Over the past several years, The Thought Lot, has brought an influx of cultural and artistic mediums to downtown Shippensburg — and it will continue to do so under new management. The locally owned contemporary arts center recently cut ties from its former management, Post Now PA, to Michael Nawa & Cece Serino.

As experienced business owners, they finalized their decision in late August, and the torch was passed into their hands. The duo now works in tandem, Nawa as facility director and partner and Serino as managing partner, alongside Tony Diehl, long-time music director of The Thought Lot.
Noticeable changes are already in progress around its exterior. Christ United Methodist Church paired with the Lot in early September, bringing its side-facing wall to life with an assortment of painted colors.

Aside from these recent modifications, The Thought Lot continues to unite the community through its on-stage performances. Townies, groupies and music-lovers alike come together in search of a common goal — to hear some live music. Local musicians and even bands on tour have left their mark of creativity and talent in the mind’s of their audiences. More bands have been invited to join The Thought Lot throughout this fall semester to continue this trend.

Philly’s native Left & Right will pair with the arts center for a second time following the release of the group’s third album, “Five Year Plan.” The album was released on Tuesday, Sept. 9, a year and a half since the group’s second record. The 11-track playlist, with political undertones and songs titled “5 Year Plan,” “Age of Independence” and more bluntly “Politics,” seems as though it has much to offer compared to the group’s first, five-track CD.

Left & Right recorded with Sonelab in Easthampton, Massachusetts, earlier this year. Since then, the band has scheduled shows in Columbus, Ohio; Nashville; Philadelphia; and Shippensburg.

The punk rock duo will appear on stage Saturday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m.
If you are unable to attend this show, The Thought Lot has provided much more opportunity to rock out this Fall semester. Other upcoming shows include Flower Garden and Tim Korenich on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.; Hammel on Trial, Bjorn Jacobson, One Lonely Ghost and the Tireless Engine on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.; and White Like Fire and The Bird Reserve on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Thought Lot is looking forward to a unique Oct. 13 performance featuring the local Vincent Yarnell, regional Only Living Boy, and Rocco DeLuca who will be celebrating his national CD release. Tickets are available online for $8 and will be sold at the door for $10.

The center is preparing for its grand re-opening and live music celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8. Festivities will include performances by The Hello Strangers, The Pale Barn Ghosts and Nick Andrew Staver Trio. Reception is free from 4-7 p.m. Music starts at 7 p.m. for a $5 cover charge. More information will soon be available online.

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