Tag Archives: Whitaker Center

E-sports organization selects Harrisburg as host city for 2019 convention

February 14, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

HU President Eric Darr speaks during today’s press conference announcing the 2019 NACE convention.

First, Harrisburg got an e-sports team; now it’s getting an e-sports convention.

This summer, the city will host the 2019 National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Conference, a three-day gathering that will attract 300 to 400 university-level administrators, directors, coaches and others associated with the quickly growing field of e-sports.

At a press conference today at Whitaker Center, NACE Executive Director Michael Brooks said that Harrisburg was selected from more than 100 applicants to be the host city.

“Harrisburg University’s exceptional e-sports program and state-of-the-art facilities made Harrisburg a natural fit,” he said. “The city and surrounding community have been unwavering in their support of e-sports with HU really leading the charge.”

The conference, which takes place, July 17-19, will tackle a variety of subject areas related to e-sports, such as facilities, capabilities, scholarships and legislation, Brooks said. Events will take place primarily at Harrisburg University and at Whitaker Center, which houses the practice and competition areas for HU’s e-sports team, the Storm.

“You’re seeing Harrisburg emerge as a hub for e-sports,” said HU President Eric Darr. “This doesn’t happen without community support and community engagement.”

At 130,000 square feet in total, HU and Whitaker Center have the largest e-sports venue in North America, said Ted Black, Whitaker Center’s executive director.

“This facility doesn’t exist anywhere else in North America,” he said

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that all the players—the city, Dauphin County, HU and Whitaker Center—worked hard to bring the convention to Harrisburg.

“They’re coming here because of our parks . . . because of our facilities, because of our restaurants,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to hosting the convention this summer.”

Last year, the convention was held in Atlanta.

At the press conference today, Darr added that HU plans to host the second annual Harrisburg University Esports Festival later this year. Last year, the inaugural HUE Fest featured a weekend of e-sports tournaments, a block party and a day of music.

Musical Notes: A Musical Valentine

January 31, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

Well, readers, I hope you’ve made the best of your new year so far. As always, the city is hopping with new shows and events for y’all to enjoy.

The Millennium Music Conference and Showcase returns for its 23rd year at The Park Inn by Radisson Harrisburg West, with shows throughout the area, bringing many talented acts along with it. The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra kicks off its February Masterworks series at the Forum. There are even a few free shows going on around the city if you’re still a bit short on cash from the holidays. There’s something for everyone, and it’s my hope that you try something new this year.

HARRISBURG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MASTERWORKS, 2/9-10, THE FORUM, $19-$89
Orchestral and symphonic music holds a special place in my heart, and, for all classical music fans around town, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra has quite the concert planned this month. As part of its Masterworks Series, the HSO features a seasonal tribute to the great outdoors with the works of three iconic composers: Alan Hovhaness (“Mysterious Mountain”), Aaron Copland (“Appalachian Spring”) and Richard Strauss (“Alpine Symphony”). Performed together for a night of musical mountains and alpine imagery, the concert centers on Hovhaness’s work. His music rises and falls like a mountain’s snowy cliffs, and the sublime beauty of the landscape can be felt within its movements. With Copland and Strauss’s popular, nature-inspired scores, this unforgettable performance is sure to warm your heart during this cold season.

KURT VILE, 2/11, 9PM, CLUB XL, $30
If you really want to start out the year strong, swing by Harrisburg’s hot new venue for one of the most popular artists on tour in America. Kurt Vile and his backing band, the Violators, kick off Harrisburg University’s spring concert lineup. Vile is known for his solo works, his “Lotta Sea Lice” collaboration with Australian singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett, and for his guitar work for the band, The War on Drugs. The Violators’ current lineup features Jesse Trbovich on bass, guitar and saxophone, Rob Laakso on guitar and bass, and Kyle Spence on drums. Vile’s latest album, “Bottle It In,” was released in October and is definitely worth a listen before hitting the club. Don’t miss this one!

BAD MARY, 2/23, 8PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, FREE
If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s female-fronted punk groups in Harrisburg. Joining us from Long Island, Bad Mary is led by Amanda Mac on vocals, Mike Staub on bass and vocals, Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar. Drawing influences from the ‘70s punk scene in New York City, their high-energy sound is meant to be fun and dance-y, perfect for a night out at River City. This show is free as part of the Millennium Music Conference 2019 lineup, and joining them for the night are locals the Twindows, Single by Sunday all the way from Glasgow, Scotland, Nothing Planned from Shippensburg, Some Day Perfect from Middletown, and Ed Allison from York. A perfect combo of punk from near and far, so get your fix this February.

Mentionables:

Green Jello, Feb. 2, H*MAC Stage on Herr;

Houndmouth, Feb. 15, Whitaker Center;

Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, Feb. 15, The Abbey Bar;

Pretty Things Peepshow, Feb. 15, H*MAC Capitol Room;

23rd Annual Millennium Music Conference & Showcase, Feb. 21-24, Various Venues;

Keller Williams, Feb. 22, Club XL

Harrisburg U takes prime space in Whitaker Center for new student center

January 22, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg

Harrisburg University is spreading out once again, this time expanding into space in Whitaker Center for a new student center.

Beginning Feb. 1, HU will lease about 7,000 square feet of space on the top floor, arcade level of the Harsco Science Center, now occupied by KidsPlace, a longstanding activity and exhibit area for children.

“Harrisburg University for Science and Technology is growing rapidly, having already established itself both locally and internationally as a first class STEM University,” said HU President Eric Darr, in a statement. “It is only fitting that we would partner with Whitaker Center to provide our students with first class space in an outstanding STEM setting for them to gather and further their learning.”

HU plans to open its student center following a full renovation of the space, which will be funded by the university. It has essentially run out of room at its main academic building on Market Street.

HU’s new student center will take up about 5 percent of Whitaker Center, which totals about 130,000 square feet. HU also leases space in the basement of Whitaker Center for its e-sports program and sometimes uses Whitaker theaters for e-sports tournaments.

Whitaker Center debuted as an arts and science venue in downtown Harrisburg in 1999.

Current exhibits on the arcade level will be moved to locations throughout the science center, according to Whitaker Center. To facilitate the move, KidsPlace will close entirely from Jan. 28 to 31.

For the past few years, HU has taken up increasing amounts of space downtown. Several old office buildings have been renovated for student housing and, in 2017, HU purchased office space at 225 Market St. from Whitaker Center. Then, last year, it bought land at the corner of S. 3^rd and Chestnut streets for a new, 19-story academic tower and hotel.

For its part, Whitaker Center said it plans to reimagine the science center, seeking to better use the space and bring in new exhibits. It also hopes to expose more young people to the facility.

“For 20 years, Whitaker Center has been a cultural resource for the Harrisburg region, and collaborating with Harrisburg University builds on our core mission as a community hub for learning and creativity,” said CEO Ted Black. “This lease arrangement gives us an opportunity to attract the next generation of young professionals who will help shape the community, giving these young minds a first-hand understanding of the critical role the center plays in our community’s cultural enrichment.”

Musical Notes: New Year, New Tunes

December 28, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

We’ve made it to 2019, everyone!

It’s time to move past the setbacks and outdated habits of last year and make way for our better selves in a new year. As usual, I’ll be giving you my best picks from Harrisburg’s growing music scene. Hopefully this month, you will take some of my advice and support musicians and artists here in the city. Make it a resolution to get out more to benefit both yourself and the art community here. I wish you all a very happy new year, and I hope you make the best of it!

ABSOLUTELY FREAKED! A ROCK SHOW OF ZAPPA’S EARLY WORKS, 1/10-13, 7:30PM, OPEN STAGE OF HARRISBURG, $25-35
This is going to be one heck of a local live performance that you don’t wanna miss out on. Absolutely Freaked! is an experiential rock concert performed by local talents from Open Stage and arranged and directed by Joseph Osborne and Chris Gibson. This show got the thumbs up from the Zappa estate and covers his works from 1966 to 1972, including some of his hit songs like “Plastic People” and “Who Are The Brain Police?” If you’ve always wanted to get into Zappa and never had a good reason, your time has come. If you’re a longtime fan looking got a night out, this one’s for you, too.

LETTUCE, 1/22, 7:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $38.50-43.50
It’s time to get funky with some Lettuce. And no, I’m not talking about romaine. This funkadelic band is bringing you a fresh take on some classic funk sounds at the Sunoco Performance Theatre in Whitaker Center. Hear samples of their latest EP, “Mt. Crushmore,” and rock along to tracks like “The Love You Left Behind.” Included in the ticket price is a $1 donation to HeadCount, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization “dedicated to voter registration and inspiring participation in democracy through the power of music.” Support a good cause and get down with your bad self at the same time.

GOOD IN THE DARK, 1/25, 7PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $5
A local band is celebrating a birthday, and what better way to do it than with music? Heather Perry of Harrisburg’s own Good in the Dark is putting on a special bday show at The Underground Bike Shop. This pop/punk/disco/dance band will blow you away with their heavy and groovy sounds. I first saw them at the Underground awhile ago for a Halloween cover show, and they really knocked me over when they closed out the evening strong with a Pixies set. They’re joined by Dear Forbidden from Philly and Northern Gloom from here in the Burg for a perfect taste of the local scene. Grab a six pack and take a walk to Olde Uptown to see some of our town’s very best.

Mentionables:

U.S. Bombs & Total Chaos, Jan. 3, Club XL;

Martin Sexton, Jan. 5, H*MAC Capitol Room;

Litz, Jan. 5, The Abbey Bar;

Lexa Terrestrial, Jan. 5, H*MAC Stage on Herr;

Driftwood, Jan. 18, The Abbey Bar;
Appetite for Destruction, Jan. 19, Club XL;

Jarrad Briggs & The Jayplayers, Jan. 26, River City Blues Club;

Cognitive, Jan. 27, J.B. Lovedraft’s

Musical Notes: Big Names, Little City

November 30, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

It’s almost time to bid adieu to 2018. The past year in local music has been a wild ride. But there’s still a bit more to be had before that classic final song of the year—“Auld Lang Syne.”

We’ve got some pretty big shows on deck that might make for a great holiday event. If you’re not into buying gifts, make memories and experience some talented artists at the same time. If you want to support Toys for Tots, there are two opportunities, one sponsored by The River 97.3 on Dec. 1 and the other by BOB 94.9 on Dec. 7, both at Club XL. If you’re short on cash, an unwrapped toy will gain you entry and help with donations.

A few weeks later, local legends Yam Yam and friends Ex Mag will play at Club XL for a killer way to ring in the new year. Holiday-themed shows are featured this month, and talented local musicians are in the mix, as usual, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy holidays to all and to all a good night out!

DAVID CROSBY, 12/2, 7:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $60-90
I almost didn’t believe my eyes when I saw this show on Whitaker Center’s website. Certain musicians make a connection with me from my childhood, and David Crosby is one of them. When I was in high school and just discovering his music, little did I know of his extensive career (and two-time Hall of Famer status), starting with The Byrds in 1964. He went on to meet Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, later forming the group known as Crosby, Stills & Nash. Neil Young joined in 1969, and the classic album, “Déjà Vu,” followed shortly afterwards. Crosby released his first solo album in 1971 and has been playing in groups on and off since. Today, he continues his solo performances as he makes his way to Harrisburg on his “Sky Trails” tour. Performing music from his 2017 album of the same name, Crosby also will bring his classic sounds to Harrisburg, so don’t miss out on this legend.

DON MCLEAN, 12/8, 7:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $39-57
It’s time for a soulful rendition of everyone’s favorite bar song to celebrate Don McLean performing in Harrisburg early in the month. McLean is known for his 1971 hit song “American Pie,” and, fun fact, in March 2017, the song was honored as an “aural treasure” by the Library of Congress, “worthy of preservation” in the National Recording Registry. The iconic lyricism and ties to the tragic deaths of artists such as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson lend to the song’s popularity, subsequently making its mark on American music history. Catch some of his lesser known works during the show, as well, and get to know the folk rocker behind the legend.

THE LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE, 12/9, 8PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $15-20
December just keeps rolling out the mellow music, and we close this column with an upcoming performance by Larry Keel. That’s his name, and acoustic flatpicking is his game. His West Virginian sensibilities and bluegrass approach earned him a place among acoustic and jam artists, performing and respected among acts such as Keller Williams, Steve Martin, Little Feat and Greensky Bluegrass. Keel has released 15 albums throughout his career and shows no signs of slowing down. His core band, “The Larry Keel Experience,” features the award-winning Jared Pool on vocals and mandolin and his wife Jennie Keel on bass and vocal harmonies. Joining them for the evening are Horseshoes and Hand Grenades and the Jon Stickley Trio. Bluegrass is coming, and you’d best be ready.

Mentionables

Project/Object, Dec. 1, The Abbey Bar
Willie Jack and the Northern Light, Dec. 7, The Abbey Bar
Rev. Horton’s Holiday Hayride, Dec. 13, Club XL
A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas, Dec. 14, Open Stage of Harrisburg
Felix Black, Dec. 18, Little Amps Downtown
Yam Yam & Ex Mag, Dec. 31, Club XL

November News Digest

November 30, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

2-Way 2nd Street Debated

More than 100 residents attended a public meeting last month to learn how a proposal to return N. 2nd Street to two-way traffic will affect infrastructure and traffic flow across the city.

The $6 million project already has grant funding from Impact Harrisburg and PennDOT. Preliminary plans call for changing traffic flow over a two-mile stretch of 2nd Street north of Forster Street, leaving its three northbound lanes in downtown Harrisburg intact.

As residents learned at the meeting, 2nd Street was originally built as a two-way road. Harrisburg officials converted it to a one-way, three-lane mini-highway in the 1950s to accommodate commuter traffic.

The meeting addressed two major questions:

Where will displaced commuter traffic go after the conversion?
What’s the best use for the extra space that will result from eliminating a traffic lane?

Planners and engineers expect much of the evening commuter traffic on 2nd Street to flow north on 3rd Street instead, said Adam Vest, associate engineer at the planning firm Kittelson & Associates. Other cars will go to 6th and 7th streets.

Overall, engineers expect that 70 percent of traffic between 4 and 5 p.m. on weekdays will be diverted to other roads. About 1,400 cars travel down 2nd Street during rush hour each day.

Outside of those five hours each week, however, the traffic volume on 2nd Street is usually low enough to travel in a single lane northbound lane without much displacement, Vest said.

Mike Hughes, who lives on the 2200 block of N. 2nd Street, wasn’t too worried about displacing commuter traffic.

“Ultimately, commuters are going to have to change routes, but they don’t live here or pay taxes here,” Hughes said.

Like many other residents at the meeting, Hughes was more concerned about reducing vehicle speeds along 2nd Street.

Traffic study data show that vehicle speeds on N. 2nd Street increase as cars travel north out of the city. Cars approaching Verbeke Street travel an average of 33 miles per hour—already well over the 25-mile per hour speed limit. That speed rises to 35 miles per hour as cars approach Maclay Street and hits 38 miles per hour just south of Schuykill Street.

Over the course of the two-week study, 93 percent of drivers exceeded the 25-mile per hour speed limit, Vest said.

“With those speeds, nobody wants to be on 2nd Street,” he said. “We’re trying to make a street people want to be on.”

During an hour-long breakout session, residents debated the merits of bike lanes, angled parking, traffic circles and sidewalk expansions—all options on the table for a two-way 2nd Street.

Trimicka Crump-Joseph runs an after-school theater program for youth at 2nd and Reily streets. She said that vehicle speeds endanger children walking or being dropped off at class.

“I need traffic to slow down because right now, I’m only zoned for 10 children,” Crump-Joseph said. “I could have more, but want it to be safe for kids to walk or get dropped off.”

New Pavilion at Italian Lake

Last summer, inclement weather forced the cancellation of numerous outdoor concerts at Italian Lake.

City officials and local activists expect a better outcome in 2019, as last month they unveiled a new pavilion that shields the park’s stage from the elements.

“This is a tremendous improvement to the value of Italian Lake,” said Jeb Stuart, a board member of the Harrisburg Parks Foundation. “Now, we’ll be able to make more events happen here.”

The foundation was one of several groups to contribute money for the $36,800 project. First National Bank (FNB) donated the bulk, with a $25,000 contribution. The foundation, the city and a group of business people led by activist Mike Trephan filled in the remaining funding gap. Kennett Square-based Recreation Resource USA built the pavilion.

The 90-year-old, 9.5-acre manicured park in Uptown Harrisburg has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years.

Several years ago, the ornate fountains were restored, and the community group Friends of Italian Lake introduced several swans into the lake during the warm weather. In 2015, Harrisburg Young Professionals spearheaded a renewed summer concert series, which had been suspended for several years.

Community activist Peggy Grove said that Friends of Italian Lake would like to raise another $5,000 to finish the project, which would include an overhead fan, an improved sound system and the refinishing of the concrete stage.

“I’m just so glad that this pavilion has been built,” she said. “Now, people can perform despite the rain.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that the city would like to see additional improvements to the park, such as the rehabilitation of the bench seating and the restoration and reopening of the restrooms.

“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a greater upgrade of the park,” he said.

HU Buys Land for High-Rise

Harrisburg University has completed the purchase of four parcels of land in downtown Harrisburg, bringing it a step closer to starting construction of a new academic tower and hotel.

In mid-October, HU bought 24, 26 and 28 S. 3rd St., as well as 222 Chestnut St., for a total of almost $3.2 million, according to Dauphin County property records. As the new landowner, the university soon will begin going through the city’s planning and zoning processes, said HU President Eric Darr.

If all goes according to schedule, HU expects to begin clearing the site, which includes demolishing three small, 19th-century-era buildings, in late spring, and initiate actual construction in the early summer.

Darr said that he expects a two-year construction timeframe for the building, now projected to be 19 stories tall, with completion expected in the summer of 2021. Originally, the university had planned for the building to rise more than 30 stories, but the size was scaled back due to higher-than-anticipated costs.

“The cost of the project exceeded what we felt comfortable with,” Darr said.

As now envisioned, the 280,000-square-foot building will have two main components. An academic portion will house HU’s health sciences programs, as well as several other disciplines, including advanced manufacturing and interactive media. An on-site boutique hotel will include 190 rooms, Darr said.

HU, Darr said, is currently “in negotiation” with its hotel partner, which will operate the hotel privately. He added that he’s confident that Harrisburg easily can absorb a new hotel, as, already, the university attracts a large population of visiting students, who often must stay in hotels outside the city.

The original project plan included space for student housing, which, Darr said, remains a critical need. However, HU now expects to convert some underused downtown buildings to housing, which would be a less expensive alternative.

“We’re evaluating other properties close to us to retrofit for student housing,” Darr said.

The revised plan also eliminated parking from the project, which, Darr said, shouldn’t be an issue as the site is near several parking garages. The plan also calls for a first-floor restaurant.

Demotion Affirmed

The Harrisburg school board voted unanimously last month to affirm a previous decision to demote a former business manager, months after a county judge ordered it to reconsider its action.

At a special meeting, board members voted 7-0 to approve an adjudication document defending the district’s demotion of Kenneth Medina, a business manager who was reassigned with a pay cut following allegations of professional misconduct.

The document adds greater detail to the charges and evidence brought against Medina last year, according to district Solicitor Samuel Cooper, and satisfies an August order from a Common Pleas judge that the district reconsider his case.

Medina was hired as the district’s business manager in April 2016 at a salary of $120,000. He was reassigned to a grants manager role at a salary of $60,000 last year, after Harrisburg Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney placed him on administrative leave due to allegations of professional misconduct.

According to Knight-Burney, Medina had failed to notify the district of a vehicle loss, submitted budgets to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) with incorrect figures, failed to schedule building inspections at John Harris High School, and failed to make arrangements for mail service at district properties.

Medina denied those allegations. He said that his reassignment came after he started raising questions about consultant contracts and other practices in the district’s long-troubled business office.

But when the district held a due process hearing in August 2017, a hearing examiner prepared a report concluding that the allegations against Medina were credible. The board voted to adopt the examiner’s recommendations, leading to Medina’s reassignment and salary cut.

Medina filed a complaint with the Court of Common Pleas, leading Judge John Cherry to order the school board to hear Medina’s case.

Last month, Cooper said the district fulfilled the court’s mandate by preparing a more detailed written decision justifying Medina’s reassignment.

The district has shared that adjudication with board members, who reviewed it before the vote. According to Cooper, a vote to approve the document “ratifies the actions the board had previously taken.”

Project Planned for Steelton

A major mixed-use development has been announced for Steelton, a project that envisions a restaurant, a grocery and apartments.

Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners announced last month “The Steel Works,” which would include a brewpub, a 20,000-square-foot supermarket and more than 75 apartments. Five buildings would span 102-230 N. Front St., in the heart of the borough.

IDP bought the land earlier this year for $375,000 from the Steelton Economic Development Corp. after a prior developer failed to get financing for its project.

IDP expects to break ground in late 2019 or early 2020, with construction expected to take 24 to 36 months.

So Noted

Friends of Midtown Community Dog Park officially opened in late October, marking the first public dog park in Harrisburg. The park, at N. 7th and Granite streets, will operate for at least two years under an agreement with the landowner, Vartan Group.

Harrisburg University last month unveiled new training and competition space for its e-sports team, The Storm, inside Whitaker Center. When combined with Whitaker Center’s two theaters, HU now has the largest e-sports campus in North America, according to the university.

Jackson Hotel, a historic Harrisburg property, last month got a new owner, who vowed to restore the dilapidated, circa-1884 building. Developer Matt Long purchased the N. 6th Street building, which once served as a rooming house and a hotel for African-American patrons denied service in the city’s whites-only hotels.

Michael Knill was named last month as the new athletic director for Central Penn College. A graduate of the college’s physical therapist assistant program, Knill previously served as athletic director of the Susquehanna Township school district and as an assistant football coach for Red Land High School.

Rep. Patty Kim last month won re-election to the state Assembly representing Pennsylvania’s 103rd legislative district, defeating Republican challenger Anthony Harrell by a margin of 15,393 to 2,933 votes, respectively. In the closely watched race for the 10th congressional district, Republican incumbent Scott Perry beat back a tough challenge from Democrat George Scott by a margin of 148,790 to 140,956 votes, respectively.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2435: S. Padrilla & M. Serrano to I. & K. Mita, $54,000

Adrian St., 2459: B. Rotta to A. Sloane, $70,000

Barkley Lane, 2511: K. Clement to R. & B. Martinez, $76,000

Boas St., 256: First Evangelical United to C. & R. Herr, $50,000

Briggs St., 1942: Jeremiah Property Holdings LLC to S. Dolph, $122,500

Brookwood St., 2408: Citizens Bank NA to M. Cedeno, $53,000

Brookwood St., 2466: PA Deal LLC to V. Sanghani, $65,900

Capitol St., 1220: C. Sullivan to M. Olds, $137,500

Chestnut St., 222: Musalair Trust to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology & D. Maun, $2,450,000

Derry St., 1252, 1254, 1312, 1330, 1629, 1631, 1633; 1333 Vernon St.: McFarland LP to A. Himalaya PA Properties LLC, $561,428

Derry St., 2401: M. Wijaya & I. Lim to S. & M. Mejia, $30,000

Derry St., 2514: H. Alcantara to Portal Enterprises Inc., $50,000

Green St., 1104: N. Hench to W. Eltringham, $203,171

Green St., 1310: M. Corbett to Panda Real Estate LLC, $76,000

Green St., 1324: W. Davis to A. Miller, $115,000

Green St., 1523: CJ MF Invest 1 LLC to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $110,000

Green St., 2338: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to E. Chattah, $32,000

Greenwood St., 2124: G. Leo to A. Dascani & D. Colbert, $30,000

Greenwood St., 2600: Q. Long to A. Beck, $84,000

Hale Ave., 412: T. Tran to G. Romain, $69,900

Hale Ave., 435: E. Pereira to I. Yolov, $57,000

Herr St., 131: S. McGovern to J. Noonan, $122,000

Hudson St., 1131: A. Stephens to R9 Holdings LLC, $47,350

Hudson St., 1216: N. Brofee to R. Mesariac, $99,900

Industrial Rd., 4050, 4100: 283 Associates to Sygma Network Inc., $4,025,500

Kelker St., 222: J. & J. Corey to B. & A. Ennist, $154,000

Kensington St., 2417: P. & D. Bang to L. Upshur, $67,000

Kensington St., 2431: T. Dieu to K. McClaire, $67,500

Maclay St., 423: L. Ware Jr. to Tyrone Peoples, $80,000

Maclay St., 427: S. & T. House to S. Kelly, $60,000

Market St., 1847: 1847 Market St. to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $45,000

Market St., 1845, 1849: Nish Properties LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $85,000

Muench St., 234: WCI Partners LP to A. Fortune, $115,000

North St., 208: Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation to K. MacNett, $112,000

N. 2^nd St., 618: Chattah Family Trust to Qiu Zhen 618 LLC, $313,000

N. 2^nd St., 3218: D. Henry to K. Prestia, $114,900

N. 3^rd St., 1700: PA Deals LLC to E. Shelly, $126,900

N. 3^rd St., 2014: R. Heath to S. & C. Payson, $213,550

N. 3^rd St., 2200: J. & M. Cross to D. McCoy, $70,000

N. 4^th St., 1320: Sapanvi LLC to Harrisburg Home Investment LLC, $30,000

N. 4^th St., 3229: E. & K. Mundy to Willowscott Investments LLC, $46,000

N. 5^th St., 2743: Investment Specialists LLC to S. Salleb & M. Aziz, $52,000

N. 6^th St., 2400: Resting Place to Sent Ones Inc., $39,000

N. 6^th St., 2401: Investment Specialists LLC to Marl Investments LLC, $175,000

N. 6^th St., 2937: S. Driscoll to KMM Development LLC, $59,000

N. 6^th St., 3113: S. Householder to F. Pizzoli, $54,100

N. 6^th St., 3149: Asset Management Services LLC to A. Salame, $32,000

N. 14^th St., 1330: D. Lopes & J. Wright to T. Stokes, #137,000

N. 18^th St., 57: MSP Associates Inc. to KS Homes of PA LLC, $50,000

N. Cameron St., 10, 22: K. & I. Newkam to Great Scott Productions LLC, $470,000

N. Cameron St., 1217: San Pef Inc. & P. Peffley to CDG United Investments LLC, $1,065,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 612: J. Eirkson to M. & N. Hameed, $181,000

Penn St., 1502: H. Lord to A. Fortune, $110,000

Penn St., 1724: T. Howarth to K. Mohn, $108,000

Penn St., 1802: G. Link to M. & C. Freeman, $74,000

Penn St., 1935: WCI Partners to R. Solano, $134,900

Pennwood Rd., 3139: L. Ciambotti to A. & M. Burnett, $126,900

Pennwood Rd., 3143: T. Marhon to E. Cortes & E. Roman, $117,000

Regina St., 1611: J. & F. Burgos to I. Bakare, $35,000

Reily St., 213: P. Donahue & P. Chaves to E. Brantner, $111,000

Reily St., 253: R. & A. Gallagher to R. Wodele, $112,500

Rolleston St., 1020: E Street Properties LLC to DHS Team LLC, $49,900

Rudy Rd., 2245: M. Saluhdin & P. Williams to E. Brown, $155,000

Rudy Rd., 2258: K. Hoffman to M. Brossman, $151,350

Schuylkill St., 664: MSP Associates Inc. to KS Homes of PA LLC, $32,500

Showers St., 608: D. Wiedemer to R. & W. Fellinger, $155,000

Shoop St., 1443: S. Khan to K. Nashed & R. Mahrous, $40,000

S. 3^rd St., 24, 26, 28: Dauphin Land Co. to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology & D. Maun, $730,062

S. 13^th St., 225, 229; 1408 Vernon St.; 1627 Derry St.: Woodlayne Court LP to A. Himalaya PA Properties LLC, $1,110,000

S. 14^th St., 1449: B. Price Jr. to City of Harrisburg, $54,500

S. 17^th St., 424: Yovany LLC & Rivas Property Investments LLC to R. Feliz, $49,500

S. 17^th St., 831: Crist Holdings LLC to S&P Property Holdings LLC, $140,000

S. 18^th St., 1100: J. Edrington to S. Savage, $85,000

S. 25^th St., 604: M. Clea to I. Yolov, $57,000

S. 25^th St., 620: D. Staub to C. Grant & M. Rinaldi, $55,000

State St., 1510: TW Property Management & Rentals LLC to J. Ansell, $43,500

State St., 2007: Deuce & Mike Properties LLC to Ephraim Slaughter American Legion Post 733, $585,000

Susquehanna St., 3115: K. & M. Baum to A. & J. Mazer, $109,000

Swatara St., 2006: K. & F. Yocum to A. Shah, $38,000

Swatara St., 2040: Crist Holdings LLC to J. Crawford, $47,000

Zarker St., 1917: DC Investments LLC to C. & N. Carr, $39,900

Harrisburg property sales for October 2018, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

With new training facility, HU unveils largest e-sports campus in North America

November 8, 2018 | by Lizzy Hardison

A portion of Harrisburg University’s new e-sports training facility inside Whitaker Center.

Harrisburg University cut the ribbon today on its new e-sports training facility, a practice and competition space that officials say makes HU’s e-sports campus the largest in North America.

The renovated basement space at Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg will serve as the official practice home of the HU Storm, the university’s 16-member varsity e-sports team.

It’s the university’s latest investment in its e-sports program, in which student athletes compete in popular video games such as “League of Legends” and “Overwatch.”

The training facility expands the university’s total e-sports campus to more than 175,000 square feet. The campus also includes the Whitaker Center’s two theaters, which can seat more than 700 spectators for live competitions.

The next-largest e-sports facility in North America is in Arlington, Texas, according to Whitaker Center president and CEO Ted Black.

With the competitive gaming industry growing across the globe, university officials and local leaders hope Harrisburg will become the e-sports hub in the northeast.

“With cities like New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., surrounding us, we are a great central location for gamers, fans and e-sports influencers,” said Harrisburg University President Eric Darr.

The HU Storm will use the state-of-the art facility for practice and scrimmage matches. University officials also hope the training space will draw hundreds of spectators and players for large competitions.

Harrisburg University partnered with local companies and e-sports industry leaders to outfit the basement space with cutting-edge equipment. HP Omen contributed 30 gaming computers with 24-inch monitors and graphic cards. Ergonomic gaming chairs will help players stay comfortable and focused.

The focal point of the room is a 17-screen video wall where players can project live-streamed games. The facility is also segmented into competition, practice and teaching spaces.

Chad Smeltz, who moved to Harrisburg from California to lead the university’s e-sports program, said the facility will help his players improve their craft and allow him to attract a strong talent pool.

“Having a space dedicated to practice and learning changes everything,” Smeltz said.

He and Darr are confident that the latest addition to Harrisburg’s e-sports campus will make it a global leader in the billion-dollar e-sports industry.

“We’d stack this facility up against any facility in the world,” Darr said.

Musical Notes: Fall Swingin’

October 31, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

Fall is in full swing, and Harrisburg keeps coming out with some real hits. But, before we get to this month’s killer music, I want to highlight a few events that fall outside the usual conception of music concert.

The HBG Flea moves their monthly market indoors starting this month, giving you an opportunity to fully experience the cultural melting pot that is Strawberry Square. Check out some live music and local artisans while you’re there, and be sure to snag some vinyl while you’ve got music on the brain. If you’ve missed the magic that is a live “Rocky Horror” show during Halloween, H*MAC’s got your back this month with their annual performances on Nov. 2 and 3 by the H*MAC Theatre Co. And if you didn’t know already, River City’s got a killer karaoke setup every Thursday night, every week. Perfect for a night out after work and a perfect opportunity to sing your lil’ heart out.

Sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of all that our city has to offer, but it’s my hope that y’all get out and support the businesses and people that help to grow the arts and music scene in the city. Show your local love and get some live shows in your life.

JOEY CALDERAZZO, 11/4, 3PM, WITF, $10-24
If you’re feeling kinda jazzy, Central PA Friends of Jazz has got one heck of a show for you. Joey Calderazzo performs at WITF for the final concert on their 38th season. Associated with his former bandmates Michael Brecker and Branford Marsalis, Calderazzo has made a name for himself, forming his own group and touring extensively. He started his classical studies at the age of 6, started playing the piano when he was 8, studied with Richard Beirach, continued his musical education, and been part of many groups in his lifetime of music. In 1998, the Branford Marsalis Quartet pianist Kenny Kirkland died. Assuming his place in the band, Calderazzo eventually went on to be one of the first musicians to sign with Marsalis Music. Today, he’s known as one of the best pianists in the jazz field. Be prepared to be dazzled as Calderazzo plays the 9-foot Steinway piano at WITF’s Public Media Center.

FRUIT BOOTS / NATURAL VELVET, 11/10, 8PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $5
Drag shows are something that drew me to the city in college. It’s a fun evening of free gender expression and empowerment that I feel everyone should experience at least once. Fortunately, this is the Sundae Best Variety Show’s all-ages edition of their “Fruit Boots” show, which is a perfect introduction to anyone wanting a bit of punk drag performance in their lives. Joining the stage with the Fruit Boots cast is Natural Velvet, Baltimore natives who are bringing some post-punk aggression to the Underground Bike Shop. The group is made up of bassist and vocalist Corynne Ostermann, drummer Greg Hatem, guitarist Spike Arreaga and guitarist Kim Te. Their album, “She is Me,” is a good place to start to get a taste of their style, and their cover of David Bowie’s “Boys Keep Swinging” is one of my favorites. Get your fruits, get your boots, and get ready to rock!

EXPLODED VIEW, 11/12, 7PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $15
My introduction to Exploded View was through their music video for their song, “Summer Came Early.” Not only was it visually striking from a film standpoint, but their dreamy sound really drew me in. In 2014, Anika, a British political journalist turned musician, formed a new collaboration after playing a few solo shows in Mexico. She and local producers Martin Thulin, Hugo Quezada and Amon Melgarejo cultivated a truly unique sound that they felt had to be captured. Believing in the power of improvisational and raw music, their unscripted album was recorded by capturing every sound produced in the room, first takes only. Head on over to The Abbey Bar to experience their true sound in person, the way music is meant to be heard.

Mentionables:

Allen Stone, Nov. 20, H*MAC Capitol Room
The Machine, Nov. 21, Whitaker Center
Yam Yam, Nov. 21, The Abbey Bar
Kix, Nov. 23, Club XL
Atreyu, Nov. 23, H*MAC Capitol Room
The Dirty Sweet, Nov. 24, The Abbey Bar
Toubab Krewe, Nov. 27, The Abbey Bar

It’s All in the Game: HUE Fest to rock downtown with e-sports, music.

August 31, 2018 | by Amy Black

Video games have become part of the American fabric. Even if you’re not a gamer yourself, you’ve likely watched someone play, maybe a friend, child or grandchild.

But watching a live, high-stakes tournament, with hundreds or thousands of screaming, cheering fans? That’s still a relatively new concept.

This month, Harrisburg University (HU) will join a nationwide trend by launching its collegiate e-sports program at the HUE Festival near its downtown campus.

The brainchild of HU President Eric Darr, the festival merges two of the nation’s largest entertainment industries: video gaming and music.

This is actually the third year that HU has sponsored a free fall music festival. But “nothing of this magnitude,” said Darr. HU will spend more than $500,000 on the festival, which is expected to draw upwards of 10,000 visitors, Darr said.

The festival will serve as a debut of sorts for the Storm, HU’s newly constituted team of varsity-level gamers. The Storm will compete against 32 e-sports teams from across the country, playing two of today’s hottest games, League of Legends and Overwatch, and vying for a $50,000 prize pool.

The action starts on Friday, Sept. 21, with early rounds taking place in HU classrooms, at no cost to spectators. Saturday’s ticketed semi- and final matches are at Whitaker Center’s Select Medical Digital Cinema and Sunoco Performance Theatre.

Whitaker Center Production Manager Brian Ariano has been tasked with preparing the venues for optimum viewing, both onsite and online. He’s been working with local marketing company JPL Creative to make the necessary enhancements.

“[The challenge] is finding a way to tie the two venues together and make them accessible to external audiences, especially the Sunoco Theatre, designed for live performances,” he said.

The festival’s music portion will take place on Saturday at a block party just outside of HU and Whitaker Center, at 4th and Market streets. The headliners will be two rock bands from California, Alien Ant Farm and Lit, as well as Atlas Genius, an alternative rock band from Australia. Joining them will be local bands the Great Enough and Skela. For the late-night crowd, there’s an after-party at Club XL featuring Toronto native DJ Whipped Cream.

Frank Schofield, a media executive with iHeart Media, which is handling the music portion along with ALT99.3, said that video games and music are a natural fit

“Video games always have a soundtrack, like movies and television shows,” he said. “Video games are just a different form of medium.”

The audio also provides players with cues and helps engage the audience. Schofield said that media outlets are still catching up with the live trend, trying to determine how best to manage and maximize the sound portion.

Besides live music, the block party will feature food, vendors, a beer garden and children’s free gaming.

Chad Smeltz, HU’s e-sports program director, marvels at the potential for the program and the sport, which, until now, has been West Coast-centric. Harrisburg’s central location, he said, makes the city a natural East Coast hub.

Originally from Harrisburg, Smeltz returned here recently to head up HU’s program after leaving his role as a full-time coach and general manager for a League of Legends team in California.

“At least for this fall, HU is the only school offering full-time e-sports scholarships, 16 full-time and one presidential,” he said.

Much like Division 1 athletes, jersey-clad students on the Storm even have their own dorm. Smeltz said that players who opt to “go pro” can make up to a seven-figure salary, including paid food, housing and travel.

For players not pursuing a professional career, Darr anticipates a future filled with “an interesting set of career options” in the rapidly growing e-sports industry. He also envisions HU playing a big role in developing and educating the highly trained workforce required for the burgeoning field. But first, they play.

As Harrisburg watches the inaugural Storm team assume their starting positions, HUE Festival 2.0 is already in the works.

“The plan is not to take the festival to the world, but to bring the world to us,” Darr said.

HUE Festival takes place Sept. 21 to 22 at several locations downtown, including at Harrisburg University, at Whitaker Center and at a block party at 4th and Market streets. For more information, visit www.huefest.com.

The Show that Never Ends: New Cumberland rallies to save, revive the historic West Shore Theatre.

August 31, 2018 | by Karen Hendricks

When the West Shore Theatre’s marquee went dark, one thing was for sure. It wasn’t going to stay dark for long.

The community rallied, making it known that they wanted the show to go on at this New Cumberland landmark.

The historic movie theater has been a community mainstay since opening its doors in 1939. Nearly everyone you talk to in New Cumberland has a story about a fun time, a first date or a favorite movie they saw at there. Over the years, as movie-going habits changed, the theater’s lineup, hours and audiences dwindled.

Every Idea

The Art Deco-style theater, designed by Pennsylvania architect William H. Lee, was put up for sale by former owner Fred Bollen in December 2015. This past March, the father-son pair of Joe and Ben Kowalczyk bought it for $122,000 at a bankruptcy auction.

The Kowalczyks, aware of community interest in the theater’s revival, negotiated a lease that will allow the grassroots group, Friends of the West Shore Theatre, to outright own the old movie palace within five years, according to Doug Morrow, New Cumberland’s mayor and a Friends board member.

This public got a firsthand accounting of developments in May during a packed, standing-room-only, community meeting at the New Cumberland Fire Department’s social hall. Philip Horn, retired executive director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts—also a New Cumberland resident and Friends board member—led the community in a visioning session.

“What are the best uses of the West Shore Theatre for the benefit of the community?” Horn asked. “We want to squeeze every idea out of you.”

Nearly 150 community members brainstormed in small groups, presenting their ideas on notepad sheets that eventually filled the room’s front wall. Attendees envisioned the theater being used for everything from open mic nights to gallery space, corporate trainings to homeschool events. But one prevalent theme emerged—the community wanted movies to return to the big screen.

“My mom would tell me stories about she and her girlfriends going to the movies,” said Steve Parthemore, co-owner of the town’s Parthemore Funeral Home and a lifelong New Cumberland resident. “They would sit in every other seat so that, when the boys came in, they would fill in the seats.”

As business owner, Parthemore said that he sees the Bridge Street building as the centerpiece to a healthy downtown district.

“It’s wonderful that the community is coming together and there’s such interest in the theater,” he said. “I hope to see the theater reinvented but still retain its nostalgia.”

Horn recalled his own hometown movie theater in Los Angeles being torn down. He said that, locally, there are only a few classic theaters still operating, including the Carlisle Theatre and Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater.

“I’ve been in every county in Pennsylvania and have seen these kinds of things happen all over the state,” he said. “They don’t build theaters of this kind anymore.”

Without Asking

Moving forward, various directions and issues are being considered, according to Friends board member and New Cumberland resident Jennifer Zaborney.

First, the group is comparing bids and plans to improve the concessions area and remove the first few rows of the theater’s 450 seats to construct a small stage. A few minor repairs are also needed. Otherwise, the building has been deemed sound.

“A lot of thought is being put into the space and making it multipurpose,” said Zaborney, who notes that she and her husband had their first date at the West Shore Theatre.

Financially, Zaborney and Morrow said that the group is studying sustainability models, which would include revenue from movie ticket sales, venue rental fees, fundraisers, donations and corporate sponsorships.

To date, the group has received about $12,000 in community donations—“without really even asking,” Morrow said. Profits from an August fundraiser added another $15,000.

Morrow said the group, operating under the nonprofit financial umbrella of the Harrisburg-based Foundation for Enhancing Communities, may seek its own nonprofit status at a later date. They need to raise roughly $44,000 in operating costs annually, which would cover taxes, utilities and rent, he said. The group has identified potential donors to underwrite new projection equipment, estimated at $80,000.

The outpouring of community support, including knowledgeable volunteers, has helped contain costs, Morrow said. In addition to Horn’s volunteer consulting, an architect is donating services for the theater’s improvements. Retired founding director of the Whitaker Center, Tom Stone, is lending a hand, along with many others.

Community Connection

What’s going to happen as a result of all this community support, fact-finding and planning?

Morrow said that the theater will begin showing films this holiday season, with evening movies available on a regular basis in 2019. The Friends group envisions implementing community ideas for classic movies, film series, independent movies, family-friendly films, student-produced films and more. Eventually, the group hopes to hire someone to manage the theater’s calendar and bookings.

Morrow said that memories are motivating him on.

“In 1948, my father [who is now 82] went door to door delivering lists of movies that would play that evening,” he said. “He got paid by receiving free tickets to the matinees. He remembers going to the theater during World War II and the Korean War to watch war clips. The theater was the community’s connection to the war.”

It still holds the key to community connection, he said.

“When I was mayor of Camp Hill, nearly every meeting began with someone [lamenting] the loss of the downtown theater [the former Hill Theatre],” Morrow said. “I don’t want that same thing to happen to New Cumberland.”

The West Shore Theatre is located at 317 Bridge St., New Cumberland. To volunteer, donate or stay in the loop, join the Facebook group, “Friends of the West Shore Theatre.”

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