Tag Archives: Whitaker Center

September News Digest

September 30, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Courthouse Clears Hurdle

A proposed new federal courthouse for Harrisburg took a significant step forward last month, as a Congressional panel approved funding for the project.

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta said the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee approved full funding for the $194.4 million courthouse at N. 6th and Reily streets. Congress has already appropriated about $55 million for land acquisition, feasibility studies and design.

“This has been a long time coming, with various baby steps along the way, but now the Harrisburg courthouse will finally become a reality,” Barletta said in a statement.

The full House and Senate still must pass a final bill appropriating the money, but Barletta spokesman Tim Murtaugh called House committee approval the greatest obstacle.

“This was the major hurdle,” he said.

After many years of searching, the federal government selected the Midtown site in 2010, acquiring the land and razing a few old buildings. However, the site has sat empty since, as the project has awaited funds for construction.

Barletta said that he had re-considered the scope of the project, perhaps in favor of an annex to the existing federal courthouse downtown. However, he finally agreed that a new facility was needed.

The 243,000-square-foot building will contain as many as eight courtrooms, including three for district judges, two for senior district judges, two for magistrate judges and one for bankruptcy judges. The plan also calls for about 43 parking spaces.

Assuming that Congress appropriates the money, several years will likely pass before construction begins. Earlier this year, the U.S. General Services Administration released a priority list for new courthouses and annexes around the country, putting eight other projects ahead of Harrisburg’s.

Sinkhole Money Secured

Harrisburg last month secured nearly $1.7 million in federal funds to help remediate a sinkhole-ravaged stretch along the 1400-block of S. 14^th Street.

In its award letter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency specified that

Harrisburg must provide $550,000 in matching funds, which may come from other grants the city hopes to receive for the project.

The city envisions acquiring and tearing down 52 homes along the block. It then would fill in the sinkhole-prone area with backfill and soil, before turning it into permanent green space.

This was the second time that the city attempted to secure FEMA funds. Last year, the agency turned down the city’s request, directing money for sinkhole remediation to Palmyra. Harrisburg then asked FEMA to reconsider its project, which resulted in the award.

Giant sinkholes began opening up on the block in March 2014, making many of the houses uninhabitable and the remainder virtually worthless.

Council Weighs Market Contract

The Broad Street Market took a step towards a long-awaited restructuring last month, as City Council held a hearing that could lead Harrisburg’s historic market to become a nonprofit entity.

Most council members seemed to favor the proposal, which would permit a new nonprofit called the Broad Street Market Alliance, to enter into a lease agreement with the city, which owns the 150-year-old market. The lease would run for five years with an option for a 10-year extension.

Under the agreement, the city would rent the two market buildings for $1 a year to the nonprofit, which then would be responsible for maintenance and repairs. Under this structure, the market would be eligible to apply for numerous grants reserved for nonprofits and also could raise money, said market Manager Beth Taylor, who estimates the buildings have $1.5 to $2 million in deferred maintenance and capital improvement costs.

Currently, the market operates within a complex structure, in which the city owns the market, but the for-profit Broad Street Market Corp. manages it under the supervision of the Historic Harrisburg Association. The city also charges $1 per year in rent, but is obligated to pay for maintenance and improvements.

Under the restructuring, the alliance would have a 13-member board, and its efforts would be supplemented by the creation of a new support and fundraising group called Friends of the Broad Street Market.

At press time, council had not scheduled a final vote on the lease agreement.

Midtown Project Receives Funds

A key renovation project in Midtown Harrisburg is expected to move rapidly to completion, as the state announced last month that it will release funding to help finish the block-long historic rehabilitation at N. 3rd and Boas streets.

In a press conference, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that the developer, WCI Partners, will receive $3.5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a state initiative that focuses on culturally and historically significant projects.

“We’re going to make sure that this project works, that courageous, hard-working people succeed,” said Wolf, who praised WCI for taking a risk to restore the long-vacant properties along the 900-block of N. 3rd Street.

The $8 million project consists of four buildings—the historic Harrisburg Moose Lodge Temple and three smaller townhouses, as well as a large parking lot.

WCI acquired the properties last year for $900,000 from Atlanta-based Mosaica Education, which had operated the Ron Brown Charter School there for five years. After its charter was not renewed, the school shut down in 2005, and the buildings have sat empty and increasingly dilapidated.

The 92-year-old, 38,000-square-foot former Moose Lodge opened last month as a fully renovated, mixed-use building consisting of 33 one-bedroom apartments and commercial space. The 6,500-square-foot ground floor is occupied by st@rtup Harrisburg, a city-based co-working space.

WCI Principal Alex Hartzler said that much of the RACP money will go towards finishing the project, especially the renovation of the three townhouses.

The back portions of the townhouses were chopped off years ago to expand the Ron Brown School’s parking lot and provide a play area. However, the long-empty buildings were not properly sealed, resulting in extensive water and infrastructure damage, Hartzler said.

More than 100 years ago, the townhouses were constructed with commercial space on the ground floors and apartments upstairs. WCI will return them to this mixed-use format, and TheBurg plans to occupy the ground floor space of two of the townhouses, which should be ready for occupancy early next year.

The state had not released RACP money since 2014. Several other Harrisburg-area groups, include Gamut Theatre Group and the Harrisburg City Islanders, have applied for funds. Wolf said funding for other projects would be announced soon.

Disclosure: Alex Hartzler is publisher of TheBurg.

Treasurer Criticizes Report

Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller last month gave a generally unfavorable assessment of a report that criticized the operations of the city treasurer’s office.

Before City Council, Miller said that the report, drafted by consultant Alvarez & Marsal, was correct in some of its conclusions, but incorrect in others. For instance, the report stated that the department lacked written procedures and policies, which, Miller said, was not true.

The report became controversial earlier this year when city Controller Charles DeBrunner made it public over the objections of Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who said its release was premature and unwise.

The city contracted with Alvarez & Marsal after former Treasurer John Campbell resigned following his arrest on theft charges not related to his city position. The report found no wrongdoing by Campbell as treasurer, but pointedly criticized how the office was run.

This was Miller’s first significant appearance before council since he was named treasurer in June to fill the unexpired term of former Treasurer Tyrell Spradley, who resigned the post.

“I have complete confidence in the city Treasury Department and operations,” Miller told City Council.

Home Sales Jump

Harrisburg-area home sales increased significantly in August, rising by 21 percent from the year-ago period.

Homes sales totaled 947 units compared to 783 units in August 2015, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

The median price rose to $169,900 from $165,000 in the prior year, said GHAR.

In Dauphin County, 311 homes sold compared to 265 last August. In Cumberland County, sales totaled 336 units versus 268. Sales in Perry County increased to 38 units versus 27 in August 2015.

GHAR’s area covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Capital Joe Coffee has opened at 418 Forster St., Harrisburg, across the street from the state Capitol complex. Capital Joe serves Square One Coffee of Lancaster and pastries from Brew Crumberland’s Best of New Cumberland.

Impact Harrisburg last month awarded the city $250,000 in emergency funding to upgrade its IT infrastructure after city workers experienced system failures that prevented access to email and other shared files. The award should allow the city to migrate certain mission-critical functions to a cloud-based solution, thereby improving performance and reducing the risk of crashes.

Whitaker Center has announced the planned retirement of its long-time CEO and president, Dr. Michael Hanes. Hanes will retire at the end of next year, prompting the board to initiate a search for his replacement.

Changing Hands

Berryhill St., 2418 & 610 Fillmore St.: T. Le to D. Nguyen, $30,000

Benton St., 545: MBHH RE LLC to Triple Play Properties LLC, $30,000

Benton St., 601: M. Munro to S. Harrison, $102,000

Briggs St., 216: M. & P. Parsons to J. Vingsness & A. Posner, $205,000

Briggs St., 2024: S. Chapman to S. Maurer, $35,450

Brookwood St., 2213: PA Deals LLC to Mid Atlantic IRA & C. Hampton IRA, $50,000

Calder St., 268: K. Ciminello to B. Roller, $107,500

Chestnut St., 2048: S. Reyes to A. & R. Hart, $103,000

Chestnut St., 2215: J. & H. Kelly to J. & E. Colt, $179,900

Credit Union Place, 1: Pa. State Employees Finance Dept. to Commonwealth Charter Academy Charter School, $5,000,000

Derry St., 1316: Sandra Feigley Inc. c/o Thelma Johnston to S. Khan, $34,000

Derry St., 2035: S. Nagle to J. Guzman & M. Rodriguez, $89,900

Derry St., 2354: T. Pham to H. Pham & N. Le, $45,000

Emerald Ct., 2451: H. Conrad to J. & S. Theodorou, $82,000

Fillmore St., 610: T. Johnson to D. Nguyen, $30,000

Forster St., 1621: M&T Bank to PA Deals LLC, $47,000

Fulton St., 1738: PA Deals LLC to D. Reinhart, $124,900

Green St., 1623: B. Christine to S. Vemula & M. Chada, $115,000

Kensington St., 1952: J. & J. Belfonti to Tout USA LLC, $65,000

Lenox St., 1918: J. Zellers to A. Rosario & S. Castillo, $54,300

Lenox St., 1922: T. & J. Santiago to T. & B. Nguyen, $32,500

Lenox St., 1930: V. Bria to A. Perez, $62,500

Linden St., 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 117½ 119, 119½ & 100, 112 N. 13^th St.: Habitat for Humanity Greater Harrisburg Area to CPenn Patriot Properties Midtown LLC, $131,000

N. 2^nd St., 1618: K. Robinson to D. Payne, $249,900

N. 2^nd St., 2531: S. Mirza & F. Jabari to H. & S. Johnson, $157,500

N. 2^nd St., 2539: D. Garber to E. & A. Stockstill, $165,000

N. 2^nd St., 2812: M. Macholtz to T. Brinkley, $280,000

N. 2^nd St., 3016: S. Trent to D. Marcheski & L. Boykin, $156,000

N. 3^rd St., 1122: S. & G. Giambalvo to G. & K. Tennis, $197,500

N. 3^rd St., 1935: T. Stutzman to Monte Design Studio LLC, $40,000

N. 3^rd St., 3104: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development & ISN Corp. to M. Horgan & R. Kushner, $45,000

N. 4^th St., 1627: GWD Capitol Heights LP to J. Parfitt, $103,000

N. 5^th St., 2313: K. & D. Izer to BCR 2 Properties LLC, $30,000

N. 5^th St., 2437: Willowscott Investments to K. Hurst & N. Howze, $68,900

N. 6^th St., 1625: S. & C. Lane & New Heights South LLC to A. & A. Gee & PA Department of General Services, $42,000

N. 6^th St., 1633: HarrisPenn Trust to PA Department of General Services, $554,500

N. 6^th St., 2130: S&T Bank to N. Mitaka, $46,000

N. 13^th St., 146: L. Ware Jr. to W. Banks, $80,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 606: A. Moscato to J. Scarnati, $117,900

N. Front St., 1711: A. Haroundzadeh & D. Dohner to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $1,065,000

Penn St., 1602: P. Larsen to M. Dinicola, $159,900

Penn St., 1916: WCI Partners LP to D. O’Hagan, $161,000

River St., 122: A. Rhoads & D. & S. Shatto to J. & G. Souders, $57,500

Rudy Rd., 1952: S. Schmidt to W. Zhang, $50,000

Rudy Rd., 2256: W. Ryan to Z. Rothfus, $176,900

Seneca St., 641 & 645: D. & K. Howard to DAP 7 Curtin LP, $55,000

Showers St., 615: J. & D. Groff to E. Hobbs, $155,000

S. 13^th St., 1400: J. & E. Cavitt to I. Medina & J. Culcay, $76,500

S. 20^th St., 209: R. Doerfler & J. Moffitt to J. & B. Readinger, $48,300

S. 27^th St., 710: D. & C. Howe to D. Barrick & A. Toci, $199,000

S. 28^th St., 728: S. Oscilowski to M. Marcus, $84,000

State St., 1604: Mid Penn Bank to C. Valdivieso, $37,000

Swatara St., 1523: Tri County HDC Ltd. To J. Macias, $102,900

Swatara St., 2145: S. & E. Reeves to M. Thompson & J. Longe, $64,900

Whitehall St., 1939: R. Miller Sr. to R. Howard, $50,900

Author: Lawrance Binda

Musical Notes: Songwriters’ September–A month of diverse approaches to the art of the song.

August 31, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Songwriting is the backbone of contemporary music. While it may seem that many of today’s pop hits are cheaply manufactured rather than expertly crafted, there are still countless musicians creating fabulous music that tells a story and authentically expresses a mood.

Lucky for us, a great selection of songwriters, both local and touring, will make their way through Harrisburg this month. Whether you have fond memories of the confessional songwriting of the mid-‘90s or prefer troubadours that harken back to the Dust Bowl, there is sure to be something to appeal to your particular tastes this month. So, as the kids go back to school and the temperature finally starts to cool, take some time for yourself and make your way to one of our fabulous venues for an equally fabulous show.

VINNIE PAOLIZZI, 9/2, 7PM, MIDTOWN SCHOLAR: Vinnie Paolizzi is a Philadelphian singer-songwriter equally steeped in the sounds of Americana and college jam bands. The result is a confessional approach to songwriting that nonetheless packs a bit of a groove. He is touring in support of his latest EP release, “Waiting on Me.” In the process, he is moving out from the Philly coffeehouses and bars where he uncovered his voice, making his way up and down the East Coast. Though he is early in his career, his music is mature and well rounded. So, don’t show up expecting to see a kid still figuring it out on stage. He is an experienced performer who is sure to be appeal to fans of contemporary pop-rock.

VULCANS, 9/3, 2:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER: These Mechanicsburg roots rockers have started to make a name for themselves. Strong vocals, often arranged in tight harmonies, combined with equally strong songwriting, soar over plucked banjos and rhythmic mandolin strumming. Their latest release, “Semaphore,” is a testament to their maturity and mastery of their genre. They are performing at Whitaker Center as a part of the “Summer Music Series,” which is being offered in conjunction with the summer exhibit, “Guitar—the Instrument that Rocked the World.” This is a family-friendly and free show, so bring the kids and make sure to save time to tour the Harsco Science Center exhibit.

SAM GOODWILL w/BELL LUNGS, 9/10, 7PM, HBG MAKESPACE: Sam Goodwill is a moody performer, creating both angular and somber soundscapes that seem to expand beyond the typical capabilities of his preferred instrumentation. Rich in reverb and evocative lyricism, his latest record, “History,” is a powerful listen, and there is little doubt that he’ll bring the same power to the small confines of HBG Makespace. He will be joined by Scottish multi-instrumentalist Bell Lungs, resulting in “psychedelic folk noise” that will both beautiful and challenging. Together, this should be an incredibly fantastic and artsy show, perfect for those who have more experimental musical tastes.

Mentionables: Marco Benevento, 9/2, Abbey Bar; March Fourth Marching Band, 9/11, Abbey Bar; Blind Scout, 9/23, Little Amps Downtown; Chris Emkey, 9/24, Midtown Scholar; The Wiggles, 9/28, Whitaker Center

Author: Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

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

July 29, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

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

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

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

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

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

Operating Room: Area students get front-row seats to medical careers at “Surgery Live!”

July 29, 2016 | by Gina Napoli

What can make 100 high school students sit with silent attention for two entire hours?

No, I don’t mean playing games on their cell phones. I’m referring to “Surgery Live!” at Whitaker Center, an interactive program simulcasting routine surgeries from an operating room at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

There’s not even a test afterwards.

Students watch surgeons perform outpatient procedures such as cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), hysterectomy, gastric sleeve, urology and endoscopy. They can even ask the doctors questions. Highmark Blue Shield has sponsored the program since it came to Whitaker Center in 2009.

“’Surgery Live!’ is one of our most popular educational programs, and it’s also one of the most unique,” said Dr. Michael Hanes, Whitaker Center’s president & CEO. “Only three other institutions in the U.S. offer surgery simulcast programs similar to ours.”

Ahead of the Curve

On a recent random Thursday, four different schools brought sophomores through seniors to observe a cholecystectomy. Prior to the surgery, Joshua S. Winder, a resident from Penn State Hershey Medical Center, walked the students through the procedure, giving them a glimpse of what a career in the medical field could be like for them.

It would be tempting to want to begin the lesson in the operating room, to get to the action right away. But, first, Winder took them through all the real-world steps.

“The patient came to the doctor complaining of certain symptoms. The pain was right here,” he said, pointing to the upper-right side of his abdomen.

He kept the explanation relevant with lots of questions, diagrams and a quick anatomy lesson.

All 100 students stayed professional and attentive, even when Winder explained how a healthy gallbladder functions. (It filters bile out of the body and into solid waste, turning it brown.) Then they learned how an unhealthy gallbladder backs up with gallstones, composed of bile salts and cholesterol.

Part of the “Surgery Live!” program is a video about medical careers and what it takes to make a surgery happen.

“Besides the surgeon, there are a lot of other people in the O.R. who make a surgery successful,” said Brian Ariano, Whitaker Center production manager. “High school students are sometimes shocked to find that the person who maintains the sterile environment of the room is equally important as the person performing the procedure.”

Through the video, students learned that someone administers medication to the patient, ensures paperwork is completed and other details. All of these roles are viable positions in the medical field that high school students could consider.

When Winder introduced the students to the surgeon via a live camera feed, they alternated between asking questions and handling surgical instruments being passed around the room.

The camera showed the patient lying on the operating table, already sedated and pumped full of carbon dioxide gas. (The gas created space for the instruments and internal camera to maneuver safely inside the body.)

“I didn’t see this surgery until my third year of medical school,” Winder said. “You students are ahead of the curve. For this reason, I think the ‘Surgery Live!’ program is amazing.”

Winder narrated play-by-play what the surgeon did. Rather than open the patient up, the laparoscopic surgery required just a small incision. Then the surgeon slid robotic arms covered in plastic inside the incision.

“The robot memorizes positions, so it keeps ports in the same place,” said Winder. On the down side, “The robot can’t feel resistance or give feedback. Robot arms tear right through the tissue.”

The surgeon operated the robot with hand and foot pedals, explaining as the arms isolated the gallbladder. They pushed aside the surrounding pancreas and a layer of fat. The surgeon explained the importance of leaving cysts in their place and avoiding the bile duct as he maneuvered around them.

The camera provided a close-up of the process of sucking out the bile, clamping it with clips. Then he used cauterized scissors to burn through thick walls of organ, artery and ducts. The surgeon separated it with careful cuts and placed it in a plastic bag to avoid bile leakage into the body.

“The surgeon literally peeled the gallbladder off the liver bed,” Winder said.

What if something went wrong during the surgery? In that rare event, Ariano has taped footage of a successful operation ready to roll.

“We tell patients there is a higher risk of driving to the surgery than there is in actually having it,” Winder said.

So Special

This particular cholecystectomy progressed successfully.

Students watched with rapt focus as the surgeon pulled the gallbladder out through the incision, followed by the internal camera. When he cut the gallbladder open, he pulled out a gallstone measuring three centimeters.

At the beginning of this program, few of the students knew where a gallbladder was, or what function it served in the body. By the end, they had seen the inside of one.

After the camera feed cut to black, Winder asked the students, “Are any of you now thinking of a career in surgery?” Several students raised their hands.

“I think one of the most rewarding merits of ‘Surgery Live!’ is hearing the feedback we receive from teachers who brought their students to Whitaker Center,” Hanes said. “Teachers have told us that participating in ‘Surgery Live!’ is what solidified their students’ interest in the medical profession. They are just beginning to dive into health care field curriculum. That’s what makes what we do at Whitaker Center so special.”

If you would like more information about “Surgery Live!” at Whitaker Center, visit whitakercenter.org or call 717-214-2787.

Musical Notes: July Juxtapositions–Versatile musicians take the stage.

June 30, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

This month, we welcome a slate of live music here in Harrisburg that will bring together otherwise disparate elements: punk and R&B; Americana and world music; muscle and delicacy.

In many ways, these are my favorite types of artists. They aren’t constrained by genre but instead pick and choose from various elements to create something new and fresh yet still recognizable. So, don’t let the heat of summer keep you from getting out at night. Go and hear some excellent live music instead.

KINO KIMINO & AMY KLEIN w/WEIRD YEAR, 7/2, 7PM, MAKESPACE: Kino Kimino is the latest project from Kim Talon, a Brooklyn musician originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kino Kimino is reminiscent of Sleater-Kinney, with Talon’s melodies threading the needle between sweet and angst-y. They are touring in support of their new album, “Bait is for Sissies.” They are joined by Amy Klein, who recently left the New Jersey punk band Titus Andronicus to focus on her own music. Local folk band Weird Year will provide additional local support. This show should offer an excellent play between hushed songwriting and angular, muscular indie-rock.

DAVID WAX MUSEUM, 7/8, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $10/$15: David Wax Museum is, frankly, a pretty great love story. The band began as a collaboration and blossomed into a romance between its two principal members. In fact, they are now married with a kid. Their chemistry is reflected in their lovely, effortless and tight folk arrangements. They are on the road in support of their latest release, “Guesthouse,” which has them experimenting with new textures. Their approach to songwriting is akin to Paul Simon as their songs are, at first listen, instantly recognizable as folk. However, each arrangement also bears a depth rooted in world music and a keen sense of musical theory. And those who are worried about a folk-induced sleepiness should know that David Wax Museum isn’t afraid of a healthy dose of rhythm.

CHUCK MOSLEY w/YAM YAM & SAINT BRENDAN AND THE NAVIGATORS, 7/14, 8PM, FEDLIVE, $10/$15: Chuck Mosley began garnering attention as the lead singer of Faith No More. Although he left the band in 1988 and was replaced by Mike Patton, he has continued to make a name for himself as a singular voice in rock ‘n’ roll. In 1990, he also served briefly as the lead singer of Bad Brains. His music is aggressive but funky, taking that less-traveled path between punk and R&B. He will be traveling through Harrisburg as part of his “Reintroduce Yourself World Tour.” He will be supported by local favorites Yam Yam and Saint Brendan and the Navigators. Just know that, when it comes to Chuck Mosley, you should expect the unexpected.

Mentionables: Andrew Pauls, 7/1, Little Amps Downtown; DRIFTWOOD, 7/7, Abbey Bar; Graham Nash, 7/20, Whitaker Center; Matt Otis and the Sound, 7/21, H*MAC Stage on Herr; The Bo Deadlys, 7/29, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Bacon Brothers, 7/30, Whitaker Center

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

May 31, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Finally. Summer is arriving.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Right Chord: “Guitar” shares the story, the beauty of the beloved stringed instrument.

May 31, 2016 | by Gina Napoli

Maybe you’re the next Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix.

Or maybe you don’t know an A-chord from an acorn.

No matter. All are invited to rush the stage at “Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World,” an exhibit devoted to one of the world’s most popular instruments. Opening this month, the Whitaker Center lineup features more than 60 rare and famous guitars, and more than 100 historical guitar artifacts.

“Find out how guitars are made, listen to the wide range of guitar musical styles and discover the science and technology of vibrating strings and amplifiers,”said Steve Bishop, Whitaker Center’s vice president of science and cinema programs. “Plus, play a 43-foot-long guitar!”

This guitar—the world’s largest functional guitar—spans the length of the floor, weighs 2,000 pounds and only plays in a low frequency. Using six hands, you and your friends can bang out the opening chord of the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Like the rest of Whitaker Center, the exhibit is hands-on. If you can’t play a guitar of any size, don’t fret. You can strum, jam, pick, pluck, shred or even play air guitar. And no one will be checking to see if you have enough giant ‘80s hair when you give the whammy bar a try.

Rock Out

The guitar has played an important role in the history of music.

It’s a portable instrument that, centuries ago, allowed strolling minstrels to accompany their storytelling as they travelled about. In more recent years, it’s proven to be highly versatile for changing musical tastes, perfect for everything from simple, three-chord folk songs to complex classical compositions. It’s an instrument both of the street and the conservatory.

The exhibit delves into all aspects of the guitar, complete with explanations on pitch, tone, electromagnetism and amplification. If you wish, you can view the guitars as works of art or as a history lesson or as a technical marvel—or all of the above. One of the displays even features a cross-section of a guitar, all of its inner workings on display to show how the selection of different materials and strings creates distinct styles of guitars and distinct sounds.

One part of the exhibit shows a guitar being made using a 3D printer. 3D technology “prints” a guitar from a stored schematic drawing. Think of an old dot-matrix printer. Each time the print head zoomed across the page, it laid a layer of ink down until the typeface was complete. In 3D printing, the print head lays down a micro-thin layer of material, usually metal or plastic, until the object is fully formed.

“Guitar” has something for your inner showman, too. To inspire the Metallica in you, one display features an instrument that throws flames every time you strike a chord. The level of flame matches the noise level. Much less fiery, but still fun, is the soundstage for the kids to rock out.

Follow the Tour

“Guitar” is the touring exhibit of The National Guitar Museum, a nomadic collection that, much like those who play the instrument, travels from city to city.

HP Newquist, a former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine, established the museum in 2009 after a friend saw guitars hanging on the walls of his house and commented that it looked like a museum. After some research, Newquist realized such a museum didn’t exist, so he decided to create one.

“Nothing told the history of the single most popular instrument in the world,” Newquist said. “In all its various incarnations, even to this day, past generations look to the guitar as a defining instrument.”

The museum takes its mission seriously. There is no permanent museum for its collection, at least not yet. Newquist hopes to find a home by 2020. Until then, the exhibit strings along from town to town, so fans must follow the tour.

“Whitaker Center represents a fusion of science and the arts,” said Bishop. “The ‘Guitar’ exhibit fits us perfectly for guests of all ages.”

“Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World” runs June 4 through Sept. 4 on the lower level of Whitaker Center’s Harsco Science Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Whitaker Center members can see the exhibit for free all summer as part of their member benefits. Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission for non-members.

Musical Notes: Steamy Spring–It’s time to break a sweat.

April 29, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

In May, the first truly hot days of the year arrive in Harrisburg. When I hit the streets to go to the Broad Street Market during the day, or when I head to a local show at night, I know it’s likely that I’ll break a sweat.

When it comes to music, there are a lot of ways to work up a good sweat. The speedy finger picking and near-shouted vocals of bluegrass conjure up images of hot Appalachian summers. The soulful sound of bluesy chords is reminiscent of the balmy Delta. And sensual and romantic vocals sung over a bass-y beat seem best suited for hot, dark nights. However, know that whichever direction you choose, May in the Burg is a good month to moisten your brow to some excellent music.

COLEBROOK ROAD, 5/7, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $7/$10: For all of you who think that bluegrass is an old-timey genre, Colebrook Road is out to prove you wrong. While many bluegrass bands rely on old standards to show off their chops, these local boys have made a name for themselves through a combination of incredible musical deftness and a penchant for original composition. Formed here in the midstate, they have taken their talents on the road and garnered praise from some of the leading bluegrass critics and festivals, including winning the 2016 D.C. Bluegrass Union’s Mid Atlantic Bluegrass Band Contest and the 2015 Podunk Bluegrass Festival Band Contest in Hebron, Conn. This month, they take the stage at the Abbey Bar to release their newest recording, “Halfway Between,” joined by featured guests Mountain Ride.

SHAWAN & THE WONTON w/BUZZARD LUCK, 5/14, 8:30PM, RIVER CITY BLUES, FREE: In conversation, Shawan is an unassuming young woman. But, when she starts to sing, her voice drips with a soul that is beyond her years. It doesn’t hurt that she’s backed by an incredibly talented band, inflecting her R&B intonation with jazzy keys and slick saxophone grooves. She’s become something of a local hero, never turning down a show and giving every performance her all. This month, she’ll be joined by York’s equally bluesy Buzzard Luck. The three-piece has mastered the jammy electrical blues that inspired classic rockers such as the Rolling Stones and Led Zep. Combined, both bands are guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

KATE FAUST w/ESKIMO WAV, 5/20, 9PM, STAGE ON HERR, $5: Kate Faust is an electro-backed sensual singer akin to Purity Ring or Niki and the Dove. She discovered her voice while singing in choirs as a student in Catholic school. Now, she sings over polyrhythmic, click-y beats and soft synth pads. Her music is dark but not heavy, romantic but not saccharine. She has a big voice that can be reined in for quieter moments, yet sours when left unrestrained. She hails from Philadelphia and has started to earn the praise of that city’s music critics, including WXPN and Philly’s City Paper. She is touring in support of her new EP “Eros” and will be joined by Eskimo Wav.

Mentionables: Jackson Howard, 5/8, Stage on Herr; Davey O., Suba Tapas Bar, 5/14; Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, 5/20, Whitaker Center; Southern Culture on the Skids, 5/27, Abbey Bar; The April Skies, 5/28, Stage on Herr

Measuring Up: Can Harrisburg Put Itself Back Together?

March 31, 2016 | by J. Alex Hartzler

James Fallows wrote a fascinating and insightful article for the March edition of The Atlantic titled “How America is Putting Itself Back Together.” Fallows’ essay provides a powerful and persuasive counter-argument to the prevailing political and media-driven narrative of America as a country in decline.

Over the past three years, Fallows and his family visited numerous small- and medium-sized cities throughout the country (i.e., not NYC, SF, LA and DC). The real story, he writes, is not that of a country in decline, but one of rebirth and resurgence. (He cites Pittsburgh and Allentown as two examples from Pennsylvania.) While some point to problems the country as a whole is said to have, most people he talked to refuse to acknowledge that those “other people’s problems” affect where they actually live and work.

Taken as a whole, America is still the land of invention, renewal, talent, assimilation, creativity and opportunity. While many are led to believe we are on the wrong track nationally, that story runs contrary to what is actually happening, according to Fallows. This may not be convenient for politicians running for office or media outlets that believe that only bad news sells, but it is a truth that is out there for those who spend the time to look, as he did.

I found Fallows’ observations to be exactly right, both from my travels around the country and here in our small city of Harrisburg. As I’ve often said in this column, don’t believe the bad news you read. Ninety-five or even 99 percent of what happens here every day tends to be positive, even it you have to wait monthly for TheBurg to read about it.

Fallows also suggests a way to evaluate the health of small cities and towns in the United States. His “Eleven Signs A City Will Succeed” is an instructive way of looking at the issue. So, I thought it would be a good exercise to take those 11 criteria and grade Harrisburg on the “Fallows scale.” Below is my attempt. No doubt your grades will be different based on your perspective. I find just thinking about these criteria and how we are doing in them can help determine how to move our city forward.

Divisive national politics seem a distant concern. Grade: B+. If this were “state” instead of “national” politics, the grade would go down, but, in general, I find that the many folks who hold strong views on national issues are quite willing to work together to make the local area, particularly the city, a better place. Many people who will never vote for the same presidential or gubernatorial candidate routinely work together on civic matters like the Downtown Improvement District, Harrisburg Chamber, Harrisburg Young Professionals and the like. The recent dust-ups between city and county leaders, however, prevent this category from being a solid A.

You can pick out the local patriots. Grade A. This one is easy. Harrisburg has both a broad-based group of civic leaders and a deep pool of talent that work daily to make the city better. It also has young talent rising through its ranks. Just look at the list of emerging leaders in HYP or the three newest members of City Council.

“Public-private partnerships” are real. Grade C. This item is hard to grade. On the one hand, a number of successful initiatives fall into this category: Whitaker Center, Harrisburg University, Harristown Development Corp. and Senators Baseball being a few. On the other hand, some of our biggest disasters do too: the former Harrisburg incinerator (now properly run by LCSWMA), the initially failed project at Cameron and Herr streets and the Wild West Museum, among others. The Civil War Museum may fall into either category, depending whom you talk to. Clearly, we have room for improvement here.

People know the civic story. Grade C. This category also highlights the strength of our city and a great weakness. For all the efforts of the Central Penn Business Journal, Harrisburg Magazine, Historic Harrisburg Association and, yes, TheBurg, to tell the real—and very encouraging—civic story about our city, the paper of record across the river runs a fairly constant drumbeat of doom and despair. Venture into the comment section of PennLive on nearly any article about the city (not that I recommend it), and you will see what giving public forum to a tiny minority of the disaffected will do to your civic psyche. Until PennLive vastly changes its ways, which are driven primarily by the motive to garner clicks for advertiser ratings rather than promote responsible discussion, it will continue to impede a healthy civic story about Harrisburg.

They have a downtown. Grade B+. From great restaurants, coffee shops and bars, a lively arts scene, 3^rd in the Burg and new apartments and condos, downtown is alive and well. However, many people correctly associate retail with a healthy downtown and, in this area, Harrisburg lags. Retail is tough, however, and it mostly follows residents, not leads them. As more people move downtown, more amenities and retail will follow.

They are near a research university. Grade D. I have often wondered what Harrisburg would look like if Penn State Harrisburg (the largest Penn State campus outside of State College) were actually in Harrisburg, instead of Middletown. There is no substitute for having a major research university physically located in your city as anyone from Madison, Columbus or Austin can tell you. But the good news is that, after 10 years, Harrisburg University has found its footing and is on its way to becoming a major institutional anchor and economic generator for the city.

They have, and care about, a community college. Grade B+. For what we lack in #6, we make up a lot of ground with this one. Both HACC and now Harrisburg University are important community educators in Harrisburg. Both are committed to the city and improving its overall health and reputation. Other area colleges like Messiah and Temple have also taken a welcome interest in the city by sending their students downtown during and after college, providing a bit of the college-town vibe.

They have unusual schools (K-12 level). Grade C. Harrisburg’s public schools are undeniably troubled, but this criterion involves “distinctive” schools. Harrisburg has several, led by the Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School, SciTech High and Math Science Academy, as well as several excellent parochial schools. My grade may have been higher, but Fallows adds that the average resident should be able to list these schools quickly as a source of pride. Unfortunately, the district’s general poor performance casts a shadow over other schools in the city.

They make themselves open. Grade B. Harrisburg is a diverse city on many levels, a source of both strength and strain from time to time. We welcome a variety of immigrants and visitors, whether to our colleges or for housing. We have been supporters of various religions and lifestyles long before those things were acceptable elsewhere. Some may argue that we have a long way to go, and I would not disagree, but we are no doubt ahead of many other parts of the country.

They have big plans. Grade A. Fallows means this as a government-led category, but, in Harrisburg, we tried that once, and it came crashing down around us. Today, city leadership is focused on basic competence, as it should be. The big plans come from the city’s entrepreneurial class. Witness St@rtup, WebpageFX, The Laus Group restaurants, Urban Churn, Stash, Char’s, AndCulture, Mangia Qui, Midtown Scholar, The Millworks, HMAC, The MakeSpace and many others with big plans that are happening today. One civic item Fallows also referenced is urban infrastructure. When 2^nd Street is returned to two-way traffic, Harrisburg will take a major step toward putting that part of the city back together again.

They have craft breweries (and small distilleries). Grade A. Harrisburg boasts Zeroday Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Company, Midstate Distillery and Troegs (a legacy Harrisburg company, so we still claim them). A few other breweries are slated to open this year. Let me add Little Amps coffee shop, which gives the same vibe. All fantastic.

Overall grade: solid B. On the items city residents can actually control, things are improving and have a very bright future. On those we cannot (schools, research universities and suburban media), we suffer. As an artist acquaintance of mine, who recently moved to Harrisburg from Chicago, told me, “There are few places around the country where you can have so much, for so little.” We need more people (and attitudes) like him to come help us grow.

J. Alex Hartzler is publisher of TheBurg.

Musical Notes: Eclectic April–This month shows many musical moods.

March 31, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

There are a number of ways to think about the month of April. As the old adage goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” which reminds us that sometimes-gloomy moments foretell future joys. But, for many, April is the first true month of warm sun after a long, dreary winter, a time to start rocking sandals instead of woolen socks.

Our slate this month reflects this season of diverse moods. At times, the selections are raucous and uplifting. At other times, they are somber and morose. But that doesn’t mean that one mood is better than the other. As a certain Oscar award-winning animated feature tells us, you can’t have joy without some sadness. So, explore the full range of your emotions this month with another wonderful round of musical performances here in the state capital.

JEWEL, 4/9, 8PM, THE FORUM, $39.50-$69.50:

Those of us who experienced a ‘90s adolescence will be familiar with Jewel’s mythology. She grew up in Alaska in a home without indoor plumbing. She lived in a car while touring the country before being discovered. These stories, along with her penchant for storytelling, solidified her reputation as one of the last troubadours of the 20^th century. But focusing too much on her past obscures the fact that she has continued to record and tour, receiving critical acclaim along the way. She is coming to Harrisburg in support of her 2015 release, “Picking Up the Pieces,” which has been heralded as a return to the folk music that earned her such wide praise. Jewel herself entered the recording process actively trying to forget all she had learned about the music business in an effort to tap into her authentic roots. So, join her as she takes the stage as the storyteller that America fell in love with 20 years ago.

VITA AND THE WOOLF, 4/15, 8PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10:

Formed in Philadelphia, this project is the vision of Jennifer Pague. Gifted with a powerful and soulful voice, she has drawn comparisons to Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine. With a name inspired by the famed and tragic romance between Vita Sackville and Virginia Woolf, the group features music that is romantic yet haunting, skirting the line between soulful R&B and gothic operatics. For a two-piece, they definitely know how to fill the room with sound. They also know how to change pace, alternating between upbeat tunes with driving beats and mournful dirges. While it may not be the most joyful show you’ll see, the group’s musical range will satisfy many diverse tastes.

PALE BARN GHOSTS, 4/22, 9PM, ZERØDAY BREWING CO., FREE:

Of all the bands and artists I’ve featured in this column, this band may be the most aptly named. Conjuring up dusty and haunting records of the Great Depression, this Pennsylvania four-piece likes to refer to their particular brand of folk-rock as “cemetery folk.” Like any good folk outfit, they sing about hard living, heartbreak and the open road. Strong acoustic strumming, gravelly vocals and jangly electric guitar textures make this band a great representation of the ways in which 21^st-century songwriters are recovering old-fashioned music and making it their own. This show is reason enough to schedule a trip to Harrisburg’s cozy artisan brewery.

Mentionables: John Brown’s Body, 4/8, Abbey Bar; Genesis Lorraine w/The Start, 4/8, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, 4/15, Abbey Bar; Music for Murals, 4/17, River City Blues Club; Colt Wilbur Band, 4/29, H*MAC Stage on Herr

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