Arts & Culture

Jessica Simpson, known for her 1999 platinum single "I Wanna Love You Forever," as well as for starring in the MTV reality show "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" with her husband, singer Nick Lachey, will perform at 8 p.m. June 11.

Zach Top, who in just two years has had four gold or platinum songs and is best known for his 2024 double-platinum hit "I Never Lie," will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 21, the venue announced.

The May 22 show will kick off five monthly concerts in the second year of free, family-friendly series "with an expanded and diverse lineup designed to bring the community together through live music, culture and shared experiences in the heart of Allentown," presenter ArtsQuest said in a release.

Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival will return, reimagined as Red, White & Blues for 2026, from noon-8 p.m. June 13 in downtown Allentown.

The festival, returning to the college campus for an eighth year, will be held 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 22, and noon-10 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.

Night Ranger, best known for its hits “Sister Christian” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” will perform at 8 p.m. May 22.

Comedian Bobby Collins, known for his appearances on "The Tonight Show" and VH1 and Showtime comedy specials, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. And The Fab Faux, which for more than 25 years has recreated iconic Beatles tunes and solo songs of its members behind guitarist and former "Conan" bandleader Jimmy Vivino, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

French Montana, best known for his 2017 11-times-platinum single "Unforgettable" (featuring Swae Lee) and 2012 double-platinum hit "Pop That" (featuring Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne), will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 27.

Patrick Roach's Cheeseburger Tour will stop at Gin Mill and Grille, 1750 Main St., Northampton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Tickets, at $39.58 each, and limited VIP meet-and-greet tickets for $148.23 that include an hour hangout with Randy, "Trailer Park" question-and-answer session, photo with Randy and an autographed tour poster, remain available at eventbrite.ca.

Local Legends Live, a celebration of local music, will take the grandstand show at 2 p.m. Sept. 6, the fair announced Thursday. It will feature sets by The Aardvarks, Scott Marshall & The Highway Souls, Strange Culture, Common Bond, Stereotype and Social Call.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission clarified that the proposed South Side Bethlehem Cultural Arts Center isn't expected to meet LEED green certification in construction.

Following the introduction of a resolution to recognize Muslim holidays, the Easton City Council resolved to expand that recognition to include religious holidays from all faiths in a separate calendar.

It's an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture during the theater’s Latino open-air block party on Saturday, April 29.

The comedian/actor and his family survived a car crash last week, just days before his standup show at the SteelStacks.

This year's winners will be honored in November at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission comprehensive planning committee on Tuesday directed the project developers of the proposed cultural arts center to incorporate environmentally friendly materials in its construction.

Eight rescue dogs will perform a variety of circus-like tricks in a family-friendly performance Sunday, April 30 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts.

Irish singer and comedian Seamus Kennedy and singer Gerry Timlin will perform in the same show at 7 p.m. on June 22 in Moravian College’s Foy Hall.

Founded by Slovenian immigrants more than a century ago, the church on East Fourth Street is being sold and merging with 2 other congregations. 'It's hard,' said one longtime parishioner. 'And I keep picturing other people that were very close to us sitting in their special spots.'

Local musicians submitted videos from their new singles in hopes of winning the contest.

Hundreds gathered Saturday for two sold-out showings of the film made by Lehigh Valley native and Hollywood actor Daniel Roebuck.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.