PeaceFest 2026 and a New Era for Harrisburg Opera

This episode features Rev. Jim Grossnickle-Batterton and Rebekah Priest, organizers of PeaceFest: Forging Peace & Cultivating Justice Together, a family-friendly community event taking place September 19, 2026, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Representing local Church of the Brethren congregations, Jim and Rebekah share the vision behind PeaceFest and the importance of fostering peace, justice, and community engagement in today's world.Harrisburg Opera Association is launching its first complete season in more than 20 years, marking a major milestone in the organization's evolution toward a multidisciplinary arts festival serving Central Pennsylvania. Artistic and Executive Director Tami Swartz joins us to discuss the exciting 2026 season, which includes the free outdoor concert Opera in the Park: Battle of the Sexes featuring Broadway, television, and film star Rachel York, a new visual arts and therapeutic program, and the world premiere of The Velveteen Rabbit, a children's opera by composer Michael Gamon.