MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's Kulkarni Cultural Series has announced scheduled fall performances by PHILADANCO!, the Philadelphia Dance Company; and the Martha Redbone Roots Project.

Since its founding in 1970 to counter a lack of opportunity for dancers of color, the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) has been hailed as a pinnacle and example of how predominately Black companies can exist and flourish. Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO! is celebrated for its innovation, creativity and preservation of African American traditions in dance. The dance company is celebrating its 55th season.

PHILADANCO! will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre, in the Student Enrichment Center at Penn State Harrisburg.

The day before the performance, on Oct. 9, members of the dance company will hold a workshop for students from 2:15 to 5:45 p.m. The workshop is open to all levels. Space is limited, so those interested should email [email protected].

The Martha Redbone Roots Project will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 in the Kulkarni Theatre. The performance is being held in honor of National Native American Heritage Month.

Redbone and her masterful ensemble celebrate her multi-cultural Southeastern heritage with a journey through times past and present - a tapestry of the sounds of her childhood and her ancestral homelands of Kentucky coal country. The music embodies the early days on the mountain, with the folk, blues and gospel sounds from the ancestors of the Black migration mixed with the Indigenous foundation of the region.

Both performances are open to the public and tickets are required. Ticket information can be found online.