Tag Archives: HMAC

Heart & Soul: Chef Keith Taylor brings his passion project, spotlighting soul food, to Harrisburg

November 30, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Chef Keith Taylor. Photo courtesy of Ali Waxman.

Chef Keith Taylor has been all over the place.

He studied culinary arts and worked at several high-profile restaurants in New York City. He served as a chef at Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort in Florida. He also worked for the former Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey, creating menus for the venue that once housed professional basketball and hockey teams.

Even with all of that experience and traveling, when Taylor visited Harrisburg for the first time, he fell in love.

“I knew nothing about Harrisburg,” he said. “But when I saw the Capitol building, I was like ‘wow.’ But what was more intriguing to me was that I saw new business.”

Taylor toured H*MAC and decided to set up shop in the kitchen, bringing his newest venture, Zachary’s BBQ & Soul, to the city.

Harrisburg isn’t just another location—it’s the flagship location for Zachary’s, Taylor explained. He has high hopes to make Zachary’s a nationally known soul food chain, what he believes will be the first of its kind.

Read over the menu for Zachary’s, and you might feel your mouth begin to water at the sound of buttermilk biscuits, barbecued pork ribs and maple mashed yams. But the food is more than just delicious cuisine to Taylor—it’s family, and it’s American history.

“Soul food is something to be shared,” he said. “This food is love.”

At the Forefront

Taylor grew up in a “food-centered family,” one part Caribbean, one part Southern with a generous dash of Italian influence from his hometown of Nutley, N.J. He grew up around a range of flavors, including lots of soul food.

Taylor later attended Cornell University for hotel administration, but fell in love with cooking.

“I didn’t want to be a suit. This is my power suit,” he said, gesturing to his white chef’s coat and hat.

In addition to Disney and those New York restaurants, Taylor worked for HEI Hotels, overseeing operations at 23 properties—a dream job. He even made appearances on reality cooking shows and said that he and roving celebrity chef Guy Fieri are buddies.

But Taylor began to realize that he was ready to pursue a new passion, even if it wasn’t as glamorous as his previous high-profile positions.

“I had nothing left to prove,” he said. “I decided to showcase the food of my parents and my hometown.”

Taylor set out to bring the “most underrepresented” food, soul food, to the mainstream for consumption.

He explained how cultures that immigrated to the United States brought their foods with them, most of which have now been commercialized. For example, Italian food is served at places like Olive Garden and Carrabba’s, and Chinese cuisine is at P. F. Chang’s and Panda Express.

“But the food that is at the foundation of America, the only indigenous American food, is the food that is made by African American slaves who have been in America since 1619,” Taylor said. “Why is it not at the forefront? It was never once celebrated like the other foods.”

That’s why Taylor created Zachary’s, named after one of his sons. He has crafted a menu that showcases the best of soul food— jambalaya, dirty rice, baked mac and cheese and Hoppin’ John, among other dishes.

“If I have to be the soul food messiah, I will be,” he said.

Little Renaissance

When John Traynor, co-founder and creative director of H*MAC, tasted Taylor’s food, he thought, “This could really work.”

For the past five years, H*MAC has been trying to figure out how food fits into its business. Most music venues stick to serving quick and easy fast food—chicken tenders, fries, etc.—but Traynor said that they had a different idea. Unlike other venues, H*MAC would be open throughout the week. So, they wanted a fuller, more unique menu.

While they had food before Zachary’s opened, they had trouble getting the word out that they weren’t just a venue, but a restaurant. When Traynor heard what Taylor was looking to do with Zachary’s, he knew this was a partnership that he couldn’t pass up on.

“What I loved was the fact that it was soul food barbecue and his take on it,” Traynor said. “It brings diversity in the food culture.”

He added that customers have loved Taylor’s brunches and special event menus for shows.

“Besides the culinary, he’ll bring a lot to the community,” Traynor said. “He’s all about community outreach.”

Zachary’s and H*MAC are running an internship program for people interested in culinary arts. As young as high school students are accepted, Taylor said. They will train under him and his sous-chef.

Taylor also makes it a point to create a positive environment in his kitchen.

“Everybody is an equal,” he said. “The dishwasher is not more important than the cashier. The cashier is not more important than the cook, and the cook is not more important than the dishwasher.”

And his wages support that. All employees start at $15 an hour, he said, and all tips are pooled.

“Gracious hospitality is at the core of what we do,” Taylor said.

As Zachary’s continues to grow, with locations planned to open soon in Allentown and Norristown, Taylor holds onto that value. Ultimately, he hopes to see the business bring recognition to soul food—a cuisine that he believes has been underrepresented.

“We are creating this little renaissance,” he said.

Zachary’s BBQ & Soul is located in H*MAC, 1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.zacharysbbqsoul.com or call 717-525-8550.

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New York hip hop artist opens streetwear store in Harrisburg, signs autographs

November 11, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

KOTA The Friend in his new Fltbys shop in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg just got a little cooler.

On Thursday, hip hop artist KOTA The Friend signed autographs at the opening of his Fltbys (flight boys) streetwear shop in Midtown Harrisburg.

“It feels great,” KOTA said. “It feels like a relief.”

KOTA, a Brooklyn, NY-based artist, visited Harrisburg with a friend before deciding he wanted to open a business in the city. Fltbys, his brand, opened in the Reily Street building across from Midtown Cinema that formerly housed several restaurants.

“We came out and really loved the area,” he said. “We want to be a part of a community that is growing.”

KOTA The Friend signs autographs at Fltbys.

The shop sells hoodies, hats, T-shirts and other merchandise.

KOTA is also headlining the “Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” at H*MAC on Friday. Artist Drew Tyrell of Harrisburg and Philadelphia artists Brianna Castro, J Radiant, Derrick Juwan, 10D4YS and Neptune the Poet will perform as well.

Martin Ton and Dylan Shearer live in Midtown, near Fltbys, and came to meet KOTA on Thursday.

“I was excited about them opening up,” Ton said. “It’s a cool place. It’s nice to have something different.”

Other fans flew into the city for the weekend.

“We’ve been dying to see him in concert for a while,” said Danny Ricondo and Leslye who flew from Miami, Fla., to Harrisburg. “His music is amazing.”

Fltbys is located at 263 Reily St., Harrisburg. It is open from Wednesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Soul’d Out Show: The Singer’s Lounge draws crowds, gives platform to budding R&B artists

October 29, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Kalen Myers

There’s this moment in the new movie “Respect,” about soul queen Aretha Franklin, as she sits around the piano with her sisters.

In the film, Franklin starts singing, and her sisters come in with the background (“just a little bit”), and, all of the sudden, you know exactly which famous song is coming to life in front of you.

I felt all the magic of that moment when members of the Singer’s Lounge began rehearsing the backup vocals for that same song, “Respect,” in Airis Smallwood’s living room on a Monday night. They weren’t even singing the lead for the song, but the soft, soulful background notes were enough for me to realize there were some big voices in the room.

But that’s something that a lot of people have already discovered, because the Singer’s Lounge has been drawing crowds and making fans since 2016, when Smallwood decided it was about time Harrisburg had an R&B music scene.

“I felt like there was nothing for singers to do,” Smallwood said. “If you weren’t singing in church or karaoke, there was no in between, no real platform to get on stage.”

At the time, Smallwood mainly sang in church, accompanying up-and-coming gospel artists. She started pulling together a group including other local singers she knew. Soon, the Singer’s Lounge—a collective of local R&B, gospel and soul artists—formed and performed their first show to a packed house at River City Blues Club on Cameron Street.

The eight core members of the Singer’s Lounge primarily sing backup for their shows, typically held once a month on Sunday nights at H*MAC in Harrisburg. For the lead voice, they bring in local singers. The group helps each artist choose a song, rehearse with the band, and they even give lessons on stage presence.

“I like that it gives artists a platform to build an audience,” said Phebe West, known to Singer’s Lounge members as the “mom” of the group. “So, for somebody who lives on such-and-such street who nobody knows, because they’re performing at Singer’s Lounge, now there is an audience that gets to know them.”

Tight-Knit Talent

Smallwood attended college outside of Philadelphia and would often travel into the city for its music scene.

At the time, the Black Lily movement was popular in that city. It was a brand that promoted mainly female neo-soul singers from underrepresented and minority groups. They performed at the entertainment venue, The Five Spot, weekly. Smallwood remembers watching Marsha Ambrosius, who would later become one half of the R&B duo Floetry, perform. She loved the idea of seeing rising artists on stage.

“That’s something major cities had that we didn’t,” she said.

Smallwood designed the Singer’s Lounge off of her inspiration from the Black Lily. And if she learned one thing from those nights spent watching performers in Philly, it was that the crowd went crazy for cover songs.

Turns out, the Singer’s Lounge crowd feels the same way about hearing their favorite classics sung live. At their October show, which featured classic soul songs, audience members often cheered, swayed and gave standing ovations for their favorites.

Each Singer’s Lounge event is themed, and it’s not some loosely tied concept, Smallwood said—they go all out. Performers choose songs that fit with the theme. There’s been “Black Broadway,” “New Jack Swing,” “Mary J. Blige,” “That 90s Show” and, of course, their anniversary shows each year, among others. For those, the group dresses to the nines, with custom-made dresses and suits.

They’ve also performed at Dauphin County’s Jazz and Wine Festival and Cultural Fest.

All of their concerts are unique, with audience members never knowing exactly what they’re going to get. Smallwood said that she never publicizes the lineups for shows because she doesn’t want people only coming for certain names.

“When you come, you get what you get, but you’re never disappointed,” she said.

Smallwood knows everyone who sings in Harrisburg, she said, so each show is packed with talent.

Look no further than her team of singers, which includes Kalen Myers, Marqil Chandler, Phebe West, Jamelle Nova Noon, Georgette Brown, Jaren Tucker and Dominique Davidson.

As they rehearsed that Monday night at Smallwood’s, they practiced together, making critiques, joking and hitting notes.

Smallwood tells West her voice was “in the rafters” when she hit that high note, and West insists, “I swear that’s my note.”

Chandler tells Smallwood to hit the “who” harder in her backup of “Respect.”

“We aren’t afraid to tell each other when we’re wrong, or ‘hey, change that a little bit,’” Noon said. “We have a tight-knit group.”

While they do seek to constructively criticize each other, their praise and support of each other far outweighs it. At their October show, a few members of the group took the lead on songs, other members standing to the side, cheering and throwing their hands up.

They’ve seen each other grow as artists over the years, some releasing recorded music, others growing their fan base locally. They’ve also watched the indie R&B scene in Harrisburg widen as a result of their shows.

“Because of the Singer’s Lounge, it has inspired artists to put out our own music,” Tucker said. “I think you’ll find that people who are artists in this community have sung at the Singer’s Lounge or may have gotten their start at the Singer’s Lounge. For me personally, I’ve grown in confidence as an artist being a part of this group.”

Encore

In February 2020, the Singer’s Lounge held its anniversary show, not realizing it would be the last concert for months. When the pandemic hit, they put all events on hold.

It wasn’t until September of that year that they held an outdoor event with social distance circles marked on the grass for audience members in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg.

But now they’re getting back to normal, recently holding shows this past summer and fall.

When you attend a Singer’s Lounge event, it’s not just a concert, group members explained. There are hosts for the night, usually Jamar “Shooby” Barton and Gina Johnson, small business vendors and spaces for photo ops. Business manager Jennifer Smallwood helps coordinate all of this on the night of the event. Sometimes, politicians or community leaders will make appearances to speak, as well.

Many of their shows draw large crowds and pack venues.

“It’s really a who’s who of the African American community,” Smallwood said.

But she made sure to add that the Singer’s Lounge audience is often diverse, including people from all areas of the community.

“The Singer’s Lounge has really formed its own little community,” West said.

Smallwood sees the Singer’s Lounge growing in years to come, possibly touring and expanding to other cities. But for now, she’s invested in the R&B music scene in Harrisburg. The passion for indie music in the city is rising, and Singer’s Lounge has served as that stepping stone, she said.

“People assume that we don’t have the same caliber of talent when it’s just harder to find here,” Smallwood said. “I wanted to inspire a community of singers so we all know each other. Iron sharpens iron.”

The next Singer’s Lounge show is Nov. 21 at H*MAC, 1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit their Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Hoffman.

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NYC hip hop artist to open streetwear store, host music festival in Harrisburg

October 1, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

This colorful building is slated to become a shop for products from fltbys.

Harrisburg soon will have a new friend in town.

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based hip hop artist KOTA The Friend plans to make his way to Harrisburg next month to open a streetwear and skate shop in Midtown, as well as to perform a concert.

In early 2020, KOTA announced that he had purchased the Reily Street building that formerly housed the restaurant, Right on Reily, among others over the years. He said that his plans were to open a shop to sell products from fltbys (Flight Boys) Music and Entertainment, his streetwear brand. He had planned to open in April 2020 but the project was delayed.

“Midtown Harrisburg is one of my favorite low-key places to hang out. It’s like this secretly cool spot,” KOTA said in a statement.

In addition to fltbys apparel, the shop will sell skateboards, vinyl albums and local artwork. Last year, he discussed plans for a second-floor recording studio in the building, as well.

Before the shop opens later in the month, KOTA will headline the “Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” at H*MAC on Nov. 12. He will be joined by artist Drew Tyrell of Harrisburg, as well as Philadelphia artists Brianna Castro, J Radiant, Derrick Juwan, 10D4YS and Neptune the Poet.

KOTA The Friend

“It actually means everything to me that I’m able to open for Kota,” Tyrell said in a statement. “The opportunity is priceless, and I’m beyond grateful he is willing to share his fanbase. It is a blessing, especially here, in Harrisburg, where I come from.”

KOTA said that he hopes the festival in Harrisburg will eventually become a tour, making stops around the county and internationally.

KOTA released his first album, “Anything.” In 2018. He has since released four more albums, including his most recent, “To Kill a Sunrise,” in collaboration with Statik Selektah.

“Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” will be held on Nov. 12 at HMAC, 1110 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit fltbys’ website. The fltbys store is slated to open at 263 Reily St., Harrisburg.

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Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 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, through Oct. 22

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

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

93rd Annual International Juried Show, showcasing the talent of local, regional and international artists of all ages and mediums, through Sept. 2

“Duality,” fall membership show that celebrates duality, which is the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements, Sept. 12-Oct. 14

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

“Left Behind,” photography by Michael Hower and sculptural work by Steve Dolbin, through Sept. 18

“Lunchbox Moments,” an exhibition by Korean-American artist, Amie Bantz, memorializing a collection of stories from the AAPI community by painting their narratives on a series of lunchboxes, through Sept. 18

“Suspended Energy,” sculptures by Gregg Silvis and oil paintings by Hannah Steele, Sept. 24-Oct. 30

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

September 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 under the direction of Rachel Eng with Todd Arsenault, Anthony Cervino and Andy Bale, through Sept. 11

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

“Horace Pippin: Racism and War,” centering on Pippin’s “Mr. Prejudice,” representing the artist’s response to the discrimination of African American soldiers fighting in World War II, Sept. 24–Feb. 19

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

“Millersburg’s Own, ‘Duffy’ Miller,” featuring the artwork by Vaughn “Duffy” Miller, a founding member of Millersburg Area Art Association, through Sept. 11

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

The Hershey Story Museum Exhibit of HAAA Member artwork, Sept. 10-12

HAAA Member Art display at the Backstage Café at Allen Theater, through Sept. 30

HAAA Member Art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 16

HAAA Member Art display at Campbelltown Academy, through Nov. 20

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

New works by Tara Chickey, Caleb Smith, Judy Kelly, Julie Iaria, Susan Bailey and Marsha Souders, through Sept. 12

New works by Pamela Black, Kelly Curran, Richard Souders, Reina 76 Artist, Tina Berrier and Lauren Castillo, Sept. 15-Oct. 10; opening reception of Kelly Curran’s exhibit, “Purify,” Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation; reality adjustments; and new experiences lived during the pandemic, through Sept. 18

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

Photo exhibit by Estelle Hartranft, Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Circle of Truth: 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” like a game in which a message is whispered in the ear of a first person, then relayed on, through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, who illustrates her journey of shifting between known and unknown spaces, through Oct. 17

“Mobility to Movement,” etchings by Isabel Bishop, Aug. 13-Oct. 17

“Unpredictable Nature,” works by Sandi Neiman Lovitz and Autumn C. Wright, who use gesture, shape, pattern and spontaneity to create abstract compositions, through Oct. 31

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

“Art in the Wild” exhibit of naturally inspired trailside installations 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

Sept. 4: One Day Obvara (Baltic Raku) Alternative Firing Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11: Opposites Attract—Slip Inlay & Overlay Techniques, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Figure Drawing, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 6-Oct. 9: Obvara (Baltic Raku)—Alternative Firing Process in the Fall
Sept. 7-28: Fall Pumpkins, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 9-30: Mosaic Stepping Stone, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 11: Vintage Tin Earrings 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 14-Oct. 5: Plein Air Painting, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Suicide Loss Survivors—Creating Together, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 20: Processing Photos in Lightroom Classic & Photoshop on Zoom, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 16-Oct. 21: Shoot, Share Discuss Photo Workshop on Zoom, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Clothing Up-cycling Workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Morris Chest and the Grand Review, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16: McCormick & Olewine Library Friends, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21: Novel Thoughts Too!, 1 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Sept. 7-11: Fall Book Sale
Sept. 9, 23: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Fair, 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Sept. 18: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Sept. 1: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Language at the Library—Fluent Spanish Speakers, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 16: Language at the Library—Beginner & Intermediate Spanish Conversation, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 5, 24: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—”Fahrenheit 451,” 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Natalie Craumer Writers’ Workshop, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Curl Up with The Classics on Zoom—”Les Misérables,” 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 10: Film Friday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Library for Lunch (ages 3-6), 1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Sept. 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13-Oct. 18: Intro. To Digital Photography, Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 20: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Sept. 20: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 23-26: Friends Of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale
Sept. 27: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—”The Tattooist Of Auschwitz,” 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 29: Hear Me Out—A Discussion Series, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 18: Beginner Basket Weaving, 1-4 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-Oct. 20: Level 1—Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, 30: HYP Sand Volleyball, 6-10 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: HYP Flag Football, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Heart of the Community Garden Clean Up, 5-7 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 16-Nov. 4: Painting, Your Way!, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8, 22: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Friends Children Program—Geology, 2 p.m.
Sept. 11: Zoom Friends—Women in Music, 2 p.m.
Sept. 18: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Sept. 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Sept. 22: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 23: Fear of Commitment Book Group at Cassel Vineyards, 6 p.m.
Sept. 25: Dried Floral Wreath Class, 11 a.m.
Sept. 25: Zoom Friends—Heros of Flight 93, 2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Story Time, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30: Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Rhyme Time, 12 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Block Party!, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 13, 27: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Sept. 16: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18: Discovery Club (K-1^st grade), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 22: Apple Users Group, 1 p.m.
Sept. 25: Trivia at Home— Schitt’s Creek, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Sept. 10: Open Mic and Coffee Cafe, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 14, 28: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.

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

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.

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

Sept. 9: Andrew Kaufman in conversation with Therese Anne Fowler, 7-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 18, 19s: Fluid Art Class, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 24-26: 3-Day Cold Wax Workshop

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

Sept. 18: The Jubal Early School—How the Losers Wrote Civil War History,” 1-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 25: Fantastic Fungi and Where to Find Them, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 15, 22, 29: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 20, 23, 27, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 23, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 3: Virtual Artists Conversations, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 3, 18: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 3, 9, 17, 23, 25, 30: Animal Adaptations Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Adventures in Nature Lab (in-person and virtual)—Black Bears in PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 12: Animal Adaptations Tour, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Learn at Lunchtime— Curator’s Choice, Extinct Birds of PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 24: Learn at Lunchtime— Virtual State Museum Perspectives, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29: Explore! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Sept 11: The David Bromberg Quintet at Allegro Winery, Stewartstown
Sept. 11: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 5: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fall Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
Sept. 11: How To Improve Your Home Garden in the Fall, 9-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 11: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals (ages 5-10), 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Flower Walk—Goldenrods, Asters, and Other Fall Surprises, 1:30-3 p.m.
Sept. 16: Kids Discover—Creek Critters (ages 5-10), 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Kids Discover—Dirt (ages 8-10), 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Monarch Tagging, 12-2 p.m.
Sept. 30: How to Design a Home Garden Bed, 6-7:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 3-5: Pennsylvania Gospel Music Festival
Sept. 8: Amy Grant
Sept. 9: Johnny Mathis, Gary Mule Deer
Sept. 11: Three Dog Night
Sept. 12: Straight No Chaser
Sept. 14: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Sept. 15: Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle
Sept. 16: Ted Vigil John Denver Musical Tribute
Sept. 17: Blue Oyster Cult
Sept. 18: Gladys Knight
Sept. 19: The Temptations and the Tour Tops
Sept. 23: Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye & Sammy Kershaw
Sept. 25: Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade
Sept. 30: The Marshall Tucker Band w/The Outlaws and Molly Hatchet

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

Sept. 2: John Mayall
Sept. 10: Mark Klein
Sept. 18: York Symphony Open Air 2021-22 Sneak Preview

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

Sept. 16: DMC Duo
Sept. 23: Sound Method

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Sept. 25: The Outlaws w/The Outcrops

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

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Jazz Series
Sept. 4: Durand Jones and the Indications
Sept. 16: Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones
Sept. 17: Cold Spring Union
Sept. 18: Ben Brandt & the Soul Miners Union
Sept. 23: Blaggards
Sept. 24: Funktion Band
Sept. 25: The Jellybricks

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

Sept. 2: Shea Quinn and Friends

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 5: The Naughton Sisters
Sept. 12: Magical Mix of Music and Dance
Sept. 18: Dali Quartet and Wister Quartet

Harrisburg University Presents
www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Sept. 4: Durand Jones & the Indications (The Englewood)
Sept. 18: Grouplove (XL Live)
Sept. 23: Cage the Elephant (Riverfront Park)
Sept. 24: Dawes (XL Live)
Sept. 24: Portugal. The Man (Riverfront Park)

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 4: Messer w/ Defiant and IfNotForMe
Sept. 4: Bear Grillz
Sept. 7: Lyndia Lunch
Sept. 9: Fozzy
Sept. 10: Slaves, The Maguas
Sept. 11: Steel Panther
Sept. 12: The Queers
Sept. 12: Japanese Breakfast
Sept. 16: The Early November
Sept. 17: The Mavericks
Sept. 18: Short Fictions
Sept. 20: Al Stewart
Sept. 21: Butcher Babies
Sept. 22: Mac Sabbath
Sept. 23: Bowling for Soup
Sept. 24: The Widdler
Sept. 24: The Motet
Sept. 25: Lez Zeppelin
Sept. 26: Thievery Corporation
Sept. 30: Field Day

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Sept. 25: The Jazz Tributaries Project
Sept. 29: Skerryvore

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Sept. 24: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds

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

Sept. 10: Leblanc, Kissinger & Messano
Sept. 18: JJ Rupp

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

Sept. 11: David Bromberg Quintet
Sept. 26: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 11: Candlebox
Sept. 22: Madeleine Peyroux & Paula Cole
Sept. 24: Los Lobos

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

Sept. 10: Pop Evil, Zero 9:36, BRKN
Sept. 17: Badfish, The Quasi Kings
Sept. 18: Grouplove
Sept. 24: Dawes

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

Sept. 1: Shrimp Ryan Jig Band
Sept. 8: Side of Yams
Sept. 15: Peter Stone

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 24: “Masters of Illusion”

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

Sept. 25: Brian Regan

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

Sept. 1-4: “Grumpy Old Men”
Sept. 9-30: “Mamma Mia”

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

Sept. 14-Oct. 2: “Aesop’s Fables” (Popcorn Hat Players)
Sept. 24: TMI Improv

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

Sept. 3: Divas Down Under “Slaying September” Drag Show
Sept. 3, 4: Josh Phillips and Moody Molavi
Sept. 7: Harrisburg Comedy Zone Local Talent Showcase
Sept. 10, 11: Alex Ortiz and TBA
Sept. 16: Earl David Reed
Sept. 17, 18: Joel Lindley and Bob Lauver
Sept. 24, 25: Matt Fulchiron, Chris Young
Sept. 27, 28, 29: Preacher Lawson

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

Sept. 25: Nate Bargatze

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 3: Fifty Shades Male Revue
Sept. 12: Queens Who Brunch

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

Sept. 3: Uptown Band
Sept. 4: Jess Zimmerman Band
Sept. 5: Let’s Ride
Sept. 10: Honeypump
Sept. 11: Last Shot
Sept. 17: Jason Dumm Band
Sept. 18: Grant Bryan Band
Sept. 19: Josh Squared Band
Sept. 24: Downtown Sound
Sept. 25: Light Up the Moon

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

Sept. 11: Concert at Good Shepherd Church

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

Sept. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Sept. 24, 25, 26: “13—The Musical”

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

Sept. 3-18: “The Importance of Being Earnest”

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

Sept. 4-26: “Every Brilliant Thing”

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

Sept 16: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 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, through Oct. 22

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

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

93rd International Annual Juried Show, through Sept. 2

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

“Left Behind,” photography by Michael Hower and sculptural work by Steve Dolbin, Aug. 6-Sept. 18

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

August 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 under the direction of Rachel Eng with Todd Arsenault, 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 Ann Benton Yeager, Paul Vasiliades, Rebecca Adey, Mary Gelenser, John Davis and Amie Bantz, through 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

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation, reality adjustments and new experiences lived during the COVID-19 pandemic, through Sept. 18

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

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Mobility to Movement,” etchings by Isabel Bishop, Aug. 13-Oct. 17

Artistic Expressions Summer Academy exhibition inspired by SAM’s “Circle of Truth,” through Aug. 22

“Project Pattern” multimedia display of photography, painting, sculpture and installation by artists Nate Ethier, Nicole Herbert and Luke Murphy, through August

“Circle of Truth: 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” like a childhood game in which a message is whispered in the ear of a first person, then relayed to a second, a third and so on, through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, who illustrates her journey of shifting between known and unknown spaces, through Oct. 17

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

“Art in the Wild,” an 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

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Sept. 4: Obvara (Baltic Raku) Alternative Firing Techniques
Aug. 11: Collage & Paint, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 14: Vintage Tin Earrings, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Aug. 2, 9: Art Club, 4 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9: Born to Read on Zoom, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 3, 10: Discord Hangouts—Gaming, 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10: Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Young Adult Book Club on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Aug. 5: What Makes Us Blue?, 7 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12: Discord Hangouts—Chat, 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Discover Tabletop Role Playing Games online, 4 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tween Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Aug. 10, 12: The Next Chapter Book Club, 4 p.m.
Aug. 10: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 11: Supporting Your Garden’s Pollinators, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 12: Virtual Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
Aug. 12, 26: Librarians on Twitch, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 17: Novel Thoughts Too!, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 18: Role Playing Games Sampler Series, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 19: Make a Book, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 2: Make It! Mondays, 12:30 p.m.
Aug. 3: Teen SummerZine 2021, 4 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Aug. 10, 12: STEM Stations, 2 p.m.
Aug. 12, 26: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Aug. 14: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Aug. 14: Make It, Break It, 11 a.m.
Aug. 17: Teen SummerZine 2021, 4 p.m.
Aug. 21: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Aug. 2, 16: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Aug. 2, 16: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 3: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—” All Creatures Great And Small,” 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, 17: Master Gardener Plant Clinic, 6 p.m.
Aug. 4: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 4: Amazing Aquarium and Fish Facts on Zoom, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Aug. 9, 23: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Aug. 12, 26: Virtual Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 23: Virtual Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 13: On the Porch with Don Lebo, 10 a.m.
Aug. 14: On the Porch with MJ Lauder Stained Glass, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Aug. 21: Basket weaving, 9 a.m.

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

Aug. 3-13: Popcorn Hat Players’ Camp (ages 6-12), 1-4 p.m.

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

Aug. 5-Sept. 23: Sketch Writing, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 16-Oct. 11: Level 2—Game of the Scene, 7-10 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Aug. 5, 12: HYP Kickball, 6-9:45 p.m.
Aug. 9: Heart of the Community Garden Clean Up, 5-7 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Aug. 6-8: Watercolor Workshop
Aug. 19: Photographing Your Artwork, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 28: Basic Fluid Art, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Aug. 7: Anthony Haubert Trio

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

Aug. 1, 15: YouTube—Kids Carry & Craft, 10 a.m.
Aug. 1, 15: Carry & Craft Teen/Adult, 11 a.m.
Aug. 3: Read Stampede Walking Group, 9 a.m.
Aug. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Aug. 5, 19: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: bAd aRt Night, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Crafts in the Reading Garden (teens & tweens), 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 21: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Aug. 24: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 26: Fear of Commitment Book Group—Short Fiction Only at Cassel Vineyards, 6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors Family Book Group—Crown & Don’t Touch My Hair, 2 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Aug. 7: Landmark Bus Tour Historic Shipoke, Steelton and Midland Cemetery, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30: Rhyme Time in the Park, 9 a.m.
Aug. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30: Toddler Time in the Park, 9:40 a.m.
Aug. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30: Story Time in the Park, 10:20 a.m.
Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Rhyme Time, 5:15 p.m.
Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Toddler Time, 6 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storybook STEAM, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Kindergarten Readiness, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time, 10 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time, 12 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6 p.m.
Aug. 9, 23: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 13, 27: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 14, 28: Block Party!, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 16: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 18: Watch the Skies Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 19: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Aug. 19: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
Aug. 21-22: August Book Sale
Aug. 24: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 25: Apple Users Group, 1 p.m.
Aug. 18: Trivia at Home—Gilmore Girls, 6-8 p.m.

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

Aug. 1-Sept. 4: 21 Meditations—On-Demand Series

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Aug. 10, 24: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
Aug. 12: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Aug. 13: Open Mic and Coffee Café, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Wagging Tails Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Star Trek Rewatch online group

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

Aug. 4: Courtney E. Martin in Conversation with Jamia Wilson, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 25: An Evening with Meghan O’Gieblyn—God, Human, Animal, Machine, 7-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 6-8: Hazy Glaze of Summer acrylic painting
Aug. 7: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
Aug. 11, 25: Kids Class on the Roof, 5-7 p.m.
Aug. 21, 22: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 7: U.S Grant, the Meaning of the Civil War, and the Election of 1868,” 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 14: From Gettysburg to Little Big Horn—The George Armstrong Custer, Civil War and Indian Wars 2021 Symposium, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Aug. 10: Gooey Art Grandparent & Me Camp, 9:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 9: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Aug. 4, 6, 8, 20, 21, 22, 25: Animal Adaptations Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: Virtual Artists Conversations—Lauren Litwa, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 6, 21: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 8: Virtual Tonight’s Sky—A Live Chat with the Planetarium Director, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 12: Virtual “Bring Your Dead Online” Webinar, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 13: Adventures in Nature Lab (in-person and virtual)—PA Turtles, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 20: Learn at Lunchtime—Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 27: Learn at Lunchtime—Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

Aug. 9-13: A Cool Week in August (Kids Camp), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 18: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 13: Spoonful of Jazz solo jazz dance class, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Aug. 3-5: The What @ the Ware free art workshops for kids, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 4, 12: Kayak the Swatara with Cocoa Kayaks, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
Aug. 5: Greenbelt Connector Walk, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 10: Wild Edibles Program, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 11: Preschool Storytime—Summer at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Aug. 14: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 14: Natural Tie-Dye, 12-3 p.m.
Aug. 15: Flower Walk—Heat Tolerant Plants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 21: Kids Discover—The 10 Essentials (ages 5-10), 9-11 a.m.
Aug. 21: Art Heals, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 24: Kids Discover—Monarchs (ages 5-10), 9-11 a.m.
Aug. 28: Run Wild for Wildwood 5K/10K, 9-11 a.m.

Live Music

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

Aug. 1: The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Aug. 4: One Night of Queen—Gary Mullen and the Works
Aug. 5: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Aug. 7: The Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell
Aug. 12: Chris Janson
Aug. 13: The Man in Black—A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Aug. 19: Gene Watson, The Bellamy Brothers
Aug. 20: Stayin’ Alive—One Night of the Bee Gees
Aug. 22: Herman’s Hermits, Peter Noone, The Buckinghams
Aug. 29: Air Supply

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

Aug. 7: The Lone Bellow
Aug. 12: Gordon Lightfoot
Aug. 27: Ben Folds
Aug. 28: York Symphony’s Open Air

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

Aug. 5: John Rossey

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

Aug. 13: Gretna Grooves—Tuba Skinny

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

Aug. 1, 10, 22, 29: Jazz Brunch with Central PA Friends of Jazz
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Wednesday Jazz Series
Aug. 7: The Stable Shaker
Aug. 15: Cracker
Aug. 21: The Sorters
Aug. 27: The Wild Hymns
Aug. 28: Hall Williams Band (Pre-Dead & Company show)

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

Aug. 27: Sunset Series, Susquehanna Folk Music Society presents Colebrook Road

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Aug. 1: Hermitage Piano Trio
Aug. 13: Tuba Skinny
Aug. 14: Nora Brown
Aug. 15: All-Mozart String Trio
Aug. 29: Miranda Cuckson

Harrisburg University Presents
www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Aug. 14: Pvris, Royal & The Serpent (XL Live)
Aug. 24-25: Brit Floyd (Hershey Theatre)
Aug. 25: All Time Low (XL Live)
Aug. 27: Young the Giant (Riverfront Park)
Aug. 28: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Riverfront Park)

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

Aug. 13: Open Mic

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

Aug. 6: Squeeze—The Nomadband Tour
Aug. 24-25: Brit Floyd

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Aug. 5: Freeway
Aug. 6: Alesana
Aug. 7: Hinder
Aug. 8: Scott H. Biram
Aug. 10: Phish 2-Day Afterparty Extravaganza
Aug. 12: Completely Unchained
Aug. 14: Big Gorgeous
Aug. 14: G-REX & SWARM
Aug. 18: Brendan Kelly
Aug. 19: Steve Hofstetter
Aug. 21: Sam Grow
Aug. 21: Ozzfest Tribute Festival
Aug. 22: King 810
Aug. 27: Liliac
Aug. 27: Thick
Aug. 28: Dieselbag the Destroyer
Aug. 28: Garrett Shultz, Bobby Law, Benjamin Beiler, Tyler Short
Aug. 29: Red Not Chili Peppers

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

Aug. 7: Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root with Dirk Miller
Aug. 21: Shotgunn

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

Aug. 7: Rhodes & Putt
Aug. 14: Grit
Aug. 21: Craig Bonner
Aug. 28: Just Dave

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

Aug. 22: Music for a Summer’s Evening at Mt. Gretna’s open-air Tabernacle

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

Aug. 11: Bringing it Home—Beautiful Gestures
Aug. 13: Tuba Skinny

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

Aug. 31: Drive-By Truckers

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

Aug. 6: Colt Wilbur
Aug. 7: Nate Myers, Bobby Gentilo, Ben Brandt
Aug. 13: Shwayze
Aug. 14: Pvris, Royal & The Serpent
Aug. 25: All Time Low

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

Aug. 4: Shrimp Ryan Jig Band
Aug. 11: Side of Yams
Aug. 25: Mark Santanna

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 21: “Stomp”

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

Aug. 13: Kelly Collette and Buddy Harris

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

Aug. 5-Sept. 4: “Grumpy Old Men”

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

Aug. 13: Sunset Series—Open Stage of Harrisburg Broadway Cabaret

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

Aug. 7, 14: Popcorn Hat Players present “Thumbelina”

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

Aug. 6: Divas Down Under “Sizzling Summer” Drag Show

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

Aug. 1: “Rock of Ages”

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

Aug. 5: Zoom—”Aesop’s Fables” with Bright Star Theatre
Aug. 19: Zoom—”Mother Nature” with Kit’s Interactive Theatre

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Aug. 1: Queens Who Brunch

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

Aug. 1: “Grease”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Aug. 6: We The People First Friday—Asian Culture Celebration

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

Aug. 20: Anthony Rodia

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

Aug. 19: Boozie Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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August News Digest

July 30, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Council Approves Projects, Artifact Sale

At a final legislative meeting before taking a summer break, Harrisburg City Council last month approved two development projects.

A village of tiny homes for veterans on S. Front Street can move forward, along with a mixed-use office and apartment building on N. Cameron Street.

The tiny home village received a vote of 6-1, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

The project was proposed last year by the nonprofit Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, which plans to build 15 tiny houses and a community center at 1103 S. Front St. to provide temporary housing and support services for homeless veterans.

At the council meeting, some residents expressed concern with the site of the project, saying that it was prone to flooding.

However, representatives with the nonprofit said that, while the area is in the floodplain, they plan to build the houses a few feet off of the ground, alleviating flooding concerns.

In a 5-2 council vote, another development proposal—converting a long-abandoned building into office and apartment space on Cameron Street—got the go-ahead. Council President Wanda Williams and council member Danielle Bowers voted in opposition.

Bowers explained that she would not vote for the project because developer Harrisburg Commercial Interiors would not commit to participating in the city’s affordable housing program.

In other council action last month, Harrisburg will move towards ending what has been a long process in dealing with artifacts purchased by former Mayor Steve Reed. In 2015, numerous collectibles and artifacts were seized from Reed’s home and storage units, many bought with public money.

Council approved a resolution to work with Cordier Auctions & Appraisals, as well as Reed’s estate, to auction off the remaining items and split the funds between the city, estate and auction company.

On the topic of Harrisburg history, council also approved the adoption of updated “Historic District Design and Preservation Guidelines,” which lay out the rules for property changes and repairs for houses in the city’s historic districts.

Council is on summer hiatus until Aug. 24.

Senior Housing Proposed

A new affordable housing initiative for seniors has been proposed in Harrisburg.

The almost $15 million “Bethel Village” would constitute the largest phase of the “Jackson Square” project at N. 6th and Herr streets, according to Ryan Sanders, co-owner of Harrisburg-based RB Development.

Along with RB Development, Paladin Development, a branch of the Harrisburg Housing Authority, Gardner Capital Development and Bethel AME Church are partners in the project.

The proposed four-story, nearly 45,000-square-foot building would be available for low-income seniors 62 years of age and older. It would provide one- and two-bedroom rental units ranging in price from $300 to $1,000 per month.

Generally, residents would pay about 30% of their income on rent, explained Ava Goldman of Gardner Capital, which specializes in providing affordable senior living. They plan to have designated units for visually and hearing impaired residents, as well.

Previously, Sanders had proposed a market-rate, mixed-use residential and commercial complex for the site.

The proposed site of the project sits on the land where the historic Bethel AME Church once stood before burning down in 1995. The lot currently contains paved parking and grassy areas.

Bethel Village developers are under contract with both Bethel AME, which owns about one-third of the proposed ¾-acre building site, and owners of the connected lots.

New Owners, Plans for Midtown Bars

Two Midtown bars once targeted for closure by Harrisburg’s mayor have been sold, with plans to create a restaurant, retail space and apartments.

Last month, restaurateur Josh Kesler bought 1400 N. 3rd St., which most recently housed the Third Street Café, and, before that, the 1400 Club and Club Wanda’s.

Kesler, who owns the Millworks in Midtown and the Watershed Pub in Camp Hill, said that he would like to open a two-floor restaurant/bar, but doesn’t yet have a firm plan for the two-story, 2,500-square-foot space.

“I want to do something cool and creative, something that adds uniqueness to the neighborhood,” said Kesler, who paid $153,000 for the building.

He expects to complete the renovation and open in 2022.

The Third Street Café has been closed since April under terms of a conditional licensing agreement between the owners and the PA Liquor Control Board. The owners since have placed the license into safekeeping, according to their attorney, Chris Wilson.

The co-owners of the Third Street Café, Anthony Paliometros and the heirs of the late Frank Karnouskos, also owned the building next door, 1402 N. 3rd St., once the home of the Taproom bar.

Sean Linder and his Bethlehem-based investment group, SJL Rentals LLC, bought that building for $231,000.

Linder said that he plans to undertake a restoration of the three-story, 4,000-square-foot building, creating five market-rate apartments with commercial space on the first floor. He also plans a small addition in the rear, which would add another 350 square feet of space.

“Midtown is obviously an up-and-coming area,” Linder said, when asked why he was interested in the building. “There’s a lot of great development going on in the city.”

Linder credited Justin Heinly of Midtown Property Management for bringing the property to his attention and mentioned that anyone interested in the first-floor retail space should contact Heinly.

He said he expects to complete the building renovation by spring 2022.

Notably, in 2015, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse tried to revoke the business licenses of both bars, claiming that they were “nuisance bars.”

Dave Larche, then the owner of the Taproom, agreed to close his bar and later sold his building to his next-door neighbors, Paliometros and Karnouskos. For their part, Paliometros and Karnouskos repeatedly appealed the city’s business license revocation, eventually winning their case in court.

Alice Anne Schwab, the executive director of the Susquehanna Art Museum, located directly across the street from the bars, said that she looks forward to the renovations of the two buildings.

“We’re super-excited about something positive happening there,” she said. “The proposals I have heard about are really very much in keeping with businesses that are above board and operate with the public interest in mind.”

Kesler said that, in part, he was motivated to make the purchase in order to add to the growing vibrancy of the Midtown commercial district on 3rd Street, where numerous small businesses have opened recently.

Linder added that he also wanted to ensure that the block retained its architectural character.

“For years, they just let their beautiful buildings deteriorate,” he said. “There’s so much historical integrity there that needs to be preserved.”

Business Grant Program

Through a local grant program, some Harrisburg businesses have a chance at receiving financial support.

Impact Harrisburg last month rolled out its “Making an Impact” funding to benefit projects that impact the city economically.

“We can affirm that access to our funding has been a benefit to the economic structure and overall wellbeing of our community,” said Gloria Martin-Roberts, board chair of Impact Harrisburg.

The program will distribute $300,000 to eligible businesses and nonprofits. Eligible projects include those that wouldn’t have adequate funding otherwise and will be started immediately. Businesses must also contribute a match to the project, financial or otherwise, and have annual net revenues of $500,000 or less.

The Impact Harrisburg board plans to focus on assisting minority-owned businesses, Martin-Roberts said.

Applicants may request up to $25,000 for activities such as minor construction, building façade improvements, equipment purchases, furniture and fixture purchases, installation costs and job training, explained Sheila Dow-Ford, executive director of Impact Harrisburg.

In May 2020, Impact Harrisburg, along with the city, distributed around $1.5 million in “Neighborhood Business Stabilization” grant money to 314 small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That program allowed businesses to utilize funds for general administrative expenses like rent, mortgage and payroll. This new round of funding cannot be used for those purposes, Dow-Ford said.

Dow-Ford described the “Making an Impact” program as “small, but mighty,” with the possibility to uplift often overlooked organizations in the city.

“This is a good news story in Harrisburg,” she said.

Home Sales, Prices Rise

Harrisburg-area home sales continued to show strength in June, in terms of both transactions and prices.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) reported that 819 housing units sold in June, compared to 530 in June 2020, while the median price rose to $228,000 from $199,900 a year ago.

Last year, the number of home sales was depressed due to the pandemic. A better comparison may be June 2019, when 850 houses sold for a median price of $190,788.

In Dauphin County, 376 homes sold in June for a median price of $209,000, versus $179,950 the previous year. In Cumberland County, 394 houses sold for a median price of $258,500, compared to $224,900 in the year-ago period, according to GHAR.

Prices also were up in Perry County, where 35 houses sold for a median price of $200,000 versus $175,900 last year.

Houses were also selling quickly. According to GHAR, the “average day on market” dropped to 16 days in the three-county area, compared to 45 days last year and 41 days the year before.

So Noted

Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell UMC Church has been purchased by a Harrisburg couple, Chris and Erica Bryce, for $50,000. Two years ago, the Susquehanna Methodist Conference put six churches on the market as it consolidated congregations. Chris Bryce said that he had no firm plans yet for the building, but that conversion to apartments was probable.

Dustin LeBlanc was named last month as the managing director of the West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland. In this position, LeBlanc will be responsible for most operations of the 81-year-old theater, which is set to reopen next year following a renovation.

Eric Turman last month was sworn in as the new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District. Turman, the former principal of Reading High School in Reading, replaces Chris Celmer, who served as acting superintendent until a permanent replacement was hired.

Fresh Pressed HBG held its grand opening last month at 221 N. 2nd St. in downtown Harrisburg. It’s the second location for the York-based business, which offers juices, smoothies and cleanses.

Harrisburg University last month announced “Tech ‘n Town Week,” which will feature concerts, a crypto-currency conference and the return of the e-sports tournament, the HUE Invitational, among other events. The festival takes place Sept. 19 to 25, with full information at www.harrisburgu.edu/tech-n-town-week.

H*MAC’s former owners last month were awarded $4.7 million in actual and punitive damages in a defamation lawsuit. A Dauphin County judged ruled that John Traynor and the former partnership of Bartlett, Traynor & London, which owned the Midtown Harrisburg arts and entertainment venue, were defamed by online comments that later turned out to be false.

Kipona will return next month with a live, three-day festival in Riverfront Park and on City Island, according to Harrisburg officials. The Labor Day weekend event will feature art, music, food vendors, fireworks, a beer garden and Native American cultural performances, among other activities. Due to the pandemic, much of last year’s festival was held virtually.

Trader Joe’s is slated to open its first store in central PA next year, as it repurposes about 12,500 square feet of space in the former Camp Hill Bon-Ton in Lower Allen Township. Trader Joe’s has about 500 stores in 42 states and is known for offering high-quality food products at affordable prices.

Verber Dental Group last month announced Search Dental, a $2.5 million dental facility, which will open in Silver Spring Township in April 2022. The 7,500-square-foot, 12-operatory facility is the first phase in a 3.5-acre dental campus located adjacent to Cumberland Valley High School, according to Verber.

Zachary’s BBQ & Soul opened last month as the newest restaurant concept at H*MAC in Midtown Harrisburg. Philadelphia-area chef Keith Taylor offers his take on soul food staples such as Carolina pulled pork, pulled chicken, boneless short rib, pork spare ribs and Caribbean jerk barbecue chicken, as well as some bar food favorites.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2527: D. Sharp to H. Alberto, $69,900

Bellevue Rd., 1915: J. Charles & D. Vanlee to C. Bouslama, $61,000

Benton St., 700: J. Sourbeer to SPG Capital LLC, $62,000

Berryhill St., 1506: RWH Properties LLC to RRMM Real Estate LLC, $42,000

Berryhill St., 1645: M. & M. Quinones to P. & C. Baquero, $46,100

Berryhill St., 2016 & 2020: Staley Berryhill Street Properties LLC to W. Stanley, $850,000

Berryhill St., 2146: J. Elias Holdings LLC to R. & C. Murphy, $65,000

Berryhill St., 2258: T. Baka & R. Teklit to E. Tesfamicael & L. Ghebremichael, $50,000

Boas St., 405: J. Varner & C. Fowler to H. Lewis, $185,000

Boas St., 424: C. Furlong to J. Smith, $170,000

Boas St., 1907: Ultra Renovations and Investments Inc. to T. Roebuck, $115,000

Brookwood St., 2314: E. Hager to M. Kraft, $89,000

Calder St., 118: Lynch Financial LLC to A. & W. Harvey, $190,000

Calder St., 500: R. Metzger to E. Shellenberger, $180,000

Chestnut St., 2031: K. Hassinger to N. & C. Hamani, $68,829

Conoy St., 114: W. McMartin to B. Stehle & A. Johnson, $147,500

Croydon Rd., 2854: R. Williams to G. & M. Romero, $88,000

Delaware St., 262: A. Hanlon to C. Zeger, $138,000

Delaware St., 268: F. Hamid to C. & E. Batista, $137,500

Derry St., 1441: SNL Realty Holdings LLC & Touch of Color to K. Tejada, $80,000

Derry St., 2403: Tassia Corp. to A. Lopez, $115,000

Derry St., 2529: T. Thornton to SPG Capital LLC, $65,000

Division St., 505: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Edgewood Rd., 2307: J. Perkins to M. Bailor & S. Yann, $226,000

Emerald Ct., 2451: J. & S. Theodorou to M. Spence, $111,000

Forster St., 226: League of Women Voters Pennsylvania to J. Dubina, $88,750

Fulton St., 1409: R. Buyers to R. Davis Jr., $130,000

Green St., 710: N. Pinkston & C. Maximowicz to J. Elliott, $202,000

Green St., 916: J. Ehring to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $160,000

Green St., 1401: Hunter Properties to R. Rammouni, $80,000

Green St., 1405: A. Stouffer to C. & C. Thomas, $195,000

Green St., 1412: J. Ehring to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $150,000

Green St., 2810: Church of God of Prophecy & Christian Insight Ministry to Christian Insight Ministry, $145,000

Green St., 3208: G. Arrieta & K. King to J. Aponte & D. Torres, $235,000

Green St., 3232: B. Spangler & S. Keene to J. Jones, $155,000

Greenwood St., 2111: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Hale Ave., 411: D. Wilson to I. Yolov, $50,000

Harris Terr., 2465: J. Davis to E. Garcia & Y. Marcucci, $35,000

Herr St., 307: B. Andreozzi to J. Varner & C. Fowler, $192,500

Herr St., 313: J. Kleinfelter to J. & M. O’Callaghan, $178,600

Holly St., 2002: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Hummel St., 340: M. Nichols to K. Torres, $55,000

James St., 1329: V. Paredes to I. Mallouli, $85,000

Liberty St., 1610: Ivy Leaf Properties LLC & Lehman Property Management to H. Lopez, $60,000

Manada St., 2031: R. Torres to D. Perez, $120,000

Market St., 1811: HE Pressley Properties LLC to Jimruz LLC, $72,000

North St., 1711: SPG Capital LLC to P. Marte, $80,000

North St., 1842: Sunshine ABQ Real Estate Investment LLC to O. Perez, $105,000

N. 2nd St., 809: Vantage Rentals LP to A. & S. Grimes, $179,000

N. 2nd St., 1009: J. Kok to J. Flothmeier to J. Ambridge, $215,000

N. 2nd St., 1102: L. & A. Morato Lara to S. & J. Toole, $195,000

N. 2nd St., 2323: A. & A. Mathew to A. Deitrich & J. Cortez, $190,000

N. 2nd St., 2404: K. Liu to JLE Ventures 2404 LLC, $90,000

N. 3rd St., 1218, 1220 & 1222: Furlow Partners Inc. to COBA Apartments LLC, $2,800,000

N. 3rd St., 1619: T. Fridirici to J. Pronio, $187,500

N. 3rd St., 3010: Equitable Builds LLC to S. Ruiz & A. Ramirez, $212,000

N. 4th St., 1920: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to A. Nix, $109,000

N. 4th St., 2112: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $60,000

N. 4th St., 2215: L. & C. Sukhwinder to K. Torres, $54,000

N. 4th St., 2333: Dauphin County Property Investors LLC to I. Molina, $51,500

N. 4th St., 2448: S. Lewis to J. Graf, $100,000

N. 4th St., 2709: T. Landis to H. Fountain, $137,000

N. 5th St., 1504, 1504½, 1506, 1506½, 1508, 1508½, 1510, 1510½, 1512, 1514, 1516, 1516½, 1518; 439, 441 & 443 Boyd St.; 427, 429, 429B, 429½, 431 & 433 Kelker Alley; 1517 Fulton St.; 420, 426 & 428 Reily St. & 1515 Walker Alley: Redevelopment Authority to 400 Reily Street LLC, $81,000

N. 5th St., 1634: P. Hardy to N. Kamel, $150,000

N. 6th St., 1328: W. Zhang to M. Osborne, $170,000

N. 6th St., 2211: Curtin Heights ME Church to 608 N. Third LLC, $50,000

N. 6th St., 2612: MNK Properties LLC to C. Guerrier, $50,000

N. 6th St., 2665: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital, $48,000

N. 6th St., 2667: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $55,000

N. 6th St., 3014: C. Dixon to A. & W. Keisling, $83,500

N. 14th St., 210: PBTB Group LLC to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $67,500

N. 16th St., 606: 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC to J. Moore, $120,700

N. 16th St., 820: Truemac Homes Trust to E. Hubbard, $123,000

N. 18th St., 802: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to B. Nevid, $119,000

N. 19th St., 706: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to L. Murrell, $40,000

N. 19th St., 1001: M. Myers to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $45,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 305: M. DiMatteo to Zinc One Texas LLC, $195,000

N. Front St., 3201: F. & W. Krevsky to Y. Duan, $310,000

Park St., 1840: T. & S. Rollason to J. Pichardo, $35,000

Penn St., 1311: A. Genre to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $75,000

Penn St., 1526: Heinly Homes LLC to H. Stevens, $190,500

Penn St., 1702: A. & D. Schade to T. Underkoffler, $175,000

Penn St., 1726: A. Hovne to C. Benedict & J. Sarji, $190,000

Penn St., 1820: Alex Manning Enterprises LLC & D. Kapil to Lancaster County Restoration LLC, $135,000

Penn St., 2334: N. Symons to T. Jackson & R. Pennypacker, $135,000

Pennwood Rd., 3204: C. Heckert to A. Daniels, $95,000

Prince St., 713: J. Mosco to Z. & A. Einhorn, $106,100

Reel St., 2618: E. Chattah to L. Ware, $88,450

Reel St., 2725: J. Louden to D. & C. Huffer, $56,000

Seneca St., 640: Kirsch & Burns LLC to B. Brown, $130,000

S. 13th St., 431: R&K Realty Group LP to Dima Properties LLC, $65,000

S. 13th St., 1413: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to 1413 S 13th St Harrisburg LLC, $116,000

S. 13th St., 1440: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

S. 13th St., 1463: J. White to D. Adams, B. Groft, E. Roy & A. Sullivan, $62,500

S. 15th St., 316: Great Row LLC to Cooperwink LLC, $42,900

S. 16th St., 16: M. Carter to NA Capital Group LLC, $35,000

S. 16th St., 524: W. Brown to J. Camacho, $46,500

S. 16th St., 1014: M. Batista to D. Cario & Y. Mercedes, $123,500

S. 19th St., 1324: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

S. 24th St., 700: C. Barna to J. Valverde, $82,000

S. 25th St., 734: G. Mathias to SPG Capital LLC, $63,000

S. 26th St., 622: M. Cain to K. Seitz, $140,000

S. 26th St., 628: R. & R. Seneca to A. Rai, $163,000

S. 27th St., 655: B. Dehning to T. Young, $99,000

Spencer St., 1855: M. Castro, B. Villalobos & R. Alexandra to M. Hoogerbrugge, $75,900

State St., 231, Unit 204: J. Montenegro to S. & Y. Yates, $130,000

Susquehanna St., 1703: R. Taylor to L. Mayton, $130,000

Susquehanna St., 1915: D. James to E. Seaman & J. Baran, $145,000

Susquehanna St., 2116: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPF Capital LLC, $48,000

Susquehanna St., 2118: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Sycamore St., 1506: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $50,000

Verbeke St., 254: D. Bixler to R. Unger, $205,000

Verbeke St., 1327 & 1329: DC Projects LLC to Phantom Property Investments LLC, $75,000

Vernon St., 1306: Sweet Properties of Philadelphia LLC to JCAS1 LLC, $240,000

Vernon St., 1407: G. Thomas & K. Hernandez to JIMRUZ LLC, $30,000

Vineyard Rd., 212: E. Kawa to R. & J. Aronson, $222,000

Walnut St., 1610: C. Hall to J. Cherry Jr., $30,000

Zarker St., 1942: Next Generation Trust Services FBO Leon Wriole IRA to G. & L. Boone, $38,500

Harrisburg property sales for June 2021, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 9, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District, Eric Turman, was sworn into office this week.

We’ve definitely made it to the dog days of summer here in Harrisburg. That’s also the theme of this month’s TheBurg Podcast, out now. If you liked our July magazine stories, the podcast digs even deeper into several of them. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, but first, catch up on the latest local news, listed and linked, below.

COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in the Harrisburg area at two upcoming clinics, our online story reported. On July 14 and 15, Harristown Enterprises will sponsor a clinic inside of Strawberry Square, and Central Penn College will hold one on July 16 and again on Aug. 6.

Eric Turman was sworn in as the new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District this week, our online story reported. Turman was the former principal of Reading High School before starting his position with Harrisburg on July 1.

Gun violence awareness will take center stage at an event at Italian Lake Park this weekend, our online story reported. A Harrisburg mother planned the event to honor those affected by gun violence in the community.

H*MAC’s former owners were awarded millions in a defamation lawsuit, our reporting found. Judge John McNally awarded them about $4.7 million in combined damages, ruling that they were defamed in online comments.

Harrisburg City Council approved two development projects, including a community of tiny homes for veterans on S. Front Street and a mixed-use office and apartment building on N. Cameron Street. For more information on other approved resolutions, read our online story.

Harrisburg City Council’s finance chair, Ben Allatt, voiced concern over a proposed debt repayment plan, our reporting found. He and council President Wanda Williams say the city can settle its debt with cash on hand, rather than through a proposed refinancing.

Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Italian Lake Concert Series kicks off this weekend, our reporting found. Local musician Shine Delphi will perform for free on Sunday.

Levi Fetterman has touched the hearts of many of his Twitter followers, even without opposable thumbs. Our magazine article tells the story of the lovable pup who was rescued by Giselle Fetterman, the second lady of Pennsylvania, and her husband John Fetterman, lieutenant governor.

Low-end real estate in Harrisburg attracts buyers from all over the country. In his column, our editor reflects on why this happens and the impact it has on residents of the city.

Murals are coming to Allison Hill and Steelton as part of the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Fest, our online story reported. Sprocket Mural Works will paint murals at the new Recycle Bicycle location in Harrisburg and at Mid Penn Bank in Steelton.

Sara Bozich highlights live music events in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Take a look at her Weekend Roundup, here.

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Millions awarded to former H*MAC owner, business partners in defamation suit

July 7, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The front exterior of H*MAC in Midtown Harrisburg

A Dauphin County judge has ordered four defendants to pay millions of dollars to the former owners of H*MAC, ruling that they were defamed in online comments.

Last week, Judge John McNally awarded about $4.7 million in combined damages to former H*MAC co-owner John Traynor and the former controlling partnership of Bartlett, Traynor & London (BTL).

In his opinion, McNally agreed with the plaintiffs that the online news blog, YC News Network, and three individuals, Nikolaos Hatziefstathiou, Travis Wilber and Shawn Cooper, “acted with actual malice” and defamed both Traynor personally and the H*MAC partnership as an entity.

The three were responsible, McNally wrote, for online posts and a YC News blog that claimed a link between H*MAC, a 34,000-square-foot arts and dining venue in Midtown Harrisburg, and criminal allegations that later proved to be false.

“YC News Network, Shawn Cooper, Nikolaos Hatziefstathiou and Travis Wilber are liable for the damage BTL suffered,” McNally wrote in his opinion.

That damage, according to McNally’s opinion, included a loss in business, a devaluation of H*MAC’s real estate and problems booking performers due to a firestorm of bad publicity that followed the false claims.

McNally ordered the defendants to pay nearly $3.2 million in compensatory damages for actual losses incurred by H*MAC and $1.2 million to Traynor for “loss of investment” in H*MAC.

Furthermore, McNally awarded Traynor $250,000 for “damage to his reputation” and ordered each defendant to pay $25,000 in punitive damages.

He also ordered the defendants to remove two stories from YC News Network.

“Let this case be a cautionary tale—you can indeed be held liable for lying and posting false information on social media,” Traynor said. “It’s also an example of what sort of harm that social media can do to a business.”

In July 2018, Philadelphia-based YC News published a story alleging criminal conduct at H*MAC, under the headline, “Harrisburg club under fire after women allege security helped men who drugged and raped them.”

That story followed an allegation by a woman who claimed that H*MAC staff failed to recognize her as a victim of date rape drugs and asked her to exit the bar, leaving her vulnerable to a subsequent sexual assault. Harrisburg police later cleared H*MAC of any responsibility in the case.

Following the woman’s claim, unproven, and ultimately, defamatory allegations against H*MAC were posted on several social media sites, some of which included the YC News story.

That December, Traynor and H*MAC filed a civil lawsuit against more than a dozen people, claiming defamation and tortious interference of business relationships.

Most of the defendants since settled with the plaintiffs, which included retracting their comments and writing letters of apology, according to Traynor. The woman who made the original rape allegation also retracted her claim that implicated H*MAC.

In September 2018, H*MAC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and later sold the sprawling venue for $6 million to a new partnership. Following an extended pandemic-related shutdown, H*MAC recently began to book a full schedule of music and entertainment and is reopening its restaurant this week under a new concept with a menu based on barbecue and soul food dishes.

“The malicious way we were targeted was just awful,” Traynor said. “I’m glad that we can move on and move past it.”

Correction: A previous version of this story stated that Nikolaos Hatziefstathiou, Travis Wilber and Shawn Cooper were employees of YC News. Nikolaos Hatziefstathiou and Shawn Cooper were employees of YC News, but Travis Wilber was not.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 2, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Camp Curtin church was recently purchased

Have you seen Mack the cat on the front cover of our new issue yet? Grab a copy of our special pet issue of the magazine and read about Harrisburg-area fluffy friends. Also, read our local news coverage from this past week, listed and linked, below.

An affordable housing development for seniors was proposed by local developers RB Development, our online story reported. “Bethel Village” would sit at the corner of N. 6^th and Herr streets in Harrisburg.

Bob’s Art Blog raves about self-taught artist Jessie Waite. Her paintings are imaginative and abstract, inspiring viewers to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC church sat on the market for almost two years before Harrisburg couple Chris and Erica Bryce purchased it on June 10, our reporting found. The developers may potentially turn the church into an apartment building, while preserving the history.

Our editor gives a shout-out to the pets of Harrisburg featured in this month’s pet issue of the magazine.

Fireworks and pets don’t always go well together. Our magazine story has tips for how to keep your pup calm during what could be an overwhelming experience for them.

Fourth of July celebrations will be in full swing this weekend in Harrisburg, our online story reported. After the pandemic put festivities on hold last year, fireworks and food trucks will again return to Riverfront Park.

Harrisburg’s debt refinancing plan may be in jeopardy as the city’s mayor and City Council president are at odds over how to move forward, our online story reported. Council President Wanda Williams said she does not support Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s proposal to refinance some of the city’s general obligation bonds at a lower rate.

The Harrisburg School District revised its 2021-22 budget after learning that it would receive additional state funding, our reporting found. Receiver Janet Samuels approved the budget, which is now nearly balanced thanks to the grant money.

H*MAC is bringing barbecue to its menu, as Zachary’s BBQ & Soul is opening in the venue next week, our online story reported. Philadelphia-area chef Keith Taylor will offer his take on soul food staples such as Carolina pulled pork, pulled chicken, boneless short rib, pork spare ribs and Caribbean jerk barbecue chicken.

Our July News Digest provides a briefing on the top stories of the previous month. If you like “The Week that Was,” check out our monthly version in the magazine.

The Pride of the Susquehanna has set sail. Certainly, the last 16 months have been a rough go for “the Pride,” but hopefully smoother sailing is ahead, our magazine story reported.

Rice & Beans Restaurant on Allison Hill has quickly built a base of loyal patrons who visit regularly for the shop’s authentic island food. In our magazine story, read more about the owners and their restaurant, which features flavors from the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico, among other countries.

Sara Bozich lists ways to celebrate the 4^th of July in her Weekend Roundup. Included are Harrisburg’s Food Trucks and Fireworks festival, live music, baseball and shopping suggestions. Plan your weekend, here.

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