Entertainment News

A group of entertainers held their first-ever AfroBeats celebration with dance classes, DJ sets and West African and Caribbean eats on Saturday, June 28 at the Wooden Match.

Check out a roundup of activities, places, and times to see the fireworks as the Lehigh Valley celebrates Independence Day.

In addition to live music, there will be more than a dozen local vendors, businesses and crafters, as well as trail and outdoor demonstrations, and group walks.

Steel Panther, which has had five albums top Billboard's Comedy chart, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, it was announced.

In the spirit of Shakespeare, Saturday's celebration will feature entertainment for all ages, including musical performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, alpaca and ponies, and a student-led Latin band.

From 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 27, you'll be able to buy tickets for five of Musikfest's 11 headline shows, two paid-ticket Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks shows and nine Musikfest Cafe shows without paying any service fees.

Howie Mandel, who since 2010 has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform with fellow comedian Brad Garrett at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. And Alan Parsons Live Project, which continues the work of Alan Parsons Project, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 2.

Now in its 14th year, the festival honors Puerto Rican culture in the city. The three-day celebration starts on Thursday with a documentary screening, a tribute to the women of salsa, and a flag-raising on Friday, and more Latin music and food on Saturday.

Lehigh Valley Dodgeball is building an inclusive, community-driven space for players of all skill levels in Easton. Open gyms are now underway every Monday night.

The city of Allentown is set to get $1.9 million, while dozens of nonprofits — including food banks — and other groups will split $3.8 million from the trust's annual disbursement.

Pizzafest, which ArtsQuest calls "a celebration of all things pizza," will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

The hearing later this month in Bethlehem is the first step in the 5-year license renewal for Wind Creek Bethlehem. A second public hearing will be held at a later date in Harrisburg, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Terry Bradshaw, who is an NFL Hall of Famer, will perform in Bethlehem as part of a four-city, seven-performance tour. He said the Lehigh Valley stop is part of "Steelers Country."

All-female band Plush stops at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Maingate Nightclub in Allentown as part of its first headline tour. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com.

The 7th iteration of the Nazareth Adult Soap Box race brought many celebrating the legacy of racing in the borough, while others came to celebrate the childlike silliness of the event and the creative cars.

It's time for Strawberry Day at the Easton Farmers' Market, featuring sweet and savory berry dishes, fresh berries, and plenty of entertainment for all.

Chris Nee’s Comedy to Break the Stigma will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St.

The sale, which will be offered in person only, will be noon to 1 p.m. for ArtsQuest Circle donors and ArtsQuest members. It will open to the general public from 2-5 p.m.

ArtsQuest's annual TacoFest is returning again this year. It will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 2, on the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem.

Visitors can sample a wide variety of local craft brews while enjoying barbecue and a Grateful Dead tribute band this 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Samples are included in ticket prices: $40 in advance; $45 at the entrance.

The gala includes drinks, music, seated dinner, behind the scenes presentations and a screening of the locally produced historical film.

"The Play That Goes Wrong," will begin on Wednesday, May 29 through June 16 as part of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University. The season also includes productions of "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Winnie the Pooh and Friends," and "The Color Purple."