Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. LehighValleywithLove & Wink Mag Prom for MS
Saturday, 8pm to 2am, Molly’s Irish Pub & Grill, 4 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem
Have you ever wanted to go back in time and relive some of those special moments from high school, like prom? Well here’s your chance to do it all over again! LehighValleywithLove.com in conjunction with Wink Magazine is holding a Prom to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As if raising money for a good cause isn’t enough reason to go, the theme for the even is Fantasy Time Machine which means you get to wear the prom outfit of your dreams. Try something mondern, go eco-friendly, pull out that taffeta mess from your first prom, or make something entirely new!
2. Art Opening: Lehigh Valley Photo Project by Brandon Wunder
Friday, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Blink Optical Boutique, 524 N 19th St Frnt, Allentown
Our world is constantly changing shape, and the photography of Brandon Wunder has captured some of these changes in Allentown. This series features the industry of the area, as well as the destruction and creation of the coming arena, and nearby houses and shops. 2012 marks Allentown’s 250th birthday and this is a great way to see what molded this area, and why we should preserve it.
3. Four-Part Climate Series: Part 1, Earth as Art: Examining Our Footprint
Saturday, 10am to 1pm, Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St., Easton
Wherever we go, we leave a mark on those places. Just as we leave footprints in the sand on a beach, we also leave a “foot print” on our environment through our daily activities. Unfortunately, there are no waves to wipe them away, and over time, they build up, and it is up to us to wash them away. In part one of a four-part series, Tom Maxfield, artist and environementalist, will be holding a free workshop exploring use of our land as modern art. This examination of our environmental footprint through artistic expression is a refreshing change from the standard viewpoint and an enlightening look at how we impact our world.
4. Katie’s Pick – Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturday, 12pm to 4pm, ArtsQuest Center at the Steel Stacks (First floor), 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
You might think it’s crazy to go to a farmer’s market in the middle of winter, but fear not, for this one is indoors. It’s usually about this time of year when we start to crave fresh foods after being cooped up from the cold, some grocery store items just don’t have the same flare that market products do. Fortunately, there is now an indoor farmer’s market so you don’t have to brave the cold while picking out your favorite items. Get fresh goods from the same local vendors you love in the warmer months. What a great way to make your winter cuisines as fresh as they can be.
5. William Marley & His Paddle People
Sunday, 12:30pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton
You don’t have to hit Broadway or a fancy theater all the time for special and unique stage performances. Sometimes you can find them right here in the Lehigh Valley. This Sunday, St. John’s Lutheran Church will be host to William Marley’s one act play, In Sepia Tone, with his “paddle people.” William Marley is a playwright, author, and beloved Easton native.
6. bang! snap, ting, thump, buzzzz, SHRIEK: CLOSING PARTY for _TECHNIFYING
Friday, 8pm to 2am, Soft Machine Gallery, 725 North 15th St. Suite 7, Allentown
It’s been an electrfying art series for a little while, but now it’s closing time for _TECHNIFYING. This unqiue exhibit combining art and electronics will be ending this weekend, but that doesn’t mean they’ll slip out quietly. This Friday will be their closing party complete with food, drinks, and music from David Kresge of SOARS. If you haven’t seen this show yet, then this is your last chance, so go and see what all the buzzing is about.
7. XVSK. Exter and Kimock. Cello and Drums. Great music.
Friday, 10pm to 12am, Porter’s Pub, 700 Northampton St., Easton
There’s more than one way to play the cello, the performance at Porters’ Pub this Friday will certainly show you that. Trevor Exter brings us his unusual method of playing and it isn’t anything like you’ve seen before. Rarely does one see a cello plugged in like an electric guitar or someone beat on it like a drum. This style will have dancing through the bar as this music is meant to be felt and moved to, not just listened to. This is not your grandma’s symphony cellist, and you won’t want to miss this show.
8. Blue Jean at SteelStacks
Saturday, 8pm to 11pm, ArtQuest Center at SteelStacks (Creative Commons Stage), 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Acoustic music always has such an appealing sound to it so when the opportunity to hear it comes around, you should take it. The performance by Blue Jean is no different either. This is the big debut for the acoustic rock duo and even bigger show for them. It’s also a free show, so come on out give these guys a big warm welcome at the ArtsQuest Center.
9. Easton Restaurant Week
Sunday, Regular Restaurant Hours, Participating Restaurants, Easton
Starting Sunday, it’s Easton’s turn for Restaurant Week. Various local restaurants will be having special lunch and dinner features and specials to highlight their culinary individuality. Some of these places could hang with any major foodie city fare, and how convenient is it to have that kind of edible culture right in our own neighborhood? Some these restaurants have items that you would be hardpressed to find elsewhere and now is a great chance to try some of them.