Arts & Culture

Next year marks 250 years since the colonists produced a bold declaration of freedom and self-governance that still echoes today. It will be an occasion celebrated and recognized across the land — and we at Lehigh Valley Public Media are no exception.

In addition to live music, there will be more than a dozen local vendors, businesses and crafters, as well as trail and outdoor demonstrations, and group walks.

Steel Panther, which has had five albums top Billboard's Comedy chart, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, it was announced.

In the spirit of Shakespeare, Saturday's celebration will feature entertainment for all ages, including musical performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, alpaca and ponies, and a student-led Latin band.

From 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 27, you'll be able to buy tickets for five of Musikfest's 11 headline shows, two paid-ticket Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks shows and nine Musikfest Cafe shows without paying any service fees.

Howie Mandel, who since 2010 has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform with fellow comedian Brad Garrett at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. And Alan Parsons Live Project, which continues the work of Alan Parsons Project, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 2.

Now in its 14th year, the festival honors Puerto Rican culture in the city. The three-day celebration starts on Thursday with a documentary screening, a tribute to the women of salsa, and a flag-raising on Friday, and more Latin music and food on Saturday.

Lehigh Valley Dodgeball is building an inclusive, community-driven space for players of all skill levels in Easton. Open gyms are now underway every Monday night.

Shankweiler’s, renowned as the oldest continuously operating drive‑in theatre in the country since 1934, will soon be showcased to millions across the country on "Good Morning America."

Allentown Fair's first Mullet Contest will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Farmerama Theater.

The festival, returning to the college campus for an eighth year, will be held 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 22, and noon-10 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.

Night Ranger, best known for its hits “Sister Christian” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” will perform at 8 p.m. May 22.

Comedian Bobby Collins, known for his appearances on "The Tonight Show" and VH1 and Showtime comedy specials, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. And The Fab Faux, which for more than 25 years has recreated iconic Beatles tunes and solo songs of its members behind guitarist and former "Conan" bandleader Jimmy Vivino, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

French Montana, best known for his 2017 11-times-platinum single "Unforgettable" (featuring Swae Lee) and 2012 double-platinum hit "Pop That" (featuring Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne), will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 27.

Patrick Roach's Cheeseburger Tour will stop at Gin Mill and Grille, 1750 Main St., Northampton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Tickets, at $39.58 each, and limited VIP meet-and-greet tickets for $148.23 that include an hour hangout with Randy, "Trailer Park" question-and-answer session, photo with Randy and an autographed tour poster, remain available at eventbrite.ca.

Local Legends Live, a celebration of local music, will take the grandstand show at 2 p.m. Sept. 6, the fair announced Thursday. It will feature sets by The Aardvarks, Scott Marshall & The Highway Souls, Strange Culture, Common Bond, Stereotype and Social Call.

Stars, Stripes & Slams wrestling will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. A special fan meet-and-greet will take place at the Fairgrounds from 6-7 p.m. Tickets, the prices of which were not immediately announced, will go on sale at 10 a.m. April 10 on the fair website or at the box office at 302 N. 17th St., Allentown.

Warren Zeiders, whose 2023 song "Pretty Little Poison" topped the Country Airplay chart and sold double platinum, will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 on the fair grandstand, the fair said Wednesday.

Top-selling country music group Rascal Flatts will perform at Wind Creek Event Center at 8 p.m. Aug. 13. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. April 3.

KC and the Sunshine Band helped the audience experience many of those moments — and memories — in a two-hour show of 15 songs.

Matt Maeson, best known for the platinum hits "Cringe" in 2016 and "Hallucinogenics" in 2019, will perform at 7 p.m. July 22, it was announced.

A celebration of A.J. Fritz's life will be held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Fearless Fire Company No. 14, 1224 N. Front St., Allentown. Admission is a $10 suggested donation at the door, with proceeds going to the Lehigh University student radio station.