Tag Archives: music

Full Sound Ahead: Turning 75, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra acknowledges the past, embraces the future

November 30, 2021 | by Jeff Falk

As it emerges from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra has a lot on its musical plate.

Anyone familiar with the orchestra shouldn’t be surprised. After all, the LSO has long been a vibrant, robust organization dedicated to serving greater Lancaster through world-class musical entertainment.

But there’s more going on here than just the organization getting busy and doing what it does. The LSO is staring down an important milestone in its storied history.

This current season marks the orchestra’s 75th anniversary. In addition, it is heading down the home stretch of a search process to identify a new conductor who will help shape the direction of the orchestra well into the future.

“I think, at the core of it, the message is that we’re back after a very difficult time for everyone,” said Guy McIntosh, the LSO’s executive director. “As a new Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, we’re kind of re-inventing the wheel.”

Touch Your Soul

Formed in 1946 by community leaders, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra presented its first concert a year later, within the confines of the McCaskey High School auditorium. Prior efforts to create a hometown orchestra had been derailed by two world wars and a national economic depression.

“Back then, Lancaster was a smaller community, and music was very important,” said McIntosh. “It was kind of people’s diversion.”

The LSO, he said, started as a community-based orchestra and included musicians who might have played in high school. Over time, it morphed into a professional organization with paid musicians. Today, the orchestra features an active roster of 50 to 80 local, regional and nationally recognized musicians.

“What people think of classical music is that it’s very high society,” said McIntosh, a 36-year-old Lancaster city resident. “A lot of people think symphony orchestras play this old music. That’s our fault. We’ve played into that mindset. But to me, that’s not what a symphony orchestra is. There’s music out there that can really touch your soul and take you on a journey.”

The symphony’s historic 75th annual season comes on the heels of a tumultuous 2020-21. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSO went 18 months without performing a live show, a forced year-and-a-half sabbatical from talented artists making beautiful music together. In September, the LSO finally re-opened live with the triumphant celebration, “The Return.”

“It was difficult for everyone,” McIntosh said. “But, if there was a silver lining, it was that we were able to hone in on what we do as an organization. The first one back in September, ‘The Return’ concert, was very emotional, just to see the audience again. If you’re playing for no one, there is no emotion to play off of. To not have that for 18 months was difficult. But it feels all that much better being back.”

More Inclusive

A key part of the new season is LSO’s highly anticipated holiday concert, “Sounds of the Season,” which takes place this month. Led by chorus master Bill Wright, it will feature an interaction between the chorus and orchestra that has become a favorite for all ages.

“It’s very family-oriented,” McIntosh said. “It features a wide range of holiday music, holiday favorites and Christmas carols. There’s also a special reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas.’”

Looking farther ahead, the LSO’s long search for a new conductor is nearing completion.

From 190 original applicants, the orchestra identified 30 possible candidates, a number that was then narrowed down to 10. Now all that remains are the final four—Jayce Ogren, Delta David Gier, Michael Butterman and Chelsea Gallo.

Each candidate will act as a guest conductor for a different concert performance in four different months during the 2021-22 season. From those concert showings, the LSO is expected to name a new permanent conductor in late spring of 2022, and, when it does, that person will become just their third music director ever.

“You could say it’s an audition,” said McIntosh. “After a final decision is made, an offer will be extended, and, hopefully, the offer is accepted.”

Part of the new conductor’s mission will be to reflect and represent the musical interests of an ever-changing Lancaster community.

“Art definitely has a role in our society, and I think music is one of the most important art forms,” McIntosh said. “It can spark a feeling in you that you can’t put a finger on. The emotion can be good or bad. All forms of music are alive and well. We need to be more inclusive in what we do and be a reflection of our community. That’s the future of where all classical music needs to be.”

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert, “Sounds of the Season,” takes place Dec. 17 and 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.lancastersymphony.org.

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Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 30, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Cars & Christmas,” a special holiday exhibit with themed Christmas trees, automobiles, train displays, a Hess truck display, scavenger hunt and “Sammy The Snow Plow,” through January.

“Something Special” Coast to Coast, based on the book “Ford Model T Coast to Coast: A Slow Drive Across a Fast Country” by Tom Cotter, through April 22

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

“Situated: Confronting Identity,” featuring art by Bridie Alvarez, Destiny Santana, Larissa Ramey and Lucy Giboyeaux, Dec. 3-Jan. 6; reception: Dec. 17, 5-8 p.m.

Shakespeare-themed art exhibit featuring Kim Stone, Carrie Wissler Thomas and Tina Reiley, Dec. 1-Feb. 28 at Capital Blue Cross and in conjunction with Gamut Theatre’s Classics Fest

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

“Art for the Holidays” annual market of unique handmade gifts for the holidays, through Dec. 29

“A Tradition of Realism,” a group display of Pennsylvania landscapes, Dec. 3-24

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

December Artist: Stella Tallamo

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

“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, through Feb. 19

“Tracing Slavery: I—Moses Williams, Silhouettes,” cut-paper profiles by Williams with prints by contemporary artist Kara Walker, through Jan. 22

“Tracing Slavery: II—Kara Walker, Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War,” works highlighting the experience and identity of African Americans, past and present, through Jan. 22

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

Mid Penn Bank Art Show and Sale, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Hershey Public Library exhibit, through Dec. 11

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

“Color, Pattern, Function,” Lydia Gasper Ceramics, Dec. 10-Jan. 29; artist’s talk and reception: Jan. 14, 4:15 p.m.

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

New works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Tami Bitner, Pat Frese, Judy Kelly, through Dec. 12

New works by Paul Gallo, PD Murray, Rebekah Adey, Mary Gelenser, and Paul Vasiliades, Dec. 15-Jan. 9

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

“Artisan Marketplace” holiday exhibition, filled with unique handmade items and art for local gift giving, through Jan. 15

7th Annual Juried Exhibition, featuring outstanding artwork in a variety of media, created by local artists, through Jan. 29

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Student Honors Photography, through Dec. 3; Zoom reception and award ceremony: Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Art of the State,” an annual statewide juried competition, through Jan. 2

“Witness to History: Colonel Paul Evanko’s 9/11 Field Notes,” featuring the head of the PA State Police’s handwritten field notes from the morning of 9/11, through Jan. 2

“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

“Four Seasons and Seven Vices—Old Master Prints in Series,” examining stories of seasons, elements, planets, virtues and vices in Renaissance and Baroque-era printmaking, through Jan. 23

“Tradition Interrupted,” exploring how artists weave contemporary ideas with traditional art and craft to create thought-provoking hybrid images and objects, through Jan. 23

“Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You,” artwork by Irvin Rodriguez, through Feb. 20

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“A Contemplation of Scenery: The Vesell Family Collection” virtual exhibit, featuring 45 predominantly American landscape paintings from the 19th century, through Dec. 5

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

“Emerging Artists Showcase,” Dec. 3-Jan. 28; reception: Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Photography Contest Display,” showcasing more than 100 photographs taken at Wildwood Park, Dec. 14-Jan. 29

Read, Make, Learn

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

Dec. 4: Vintage Tin Earrings, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Art Together, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Beginner Level 1 Jewelry Making—Riveting & Texture, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14: Ceramic Jewelry, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 11: Eucalyptus Magic, 10-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 11: Easy, Playful Acrylic, 12-3 p.m.
Dec. 14-Jan. 18: Clay—Hand Building, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 16: Make a Journal, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Dec. 30: New Year’s Eve, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 1: Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 1: Spanish Language Conversation Group, 12 p.m.
Dec. 1: Discord Hangouts, 3 p.m.
Dec. 2: Anime Club, 4 p.m.
Dec. 2: Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
Dec. 3: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Teen Dungeons and Dragons online, 4 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Tween Dungeons and Dragons online, 4 p.m.
Dec. 4: Dance Me a Story in person and on Zoom, 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Teen Dungeons and Dragons online, 3 p.m.
Dec. 5: Crazy for Coloring, 2 p.m.
Dec. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
Dec. 8: Young Adult Book Club, 4 p.m.
Dec. 8: Learn about the James Webb Telescope, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: Black Creek Games, 10 a.m.
Dec. 16: Book Discussion, 6 p.m.
Dec. 21: Novel Thoughts Book Club Too!, 1 p.m.

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

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Dec. 9, 23: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Dec. 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Dec. 18: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.
Dec. 21: Musik Time, 10:30 a.m.

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

Dec. 11: Santa’s Reindeer and Virtual Mrs. Claus, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 1: Grief and End-of-Life Care–A Hear Me Out Discussion, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 am., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 1 p.m.
Dec. 6: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Dec. 6: Keep it to Yourself—Controlling your Social Media, 3-4 p.m.
Dec. 6, 20: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 7: Curl up with the Classics—“Mrs. Dalloway,” 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 7: Cloud Storage Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Dec. 7: Managing Stress During Times of Change, 3-4 p.m.
Dec. 7: Teen Drop-In— Pokémon Terrarium, 5:30-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Film Friday, 7 p.m.
Dec. 13: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Comics Club, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 14: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dec. 14: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—“The Personal Librarian,” 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 16: Holiday Book Reading—“The Library Gingerbread Man,” 6-6:45 p.m.
Dec. 17: Family Movie Nights, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dec. 21: Tween Drop-In— Pokémon Terrarium, 5:30-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 23: Plot Twisters, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 28: Home-Based Business Roundtable, 6-7:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Dec. 19: HYP Book Club, 2-4 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Dec. 1: Hear Me Out—Grief and End-of-Life Care on Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 1, 15: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Dec. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 : Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Dec. 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Dec. 11: Evergreen Holiday Wreaths, 11 a.m.
Dec. 11: Fused Glass, 1 p.m.
Dec. 11, 18: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Dec. 15: Evergreen Holiday Wreaths, 6 p.m.
Dec. 18: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Dec. 18: Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors Family Book Group, 2 p.m.

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

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14: Parents & Toddlers Together, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Dec. 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 8: A Night At The Theatre, 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 13, 27: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Dec. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

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

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

Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Nov. 4: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 20: Mystery Book Club (in person and online), 6-7 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: An Evening with Brené Brown, 8-9 p.m.

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

Dec. 4: Sorting Through Rumors, Whispers and Rumblings about Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade, 1-2 p.m.

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

Dec. 4: Wreath Making, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 4: Quill a Hanging Ornament, 2-3 p.m.
Dec. 4, 18: December Book Sales, 9 a.m-3 p.m.
Dec. 6: The Night Library on Zoom (ages 5-8), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 14: Book Review Program & Holly Luncheon, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Jan Brett’s “The Hat” on Zoom (ages 4-7), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 13: Palmyra Public Library Book Discussion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: Explore! Pennsylvania Owls, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 3, 18: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 3: Virtual Artists Conversations—A Sense of Place with Lauren Whearty and Kelly Kautz from Art of the State 2021, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 8: Explore! Art in Nature, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—PA Owls, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 15: Explore! Weaving, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 22: Explore! Winter, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 29: Explore! New Year’s Traditions, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Dec. 5, 12: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 9: Owl Prowl at Detweiler Park, 5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 11: Winter Discovery, 10 a.m.
Dec. 16: Reindeer Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Winter Tree ID, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 19: Reindeer Workshop, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 28-30: Winter Wonders Camp (ages 7-10), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 28-30: Winter Wonders Camp (ages 4-6), 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

Dec. 4: Needle Felting Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Live Music

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

Dec. 3: Jazz in the City
Dec. 17: Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon
Dec. 17: April Verch and Joe Newberry
Dec. 18: A Family Holiday Celebration
Dec. 18: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party

Arts on the Square
Market Square Presbyterian Church
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Dec. 12: Carols by Candlelight

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

Dec. 2: Dave Gates

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

Dec. 4: The British Invasion Years
Dec. 11: The Wizards of Winter

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

Dec. 11: Ted Rosenthal

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 13, 17: Holiday Music at the Library

Dickinson College Department of Music

Rubendall Recital Hall, Weiss Center for the Arts

240 W. High St., Carlisle

717-245-1568; dickinson.edu/music

Dec. 2: Chamber Music Concert w/student chamber ensembles
Dec. 3: Choir Concert w/Dickinson College Choir and the Dickinson Improvisation and Collaboration Ensemble
Dec. 8: “Concert Competition” w/Dickinson performance studies students

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; www.etown.edu

Dec. 5: Songs of the Season Choral Concert

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

Dec. 1, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Jazz Series
Dec. 2: The Bad Toupees + The Neighborly
Dec. 3: The Eric Mintel Quartet tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Dec. 4: Cold Spring Union and Holly Serio at the Alt-Country Christmas
Dec. 8: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
Dec. 9, 16, 23: DJ Caraby
Dec. 10: The Fleshtones with The Cynz
Dec. 11: MauveStröm
Dec. 15 Wednesday Jazz Series
Dec. 17: Honky-Tonk Holiday Show
Dec. 18: Start Making Sense Talking Heads Tribute Band

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

Dec. 13: Holiday Harp and Handbells

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

Dec. 2: Grayscale
Dec. 8: Neverwake and Guests
Dec. 9: Riff Raff
Dec. 10: Bear Grillz
Dec. 11: Eternal Frequency, Magical Mystery Doors
Dec. 17: The Stonewall Vessels, Medusa’s Disco
Dec. 18: The Menzingers
Dec. 19: Verivery

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Dec. 18-19: Winter Concerts at Whitaker Center

Harrisburg University Presents
www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Dec. 1: CAAMP at XL Live
Dec. 4: The Hooters at XL Live
Dec. 9: The Glorious Songs at XL Live
Dec. 10: Misterwives at XL Live

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

Dec. 2: Manheim Steamroller
Dec. 4: Straight No Chaser

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

Dec. 11: Christmas Concert at All Saints Church

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

Dec. 3-19: “Elf the Musical”

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

Dec. 3: Symphony Orchestra Concert

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

Dec. 5: Messiah University Christmas Concert
Dec. 7: Messiah University Musica Nov Concert
Dec. 8: Christmas with Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass
Dec. 11: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble

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

Dec. 3-18: A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas
Dec. 8-23: Figgy Pudding

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

Dec. 5: A Festival of Lessons and Carols

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

Dec. 17: Candlelight Christmas at Messiah University
Dec. 18: Candlelight Christmas at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren
Dec. 19: Candlelight Christmas at Market Square Presbyterian Church

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

Dec. 2: Lúnasa
Dec. 6: Caroline Keane and Tom Delaney Hit Rewind virtual concert
Dec. 12: Tanner Bingaman virtual show
Dec. 17: April Verch and Joe Newberry at Appell Center for the Performing Arts

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

Dec. 11: Champian Fulton Trio
Dec. 15: Irish Christmas in America

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

Dec. 2-4: Get the Led Out
Dec. 18-19: Winter Concerts with Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus

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

Dec. 1: CAAMP
Dec. 3: Smooth Like Clyde
Dec. 4: The Hooters
Dec. 8: Low Cut Connie
Dec. 9: The Glorious Sons
Dec. 10: Misterwives
Dec. 11: The Amish Outlaws
Dec. 15: Weekend Wednesday
Dec. 17: Back in Black—The True ACDC Experience
Dec. 18: Ben Gallaher
Dec. 29: Tauk

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Dec. 3: Kevin Koa
Dec. 17: Natalie Ness

The Stage Door

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

Dec. 1-30: “The 2021 AMT Christmas Show—Winter Wonderland”

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

Dec. 3: Paula Poundstone
Dec. 10: Mike Head, John Burton, Jonathan Desmarais
Dec. 12: “The Nutcracker Ballet” with Greater York Dance

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Dec. 10-12: “A Swingin’ Holiday Spectacular”

Dickinson College Department of Theatre & Dance
Mathers Theatre, Holland Union Building

28 N. College St., Carlisle

717-245-1239; dickinson.edu/theatreanddance

Dec. 3-5: “Freshman Plays,” one-act plays presented by Dickinson theater students.

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

Dec. 1-23: “Miracle on 34th Street”

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

Dec. 29: “SHAZOOM! Interactive Magic Show “

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

Dec. 31: TMI Improv—Last Laughs of 2021
Dec. 31: Countdown to Noon with Popcorn Hat Players at Whitaker Center

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

Dec 3-19: “Kill Keller” with Narçisse Theatre Company

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Dec. 3-5: “Newsies The Broadway Musical”

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

Dec. 3, 4: Jay Nog and Mike Keegan
Dec. 10, 11: Mike Speenberg and Keith Dee
Dec. 17, 18: J Bliss

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

Dec. 2-12: “A Gift to Remember”

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

Dec. 1: “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical”
Dec. 7: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Dec. 18-19: “The Nutcracker” with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Dec. 28-Jan. 2: “The Prom”

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

Dec. 2-12: “A Little Women Christmas”

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

Dec. 9-19: “A Christmas Carol” with Totem Pole Playhouse

Narçisse Theatre Company
[email protected]; www.narcissetheatre.org

Dec 3-19: “Kill Keller” at H*MAC

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

Dec. 2-22: “Who’s Holiday!”
Dec. 4-19: “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 5: “The Obstructed View—Drag the Halls! Brunch”

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Dec. 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

“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, 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

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Beat Goes On: Steve Swisher reflects on a lifetime of playing, gigging

July 30, 2021 | by Jeff Falk

Steve Swisher

Music has a way of getting into your blood, coursing deep into the heart and then seeping into your soul. For musicians, the experience is even more intense.

Steve Swisher doesn’t have longevity as much as he does a rock-and-roll affliction.

At age 59, he’s still doing things usually associated with musicians half his age. Playing, drumming and performing can serve as their own fountains of youth.

“I am young at heart,” said Swisher, with a chuckle. “My age is advanced, but I’m young at heart. Performing keeps you young, Music keeps you alive. All the positivity around it keeps you feeling young.”

Swisher has long been popular on the vibrant Harrisburg music scene, playing area clubs, bars and restaurants. But he’s also outgoing, genuine, talented and in tune with his audience.

Currently, Swisher is the drumming front man of the Swisher Sweets, a three-piece band that also features lead guitarist Joey Dalto and bass guitarist Phil Cannizaro. The Swisher Sweets are performing regulars at such Harrisburg-area hot spots as Flinchy’s, Dockside Willie’s and the Vineyard at Hershey.

In fact, this month, on Aug. 28 at the vineyard, the band will open for national recording artists, the Gin Blossoms.

From time to time, Swisher also provides percussion for live performances by the ultra-talented Shea Quinn.

“I do it for the love of music and the love of playing music,” said Swisher. “But right underneath that is the crowd and the support you get. When you’re up there, it’s just such a great feeling because you’re doing what you love to do.”

Before the Swisher Sweets came into being, Swisher and Quinn founded the Luv Gods in the late 1990s. Swisher was a big part of that band for 15 years, before moving on in 2016.

Over the last 40-some years, Swisher has contributed to no fewer than 20 local bands and musical groups.

“The (musical) talent in the Harrisburg area is really incredible,” he said. “There are a lot of great players, and they all know each other and support each other. It’s a way for everyone to be successful. But every musician has a different life, a different personality. When you get guys together, it’s got to gel, not only with the music, but also personality-wise.”

So Lucky

Swisher is a product of the 1970s and ‘80s, a time when pop music and rock and roll were really influencing popular culture. His origin as a musician was typical, in that he started playing drums with a garage band as a teenager.

“I was probably 12, my dad would play in a carnival band, and I would go see him,” said Swisher, a graduate of Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon. “I started playing the drums, even though I liked sports. I started to love it, and it was something I pursued. I kind of gave it up for a little while because I loved sports. Then I went back to music, just because I loved it.”

Swisher was an emerging presence on the local music scene when he moved to Harrisburg for a full-time job in the late 1990s. It was at that time that he began to fully understand the financial side of the music industry.

For musicians like Swisher, performing at local bars and restaurants can be a lucrative side hustle, but it is extremely difficult to make a full-time living at it.

“Over the years, I’ve definitely evolved talent-wise, but I also began to understand the business side of it,” he said. “I went out and chased downed the owners of places. I networked myself into places because I knew all we needed was a chance to get that first gig. I knew we were going to do well.”

Now, he said, the owners call him for gigs.

Approaching 60, Swisher cannot imagine a life without music and performing. He often looks ahead, but never at the past.

“I feel lucky and so fortunate to have been doing it that long, just playing with all the great players I’ve come to know,” he said. “I’ve never thought about quitting. I’ll never give it up, because I love the music and I love playing. I can see myself playing in a cocktail lounge when I’m 90 years old.”

For more information on the Swisher Sweets/Gin Blossoms concert, visit www.vineyardathershey.com. The Swisher Sweets can also be found on Facebook.

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Happenings: Our May Calendar of Events

April 30, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Keep on Truckin,” an exhibit of light-duty trucks, from May through the fall

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

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

“Figuratively Speaking,” annual juried membership show, celebrating the human form, with an added theme this year of coronavirus lock-down/quarantine experience, through May 13

“Free For All” 3rd Annual Student & Member Show, May 21-July 8

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

“Local Light,” paintings and drawings by David Reinbold and Mary Ann Pardue Lard that focus on the beauty of light and shadow in defining forms in landscape and still life, through May 29

“I’m Fine,” a community-engaged exhibit of masks and stories dedicated to sculpting mental health awareness and support, through May 29

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

Artist of the Month: April Tichenor’s Camp Hill High School students

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

“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

Backstage at the Allen Theater Café, through May 31

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 Tami Bitner, Kelly Curran, Julie Iaria, and Reina Wooden, through May 16

New works by Yachiyo Beck, Linda Benton McCloskey, Elaine Elledge, Kristin Fava and Richard Souders, May 19-June 13

Outdoor Odd Ones Bizarre, with makers, artists and creatives selling their wares, along with music and Millworks beer, May 8, 11 a.m.-5 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

“Home Goods Show” of locally made artwork and handmade home goods for spring redecorating or Zoom room makeovers, through June 12

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Virtual Student Honors Exhibition, through May 6

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

“The Modernists: Witnesses to the 20th Century,” works by a variety of modern artists, through May 16

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

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

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

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

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

Virtual May Quilt Show, May 1-31

Read, Make, Learn

Career Professional Executives Networking Group (CPENG) Inc.
187 Tice Lane, Lebanon
717-575-4114; cpengroup.wildapricot.org

May 20: Virtual Harrisburg CPENG Meeting, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 8: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Virtual Born to Read (birth-18 months), 9:30 a.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Virtual Anime Club, 4 p.m.
May 4: Virtual Lively Minds Series—Finding Life on Other Worlds, 7-8 p.m.
May 4: Virtual Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Create Lab, 4 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Book Club on Zoom, 4 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Discord Hangouts—Chat, 3-5 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Tween Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 4 p.m.
May 8: Meet Author of the Year Susan Orlean virtual talk, 7-8 p.m.
May 10: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
May 11: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
May 12: Virtual Mental Health Series—Just Talk About It, 6:30 p.m.
May 13: Job Seeker Resources—Power Your Job Search with Google Tools, 1-2 p.m.
May 13: Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month virtual presentation, 6-7 p.m.
May 13, 27: Librarians on Twitch, 6-8 p.m.
May 14: Virtual Device Club—Android for Beginners II, 1 p.m.
May 14, 21, 28: Virtual Menstruation Celebration!, 4 p.m.
May 15: Virtual Family Paint Party, 10-10:30 a.m.
May 18: Virtual Animal Crossing—New Horizons (for adults 18+), 4-6 p.m.
May 19: Social Media Literacy—Identifying Misinformation, 7-8 p.m.
May 20: Virtual Family Paint Party, 6-6:30 p.m.
May 22: Plein Air Paint Along at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Arts, Millersburg, 1-3 p.m.
May 26: Spanish Language Conversation Group, 12-1 p.m.
May 26: Knit One, Crochet Too! on Zoom, 6 p.m.
May 27: Lawyers in Libraries—Civil Legal Services, What You Need to Know About PA Unemployment Compensation, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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

May 5, 12: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 3, 10, 17, 24: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 12 p.m.
May 3, 17: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
May 3, 17: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
May 4: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—Stories by Dr. Seuss, 10-11 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 10:30 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 4:30 p.m.
May 5: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 7, 21: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
May 10: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
May 10: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 14: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
May 19: Zoom—Write On, 7:30 p.m.
May 24: Virtual Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 1: On the Porch with Jenn & Matt Lauder

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

May 7: Fluid Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

May 1: Outside Fused Glass Class, 1 p.m.
May 2: Virtual Friends’ Children’s Program—SPLAT! Studio (ages 2-6), 2 p.m.
May 2: Virtual Friends’ Children’s Program—SPLAT! Studio (ages 6+), 3 p.m.
May 4, 6, 11, 13, 20, 25: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
May 4: Zoom Star Wars Trivia, 7 p.m.
May 5, 19: Virtual LEGO Club, 3:45 p.m.
May 8: Author talk with Lisa Wingate, 2 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22, 29: Laura English—Art of Non-Fiction, 3 p.m.
May 13: Zoom Morning Contemporary Book Group, 9:30 a.m.
May 13: Zoom Evening Contemporary Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
May 20: Zoom Life Long Readers Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
May 25: Community Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
May 27: Zoom Between the Lines Gook Group, 6:45 p.m.

Hummelstown Food Pantry
100 West Main Street, Hummelstown
717-566-2589; hummelstownfoodpantry.org

May 8: 6th Annual Hummelstown Hunger Run

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

May 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Story Time on Zoom (ages 3-6), 1:30-2 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Zoom Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 5:15-5:35 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Family Story Time on Zoom, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Tea & Stitches on Zoom, 10-11 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Zoom Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 6 p.m.
May 6: LEGO Club (grades K-5), 6 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 10:15 a.m.
May 11: Tween Scene—Outdoor Yard games (grades 4-5), 6-7 p.m.
May 12: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
May 14-16: May Book Sale
May 14, 28: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
May 15: Kindergarten & First Grade Club, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 17: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 18: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
May 22: Block Party!, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 22: Trivia at Home—Marvel Universe, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 6: Virtual and in-person Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Online Science Fiction Book Club
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Star Trek Rewatch online group
May 17: Virtual and in-person Mystery Book Club, 6 p.m.

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

May 4: Danielle Dreilinger in Conversation with Susan Douglas online event, 7-8 p.m.
May 5: Pam Jenoff in Conversation with Lisa Wingate online event, 7-8 p.m.
May 6: An Evening with Blake Bailey online event, 7-8 p.m.
May 12: An Evening with Jennifer Weiner online event, 7-8 p.m.
May 18: Elizabeth Hinton in Conversation with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor online event, 6-7 p.m.
May 20: Sebastian Junger in Conversation with Dreux Richard online event, 7-8 p.m.
May 25: An Evening with Catherine Wolff online event, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 1: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
May 8, 9: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
May 14-16: Acrylic Abstract Painting workshop

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

May 22: “The Civil War in a Global Context with Dr. Aaron Sheehan Dean,” 1-2 p.m.

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

May 1, 15: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 1-31: May Reading Challenge for families—The Expanding World
May 3: At-Home Mother’s Day Craft (ages 3-10)
May 3: Appreciating the library gardens, Gardening for birds, 6-7 p.m.
May 3, 10: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
May 10: At-Home Seeds Activity (ages 3-10)
May 17-21: Flowers Take-and-Make Activity Kit
May 11: Book Review, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

May 22: Family Paint Along with DCLS, 1-3 p.m.

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

May 10: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 7: Virtual Artists Conversations—Violet Oakley’s drawings, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
May 14: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Native PA Flowers for Your Garden, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
May 21: Learn at Lunchtime— Virtual Curator’s Choice: PA Women who Made History, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

May 19: Life Drawing Class, 6 p.m.

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

May 12: Virtual Tall Tales workshop, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 8: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 15: Sign Design Workshop, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
May 19: Detweiler Park Bird Walk, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
May 22: How-To Plant Your Home Garden Bed, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
May 23: Flower Walk—Jack in the Pulpits & More, 1:30-3 p.m.
May 25: Full Moon Hike at Detweiler Park, 8-10 p.m.
May 29: Kids Discover—Insects, 1:30-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 15, 17: York Symphony Orchestra Digital Concerts

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu

May 3: College Choir, Concert Choir
May 13: Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

May 13: Joe Locke, Warren Wolf Duo virtual concert

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

May 14: Rhett Miller

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

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Jazz Sunday Brunch w/Central PA Friends of Jazz
May 8: Crippled But Free
May 14: Olivia Farabaugh
May 15: Cold Spring Union

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

May 22: Masterworks

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

May 1-2: The Rock Project’s 50th anniversary reflections of “Who’s Next” livestream

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

May 1: Messiah University Handbell Choir
May 1: Messiah University Percussion Ensemble

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

May 2: Watkins Family Hour

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

May 1: Saved by the ‘90s
May 7: Colebrook Road w/Dead Horse Revival
May 8: Stonewall Vessels
May 14: Litz w/AMFM
May 15: Solar Federation
May 21: The Amish Outlaws

The Stage Door

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

May 14: Tim Young with Johnny Lee Dam

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

May 1-29: “On Your Feet”

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

May 7-16: “The Adventures of Little Red Riding Hood”

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

May 13-16: “The Enchantment of Beauty and the Beast”

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

May 8-9: Jerry’s Girls—The Music of Jerry Herman

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

May 9: “Mother’s Day Cabaret”

May 28-June 25: “Over the Rainbow: The Songs of Judy Garland”

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

May 2: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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Are You Ready to Rock?: Harrisburg-area venues bring back live music after long hiatus

April 16, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Death Cab for Cutie at Riverfront Park in June 2019

Frank Schofield predicted what it’ll be like when concerts return to the Harrisburg area—like the end of Prohibition.

“I think demand is going to be off the hook,” said Schofield, the director of live entertainment and media services at Harrisburg University.

In June 2019, HU Presents hosted a major band, Death Cab for Cutie, in Riverfront Park, with plans for more big shows to follow. But then COVID-19 hit, forcing it to scrub its entire slate of 2020 concerts.

Almost two years later, the school is back with rock and alternative bands lined up for late this summer.

“The industry has been roaring to get back,” Schofield said. “We haven’t been able to do what we do.”

The sentiment was shared across the board with Harrisburg-area music venues that are preparing for a spring and summer that include live shows, unlike the last.

HU decided to follow the lead of other music venues and festivals around the country, opting to schedule shows for August and September. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Cage the Elephant, Dawes and Portugal. The Man are slated to perform at Riverfront Park. HU also plans to have shows throughout the fall, Schofield said.

“We had a great run right before the pandemic, and we are ready to pick up where we left off,” he said.

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) is kicking things back into gear, as well.

The restaurant and venue reopened on April 8, starting with smaller shows for the spring and summer. General Manager Kevyn Knox said that they plan to soon hold karaoke and open mic events—a crowd favorite. Large concerts are still on hold, Knox said.

XL Live, a larger concert venue in Harrisburg is preparing for shows this weekend, featuring bands Defiant, Suicide Puppets, Lasciate and UltraViolent. They are requiring mask-wearing and limiting capacity, according to their website.

For those looking for a more intimate music experience, The Englewood in Hershey already has live shows happening most weekends. On Fridays, they have dinner shows and sometimes a late show, as well as occasional Saturday performances and regular Sunday jazz brunches.

All of their shows are seated and socially distanced, Creative Director Ang Moramarco said. Shows are not ticketed, but seats are reserved through regular dinner reservations.

The Englewood opened in July 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, which created challenges, but Moramarco said that the venue’s large rooms made abiding by CDC guidelines more feasible.

She said they also plan to hold some larger ticketed shows by the end of the year in partnership with HU Presents.

“People miss that experience, that energy,” she said. “We are excited to bring that back.

For Harrisburg University Presents concert dates and tickets, visit their website.

The Englewood is located at 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown. To view their lineup pf events, visit their website.

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center is located at 1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

XL Live is located at 801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg. To see a list of shows and purchase tickets, visit their website.

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Turning the Page: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra notes 90th birthday, sets optimistic tone for future

March 31, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

The original Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra in 1931

On one of his first trips to Harrisburg, Andreas Oeste learned a lot about the community’s love of the arts by stepping inside Neato Burrito.

“I was clearly not from town, and they sort of asked what I was doing in town,” he recalled. “I said I was playing with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO), and they said, ‘Oh—we love the symphony.’”

Oeste, now 29, began playing oboe with the HSO at the age of 25.

As one of the youngest musicians within the 70-member orchestra, what are his thoughts on the sustainability of a career in the arts today?

It basically boils down to one thing—location, location. And the Harrisburg community, well beyond Neato Burrito, values the arts, Oeste said.

“I feel constantly supported by our regular and wonderful patrons,” he said.

Additionally, the HSO’s musicians are financially fortunate to call Harrisburg home, because many orchestras around the country haven’t issued pandemic paychecks.

“Most famously [New York’s] MET Orchestra musicians have not been paid at all, and yet here in Harrisburg, the HSO is still paying musicians,” Oeste said.

Striking a Chord

The HSO marked its 90th anniversary in late March. Like many pandemic milestones, the celebration was “different,” via a live-streamed, pre-recorded, socially distanced performance—the HSO’s seventh of 10 ticketed virtual performances comprising “A Season Like No Other” that opened in October.

Although virtual performances have been a hot ticket, “the largest single element of the HSO’s budget is not ticket sales, but development money,” said Steve MacDonald, HSO board president.

This fiscal year—a year when live performances have been impossible—the HSO raised 93% of its annual goal by January. That’s $200,000 ahead of the previous year’s financials.

He calls it a “great tribute” to development staff and patrons, “who mostly give modest amounts of money” toward the HSO’s annual $3 million budget. It tells him “this community wants us to stay intact and thrive.”

What is it about the HSO that strikes such a chord among its patrons?

“I can’t read or play music, but I love it,” said MacDonald. “It moves me deeply. I think it’s one of the greatest things human beings have created. It’s my honor and duty to support the HSO.”

Movements, Online

Not a pandemic day has gone by without phone calls from “patrons who are like family,” said Gloria Giambalvo, HSO marketing director.

“Daily, from March 2020—I kid you not—in some way, I’ve been on the phone with our patrons who miss us dearly, love us and are concerned,” Giambalvo said. “They want to make sure we’ll be back.”

Many of those calls are also calls for help—asking how to access online audio or video performances. It’s a process that almost always ends with what Giambalvo describes as “a gasp I wish I could bottle” as the sound of music begins.

Not only did the HSO retain a large percentage of its audience via online performances, but it’s expanded its reach—no small feat for an organization that embraces primarily gray-haired patrons who often admit they’re not computer-savvy.

“For us, and arts organizations across the world, taking this step into the digital world has always been on our to-do list,” Giambalvo said. “So, if I had to find a silver lining in the pandemic, this would be it.”

Online performances have allowed musicians’ friends and family, as well as music lovers around the globe, to discover the HSO.

“The creativity we applied to this season will take us forward into more normal seasons with enhanced offerings,” said Maestro Stuart Malina, HSO music director and conductor. “We intend to continue streaming some of our concerts.”

Still, musicians and audiences alike are anxious to get back to live performances at Harrisburg’s Forum.

“Streaming concerts is innately problematic because you’re no longer creating a one-time experience—that innately changes the nature of what it is,” Malina said. “That’s why live performance is the greatest way to experience music, because it’s a moment in time, and that makes it magical.”

And that is also his rebuttal to the age-old criticism that classical music is dead.

“Great works of art are forever,” Malina said. “Through live performance, you’re actually bringing a work of art to life anew.”

Another classic question: How do you cultivate new audiences?

Critics have noted “gray-haired audiences” since the 1930s and ‘40s, Malina said, yet they “miraculously” continue to regenerate. HSO audiences have remained consistent under Malina’s baton the past 20 years, and HSO youth orchestras and family ticket programs—called “Musical Chairs”—are strong.

Setting the Stage

The fate of the HSO’s live outdoor concerts—summer staples—as well as next fall’s season, have not yet been announced.

“My hope is that we’ll have a season in the Forum this October to May,” said Matthew Herren, HSO executive director. “A lot depends on the vaccine rollout … but I’m optimistically tentative.”

He said that the need for music has never been greater.

“On a good day, I think the arts seek to explain or answer the great questions,” Herren said. “Who do you know during this past year who has not sought comfort in a book, been online binge-watching? We need [the arts] now more than ever.”

Music may indeed hold the key to post-pandemic healing, depolarization and perspective, said Peter Sirotin, who’s played violin with the HSO since 1996.

“I think having the opportunity to unplug and connect to a different space mentally and emotionally… is going to become more important as a form of physical self-preservation and wellbeing,” said Sirotin. “Music has a role to play, particularly music without words.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, visit www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

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Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 30, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Look . . . They Gave Me a Map,” an exhibit examining the enduring appeal of free road maps, through April 23

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through April 23

“Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” an exhibit focused on Hemi engines, through April 23

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

“Observations & Experiences,” featuring the works of Peg Belcastro, Carden Holland, Maureen Joyce and Julie Riker, through Feb. 18

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

“SEEN TOGETHER—Conflict and Resolution,” an exhibition of Walt Nichols’ smaller works that reveal persistent elements of imagination and composition in seemingly unrelated large compositions, Jan. 8-30

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

January artist: Karen Sykes

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
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“6th Annual Juried Exhibition,” held virtually with the opportunity to view outstanding art in person at the Veterans Memorial Building, New Bloomfield, and a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award winner, through Jan. 22

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” featuring original and unique local artwork and handcrafted gifts for holiday gift-giving, through Jan. 9

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

“The Modernists—Witnesses to the 20th Century,” featuring works by a variety of Modern artists from around the world, drawn from museum and private collections across the United States, through Jan. 17

“Sun + Light,” works from the series “Everyone Loves Sunshine” by visual artist Charles Edward Williams that juxtapose his past and present encounters with the 1960s Civil Rights movement, through Feb. 14

“Country Charm” examines artist Sanh Brian Tran’s experience as a queer Asian man living in rural America, through Feb. 21

“Once A Future Kingdom,” sculptured materials and imagined relics by Anthony Cervino, through March 14

“Project Pattern” multimedia display, through August

Read, Make, Learn

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

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Photography—Process, Share, Discuss on Zoom, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 12: The Joy of Making Paste Paper, 6-8 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Virtual Anime Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Zoom Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Create Lab, 4 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Young Adult Book Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
Jan. 11: Virtual Device Club, 1 p.m.
Jan. 12: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27: Knit One, Crochet Too! on Zoom, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 21: Virtual Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 8: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Easy Craft Grab and Go Bag (ages 4-7), 1 p.m.
Jan. 11: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Jan. 20: Zoom—Write On, 7:30 p.m.

Greenwood Furnace State Park
15795 Greenwood Rd., Huntingdon
717-248-5019; jvymca.org

Jan. 16: Polar Plunge, 1 p.m.

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

Jan. 7: Morning Contemporary Book Group on Zoom, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Jan. 9: Photoshop on Zoom, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 14: Evening Contemporary Book Group on Zoom, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Jan. 19: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: Food Fight for Immune Health on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 21: Zoom Life Long Readers Book Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 23: Children’s Carry & Craft—Pom Pom Book Mark, 10-10:30 a.m.
Jan. 23: Teen/Adult Carry & Craft Felted Ball Coaster, 11-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 28: Zoom Between the Lines Book Group, 6:45-8 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Jan 25: Fourth Monday Program: Historic Harrisburg’s 2021 Preservation Priorities, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Rhyme Time on Zoom (18 months and younger), 10:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
Jan. 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 6 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time on Zoom, 1:30-2 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: English Conversation on Zoom,
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Family Story Time on Zoom, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea & Stitches on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Jan. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Zoom Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meeting in person TBD)
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Rhyme Time, 12-12:20 p.m.
Jan. 8, 22: Dungeons & Dragons on Zoom, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 12: Tween Scene on Zoom—LEGO Challenge, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 16: Zoom Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 16: Zoom First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.
Jan. 18: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 19: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Trivia at Home—Friends, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways Transgender & Non-Binary Group via Zoom, 2-4 p.m.

Leadership Harrisburg
3211 N. Front Street, Suite 105, Harrisburg
717.216.5200; leadershipharrisburg.org

Jan 29: Beyond Leadership Virtual Summit, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Jan. 18: Mystery Book Club, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 30: Livestream with Michelle Duster and Keisha Blain, 2-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 1: First Day Bird Walk, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 11: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan 12: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Mountain Laurel, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan 26: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Brook Trout, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 4-6), 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 30: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 16: York Symphony Orchestra livestream

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Jan. 13: Violinist Juliette Kang and cellist Thomas Kraines

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

Jan. 17: Reggie Harris virtual concert

The Stage Door

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Jan. 14-17: “Fortress of Fandom”

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

Jan. 8-24: “Kafka’s Shorts” livestream

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Band Barn: The Englewood was built for music, but includes food, brews, views

August 31, 2020 | by Cathy Jordan

The Englewood

Jeff Sharp and Rick Russell are band members and music fans. They’d been on the lookout for about 10 years for a great community hangout—from a music standpoint.

When Sharp, now co-owner of The Englewood in Hershey, met me in the new lobby, the first question I asked him was, “So, how’d you discover this place?”

Their band, The Hockersville Station, played Americana/alternative country on Thursday nights at the nearby farmers market.

“We’d be jamming with a good view of the farm and the dilapidated barn, look at it and think, ‘Huh,’” Sharp said.

As music fans themselves, they didn’t believe there were enough good places in the Hershey area for music.

“There is so much talent in this area,” Sharp said. “We wanted a listening room as opposed to some club or theater. No dive bar. And if we were gonna have something like that, we wanted a great brewery to go along with it.”

Enter The Englewood.

Dating as far back as 1861, The Englewood was once a strawberry farm, then a dairy farm that provided milk to Milton Hershey for his chocolate. The main building is the old barn, a gloriously red-roofed structure now completely transformed from its origins as a cavernous cattle barn.

The massive renovation project entailed removing cattle shoots, taking down cement walls and generally removing over a century of cow. To preserve as much of the barn as possible, the contractors cob-blasted wood beams, cleaned limestone walls, repurposed barn wood for the bar counters, and installed new windows that mimicked the old ones.

They were three weeks away from finishing construction on the barn when COVID-19 hit. Sharp gave a smile with a shrug.

“The delay allowed us to do a slow rollout,” he said. “The silver lining here is that we got to ease into it without changing the experience for our guests.”

All the Senses

Managed by Tom Scott, former owner of McGrath’s Pub and Scott’s Grille in Harrisburg, The Englewood’s main entrance boasts a welcoming hallway. From there, I entered a cozy tavern on the main level and was told it will serve Pennsylvania wines and spirits. I then stepped onto the outdoor deck, which overlooks the grounds, a patio space with a fire pit, and the lower level brewery.

The Englewood is music-focused, so the two-tier, 650-person event space is the wow factor. It hosts the main level area, including the stage and movie screen, and a mezzanine with couches and plush seating. Lancaster-based Clair Brothers installed the sound systems.

“They’ve got the best performance sound system in the industry, as far as world tours,” said Sharp.

In addition to the sound system, the venue has a spacious green room and plenty of parking.

Chef Matt Miller runs the lower level restaurant’s state-of-the-art kitchen, which brings to life a casual menu. Sharp talked up Miller’s pizzas and the “Barn Burger,” a seasoned short rib, brisket, chuck and bacon combo with cheddar cheese. Housed in what used to be the milking parlor, the restaurant has a brick fireplace and a wood-fire oven with counter seating. Doors lead to the outdoor patio. And let’s not forget the brewery, also on the lower level.

For that, the owners sought out Rubber Soul Brewing co-founder Jesse Prall, who will run the brewery on a seven-barrel system. I asked Prall about the beers he likes and what he plans to offer.

“I get this question a lot, and it’s hard for me to put my finger on the exact beers I like,” he said. “I do prefer to brew more traditional styles and leave out the ‘off the wall’ stuff.”

Prall describes himself as a “seasonal-style drinker.”

“I like the wheat and Belgian beers during the summer, but then in the fall/winter, I get more into the darker beers, like stouts, porters and dubbels,” he said. “And don’t get me wrong—I dig a good IPA. All that being said, I will offer the gambit depending on the season.”

Six core brands are on tap all the time: session IPA, IPA, DIPA, lager, amber and chocolate milk stout. Six other taps will be in rotation.

This is Prall’s 20th year brewing. He got his start cleaning kegs on Sunday evenings at Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg.

“The electric steam boiler was cheaper to run on Sundays,” Prall said.

He met his brewing mentor at ABC and then eventually took over the position of head brewer. After spending around five years there, he ended up in Delaware, working at Dogfish Head for 10 years as a head cellarman, production planner and brewing manager.

“There is where I learned even more and was ready to take on something of my own,” he said. “Here’s where Rubber Soul happened. Even though it didn’t last long, I still gained something from it. I want to grow The Englewood brand both in-house and outside to the public.”

At that point, my tour was complete, with all bases covered—the music, the food, the beer.

“We wanted a vibe that tapped into all the senses,” Sharp said.

He ticked off all five on his fingers.

“The sound of the music, the smell and taste of the food, the comfortable décor and the scenery,” he said.

Angela Moramarco, marketing and creative director, summed it up with a snappy catchphrase.

“Eats, brews and beats,” she said.

The Englewood is located at 1219 Research Rd., Hummelstown. For more information, visit www.englewoodhershey.com.

Energy & Intimacy: Black musicians find a home at La Cultura

August 31, 2020 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Abanti Shelby.
Photo courtesy of Jess Hoffman Photography.

Around 2016, I became obsessed with Harrisburg’s underground music scene.

I loved seeing performers turn regular coffee and bike shops into concert venues, the thump of music spanning for blocks.

But, despite a few shows here and here, the majority of artists that took up these spaces were white.

That was until La Cultura came around. Black musicians quickly found a home in the two-year-old venue. Aside from hosting Black-owned shops and food vendors, La Cultura holds open mics and gives a space for local artists to perform.

“I feel like I’m doing its purpose. I feel so much aligned with my purpose and my vision on why I created this space originally,” said Elyse Irvis, owner of La Cultura. “But, I can’t take credit for the idea, just part of the execution.”

The performances are curated by Raeshell “Shelly” Thompson, a local artist with too many talents to list. She started hosting the open mics in La Cultura last year and has since fallen in love with it.

“People pull up for this, people get excited for it,” she said. “It’s something that people can commit to, and it’s something that people want to do, which also makes me happy.”

Down for It

Thompson was familiar with hosting performers before it became her regular at La Cultura. Two years ago, she hosted an event at Little Amps with her crew of musicians. The event was so packed that people were spilling out on to State Street.

“Because there’s not a lot of space for us, it almost seems like when we do these events, it gets packed like that, because it’s like ‘Whoa, like, what’s going on?’” she said.

For Thompson, it felt like there was a shortage of spaces for these musicians, and she wanted to help fix that.

Her first order of business when she returned from Howard University was to host an open mic.

She got her chance when a friend who worked at H*MAC came up to her and said, “Hey, we got a show coming up, and we just lost a host. Would you be down to do that?”

She was, of course, down for it, and loved the event. She loved hosting so much that, shortly after, she reached out to La Cultura to hold her own event.

Now, Thompson has a full cast of regular performers. Some of the frequent artists include her best friend singer Monica Cooper, Nick Bryd, Chewdo Ju, Andu “Geniuz” Desbele and his group Naomi17, among others.

Even though the energy in the space is large, the performers still feel a level of intimacy in La Cultura.

When Desbele is on stage, the rapper looks into a crowd of familiar faces, all within an arm’s length, as they rap along with him. It feels like home.

“When you go there, it feels as if these are all your people,” Desbele said.

Connections

There are three rules of Thompson’s open mics. All artists need to introduce themselves, everyone shows respect, and lastly, make a friend.

Not only does Thompson want to give opportunities for these musicians, she wants to help build connections and friendships between them.

Building connections is especially important for Thompson. In January, a friend of hers who came to her open mics was killed during a string of shootings in Harrisburg. He was at her event right before he died.

“When I think about that situation, I mean, it’s a far reach, but he could have met somebody at this open mic that maybe he was out at lunch with instead of where he was when that happened, you know what I mean?” Thompson said.

So, bringing people together is especially important for her. The first 45 minutes of each event are carved out so people can get to know one another.

And it works.

“There’s a lot of people I’ve met there that, now, when I see them out or on Instagram… my mind connects them to [La Cultura],” Desbele said.

Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, Thompson is still working to connect Harrisburg Black artists—just virtually. At least once a month, Thompson opens up La Cultura just for the artists and livestreams their performances for viewers.

While it’s not quite the same as the live shows, Thompson and these artists are still bringing more recognition to Harrisburg’s Black art and business scene.

“[La Cultura] allows us to be the face of the operation, as a Black-owned business,” Desbele said. “Our face will be associated with this because we’re here, and they won’t take it. They won’t ride us out this time.”

For updates on La Cultura’s open mic events, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @LaCultura717. You can also find Thompson on Instagram @Shellyifyanasty. La Cultura is located on 214 Verbeke St., Harrisburg.

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