Lehigh Valley InSite

Barney Live at Stabler Arena

The lights dim. Small children wait in anticipation. Then it happens. You hear this:

“I love you. You love me. We’re a happy family….”  It’s BARNEY LIVE!!!!!!

Yes, that loveable purple dinosaur put on quite a show this past Saturday at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena. This was my first time attending a show like this. My daughter Rosie, who will be 2 in a few weeks, was a little scared at first because the lights went off and loud music started playing, but once she saw her old pals Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and Riff her anxiety turned to joy. Barney played some oldies, “ABC”, “Wheels on the Bus” and “If you’re happy and you know it”. Rosie, her Aunt Rosemary and I all sang along. 

It was Barney’s birthday so his pals were planning a party for him. We all sang “Happy Birthday”. I’m not sure how old Barney was, but I’m guessing being a dinosaur, he’s pretty old! After the party Barney & pals sang my favorite song from Barney, “The Clean Up Song” (it is quite effective for getting Rosie to clean up her toys). 

All in all, the show was great for kids. There was lots of dancing and singing and clapping. The adults enjoyed seeing their kids delight in the show. Although I think Aunt Rosemary could have done without the confetti cannon that kept scaring her. That was Mommy’s favorite part!!

This post was written by guest blogger Megan Billowitch.

3 Dozen Clams Please.

Where can you get decent clams in the Valley? I’ll tell you where, Stahley’s! I had a business meeting last week and we chose to meet at Stahley’s, great choice. I was hungry for clams from the time that I found out we were going, until the time we arrived.

So what did I order for lunch? Tacos. Yes, tacos, I went against my gut instinct of clams. The only mistake in my decision was ordering two tacos, when one was plenty. Plus, I missed clam night, which is Wednesday, so I felt it just wouldn’t be right to order them on a Thursday. You may also call that an excuse I made so that I return next Wednesday night.

Now everyone has their favorites. Some go for the clams, some for the dyna bites, and some for the cheesesteaks. Some people may just go for a good time, in a good environment with friends. A coworker just informed me that if you take your “same day” IronPigs tickets to Stahley’s with you, beer and fountain sodas are only $.25! Yes, 25 cents! Run, don’t walk!

Where's your place of choice for clams?

Conservation and Education at the Lehigh Valley Zoo

Recently my colleague Ryan and I were given a private tour of the Lehigh Valley Zoo by Alan Raisman, their Development & Marketing Coordinator. I had never been to this particular zoo, so I was excited to see what they had to offer visitors to Lehigh Valley. First of all, the drive up to the zoo is pretty cool. It already felt like an escape as we drove the car up and around the winding curves that led up to the picturesque Trexler Nature Preserve, an 1,100 acre wonderland within which the zoo is located.

Home to more than 275 animals representing some 70 species, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is an educational and entertaining escape from the everyday routine. One of my favorite parts was walking into the Lorikeet enclosure and letting them perch on my shoulder, mainly because it kind of made me feel like a pirate. I also enjoyed watching the three Mexican Gray Wolves prowl about their area, especially since there are only about 40 of them left in the world.

The zoo is a great trip for families, and the loop can be done in about an hour if you wish. On your way out, you’ll drive through the Trexler Nature Preserve, pass through a small creek (which was exciting for me, even at 25, but then again I am a kid at heart), and around the herds of bison and elk that roam the preserve. The zoo was even voted “Best Family Day Trip” by Morning Call’s Readers' Choice Awards in 2009 and 2010.

As entertaining and fun as it is to visit the animals at the zoo, it’s also quite comforting to know there’s a great deal of dedication to the protection and conservation of animal species. There are currently 14 animals housed in the zoo that are considered endangered, threatened or a species of concern.

So if you have some free time this summer, and you’re looking for a great family activity to keep everyone entertained, definitely check out the zoo!

Which animals are your favorites at the zoo?

Hidden Gems

About a week ago my wife and I had a free night so we asked friends of ours Rob and Kathy to come experience Lehigh Valley. Since I know of this great website, discoverlehighvalley.com, (sorry shameless plug) I said I would handle the particulars.

We first set out to Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery for a few bottles on their patio.  From the second we got there the scenery, sounds and smells were sure to make this a relaxing few hours. We headed into the showroom for a quick tasting where we were met with a huge smile from Kari Skirp, one of the owners. 

Here's a great woman who truly does it all. From helping us choose a few bottles of red, to removing propane tanks from the grill, to breaking down chairs and tables, she truly is hands-on in every aspect of the family business.

We chose a few bottles and headed back outside to listen to the two-piece band, have some wine and a few shish kabobs from the grill. Closing time was coming quick so we finished our wine and headed for stop number two.

Mangos Coastal Cuisine was a quick pit stop where we each had a drink on their secluded patio, a few more laughs and some conversation as to where we were headed next. No fear ... I had that covered. 

We headed down Hamilton Street to Sangria. I have eaten here many times, (tough not to when your office is directly above it) but for my wife, Rob and Kathy this was a first. The hidden gem here is their red sangria, so when in Rome ... out came four red sangrias.  My company was impressed and told me I could stop telling them how good it was now, as they finally got to experience it for themselves. We decided to get a bunch of appetizers for dinner to share. From the edamame, to the pork skewers, to the pot stickers, all were fabulous. As we wiped our mouths, our journey wasn't complete. One last stop before we called it a day.

We walked the couple blocks (yes folks walked, it's not that scary) to Cosmopolitan and in particular their 4th floor al fresco Sky Lounge. Getting off the elevator I was amazed at the vibe. It felt as if a little bit of New York or Chicago was transplanted into our city. As 9:30 rolled around some sad news had come in, life long E-street Band member Clarence "Big Man" Clemons passed away. All of us being big fans, we decided to raise one last glass to toast the man who brought us such enjoyment over the years. The DJ obliged and played some Jungleland. With smiles on our faces and tears on our cheeks, there was no better way to end the day than saluting one last hidden gem.

Don't worry folks I know what you're thinking. We had a designated driver :)

The Comedy of Errors is double, double, toil and trouble X 2

Last Friday night I took my mom to The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University. It was her first time, and she couldn't believe that we have such high quality talent and a wonderful venue to view performances right in here in Lehigh Valley. Me on the other hand ... I'm a veteran to the festival and I look forward to going each year. The hardest part for me is deciding which performance to see!

Typically my show nights start with dinner. I normally pack a dinner and a bottle of wine and sit on the lawn outside the theatre and listen to the music and improv performances. This year the weather was a little iffy so we decided to dine at Melt at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. It also happened to be my mom's first time there ... she doesn't get out too much. She will definitely be heading back to Melt soon!

One of my favorite things about the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is the setting. I abolutely love Schubert Theatre at DeSales University. It's an intimate theatre that accommodates around 250 people, and the actors are so close to the audience. In fact, during one portion of the show one of the actors sat on the steps right next to my mom.

This year I chose to see The Comedy of Errors, although it was a hard choice because there are so many classics being shown this season. The Comedy of Errors was one of Shakespeare's earliest plays and also happens to be his shortest. The story revolves around two sets of twins who happened to be separated at birth. They each run into comical misadventures which lead to complicated situations that are sure to leave you laughing.

The show was performed by several outstanding actors that I've seen before, and it also starred a more well known actor, Steve Burns, who was the original host of the hit chldren's TV series Blue's Clues. Mr. Burns played one of the Dromio twins and is a delight to watch perform. I wouldn't just say that his role was a winner, but both twin Dromios really stole the show in our opinion.

The Comedy of Errors runs through July 17. I know my mom wants to go see it again! Will you go check out a performance at The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival this season? 

Opening Night at the World Series of Bicycling

It's a Friday night in Lehigh Valley and one of my favorite summer past times is ready to roll. This past Friday was opening night for the World Series of Bicycling at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center.

This is racing at its best. But before I get to the elite international competition, I should mention that the all-organic concessions are wonderful. My dinner that night was a turkey club wrap, fries and a Coke, which could be a staple of mine there throughout the summer (I do have season tickets).

Now, this is, as I mentioned earlier, elite international competition. Cyclists come from around the world to “T-Town” as some know it or the “Concrete Crater”. No matter what you call it, you can be sure that there are cyclists and cycling fans from all parts of the globe that know and love this track.   

The race schedule for the evening was a great mix of speed and endurance for both the men and women. Personally, there were a few highlights that I feel obligated to point out, Lauren Shirock in the Elimination played the devil so well, it reminded me of when Marty Nothstein used to do it. Also, I'd like to state that I'm looking forward to a season full of sprint finished between Bobby Lea and Franco Marvulli.

The main event Friday was the Artie Greenburg 10-Mile, it was also the showcase for our very own Bobby Lea, who raced so tactically well he finished 2 laps up on the field.

Racing at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center is as exciting as racing gets; you can stand at the wall and be close to the action, and it’s not just Friday nights. They have Tuesday night racing as well. So clear your schedule and join me at the track. I’ll be there all season long, enjoying the excitement!

P.S. Don't forget to like The Valley Preferred Cycling Center's facebook page by 3 p.m. today for a chance to see Marty ride a kid's bike around the track!

"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!"

This is supposed to be a blog about Lehigh Valley and what I think about all the great things that make this a wonderful place to call home and visit. I hope you will forgive me this one time, however, as this entry deals less with the Valley, and more about another subject close to my heart.

A few days ago, Clarence Clemons — the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band — unexpectedly passed away. On the night of his death, as I sat listening to “Jungleland” with tears running down my face, I asked myself why was I so saddened by the news. Clarence never met me and I never met him. Was it that Bruce wasn't going to tour again?  No, it was because a very integral part of my life over the last 12 years had come to an end; Scooter and the Big Man would never step on the stage again together. 

A great friend of mine, John, introduced me to this great band and larger-than-life sax player. John would beg me week after week to go and see Springsteen. I finally did, and the rest is history. I, too, became a crazy Springsteen fan, buying all his CDS, collecting bootlegs and attending many, many shows.

Clarence and the band touched me in an indescribable way; just as I’m sure he touched thousands of other fans.  If you have never experienced Clarence blow his sax on “Jungleland”, “Badlands”, “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” or “Kitty's Back”, do yourself a favor and dig up those tracks and give them a play. Maybe then you’ll understand what I mean.

When the two of them were on stage together, you could hear two great friends playing with the childish exuberance that I’m sure we all shared with childhood friends in some way … and now probably miss so much in our own adult lives.

Clarence was lucky enough to have never lost that exuberance. And I was lucky enough to frequently rediscover mine on those magical nights when I got to see him and Bruce and the rest of the band play. I will miss both him and that sense of rediscovery very, very much.

Embrace all that you love and cherish, because you aren't guaranteed tomorrow. The loss of Clarence is a testament to that. So get out there and hug and enjoy those you love and cherish...........LEHIGH VALLEY!

 

My Enchanted Evening in Lehigh Valley

 I often wondered why I love musicals so much, and Saturday night I figured it out. Unlike movies with a good plot and great acting, concerts with wonderful music and powerful singing, or performances by nimble dance ensembles, musicals are a combination of all three. When done well, they are unforgettable.

Case in point, South Pacific ... the quintessential musical (you're probably humming "Some Enchanted Evening" right now, aren't you?).

Saturday I had the pleasure of experiencing Rogers & Hammerstein's award winning musical at Lehigh Valley's own Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. What a fabulous performance and what a great way to celebrate the festival's 20th season on the campus of DeSales University.

South Pacific is one of the first musicals I remember seeing multiple times, so I was shocked to hear a lady mention it was her first time seeing the show. Even without knowing the plot, I'm sure she was familiar with at least some of the more popular songs in the score, like "Bali Ha'I" hauntingly performed by Amy Jo Phillips as the islander "Bloody Mary" or "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-A My Hair" playfully sung by (Emmy nominee) Marnie Schulenburg's character "Nellie", a World War II nurse.

The highlight of the evening for me though was hearing William Michals who played the part of "Emile de Becque", a French born plantation owner. He commanded the tune "Some Enchanted Evening". This song requires a strong baritone voice, and fresh from the same role on Broadway, Mr. Michals delivered just that.

South Pacific runs until July 3rd, but I'd suggest you get your tickets right away. You won't be disappointed. To quote the character Emile de Becque - "When all you care about is here, this is a good place to be." The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is just another Lehigh Valley gem making this "a good place to be". Will you be seeing this production, or any other Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival productions this summer?

 

My FREE Lehigh Valley concert cost me $50

Gotcha!

You probably thought this would be a "rant", not a "rave", but "au contraire"! Actually, that $50 was up there with the best ever spent in my Lehigh Valley entertainment budget (like I actually have an entertainment budget).

Thursday, as The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps provided free entertainment during the Summer in the City music series at Allentown's PPL Plaza during lunch, I was reminded that YEA! (Youth Entertainment in the Arts, their parent organization) was hosting an event later that evening at Allentown Symphony Hall. Not only would the nationally recognized Cadets be performing, but members of some of their other programs would perform as well. I hadn't planned on attending but quickly decided to go.

If you weren't there you missed a heck of a show! I had goose bumps during every performance.

The Cadets, normally allowed the space of a football field, adapted gracefully to the size of Allentown Symphony Hall. Their sound was SPECTACULAR! When the Color Guard took to the stage it seemed as if it was their normal venue. I was extremely impressed.

The various ensembles of YEA!'s "Xcape" program captured my heart to the point where I turned to the lady sitting next to me and said "I need my checkbook". This non-profit organization's Urban Arts Center actually holds free dance instruction, giving local kids a reason to work hard to achieve greatness while staying out of trouble. Well done!

The Hand Drumming performance took on a whole new meaning to me when they explained the health benefits. I had never considered drumming as a stress reliever, but I know it works wonders for my co-worker, Kuzy!

There is no way I can describe how powerfully moving this evening was. I strongly suggest you click through to the video clips to get a glimpse of what I mean. You won't be disappointed.

Oh, and the $50 I spent...only $20 was for the ticket. I spent the additional $30 on a T-shirt and a Cadets CD. Money well spent, don't you think?

Food Of The Highest Calibur(rito)

Having finished Thomas Pynchon’s psychedelic novel Inherent Vice a few weeks ago, I was about ready for my next brief sojourn into 60's California surf culture. Plus, I was hungry. Naturally, I choose the Lehigh Valley’s own Cali Burrito in Allentown on Hamilton Boulevard. If you’re craving a terrific taco, burrito, or quesadilla and/or a west coast beach atmosphere, look no further -- this is nirvana.

The food is obviously the main draw. My personal favorite dish is The Santa Barbara, though my mom swears by The San Diego (fish tacos). Plus, each order is complemented by their seasoned chips and freshly made salsa. In addition to the standard mild (for weaklings like myself) and spicy varieties, each week they rotate in a cool new flavor, so you’ll need to check back in on a regular basis. For example, this week’s is “Peppery Fiesta.”

Though I’d gladly eat a Cali Burrito meal in a rundown shack, the restaurant itself has a nice, laid-back vibe that’s worth checking out, too (however, takeout is available if you don’t have time to chill out). The walls are adorned with neat surfing event posters, bamboo rods line the counter, there’s a “Hippie Haircut Fund” tips jar, and the playlist is reggae heavy. It’s the perfect summer hangout; it’s borderline groovy. Top that off with its close proximity to Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom, and you’ve got no reason not to give it a shot.

This Lehigh Valley InSite blog post was written by guest blogger Chris Hastings.