 2017 | by Robert Naeye

A few months ago, I was marveling at the seemingly endless list of craft beers at the Federal Taphouse in downtown Harrisburg.

I asked my long-time friend Andy Shaffer, “When was the last time you ordered an imported beer?”

Andy couldn’t recall, and neither could I. Long gone are the dark days when beer lovers were forced to choose between imports and wimpy, watery American brews.

With the craft beer revolution in overdrive, the number of quality American breweries has exploded in recent years. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Harrisburg metro area. New brewpubs are sprouting up everywhere, including five in just the past year alone.

“Making Harrisburg a beer destination point is a big thing,” said Kristin Messner-Baker, owner of the Vegetable Hunter, a downtown Harrisburg restaurant that started serving its own beer in February.

Being a beer connoisseur (some might say “beer snob”), I set out to visit all the brewpubs in the immediate Harrisburg metro area. I ordered samples of their beers, or a flight, and then picked my favorite. I focused mainly on beers that are available year-round.

No two people have the exact same taste in beer. I prefer full-bodied, strong-flavored brews, usually with high alcohol content. I am a generalist, meaning I can appreciate quality beers across a wide spectrum of styles, though I gravitate toward porters, stouts, IPAs and Belgian ales. I am particularly fond of beers that are solid representatives of their types but that have subtle and complex flavors resulting from a creative mix of ingredients.

Below are brief descriptions of the breweries and my selections.

Al’s of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing Co., 2240 Millennium Way, Enola
This establishment brews so many beers that I couldn’t try every one. I found the quality to be consistently high, so it was difficult to single one out. In a very close call, I went with the double coffee stout over the Murren River IPA, which I also loved.

Sunny Side Up Double Coffee Stout, 9.5% ABV
This stout has such a strong coffee flavor, courtesy of Little Amps Coffee, that it might turn off some stout lovers. But for me, it has the heart and soul of a great stout. It’s full-bodied with an extremely complex flavor, including a very subtle sweetness that complements the rest of the beer. This is right up there with my favorite Harrisburg-area beers.

Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
There was a period when I avoided ABC because their beers tended to be watery. But I feel ABC has raised its game in recent years. Besides my selection below, I loved the Outta Focus Double IPA and the Chocolate Avenue Stout.

“Jolly Scot” Scottish Style Ale, 5.9% ABV
I instantly liked the ale, and it got better with each sip. It has a tinge of fruitiness that gives it character but does not dominate the overall flavor. I can taste a little bit of maltiness but no hoppiness. It’s right up my alley, but not for hopheads. I sat at the downstairs bar next to a visiting beer-lover from northern Virginia, who said this was his favorite ABC beer.

Boneshire Brew Works, 7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
This small brewpub is one of the new kids on the block, having opened its doors in October.

LazaRIS Unrobed Russian Imperial Stout, 9.5% ABV
This was my favorite in the flight of five, and master brewer Alan Miller described it as his “flagship.” It’s extremely smooth with a beautiful head. It has just enough texture to make it a satisfying stout. I taste a very subtle sweetness that is pleasant but does not overwhelm the classic Russian imperial stout flavor. It has a very pleasant aftertaste, and it went down easily in a way that made me want another.

Ever Grain Brewing Co., 4444 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill
Ever Grain has gotten off to a flying start since it opened in September, which explains why it has been packed every time I’ve visited. The beers are so consistently strong across the line that it was painful to choose a favorite. All of the IPAs were first rate, and I also really liked the Udder One nitro stout. My bartender Brian said it best: “It’s an honor to pour these beers.”

Kaboo Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV
I actually preferred the IPAs (especially the Surf Breaker and the Doose Juicy), but I was startled by this beer, which I enjoyed far more than a typical pale ale. It has a mild but extremely pleasant hoppy flavor that is a perfect introduction to the world of IPAs for people who normally don’t like hoppy beers.

Harty Brewing Co., 146 Walden Way, Mechanicsburg
This is a very small brewery that opened in 2015. If you visit, I highly recommend the seasonals.

Hefeweizen, 4.9% ABV
I’m one of those snobs who think Americans still have a lot of catching up to do with the Germans when it comes to wheat beers. But this hefeweizen comes razor close to German classics such as Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. This beer is tasty and thick-textured. The German yeast gives it its flavor, but I could also taste the underlying German hops. Extremely satisfying.

Lancaster Brewing Co., 469 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg
This Lancaster-based brewery has been around since the mid-1990s. The sampler tray consisted of a whopping 13 beers, which ran the gamut—I loved some and hated others.

Boss Hog Double IPA, 9% ABV
This double IPA compares favorably in my mind to any IPA brewed in the United States, or anywhere else, for that matter. It has a strong hoppy flavor, but unlike some IPAs, the hops are in the Goldilocks zone—they are not overdone, they are just right. And it has an extremely smooth and thick texture that makes it an absolute pleasure to drink. And by the way, the Hop Hog single IPA ain’t too shabby either.

The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
The Millworks started serving its own beer in late 2016 and features a small but excellent list of other Pennsylvania beers.

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Barley Wine, 10% ABV
This extremely strong-flavored beer is definitely not for Bud or Miller Lite drinkers! The malt is prominent, but this high-alcohol barley wine gains its distinction from a strong whiskey flavor resulting from barrel aging. I also detected a very subtle caramel and oak flavor in the background. The taste is better on the back of my tongue than on the tip. A bitter aftertaste lingers quite a while.

Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works, 1 S. Union St., Middletown
This is another new brewery, having opened last July.

Bourbon Barrel Aged Warbonds Stout, 9.2% ABV
I normally don’t find beers mixed with bourbon to be particularly appealing, but I could drink this stuff all night. It has just enough bourbon taste to give it a distinctive flavor, but it does not overwhelm the underlying stout. The high alcohol content gives it a real bite. This is a very well-crafted and highly original beer, but I agreed with the bartender when she said, “It’s not for everyone.”

Tröegs Independent Brewing, 200 Hersheypark Dr., Hershey
Along with ABC, this is the granddaddy of local breweries. And like ABC, Tröegs has been very generous to startups, loaning equipment and supplying hops in a spirit of brotherhood among craft brewers. Tröegs’s flagship line is strong, but like several friends of mine, I tend to prefer the seasonals (especially Nugget Nectar and Mad Elf) and some of the scratch beers.

Nitro Chocolate Stout, 7.1% ABV
The nitro gives this stout an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. The chocolate flavor is just right—strong enough to make it interesting but not overbearing or causing the beer to lose its classic stout character. It has a mellow but complex flavor, with almost no bitterness. It has a very pleasant, slightly sweet aftertaste.

The Vegetable Hunter, 614 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
Another of the newbies, with four beers on tap during my recent visit.

Veg Halen Porter, 5.6% ABV
This mellow porter has a tinge of coffee and coconut flavor in the background that blends in beautifully with the classic porter taste. And it’s full-bodied, while avoiding the tartness and fizziness that ruin some porters. It also has a very pleasing aftertaste that doesn’t linger too long.

The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown
As one might expect, this establishment brews sweet-tasting beers that seem to be catered toward wine lovers.

Chocolate M.I.L.F. Brown Ale, 5.2% ABV
I admit this is a guilty pleasure. I like this brown ale a lot, but the strong chocolate flavor and light texture will turn off some hard-core beer lovers. The sweet chocolate flavor is so dominant that it almost tastes more like chocolate milk than a traditional brown ale. Still, I really like it for reasons I cannot explain, though I preferred some of the seasonals.

Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg
This brewery has improved tremendously from when I first visited two years ago. Over a very strong line, I gave the edge to the triple IPA over the seasonals Grievance Ale (a winter warmer) and the DTF Douglas Fir Saison.

Large Ass IPA (Triple IPA) 12.4% ABV
This beer lives up to its moniker: it kicks serious ass. It has a wonderfully full texture and a bold hoppy flavor that stops just short of crossing the line into the realm of hoppiness-for-hoppiness sake. I could drink this stuff all night, but with its high alcohol content, someone better be available to give me a ride home!

Clearly, craft beer aficionados in the Harrisburg area have no shortage of options, and I didn’t even include high-quality breweries in Carlisle and Lancaster County. If you love craft beer, I urge you to check out all of these establishments. Your list of favorites probably won’t overlap with mine, but you’re guaranteed to find beers that are right up your alley. Harrisburg-area brewers have overachieved in both quality and quantity. Our region has indeed become a destination for beer lovers!

To learn more these beers, visit the breweries’ websites. Also check out the film, “Brewed in the Burg,” on YouTube to find out more about the rise of craft beer in our area.

Author: Robert Naeye

The Characters of Christmas: Open Stage presents 2 very different takes on the holiday.

November 30, 2016 | by Laura Dugan

How do you prefer your Christmas story?

Do you like the classic and heartwarming? Or do you go for modern and cynical?

Either way, Open Stage of Harrisburg has you covered this month, mounting both the classic (if very updated) version of “A Christmas Carol” and then hitting your funny bone hard with the return of Crumpet the Elf in “Santaland Diaries.”

So, you say you’ve seen old Scrooge umpteen times? Not this one. Running throughout the month, Open Stage’s version features song, dance, and, of course, those inimitable ghosts.

“I wanted to create something that felt new despite the story being nearly 175 years old,” said Stuart Landon, Open Stage’s associate artistic director, who directed and adapted this tale. “Adding in music, choreography, inventive costuming, special effects and surprising set pieces will transform a familiar story into something audiences have never seen before.”

For the 17^th time, Nick Hughes will “Bah, humbug” his way across the stage in the seminal role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

“I think Stuart has a very different vision of what he wants to do in the theater,” said Hughes. “I think the pace and the emphasis will change compared to what was done before. The last time we did a full production was in Whitaker Center. Bringing it back to Open Stage, to a smaller, more intimate setting, suits the story very well.”

All cast members, except Hughes as Scrooge, will play multiple parts. This adds an additional challenge—and charm—to the piece.

Patty Cole, making her Open Stage debut, plays three roles that differ greatly, transforming from Mrs. Cratchit to the housekeeper to the older Belle.

“It’s a fun challenge to play different characters,” she said. “I’m most excited to be playing the housekeeper. I’m not usually cast as ‘nasty.’”

As the Ghost of Christmas Present, Karen Ruch is also excited to play a role outside of her norm.

“The Ghost of Christmas Present is so full of kindness and vitality, which is something I don’t get to play on stage that often,” she said. “Besides, what better way to remain mindful of each moment than to play ‘Present?’”

Adding to the fun are the familial connections within the cast. Nick Hughes’ son, Patrick, plays nephew Fred. Twins Conner and Riley McKean play Belinda and Peter Cratchit, among other characters. Finally, Cole’s son, T.J., plays several ensemble roles.

“Folks should come see this show because it is a wonderful story being told through this new adaptation that will be as rich as Christmas pudding and fresh as a pine bough,” said Ruch.

The cast of “A Christmas Carol” also includes David Richwine, Erin Shellenberger, Ian Wallace, Linzy McKinney, Katherine Campbell, Dawn-Michelle Lewis and Ashley Follett.

Various members of Open Stage’s OSHKids class will make appearances, as well. Off the boards, the play features musical direction by David Glasgow, choreography by Kelly Strange and stage management by David Callahan and Kel Kyle.

For those who prefer a more adult way to celebrate the holiday—well, your old pal Crumpet is back, and he’s going on tour.

You can find Crumpet in David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries” this month at both the Federal Taphouse and at Open Stage. Please note: unlike “A Christmas Carol,” this show is definitely not for the kids. But, if you enjoy your humor grown-up, irreverent and a bit blue, “Santaland Diaries” is for you.

“A Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 2 to 23 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. “Santaland Diaries” runs Dec. 4 and 11 at Federal Taphouse, 234 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. It also runs Dec. 9, 20 and 22 at Open Stage of Harrisburg. Tickets are available by visiting www.openstagehbg.com.

Upcoming Theater Events
At Harrisburg’s
Professional Downtown Theaters

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org

“A Popcorn Hat Christmas Carol”
Nov. 30 to Dec. 17
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.
Tickets $8

TMI 3^rd in The Burg Show
Dec. 16
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are pay what you will; any size donation buys your admission.

Popcorn Hat Players’ New Year’s Eve Party For Children
Featuring a performance of “Cinderella”
Dec. 31
At the Sunoco Performance Theater at Whitaker Center
Early Bird Tickets Nov. 10 to 30, $10
After Nov. 30, $12

At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com

“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2 to 23
a new dazzling production
of the Charles Dickens classic
Tickets $15 to $35

“Santaland Diaries”
David Sedaris’ irreverent comedy
Crumpet the Elf is on tour!
Sundays, Dec. 4 & 11 at Federal Taphouse
Dec. 9, 20 & 22 at Open Stage
with Santa’s Little Helpers improv opening
Tickets $20 to $35

Dickens, Dessert & Dancing
A Victorian Holiday Party
Civic Club of Harrisburg
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Author: Laura Dugan

Suds Summit: Soak up brew culture, flavor at the first Harrisburg Beer Week.

March 31, 2015 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

It’s funny how, sometimes, everything comes together.

When I started covering Harrisburg’s beer scene almost two years ago, I focused on finding those interesting little stories that sometimes get missed in small cities like ours. While most beer writers focus on trendier and larger places, like San Diego or Chicago, I turned my attention to the incredible people pushing beer culture forward here.

A couple working to open a brewery in Midtown. A local homebrew supply store in Lemoyne. Women who were making an impression in a predominately male culture. A group of ambitious Harrisburg homebrewers.

All of these stories felt like Harrisburg’s best-kept fermented secrets. Well, starting on April 24, Harrisburg Beer Week is intent on letting these secrets out.

Years in Planning

Harrisburg Beer Week is the brainchild of Sara Bozich along with the writers from Stouts and Stilettos, Tierney Pomone, Colleen Nguyen and Chelsie Markel.

I first met Sara and Tierney when I was writing my article on the women who stand in the front of Harrisburg’s beer culture. And considering that all of the organizers for Beer Week are women, I fear I may have undersold their leadership.

I caught up with Sara at the Federal Taphouse in downtown Harrisburg to get a sense of this latest venture.

“Tierney first mentioned the idea for a beer week a few years ago,” says Sara. “But we first started organizing last summer.”

Most of the planning took place in Sara’s home, but it didn’t take long for their energy to become infectious.

“Once we got Appalachian Brewing Company on board as a sponsor, things started to roll,” notes Sara. “But, it took a lot of education to sell the ‘beer week’ concept.”

That’s because this isn’t a typical daylong beer festival, where you pay to spend a day sampling beer (and get a little tipsy in the process). Instead, this is a week jam-packed with different types of events, all centered on the love of fermented grains.

Something for Everyone

Of course, if you are just looking to try some new, local beer, Beer Week will feature a number of tap takeovers and firkin nights at area bars.

In dozens of events, Pennsylvania’s most renowned and successful brewers will descend upon various watering holes, offering specialty brews, complimentary drink ware, specially designed food pairings, and opportunities to meet the minds behind the beers. While such an amazing concentration of special beer nights is reason enough to get excited, there are a number of unique events that require special attention.

The first big event is not a new one. PA Flavor, a yearly Pennsylvania food-and-beer pairing, will be held at the Farm Show Complex on April 25.

The next day, the Sons of Alchemy brew club will host the Battle of the Homebrew Clubs at the Federal Taphouse downtown. Area homebrew clubs will be fighting it out, offering their best and most adventurous beers to determine which club is truly the best in the area. Attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass, and tastings will be paired with both live music and light fare food.

Pizza Boy Brewing Co., in a partnership with Kint Beverage Concepts, will host a “Beer Science” night on April 28, featuring informative and interactive presentations on various beer styles, the perfect glassware and the perfect pour. If you can’t make it then, there will be a repeat presentation at ABC’s Abbey Bar the next day.

For those looking to expand their knowledge of craft beer, Harrisburg Young Professionals, along with the Brewery at Hershey, will present a class on craft beer concepts led by brewmaster Ryan DeLutis at Café 1500, also on April 29.

Brandalynn and Theo Armstrong, whose Zeroday Brewing Co. will debut in April, will host a screening of “Beer Wars,” a comical profile of the beer industry, at the Midtown Cinema, with three showings from April 29 to May 1.

Sara herself will moderate the first Pennsylvania Women in Craft Beer Conference on May 1 at JPL Creative. Featuring Brandalynn Armstrong, along with Irena Bierzynski from Victory Brewing Co., Sandy Cindrich from Penn Brewery and Valerie Delligatti from Tröegs Brewing Co., this event will explore the continued leadership of women within beer culture.

The week will wrap up with the Little Big Beer Fest, which will feature “big” beers from around the midstate. Hosted by ABC, this exploration of boozier beers will also include light food and a commemorative tasting glass.

Drink for a Cause

While spending a week enjoying central Pennsylvania’s vibrant beer scene is wonderful on its own, I should highlight the real beneficiary.

Sponsorship profits, along with the proceeds of individual events and merchandise sales, will benefit the Harrisburg River Rescue. In the end, Harrisburg Beer Week wants to be about more than the area’s beer scene. The organizers want to leave a positive mark on the whole community.

“We knew we wanted to do a charity, and we wanted to keep it local,” says Sara.

So, you get to enjoy fabulous beer while also giving to a great cause. That’s worth a toast.

Harrisburg Beer Week runs April 24 to May 2. For more details and event schedules, go to harrisburgbeerweek.com.

Hop Highlights

Harrisburg Beer Week features scores of beer-related events over a seven-day period, so make sure to check the schedule online before heading out. A sample of the bigger events includes:

Kickoff Party, Appalachian Brewing Co., April 24, 7 p.m.
PA Flavor, State Farm Show Complex, April 25, 1-5 p.m.
Battle of the Homebrew Clubs, Federal Taphouse, April 26, 1-5 p.m.
“Beer Science,” Pizza Boy Brewing Co., April 28, 1-4 p.m., and Appalachian Brewing Co., April 29, 4-7 p.m.
Craft Beer 101, Café 1500, April 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
“Beer Wars” film, Midtown Cinema, April 29-May 1, 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania Women in Craft Beer Conference, JPL Creative, May 1, 5-8 p.m.
The Little Big Beer Fest, Appalachian Brewing Co., May 2, 2 p.m.

Musical Notes: Rock ‘n’ Rain–April offers a shower of classic & contemporary rock.

March 31, 2015 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Whether you’re hip to the music of today or prefer that your rock be strictly classic, April has something perfectly suited to your tastes.

All three featured artists have something in common: quality. All have collected heaps of accolades throughout their careers and all are surely poised to put on powerful performances. So, this month, brave the seasonably rainy weather and take in one of Harrisburg’s fabulous shows.

ALVVAYS, 4/15, 9PM, LARSEN STUDENT UNION, MESSIAH COLLEGE, FREE

Messiah College may be a little outside the typical sphere for the “Musical Notes” column, but this was just too good of a show to pass up. Alvvays (pronounced “Always”) has been quickly garnering the attention of the music world’s literati. The band’s 2014 eponymous release charted at No. 36 on Rolling Stone’s year-end list and No. 5 on Paste’s. Sunny and surfy, this Canadian band provides the perfect soundtrack for the young spring. Vocalist Molly Rankin’s voice is simultaneously dynamic and haunting as she sings nimble melodies over jangly guitars. And considering that Messiah College is offering this show for free, it is certainly worth the short drive down Route 15.

TERRY REID, 4/17, HMAC, DOORS AND ADMISSION TBD

If young, new bands aren’t your thing, consider a well-known classic. Terry Reid has been a hot ticket for generations. You know you are in demand when you’re too busy to join Led Zeppelin. Reid was Jimmy Page’s first choice for heading up the new band that Page was forming. Due to touring and contract conflicts, Reid had to decline, but suggested that Page recruit a young Robert Plant instead. Spend one moment with Reid’s voice, and you’ll know why he caught Page’s ear. Like so many young rockers in the U.K. at the time, Reid sings with power and soul and has taken to the road in support of some of the greatest rock bands of all time, including Cream, Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones.

OVER THE RHINE, 4/23, 8PM, MIDTOWN SCHOLAR, $20

Over the Rhine has also been doing their thing for a long time, though admittedly not as long as Reid. I first discovered their music when I was in college, more than 10 years ago, and they were already well into their career at that point. Yet their music doesn’t feel dated. The husband and wife duo met while in college in Ohio in the ‘80s, and they have been writing soulful folk music together since. Their music is smoky, dark and rich, driven by Karin Bergquist’s remarkable vocals that soar over Linford Detweiler’s masterful instrumentation. Tickets are available for presale and at the door. Make sure to get there early, because the show is not to be missed.

Mentionables: Beards, Bands and Brews Charity Event, 4/4, FedLive; Rivers, 4/10, Little Amps Downtown; Eilen Jewell, 4/19, Abbey Bar; The Stray Birds, 4/26, Abbey Bar

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