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.

Lehigh Valley restaurants are taking the traditional Thanksgiving spread — turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce — and mashing it up with other items.

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.

11Fest features performances by local rock, pop and rap groups. The concert helps support the studio's operational costs.

Ten locals were honored for their achievements in the arts at the Linny Awards ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 9.

Dolly Parton has announced that “Dolly Parton ROCKSTAR: The Global First Listen Event” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

Bethlehem installed its 2023 Christmas tree on the mall Wednesday.

Hundreds visited Holy Infancy Church in South Bethlehem on Tuesday to pay homage to the relic of St. Jude, which is making a North American tour. The Apostle’s arm was removed from a tomb at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome years ago and bone fragments were placed in a wood reliquary carved in the shape of an arm imparting a blessing.

"Corteo," which Cirque du Soleil said has performed before 10 million spectators in 20 countries on four continents, will perform six shows March 28-31 at PPL Center. It will be the show's first time in Allentown.

The festival, which normally costs $11 advance or $12 day-of on Fridays, will be free from 5 to 8 p.m. "each and every Friday," ArtsQuest announced.

Hundreds of people and pets marched in the Bethlehem Halloween Parade on Sunday. Despite being rained out for its initial date, spirits were high on Main Street.

Easton's 12th PA Bacon Fest drew thousands of fans to the city's Downtown on Saturday, with everyone lining up for bacon burgers, desserts, brews and so much more.

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.