Arts & Culture

The staff at Bethlehem Area Public Library has taken out the time to tell us their favorite chapters of the entire year that has just passed.

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.

It's time for Easton Garlic Fest, and the stink couldn't be any more prevalent, with over 130 vendors, incredible culinary options, and some of the very best entertainment around.

ArtsQuest is about 80% of the way in funding its incoming $32 million Cultural Center to replace the Banana Factory arts and education facility at 25. W Third St.

Occasional light drizzle did nothing to keep the crowd away from the opening night of the 14th Oktoberfest at SteelStacks on Friday night. The festival runs through the weekend and again Oct. 11-13.

John Legend, best known for his 14-times platinum No. 1 hit “All of Me” from 2013, will perform “A John Legend Christmas" at 8 p.m. Dec. 19 at PPL Center, it was announced.

The Grand Theater in East Greenville, Montgomery County, is throwing it back to the many decades it had been in operation this weekend as it marks the building's 100th year.

This weekend, The Mahoning Drive-In Theater will host a special two-day event with Mystery Science Theater 3000 creator Joel Hodgson. Prepare for B movie insanity!

Melissa Etheridge, who had chart-topping songs such as “Bring Me Some Water,” “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 26. She'll be joined by Joss Stone and Taylor Dayne.

Oktoberfest at SteelStacks begins on Friday, Oct. 4. The two-weekend celebration will feature four biergartens, a bratwurst eating contest, weiner dog race, polka music and a drag show.

The four-day festival will feature performances by Kinetic Light, a disability arts ensemble and a Latin fest. It starts Thursday, Oct. 3, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 6.

Residents and officials came together at Samuel Balliet Stadium on Wednesday night to celebrate the newly installed lights, and the return of night games to the borough.

Live Nation, the country's top music promoter, will book shows for the state-of-the-art entertainment venue at 935-939 Hamilton St., the promoter announced.

Dorney Park's first-ever short film, "Tick Tick Tick," dropped on YouTube on October 1, serving as a spooky advertisement and teaser for the amusement park's frightening Halloween Haunt.