Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Art Works January Exhibit Featuring Artist and Curator Anthony Donnelly
Friday, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Fegley’s Burrito Works, 818 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
It’s a new year and that means another year for local artists to grow. To help showcase some of these artists, Allentown Art Works will be giving allowing a new artist create their own show each month. This is a great opportunity to see how the creator would show their work, and try some samples of Burrito and Coffee Works food too!
2. Fox Barter Bash and Fondue Dip-Off
Saturday, 7pm to 11pm, Fox Environmental Center, 100 Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem
Let’s face it. Most of us love chocolate or cheese (or both) and it’s even better when it’s melted. Join the members of the Fox Environmental Center for some delectable melted goodness while supporting the recently opened center. If the being seen is your thing then you’ll also be pleased to know that the columnist of the The Scene in The Morning Call to cover the event, so you’ll have your chance to have your name in the paper as well.
3. Aesop’s Fables Comes to Life
Sunday, 3pm, Zoellner Arts Center, 420 East Packer Ave., Bethlehem
Remember those wonderful fables we learned as a child? Well, now is your chance to see them come to life on stage. New York City’s contemporary dance troupe, RIOULT, along with new music by Lehigh’s Paul Salerni and performed by the Monocacy Chamber Orchestra conducted by Donald Spieth, will tell you the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare like you’ve never seen it before. This would be a great chance to show your kids the same stories you grew up with in an amazing setting.
4. March for Economic Justice
Saturday, 10am to 12pm, Centre Square, Easton
Come out and support Occupy Easton’s first march of the year. The goal of this march is to reach out to people in Easton’s neighborhoods, including senior citizens, and raise awareness about the types of inequities currently at play in our society. With awareness, and work, hopefully solutions can be created. Come out. Be heard.
5. Katie’s Pick – Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Participating restaurant hours, Downtown Allentown
Everyone loves food and everyone loves a good deal, and restaurant week always gives you the best of both. Downtown Allentown has plenty of great restaurants to choose from, and if you have ventured to one lately this just might the best time to go. So if you’re stuck at home and wondering what to eat or reheat, then maybe you should take advantage of this opportunity to try something really good.
6. A Taste of Black History
Sunday, 12:30 to 2:30pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 W. Market St., Bethlehem
Live music, slide show, book talk, buffet and a very special birthday cake. From the event’s pdf: Meet the authors of “Country Cooking, City Style,” the story of celebrated cook Edna “Ma” Bragg that only her daughters could tell! This is a cookbook/memoir (to be published March 5, 2012) of a Tennessee farm girl who comes to New York City as part of The Great Migration. Ma Bragg was one of four million blacks who settled in Northern cities between 1920 and 1940. Enjoy her story and enjoy her food as you learn how churches created a home away from home for new arrivals separated from their families down South.
7. Lehigh University MLK Jr. Week
Monday through Friday, Varying times and venues, Bethlehem
This coming week marks the annual celebration of a man who fought for peace and equality in our country. Events will be held throughout the week on Lehigh University’s campus and other areas in Bethlehem to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. See musical performances, video footage, and ceremonies honoring others in the Lehigh Valley who also fight for social justice. Honor and celebrate the life of man who fought to make this country a better place.
8. Tribute to Pop Royalty: Michael Jackson & Prince
Saturday, 7pm to 10pm, and Sunday, 3pm to 6pm, Third Street Alliance, 41 North Third St., Easton
The Easton School Of Rock is back and this time they are celebrating pop music royalty. Come listen to these talented kids as they cover music from Michael Jackson and Prince. This isn’t just any ordinary school musical production. These kids can really put on a show you won’t want to miss.
9. LV Artists Community’s Inaugural Gathering
Monday, 7pm to 10pm, Allentown Brew Works, 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Calling all Lehigh Valley artists! The Valley continues to grow as a community for artists and this Monday is your chance to get together with other local artists. Come out to the Allentown Brew Works to grab a beer with new people, make new friends, and network with other creative beings.