Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 31, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania and local officials cut the ribbon on Veteran’s Grove.

This week may have been shorter due to the holiday, but there was still plenty of news in Harrisburg. Find all of our local coverage, below, and make sure you snag a copy of our June issue of the magazine, which dropped this week.

Artist Julia Mallory cut the ribbon on her new studio and community gathering space, Ten Oh! Six, our online story reported. She plans to host creative workshops and classes, as well as featuring local artist’s work.

Broad Street Market board members and vendors are asking the community to help name the new temporary structure, our online story reported. Community members are invited to reflect on what the market means to them and submit a creative name for the tent, through June 22.

City Council member Crystal Davis announced that she would reconsider her previous vote rejecting the city’s selected construction manager for the Broad Street Market, our online story reported. Later, another member of council, Ralph Rodriguez shared the same sentiments in a press release.

Harrisburg City Council re-voted on its decision to reject the city’s chosen construction manager for the Broad Street Market and approved the contract, our online story reported. Many community members spoke publicly during the meeting, as well as several council members who still opposed the resolution, saying the selection process was unfair.

The Harrisburg School District proposed its 2024-25 budget of $211.7 million, our online story reported. The budget did not include a property tax increase.

High school students from Dauphin County Technical School, along with Brethren Housing Association, built a house for a family transitioning out of homelessness, our online story reported. The project not only helped students gain hands-on experience, but helped provide affordable housing in Uptown Harrisburg.

June events will be kicking off soon in the Harrisburg area. Find all of this month’s happenings, here.

Our publisher introduces the June issue of the magazine, highlighting the Juneteenth-focused cover image, the new Family Time section and the many summer fun stories, in his Publisher’s Note.

A puppet show theater, Imaginary Friends, opened in Strawberry Square in Harrisburg this week, our online story reported. The theater will host shows during the summer months.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes the best music, arts and food events happening in the Harrisburg area.

SusqueCycle, Harrisburg’s bike share program, replaced many of its bikes with new ones, our online story reported. The organization will donate its old bikes to local nonprofit Recycle Bicycle.

Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania cut the ribbon on its tiny home village, Veteran’s Grove, for homeless veterans, our online story reported. The project, which has been years in the making, features 15 tiny homes and a community center in south Harrisburg.

White House official, Tom Perez, director of intergovernmental affairs for President Joe Biden, visited Harrisburg this week to tour recently built affordable housing developments, our online story reported. While visiting, with Mayor Wanda Williams, he touted the federal government’s efforts to increase housing opportunities across the country.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 30, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: SoMa Fest!! Join us on Saturday – FREE! Worth noting: Also FREE – 31st Annual Shakespeare in the Park returns this weekend! Things on my agenda this weekend: I am returning from Pittsburgh (Noah Kahan), and SoMa Fest Saturday. Maybe St. Nicholas Picnic Sunday?

For your weekend planning

SoMa Fest is Saturday! See you there!
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Proudly PA! festival returns on June 8 to Fort Hunter Park (tap for promo code!)
June 21 | Juneteenth SoMa Block Party with YPOC and HYP | 3rd in the Burg
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

River Rockin’: HU Summer Concert Series returns to Riverfront Park with diverse headliners

May 30, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

Jenny Lewis. Photo by Bobbi Rich.

Can you hear that, on the water?

The faint chords of sound check, the aroma of fries and funnel cakes wafting up from the banks? The buzz of excitement, laughter? The splash of pontoon boats pulling up to shore?

The summer tradition of music at Riverfront Park is back this month for Harrisburgers, with some incredible acts planned for the main stage at the Harrisburg University Presents Summer Concert Series.

“Riverfront Park is, in my opinion, the most beautiful music venue in Pennsylvania,” said Frank Schofield, director of live entertainment and media services at Harrisburg University. “[It] has the trees, foliage, pontoon boats, open space, interactive tents, grazing, people, food trucks. Harrisburg University is really excited to continue presenting down there.”

Kicking off the concert series on Friday, June 21, is singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis, an iconic performer in her own right, who may also be recognized among fans of different alternative rock bands for her time in Rilo Kiley and The Postal Service. Days later, indie heroes Fleet Foxes will headline a concert on June 23, which Schofield says is close to selling out.

Psychedelic soul project Black Pumas hits the stage on July 25, thankfully reunited after a brief hiatus in 2022. The band’s 2023 album, “Chronicles of a Diamond,” is full of bangers. Check out “Ice Cream (Pay Phone)” and “Mrs. Postman” if you need proof of this claim.

On July 28, moody country crooner Orville Peck finally takes off his signature fringed mask while touring his freshly released, “Stampede: Vol. 1,” which includes collaborations with Willie Nelson and Elton John.

“[We’re] really proud of the different shows we have this year,” Schofield said.

A new feature this year is pit access, said Sara Bozich, who leads marketing for HU Presents and is the on-site field director.

Another new feature fans may have noticed were season passes that were available to purchase before the end of 2023 ahead of any headliner announcements for the summer season, and the HU Presents team hopes to bring that back again this fall.

Jenny Speaks

I was lucky enough to chat with the effervescent Jenny Lewis, who kicks off the HU Summer Series, on the phone a few weeks ago. Here are a few snippets from our conversation.

TheBurg: Can you tell me about the experiences and thought processes that were going on while you were creating “Joy’All?” It’s such a different and somewhat more contemplative, mellowed follow-up to “On the Line.” “Joy’All” and “The Voyager” feel like such sister albums, but so different from the mood on “On The Line.”

Jenny Lewis: The sentiment was started pre-pandemic. I wrote “Psychos” before the pandemic, and then I wrote “Puppy and a Truck” during lockdown, so there’s different moods throughout. “Essence of Life” was a true lockdown song, and then it became something else while in the studio working with Dave Cobb in Nashville. I’m a songwriter, so once the puzzle is complete, I go into the studio with different groups of musicians, and they bring their vibe and experiences to the songs.

TheBurg: Did you feel your own solo music was influenced by touring with The Postal Service again? How does it feel to play with them two decades later?

Jenny Lewis: Not at all. That happened after the record was done and had been out for a month or two. It is a crazy thing to do, to put out a record, and then tour something else. [In The Postal Service] we wear all white—these gorgeous Rodarte pieces, and I’m ethereal, angelic in the costuming. For “Joy’All,” I’m wearing these leather biker suits and just leaning into these really different versions of myself, and it’s a little [disorienting] to float back and forth. And then, I’m in this three-piece girl group, and our costuming is a little revolutionary, so embodying that world and that character is so fun.

TheBurg: I’m glad you brought up style, because you have such a specific sense of fashion and confidence in rocking pieces like the rainbow suit during “The Voyager” timeframe, and then things like the jumpsuits—how do you go about defining the look for these tours?

Jenny Lewis: Every season has a colorway that accompanies each album, so I sort of pick a direction with color and stick to it. It’s been red and black for “Joy’All”; everything was pink and blue for “On The Line.” Autumn De Wilde shot that cover in the rainbow suit for “The Voyager.” She had a friend who did that airbrush style, and we decided to do that for everything. The backdrop, my suit matched it, and I lived in that world. For “On the Line,” we wanted to do something more glam and body conscious. [It was] more sparkly, ’60s/early ’70s glam—big hair, long gowns.

[With “Joy’All”], it’s conversational. Coming out of the pandemic, I didn’t feel like making noise. I didn’t feel bombastic. Now, in my personal life, I’m wearing all orange and yellow, and I’m coming out of that with these bold colors and reverting to how I dressed when I was 13 or 14, listening to hip-hop. That’s who I am. At my core, I am this little b-girl from when I was 14, [so I’m] stepping into that version of myself and it’s feeling really good.

For more information about Harrisburg University Presents and the HU Summer Concert Series, visit www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu. The interview with Jenny Lewis was edited for length and clarity.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 24, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

LHACC executive director Gloria Vazquez Merrick and other local officials cut the ribbon on the new center.

We made it to a three-day weekend—that’s something to celebrate! The warm summer weather will make it the perfect time to enjoy the city. If you’re planning on heading to Artsfest, check out our story below for all the details, as well as all of our other reporting from this week.

Artsfest is back in Harrisburg this weekend, featuring artists, entertainment and food, our online story reported. The event will take place in Riverfront Park from Saturday through Monday.

Broad Street Market’s temporary structure opened this week, and the community came out in support, our online story reported. Eight vendors opened in the market, offering everything from produce to meat to sweets.

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman was appointed as superintendent of the Central Dauphin School District and will leave Harrisburg, our reporting found. Receiver Dr. Lori Suski said that the district would begin looking for a new superintendent.

Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its adoption and foster care program at an annual luncheon event, our online story reported. The organization hopes to inspire people to consider how they can support and advocate for children in need during the event.

The Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) cut the ribbon on its new building on Derry Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The new center will give the organization additional space to expand its programming.

The LGBT Center cut the ribbon on its new N. Front Street home in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The center will use the space to continue its community programming and support resources.

Local legislators issued a statement this week, saying that the Broad Street Market may lose potential state funding to support efforts to rebuild the fire-damaged brick building, our online story reported. Rep. Dave Madsen and Rep. Patty Kim both urged council to reconsider its rejection of the city’s selected construction manager, which may prolong the rebuild and delay funding.

Logos Academy in Harrisburg shared its plans to expand to include space for additional students and grades. Find out more about the changes they will make in the coming months, here.

The PA Open Air Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary, our magazine story reported. For years, the market has offered produce and handmade goods at the PA Farm Show complex.

Paxton Creek flooding issues in Harrisburg will be addressed through a multi-million-dollar project that was awarded state funding this week, our online story reported. U.S. Senator Bob Casey presented a $1.25 million grant to the city and Capital Region Water at a press conference.

PennDOT announced that it would begin its road safety improvement project on Derry Street in Harrisburg and surrounding municipalities. Find out more on the construction plans in our online story.

Sara Bozich has compiled all of the best events happening in Harrisburg in her Weekend Roundup.

Steven Williams, a Harrisburg author, recently released a new book in his mythological series, our online story reported. The author will host a discussion and book signing event at the Midtown Scholar on Friday.

Winnie Okello, a Harrisburg area resident, recently transitioned into a new role as the Park and Recreation Equity Program specialist for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, our magazine story reported. The job combines her passions for environmental work, program coordination, service and equity.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 23, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: SoMa Block Party series kicks off tonight! Broad Street Market’s “new structure” is open! Worth noting: HU Presents has Frank Turner at XL Live tonight; City of Harrisburg’s ArtsFest all weekend Things on my agenda this weekend: like, see above

For your weekend planning

The first SoMa Block Party of the season is TONIGHT! Rain or Shine! See you there!
A few tix left for Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls with Harrisburg University at XL Live
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Just announced: SoMa Fest (a mega block party) on June 1
Proudly PA! festival returns on June 8 to Fort Hunter Park
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- May SoMa Block Party
- HU Presents Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at XL Live
- Open Mic and Jam Night at The Abbey Bar
- Tribute to Charley Pride and Merle Haggard by Dion Pride (Charley’s son) and The Cramer Brothers at West Shore Theatre
- Matt Jameson at The Sturges Speakeasy
- Belmont & Can’t Swim w/ Capstan at Lovedrafts
- Adams-Ricci Farmers Market
- LEAF Project fundraiser at The Millworks
- Black Listed Poets open poetry sharing at HMAC
- Fulton Theatre presents a concert of The Secret Garden

Friday

- Steven Williams with Patty Kim: Skadi and the Geats
- The Jellybricks “Decked Out Live” at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
- HARRISBURG SENATORS VS AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (AA GUARDIANS)
- Emo Night w/ The Warped Band & 25TH Hour at Lovedrafts | Mechanicsburg, PA
- Nate Myers’ Big Band w/ Special Guest Mikey Junior Duo at The Englewood
- Open Stage presents What the Constitution Means To Me
- The Full Monty Musical at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Hay Fever at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2
- Ben Bailey “The Cash Cab Guy” Comedy Capitol Room at HMAC
- The Widdler at HMAC

Saturday

- Artsfest 2024
- HBGfest, Powered by HBG Flea
- HARRISBURG SENATORS VS AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (AA GUARDIANS)
- Jennifer Hartswick Band Live at The Abbey Bar
- START OF SUMMER DECADES PARTY W/ DJ Caraby at Harrisburg Comedy Zone
- Handles & Sampson. Presents A Salute to The DJs at XL Live
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour
- Open Stage presents What the Constitution Means To Me
- The Full Monty Musical at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Hay Fever at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Scott Tournet at hMAC

Sunday

- Artsfest 2024
- HBGfest, Powered by HBG Flea
- HARRISBURG SENATORS VS AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (AA GUARDIANS)
- at Bourbon Street
- Open Stage presents What the Constitution Means To Me
- The Full Monty Musical at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Hay Fever at Oyster Mill Playhouse

Monday | Memorial Day

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 17, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Ghost bikes were displayed at the Capitol to honor those killed while cycling.

Our reporting this week covered everything from Broad Street Market news to theater reviews to summer fun and community initiatives. Make sure you didn’t miss any of it, by catching up, below.

Bob’s Art Blog discussed 3rd in the Burg and the initiatives to bring new life to the monthly event. He spotlighted several galleries and exhibits that will be open on Friday.

The Broad Street Market rebuild may be delayed by several months, as Harrisburg City Council this week rejected the city’s selected construction manager for the project, our reporting found. Council members shared that they felt the selection process was inequitable.

Cyclists killed while riding in Pa. were honored this week with a special Ride of Silence in Harrisburg and a bike display at the state Capitol, our online story reported.

Dauphin County honored several law enforcement officials and community leaders at a ceremony this week, our online story reported. Awardees were recognized for acts of bravery and service.

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman announced that he may leave his position, our online story reported. Turman shared that he is the finalist to be the superintendent of the Central Dauphin School District.

Homeowners in Harrisburg can apply for city assistance with essential home repairs, our online story reported. The city will use $5 million of its federal COVID-relief funds to help lower-income and elderly residents.

Moviate Film Festival will return to Harrisburg’s Midtown Cinema this weekend, our online story reported. The fest will highlight avant-garde and documentary films.

Open Stage’s “What the Constitution Means to Me,” will inspire, challenge you and leave you with much to talk about after the show. Click here to read our review.

Our publisher called on Harrisburg City Council to reconsider its decision to reject the city’s selected construction manager for the Broad Street Market, in an editorial. The decision, he said, will delay the market restoration process, hurting the community and vendors.

The Pride of the Susquehanna will remain docked for the next several weeks, delaying the start of its 2024 sailing season, our online story reported. The riverboat is in need of an essential repair to comply with safety regulations.

Sara Bozich has found all the best Harrisburg area events to spice up your weekend and listed them, here.

SoMa block parties will return to downtown Harrisburg for the summer, starting in May, our online story reported. Additionally, SoMa Fest will take place in June, featuring wine, beer and spirits.

Volunteers worked on Monday to clean up a portion of the Camp Curtin neighborhood, our online story reported. The community members hoped that their efforts would deter crime and blight in the area, which has seen an uptick in both.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

SoMa Fest, summer block parties return to Harrisburg with drinks, live music, games

May 16, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

SoMa Fest 2023

As the summer season rolls in, Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood will get the party started.

Monthly SoMa block parties will kick off in May with music, food and games, with a special SoMa Fest planned for Saturday, June 1, featuring all things beer and wine.

The first SoMa block party will take place on May 23, with block parties scheduled for the last Thursday of each month from May to September, each running from 6 to 10 p.m. on S. 3rd Street, between Market and Chestnut streets downtown.

A special event, SoMa Fest, highlighting beer, wine and spirits and organized by Harristown Enterprises and Sara Bozich Events, will take place on June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Bozich is excited to host SoMa Fest on a Saturday afternoon, in addition to the Thursday evening block parties, expanding accessibility for attendees, she said.

She also looks forward to the opportunity to showcase SoMa, which has undergone recent upgrades such as sidewalk enhancements.

“It has been very successful in drawing people down to come and adore this little neighborhood in downtown Harrisburg,” Bozich said. “SoMa has a lot of character and life.”

Due to rain at SoMa Fest in April last year, the event was moved to May this year with hopes for better weather, Bozich explained.

The festival will feature live music from Devix, who was featured on the TV show The Voice, and local pop music group Oversoon.

Participants also can enjoy activities such as yard games, a photo booth and a pinball lounge inside the former Bricco restaurant space.

Entry to all block parties is free and open to the public, including pets. Food and drinks follow a “pay-as-you-go” policy, Bozich said.

For more information on the SoMa Block Party Series, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 16, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Cigar, Beverage, & Food Fest on Saturday benefiting Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services Worth noting: Plein Air Art Walk Saturday in Camp Hill; 3rd in the Burg Friday; PA Greek Fest returns Things on my agenda this weekend: Celebrating Harristown’s 50th tonight; 3rd in the Burg + dinner with friends Fri; Plein Air Art Walk Saturday; like, nothing on Sunday

For your weekend planning

Plein Air Art Walk is one of my favorite Camp Hill events – it’s on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know.
Lexi reviewed Hay Fever, now running at Oyster Mill Playhouse
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.