Arts & Culture

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.

The Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival returns on Sunday, July 23 to Allentown.

The flower show is being hosted by Bethlehem Garden Club Friday and Saturday.

Singer Tony Bennett, who died Friday just two weeks before his 97th birthday, graced the stages of the Lehigh Valley frequently in the final two decades of his performing career. And it seemed those shows often came during important moments in Bennett’s career.

David Foster and wife Katharine McPhee will perform at Wind Creek Event Center 8 p.m. May 9. Iconic English progressive rock band Yes will play at 8 p.m. Sept. 21.

Dorney Park is planning the return of Grand Carnivale, a day-to-night, larger-than-life, international celebration. And if you want food, they’ve got it.

Tickets to most shows for the State Theatre's new season go on sale to theater members on Aug. 2 and the public on Aug. 9 at the box office or statetheatre.org.

The three-day festival features performances by Bywater Call, the Sensational Blues Brothers and Toronzo Cannon.

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.

ArtsQuest, in partnership with Trans-Bridge Lines and Penn State University, on Monday announced a new satellite parking lot will be established at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Eleven11 Nail Studio opened in late June in Easton. The owners say their goal is to provide clients with an experience focused on self care and pampering.

The opening night (the fest continues 2-11 p.m. today) offered New York gospel-blues trio The Harlem Gospel Travelers as headliners, and they offered an enthusiastic set. But it was some of the supporting acts that elevated the experience.

Easton Loves Local is coming hot off Restaurant Week, showcasing the downtown's independent retailers who will feature special limited-edition products and treats.

Cheap Trick, which was to be the opener for a show by rock band Heart, was announced Friday as the replacement for Heart as grandstand opening-night headliner at 7 p.m. Aug. 28. It will be joined for the show by another 1970s hit rock group — Blue Oyster Cult, best known for its 1976 hit "(Don't Fear) The Reaper."

It's been two weeks since rock band Heart canceled its opening-night headline concert at Allentown Fair, and it looks like the fair is set to announce a replacement.

Over 80 comics signed up for the first round of a new competition at the Emmaus Theatre that looks to seek the funniest in the Lehigh Valley.

For the first time, the two-day festival will feature a barbecue competition, along with 11 blues performers. It will take place Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at SteelStacks.

The short film, 'Love Letters to Bethlehem,' made its debut on Tuesday at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. It is now available to stream on YouTube.

Through this month, the symphony is offering a 10% discount on tickets to its popular Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 21 and Repertory Dance Theatre's "Nutcracker" on Dec. 7-8, both at Miller Symphony Hall at 23 S. 6th St., Allentown.

Michael W. Smith, who has won three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

The Linny Awards, presented to individuals from the region for longtime commitment and dedication to the arts, will be held later this year in Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.