Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1.An Evening with Marc Bamuthi Joseph
Saturday, 8pm, Zoellner Arts Center, 420 East Packer Ave., Bethlehem
Art is often used to convey a message or thought of a person, and usually when we think of it we picture a physical piece of art work. Well, this presentation is not that. Marc Bamuthi Joseph joins us at the Zoellner Arts Center this weekend to perform selections from his work which blends dance, story, and visuals to address current issues. This is one of the most innovative artistic expressions that you can see and it’s very fortunate to have him perform here in the Lehigh Valley.
2. 6th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Soirée
Saturday, 7pm to 10pm, Bank Street Annex, 316 Northampton St., Easton
You eat it when you’re happy. You eat it when you’re down. Or you just eat it because it’s delicious and you can’t get enough of it. I am, of course, talking about chocolate, and if you have a true passion for the silky sweet treat, then you must attend the Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree. This is the best excuse to indulge in the delectable dessert while getting to try new chocolate items you may have never had before. This weekend, don’t settle for the bag of kisses from the grocery store. Get out and love thy chocolate.
3. Dangers, Decisions and Love
Saturday, 2pm, Northampton Community College Main Campus- Kopecek Hall, 3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem
Some people express themselves through writing, making art, or creating music. Others do it through dance. The Monarch Dance Company performs numbers inspired by society, politics, personal growth and love. Watch as these young adults express themselves with grace and purpose through physical movement under the direction of Tabatha Robinson-Scott. Seats are limited, so be sure to get there early.
4. Katie’s Pick 🙂 – Bethlehem’s Winter Restaurant Week
Starts Sunday, Restaurant hours, Participating Restaurants, Bethlehem
It has been pretty well established that most of us enjoy good food for a good price, and these restaurant weeks are the perfect for achieving this. Allentown and Easton have had their weeks, and now its Bethlehem’s turn. Not only will you get great food, but some other stores in the city will be offering discounts when you bring in your receipt from a participating restaurant. Go get yourself something delicious and then treat yourself to a little retail therapy.
5. Opening Reception: Matt Nixon, “The Divided States of America”
Saturday, 7pm to 10pm, Connexions Gallery, 213 Northampton St., Easton
As per the event page, join us for the Opening Reception of Matt Nixon’s latest show, “The Divided States of America” in which Matt explores the impact of class and capitalism on the collective American psyche using comic book stylings and a humoristic approach. A unique view into the graphic novel that is Matt Nixon’s vision of the world around him.
6. Now Playing – The Artist
Friday, 5pm, 8pm, Saturday, 2:30pm, 6:45pm, 9pm, Sunday, 1:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm, Civic Theater of Allentown, 527 North 19th St., Allentown
Did get to see the movie with all the Oscar buzz surrounding it? Well here’s another chance, and it’s not in your ordinary movie theater with the sticky floor. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, this modern silent movie is about the beginning of the motion picture as audio was just beginning to be recorded, and what this meant for acclaimed silent actor George Valentin in the transition. More fitting for this show is that the Civic Theater was once a silent movie house. There aren’t many people out there that can say they’ve seen a movie like that before, but now is your chance to do so!
7. Sly Fox Brewery Beer Tasting Happy Hour
Friday, 6pm to 9pm, Blue Monkey Sports Bar & Restaurant, 1092-1094 Howertown Road, North Catasauqua
You’ll often hear people talk about what wines to pair with what foods and the compliments they produce, but food and drink pairings are not always just for wine. Pairing food with beer has become more and more popular over the past few years, and this Friday the Blue Monkey will be having a special beer tasting event. Six different brews from the Sly Fox Brewery will be on hand for sampling, each with a special food item to go with it. That’s a 6-course meal! Sly Fox Beer will also be available for purchase to take home, too.
8. Jungle Joe’s Wildlife Adventure
Sunday, 2pm, State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton
It might be too cold to go to the zoo, but what if the zoo comes to you? OK, I don’t mean someone is going to show up at your house with elephants and zebras, but Jungle Joe will be at the State Theatre with some of furred, feathered, and scaled friends for you to see. Join him as he talks about his adventures to the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia and African Safari. Of course there will be live animal presentations, too.
9. Open Auditions for “A Resting Place”
Sunday, 2pm to 4pm, and Monday, 7pm to 9pm, Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Have you ever dreamed of being s star? Well why not test out your acting skills and audition for a part in “A Resting Place.” This play is set in Bethlehem and takes place during the civil war, but they need performers before they can get started. There will be a variety of roles to fill from speaking roles, to singing, and other musicians or special talents. You never know what the directors will want, so go take your chance and try out. You just might end up the next big Lehigh Valley celebrity.