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 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.

Diane Wittry will conduct her final concert in fall 2027 but continue to serve as the orchestra's music director through May 2028, Allentown Symphony Association said in a release.

Citizen Soldier, which played Archer Music Hall in August, will be the venue's first return act when it performs there May 26, it was announced. Tickets go on sale Friday.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning composer, lyricist, performer and star of the Broadway show "Hamilton," will present this year’s Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Visiting Lecture on Feb. 12 at the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center.

Platinum-selling hit-making jam band Blues Traveler, will perform at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25. They will be joined by Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors

Several celebrations and church services in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. have been postponed due to weather. Check back for updates.

Foxy Shazam, which in 2011 and 2012 had three songs in the Top 40 on the Rock chart, and whose single "Unstoppable" was used in the Super Bowl XLIV telecast, will perform at 6 p.m. April 17.

The interactive experience lets museum-goers become part of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra's performance of Beethoven’s "Ninth Symphony" as they isolate instruments and watch a projection of the orchestra spread across a 54-foot wall.

A record number of high schools in the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey will participate in this year's Freddy Awards — the State Theatre's annual recognition of Lehigh Valley high school musical theater.

After searching for the right space for around nine months, Maria and Alison Corradini officially opened Alchemize Pilates Community in Emmaus on Jan. 3. As the two push to build a community through their Pilates studio, almost 100 members registered before the business wrapped up its first week.

Hear firsthand the stories of a longtime family-run bakery this Saturday.