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.

Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke, founder and executive director of Just Be You Academy & Performing Arts, held a presentation on Kwanzaa at Easton Area Public Library's Palmer Branch Thursday evening.

The Winter Light Spectacular features 1.2 million lights in holiday displays, fire pits for s’mores, hot chocolate and live performances by princesses Anna, Elsa, Belle and Cinderella.

Chuck D, one of the founders of seminal rap group Public Enemy, will present "A conversation with Hip Hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy" at 7 p.m. April 16 in NCC's Spartan Center.

Looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year? We've got you covered with some local events that are fun for the whole family.

The Lehigh Valley tradition started in 2009. The family-friendly New Year's celebration returns this Saturday and Sunday at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. Fireworks are set for both nights.

The flagship store for Dave Phillips Music & Sound will close in the coming days, owner Joe DiMarco wrote on Facebook. On Wednesday, customers who flooded the store lamented the loss.

The second annual Allentown Film Festival will be from April 6-14 at the Civic Theatre of Allentown and its boutique Theatre514 across the street.

Ashley Cooke, best known for her song "Never Til Now," her gold single with Brett Young, will perform at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township, Berks County, on Jan. 26.

The Barcelona-based singer performed a mix of classic, flamenco, Valencia and Catalan music at a concert and fundraiser for child literacy at Lehigh Valley Public Media.

Lehigh Valley native Sabrina Carpenter (shown performing at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center in 2024), is nominated in six categories at Sunday's Grammy Awards. She has a chance to tie or break five Grammy records.

Femi J. Johnson's "Like It Is" will be on display through May 9. The exhibition is open to the public noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 3 p.m. Fridays. Admission is free. An artist reception will be Feb. 4.

Modest Mouse, whose 2007 album “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” topped the chart and went gold, will perform at 7 p.m. June 6.

Wonder, a fast-growing food and delivery concept that blends elements of a food hall, restaurant and delivery service, is coming to the Promenade this summer, it was announced Tuesday.

Toad The Wet Sprocket, who from 1989-97 had eight Top 25 hits on various charts, will perform at 7 p.m. July 12, ArtsQuest announced Monday.

Alton Brown, who started the Food Network’s “Good Eats” show, will perform An Evening of Alton Brown at 7:30 p.m. April 16, the theater announced. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30.

Cameron Whitcomb, whose songs "Medusa," "Options" and "Hundred Mile High" have hit that chart, has been added to the show by country-rock star Hardy at 7 p.m. March 26.

Just Born and its Peeps are bringing out some unique store exclusives for Easter 2026, including strawberry Pop-Tarts, SunnyD and mango chili lime.

ArtsQuest will offer its fourth annual Winter Winefest & Market on Feb. 15 in Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

On view through May at the Allentown Art Museum are solo exhibitions "The Clouds are Luminous" by Ellen Berkenblit and "Aftertouch" by Amanda Valdez, curated by Elaine Mehalakes and Claire McRee, respectively.

The Menzingers will headline a show at Allentown's Archer Music Hall at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Fewer than 100 tickets, at $48.05 for general admission standing, remain available at The Archer website or the venue box office at 939 Hamilton St., Allentown. Elevated seating is nearly sold out.

Luke Bryan, who is among the Top 6 best-selling male country music artists of all time, will perform at PPL Center on Thursday, June 25.