The Bach Choir of Bethlehem
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will hold its final Bach at Noon for the summer at noon on Aug. 11 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, which is located at 37 S. Fifth St. in Allentown.
The concert will feature beloved vocal works by Bach and Schütz in a landmark collaboration with the Triad Emerging Artist Residency, bringing together ten of the region’s most promising young professional singers alongside the Bach Choir’s distinguished ensemble.
Triad is a four-day partnership among Music in the Somerset Hills, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and Tenet Vocal Artists, with support from Trinity Church, NYC. Designed to invest in the next generation of professional singers, Triad gathers a carefully selected cohort of post-collegiate artists in August for an intensive immersion in Baroque works and new music. This year’s residency begins with two days of rehearsal and coaching at Trinity Church in New York City before moving to Bethlehem for the culminating performance as part of the Bach Choir’s celebrated Bach at Noon series. Participants receive daily coaching, masterclasses in performance practice and vocal health, and professional development experience alongside distinguished faculty.
The two ensembles will join together for Heinrich Schütz’s luminous “Selig sind die Toten (SWV 381)” and selections from the Musikalische Exequien (SWV 279–281), a work by Johann Michael Bach, and Larry Lipkis’s “Prayer of Saint Francis,” written to celebrate the wedding anniversary of past Bach Choir Board President Jack Jordan and his late wife, Betsy. The program also features the Triad singers in Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227),” one of the composer’s most beloved and demanding motets. Faculty for the residency include Bach Choir Artistic Director and Conductor Christopher Jackson, Stephen Sands (tenor and Artistic Director of Music in the Somerset Hills), and Jolle Greenleaf (soprano and Artistic Director of Tenet Vocal Artists) — all of them distinguished ensemble leaders and practicing singers.
For the Triad singers, artists on the cusp of full-time professional careers, the encounter offers something no conservatory curriculum fully teaches: a model of music as community practice, sustained and alive across generations. For the Bach Choir, it is an opportunity to do what this ensemble has always done: perform extraordinary repertoire and model what music looks like when it belongs to a community.
For information, go to Bach.org.
‘1776’ in Spring
Yocum Institute’s Schumo Theater will celebrate America’s 250th birthday by presenting “1776” this weekend. The Tony Award-winning musical features music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Performed by a talented cast of artists ages 13-25, the inspiring production follows the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, bringing history to life through memorable music, compelling storytelling, and dynamic performances.
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence, if only our founding fathers can agree to do it. “1776” follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy and sign the Declaration of Independence.
Performancesa re scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets cost $18.
The show is recommended for ages 13 and up because of mature historical themes and complex political subject matter.
Yocum Institute for Arts Education is located at 3000 Penn Ave. in Spring Township, Berks County.
New mural in Reading
Olivet Boys & Girls Club and VOiCEup Berks have partnered to create Champions of Possibility, a vibrant new mural that reflects the creativity, imagination, and potential of Olivet Club kids.
More than a public art project, the mural is a reflection of VOiCEup Berks’ Generation Impact initiative, which empowers young adults to build community through meaningful service, leadership, and civic engagement. VOiCEup Berks invited Olivet alumnus and professional artist Theron Cook to return to the club that helped shape his childhood and lead the project. Cook, a muralist and brand strategist, is also the founder of Don’t Quit Omniversity and TCA DQ Foundation.
Before the first brushstroke, Cook guided Olivet Club members through interactive art and storytelling workshops, encouraging them to explore what possibility means to them. Their ideas, artwork, and personal stories became the inspiration for the final mural, ensuring it reflects the voices of the young people who created it.
“Coming back to Olivet feels like coming home,” Cook said. “This project is about more than creating a mural—it’s about creating something ‘with’ the kids. I wanted them to know their creativity matters and that their story is still being written.”
Through VOiCEup Berk’s Generation Impact Initiative, East Penn Manufacturing interns worked alongside Olivet Club members to bring the mural to life, creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship, teamwork, and self-expression.
“This project grew from the relationships we built through our MLK events,” said Katie Diamond Rothstein, Generation Impact program director for VOiCEup Berks. “We knew the right partners could turn a vision into a lasting reminder that anything is possible. We’re grateful to Theron, Olivet, and the East Penn interns for helping make that vision a reality.”
“Our kids didn’t just paint this mural, they helped imagine and design it,” said Rick Perez, Olivet’s president and CEO. “I hope every child who sees it is reminded that they are a champion of possibility and that, with the support of a caring community, they can accomplish incredible things.
“Today, Champions of Possibility welcomed every child who entered the Clinton Street Club with a powerful reminder – your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your future is full of possibility.”
Tea party in Easton
Truth and Light Media Productions, started by the five singing Gilbert siblings from Forks Township, Northampton County, will present a Mad Tea Party at 4 p.m. this Sunday and at noon on Saturday, August 22, at First Baptist Church, which is located at 3235 Linden St. in Bethlehem.
Truth and Light was started by Sing for America, a group started in 2003 by sisters Taryn, Tasia, and Teara Gilbert and brothers Jewel and Jorne Gilbert to raise money for local causes. The siblings perform in, direct, choreograph, and do costume and Foset design for all of their shows.
The event will include tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, photos with Alice and the Mad Hatter, live music, and skits.
Tickets cost $20.
El Sistema concert
El Sistema Lehigh Valley will present “Sounds of Nature,” the group’s 2026 summer concert, at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Roosevelt Elementary School, which is located at 210 W. Susquehanna St. in Allentown.
The concert presents the culmination of the ESLV Summer Program with a short concert of music performed by talented summer campers.
Over the last six weeks, El Sistema Lehigh Valley students have explored the music and sounds of the natural world.
This concert will include classics like The Four Seasons to contemporary chamber pieces and choral works.
Tickets are free.
Smokey Bear’s birthday
The Berks County Parks & Recreation Department will celebrate Smokey Bear’s Birthday with Smokey and friends from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday at the Berks County Heritage Center, which is located 1102 Red Bridge Rd. in Bern Township.
Guests can visit with conservation and forestry vendors to play games, get Smokey Bear swag, and learn about efforts to preserve our forests and open spaces. There will be a special appearance and meet-and-greet with Smokey Bear. There will be activities, exhibits, conservation and forestry booths, interactive games, and learning displays focused on open space and forest preservation. There also will be food and refreshments from on-site food options, including the Perk Up Truck.
Admission is free.
Cars & Cones
The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles will host its fifth annual Cars & Cones Cruise-in from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in its parking lot at 85 S. Walnut St. in Boyertown, Berks County.
The event is free for both vehicles cruising in as well as spectators. The museum will be open with extended hours. The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor will be on hand to offer ice cream and other refreshing novelties for purchase.
Kutztown Fair
The 155th Kutztown Fair will continue through Saturday at the Kutztown Fairgrounds, which is located at 450 Wentz St. in Kutztown, Berks County.
On Thursday, the fair will present its Celebrate America 250 program at 5:45 p.m. in the main show ring. During this special event, the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps will perform several patriotic tunes. Scouts will present the flags, and dignitaries will offer remarks.
At 6:45 p.m. there will be a contest for the most patriotic dressed fair attendee. There will be a prize for the most patriotic adult and the most patriotic child.
Admission to the fair is $12. The cost includes entertainment, grandstand shows, exhibits, carnival rides, and parking.