Arts & Culture

Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of “American Idol” in 2003 and followed up with two chart-topping albums that went gold and platinum, will perform at Symphony Hall as the “Special Guest Star” of singer/pianist Jim Brickman’s Comfort and Joy Holiday Celebration, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23.

The owner of Smartivities Showcase has opened a second location at the Promenade Saucon Valley.

The event is organized by Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral de Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Baum Art School and the City of Allentown.

Drake Bell, who is best known for his starring roles on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show” with Amanda Bynes from 1999-02, and “Drake & Josh” from 2004-07, will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Signature Event Center, 137 Erin Lane, Brodheadsville.

11Fest will be from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11 (11/11) inside the Main Library at 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

A four-man crew has been making haste since Oct. 1 in putting up the decorations, with most of the wreaths, ribbons, light wraps, trees and stars currently hanging on light poles above streets in South Bethlehem and along the city’s bridges.

The Indoor Auto Racing Series, in which the cars compete on the concrete floor, will drive into the area Jan. 3-4 for the ninth running of the Ironton Global Allentown Indoor Races.

The festival, which features which retailers, artisans and food in heated tents on the SteelStacks campus, will open for its 32nd year on the weekend of Nov. 15.

Easton's Frank Pintabone announced Wednesday that a Hispanic Resource Day, catering to the needs of the city's Hispanic population, will be hosted at the Easton Area Community Center in November.

About 48,000 people attended the two-weekend Oktoberfest festival Oct. 4-6 and 11-13, ArtsQuest said.

Part 2 of 3: A higher percentage of people died of AIDS in the Lehigh Valley than in most of the country. The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of efforts to help those affected by the disease, although there are conflicting reports.

Part 1 of 3: The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of the LGBTQ community in the Lehigh Valley. The archive's earliest records go back to the spring of 1969, when the local homophile organization Le-Hi-Ho was formed.

The festival, now in its 13th year, featured salsa performances, Latin eats and rum tastings on Friday and Saturday.

Starting Sunday and going all week, patrons can enjoy prix fixe menus, outdoor dining and a chance to win gift cards.

The bakery Let Them Eat Cake opens Saturday at 143 S. Main St. in Nazareth. Among the desserts: Velvet Volcano cupcakes, made with red velvet cake, Oreo cream cheese frosting and salted caramel and chocolate drizzle.

The gala was held on Friday night at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. Among the honorees were attorney and real estate development company owner Michael Perrucci and Bethlehem police officer William Rodriguez.

Bayou soul singer Marc Broussard will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem.

HNL announces winners of annual Children's Art Contest with three winners from each age group. The theme was "design your own lab coat."

The seven-member Brother and Sister Band, led by late Allmans drummer Butch Trucks’ son Vaylor Trucks and daughter Melody Trucks, will mark the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers’ 1973 album “Brothers and Sisters.”

There are plenty of festivals and musical performances happening in the Lehigh Valley starting on Friday, June 23.

Buy tickets early and save on the venue's fall season.

The event will include activities such as a dog show, adoption information, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, with proceeds from the auction of the players' jerseys and caps benefitting the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.