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.
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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 Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs has appointed 27 commissioners for its 2025-27 board, including several leaders from Lehigh and Northampton counties.
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Historic Hotel Bethlehem was celebrated Wednesday for being chosen by USA Today as one of the nation’s 10 Best Historic Hotels/Resorts for the fifth consecutive year.
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At his headlining Saturday show, Jordan Davis shared his love for family, faith, and country music heroes, while delivering hits and Nashville-style collaborations.
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Third Eye Blind announced news onstage at Musikfest while encouraging kindness in the crowd Friday on the festival's main Steel Stage.
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“Cutting Edge: Inventive Nineteenth-Century Quilts” opens Saturday, Aug. 9. The new exhibit explores over 30 unique quilts from Arlan and Pat Christ’s collection and will run through Oct. 26. Admission is free.
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The "Gentleman of Salsa" remarked he "felt at home" at his debut at Musikfest, where he delivered an evening of elegant dance moves, smooth vocals, and Puerto Rican pride.
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German food, polka and Cast in Bronze are just some of the beloved traditions found at Musikfest each year.
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Three-time Grammy Award winner Nelly performed some of his biggest hits, such as "Ride Wit Me" and "Hot in Herre," on Wednesday at Musikfest's main Steel Stage.
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Lehigh Valley siblings and filmmakers produced their second movie, this time at Moravian University and Liberty High School in Bethlehem. It is expected to be released next year in time for film festival season.
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The Black Crowes performed a "Monday rock ’n’ roll show" at Musikfest, performing hits such as "Remedy," "Hard to Handle," and "Jealous Again."
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2025 Puerto Rican Festival and Parade in Allentown to celebrate the reinas of Patillas, flag-raisingThe cultural celebration begins with a flag-raising at Allentown's City Hall at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.
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Here's what you need to know about Musikfest 2025, which runs from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 10, in Bethlehem.