Laini’s List of Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley – July 13–15
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Philadelphia Funk Authority at the Musikfest Café
Saturday, 6:30pm, Musikfest Café, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
It’s going to be the hottest dance party in the valley this weekend when the Philadelphia Funk Authority get on stage. They bring their energetic sound to the Musikfest Café for quite the musical treat. Doors open and dinner begins at 6:30 and the show starts at 8. Tickets are available for $10 for Cabaret, SRO, and Balcony seats.
2. Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
Saturday, 2pm to 8pm, Nazareth Boro Park, Nazareth
Summer is the time for festivals and outdoor gatherings and especially for concerts. This Saturday at Nazareth Boro Park will be the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. Various vendors will be set up as well as some great musicians performing to celebrate the birthday and music of Woody Guthrie. This festival is also free, so you will get quite the bargain when you come join in the fun.
3. Compost & iMiJ Shop Joint Opening Celebration & Mercantile’s 4th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 4pm to 7pm, 140 Northampton Street and 216 Pine Street, Easton
What’s better than a celebration? How about three celebrations combined into one! That is exactly what’s happening with Compost & iMij Shop’s Opening and Mercantile’s 4th Anniversary. Help break in iMij’s new shop while enjoying unusual plants in their garden and Eliza Jimenez’s couture styling. Over at the Mercantile, you can enjoy champagne, and some delicious cake for their 4th anniversary celebration.
4. Katie’s Pick – “Artists in the Alley” by Just Around the Corner
Saturday, 10am to 3pm, 5A North Bank St., Easton
Looking to do some shopping but don’t want to wander through a mall? Why not do some outdoor shopping at Artists in the Alley where you can find amazing, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items to take home. While you’re there, look out for a possible appearance by Earl the Accordionist, face painting for the kids, and artists actively creating. This event is also dog-friendly so even your favorite canine can join in the fun.
5. Start Making Rent
Friday, 10pm, Porter’s Pub, 700 Northampton St., Easton
There is something about acoustic music that makes you feel closer to the band. In the cozy setting of Porters’ Pub, that is exactly what you’ll get this Friday with Start Making Rent. Listen to your favorite classic rock with this very talented group in a way you haven’t heard before.
6. Special Berks Gas Truth Meeting at Save Penn’s Woods Exhibit
Friday, 7pm, The Independent Space, 19 E. Main St., Kutztown
There are few things more important than our environment. At the Berks Gas Truth Meeting, you will get a glimpse of exactly what we risk losing if we don’t protect it, and stand against procedures like fracking. There will also be a short film by Josh Fox (and rumor has it Gasland’s now streaming on Netflix!), and a discussion of the Act 13 campaign. Refreshments will also be served, so bring your friends and educate yourself on the impact this will have on the world around us.
7. Indiana Jones & the Temple of . . . We’re Having a Tattoo Themed Art Show!
Friday, 7pm, to 2am, Alternative Gallery, 904 West Hamilton St., Allentown
This tattoo-themed art show will feature work from nearby tattoo artists, as well as work done outside of their shops. Vendors and apparel companies will also be set up to sell some of their merchandise. A cash bar will be availble with their signature drink, The Alternative, as well as a special post-event gathering next door at Made In Brazil. All are invited.
8. “we” 2012 Opening Gathering
Saturday, 7pm to 10pm, Connexions Gallery, 213 Northampton St., Easton
When creative minds come together, amazing things can happen. At the “we” 2012 Opening, people will be able to view 120 art panes created by the three artists per each colaborative piece. There will be music by Brian Molnar from 8pm to 10pm. The panes will be available for purchase beginning on July 13 and are expected to be spoken for quickly, so make sure you get in a take a look in case you’d like one to be yours.
9. Puppy Raising 70th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 11am to 4pm, Morristown Armory, Morristown
Let’s put it this way: puppies. Yes, this is a celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Seeing Eye — an organization that raises puppies to become seeing-eye dogs. These adorable, furry puppies will one day make life much easier for many visually-impaired people. They make huge impacts in the lives of and are invaluable to their owners. Join them in their celebration with past, present, and future puppy-raisers to show just how amazing they are.