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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Marlo Shankweiler, guitarist for Melt, talks about her homegrown roots before her performance at Musikfest on Sunday. -
The three bands sang their hits from the '90s at the second night on the main Steel Stage on Friday, Aug. 2.
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The Drum Corps International 47th Eastern Classic will feature 22 drum corps. It's set for Saturday and Sunday at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown.
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Heavenly Coffee Shop in Easton serves authentic paisa eats like migao, hot chocolate and cheese and buñuelos.
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The celebration of the Isla del Encanto in Allentown was organized by the Puertorrican Culture Preservation and held on Sunday, July 28.
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Musikfest 2024 begins with a preview night on Thursday. The 11-day festival will feature more than 422 artists and more than 500 concerts. Headliners include Greta Van Fleet, ZZ Top, Ludacris and Jowell & Randy.
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The Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival will return to Allentown on Sunday, July 28. It kicks off at noon at North Fifth and Hamilton streets.
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Erica Silver, a music teacher with the Allentown School District, is the youth chorale's newest conductor and Alaina Swartz is the new director of education and community engagement.
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Eleven11 Nail Studio opened in late June in Easton. The owners say their goal is to provide clients with an experience focused on self care and pampering.
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For the first time, the two-day festival will feature a barbecue competition, along with 11 blues performers. It will take place Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at SteelStacks.
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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.
