Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's online News, Opinion, Arts and Entertainment information archive, serving the PA Capital Region.

Just Around The Corner
Noteworthy Events In The Capital Region

President Lincoln Returns to Harrisburg
Whitaker Center, Harrisburg
January 21
President Abraham Lincoln is slated to return to Harrisburg for a schedule of special Civil War activities for one day only at Whitaker Center on January 21. A presentation of Theatre Harrisburg, “President Lincoln Returns to Harrisburg” stars renowned actor James Getty as the former commander-in-chief.

Along with Getty, the performance will also include the participation of numerous costumed participants as well as the 14-piece 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Brass Band from Philadelphia, who will be performing 19th Century music using authentic period instruments. The Victorian Dance Ensemble will also be on-hand to recreate the dances and “social graces” of the era. In addition, the lobby of the theater will play host to a variety of Civil War relics and artifacts courtesy of the Camp Curtain Historical Society.

Only a block away from the location of Lincoln’s 1861 visit to the Capital City, the Whitaker Center is the perfect site to house the afternoon events.

Beginning at 3 p.m., “President Lincoln Returns to Harrisburg” will be at Whitaker Center on January 21. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling 214-ARTS or on the mezzanine level of the Whitaker Center.

José Greco II Flamenco Dance Company
Rose Lehrman Arts Center, Harrisburg Area Community College
January 23
The José Greco II Flamenco Dance Company will be at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on the Harrisburg Area Community College campus on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. Known for being one of the world’s most prestigious Hispanic dance ensembles, the Company has perfected the art of the flamenco. Described by USA Today as a blend of the “virile sex appeal and fancy footwork of “Lord of the Dance,” the incredible balletic flying leaps and quintuple pirouettes of Baryshnikov, passionate Spanish guitar and the wail of a gypsy singer; and the magical touch of flamenco soul known as duende,” the José Greco II Dance Company is following in the proud footsteps of the elder Greco, who has been a legend in the flamenco world for more than 50 years.

Having toured more than 50 states throughout the country, the Company includes José’s sisters, Lola and Carmela, a gypsy guitarist, and a singer, known as a cantaor. 

The José Greco II Flamenco Dance Company will be at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on the campus of the Harrisburg Area Community College on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/senior citizens. For tickets and information, call 321-7673.

Carmen
Hershey Theatre, Hershey
January 27
The London City Opera is taking the Hershey Theatre stage with their production of Bizet’s “Carmen.” Drawing attention since its 1875 debut — when it scandalized Paris with its realism — “Carmen” tells the story of Don José, an “ill-fated soldier who succumbs to the bewitching charms of the flirtatious gypsy, Carmen.” As a result of his infatuation with the gypsy woman, José finds himself trading the life he knew for an entry into the world of crime, thievery, and a shot at the woman of his dreams. One of the longest-running operas of its time, “Carmen” continues to fascinate opera-goers with its “strong and unprecedented” ending.

Less than 10 years old, the London City Opera has been in hot demand since its inception, playing theatres throughout England as well as at numerous major music festivals. 

With live accompaniment by the London City Opera Orchestra, “Carmen” will be performed in French with English supertitles.

“Carmen” will be at the Hershey Theatre on January 27 at 8 p.m.

For tickets and information, call the box office at 534-3405. Tickets are $35, $42, and $52.

Living Art Exhibit
Art Association of Harrisburg
January 27
The Art Association of Harrisburg gets points for being creative. On January 27, the gallery is hosting a “living art” exhibit comprised of live models displaying their tattooed bodies. Bearing the works of “Tattoo Jim” the noted area tattoo artist of The Illustrated Man, the models will be at the gallery on Front Street from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

While finding more of a mainstream acceptance in modern times, the ancient art of tattooing has long been considered socially taboo — reserved for the arms and backs of sailors and bikers. With a grouping of models from every age and professional backgrounds, that myth is one that “Tattoo Jim” hopes to dispel via the exhibit and informal lecture. Also in attendance will be some associates of “Tattoo Jim” from The Illustrated Man.

Live jazz will be provided by Matt Racey and refreshments will be provided by the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. Beer will be provided by Troeg’s Brewery.

Admission to the event is $7.

For more information, call the Art Association at 236-1432.

Conert: Dave Mason 
Whitaker Center, Harrisburg
January 31
After finding fame as one of the founding members of the English band Traffic (the jazz/rock/pop fusion group of the late ’60s and early ’70s, that also featured Steve Winwood), Dave Mason struck out on his own and became a successful solo act, releasing his debut album, Alone Together, in 1970. Following the release of that album, which went gold, Mason teamed with Mama Cass Elliot (of the Mamas and the Papas fame) for 1971’s Dave Mason & Cass Elliot.

After releasing a series of solo albums in the ’70s, Mason released the single, “We Just Disagree” off of his Let It Flow album, a song that reached the top ten on the charts.

In addition to his solo efforts, Mason continued to collaborate and perform with other artists, with guest appearances on The Rolling Stones’ Beggar’s Banquet, Paul McCartney’s Listen To What The Man Said, and Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady. In 1994, Mason joined Fleetwood Mac, with whom he toured for two years.

In 1996, Mason began touring with a variety of artists — from Three Dog Night bassist Rich Campbell to Traffic’s Jim Capaldi — and created his own group, The Dave Mason Band, in 1999. In that same year, the group released Live: 40,000 Headmen Tour, which also featured Jim Capaldi. It’s Like You Never Left followed a year later. 

Opening for Mason will be Lovin’ Spoonful veteran John Sebastian. Renowned for the band’s hits, including “Do You Believe in Magic,” and “Summer in the City,” the Lovin’ Spoonful reached the top ten numerous times during their tenure in the ’60s. As a solo artist, Sebastian has released several albums and wrote the theme song for the television series, “Welcome Back, Kotter,” among other things. In 1999, he released Chasin’ Gus Ghost, a live album followed a year later.

Dave Mason, with John Sebastian, will be at Whitaker Center in Harrisburg on January 31 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 214-ARTS.

 


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