Arts & Culture

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

Singer-songwriter Lisa Bodnar and Whistlegrass will present OM (original music) from the Garden, which it calls an all-ages “pop-up event,” from noon to 5 p.m. at The Icehouse, 56 River St., Bethlehem.

Andria Zaia, joined NMIH as curator of collections in 2016, was appointed to the top position by the museum's Board of Directors, according to a release.

Summer Nights, to be held select nights July 12-Aug. 18, will “celebrate the best of summer at Dorney Park,” according to a news release.

As part of Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of local artists, dancers, actors and community leaders whose achievements stand out year-round.

Justin Hayward, who led The Moody Blues for more than 50 years and Christopher Cross, who topped the charts with “Sailing” in 1980 and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” in 1981, will perform July 14 at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.

Singer Joan Osborne, who had the 1995 hit 'One of Us,' will perform at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem

The first trailer has dropped for Dan Roebuck’s “Saint Nick of Bethlehem” — and the holiday movie bearing the name of the Christmas City was actually filmed here.

A Schuylkill County actors guild said the Diocese of Allentown threatened to take legal action against it if performers held a Disney-themed drag show at one of its former properties.

Boogie-rocking band ZZ Top will return to Bethlehem’s Musikfest, it was just announced Monday.

Now that Musikfest has completed the announcements of the headliners on its main Steel Stage, the festival still has to reveal the wide offerings on the festival's 15 free stages.

The Struts, whose style recalls bands such as The Rolling Stones and Queen and who has had the hits “Could Have Been Me” and “Kiss This,” will perform at 7 p.m. June 28 at Archer Music Hall, it was announced Monday.

Jesse Royal, a Jamaican who blends traditional roots reggae with modern influences and socially conscious lyrics, will perform at the July 11 festival on the SteelStacks campus. Royal will be among more than a dozen acts across three stages scheduled for the festival, set for noon-1:30 a.m.

Brian Regan, who has starred in several Comedy Central specials and refrains from profanity and off-color humor, will play State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, the venue announced. And Lewis Black, known for his cantankerous comedic style and also as an author, playwright, social critic and actor, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9.

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.

The Major Arena Soccer League announced Thursday that league owners have approved a team for Allentown.

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.