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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The celebration will take over Hamilton Street from 9th Street to 11th Street from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 18. -
Isavel Mendoza will study theater at Pace University in the fall. He began writing poetry in first grade and comes from a family of artists in the Dominican Republic.
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The fifth location in Pennsylvania, on West Broad Street, is owned by a longtime business owner and mom of four. The eatery’s menu includes coffee, cakes, tarts, donuts, and sandwiches.
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A handful of bands scheduled to perform on the free Plaza Tropical Stage during Musikfest were chosen by high schoolers from Bethlehem Area School District.
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The awards show is now in its 23rd year and will take place on May 22 at the State Theatre.
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More than 50 local landmarks, restaurants, and shops are featured in a new TV and streaming platform commercial. The ad will air in households in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
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Latino leaders spoke about a proposed budget bill that would cut funding for Medicaid and SNAP programs while urging residents to vote in the upcoming May election. The leaders from UnidosUS and the Lehigh Valley also touched on immigration fears.
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Mothers brought photos of their sons and daughters as they shared fond memories at the bereavement gathering held on May 4 at Third and Ferry Fish Market.
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The youth group's spring production of "Mary Poppins" begins on Friday, May 9, at the Charles A. Brown Ice House in Bethlehem.
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Students from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts will have their creations showcased at a new "Industrial Chic" exhibition at the school's Corpora Gallery. There will be a free reception Friday evening on May 2.
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The production of "Macbeth" will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University.
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A must for fashionistas, Isriya McFillin, a former Los Angeles-based fashion designer, will teach attendees how to design a croquis inspired by the museum's Tiffany windows display. The free workshop will be given at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.
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According to ArtsQuest, programming ideas for the gallery space and lounge include a partnership with Bethlehem Area School District to include adult English programs, family workshops and other cultural learning opportunities.
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Paying tribute to their South African roots, the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir filled Lehigh University’s arts venue with soaring harmonies, faith and movement in a nearly sold-out performance Saturday night.
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Artsquest's annual autumn festival will run through Sunday, Oct. 12, on the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem.
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Chelsea Southard's "Down the Line" was chosen as the Sculpture at SteelStacks 2025 exhibition, now in its fourth year and part of Steel Weekend and the steelworkers' reunion happening this Saturday and Sunday.
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In the new Amazon Prime documentary "Saquon," NFL star Saquon Barkley opens up about his Lehigh Valley roots. The film offers an intimate look at his family life, his decision to join the Philadelphia Eagles, and the moments that shaped his journey from Whitehall to the NFL.
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"Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces has opened Okatshe, a Japanese-inspired izakaya on Hamilton Street, with an eight-foot sushi roll instead of a ribbon-cutting. Located across from Rosa Blanca, Okatshe offers small plates, sushi, sake,and whiskey in a modern take on Japan’s traditional neighborhood bar.
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The festival spans two weekends of authentic German traditions, including stein holding competitions, bratwurst eating contests, live polka bands, schuhplattler dancers, dachshund races and new contests.
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After three years of low attendance because of inclement weather, the 2025 Celtic Classic & U.S. Highland Games returned with crowds and a packed celebration of the Celtic regions: Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland, and Wales.
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Gwynn spoke at Moravian University on Sept.30 about his 30-year wrongful imprisonment and death row exoneration, sharing his journey of faith, art and justice.
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The PA Latino Convention in Pittsburgh drew leaders to discuss housing, education, and immigrant advocacy. Easton will host the 2026 convention, highlighting the Lehigh Valley’s growing Latino community.
