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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Despite frigid temperatures — gusts drove the wind chill down to a bone-chilling 14 degrees Tuesday — families still lined up both indoors and outdoors across the SteelStacks campus for the 17th annual PeepsFest.
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With the new year comes a new season of high school musicals, as hundreds of student performers begin rehearsals, hoping for a nomination at the 24th annual Freddy Awards.
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A look back at some of our favorite arts, culture, and entertainment stories of the year, including Allentown Art Museum's must-see windows, Musikfest, Super Bowl bling, and a rock legend's last performance in Allentown.
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El Quinteto Clave Legacy, grupo de jazz de inspiración religiosa, ofreció un concierto gratuito en Palette & Pour de ArtsQuest Center como adelanto de la celebración de los Reyes Magos del domingo 4 de enero.
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Clave Legacy Quintet, a faith-based jazz group, performed a free concert at the ArtsQuest Center’s Palette & Pour, previewing the Three Kings celebration scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 4.
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Locally filmed BET+'s 'Love After Holidays' premieres in Bethlehem, showcases homegrown student filmCast, crew, students and community gathered at the Univest Public Media Center, home to Lehigh Valley Public Media, for a red carpet premiere of the BET+ film celebrating local talent and the next generation of creatives.
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Voices of all ages and experience levels filled First Presbyterian Church as the Lehigh Valley Chorale presented its sold-out winter concert, celebrating inclusion, empathy and community.
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Integrantes del Comité de Ciudades Hermanas de Bethlehem visitaron Patillas, Puerto Rico, para vivir las tradiciones navideñas y fortalecer alianzas en los ámbitos de la educación, el desarrollo económico y el turismo entre ambas ciudades.
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Una nueva exposición en el Rigo Peralta Art Studio presenta a artistas latinos de Estados Unidos y de Venezuela, aportando técnicas audaces, relatos culturales y una inauguración multitudinaria en Allentown. La exposición estará abierta hasta febrero.
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Members of Bethlehem’s Sister City Committee visited Patillas, Puerto Rico, to experience traditional tradiciones navideñas and to strengthen partnerships in education, economic development, and tourism between the two cities.
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The event will mark 80 years since WWII’s end and its sister city bond with Tondabayashi, Japan, on Saturday, Sept. 13 with a peace mural unveiling, taiko drumming, and concerts at the Bethlehem Area Public Library and Congregation Brith Sholom.
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Arlan and Pat Christ’s 1,000-piece quilt collection is featured in “Cutting Edge” at the Allentown Art Museum, with a special quilt turning event. The collection will be on display through Oct. 26. Admission to the museum is free.
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The new exhibition “Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists,” runs through May 22 and coincides with a community birthday celebration on Sept. 19 at Zoellner Arts Center.
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A vibrant new mural by artist Matt Halm now brightens Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital’s Allentown campus. It was created with help from patients, staff, and volunteers.
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Shop vinyl, vintage and handmade art at the Lehigh Valley Punk Rock Flea Market on Sept. 6 at the free family-friendly event and mini-concert. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with performances starting at 4:30 p.m.
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Fans at the Allentown Fair got a triple dose of hair metal nostalgia as Quiet Riot, Ace Frehley, and Great White shared the stage for a night of heavy riffs and anthems on Saturday evening.
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There are plenty of free acts to enjoy at the unofficial last of summer celebration, including a comedian/juggler with a crown of Solo cups and a tent filled with multi-colored butterflies.
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Mac and cheese on a stick, barbecue-infused ice cream, and horseradish cheesesteaks are hoping to win over fairgoers in this year's food contest. Voting is done on-site, and the winners will be announced on Monday.
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After a three-year hiatus, chick hatching is back at the Allentown Fair. The exhibition will be open daily at the Lehigh County 4-Club Livestock Experience tent.
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The 173rd Great Allentown Fair opens Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 1. The fair features rides, food, concerts, and family fun at one of Pennsylvania’s oldest fairs.
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The 2025-26 season will feature innovative performances, including a modern "Alice in Wonderland" and an adaptation of "Medea." Part of the new UnBound Year-Round series, the season will run from Oct. 8 through June 30 in Bethlehem.
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This year's honorees are abstract artist Michael Freeman, Lehigh University producer Steven Lichak, museum accessibility advocate Elise Schaffer, and members of the IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative. The group will be honored at an awards ceremony in September.