YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A weekly line dancing session will take place from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday, beginning Aug. 5, on the Phelps Street Gateway plaza, downtown. 

The free event, sponsored by the city of Youngstown, will continue until cold weather arrives.

Lynn McElroy, a local line dancing teacher, will lead the events. Everyone from beginners to those with a lot of experience is welcome.

The dancing is just for the fun of it, said Melanie Clarke-Penella, events coordinator for the city. 

“This isn’t just a dance class,” she said. “It’s a downtown celebration of movement, music and togetherness.”

Loop Arts Group Seeks Film, Comedy Submissions

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Loop Youngstown Arts & Culture Center is accepting short film submissions and comedic “Animal Talk” skit auditions for its annual variety show, which will take place Nov. 16 at West Side Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. The deadline is Oct. 1.

The event, now in its second year, is an eclectic mix of performances and visual arts and raises funds for the organization’s effort to buy a building and transform it into an arts center. Tickets will go on sale in October through West Side Bowl.

Regional filmmakers and comedic actors can submit short films (eight minutes or less, any genre or style) and talking-animal skit auditions (under five minutes, in video form) for a chance to become part of the lineup.

The variety show already includes Youngstown Area Community Concert Band, live painting by James Shuttic, show tunes by Hopewell Theatre, line dancing, singer-songwriter Erin Stubbs and an art raffle.

“We had so much fun at this event last year, showcasing many ways the arts are practiced and enjoyed here,” said Karen Schubert, Loop board chair. “And attendees walked out with some stunning art.”

Selected films will be screened during the show, and chosen skit auditioners will be asked to perform their skits in person. The top three films and top three skits will receive cash prizes.

For guidelines and to submit a film or skit video, click HERE.

The online art raffle is now open. Click HERE.

Loop is a nonprofit dedicated to incubating arts and artists. It is actively working to purchase a building to house artist studios and workshops, rehearsal and performance spaces, galleries, office space for nonprofits and businesses and programs related to the arts such as residencies, repair clinics, reclaimed materials depot and arts classes and performances for arts enthusiasts.

Stambaugh Seeks Arts and Crafts Vendors

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Stambaugh Auditorium is seeking craft and artisan vendors from Youngstown and surrounding areas to exhibit and sell their work at its annual holiday craft show Nov. 30.

The craft show will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is presented in tandem with the annual TubaChristmas in the Valley concert at 4 p.m.

To receive vendor registration information, email fundraising@stambaughauditorium.com or call 330 747 5175 and provide your name, phone number, name of business and type of items that you sell. Registration will open Aug. 11 for previous participants and Aug. 18 for new vendors and can  be done online or by mailing in the registration form.

Country Store to Celebrate 150th Anniversary

VOLANT, Pa. – Maria’s Country Store, 832 Plain Grove Road, will celebrate its 150th anniversary from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, with free drinks and snacks, giveaways, games and live music.

A limited menu of Italian hoagies, ham barbecue and chili dogs will be sold. The event will also include a food truck, raffle baskets, a drawing and more.

Children’s Arts Festival at the Hoyt

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Art & Education at the Hoyt’s annual Children’s Summer Arts Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8.

Admission is free. The Hoyt is at 124 E. Leasure Ave. and is for children ages 3 to 12.

Highlights will include:

  • Penny Arcade Theater, a comedy show, 12:30 p.m.
  • Sarah McDavis, author and illustrator, 1:30 p.m.
  • Allegro Dance Company, 2:30 p.m.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Mini Mobile Museum and the Erie Zoo will also have a presence at the event.

There will also be a book exchange with the New Castle Public Library. Guests can donate a gently used children’s book and take another one home.

The event will also include tie dying (bring a white T-shirt), balloon twisting and concessions for a nominal fee.

For information, go to HoytArtCenter.org.

Novel Wins Two Awards in Competition 

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – “Moving Maggie,” the latest novel by Valley-based author Nancy Christie, received third-place in the Speak Up Talk Radio book competition in the Summer Beach Read and Women’s Fiction categories.

The book is part of Christie’s Midlife Moxie novel series, which showcases women facing personal and career challenges at midlife.
The judging panel consisted of published authors, editors, owners of publishing houses, librarians, audiobook producers and writing professors. 

“This reinforces my belief that there is a place in women’s fiction for protagonists ‘of a certain age’ who are setting goals and finding fulfillment at the midlife stage,” Christie said.”