Five Cool Shows to See, Including Iron Pigs Opening Day!
by Carrie Havranek; Photo by Jason Alley
Spring is doing its thing and everyone seems to be having a hard time concentrating and doing anything productive. (This post was certainly borne out of that sensation.) Here are five cool “shows” you don’t want to miss—they’re totally worth distracting yourself about. Keep in mind, I’m using the term “show” here a bit loosely.
1. Iron Pigs Opening Day, Allentown. It’s today. Yes, today. Larry Holmes is signing autographs. Live music will make it festive. It’s the fifth anniversary season, marked by the debut of a whole new dining area. There’s a giveaway at 5pm to the first 3,000 people. And let’s not forget the debut of a new pork racer, Barbie-Q. And then the Pigs take the field against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yanks at 7:05. Can you dig it? Oink! 1050 Iron Pigs Way, Allentown; 610-841-PIGS.
2. The Gallery at St. John’s, Easton. The 13th Annual Plaid show—an art exhibit that employs plaid in consistently creative and innovative ways—brings us “Occupy Plaid: 99 Percent.” The show is co-sponsored by ACE (Arts Community of Easton), runs through April 29, and the gallery is open from noon to 3pm on Sundays (except for Easter Sunday) and by appointment. Admission is free. 330 Ferry Street, Easton; 610-258-6119.
3. Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Bethlehem. Bethlehem: The Christmas City, is a 30-minute locally produced documentary film that shows the spirit and resilience of the city’s residents, starting from 1740 through current day. Liberty High School graduate Jonathan Frakes narrates. Showtimes are listed through April 12, but expect the cinema to run it every day for the near future. ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem; 610-332-1300.
4. Allentown Art Museum, Allentown. You’ve likely heard of “Who Shot Rock and Roll? A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present,” but have you seen it yet? It runs through May 13. The exhibit encompasses classic rock and roll images, publicity shots, candids, portraits and more, culled from multiple sources, collections, and galleries. Organized by the Brooklyn Museum with guest curator Gail Buckland, the exhibit’s 175 works tell the story of America’s music through the eyes of photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle, Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Linda McCartney, and more. 31 North 5th Street, Allentown; 610-432-4333.
5. Banana Factory, Bethlehem. Contemporary Caribbean American Artists: Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. It’s the first Latin American artist exhibit at the Banana Factory, and it’s only up for a few more days, through April 8. Artists include Rigo Peralta, Marina Gutierrez, Luis Stephenberg, Ismael Chico and Jesus Riveras; media include paintings, installations, 3-D work and more surprises. 25 W. 3rd Street, Bethlehem; 610-332-1300.
Carrie Havranek is a writer in Easton whose annual baseball widowhood begins today.