Tag Archives: HMAC

Burg Blog: Credit Is Due

April 25, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Who should take credit for the resurgence of Midtown, which includes the beautiful space that is now home to st@rtup Harrisburg?

Last weekend, some good friends from Washington, D.C., came up to Harrisburg for a visit.

They’d been here before, but not in awhile, so I took them on a little “renovation” tour—the historic buildings that had been rehabbed and reoccupied since their last visit.

We walked through st@rtup’s glorious new space at 3^rd and Boas, then checked out H*MAC, had a drink in the Millworks. I showed them the buildings now occupied by the Susquehanna Art Museum, modernrugs.com and Zeroday Brewing.

Later, thinking about it, it struck me that not once did I utter the words, “Eric Papenfuse.”

I mention this only because all four challengers for the mayor’s office have, to varying degrees, built their campaigns around giving the sitting mayor the credit (or perhaps the blame, I’m not quite sure) for the dramatic redevelopment of Midtown Harrisburg over the past few years.

I’m not here to defend Papenfuse, as TheBurg does not endorse candidates. But I am here to defend reality, as I believe that credit for the transformation of Midtown should go to the people who deserve it.

Now, Papenfuse, as a businessman, is among that group. His Midtown Scholar Bookstore helped anchor redevelopment at the heart of the neighborhood ever since it opened at N. 3^rd and Verbeke. He subsequently bought and renovated the buildings that house the LGBT Center and Yellow Bird Café and is completing renovations of three buildings on the 1400-block of N. 3^rd Street. Those are solid contributions.

However, he should not be the sole recipient of the honors or arrows, depending upon your perspective, of what has become of Midtown Harrisburg.

Recognize also Josh Kesler, who, through enormous risk and millions of dollars, gave us the Millworks.

Recognize also John Traynor who, through enormous risk and millions of dollars, gave us H*MAC.

Recognize also Zachary Nitzan, who through enormous risk and millions of dollars, is giving us the modernrugs.com buildings.

Recognize also developers like GreenWorks, Brickbox, WCI, Lift Development and the Vartan Group, which all have completed major projects in Midtown.

Recognize also small business owners like Ruth Prall, Adam Porter, Adam Brackbill, Ivan Black, Samra Alic, Theo and Brandalynn Armstrong, Steph and Ammon Perry, the vendors in the Broad Street Market and many others who have given Midtown vibrancy, customers and a resurgent economy.

Now, there are two significant things that Papenfuse, as mayor, has tried to do in Midtown that are worth noting. The first was the creation of the Broad Street Market Task Force, whose recommendations, I hope, will help the market further its progress and secure its future. The second was his attempt to close down the Third Street Café, a battle that has been criticized simultaneously for attempted gentrification and for ignoring troubled bars in other neighborhoods (you may notice a contradiction there). So, yes, he tried, but failed, in an effort spanning two years and counting.

Owners of the Third Street Cafe show their preference for mayor and City Council.

Meanwhile, Papenfuse’s detractors have ignored where priorities and money actually have been focused during his term: the LED streetlight project (citywide), the multi-modal project (several neighborhoods), the MulDer Square project (Allison Hill) and the sinkhole project (South Harrisburg).

Years ago, a friend, now deceased, warned me not to get my hopes up for Midtown Harrisburg. Then in his 70s, he told me he had seen the neighborhood do a two-step forward, almost two-step backward routine too many times.

I wish he had lived to see this day, that he could have shared a drink with us last weekend, as I believe that Midtown has finally reached a tipping point, a place of sustainable progress.

In this heated election season, it’s important to understand how that happened. It didn’t happen because Papenfuse waved a magic wand and showered the neighborhood with money. It happened because developers took extraordinary risks to restore this and that building, then business people took extraordinary risks to open this or that restaurant, brewery, shop. Ignoring that reality is a profound disservice to those who have actually rebuilt Midtown Harrisburg.

I would like to be charitable and believe that candidates have honestly confused correlation with causation or simply don’t understand how business or development work. However, it’s election season, and charity is hard to come by, especially when giving credit where credit is due.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Disclosure: TheBurg’s publisher, Alex Hartzler, is a principal with WCI Partners.

Songs & Sunshine: Get some positive energy into your life

March 31, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Xiu Xiu. Photograph by Cara Robbins.

It seems that, as soon as spring is in full force, everybody is out doing things and being active. Positive energy is all around, and events around the city are in full swing.

If you’re still getting over feeling cooped up over the long winter like I am, you may be in need of a good concert to get you into the spring mood. This month, I’ve found a few different bands with some feel-good sounds. No matter what your tastes, you’re bound to find something here to give you the energetic boost you need to get through those inevitable April showers.

XIU XIU, 4/8, 7PM, DER MAENNERCHOR, $15

I’m not going to lie—I’m super excited for this show. Xiu Xiu is an underground indie rock band known for their experimental, supernatural sounds. Last year, while finalizing their new album “FORGET,” the band released another album, “Plays the Music of Twin Peaks.” Around the same time, they collaborated with singer-songwriter Mitski on a song for a soon-to-be-released John Cameron Mitchell film, composed music for Danh Vo for his art exhibitions, recorded an album with Merzbow, and scored their own reworked, experimental version of Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute.” Whew! These guys have clearly been busy with some new material, so now is the time to see them. If you need another excuse to go to Der Maennerchor, Moviate, Harrisburg’s source for underground and independent entertainment, is turning 20. So, come out and celebrate!

SAMANTHA FISH, 4/15, 9PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $20

Blues has slowly been making its way into my heart, so here’s your chance to get into that Americana roots mood with me. You may have heard Samantha Fish’s song, “Let’s Have Some Fun,” featuring some skillful, southern-esque guitar and playful, yet sultry, vocals. Her most recent album release, “Wild Heart,” is her third studio release featuring Samantha on guitars, Luther Dickinson on various strings and Brady Blade on drums, and featuring other guests such as Lightnin’ Malcolm on guitar, Shardé Thomas on drums and Memphis session singers Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Risse Norman. The album was recorded in three different studios while on the road from Louisiana to Mississippi, so you know it’s dripping with that southern soul. Join her in the Capitol Room at H*MAC for some down-to-earth tunes.

SPIRITUAL REZ, 4/21, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $10-12

Nothing gives you better vibes than reggae music, and that’s a fact. Spiritual Rez is like what happens when reggae, funk and ska mix with Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at a dance party. Their sound is full of layered, groovy instrumentals and soulful vocals, providing the perfect conditions to work on your rusty dance moves. You can find their latest album, “Setting in the West,” on their website and listen to it if you want a taste of what’s to come. I recommend “Together Always” for a relaxing yet upbeat song to start your day.

Mentionables: Shakespace, April 1, H*MAC; Solar Federation Performing the Music of Rush, April 1, The Abbey Bar; Black Black Beast, April 7, Little Amps downtown; GL8TM, April 15, River City Blues Club; Country Music Festival, April 22, Spring Gate Vineyard; Average White Band, April 27, Whitaker Center

4/7 – BLACK BLACK BEAST
LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN
133 STATE ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7 PM

4/8 – XIU XIU
DER MAENNERCHOR
221 NORTH ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7PM

4/15 – SAMANTHA FISH
H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

4/21 – SPIRITUAL REZ
ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

4/27 – AVERAGE WHITE BAND
WHITAKER CENTER
222 MARKET ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7:30PM

Author: Kait Gibboney

Musical Notes: Shake It Off (The Cold, That Is)

February 28, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Finally!

Winter is almost over, and spring is starting to spread around the city. It’s time to banish seasonal depression, and what better way to do it than with some music? This time, I’ve picked a few bands that are upbeat and lively to help you brush off the snowflakes and embrace the sunshine. For those of you soured by the cold and seeking sunnier days, warm up to the new season with these upbeat tunes.

SCYTHIAN, 3/3, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $15

There’s bound to be at least one Irish group in this month’s column with St. Patty’s Day coming up, and here’s one sure to lift the spirits. Scythian (pronounced sith-ee-yin), named after Ukrainian nomads, is a self-described “Immigrant Rock/Celtic-Gypsy-Americana”
group from Washington, D.C. Music critics from sources such as The Bluegrass Situation, iHeart Radio and Nashville’s Music City Roots affirm that Scythian brings a high-energy fiddle fest to each memorable performance. Near the end of this year, the band starts a tour across Ireland after traveling around the United States. If you decide to come to one of their performances, it’s highly advisable to bring some dancing shoes along with you.

AORTIC VALVE, 3/17, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $5

This local-ish favorite band knows just how to lure you out of hibernation mode. You may know Aortic Valve from their longtime stint at H*MAC, but River City also hosts these audio/visual artists. If you’ve never seen them, you’ll be wowed by their experimental style, which blends with vivid imagery set up on several screens. Sometimes, they create their own mixes from current songs, and sometimes they blow you away with their uniquely styled originals. Dancing shoes also recommended for this one, folks.

THE JIGSAW SEEN, 3/24, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10

All the way from Los Angeles, H*MAC is luring The Jigsaw Seen to the east coast for some feel-good Indie rock. This band’s been around since 1989 and has seen some serious action in their day. No stranger to television, The Jigsaw Seen’s music has been featured on shows such as “Futurama,” “Wilfred” and “Shameless.” The group is also known as a seasoned touring band, opening for acts such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Kara’s Flowers, also known as early Maroon 5. Reintroducing themselves to the touring scene, this band is perfect for newcomers or for longtime fans searching for some good vibes.

Mentionables: Sons of an Illustrious Father, March 2, The Underground Bike Shop; Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold the World, March 10, H*MAC at the Capitol Room; Low Lily, March 11, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park; Animal Logic, March 17, Little Amps downtown; Larry Keel Experience, March 24, The Abbey Bar; Babel Map, March 24, Little Amps downtown

Author: Kait Gibboney

Winter Soul: Celebrate Black History Month with African-inspired grooves.

January 31, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars.

Ever since I started living and working in Harrisburg, I’ve met a lot of people who have helped to expand my musical tastes. Recently, I was introduced to the smooth, seductive vocals of Al Green, and it’s bringing out the soul in me. Fortunately, Harrisburg venues, coinciding with Black History Month, have booked some bands rooted in African culture and sounds. So, get ready to get soulful with a plethora of blues, funk, reggae and classical African music.

THE PLIMSOULS RE-SOULED, 2/4, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10

If it weren’t already implied by the name, these guys are going to bring the soul. The Plimsouls Re-Souled was formed out of former Plimsouls guitarist Eddie Munoz and features retellings of classic Plimsouls songs. Back in the late ‘70s, as rock and roll was evolving into that iconic ‘80s rock, the Plimsouls formed as a garage soul-punk band. The Plimsouls Re-Souled, the current revamp of the band, blends together rock n’ roll with bluesy soul that brings you back down South. Set to open the show are The GTVs, a garage soul band from Philadelphia.

NEW YORK FUNK EXCHANGE, 2/10, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $7

Time for things to get a little funky. New York Funk Exchange is a saucy fusion of old school funk, soul and R&B. Adapted from the classic funk style, their sound is lively and energetic, featuring the big band sound of the Wall Street Horns and rich, soulful vocals of Serena Fortier. This nine-piece band formed in 2007 in Brooklyn and has since built a reputation following their 2009 debut album, “The Funkonomic Stimulus Plan.” Currently on tour, New York Funk Exchange is hyping up the release of their next album, expected to drop this winter.

SIERRA LEONE’S REFUGEE ALL STARS, 2/16, 7:30PM, ROSE LEHRMAN ARTS CENTER, $25

If you’re searching for classical African music, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars has what you’re looking for. As the name implies, the band members are largely refugees from the Sierra Leone civil war. While in a refugee camp, Ruben Koroma and his wife, Grace, joined up with fellow musicians and friends such as guitarist Francis John Langba and bassist Idrissa Bangura. The group made music together while in the camp and continued to play after the war came to an end in 2002, expanding with new members at their hub in Freetown. They’re now celebrating a 10-year career of spreading messages of positivity and hope through their classic reggae and Afrobeat style.

Mentionables: GL8TM, Feb. 11, The Blue Moose Bar & Grille; The NRA Country Concert, Feb. 11, PA Farm Show Complex; Soul Solution, Feb. 18, River City Blues Club; Generations, Feb. 25, Ted’s Bar & Grill; The Chris Paterno Band, Feb. 25, H*MAC; Millennium Music Conference, Feb. 23-25, various locations

2/4 – THE PLIMSOULS RE-SOULED
H*MAC STAGE ON HERR
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

2/10 – NEW YORK FUNK EXCHANGE
ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

2/16 – SIERRA LEONE’S REFUGEE ALL STARS
ROSE LEHRMAN ARTS CENTER
HACC MAIN CAMPUS, HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 7:30PM

2/18 – SOUL SOLUTION
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

2/23-2/25 – MILLENNIUM MUSIC CONFERENCE
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TIMES

Author: Kait Gibboney

Get Down, December: Party like it’s 2017.

November 30, 2016 | by Kait Gibboney

Driftwood. Photograph by Marc Safran Photography.

As 2016 winds down, it’s the perfect time to listen to some vibrant music to get you into that new year spirit.

This month, I’d like to draw the focus away from the mindless holiday music this time of year. Don’t get me wrong—I like holiday tunes. But it’s rare to hear something new, unfamiliar and exciting among the repetitive classics. I mean, how many covers of “Santa Baby” have you heard in your lifetime? As a remedy, these bands promise to be lively and grab your attention. If you’re looking for something new and energetic to listen to, these three acts have some hot tunes to keep you warm.

THREESOUND, 12/3, 5PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $TBD
Threesound comes to the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center from Virginia on their “Different Spaces” tour. This quartet has an upbeat, happy sound paired with smooth guitar and solid drum rhythms. The band fuses genres together to create unique music that guarantees some groovy tunes. Their second album, “Different Spaces,” was released earlier in the fall. Also on the bill for the evening is DigitalDavy, a DJ from Pennsylvania playing what he calls a combination of Nu-Disco and Deep House. Both acts’ sweet sounds will undoubtedly stir up some dance fever in the audience.

SEASONS, 12/4, 1:30PM, PA FARM SHOW COMPLEX, $8
Taking place during the Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show, local Celtic folk band Seasons will play in the afternoon. This band is what you get when you mix contemporary folk to new-age Celtic music featuring exciting vocals and soaring strings. Seasons is made up of siblings Mary-Kate Spring, Peter Winter, Mary-Teresa Summer, Mary-Grace Autumn and Mary-Clare Chun Lee. The group is well traveled nationally and internationally and has opened for Grammy award-winner Ashley Cleveland. Celtic music isn’t too common around these parts, so it makes my inner-Irish self happy to hear a new take on a familiar sound. If you’ve never heard them before, you can find their self-titled album on their website for an introduction of a distinct take on the Celtic genre.

HUMAN HOST, 12/10, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS COFFEE ROASTERS, $5 suggested donation
This experimental New York jam band is accompanied by Lancaster experimental alternative rock band Future Dinosaurs and Pottstown alternative punk band Boffo. The group formed in 2002 and consists of members Mike Apichella, Steve Yankou and John Hollahan. This band is definitely worth checking out beforehand. Their album “Ophiopogon’s Blue Wonder” provides a surreal listening experience. Their bizarre style, blended with traditional rock, makes for an interesting sound, so swing by Little Amps Coffee’s Uptown location in the evening for a fun, house-style show.

Mentionables:
Get the Led Out, Dec. 1-3, Whitaker Center; Driftwood w/Rivers, Dec. 9, Abbey Bar; Strangled Darlings, Dec. 10, Midtown Scholar Bookstore; Corinna Joy, Dec. 10, Carley’s; Catullus, Dec. 31, H*MAC Stage on Herr

Author: Kait Gibboney

Musical Notes: Keeping It Weird–a peculiar month ahead

September 30, 2016 | by Kait Gibboney

October is a month for embracing the abnormal, so it’s only fitting that the musical acts this month are a bit unconventional.

Sometimes, I find it hard to narrow music down to one type or sound, and these artists are no exception. Although each fits in a different genre, they all delight in stretching their creativity. Their musical fusions and radical genre-benders are bound to grab your interest and complement your curious side this fall.

JULIANNA BARWICK, 10/6, 8PM, DER MAENNERCHOR, $8/$10
Ambient music is taking off these days, and Julianna Barwick is at the forefront of this growing genre. Hailing from Louisiana but currently calling Brooklyn home, she creates flowing, hypnotic waves of sound with voice, piano and percussion through a loop station. Barwick has had an oddly diverse musical background. She’s toured with artist Sigur Rós, as well as with children’s choirs. She’s also recorded with the Flaming Lips, performed with Yoko Ono and contributed to classical recordings for Sony Masterworks. Her unique, ethereal performance is sure to leave you entranced and bewitched. Touring with Barwick is well-known Philadelphian harpist Mary Lattimore, known for writing harp parts for artists such as Meg Bair, Thurston Moore and Kurt Vile.

GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD, 10/7, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $12/$15
If you’re into some alternative reggae, this band has what you need. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is best defined as reggae jam band meets psychedelic Americana. These Rochester, N.Y., natives started making music in 2001 during a time when the reggae scene was taking off. The three current songwriters, guitarist-singer Dylan Savage, bassist-singer James Searl, and multi-instrumentalist Dan Keller, blend their distinctive styles of reggae into a melting pot of mellow tunes. Their new album, “Make it Better,” was released last month and features a blend of familiar reggae with dreamy instrumentals and some funky hooks. Whether you like classic reggae, experimental reggae or somewhere in between, check these guys out for some chill vibes.

MORSE CODA, 10/8, 8PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $12
This Philadelphia art rock band throws it way back to some classic sounds with updated twists. The trio of vocalist/instrumentalist Michael James Stipe, bassist/vocalist Liam Tinney and drummer Brian Doherty pay unconventional tribute to influences like Jim Morrison, David Bowie and Alice Cooper through their dark, wailing vocals and lively, energetic instrumentals. Stipe’s solo work will be highlighted in this performance, as well, following the release of his first self-titled “Morse Coda” LP. Don’t miss the performances of opening acts Angela Stipe, with her blues-influenced acoustic works, and experimental artist Adam Stehr, who features bluesy rock ballads.

Mentionables: Makespace Music Festival, Oct. 1, HMAC; Port Ellis/LØRE, Oct. 12, Little Amps Uptown; Travelin’ McCoury’s and Jeff Austin Band, Oct. 25, Abbey Bar; Moutin Factory Quintet, Oct. 26, River City Blues Club; Blackmore’s Night, Oct. 29, Whitaker Center

Author: Kait Gibboney

Land of the Flea: Art, sculpture, odd creations–it’s all at the HBG Flea.

July 29, 2016 | by Kari Larsen

The first Saturday of each month, there’s an artsy party on the street.

A solid block of Midtown Harrisburg closes and, instead of cars whizzing by, there are people and tents and no end of lovely, handcrafted goods.

It’s the HBG Flea.

Founders Mary Imgrund and Meghan Jones brought home the idea of marrying the reliable appeal of a flea market with the flair of an arts festival after witnessing other artsy markets in places like Brooklyn, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

“It went from ‘this is something I wish was in Harrisburg’ to ‘we could make this happen in Harrisburg,’” said Imgrund.

In spring 2015, Imgrund had just graduated from Penn State Harrisburg and Jones, whose graduation was still a year away (the pair met in the English program there) went to revisit the Brooklyn Flea, the bazaar behemoth that operates markets every weekend in New York.

They both saw the flea market as a perfect means to promote local artists and enable visitors to shop locally by showcasing the wealth of creators—crafters, snack-makers, soapers and more—to be found throughout Harrisburg.

Jones, who is into upcycling, and Imgrund, who makes art and jewelry, launched HBG Flea in November, its best-of-both-world qualities mirrored in the city itself.

Harrisburg, Imgrund observes, has the benefits of a city and the feel of a small town, and HBG Flea was created to contribute to and harness the artistic energy that circulates here. Every market has a featured charity as well, with some proceeds having benefited the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Caitlin’s Smiles and other nonprofit organizations.

The Fun One

Imgrund and Jones started out determining which vendors they would accept and building the website. The reality of their undertaking really took shape when they connected with John Traynor at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC) about space. They then plunged into a flurry of contacting and lining up vendors.

“We’re really focused on making sure that the vendors have a good time,” said Imgrund.

It shows.

HBG Flea is intimate, expansive without being overwhelming. Coffee, candles, succulents, spices, tiny taxidermied creatures—seeing what so many area creators have made by hand, repurposed or curated—puts into perspective what constitutes a “gift.” HBG Flea itself feels like a thoughtful reminder of what exists between close friends—in this case, between market-goers and the city.

The June market was Thomas Weaver’s first as a vendor. He had manned a stand at previous installments of HBG Flea for Gamut Theatre, where he is associate artistic director, and had been coming to the market as a visitor since its first iteration last November.

“It’s an empowering thing, seeing so many local artists here,” said Weaver, and that inspired him to bring his hobby—constructing cigar box guitars—into a market for the first time.

Elsewhere in the market was Sage and Ash, a company that hits farmers markets and conventions with their essences, oils, balms and other botanical goods while maintaining space at the Artisan Cooperative and Gallery in Williamsport.

“We do several flea markets,” said Ingrid Callenberger, an herbalist who co-owns Sage and Ash with April Line, a formulator, “but this is the fun one.”

Powerful Thing

Among the first vendors to get excited about HBG Flea was Amanda Leilani, whose raw crystal jewelry Imgrund and Jones both love. They were also overjoyed to bring Mixology8 on as a vendor, a vintage records retailer that travels to antique malls and marketplaces. Vendors heartily reciprocated enthusiasm for HBG Flea, and that spread from the first market on.

It now is only a few months away from their first anniversary, and Imgrund and Jones no longer have to solicit applications for vendors—they can focus on organizing and expanding the market.

They hope to see HBG Flea grow to several times a month, enabling some of those markets to be themed around different kinds of vendors—vintage goods, food, art, etc.

“We want to grow carefully,” said Imgrund, retaining quality as they scale up.

There have been challenges, like finding out how many permits are involved and reckoning with cars parked overnight on the 1100-block of N. 3^rd Street, where they hold the market (in seasonable weather, that is—the market is in H*MAC’s Capitol Ballroom otherwise). That they could pull this all together is a powerful thing for two 20-somethings (Imgrund is 24; Jones is 22), right out of college.

It was at the first market that Imgrund reflected on how happy she and Jones said they would be with 20 vendors—as they looked out over their market and saw about 50.

“I want people to know,” said Imgrund, “that doing something that you’re passionate about is an option.”

The next HBG Flea will be held on Aug. 6 in the 1100-block of N. 3^rd Street, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgflea.com.

Author: Kari Larsen

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Musical Notes: A summer spin–get ready to boogie down.

July 29, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

This month, we highlight three very different styles of music that all have one thing in common—they make you want to dance. And I think this makes sense for the final month of summer. Things are slowly going back to normal. Vacations are winding down. So why not finish summer off with a bang? Yeah, you might sweat a little, but you’ll remember how good it felt to really cut loose when you’re cooped up at home under a blanket next winter. So, if you can make it out to one or all of these shows, don’t be afraid to dance like no one is watching.

ANDY MOWATT’S STEELY JAM, 8/14, 6PM, ITALIAN LAKE: This concert wraps up Harrisburg Young Professional’s Italian Lake summer concert series. They’re ending on a decidedly funky note as they invite the virtuosic Andy Mowatt to play. A singularly athletic and powerful jazz-funk guitarist, his band is renowned throughout Pennsylvania for their entertaining and energetic originals, along with a wide-ranging repertoire of creative covers of rock classics. Mowatt also serves as a production musician for Lancaster’s American Music Theater and holds a degree in music and recording technology from nearby Lebanon Valley College. As with all of HYP’s Italian Lake concerts, this one is family friendly, and attendees are invited to bring their own blanket or lawn chair. That being said—with music this funky, you are liable to spend most of the show on your feet and dancing.

JUANITO PASCUAL, 8/18, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30: Flamenco is a sensual and exotic musical style originating in Spain. At the heart of this genre is the highly technical and mesmerizing flamenco guitar, and Juanito Pascual is known as one of the foremost masters playing today. Although he was born in the United States, he is equally well respected in Spain, a high compliment for a performer from outside of the native land of this quintessentially Spanish musical form. He has performed in many of the leading folk, jazz and world music festivals around the world and was even featured on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion.” There is something supremely magical about flamenco music, and nothing will transport you to the Spanish countryside like someone so adept at this extremely challenging style of guitar.

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO, 8/24, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $15/$18: Zydeco is an upbeat and uniquely Louisiana musical genre. And zydeco’s presence within the American musical landscape is largely due to the hard work and endless touring of Buckwheat Zydeco. He released his first major label album, “On a Night Like This,” on Island Records in 1987. Over the course of his career, he has played with a wide range of well-respected musicians, including U2 and Eric Clapton, and was a featured performer at both of Bill Clinton’s inaugurals. But he continues to be musically relevant, as he sat in for a performance with the Roots as Jimmy Fallon closed out his “Late Night” show before taking over Jay Leno’s slot on the “Tonight Show.” If you have never experienced zydeco, it is best heard live. So come ready to hear some of the best that the bayou has to offer!

Mentionables: Kenny George Band, 8/12, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Real Talk Collective and Justin Clauser, 8/13, The MakeSpace; Hank and Cupcakes, 8/13, Abbey Bar; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, 8/16, Whitaker Center; Ryan Kauffman Duo, 8/19, H*MAC Stage on Herr; The Robert Cray Band, 8/30, Whitaker Center

Musical Notes: Summer Songs–June’s lineup matches weather’s warmth.

May 31, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Finally. Summer is arriving.

And while May has been a bit disappointing as far as spring weather is concerned, I have high hopes for the month of June. Days are longer. Nights are warmer. And, thankfully, we’ve got a great slate of musical performances lined up, too.

So let’s make a commitment to grab hold of all the wonderful opportunities the month has to offer. A nice cocktail enjoyed outside at Cork & Fork or Home 231. A cold coffee at Little Amps or Elementary. And some excellent live music at one of the many venues we are so lucky to have here in the capital of the commonwealth.

CHROMA, 6/10, 6:30PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION:
As someone who married into a family of jazz performers, I can attest to the amount of skill, creativity and practice required to be a truly successful jazz performer. Considering that Chroma is made up of local high school students, the band’s ability to improvise around a fusion of jazz and hip hop grooves is even more impressive. A tight rhythm section sets a foundation for funky progressions that are simultaneously laid back yet complex. Come check out some local up-and-coming virtuosos so you can tell everyone how you saw them before they were famous.

J AND THE 9s, 6/11, 9PM, STAGE ON HERR, $5:
J and the 9s are one of those quintessentially New York glammy punk bands turned up to 11. Taking inspiration from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, they combine thick and danceable hooks with the kind of sensual power vocals that only a female singer can deliver. Elaborately costumed, lead singer J9 adds flute to her performance repertoire, inflecting punk riffs with a taste of Jethro Tull. The result is a definite party atmosphere, with a heavy backbeat and just enough messiness to back up their garage credentials. They have recorded one EP, “Birth,” and their live antics will fit in perfectly at the always-eclectic Stage on Herr.

PRAIRIE EMPIRE, 6/23, 8PM, MAKESPACE, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION:
Prairie Empire is the type of gentle, pastoral band that somehow finds a home in the dense urban landscape of Brooklyn, N.Y. Perhaps that’s part of the charm, as they offer a musical respite from the honking of Ubers and the sounds of construction trucks. Musical accompaniment is sparse, leaving plenty of space for lead singer and primary songwriter Brittain Ashford’s powerful and emotive voice. The band is slated to release its latest LP, “The Salt,” in July, and, presumably, the latest songs will make up the bulk of the show. So swing by the MakeSpace as Ashford and company look to transform our small city into a quiet retreat for an evening.

Mentionables: Steve Wilkins, 6/3, Little Amps Downtown; Mountain Road, 6/4, Whitaker Center; The Ellameno Beat, 6/16, Stage on Herr; Hackensaw Boys, 6/17, Abbey Bar; Indigo Girls, 6/19, Whitaker Center; The Toasters, 6/21, Abbey Bar

Capital in Conflict: Civil War Days stresses Harrisburg’s role in the war.

May 31, 2016 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Camp Curtin

Harrisburg’s relationship to the Civil War is a complicated one.

The city was targeted, but never invaded. It played a vital role as a logistics and training center, but never saw battle itself. Today, Civil War buffs and tourists flock to Gettysburg, but usually bypass Harrisburg.

This month, the city’s story will be in focus during the first annual Civil War Days, a widespread historic celebration touching on many aspects of Harrisburg’s important place in the war, particularly in the Battle of Gettysburg.

“A National Civil War Museum was built (in Harrisburg) 15 years ago and a lot of people said, ‘Why?’” noted Joe Benish, a member of the event’s organizing committee, noting the need for public education.

The three-day extravaganza overflows with events, including a Civil War narrative cruise on the Susquehanna, a re-enactors’ encampment at the National Civil War Museum and historic site bus tours.

Civil War Days is the brainchild of Gary Crowell, event chairman and a Civil War history enthusiast since relocating to Harrisburg from California in 1969. Although he initially focused his interest on Gettysburg, he eventually realized that Harrisburg, too, played a significant role in the events that led to the battle on July 1 to 3, 1863.

“I found out that (Confederate Gen. Robert E.) Lee came into Harrisburg three days before Gettysburg,” Crowell said. “Then I thought, we should just dedicate a whole weekend about this for the whole community.”

To publicize the events, organizers have coined the slogan, “Before Gettysburg, Lee headed for Harrisburg. So why don’t you?”

Cooper Wingert, already a prolific author of 10 Civil War books at age 17, said it was an easy choice for him to join the gala’s organizing committee that’s comprised of a dozen local Civil War enthusiasts.

“Gary had the best plan ever,” the East Pennsboro High School senior explained.

Wingert, who begins studies this fall at Dickinson College, said Lee’s initial plan before Gettysburg was to burn and cripple Harrisburg, which was the capital of the second-most populous state in the North.

On June 28, 1863, Gen. Richard S. Ewell and 1,500 Confederates were based in Carlisle in anticipation of a Harrisburg attack. On the same day, Gen. Albert Jenkins and 1,200 members of the Virginia Calvary arrived in Mechanicsburg, ready for a fight.

On June 29, Confederates became engaged in battle with the Union militia at Oyster Point at 31^st and Market streets in Camp Hill. The next day, the Skirmish of Sporting Hill occurred at the Carlisle Pike and Sporting Hill Road in Mechanicsburg, the northernmost town to surrender to Gen. Jenkins’ troops.

The South’s next goal was to overtake Fort Washington, a Union fortification site on Lemoyne’s heights, and Fort Couch, situated about a half-mile west. The Confederates, though, were ordered to leave for Gettysburg due to encroaching Northern troops.

“(The Confederates) were only a couple of minutes away from attacking Fort Washington,” Wingert said, which could have marked a Battle of Harrisburg instead of Gettysburg’s famous fight.

Harrisburg also played a notable part in the Underground Railroad, a network that helped slaves escape from the South, Wingert noted. President Abraham Lincoln was no stranger to Harrisburg, either. In 1861, the president-elect was welcomed with a citywide celebration. In 1865, Lincoln’s funeral train stopped in Harrisburg, as well, and his body lay in state at the Capitol building.

Civil War Days kicks off on Friday, June 17, with “Breakfast with Mr. Lincoln” at the Hilton Harrisburg, followed by a historic Harrisburg bus tour, a bus tour of historic Civil War sites on the West Shore and a Civil War narrative cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna.

Friday also offers Civil War dance demonstrations, a Civil War social at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, a Civil War artist and author gathering, and the re-enactor encampment at the National Civil War Museum.

Several panel presentations take place on Saturday, including “Harrisburg’s Black Community,” “Camp Curtin,” “Lee’s Second Invasion of Pennsylvania” and “Abolitionist John Brown—PA and Harrisburg Connections.” A historic Harrisburg walking tour also is available on Saturday, and the re-enactor encampment continues at the museum.

On Sunday, June 19, a Civil War commemorative church service will feature Negro spirituals and other songs of the era, and the re-enactor encampment concludes. A Civil War tour of the historic Harrisburg Cemetery also is available that day.

David Morrison, acting executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association, hopes that the weekend will help people not only understand Civil War-era Harrisburg, but modern-day Harrisburg, as well.

“If people have a stronger understanding of Harrisburg’s history, it leads to a greater understanding of what makes this town tick,” he said.

Civil War Days takes place June 17 to 19 at locations throughout the Harrisburg area. Many events are open to the public at no cost, but some require advance registration and a small fee. More information is available on Facebook: Civil War Days in Harrisburg.

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