1. Black Violin
It’s no wonder the classically-trained group Black Violin has received so much acclaim; to listen to them is to enjoy an amazing blend of hip-hop beats with the sounds of stringed instruments, a DJ, and a drummer. The group–led by Wil B. on viola, Kev Marcus on violin, DJ SPS, and Nat Stokes on drums–has worked with Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Wu-Tang Clan, and Alicia Keys to name a few. Endeavoring to overcome stereotypes, they recently joined Turnaround Arts with Elton John and Yo-Yo Ma to bring arts education to underserved schools. The program is a result of President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Their most recent single, “Dreamer,” combines vocals, orchestral sounds, and toe-tapping beats.
November 2 / Appell Center / 50 N. George St., York, PA / 717-846-1111 / appellcenter.org
2. Mindfulness Hike
Experience the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku for a therapeutic mindfulness hike in beautiful Lancaster County Central Park. Prior to stepping foot into the forest, the group will learn hints on how best to enjoy the walk, including making sure to look, listen, and even enjoy the scents of nature. This gentle hike is best enjoyed in silence, so participants will quietly allow their senses to take over, doing breathing exercises and group sharing upon completion. Bringing a journal is highly encouraged for truly tapping into the calm feelings and observations along the way. In Japan, shinrin-yoku is a popular practice to use nature as a form of therapy and relaxation.
November 16 / Kinglet Trailhead, Lancaster County Central Park, Lancaster, PA / 717-295-2055 apm.activecommunities.com/LancasterCountyParks
3. Holiday Pops Spectacular
Ring in the season with the Holiday Pops Spectacular orchestra and chorus performance show. The York Symphony Orchestra will perform popular songs, as well as offer a sing-along and an appearance from “the man in the red suit.” Enjoy the annual performance, conducted by Lawrence Golan, with Kathleen Shannon as chorusmaster, along with the York Symphony Chorus and the Franklin and Marshall African Drumming Ensemble. Get in the mood for the upcoming holidays with a little family-friendly musical cheer. The two performances are sure to sell out (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).
November 30 / Appell Center / 50 N. George St., York, PA / 717-846-1111 / yorksymphony.org
4. Friendsgiving
Patience Buckwalter is no stranger to bringing people together, and the 3rd annual Friendsgiving event proves her mantra that “everyone is each other’s neighbor.” As a licensed social worker and the creator of the Grape Leaf Empowerment Center, she offers resources and services to both refugee and immigrant families. At her walk-up food take-out window, Grape Leaf Café on West James Street, Lancaster, women from around the world create recipes like hummus, falafel, and the namesake stuffed grape leaves. For Friendsgiving, all are invited to attend and bring a dish to share with the community, while Buckwalter and her employees will provide the turkey and drinks. A great way to make new friends and share with the old.
November 8 / Ross Street United Methodist Church / 312 E. Ross St., Lancaster, PA / 717-875-1320 / grapeleafcenter.com
5. Five Christmases at the Shriver House
Beginning on Thanksgiving evening, take a candlelit tour while walking back in history to the time of the Civil War. The Shriver family, for whom the house is named, spent five Christmases in their home after some construction. Learn about those five Christmases inside the home decorated in the fashion of the 1860s, right before the Civil War began. Guides will detail how the battle of Gettysburg and the war affected the family. Running from Thanksgiving through December 14, reservations are required for the tours.
November 28-December 14 / Shriver House / 309 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA / 717-337-2800 shriverhouse.org
6. Alpaca Meet and Greet
Mark your calendar for cuteness! Eastland Alpacas is hosting its annual fall open house, which means you can take a tour of the farm and get up close and personal with some precious alpacas and their babies (photo op!). Kids can enjoy an obstacle course and wagon rides while grownups shop for holiday gifts like cozy scarves, throws, stuffed animals, and more made from luxurious alpaca fibers.
November 2, 3, 9, 10 / Eastland Alpacas / 2089 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, PA / 717-653-2757 / eastlandalpacas.com
7. Women of Achievement
Embracing the goals of empowering women and helping to eliminate racism, six local women have earned the esteemed distinction of being recognized by the YWCA for their Women of Achievement awards. Displaying leadership excellence both personally and professionally are Timbrel Adidala (creator/owner of Lush Bazaar), Milzy Carrasco (director of neighborhood engagement for the City of Lancaster), Falesha Martin (owner of Turn N/Headz Hair Studio), Fran Rodriguez (senior program officer for Lancaster County Community Fund), Kesha Morant Williams Ph.D. (associate professor of community arts & sciences, Penn State Berks), and Kate Zimmerman (executive director of Leadership Lancaster). The keynote speaker will be Dr. Tererai Trent, distinguished as Oprah’s all-time favorite guest, a humanitarian, a motivational speaker, and an author.
November 1 / Double Tree Resort / 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA / 717-869-5011 / ywcalancaster.org
8. 1940s Swing Dance
Step both back in time and to the beat of 1940s swing dance for a period-themed evening that encourages donning ensembles from the era or U.S. military uniforms (past or present). The Moonlighters, a Santa Rosa-based 18-piece band, will be playing up the tunes as they have for over 38 years. Light refreshments will be served among the historic trains in the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s collection of over 100 historically significant locomotives and railroad cars made and/or operated in Pennsylvania. The opportunity to do the Lindy Hop and other fun swing styles amid such a unique backdrop is sure to create a truly one-of-a-kind evening, while raising funds for the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
November 2 / Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania / 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA / 717-687-8628 / rrmuseumpa.org
9. Flavors of York
Imagine being able to sample the food of more than 15 different upscale restaurants from around York in a single night while participating in a fundraiser. That’s exactly what Flavors of York aims to do with its tasting event that raised over $34,000 last year. Included are premier restaurants, caterers, and confectioners, with proceeds benefitting York’s Temple Beth Israel’s project, Doing Good for Goode. Some of the participating establishments will be John Wright Restaurants, Iron Horse York, Mi Caldero, the Busy Bee, and Viet Thai, among others. Sure to be a tasty and fun evening, there will also be an auction, prizes, and live jazz music. Dance and sample the night away for a "Goode" cause.
November 17 / Wyndham Garden / 2000 Loucks Road, York, PA / 717-843-2676 / flavorsofyork.com
10. Fur Ball Gala & Auction
Dance the night away while helping to raise money for the animals of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) with a fun event called the Fur Ball Gala & Auction. Thankfully the punny name is just a play on words; the night begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction. After that enjoy dinner and dancing, as well as entertainment, at the 18th annual gala. The black-tie event is the signature annual fundraiser for HSHA, so for all animal lovers, this event is for you.
November 9 / Hilton Harrisburg Hotel / 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-564-3320 / humanesocietyhbg.org
