Arts & Culture

After three years of low attendance because of inclement weather, the 2025 Celtic Classic & U.S. Highland Games returned with crowds and a packed celebration of the Celtic regions: Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland, and Wales.

Comedian Michael Che, currently in his 11th season of "Saturday Night Live," will perform Dec. 10 at Easton's State Theatre, it was announced.

Gwynn spoke at Moravian University on Sept.30 about his 30-year wrongful imprisonment and death row exoneration, sharing his journey of faith, art and justice.

Blues star Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform at Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, March 6, as part of a 30th anniversary tour for his 1995 chart-topping, platinum debut album "Ledbetter Heights."

Melvins perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

The PA Latino Convention in Pittsburgh drew leaders to discuss housing, education, and immigrant advocacy. Easton will host the 2026 convention, highlighting the Lehigh Valley’s growing Latino community.

Karl Stirner Arts Trail has confirmed a few upcoming residencies and programs, including a new building which could be used as a gallery and community space.

Barley Creek Brewing Company is planting roots in the Lehigh Valley, opening a taproom at the Promenade Saucon Valley. The Pocono-based brewing company expects to serve customers with "100% Pennsylvania products" this fall.

Bagpipes, kilts and Highland Games traditions returned Friday as Celtic Classic returned to Bethlehem's Historic District. The festival will run through Sunday.

Yacht rock, the phenomenon that has musical acts once again sharing soft rock songs from decades past, again will take the event center stage when Yacht Rock Revue performs at 8 p.m. March 27, the venue announced.

Sangriafest, which includes food, vendors, lawn games, live music and — of course — that namesake wine-and-fruit beverage, will be 4-7 p.m. June 15 at Grange Park in Upper Macungie Township.

Greta Van Fleet, who have been widely compared to Zeppelin with its his rock hit "Highway Tune," "Safari Song" and "You're the One," will headline the festival’s main Steel Stage on a preview night Aug. 1, the festival announced.

Commissioners from the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs held a meet-and-greet on the SteelStacks campus on Tuesday night.

Bruce Hornsby, best known for his hits chart-topping hits "The Way It Is," "Mandolin Rain" and "The Valley Road" in 1986-87, will perform at 7 p.m. July 2 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center.

Sublime With Rome, the version of the ska band Sublime that reformed with new lead Rome Ramirez in 2009, will perform 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.

Black Eyed Peas, best known for their hits "Let's Get It Started," "Where is the Love" and "I Got a Feeling," will headline the festival’s main Steel Stage on Aug. 8, the festival announced.

Scotty McCreery, who won “American Idol” in 2011 and since has released three No. 1 Country chart albums and two other Top 10 discs, will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, June 21.

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.

Singer-songwriter Lisa Bodnar and Whistlegrass will present OM (original music) from the Garden, which it calls an all-ages “pop-up event,” from noon to 5 p.m. at The Icehouse, 56 River St., Bethlehem.

Andria Zaia, joined NMIH as curator of collections in 2016, was appointed to the top position by the museum's Board of Directors, according to a release.

Summer Nights, to be held select nights July 12-Aug. 18, will “celebrate the best of summer at Dorney Park,” according to a news release.

As part of Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of local artists, dancers, actors and community leaders whose achievements stand out year-round.