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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St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church held a festival for the community to raise money for families and victims of the deadly attack at Prophet Elias Church (Mar Elisa) in Damascus, Syria. -
The Route 22 Filmworks Film Festival returns to Bethlehem’s Charles A. Brown Ice House for its third year on Saturday. The nine-hour event will feature 39 short films, including student work from several Pennsylvania universities.
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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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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.
