Community Calendar

The first two-person survey exhibition of these renowned artists, Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld explores their shared allegiances and sustaining friendship over three decades. The exhibition will unite some twenty-five sculptures and paintings by both artists along with related works on paper and a major new collaborative piece, offering an absorbing journey into the depths of the threatened natural world. Beginning with a section evoking the fieldwork of pioneering naturalists and explorers, visitors will encounter a field-station tableaux by Dion alongside Rockman’s paintings of local ecosystems, often with cross-sectioned views. Ensuing works will address such themes as invasive and endangered species, beleaguered aquatic environments, anthropogenic landscapes, and future scenarios evincing effects of climate change and waning biodiversity.

Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld was organized by the American Federation of Arts, with support provided by Victoria E. Triplett and Elizabeth Belfer. The exhibition was curated by Suzanne Ramljak, Chief Curator at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

The Palmer Museum of Art’s presentation of the exhibition was overseen by Joyce Robinson, Interim Director, with major support provided by our exhibition co-sponsors: PSU Outreach – The Arboretum at Penn State and the Michael J. Aimee Rusinko Kakos Dean’s Chair in the College of Arts and Architecture.

The Bellefonte Art Museum in collaboration with Christina Dhanuja, writer and co-founder of Dalit History month, presents Heralding Utopias: Conceptions of a caste-less, class-less, state-less world

Heralding Utopias brings together visual art created by Dalit and Adivasi artists, whose conceptions of a world are free from caste, class, and state divisions. This exhibition, showcasing the work of fifteen artists from around the world, takes its inspiration from the utopian vision of the 15th century Indian saint-poet Guru Ravidas. Titled Begumpura, the saint imagines a place with no pain, taxes, or terror; no one is third or second in this land, and everyone is a friend of another.

Exhibition Committee Members: Christina Dhanuja, Lori Fisher, Pat House, Nalini Krishnankutty, and Alagammai Meyyappan

This exhibition is sponsored in part by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, The PA Council on the Arts, Pan APIDA Circle, and a community of local supporters.

free concerts in Lemont:

5-September ANGIE LAVANISH, (BRYAN) BIG RED, & ZOE MAKENNA

12-Sept. GRANMA BEN – DOUG IRWIN, CHRIS GALLAGER, & STEVE TREADO.

19-Sept. KEVIN BRIGGS, AND COLLEGE TOWNSHIP 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY SUPPER

26-Sept. WALKER SURVIVOR, CHRISTINE SHAFER
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Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was one of the first Black women to see her anti-slavery writings published in the United States. The dramatic choreography of “The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper” brings to life her poetry, novels, lectures, and enduring legacy in a dance-theatre program that highlights the challenges of her lifetime that are still as relevant today.

The production is directed by Lynnette Young Overby, a professor emerita of theatre and dance at the University of Delaware; and performed by actress Sharia Benn and the Sharing Our Legacy Dance Theatre.

The program includes:
Harper’s poems “Blessed Hope,” “Slave Mother,” and “Sketches of a Southern Life”; her novel, Iola Leroy; a short story, ”The Two Offers”; and a lecture, ”We are All Bound Up Together”;
original poems by Glenis Redmond;
original music by Ralph Russell, David Horton and Vianne Reay; and
“Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” by Arreon Harley-Emerson and performed by the award-winning Elevate Vocal Arts choir.

After the performance, the artist will speak with interested the audience members.

American Sign Language interpretation will be offered for this performance. Contact the Arts Ticket Center at artstix@psu.edu or by calling 814-863‑2727, ext. 3, by September 6, to discuss ASL seating preferences.

Penn State Altoona is offering a six-session tap dance class for adults from 7 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3 in the dance studio, room 148 of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. There is a $50 registration fee.

The beginner adult rhythm tap class is perfect for those new to tap. It offers a comprehensive introduction to basic steps, rhythmic progressions, and dynamic combinations. No prior experience is required — just bring your enthusiasm, a water bottle, and tap shoes!

Registration is available online.

Get ready to be swept away by the timeless tale of Cinderella, the definitive rags-to-riches story that has charmed and inspired audiences all over the world. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the treasured fairy tale features some of their most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago” in this romantic (and hilarious) update.

Nominated for nine 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, critics called it, “Reassuringly old-fashioned and refreshingly irreverent, sentimental and snarky, sincere and ironic, all at once!”

Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler roams her Manhattan townhouse, haunted by restless fears. When she suddenly sees the body of a man in the window across the way, no one believes her. Surrounded by peculiar figures—an inquisitive neighbor, a meddling maid, and even a houseguest whose motives are unclear—Elaine’s terror mounts as the mystery deepens, building toward a chilling climax.

September 18, 19 & 20 at 7:30pm; September 21 at 2:00pm

Features sudden loud noises (incl. gunshots), moments of high suspense, and references to violence and death.

BYOB. Concessions stand on site with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

More information at sockandbuskintc.org/upcoming-performances 

The Playhouse at McConnellstown is set to deliver a much-needed dose of laughter with its production of Michael Parker's hilarious political farce, “The Sensuous Senator.”

In this uproarious comedy, we meet Senator Harry Douglas, a politician running for president on a strict "morality" platform. When his long-suffering wife, Lois, leaves for a conference, the Senator invites his stunning secretary and lover, Veronica, to his Washington townhouse.

When Veronica can't make it, Douglas calls an escort agency. The agency sends over Fiona, a high-class call girl who specializes in members of Congress. The evening spirals into complete chaos as another congressman, an elderly neighbor, and a persistent investigative reporter from "The National Intruder!" all drop in. The mayhem peaks when Lois unexpectedly returns home after her flight is canceled and finds her house filled with politicians, scantily clad women, security police, and a reporter.

A talented cast brings this madcap bedlam to life. Joe Soloski as Senator Harry Douglas, the suave politician whose libido constantly gets him into trouble. The Senator’s blissfully unaware wife Lois Douglas is played by Shelby Metz. Will Renninger is Congressman Jack Maguire, the young and naive first-term congressman; and Bill Daup is Congressman Clyde Salt, an elderly cynic with a sharp wit. Fiona, the high-class call girl, is played by Oscar Pollock.

Deb Shank is Miss Morrison, a very serious investigative reporter with a camera always ready to capture a scandalous photo. Harry’s voluptuous secretary Veronica is played by Tara Lee Donahue. Abby Lambert plays the police officer who appearing at the most inappropriate times.

“This show is nothing but laughs, laughs, and more laughs,” commented Daup.

"This is one of those shows in which every scene is hilarious," added Renninger. “For me, personally, I get to make a fool of myself—I appear in questionable attire, and I get to throw myself around like a ragdoll."

Crafting the political mayhem on stage is a top-tier creative team. Director Clay Glenny is at the helm, orchestrating the rapid-fire comedy and chaos. Don Dietz designed a set that is as visually engaging as a breaking news scandal. Jeanne Nagurny's costume design ensures every character is perfectly dressed for their political—and personal—machinations.

The atmosphere is set by Keith Sutton's lighting design while Rick Brown manages the crucial soundscape, ensuring every cue lands with a powerful impact. Barb Hughes provides technical assistance, keeping the entire operation running smoothly.

The Playhouse and several local food establishments are excited to continue the Toast the Show: Themed Libations and Local Bites partnership. This collaboration provides a fun way for local food and beverage establishments to offer exciting new features during a Playhouse production run. For “The Sensuous Senator,” patrons can expect exciting creations from Three Twelve Kitchen and Cocktails, Juniata Brewing Company, and Tastes of Home LLC.

At Three Twelve Kitchen and Cocktails, indulge in the Senator’s Surf and Turf. This pairing of a 12 oz New York strip steak and a 4 oz house-made crab cake is crafted with love and a touch of indulgence. The entrée is served with your choice of starch and seasonal vegetable. Pair it with the Three Twelve Kitchen’s signature Bombay Sapphire Dirty Martini for the perfect finish.

Cool off with Juicy Jetski IPA (5.8%) from Juniata Brewing Company. This hazy, hop-forward brew features Citra and Mosaic hops. Bursting with tropical notes and bold citrus flavors, it’s almost as juicy as the latest gossip about Senator Douglas.

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out Taste of Home’s Sultry Secretary, a rich chocolate cheesecake layered with fresh raspberries, an Oreo cookie crust, and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. It’s as scandalous and decadent as it sounds.

“The Sensuous Senator” opens on September 19 and continues its run September 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings are September 21 and 28 p.m. Tickets for “The Sensuous Senator” can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site: mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311.

Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $16 for seniors (age 60 and older), students (age 6 and older), and military personnel. Payment options include cash, check, debit, or credit card. For more information about “The Sensuous Senator” and other upcoming productions at The Playhouse at McConnellstown, please visit www.littletheater.com or follow us on Facebook.

Christopher Durang’s Tony Award–winning comedy brings Chekhov-inspired characters into the present day with wit and heart. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in their Pennsylvania farmhouse—until their glamorous movie-star sister, Masha, arrives with her much younger boyfriend, Spike. Old resentments, new rivalries, and absurd surprises unfold in this laugh-out-loud play about family, change, and finding meaning in midlife.

The Pets Come First Annual Golf Tournament is a fun, community oriented event which will be held on September 20th, 2025. Pets Come First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter located in Centre Hall, PA. Our mission is to find loving homes for animals across our region. For over 20 years, we’ve helped dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs—and even pot-bellied pigs—find their forever families. This tournament is for teams of two. We have multiple prizes including a $20K hole in one prize, Mulligans, raffles, and more. Lunch is provided for golfers. To register or if you have questions, please email: PCFgolf2024@gmail.com or call Skytop Mountain Golf Club at 814-692-4249.