Dressed in Arctic-themed Halloween costumes, student and community activists rallied in Bethlehem to press Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to oppose oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Organizers said more than a thousand Pennsylvanians have taken action this fall by signing petitions, writing letters, and calling lawmakers. They encouraged more residents to join.
Spend this weekend with the arts at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center, where two powerful performances promise to fill Baker Hall with music and emotion. On Friday, October 24, Lehigh University Choral Arts presents Into the Darkness, a moving exploration of mystery and reflection through choral music.
Then, on Sunday, October 26, the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Marin Alsop, takes the stage for an afternoon of orchestral brilliance.
Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.
Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son’s lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area’s energy, trails, and sense of community.
When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations.
This year’s Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise.
“This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.”
The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner’s lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents.
“It’s the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.”
Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner’s fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra.
“We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it’s about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.”
He also points to Zoellner’s new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience.
“The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone’s physical or mental health. That’s where we’re headed too.”
Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner’s growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces.
“People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.”
Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University.
Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: www.lvwithlove.com
The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir will bring its acclaimed Peace concert to Baker Hall at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The performance celebrates resilience, faith, and unity through an inspiring blend of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, and beloved classics.
The SouthSide Film Festival is proud to present Rooted — a new documentary tracing 50 years of creative life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In this episode, George Wacker sits down with three of the artists featured in the film: Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, and Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels. Together, they reflect on what it means to create and collaborate in a post-industrial city shaped by both hardship and hope.
We talk about the early days of the Lehigh Valley arts scene, the personal and cultural challenges that defined their work, and how a community of artists helped transform Bethlehem from a steel town into a space for bold, grassroots creativity.
🎥 Rooted Screening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center
🎟️ Tickets: Get them here
🎧 Listen to the podcast: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/rooted
Southside Film Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!)
📍 Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more
🎟️ Info & Tickets: ssff.org
Guests:
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Wilson, Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center, to discuss the exciting lineup for the 2025 season. We kick things off with a deep dive into Kings Return, the acclaimed a cappella group known for their seamless blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical music, set to perform on February 7. Mark also highlights the pre-show roundtable on mental health featuring Dr. Phillip A. Davis, emphasizing the importance of integrating meaningful discussions with artistic performances.
We then explore other standout events in Zoellner’s season, including:
Mark shares insights into Zoellner’s commitment to diverse programming, community engagement, and the vision for the arts center’s future in the Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re an arts enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what’s in store for audiences this season.
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/tGwN5fX5xFA
Lehigh University Journalism Professor, Kathy Olson, recently competed as a contestant on Jeopardy!
We sat down to talk to her about her previous attempts to make the show, what her experience was like on set, and she even gives some tips to Jeopardy hopefuls!
In this episode we talk with Lehigh Valley attorney Briana Gaumer about moving across the country for softball (then coming back again), AND Lehigh Valley hot dogs. (Plus more)
Thank you to our sponsors Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Venture X, and Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub in Bethlehem!
Attorney Briana M. Gaumer’s practice focuses almost exclusively on family law matters such as divorce, custody, and support as well as estate planning, including drafting Powers of Attorney, Wills, and estate documents. Attorney Gaumer has successfully litigated custody and divorce matters up and through Trial. She is well-versed in unique issues that may arise such as jurisdiction disputes, custody relocation, complex equitable distribution, grandparents’ custody, and matters that have involved severe domestic violence.
Attorney Gaumer graduated from Lehigh University with a double major in Political Science and Religion while simultaneously being a full-time student-athlete on the Lehigh University Women’s Softball Team. Attorney Gaumer received her law degree from Widener University School of Law. During law school, Attorney Gaumer participated in the Widener Civil Law Clinic where she represented low-income clients in various civil actions, with a focus on family law.
Attorney Gaumer is the recipient of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Eric D. Turner Award and the Widener University School of Law Outstanding Service Award.
A Lehigh Valley native, Attorney Gaumer enjoys spending time in the community in which she serves. She is also a member of the Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe County Bar Associations.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
In this week’s episode, we are talking with Lucy Kwiatek of Bethlehem. She is a student at Lehigh University and is a Bethlehem native.
Having grown up in this area, Lucy talks about some of her favorite aspects of the area including some of her favorite spots to eat, including her first drink at The Bayou (a sazerac that tasted like “eating a hospital and chasing it with a camp fire”) and Black Forest Deli (with “soup that can raise the dead”)!
We also touch on life as a student at Lehigh University and her experiences on campus (and off campus at the United Nations in NYC for example), especially during the pandemic.
Thank you, Lucy!
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
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The Top 10 Lehigh Valley Uber destinations, a Lehigh University sorority gets kicked off campus, the 7 Days of Bayou, and much more!
We’re currently available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Pocket Casts and you can listen to the podcast directly on our parent company website and insert it into your favorite player via our podcast feed.
This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (http://www.sunsetsnorth.com/)
