Downtown State College has a lot to offer during February

– by Thomas Range II

February might be the shortest month, but Downtown State College offers many events and concerts to keep you busy!

Downtown2

Whether you like to draw, listen to music or celebrate Black History Month, you will want to take advantage of what Downtown State College has to offer!

Art Bar

During the month of February, I.F. Studios will be sponsoring The Calder Way Pop-Up with an Art Bar. There will be a hands-on, creative space offering a variety of mediums, including painting, fused glass, bookbinding, and more! All in a relaxing environment. Click for more information.

Gorinto Productions Listening Series

Every Tuesday night at 7 pm during February, Gorinto Productions will sponsor a Listening Series Event at Manny's Live Performance Space. Attendees will listen to some records, drink some tea, and then have a discussion about the music. This event is open to all ages. Click for more information.

Giraffe

Virtual Visit from Lake Tobias

Ever wonder what it takes to look after an animal taller than your house? On February 6th at 4 pm, Schlow Library will be hosting caretakers from Lake Tobias who will be answering questions virtually and discussing what life is like with these extraordinary creatures.

Crafts will be provided for adults and families. This event will happen in the Downsbrough Community Room. Click for more information.

Battle at the Brick

Battle at the Brick is a high-energy, competitive improv comedy show where two teams of talented improvisers face off in a series of fast-paced and unpredictable games. Each match is entirely unscripted, with the teams creating scenes, characters, and stories on the spot, all based on audience suggestions. The show is structured like a tournament, with multiple rounds of improv games, a halftime show where all players join forces, and a final showdown that determines the evening's champions.

The Blue Brick Theatre will be hosting this event on February 8th at 7 pm. Click for more information.

A Conversation with the World

The Woskob Family Gallery will host A Conversation with the World which establishes a photographic record and a recorded audio dialogue centering around common issues of the human condition. It seeks to delve beneath the patina of cultural differences to explore essential and fundamental motivations of human beings, illustrating the bond of our inherent humanity. The portfolio, to date, represents work done in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Europe, Central and South America.

This event will take place on February 13th from 5 to 7 pm. Click for more information.

Reading to

African American Storytelling with Momma Pam Pam

Celebrate Black History Month with exciting storyteller Momma Pam Pam! Her animal stories accompanied by rain sticks will delight the whole family.

Schlow Library will be hosting this storytelling event on February 15th from 10:30 to 11;30 am in the Downsbrough Community Room. Click for more information.

13th Annual Rock The 80’s Concert

The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund presents the 13th Annual “Rock the 80s” benefit concert to support local cancer patients. The concert will take place on Saturday, February 15th at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre for an awesome evening of totally rad 80’s music performed by talented local bands. This year, to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend, each band will be playing either one love song for our couples, or one breakup song for our singles.

80’s
attire is highly encouraged! There will be a costume contest with prizes awarded for Best Solo Costume and Best Duo/Group Costume. To sign up, please check in at the BPF table in the theater lobby upon arrival at the event. Finalists will be notified by text before intermission.

The Totally Rad Reception pre-party will be held at the Kish Expect More Store on 114 S. Allen Street from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Cost includes beer, wine, and an array of appetizers. Reception tickets are limited. Click for more information.

Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle

Please join Gorinto Productions for two nights of incredible music. Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle will perform exciting original and standard compositions that speak to the resilience of Black people throughout our collective histories. The music propels us into the future and the dream of peace, love, joy, equality, and justice for all mankind.

This event will take place on February 21st and 22nd with doors opening at 6 pm in Manny's Live Performance Space. Click for more information.

Thon Photo

THON

THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children & families impacted by childhood cancer. THON aims to provide emotional & financial support for families supported by Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital by facilitating lifelong relationships between families & volunteers, fostering a sense of community, & providing year-round support. THON strives to ensure that families remain at the heart of every volunteer’s efforts and that everything is done For The Kids.

Thon takes place at the Bryce Jordan Center from February 21st to 23rd. Click for more information.

Juneteenth Sneaker Ball

On February 22nd at 7 pm, get ready to lace up your favorite kicks and dress to impress at the Juneteenth Sneaker Ball, a night where fashion meets philanthropy! Join us for an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing, and community, all in support of a meaningful cause.

This year’s inaugural event proudly benefits the 1865 Freedom Legacy Scholarship, empowering future leaders and honoring the rich legacy of freedom and progress. The event will take place at The Graduate Hotel. Click for more information.

30th Anniversary of Se7en

The State Theatre, in collaboration with the Happy Valley Comic and Collectibles Convention and the Happy Valley Sport and Entertainment Alliance, will be hosting a special viewing of the movie Se7en, which was written by Penn State graduate Andrew Kevin Wlaker. Walker will be available for a Q and A before the movie and on hand for a special Meet and Greet at 6:15 pm. Click for more information.

Black History Month Long Celebration

In celebration of Black History Month, Downtown State College compiled and will be maintaining a list of local events that honor or commemorate Black History in Downtown State College and on the national level.

The list can be accessed by clicking here.

As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do in February in Downtown State College! Get out there and enjoy yourself!

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events