Micaela Hood
Arts & Culture ReporterI’m LehighValleyNews.com’s arts and cultures reporter covering the best in music, theater, food and lifestyles. I have covered entertainment and features for the Miami Herald, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, New York Daily News, the Pocono Record and USA Today Network. As a proud Latina, I look forward to showcasing the diverse and vibrant communities in the Lehigh Valley. A fashionista and foodie, when I’m not working you can find me shopping or dining at my favorite Colombian and Italian restaurants and local coffee shops. Contact me at micaelah@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8217.
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Local artists and mother-daughter duo Mary Szakmeister and Virginia Ellen co-own the art studio at 3325 Hamilton Blvd. -
The crime series, starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, filmed scenes at the former Bangor Union Quarry. While Pelphrey's character is seen swimming in the quarry, Bangor officials say it's illegal and dangerous.
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This year's production of "Much Ado About Nothing," a romantic comedy, will run through Sunday, June 15, with a special encore at PSF's community day on June 29.
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Fiesta Colombia, the Hispanic Center's annual fundraising event, was held at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.
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The PA Shakespeare Festival, celebrating its 34th season, will hold its Play On! community tour beginning on Friday, May 30, at Emmaus Public Library. The free show will also take place at the National Museum of Industrial History and the Allentown Public Library.
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The arts and music extravaganza will run from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25. New attractions this year include a drone show on Sunday night.
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Nazareth Area High School's production won five Freddy Awards — including Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical — at the ceremony Thursday night at Easton's State Theatre.
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The ninth annual Good Neighbor Awards recipients were Darian Colbert and Yolanda Colbert, Ilene Hochberg Wood and Judith A. Harris. The ceremony was held at the Univest Public Media Center, home to Lehigh Valley Public Media, which consists of PBS39, 91.3 WLVR Radio and LehighValleyNews.com.
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Polling places across the Lehigh Valley faced mainly light turnout throughout Primary Election Day, with early morning turnout lagging.
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The massive street party and cultural celebration featured music from Rumba Caliente, Los Adolescentes Orquesta and Oro Solido.
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The Vegan Chef challenge was organized by Vegan Outreach and Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley, and the challenge drew more than 400 community reviews between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Winners were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 4, inside Swift at the Wilbur Mansion.
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An estimated 97,000 residents in the Lehigh Valley rely on SNAP benefits, which are expected to pause on Saturday, Nov. 1. Here's how you can help.
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With SNAP benefits delayed in November and the holidays approaching, Lehigh Valley residents can help or get help. Here's where to find food pantries, volunteer opportunities, and donation info.
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Leadership, mentorship and empowerment were themes at the 2025 ATHENA Awards held Oct. 30 at ArtsQuest. This year's honorees included Susan Wild, Veronica Gonzalez and MKSD Architects.
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The five-story, 78,500-square-foot facility will replace the Banana Factory as a hub for creativity and learning. The construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.
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"Cut Loose," an exhibition by local artists Anthony Smith Jr. and Marie Belle, will be on display through Thursday at Eagle Nest Gallery. The two creatives also will be among the 31 artists participating in the Allentown Art Museum's annual fall fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8, and free-to-attend art fair on Sunday, Nov. 9.
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The classical music performance begins at 4 p.m. Sunday in Baker Hall. Tickets cost $45–$55.
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Dress as your favorite demon hunters to skate and slay at the Steel Ice Center’s "KPop Demon Hunters" public skate from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
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The annual event is named in memory of philanthropist and arts champion Linny Fowler, who was known for her philanthropy and community engagement. The ceremony was held Thursday night at ArtsQuest's Musikfest Cafe.
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Allentown has completed a comprehensive update and digitization of over 2,000 property records across its three historic districts — Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds and West Park.
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Now in its fourth year, the awards ceremony recognized excellence across 17 categories, honoring everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs, actors, models, and filmmakers to emerging young talent. It was held at Archer Music Hall in Allentown.
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Even after Hispanic Heritage Month ended, Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem was alive with the sound of salsa and the aroma of arroz con gandules during BASD’s annual Hispanic Heritage celebration.
