The Civil War — The Musical Event
Hershey Theatre
Now through May 14
Television and stage star John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard) will star in the new national tour of the Civil War — The Musical Event, which premiered in January in Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. Written by Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd (Artistic Director of Houston’s Alley Theatre) and Jack Murphy (Silver Dollar) the production is a sweeping musical about love and life, inspired by the passion and turmoil of the men and women who defined a nation. The director for this touring version of the musical is Stephen Rayne, whose most recent association was with Trevor Nunn on the acclaimed Royal National Theatre production of Not About Nightingales. "The Civil War is an incredibly emotional piece with an epic score that reaches the heart of its audience," said Raine.

Tickets range from $30 to $49; group discounts are available. Call the Box Office at 534-3405 or visit the website hersheytheatre.com.

Barefoot in the Park
Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
Now through May 21
Barefoot in the Park is a light and delicate play that the right cast can make seem a breeze to perform; yet it handles the weighty subject matter of the trials and tribulations which confront a newly married couple in a new, empty apartment in a high rise apartment in which the much-touted skylight leaks. Before long the newlyweds tire of the fact that their neighbor can only reach his apartment through theirs, and the husband retreats to the park … barefoot.

Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30. Tickets are $9.00 in advance; for reservations call 766-0535 Monday through Friday, 6-8 p.m.

Hitwave!
American Music Theatre, Lancaster
Now through September 30
It’s a time warp back to the ’40s and ’50s — a chance to honor the past and relive the memories of the era to the sounds of a musical score. Featuring a cast of some 30 people and a live orchestra, Hitwave! takes advantage of the hits of the time, incorporating 40 pieces of music from what many consider to be one of the most creative periods in American musical history.

The brainchild of veteran directors Brad and Jenny Moranz, the duo joined in collaboration with American Music Theatre’s Production Director Ian Foster and award-winning arranger and composer Lanny Meyers to bring this production to life. Inspired by recent reflections on the time period — including Tom Brokaw’s books The Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks — Hitwave! does more than highlight the wonderful music — it also pays great tribute to those who lived through World War II, both in service and on the homefront.

The American Music Theatre is an official field representative of the American Battle Monuments Commission in Arlington, Virginia. A portion of all ticket sales from Hitwave! will go directly toward funding of the National WWII Memorial, a permanent structure honoring those who served in WWII that is to be built on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Located in Lancaster, on Route 30 East, opposite the Rockvale Square Outlets, the American Music Theatre is a 1,600 seat, state-of-the-art theatre that features a 56-foot stage. Hitwave!, a musical revue, will run at various dates and times through September 30.For more information, contact the box office at 397-7700.

Concert: Modest Mouse
Chameleon Club, Lancaster
May 17
by Chris Seymour
The Indie Rock Trio Modest Mouse returns to the Central Pennsylvania music scene to makes it’s second live performance at the renowned Chameleon Club in Lancaster on Wednesday May 17. The Issaquah, WA based group begins the East Coast portion of its headlining tour in Lancaster, where it played to rave reviews last spring.

Now signed with Epic Records, the band consisting of Guitarist/Frontman Isaac Brock, Bassist Eric Judy, and Drummer Jeremiah Green will release a new album titled The Moon & Antarctica on June 13. Before signing with Epic, the band recorded on the Up Records label and released 1996’s This is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About, 1997’s The Lonesome Crowded West, and the rarities collection Build Nothing Out of Something that was released this year.

Modest Mouse, with guests Califone and Stinking Lizaveta, will appear at Chameleon Club in Lancaster. Doors open for the all ages show at 6:30 and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased by calling 299-9684, or by logging onto ticketweb.com.

Aoife Clancy
Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg
May 18
In her first appearance since leaving Cherish the Ladies — one of the most highly acclaimed Irish-American groups in history — Irish/Folk songstress Aoife Clancy will be staging a performance at Harrisburg’s Appalachian Brewing Company.

Known for an eclectic sound, Clancy has perfected the perfect Irish-American set list, turning out contemporary hits while remaining true to her Irish musical roots. Born in Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Clancy has long been a performer of her native tunes — performing in pubs by the age of 14 with her father, a member of the renowned Irish band the Clancy Brothers.

Over the course of the last two years, Clancy has released numerous recordings, three with Cherish the Ladies and two solo projects, It’s About Time and Soldiers and Dreams, both of which received rave reviews.

Aoife Clancy will be performing at the Appalachian Brewing Company, Cameron Street, Harrisburg, on May 18. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Advance tickets will be available at both ABC and the Oxford Hall Celtic Shop.

Greater Harrisburg Greek Festival
Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camp Hill
May 19 – 21
Being Greek is as much a state of mind as it is a nationality. It’s having a history as old as life. It’s relishing the world around you and enjoying life to its fullest. So how about being Greek for a day?

The Greater Harrisburg Area Greek Festival is an annual event that gives the Greek Community an opportunity to share their culture with their fellow Central Pennsylvanians. The Cathedral itself is a beautiful piece of architecture adorned by Byzantine iconography and hand-carved art. The priests will be presenting lectures on the history and significance of the icons in the Cathedral.

The Olympic Flames dance troupe will be performing traditional dance to bouzouki music. Shops are filled with authentic Greek sailor hats, clothing, books, ceramics, jewelry, and other handcrafted items.

But most memorable of all to the newcomer is the cuisine; the cooks know all the secrets to fine Greek food and here you can sample the classic Greek Salad with feta cheese and Calamata olives, entrees such as Moussaka, Souvaki, and Pastitsio, dessert pastries such as Baklava and Kataifi, and much more.

So picture yourself on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean. The airfare not in the budget? Sample the Greek Festival and you’ll almost feel the ocean breeze.

For more information call 763-7441.

Buzzfest 2000
Lancaster Square, Lancaster
May 20
Complete with "boards, bands, and bikes" — Buzzfest 2000 is guaranteed to be an afternoon you won’t want to miss!

An annual event, Buzzfest is an open-air concert located in the middle of downtown Lancaster — North Queen Street in Lancaster Square — and this year’s version is stacking up to be better than ever!

Hosted by 105.7 the X (WQXA) and Wee Bee Audio and Video, the music line-up boasts some of the region’s hottest acts, including Sev, Julian Fist, D’arey October, Partial Post, Next of Kin, Live Alien Broadcast, Negative Space, and Nowhere Quick. Held to benefit the Boys Club and Girls Club of Lancaster, the all-age, free show will also include skateboarding and freestyle biking expos and a variety of vendors.

Buzzfest 2000 will take place in Lancaster Square on May 20 from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, call 898-8425.

See you there!

17th Annual Rhubarb Festival
Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse
May 20
It’s more than a unique name — it’s the truth. For 17 years, the folks at Kitchen Kettle Village have played host to one of the most unique festivals in the country — a festival totally dedicated to rhubarb, the first harvest of the year!

Always the third Sunday in May, the Annual Rhubarb Festival honors the vegetable/fruit/plant in a variety of ways, including the World’s Only Rhubarb Car Derby, Best Rhubarb Pie in Lancaster County Baking Contest, Quilting Bee, and Rhubarb Arcade of Games. In addition to the wide array of rhubarb-related foods and beverages, live entertainment will be provided by Banjo Jimmy and his Sideman band. Rhubarb Jams will also be made at special festival times.

The 17th Annual Rhubarb Festival will take place May 20, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free, and free parking is available on the Village grounds.

Kitchen Kettle Village is located on Rt. 340 in the Village of Intercourse, 10 miles east of Lancaster. Renown for its festivals, Kitchen Kettle Village is home to the Jam and Relish Kitchen which produces over 70 different varieties of jams, syrups, and preserves and attracts some million visitors each year.

For more information, call Kitchen Kettle Village at 800-732-3538 or check their website at kitchenkettle.com.

Capital City Invitational Beer Festival
Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg
May 20
Held to benefit the Appalachian Trail Conference, the Capital City Invitational Beer Festival at Appalachian Brewing Company is a beer lover’s dream! With over 20 breweries from three states, the Festival attracts upwards of 1,000 people during the two- session event.

Beginning at noon, the first session continues until 4 p.m.; with the second session lasting from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Each attendee will receive a commemorative tasting glass, dinner, and beer samples with the purchase of their ticket. The Festival will also host live entertainment.

Tickets for the Capital City Invitational Beer Festival are $25 plus tax per session and a designated driver ticket can be purchased for an additional $12. For more information, call ABC at 221-1080.

York Chili Cook-Off
York Expo Center (York Fairgrounds)
May 27
The York Jaycees and Coors Light are sponsoring the 11th Annual 2000 Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, May 27th at the York Expo Center (York Fairgrounds).

Gates open at 12:00 p.m. and festivities last until 8:00 p.m. In addition to the chili tasting, there will also be a salsa competition, live musical entertainment, kid’s games, face painting and a hot pepper eating contest.

Come early - the chili usually lasts until around 3:30PM. All proceeds go to local charities. Admission is $5.00. For more information, contact the York Jaycees at 767-9111.