Arts & Culture

Allentown native Walt Groller learned to play the accordion at age 4 and became one of the premier polka musicians in the world.

The festival will feature an array of entertainers, artwork, games for all ages and food vendors on Saturday, July 22.

If you’re the kind of fan of brother-trio indie-pop band AJR seeking more of an experience than just seeing the guys in concert at Musikfest on Aug. 3, the Bethlehem festival has an event for you.

Dieruff High School junior Faith Gross competed against other aspiring actors at talent auditions in Orlando. Gross said she got three callbacks, including from a music producer.

Walk The Moon, best known for its 2014 hit "Shut Up and Dance," on Friday announced it will take an indefinite hiatus after playing the four remaining shows it has scheduled — the next of which is Musikfest.

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.

Bethlehem's Craig Larimer will head a team brewing up some old-fashioned ale at the Bethlehem Blueberry Festival this July 15 and 16, utilizing the classic copper pot technique.

Participating restaurants are offering prix fixe menus and other deals on meals starting Sunday, July 16.

Indie-pop trio AJR, which will headline the main stage at Bethlehem's Musikfest festival's opening night Aug. 3, as of Wednesday was showing no seats available on the festival's ticket buying site.

"American Idol" winner David Cook, who after the show had a platinum album and two platinum singles, will perform at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem.

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.

Crews will begin laying steel for the Overlook on History exhibition and educational space in early October, with some material from the nearby Grist Miller’s House’s interim shoring even being repurposed for the project.

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.

Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park kicked off the fall season Friday. A park spokesman said several attractions have been upgraded to make them scarier and more engaging for park visitors.

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.

Phillips, Grier & Flinner will perform at 2 p.m., with doors at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, 130 E. Swamp Road, Doylestown, Bucks County.

Be on the lookout for some colorful and crafty public art Friday, as Easton's Downtown district sees 11 artists custom-paint fire hydrants to spruce up the neighborhood.