Mark Rast on Banjo, Bluegrass, and Performing with His Son Jordan

September 3, 2026 by Cori Jackson

Mark and Jordan Rast perform stringed instruments together in a barn

Mark Rast is no stranger to the Lancaster music scene. A member of both Colebrook Road and the Vinegar Creek Constituency, his intricate banjo picking is woven into the soundtrack of Lancaster County. During First Friday in September, he’ll be performing in a much smaller grouping—with his son, Jordan. We asked him how he got into playing the banjo, how he raised his kids in a musical family, and what it’s like to get to perform with your grown-up kid.

How did you get into playing banjo?

“I fell in love with folk and bluegrass music when I was about 14 years old,” he says. “The seminal album by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band—Will the Circle Be Unbroken—put me over the top.” He began taking banjo lessons, and the rest is history.

As a musician, how did you raise your kids?

“The kids were surrounded by my music at home,” he says. “Fortunately, their mother is a huge fan and an excellent singer as well. We encouraged them to play music from a young age, and they all embraced it. Suzuki violin lessons were a great start. Soon we were all playing together at home.”

The family spent their vacations attending Bluegrass and Old-Time festivals, where the kids became involved in the music, starting to add up contest wins as both individuals and as a family band. Now adults, all of Mark Rast’s children are accomplished musicians who have played in bands from Oldtime Liberation Front to the Second-Hand Suits.

What’s it like to perform with your grown son?

Mark and his son, Jordan, started playing together more often during the pandemic. “We had a few gigs and really enjoyed the more relaxed interplay of a duo,” he says. In between shows with their individual bands (Jordan currently plays with the Joe Hillman band), they perform as a duo as often as they can.

“Jordan is a really giftedmusician and seeing that as a father is always amazing,” he says. “He really pushes me and keeps me on my toes. It is really great to play with younger folks who have new ideas about things. I can’t recall a single time I didn’t really enjoy playing a duo gig with Jordan.”

See Mark & Jordan Rast Live

🪕 Experience the homegrown Appalachian magic of this father-son duo for yourself during We the People First Friday on September 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ware Center for the Arts in Lancaster.

Meet Rob Homan, the Lancaster Artist Transforming Woodcarving into Fine Art

September 3, 2026August 31, 2026 by Cori Jackson

Meet Rob Homan, the artist behind Wild in the Shadows, a new gallery exhibit opening Friday, September 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ware Center for the Arts in Lancaster, PA.

Hailing from Lancaster County, Rob Homan nurtured his passion for woodworking from an early age while exploring the forests and crafting furniture in his father’s woodshop. With an architecture degree from Temple University and five years of experience in design/build firms in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, he now serves as a creative director at TAIT, focusing on high-level sculptural installations around the world. Despite his digital work, Rob’s heart remains with woodworking, particularly drawn to its versatile and soulful nature. His woodcarving journey led him to crafting functional objects like utensils, bowls, cutting boards, tables, and stools.

Inspired by his Polish heritage and traditional folk art forms like Wycinanki and Pysanky, Rob has incorporated these designs into larger woodcarving projects, infusing them with vibrant acrylic and spray paint to bring their bright colors and intricate textures to life.

We asked Rob what inspires him to create, how he developed his unique style, and what it’s like to be married to a fellow artist.

Tell us about your artwork.

“I’ve developed a unique art style that strives to elevate the craft of woodcarving to fine art sculpture. My inspiration comes from nature, specifically animals with striking colors and shapes, and their relationship with the natural environment (flowers and trees). I interpret these subjects through bold, graphic design and allow the carved sections to create a natural gradient through shadow.”

“I source the wood slabs from a local sawmill so I know it is properly kiln-dried and will remain flat. I hand-carve using a series of small gouges, and each piece can take hundreds of hours. When I paint, I use super matte acrylics that really make the color stand out even in shadow. This level of detail and craftsmanship is important to me because it creates a piece that stands out from far away, but gets more interesting as viewers get up close to it.”

How do you work with such heavy materials?

“With help from friends, we created a carving windmill easel. This allows me to mount a large piece of wood, rotate and lock into place when carving different sections with ease. I have about 15 different size chisels and gouges that allow me to take out a lot of material or get super precise cuts in smaller details.”

How do you find time to create?

“This art practice keeps me away from a computer screen and I find it rewarding to make art just for myself. My wife is also an artist, so this is just part of our lifestyle – our living room is our art studio! I always must be creating something; it’s the way I understand the world and seek to learn new things.”

What do you think of our region’s art scene?

“Lancaster has a diverse mix of styles and mediums. There’s a rich history of craftspeople here that I believe influences new techniques and inspires artists to blend that level of craft into artistic expression. Maybe I say that just because that was my experience growing up here around makers. My contribution is to keep taking risks, trying new techniques and being inspired by others.”

What do you hope people see in this exhibit?

“I hope people feel the impact of these pieces; in their scale, craftsmanship and inspiration. I am a person who takes pride in doing things the slower, harder way to achieve something special and unique. These pieces represent my character more than I can say in words.”

See Wild in the Shadows

To see Rob Homan’s incredible finished artwork, stop by the Ware Center on Friday, September 4, from 5 to 8 pm with an artist talk at 6 pm.

New Season, New Series: Ware Center Announces 2026-2027 Season

August 24, 2026 by Cori Jackson

A brochure cover reads "2026-2027 Arts Season" and includes numerous photos of artists coming this season.

This year’s lineup brings nationally recognized performers and local artists together with family programs, documentary films, gallery exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and free community events.

The Ware Center for the Arts, Millersville University’s performing arts center in downtown Lancaster, announces its 2026-2027 Visual & Performing Arts Season, featuring more than 50 opportunities to experience the arts. This year’s lineup brings nationally recognized performers and local artists together with family programs, documentary films, gallery exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and free community events.

New this season, the Arts for Health & Wellbeing series explores the role of the arts in health, healing, and quality of life. Highlights include an immersive performance by Grammy-winning Indian classical musician Sandeep Das, where audience members can experience the music from a cushion onstage or from seating in the auditorium.

Experience world-class performances

The Ware Center’s Performing Arts Series brings nationally and internationally recognized artists to Lancaster, including jazz legend Branford Marsalis, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, country-pop trio DEK of Hearts, and Celtic supergroup Cherish the Ladies. The series spans genres and styles, offering audiences opportunities to experience flamenco, zydeco, rhythm and blues, marimba, and more.

Discover local and regional artists

The Ware Center continues to shine a light on local and regional artists through its Lancaster Loves series, now in its second year, pairing artists with shared musical DNA in sometimes surprising ways. This season’s lineup includes Harrisburg singer-songwriters Jeffrey Gaines and Meaghan Farrell, folk artists Rivers and Big Sky Quartet, and performer/director Reji Woods, who returns for another cabaret—this time, celebrating music from the silver screen.

Explore stories and ideas through film

The free On Screen/In Person series pairs documentary films with panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As, inviting audiences to explore complex topics through community conversations. This season’s films include Redemption Time, a multimedia performance film about a formerly incarcerated poet and jazz violinist reclaiming their lives through art, and A Long Way to Go, which explores the stories of three migrant nurses.

Engage kids in the arts

The Family Fun Fest offers programming designed for children and families, including an hour of free crafts and activities from campus and community organizations before each performance. This season includes the dynamic dog circus Cirque Du Canines, Milo the Magnificent, a wordless puppet show about a magician whose tricks don’t always go as planned, and the Japanese drumming sensation TAIKOPROJECT.

Connect with the community

We the People First Friday pairs live performances with new gallery openings, creating opportunities for audiences to experience music, visual art, and community together. This season’s events include a musical tour of African culture with the McCaskey Combined Choirs and an evening of popular music with The UnSinkables, a group of teens and young adults who receive services at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.

Learn and create

Once again, the Ware Center is offering hands-on Arts Workshops for all ages, with opportunities to learn about topics ranging from swing dancing to relief printing to drawing like Georgia O’Keeffe.

With free programming, family activities, educational opportunities, and accessibility services available throughout the season, the Ware Center continues its commitment to making the arts accessible to the entire community.

Start planning your year at the Ware Center! Explore the full season or view the digital season brochure.

Lancaster County Launches Strategic Arts Initiative

March 11, 2026 by Cori Jackson

Lancaster County Strategic Arts Initiative

Lancaster, PA – The Foundation of the Lancaster Chamber, in partnership with the Ware Center for the Arts, community leaders and arts organizations across the county, has launched the Lancaster County Strategic Arts Initiative, a collaborative effort designed to better understand, strengthen, and invest in Lancaster County’s vibrant arts and culture sector.

As a first step in the initiative, the Foundation has engaged Fourth Economy, a nationally recognized community and economic development consulting firm, to conduct a countywide Economic & Community Impact Study of Lancaster County’s arts and culture ecosystem.

The study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the arts sector’s economic contributions, community impact, and future opportunities. The findings will help inform the development of a long-term strategic plan for the arts in Lancaster County, led by a community-based task force that will guide the initiative following completion of the study.

The last countywide arts impact study was conducted in 2010. Since that time, Lancaster County’s arts ecosystem has grown significantly, with expanded cultural institutions, creative businesses, festivals, educational programs, and individual artists contributing to the region’s economic vitality, civic identity, and quality of life.

“Lancaster County has become an extraordinary example of what can happen when a community believes in the power of the arts,” said John Gerdy, founder of Music For Everyone and a co-leader of the initiative. “The arts help shape who we are as a community. They strengthen our economy, enrich our schools, and bring people together in meaningful ways. This initiative gives us an opportunity to better understand that impact and to work collectively to ensure the arts continue to thrive across Lancaster County.”

Fourth Economy will conduct extensive community engagement throughout the study, including stakeholder interviews, surveys, and focus groups with artists, arts organizations, educators, businesses, and community leaders. The final report will analyze the sector’s economic and community impact while outlining strategic opportunities that can guide future investment and coordination.

Following completion of the study, a community-based Task Force will work together to review the findings and develop a long-term strategic plan for the arts in Lancaster County. Building on the study’s data and recommendations, the group will help identify priorities, strategies, and opportunities to strengthen the county’s creative ecosystem. The initiative will also support the formation of a Lancaster County Arts Alliance, a collaborative network designed to increase communication and partnership among artists, arts organizations, and community stakeholders. In addition, leaders will explore the development of an entity dedicated to advocating for the arts and coordinating efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Lancaster County’s creative sector.

“This initiative is about ensuring that Lancaster County continues to be a place where the creative arts industry can thrive,” said Justin Johnson, Director of Communications at the Lancaster Chamber. “By gathering new data, listening to the voices of artists and organizations, and working collaboratively as a community, we can better understand the role the arts play in our economy and identify the strategies needed to support the sector for the future.”

To launch the initiative and begin the community conversation, organizers will host a public event on Tuesday, March 25, bringing together artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community members interested in the future of the arts in Lancaster County.

State of the Arts: A Community Conversation on the Future of the Creative Arts in Lancaster County

March 25, 2026
Ware Center for the Arts

Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Networking: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Program: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

The evening will include an introduction to the Strategic Arts Initiative, a presentation from Fourth Economy on the upcoming study process, and opportunities for attendees to share their perspectives and feedback.

Community participation will play a critical role in shaping the study and the strategic recommendations that follow. Organizers encourage artists, arts supporters, business leaders, educators, and residents to attend and help contribute to the conversation.

The Lancaster County Strategic Arts Initiative is being organized through The Foundation of the Lancaster Chamber, in partnership with The Ware Center for the Arts and in collaboration with regional arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community partners. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration across the arts community, shift the public narrative around the impact of the arts, and position the creative sector as a key driver of Lancaster County’s economic and community future.

Our Journeys exhibition opens with a celebration of the resilience of Vietnamese refugees

February 10, 2026February 2, 2026 by Cori Jackson

Maian McCauley speaks to friends during the Our Journeys opening event.

LANCASTER,PA—On Saturday, January 31, 2026, over 200 people from every corner of Lancaster and beyond gathered at the Ware Center for the Arts to honor the stories of the Vietnamese refugees who have helped to shape our community and our nation.

This country’s collective memory of the Vietnam War is often shaped by American military involvement. It is easy to forget that over 2 million refugees fled Vietnam after the war, and that many of them, after harrowing and dangerous journeys across the ocean, began new lives in local communities. Their resilience is woven into the fabric of the nation, and their stories deserve to be told—in their own words.

Our Journeys: A Traveling Exhibition, created by Vietnamese Boat People (VBP), brings these forgotten stories to life through oral histories, personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive elements. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down, look, listen, and even breathe in scents that evoke powerful memories of migration, loss, and hope that continue to shape Vietnamese American families across generations.

Attendees at the Our Journeys opening event

A visitor stops by the Vietnamese Boat People table at the Our Journeys opening event

Photographer Bri Nguyen stands besides the art gallery that features his photos at the Our Journeys opening event

Visitors hang New Year's wishes on a tree at the Our Journeys opening event

A family takes in the art gallery at the Our Journeys opening event

VBP Founder Tracey Nguyen Mang speaks at the Our Journeys opening event

Sophia Ma and her partner listen to VBP Founder Tracey Nguyen Mang at the Our Journeys opening event

Joyce Hu sits at the Vietnamese Boat People table at the Our Journeys opening event

Ahn Parisi, board member of VBP, speaks at the Our Journeys opening event

A visitor applauds at the Our Journeys opening event

Local singer Panda performs a song at the Our Journeys opening event

Visitors to the event become emotional during Panda's song

Maian McCauley speaks at the Our Journeys opening event

Fran Rodriguez of the Lancaster County Community Foundation speaks at the Our Journeys opening event

Members of the Sprout/Rice & Noodles family stand by the exhibit panel that tells their family's story

The Our Journeys map shows visitors' own personal journeys

Visitors write their families' stories on cards to add to the Our Journeys map

Photos by Taylor Ann Photography

The opening night of Our Journeys was hailed as both “heartbreaking and inspiring,” honoring both collective history and local voices. Stories contributed by Alys Truong, Mai Nguyen Yeager, Ho-Thanh Nguyen, and Thuat Nham grounded the nationally touring exhibition in lived experiences from the region, reminding guests that these stories are alive and present in their communities today, while powerful remarks by VBP Founder Tracey Nguyen Mang emphasized the importance of reclaiming one’s own narrative.

The reception also celebrated community through artwork by local Asian American artists Libby Etheridge, Wendy Li yuen-Ting, Yen Elizabeth Keener, Aron Rook, Vu Quoc Nguyen, and Bri Nguyen, traditional Vietnamese dresses curated by Julia Cao, Vietnamese cuisine from the Sprout of Rice & Noodles family, a moving musical performance by Lê Thanh Trúc (Panda), and an emotional story of family legacy and sacrifice told by Maian McCauley.

“The opening reception set the tone for what the exhibition continues to offer throughout its run,” said Bri Nguyen in a social media post about the event. “Not spectacle, but presence. Not distance, but connection.”

Our Journeys: A Traveling Exhibition is on display at the Ware Center for the Arts through February 28, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offered free and open to the public. All are invited to come sit with these powerful memories, to reflect on their family’s journey, and to add their own stories to this important conversation.

Our Journeys is presented in partnership with the Lancaster County Community Foundation and the Lancaster Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders – LAAPI.

Photos by Bri Nguyen

Ware Center to Host Traveling Exhibition Presented by Vietnamese Boat People in February

January 9, 2026 by Cori Jackson

"Our Journeys" interactive world map. Design and rendering by Thinc Design. Image courtesy of Vietnamese Boat People.

Join the Ware Center in honoring the courage, sacrifice and resilience of a community shaped by loss — and in celebrating the power of storytelling to connect, heal and inspire.

The Ware Center for the Arts will present “Our Journeys,” a powerful multimedia exhibition created by Vietnamese Boat People, from Feb. 2 to 28. The exhibition, which can be viewed weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public, as is a special exhibit opening event on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Centering the voices of Vietnamese Americans, “Our Journeys” brings to life deeply personal stories of migration, memory and resilience. Through oral histories, cherished artifacts and interactive elements, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the emotional and historical threads that connect generations across the diaspora.

The exhibit will include local Vietnam diaspora stories by Alys Truong, Mai Nguyen Yeager, Ho-Thanh Nguyen and Thuat Nham ’81, the first Vietnamese woman to attend and graduate from Millersville University.

Exhibit Opening Event

The Jan. 31 opening event will feature artwork by local Asian American visual artists, including Libby Etheridge, Wendy Li yuen-Ting, Yen Elizabeth Keener, Aron Rook, Vu Quoc Nguyen and Baldwin Fellow Bri Nguyen. There will also be a display of traditional Vietnamese dresses curated by Julia Cao, delicious Vietnamese finger foods provided by the Rice & Noodles/Sprout family and a performance by Vietnamese American singer Lê Thanh Trúc (“Panda”). Maian McCauley, whose mother’s story will be featured in the “Our Journeys” exhibit, will share the poignant story of her family’s diaspora experience.

VBP Founder Tracey Nguyễn Mang will share ways to participate in the organization’s oral history project and offer book signings for the “Our Journeys” book, an exhibition accompaniment.

*Our Journeys interactive world map for sharing your journey. Design and rendering by Thinc Design. Image courtesy of Vietnamese Boat People.*

Vietnamese Boat People’s “Our Journeys” Exhibit

Since 2018, VBP has documented the untold stories of the Vietnamese refugee experience through its award-winning podcast, educational workshops, and grassroots storytelling initiatives. Our Journeys is the culmination of this work — transforming audio into a deeply human, visual and participatory experience.

The exhibition invites visitors through a self-guided collection of personal narratives and objects contributed by storytellers — each one carrying the weight of history, loss and hope. In the final section of the show, a global map invites guests to pause and chart their own journeys of migration, weaving together a collective story of displacement and homecoming. Guests are also invited to engage with conversation cards that prompt dialogue and personal storytelling.

“At the heart of ‘Our Journeys’ is the belief that storytelling is both inheritance and offering,” says Mang. “This exhibition isn’t just about where we’ve come from — it’s about where we’re going, and how sharing our stories can guide others forward.”

This exhibition was made possible with generous support from the Henry Luce Foundation, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the Asian Women Giving Circle, and community donors, as acknowledged on the exhibition’s Wall of Hope. Local support for this installation provided by the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Join us in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of a community shaped by loss—and in celebrating the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.

Spark joy with these 5 must-see holiday shows in Lancaster

November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by Cori Jackson

Holiday shows in Lancaster, PA December 2025

The holiday season is almost here, and we know just the way to get into the mood for merriment – discover the best holiday shows in Lancaster, PA this December!

Festive offerings abound in Lancaster for theatre fans—including the American Music Theatre’s Deck the Halls, Fulton Theatre’s Elf, Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater’s Winter Wonderland, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, and Bird-in-Hand Stage’s The Christmas Candy Caper. But when it comes to Christmas music, nothing beats the lineup of holiday shows at the Ware Center for the Arts!

Live Music: Holiday Shows in Lancaster

Featuring exceptional musicians from around the globe in genres from jazz and swing to big band and Celtic music, the Ware Center has something for everyone this holiday season.

Hark! An Irish Christmas with RUNA

When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $27 for Adults | $19 for Students | Buy tickets online
Genre: Celtic Holiday Music

Fusing its signature Celtic-roots sound with American folk and bluegrass, RUNA brings its high-energy rhythms and lilting melodies to the festivities of the midwinter season! Showcasing Christmas music, dance, and poetry of the Celtic Isles, RUNA embraces the warmth and familiarity of traditional celebrations, while breathing fresh life into favourite holiday carols. With a jubilant atmosphere, the band’s collective artistry and innovative musical arrangements invite you to celebrate the love and joy of the Christmas spirit, and to venture enchanted into the light of the New Year.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $32 for Adults | $25 for Students | SOLD OUT
Genre: Swing Holiday Music

For 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences. Drawing on a rich catalogue of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s two full-length holiday albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its fun and quirky take on the holidays to you.

Anthony Nunziata: Bocelli & Beyond at Christmas

When: Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $25 for Adults | $17 for Students | Buy tickets online
Genre: Italian Holiday Arias

Revel in the holiday season with acclaimed singer Anthony Nunziata! Featuring soulful vocals in a tour-de-force concert that includes “The Prayer,” O Sole Mio,” “Amazing Grace,” “Ave Maria,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Santa Lucia,” and so much more, Anthony Nunziata’s music—and his heart—will stay with you long after you experience him live in concert.

Accessibility services: Sensory-friendly accommodations

Bria Skonberg: Jingle Bell Swing

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $25 for Adults | $17 for Students | Buy tickets online
Genre: Holiday Jazz

New York-based and Canadian-born singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” With her smoky vocals, blistering trumpet, and compelling arrangements, the Juno Award-winner brings her own take on seasonal favorites, including her hit cover of “All I Want For Christmas is You” and “Greensleeves.”

Glenn Miller Orchestra – In the Holiday Mood

When: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $25 for Adults | $17 for Students | Buy tickets online
Genre: Big Band Holiday

Showcasing the timeless melodies and swinging arrangements that made the Glenn Miller Orchestra an icon of the Big Band era, this festive extravaganza features a delightful blend of beloved holiday classics, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty The Snowman,” reimagined in the Orchestra’s signature style. With spirited brass sections, lush saxophone solos, and enchanting vocal harmonies, “In The Holiday Mood” celebrates the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season in the inimitable Glenn Miller style.

Accessibility services: Audio description will be available, and a touch tour will be held for patrons from the blind and low-vision community.

Grab your tickets to these must-see holiday shows before they’re gone!

Uncover the powerful legacy of Native American Heritage through the arts

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by Cori Jackson

A collage showing Mali Obomsawin, The Paza Experience, and Jonathan Nelson art reads "Native American Heritage Month"

3 events in November feature film, live music, crafts, dance, and visual art by Native American artists

Join the Ware Center for the Arts in Lancaster, PA this November in honoring Native American Heritage Month with a wide range of arts and cultural offerings featuring indigenous artists, including the On Screen/In Person Event Mali Obomsawin: Sugarcane on November 5, a We the People First Friday event featuring The Paza Experience on November 7, and the opening of a new gallery exhibit by Diné artist Jonathan Nelson, which will be on display throughout November.

Mali Obomsawin: Sugarcane

Mali Obomsawin with her cello — *Mali Obomsawin*

Join us for our On Screen/In Person film and filmmaker series (with a live performance twist!) during Mali Obomsawin: Sugarcane on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 PM.

During this unique fusion event, bassist, vocalist, and composer Mali Obomsawin and her band will perform live against the backdrop of the film Sugarcane, for which she composed the score. The Academy Award-nominated National Geographic documentary investigates abuses at an Indian residential school that ignite a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve. Watch the trailer for this gripping film.

At 6:30 PM in the Owen Grand Salon, there will be a pre-screening community panel discussion featuring members of the local indigenous community as well as scholars on Native American culture and history.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for students. Buy tickets online or call 717-871-7600 to reach the box office.

The Paza Experience

During We the People First Friday, join us for The Paza Experience on Friday, November 7, at 5:30 PM.

Celebrate the rich heritage of Native American culture with Lakota grass and hoop dancer and flute player Delwin Fiddler Jr. of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and Samora Free, an indigenous singer, multi-instrumentalist, and soundscape artist from NYC.

Derived from the Lakota word for “Tree of Life,” Paza symbolizes our connection to the Earth, ourselves, and all living beings. The event will include a craft at 5:30 PM, a performance at 6:30 PM, and a dance workshop at 7:30 PM.

The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required for entry.

This engagement is funded through the Mid-Atlantic Tours program of Mid-Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jonathan Nelson: Icons of the Diné

Sketches for Icons of the Dine - image by DARIA — *Sketches for Icons of the Diné – image by DARIA*

During We the People First Friday on Friday, November 7, a reception from 6 to 8 PM will celebrate the opening of the gallery exhibit Icons of the Diné by indigenous artist Jonathan Nelson.

The Diné people are one of 562 distinct, federally recognized Native American tribes. In this exhibit, Diné artist Jonathan Nelson brings to life six roles historically and currently held by tribal members.

With his background in illustration and graphic design, Nelson creates these icons, along with unique stylized logos, as a way of countering sport mascot caricatures of Native Americans. Nelson hopes to make Indigenous identities better known and seen, to spark conversation, and to remind people of who the Diné are and that they are still here, influencing the world.

The exhibit will be on display in the Regitz Gallery through November 28.

Discover 7 Exciting Live Music Shows in Lancaster This October

October 21, 2025 by Cori Jackson

As the weather gets chillier, there’s nothing better than heading indoors, cozying up, and enjoying the rich sounds of Lancaster’s vibrant live music scene.

Experience the Thrill of Live Music in Lancaster

Looking to be inspired by original music from the Lancaster region and beyond? Look no further! We’ve rounded up 7 live music events coming to Lancaster City this October featuring original artists in diverse genres, from jazz to bluegrass.

West Art Welcomes Ric Robertson & Tuck Ryan

When: Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: West Art, 800 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $20 in Advance | $25 at the Door | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: All ages

On October 23rd, West Art welcomes two amazing artists: Headlining is Ric Robertson, a genre-bending songwriter whose soulful voice and adventurous blend of folk and Americana has won fans across the nation. Opening the night is Lancaster’s own Tuck Ryan, bringing his smooth blend of soul, jazz, and his signature sound. Don’t miss an evening of amazing original music in The Sanctuary!

Lancaster Loves DANDY and Corty & the Light

When: Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $15 | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: All ages

A night celebrating the best of local music features two award-winning groups: singer-songwriter pop duo DANDY, whose music evokes the nostalgia of listening to your very first album as a kid; and Corty Byron, a longtime fixture of the local music scene in Lancaster, whose Americana roots-driven sound is vintage, bluesy, soul-drenched, and authentic. Byron will perform with his band, “The Light.”

Both artists have been recognized for their contributions to local music by the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards. In March 2025, Corty Byron won the “Best Blues Artist of the Year” award at the CPMAs, while brother duo DANDY took home awards for “Best Album/EP of the Year” and “Best Pop Artist/Band” in 2023.

Taking place in the stunning glass pyramid-topped Atrium of the Ware Center, the “Lancaster Loves” series features the best in local music across a variety of genres in a lively cabaret setting.

West Art Presents An Evening with Colebrook Road

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: West Art, 800 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $20 in Advance | $25 at the Door | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: All ages

Colebrook Road is a band that needs little introduction here in Lancaster! Over more than a decade together, they’ve solidified their place as one of Central PA’s most beloved bluegrass bands. Led by frontman Jesse Eisenbise, Colebrook Road has toured the country, produced award-winning albums, and delivered countless audiences a grand old time with thoughtfully-crafted songs, coupled with excellent picking and fantastic harmonies. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and don’t miss out on a wonderful evening of music!

Jad Tariq Band

When: Monday, October 27, 2025, at 7 PM
Where: Lizard Lounge at The Village Nightclub, 205 N. Christian St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $10 in Advance | $12 at the Door | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: 21+, though parents may bring their teenagers

Jad Tariq, a Memphis-based Rhythm & Blues guitarist/vocalist, is making waves in the national music scene. Primarily performing in the jump blues idiom, Jad’s guitar style is characterized by a swinging jazz rhythm that merges seamlessly with the raw emotional intensity of the blues. His vocal style is in the tradition of the blues shouters of the ‘40s and ‘50s, while also boasting the ability to croon heartfelt jazz ballads.

Low Lily Live at West Art with Wild Hymns

When: Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: West Art, 800 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $20 in Advance | $25 at the Door | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: All ages

Get ready for an unforgettable night with Low Lily! This award-winning acoustic trio blends tradition and innovations, and brings a fresh take to folk and Americana music. Opening the evening is Wild Hymms, a Central PA native duo that plays an array of enchanting folk-pop, art-rock, and Americana! Join us in the Sanctuary for an evening of mesmerizing songs and world-class talent!

Doom Gong with Weird Mirror

When: Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 8 PM
Where: Tellus360, 24 E. King St., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $19 | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: Ages 21+

Formed in 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A. by 7 music school nerds, DOOM GONG has made a name for themselves internationally with their own home-baked genre, Denim Psych – a hodgepodge of psychedelic rock, jazz fusion, bedroom pop, lo-fi, contemporary classical music, as well as blood, sweat, and a lot of denim.

Halloween at West Art! With The Nielsen Family Band, The Scouts, and Elyse Rubin

When: Friday, October 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: West Art, 800 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $15 in Advance | $20 at the Door | Buy tickets online
Who it’s for: All ages

The Nielsen Family Band invites you to come spend Friday, October 31st, at West Art for their 8th Annual Halloween Show! This year, they’re celebrating the album Gimme Fiction by Spoon, as well as some other surprises! Joining them are The Scouts, performing the music of LCD Soundsystem, as well as Elyse Rubin and her harp! Prepare for a Halloween evening of excitement, surprise, and a costume contest! Come on out for a night of spooky fun!

Ware Center launches “Lancaster Loves” music series with two award-winning local artists

October 14, 2025October 13, 2025 by Cori Jackson

The Ware Center for the Arts, in partnership with WITF Music, presents Lancaster Loves DANDY and Corty & the Light on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The event will be the first presented series by the Ware Center to exclusively feature local musicians.

Taking place in the stunning glass pyramid-topped Atrium of the Ware Center, the “Lancaster Loves” series will feature the best in local music across a variety of genres in a lively cabaret setting reminiscent of the Ware Center’s popular Club 42 series from years past.

“It is our hope that this series will give the Lancaster community a sense of pride in the music that is homegrown in the area,” says Robin Zaremski, Director of the Ware Center. “There is so much incredible talent right in our backyard, and we wanted to put a spotlight on that.”

The first event in the series will feature two local award-winning groups: Harrisburg-based singer-songwriter pop duo DANDY, and Corty Byron, a longtime fixture of the local music scene in Lancaster. Byron will perform with his band “The Light,” which features Scott Frenchek on bass and vocals, Brian Trump on drums, and Mike Mink on keyboards.

Singer-songwriter/pop duo DANDY, made up of Harrisburg natives Cory and Jordan Dandy, take pride in being the sole producers and creators of the music they release. DANDY strives to create music that pushes the edge of innovative sounds while also maintaining the nostalgia you remember from listening to your very first album as a kid. The brothers released their third EP, Eden, in 2023, taking inspiration from artists such as Hozier, Coldplay, Sam Fender, and Paramore. The record won the Central Pennsylvania Music Award for “Best Album/EP of the Year” (2023). Dandy also walked away with the CPMA for “Best Pop Artist/Band” that same year.

Corty Byron, a longtime fixture of the local music scene in Lancaster, started playing live shows in his teens. His performances are eclectic and ever-changing, with a sound that is Americana roots-driven, vintage, bluesy, soul-drenched, and authentic. Corty performs as a solo acoustic artist, as well as a seasoned rock n’ roll band leader. In March 2025, he received the “Best Blues Artist Of The Year” award from the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards.

The trail behind him includes tours of Ireland, prison concerts, a life in Venice Beach, opening for various classic rock legends, social activism, and service in the community. He is also a proud father. Corty has been called a “chameleon” by his musical peers.

“There aren’t words to describe what happens when we all get together and start playing,” says Byron of his band, The Light. “The sum is much greater than the individual parts. When we’re really cookin’, it’s like we’re levitating. So, one day I just thought, why not ‘The Light’? I like the idea of people asking one another, ‘Hey, have you seen the light?’ These guys are like my brothers.”

The “Lancaster Loves” series is presented in partnership with WITF Music.

TICKET INFORMATION • Tickets are $15 for both adults and students. Buy your tickets online today!