Arts & Culture

Philadelphia psyche-pop master Kurt Vile and The Violators, who topped the Adult Album Alternative charts with the 2015 song “Pretty Pimpin’” and have had three albums in the overall Top 50, will headline a concert with the late jazz great Sun Ra’s band The Sun Ra Arkestra at Allentown’s Miller Symphony Hall.

The opening acts for Musikfest's main stage headliners have been announced. They include several Lehigh Valley favorites.

A completely dry stretch of weather is almost unheard of this time of year, said meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting, the official forecaster of Musikfest.

The first celebration featured an array of talent with an emphasis on local artists.

With around 1 million people expected to attend Musikfest this year, health and safety take top priority for organizers. Everything from cooling misters to medical tents will be on site.

The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society is set to raise money for and produce a historical docudrama film focused on the 1799 Fries Rebellion, which led to a federal crackdown in the Macungie area during the John Adams administration.

ArtsQuest announced Monday that the Old World Wine Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on the second floor of the ArtsQuest Center. And the two-session Fall Winefest & Market will be on Oct. 29 at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem.

As Musikfest kicks off next week, some notable figures in its history shared their perspectives on the humble beginnings and what it's become. Join in the action in Bethlehem from Aug. 3-13.

Local police departments are celebrating National Night Out Tuesday, a nationwide initiative to bring cops and community members together.

Four August events in Bethlehem focus on different aspects of Moravian and colonial culture.

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.

Bachman Turner Overdrive, or B.T.O., which founder Randy Bachman revived in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2023, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23.

One of Easton's biggest events, Heritage Day, celebrates the city's role in the reading of the Declaration of Independence. For this year, it has been moved to Saturday, July 12, instead of on Sunday when traditionally held.

Krista Brown-Ly has served as the center's interim executive director after Ashley L. Coleman resigned last year.

Alice Cooper, who has had 10 Top 40 albums and 11 Top 40 singles, including “School’s Out,” “Elected” and “Only Women Bleed,” will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 16.

ArtsQuest has worked to renovate the old Bethlehem Steel Turn and Grind Shop into an event space. First, workers will remove asbestos and other contaminants with the help of a $500,000 grant.

The documentary "Rooted" features interviews and videos with the founders of Bethlehem's arts community. It will premiere at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at Zoellner Arts Center.

Join the Watching the Skies guys at Shankweiler’s Drive-In next Tuesday, June 17, for a special filmed presentation on the "red planet," followed by a screening of the 1985 film "Explorers."

The band plays Allentown's Archer Music Hall with co-headliner Static-X at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12. General admission standing tickets, at $56.50 each, remain available.

The film festival now in its 21st year will feature more than 80 films and shorts. Presented by the SouthSide Arts District, the festival runs from Tuesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 15.

Sister started colorectal cancer awareness fundraiser last year for her brother, who loved cars and cookies and died too young from the disease.

Butch Patrick, who played son Eddie Munster on the television show "The Munsters," will be at the drive-in on June 17 as part of the Munster Go Home Summer Scream Series.