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.

Christmas tree, oh dusty Christmas tree: how dirty are those branches and how do you clean it? A pulmonologist settles the debate of whether a real or fake tree is better for your health.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program grant will fund programs for residents with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.

Starting today, there will be a $5 admission discount for all skaters at ArtsQuest's ice rink for the rest of the season.

Singer Hunter Hayes at will stop at Stroudsburg's Sherman Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 as part of his Flying Solo Tour, which will have him alone on stage, performing stripped down versions of not only songs from "Red Sky," but also platinum hits such as "Wanted," "Somebody’s Heartbreak" and I Want Crazy."

Old Dominion was announced Monday as the second headliner for the 10-day Bethlehem festival. The group will play the main Steel Stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Hallmark has released the first official images from "Miracle in Bethlehem, Pa.” The film premieres Dec. 21 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Lehigh University's Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a panel discussion with faculty on Friday, Dec. 1.

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.

Carson Kressley and the OG "Fab Five" will reunite for a special evening on Dec. 16 at the Wind Creek Event Center.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with LehighValleyNews.com reporters Jason Addy and Micaela Hood.

Bethlehem Area Public Library will host their book sale on Dec. 2 as a fundraiser for resources and services.

Easton Farmers' Market is ready for the holiday season, with plenty of special seasonal events and numerous opportunities to pick up special gifts for just about anyone.