Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley | January 6, 7 & 8, 2012
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Jesse Cook
Saturday, 8pm, The State Theater, 453 Northampton St., Easton
This January chill may have us hiding from the cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep warm. Why not spice up your evening with rumba flamenco master Jesse Cook at the State Theater this saturday? This Juno award winning entertainer is known for his audience-capturing shows that have people dancing and singing along. Tickets are $25 to $30, but be sure you get them soon, because this show will probably sell out!
2. First Friday Dance Party!
Friday, 10pm to 2pm, Your Welcome Inn, 325 S. New St., Bethlehem
I know it feels like hibernation season, but this event will have you moving your feet. It’s a First Friday Dance Party where you can enjoy a few good drinks, and dance the to your heart’s content. Let go of the stresses of having to go back to work after the holiday and really unwind. Dancing makes you feel good, so get out there with your best moves even if they are the lawnmower and the shopping cart.
3. Free Salsa Drumming and Dance Class
Friday, 6pm to 7pm, YOUniversity of Music and Arts, 700 Evans St., Bethlehem
You know that secretly you have always wanted to learn how to salsa dance, but have never taken lessons. Maybe you find yourself drumming out beats on office desktop when no one is looking, too. Well this is your chance to learn how to do both, for free, at this Salsa Drumming and Dance class. As I said before, dancing makes you feel good, so why not learn a new but classic way to move, and start the weekend off right.
4. Katie’s Pick – Ice Cream Wars
Saturday, 12pm to 2pm, DaVinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown
I scream! You scream! We all scream for . . . science? OK, well how about making ice cream with science? It’s always fun when science and food come together (otherwise known as molecular gastronomy), especially when it’s that all-American classic, ice cream. Watch as teams compete in Ice Cream Wars to make the best tasting ice cream using liquid nitrogen to create the frozen treat ready to serve in just minutes! It doesn’t get much cooler than this. Even if you’re not the science type it’s ok, because you can still sample the ice cream.
5. Family Circus Trio
Saturday, 10 pm, Porters’ Pub, 700 Northampton St., Easton
Check out this Valley-grown rock & funkalicious band in one of Easton’s cozies little pubs. Perfect for winter. And if Peter Lambdin happens to be working, please tell him that laini sent you and that he really shouldn’t be so crotchety. Check out the Porters’ legendary Mug Club while you’re there. Just look up.
6. Happy New Year First Friday
Friday, 6 to 10pm, Various Locations throughout SouthSide Bethlehem
Not only is it the First Friday of the month but also the First Friday of the Year! That means that all of your favorite places in Bethlehem will be having sales, specials, entertainment and more! Get a free photo from Harris Wedding Photography, enjoy a complimentary margarita with an entree purchase at General Zapata’s, or visit the Universal Institute for their unique combination of art gallery, boutique, and brain injury rehabilitation program. Get your new year off to a great start with some of the wonderful things Bethlehem has to offer!
7. James Supra Blues Band
Saturday, 10pm to 1am, The Pattenburg House, 512 County Road 614, Asbury, NJ
There is something about the Blues that almost everyone can appreciate, and the James Supra Blues Band is no exception to the rule. Watch the Lehigh Valley based group perform across the river in Asbury at The Pattenbrug House as they put on a classic show. Don’t forget to try the food and drinks at the Pattenburg, too!
8. Tick Tock Tick Tock, Look at our Clocks
Saturday, 12pm to 4pm, The Moravian Museum, 66 West Church Street, Bethlehem
Time is a relative thing but have you ever stopped and wondered about the history of time keeping devices? Who invented the clock? Well here is your best chance to take a look back at the history of time keeping. You’ll also have the chance to see some antique clocks at the Moravian Museum as well build your own time keeping device and other fun activities. Children get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket for $7, and this would be a great way to teach your youngster about time!
9. Hit the Sales in Our Downtowns
All Weekend, Various Stores & Times, Throughout the Lehigh Valley
Usually we associate all the big sales for the holidays with Black Friday, but what about after the holidays? The gift-giving season may be over, but your favorite local stores are still open for business, and they are eager to move their winter merchandise so they bring out their spring line. Whether you are in Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, there is a local shop near you with a sale. Get a present for the next birthday coming up, give something to yourself for making it through another holiday season, or really get a jump on the game and start your holiday shopping for next December. You’ll be helping a local business and who doesn’t love a bargain? It’s a win-win situation!