Zoellner Arts Center Executive Director Mark Wilson on Pigeons, Partnerships, and a “Non-Shushing” Family FUN-A-PALOOZA November 1

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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.

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DISCOFRUIT and the Power of Diverse Poetry with Kenna DeValor of Flowermouth Press

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re joined by Kenna DeValor, a poet, publisher, and founder of FlowerMouth Press. Kenna’s new poetry collection DISCOFRUIT is a shimmering celebration of queer identity, vulnerability, and joy.

We talk about how the book was born in a small Poconos café under a disco ball, Kenna’s creative upbringing in Coopersburg and Charter Arts, and how FlowerMouth Press grew from a solo idea in 2019 into a nonprofit platform amplifying Gen Z voices around the world.

We also explore the importance of art, physical media, and why the next generation isn’t done with poetry.

🎧 Listen now:
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📖 Grab DISCOFRUIT:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/discofruit-kenna-devalor
Blurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site

✍️ Submit to FlowerMouth Press:
Website: https://flowermouthpress.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowermouthpress

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/42ZFIC_813k


 

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From Bethlehem to Tuscany: The Story Behind Ciao, Amore Mio by J.A. Marz

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J.A. Marz joins the podcast to talk about his debut novella Ciao, Amore Mio… The Tale of Gabby and Gio, a romantic, emotional journey set in the hills of Tuscany. We dive into the story, the inspiration, and why readers are connecting with his work.

📖 Get the book: https://a.co/d/idjdbM0
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Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre

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Guests:

  • Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre

  • Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

🎟 Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🧠 Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

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🧠 Episode Recap

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre
What happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.

Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival.

Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year’s production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight.

“It’s not just a performance,” says Mary. “It’s a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.”

With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most treasured arts traditions.

🌐 Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20
📲 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre

Some of Lisa’s Favorite Cult Items | Lisa Joins a Cult at The Emmaus Theatre on February 23

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Guests:

  • Lisa Van Arsdale – Storyteller and Performer, “Lisa Joins a Cult”
LV with Love Partners

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Van Arsdale to discuss her upcoming show, Lisa Joins a Cult, happening February 23 at 6 p.m. at the Emmaus Theatre. Lisa shares her journey of exploring fringe religious communities and collecting fascinating artifacts—like a “Jesus First” pin from the Jerry Falwell Museum, a protective card from Father Divine followers, and a pamphlet predicting Judgment Day in 2011.

Far from mocking these beliefs, Lisa approaches these groups with curiosity and respect, offering a unique lens into their cultures. We dive into the stories behind these artifacts and how they’ve shaped her show. If you’ve ever been curious about fringe communities, this episode is for you!

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Allentown’s Proposed Transfer Tax Hike Explained

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Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast: Episode 017 (ArtsQuest’s Talent Buyer, Helen Smith!)

Have you ever wondered how ArtsQuest books all of their free stage acts for Musikfest? Wonder no more! On this episode, we have ArtsQuest Talent Buyer, Helen Smith. She gives us the ins and outs of Musikfest booking and even gives a few tips for your band.

She is also horrible at taking care of birds.

The Podcast is currently available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Pocket Casts.

As always, you can listen to the podcast directly on our website and insert it into your favorite player via our podcast feed.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast: Episode 004

In this episode, we talk about horrible Lehigh Valley weather, the Mayor of Allentown’s conviction, and some more depressing items. Oh, and we also talk about St. Patrick’s Day parades from here to Scranton.

We’re currently available on iTunesGoogle PlayStitcher, 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/)