Browsing Category: "Arts"
Lincoln’s 200th Birthday Gift Is A Stunning Performance At The Majestic
Welcome to history. This year is historic in many ways. One of which is the 200th birthday of the president who signed The Emancipation Proclamation – Abraham Lincoln – which proclaimed the freedom of all the slaves living the confederate states of the U.S. That date, Lincoln’s 20th birtday, is February 12th.
On that day this year the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg will present The American Spiritual Ensemble, a performance from some of the most accomplished vocalists in the U.S. paying tribute to African-American musical achievements. The show will draw from disciplines and traditions of the black experience ranging from old-time spirituals, jazz, and even Broadway classics.
American Spiritual Ensemble got its start in 1995 by Everett McCorvey, who had a vision to keep the American negro spiritual tradition alive.
Performers will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on February 12. Tickets start at $31 and can be purchased by calling 717-337-8200. The Majestic Theater is located at 25 Carlisle Street in Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Enjoy A Night At The Eichelberger
One of the Gettysburg areas favorite attractions, among locals and visitors alike, is the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. Located in Hanover, the Eichelberger Center is just a short drive from Gettysburg. If you’re in town tonight and you’re looking for something to do then I recommend heading over to the Eichelberger to see Rhonda Vincent and The Rage perform.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage is one of the area’s favorite attractions. And I use the word “attraction” lightly. Not only is she a beautiful sight, but she has a beautiful voice and that’s what you’re going for, right? Bluegrass is the style and Vincent’s mix of vocals and mandolin playing will entertain your family for a long time after the concert is over.
You’ve likely heard of Rhonda Vincent and The Rage if you listen to bluegrass or country music. She has been featured on CMT numerous times and has a hit video that just keeps playing and playing. Now you can see her in person.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage goes on stage tonight at 8 p.m. The phone number for the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center is 717-632-9356 ext 300. Don’t miss this show.
10 Things To Do In Gettysburg (Besides Visit The Battlefield)
Visitors to Gettysburg, Pa. often don’t realize the many great things you can do here without visiting the battlefield. Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t see the bloodiest ground on the face of the earth. I’m just saying don’t stop there and stay. Here are 10 other wonderful things to do while in town:
- Ski Liberty – Just a couple of miles out of town and slopes for the entire family.
- Visit the National Apple Museum - Located in Biglerville, just a stone’s throw away from Gettysburg. A must see for the whole family using a pre-Civil War built barn as a museum to honor the nation’s fruit.
- Eisenhower Farm – Actually located in Gettysburg and one of the favorite sites among visitors to Gettysburg.
- Take a ghost tour – I think Gettysburg has more ghost tours than we have ghosts. Really. It’s not hard to find a ghost tour in Gettysburg any time of the year. And it’s something you’ve got to do at least once.
- Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing - Located in York Springs, Pennsylvania near the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds, this museum houses vintage racing cars and memorabilia of one of America’s favorite sports.
- Go on a scenic train ride - For 75 minutes, or three hours if you prefer, you can take a train tour through Adams County and see the beautiful landscapes from a different perspective.
- Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival – Like music? Like Bluegrass music? Then you can enjoy great Bluegrass music twice a year at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival. Takes place between Gettysburg and Fairfield in the spring and fall each year.
- Golf - The Links at Gettysburg is an 18-hole golf course carved out of indigenous red rock formations and meandering streams.
- Visit Washington D.C. - The nation’s capital is just a two-hour drive away.
- Ride a Harley – Every year, thousands of bike riders descend upon Gettysburg for Bike Week. You can join them.
There are lots more things to do in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Don’t wait for an invitation. Plan your next trip now.
Irish Music Returns Monthly To Gettysburg Pub
If you like good Irish folk music and Killian’s Red then you’ll love the local Irish pub – The Garryowen. Every First Sunday, a group of local musicians gather at the pub for traditional folk music and a jam session. They’d like you to join them.
You don’t have to play an instrument or sing. You can just listen. But if you do play or sing then you’re welcome to chime in. The pub is located at 126 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg just a block and a half away from the square.
The Garyowen is a traditional Irish pub with a great atmosphere and a great place to meet new friends. They feature local bands that play country music, R&B, rock and roll, jazz, and a variety of other music styles. If you’re in Gettysburg on any First Sunday of any month, stop in and say hello to the crew and join in the traditional Irish folk singing. It’s just good fun.
Murals And Artwork By Lise’ – Adams County’s Christian Artist
Just before Christmas, while driving along Kralltown Road in Adams County, I saw a wooden, hand-painted sign next to a mailbox as I was driving back home from a consulting gig. The sign read something of the nature (I can’t recall the exact words) “Children’s Books, Illustrated By Local Artist.” I promptly pulled into the driveway to see these local artist illustrated childrens books. I’m glad I did.
The artist is a down-to-earth, very sweet Christian woman by the name of Lise’ (pronounced Lisa) Miller. I must say that I was very impressed with her work. Though I didn’t purchase any of the childrens books at the time, they are something that I would highly recommend.
But Lise’ doesn’t just illustrate childrens books. She also paints murals and artwork by custom order. And her work is fabulous! You can get a glimpse of her beautiful artwork in her online gallery. But be forewarned; as captivating as her digital prints are, they do not do justice to her live artwork. You’ve got to see it for yourself.
I’d encourage you to pay her website a visit and contact Lise’ through her contact form. Whether you are a native of Adams County, Pa. or a visitor, I’m sure she would love to share her artwork with you as she did with me. And according to her, simply sharing the gift is enough for her to complete her joy.
Bronze Abraham Lincoln May Move To Gettysburg
Stanley Watts, who constructed the bronze memorial of fire fighters for Ground Zero in Manhattan following Sept 11, 2001, has built a similar bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln reading the Gettysburg Address. He wants to put it in Gettysburg. Of course, there is already a statue of Lincoln reading the Gettysburg Address on the square. So where will it go? No one knows. But they do have ideas.
Watts, from Salt Lake City, Utah, wants the statue placed in a prominent location. But most of the prominent locations are already taken. The target date is February and the Borough Council doesn’t know where they want to put it. But they’ve narrowed it down to six locations. Oh, the sweet dilemmas!
Well, I like bronze statues. Lincoln I could take or leave. But if he’s made of bronze then I’m thinking he might make a good pigeon stool. Whatever they decide to do with Lincoln, I’m sure he’ll make himself right at home in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. I just hope they don’t ask me to polish his boots.
Brian Culbertson’s “A Soulful Christmas”
Brian Culbertson, to be joined by Vesta Williams, Tony Maiden of Rufus, and Mike Phillips, brings you for the third year in a row “A Soulful Christmas 2008.” The nationwide tour kicks off in Seattle, Washington and makes a stop in our capital on Sunday November 30th. The event, sponsored by Higashi Pearls and Fine Jewelry, will be held at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg.
Culbertson and the gang will serenade you with holiday favorites and will also provide you with hits from their own albums. This is an amazing opportunity to listen to some of the foremost contemporary jazz singers and performers on one stage. Culbertson says that he’s “thrilled to share the Holiday season and the stage with such an amazing group of performers!”
“A Soulful Christmas” is another great way to enjoy the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 717-214-ARTS. Don’t wait too long because these tickets will go fast!
Hershey Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Spectacular
Picture this for me: you’re curled up on the sofa with a hot mug of cocoa. The steam curls off of the creamy concoction as light Christmas tunes resound throughout your living room. What could make this moment any better? Well, how about a live show in the chocolate capital of the world?
The Hershey Symphony Orchestra will preform their “Christmas Spectacular” at the Hershey Theater on Friday December 5. The show starts at 8:00 PM, so why not head over to Chocolate World before the show and indulge in a decadent mug of Cafe Mocha or a rich, thick hot cocoa made with none other than Hershey’s chocolate.
After you warm your body, warm your soul with familiar Christmas melodies played by the talented Hershey Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra has been performing for over 40 years and have created a longstanding tradition of excellence at the Hershey Theater.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, but you can also contact the Hershey Theater Ticket Office to place advance orders. 717-533-8449.
Pennsylvania State Capitol – A Masterpiece Of Architecture
This afternoon, my wife and I took the family to see the Pennsylvania state Capitol building in Harrisburg. We went with my grandson’s Cub Scout troop.
When we first planned to make our visit I though it would be just like any other state Capitol. Being from Texas, I’ve had several chances to see that Capitol building, which is huge in comparison, but nowhere near the work of art. The Pennsylvania Capitol was built in 1906 and cost $13 million to build. In 1906, $13 million would have been a fortune. There aren’t enough zeros in the solar system to cover what that would be in today’s dollars.
From the green glazed terra cotta tile on the outside roof to the inlaid 24-karat gold ornaments on the inside chambers, the Capitol building is a site to see. I’m sure the Senate and House chambers would have been 10 times more beautiful had there been sunlight instead of cloudy skies as the stained glass windows were incredible.
Architect Joseph Huston blended Greek, Roman, and Victorian styles to create a masterful Renaissance-era architectural work of art in the state’s capital. I highly recommend a visit to the Capitol building while you are in Gettysburg. Harrisburg is straight up Hwy. 15 about 40 miles. It’s worth the drive.
Product Review: Scented Candles From Spring Grove
Over the weekend my wife and I set up a booth at a local crafts bazaar, which is something we do rather often. And of course you can meet some really good people that way. One very interesting person we met at the bazaar was a lady named Rita Forbes from Spring Grove Pennsylvania. Rita makes handmade candles, which are just fabulous.
If you’re looking for a few good Christmas gifts then Rita can hook you up with her scented handcrafted candles. We brought one home with us and have delighted in a the terrific aroma and ambiance it has created in our home. “Tree Lighting” is a flavorful Christmas aroma, a bit sweet and mild, and not “pine-y” at all, which is what I’d expect from a candle named “Tree Lighting”.
Rita’s Handcrafted Creations is located on Jefferson Road in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Call Rita at 717-965-4773 for directions.
Spring Grove is about 23 miles from Gettysburg along Route 30. If you have the time to kill, go for a drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery along Lincoln Highway on your way to pick your scented handcrafted candle from Rita.
Do you own a business in the Gettysburg Pennsylvania area? Have a product or service that might appeal to tourists and travelers? Get a free review.
