Arts & Culture

Six years ago today, local noted musician Sal Ritz Jr. passed away shortly after performing at Musikfest. His widow, Laurie Ritz Dragotta, says a return to Musikfest is still too emotional for her.

Dan + Shay, a country duo from Nashville, played to a roaring crowd on the main stage at Musikfest 2023 on Sunday night. The two are just returning to touring as they've been recording a new album due out this fall.

Here are the Musikfest acts and more you should see today, Monday, Aug. 7.

Rapper G-Eazy performed at Musikfest on Saturday night.

Here are the Musikfest acts and more you should see today, Sunday, Aug. 6.

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.

Featuring nationally recognized deaf artists and performers, the event promises interactive game shows, musical performances and a celebration of inclusivity and diversity in the world of entertainment.

Representatives from Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, arrived Tuesday, but will have experienced much of what the Lehigh Valley has to offer and more come their departure on Sunday afternoon.

Shuttles will service from parking locations as well as between the concerts on Bethlehem's North and South sides and ongoing nearby construction is not anticipated to impact festivalgoers.

With an indefinite hiatus on the horizon and only a handful of shows left to play, Walk the Moon's performance at Musikfest's Steel Stage reminded us they're more than their biggest single.

The series, slated to debut in spring of 2025, stars actor Mark Ruffalo and was created by Chester County native Brad Ingelsby.

Jefferson Starship will play at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Penn's Peak in Penn Forest Township. Tickets, at $28-$33, remain available at the Penn's Peak website.

The mural, by artist Mercedes Salazar, is a collaboration with Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance, Community Action of Development of Allentown, The Chamber Foundation and Allentown Mural Arts.

With help of sponsors D.G. Yuengling & Sons and Bazella Works, all men and women now serving in any branch of the military, all veterans and immediate family of those killed in action, are eligible to get tickets to a variety of events, ArtsQuest said.

Recently, many of Wildwater Kingdom's rides have been temporarily closed. All of them have reopened, except one, which will soon be replaced.

The federal holiday is a week away, but that doesn't mean celebrations are that far out yet. Festivities are taking place all over the area, with Juneteenth Lehigh Valley scheduling events through June 19.

The Bethlehem film festival will feature close to 70 shorts and indie films ranging from documentaries to comedy and horror. The screenings begin Tuesday at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity and close on Saturday, June 15.

Rick Springfield, best known for his hits “Jessie’s Girl,” “I’ve Done Everything for You” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Tickets, at $39.50-$79.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at www.windcreekeventcenter.com.

The Lehigh Valley community is invited by the Allentown Symphony to contribute a short melody, chord progression, instrument timbre or rhythmic pattern to inspire the piece.

It all started with a wig, a Hannah Montana song and a sassy pose: this local vet is going above and beyond on social media to entertain and educate pet parents.

The non-alcoholic cocktail trend has exceeded popularity beyond Dry January. More Lehigh Valley restaurants — and even mobile bartending services — are featuring mocktails on their menus as customers increasingly ask for them.

Portugal's Ambassador to the U.S. joined local officials to recognize, celebrate thriving Portuguese culture in Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley.