Entertainment News

It's still more than a month before the 37th annual Celtic Classic takes over downtown with kilts and kegs, but contests for the festival that celebrates all things Irish, Scottish and Welsh already are starting.

Diana Ross, who with The Supremes had a dozen No. 1 hits in the 1960s, then a half dozen more as a solo artist in the 1970s and ’80s, will perform at the center at 8 p.m. Oct. 18.

ArtsQuest, in partnership with Trans-Bridge Lines and Penn State University, on Monday announced a new satellite parking lot will be established at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

The opening night (the fest continues 2-11 p.m. today) offered New York gospel-blues trio The Harlem Gospel Travelers as headliners, and they offered an enthusiastic set. But it was some of the supporting acts that elevated the experience.

It's been two weeks since rock band Heart canceled its opening-night headline concert at Allentown Fair, and it looks like the fair is set to announce a replacement.

Over 80 comics signed up for the first round of a new competition at the Emmaus Theatre that looks to seek the funniest in the Lehigh Valley.

For the first time, the two-day festival will feature a barbecue competition, along with 11 blues performers. It will take place Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at SteelStacks.

Through this month, the symphony is offering a 10% discount on tickets to its popular Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 21 and Repertory Dance Theatre's "Nutcracker" on Dec. 7-8, both at Miller Symphony Hall at 23 S. 6th St., Allentown.

Michael W. Smith, who has won three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

The Linny Awards, presented to individuals from the region for longtime commitment and dedication to the arts, will be held later this year in Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

"Rooted: A Story of Artists Embracing Place" debuted on Sunday at Zoellner Arts Center. It is produced by Doug Roysdon, Dave Fry, Bill George, and Bridget George. The riveting film features interviews with Bethlehem's community leaders, directors, and arts advocates.

Night at the Drive-In: On Tuesday, June 17, Shankweiler's will host Brad Klein and Marty McGuire for Watching the Skies' first live event. And they will screen (also for the first time) a presentation by Bethlehem’s "Backyard Astronomer" about his favorite planet, Mars.

The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts graduate is reuniting with her fellow "The Voice" contestants and will release a new single in the fall.

High school Ultimate Frisbee teams from across the U.S. began competing Friday in the High School National Invite tournament, held in the Lehigh valley for the first time.

Thomas Dolby, who had the 1982 Top 5 hit "She Blinded Me with Science," will perform Saturday, Nov. 1, according to the venue's website.

The Celtic Cultural Alliance, which holds the festival, on Friday announced annual details of contests at the Celtic Classic "that everyone can be a part of and celebrate their Celtic heritage."

The 17th annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival is scheduled to run from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday along Hamilton Street.

Lehigh Valley's Dave Goddess Group will perform a free show to promote its new six-track EP, "Kitty Hawk," at 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem.

Easton's Heritage Day will feature the beloved fireworks display, officials confirmed Thursday, with other new festivities planned.

Bethlehem Barrel and Drafthouse, a restaurant set to be operated by Aramark Sports + Entertainment, is slated to open in summer 2025 at The Outlets at Wind Creek, it was announced Thursday.

Sporting "Eras" tour outfits, friendship bracelets, and glittery makeup, hundreds of Swifties turned out to the shopping center's celebration and tribute to the pop singer.

Comedian John Mulaney, who for six years was a writer on “Saturday Night Live” and starred in the short-lived FOX-TV series “Mulaney,” will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Vocal duo Air Supply, best known for its 1980 No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart hit "Lost in Love," will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 18. And "Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical," will offer eight performances Dec. 10-14.