Non-shopping fun for Thanksgiving Weekend

In addition to walking in the woods for some quiet contemplation this weekend, there are some opportunities to enjoy art, music, and theater in the area.

If you want to avoid spending money all together, go to the Allentown Art Museum on Sunday, November 30th. Admission is free from noon to 4 p.m. Allentown Art Museum, 31 North Fifth Street, Allentown, PA. Current exhibits include Robert Indiana from A-Z  and American Pop! The Prints

Or stop by the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, where admission is always free. The Christmas Putz has been set up for the season, as is a special exhibit of Vintage Christmas Decorations. Additional current exhibits include From Garden to Table: A Harvest of Contemporary Hooked Rugs and The Pennsylvania Dutch Historic Landscape:Selections from the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center’s Photography Collection

Starstruck: The Fine Art of Astrophotography recently opened at Michener Museum , 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown. There will be an admission fee at this museum, however.

Buy tickets today for Sunday’s Lehigh Valley Christmas in Concert at Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th Street, Allentown, PA. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2014.

Now in its 18th year, A Lehigh Valley Christmas in Concert features the area’s best musicians performing renditions of holiday classics in a variety of musical genres! From Jazz to Blues and Classical to Pop, Celtic, Gospel – there is something for everyone! Bring your friends, family, co-workers, and join the festivities!

Box office: 610-432-6715. Tickets may be purchased online.

Greetings! continues through December 7th at Montgomery Theater in Souderton. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Montgomery Theater, 124 Main Street, Souderton. 215-723-9984.

Or plan ahead for the FREE Philadelphia Orchestra concert at the Kimmel Center on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Seating is general admission and tickets may be reserved beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

There will be holiday music in Commonwealth Plaza starting at 6 p.m, with opportunities to conduct the players. The Verizon Hall doors open at 7, and the 75-minute concerts begins at 7:30.

Music director Yannick Wezet-Sequin will lead the ensemble in seasonal favorites from Tchaikovsky, Leroy Anderson, and Brahms, plus works by Pulitzer Prize-winning Philadelphia composer Jennifer Higdon and others.

Orchestra official promise some “audience participation surprises.” Musicians will be dressed in colorful attire, and the audience invited to do the same.

Orchestra officials also ask audience members to give by bringing a contribution for Cradles to Crayons, a charitable group aiding children. The goal of this year’s drive, “Sponsor a Snow Day,” is to collect all types of new or gently used winter gear. Books, board games, and puzzles are also welcome.

Free orchestra concert for GivingTuesday, Inquirer 11-26-2014, Stephan Salisbury

If Philly is too far for you to drive, but you’d still like to hear some strings, the Junior String Philharmonic (made up of 5th-9th grade students) is performing at 6 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. in the Barnes and Nobel Bookstore at the Promenade Shops, 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Saucon Valley, on Tuesday evening, December 2, 2014.

And I haven’t even mentioned all the fantastic films that are playing in the movie theaters this weekend, including Disney’s Big Hero 6 at The Grand on Main Street, East Greenville, Mockingjay Part 1 (playing everywhere), The Theory of Everything (playing at Civic Theater 514, 19th Street, Allentown, County Theater, Doylestown), Rosewater (County Theater, Doylestown), and Birdman (County Theater, Doylestown and Carmike Promenade, Saucon Valley).

Black Friday Alternatives

Beyond staying home and digesting yesterday’s feast, or preparing for the next snowfall, there are a few other alternatives to the shopping mall madness that has become a Black Friday ritual for many. If you feel the need to shop today (or tomorrow), there are a few fine craft fairs in the area.

Der Belsnickel Craft Fair is this weekend; November 28th and 29th, 2014, at the Boyertown Senior High School; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. This is a juried show featuring high quality traditional and modern crafts. 120 N. Monroe Street, Boyertown, PA.

On Saturday, St. Philip Neri in Pennsburg is hosting a Christmas Craft Fair in their Parish Hall, 1325 Klinerd Road (just around the corner from Perkiomen Heights light, 663 and Knight Roads), from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

An art show of works by local artist Julie Longacre takes place on Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Bally Fire Company Social Hall, 537 Chestnut Street, Bally, PA. Her 2014 Christmas cards, the 2015 calendar, and the new Julie Longacre Coloring Book for Children over 40 will be available for sale, along with prints and paintings.

And the wonderful children’s author and artist Jan Brett will be signing her newest picture book, The Animals’ Santa at Wegmans, 5000 Wegmans Dr., Bethlehem, PA at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2014. You must have a ticket to see her and have her sign a book, and you must also buy a copy of the book at the store. Call 610-317-1300 (I’d call right away to see about getting a ticket and reserving a copy of the book, if you are interested, rather than waiting until Sunday.) I have been fortunate to have met her and picked up a signed book or two for my nephews over the years, when she attended the BookExpo in NYC. I just love her work. Jan Brett will not only be arriving in her bus to greet fans and sign autographs, but she plans to lead children in a drawing lesson. Her books are wonderful not just for pre-schoolers but for early elementary as well, given the great detailed illustrations and amazing borders (that often hide clues to the story). And take a look at her webpage for coloring pages, printable cards, games, and activities, along with information about the author and her many books.

Craft fairs today

Just a reminder:

Palm Schwenkfelder’s Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition to good crafts, one can always count on good food; breakfast (sticky buns?), lunch (homemade soup, hoagies, and more) and delicious baked goods. Palm Schwenkfelder Church Social Hall, Route 29, Palm, PA

The 28th North Penn Holiday Craft Market begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22nd, and closes at 4:30 p.m. This outstanding fair features fine art including stained glass, quilting, wood carvings, paintings, pottery, jewelry, weaving, sculpture, and more, as well as holiday decorations and smaller items. A one dollar off coupon can be downloaded from their website. North Penn High School, 1340 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA

Christkindlmarkt at Bethlehem opens Thursday, November 20th

The Christkindlmarkt at ArtsQuest, southside Bethlehem, will be open every Thursday through Sunday (except Thanksgiving day) from November 20-December 21, 2014. Over 100 artists and crafters (some only in town for one weekend, some for the entire run of the fest) can be found in the heated tents, along with vendors selling ornaments made locally and overseas (especially from Germany).There is also a glassblowing tent, where one has the opportunity to learn how to make a glass ornament, and ice sculpting done on the premises with chainsaws (where you will NOT get the chance to try your hand at shaping the ice).

German mulled wine, strudel, and other good food and drink can be had while listening to a variety of music from the stage set up in the main tent, including; Eric Mintel Quartet, Old Towne Carolers, Silver and Brass, folksingers Dave Fry and Chris Thatcher, girl scouts, local middle school, high school, and university choirs and bands, and Jessi Lee Ross (who is a regular at Make Music Upper Perk, and will be playing at Christkindlmarkt on Sunday, December 14th at 11:30 a.m. ).

Jack Piccari and Friends play at Jazz and Joe in November

I will keep telling people about my favorite monthly event until the venue is bursting at the seams and I have trouble getting a seat. But until then, here’s your monthly reminder that the Second Thursday of the Month means Jazz and Joe is playing taking over the Church of the Holy Spirit and filling it with live classic jazz (and the occasional corny joke) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The group, Jack Piccari and Friends (made up of professional musicians), will be accompanied by vocalist Rosemary Benson.

All are welcome, refreshments are served during intermission (although feel free to walk over at any time before or as the music is playing to wet your whistle or have some homemade goodies), and there is even a small dance area if you are so inspired.

There is a basket at the door for voluntary donations that will go towards the church’s music program. Thursday, November 13, 2014. Church of the Holy Spirit, Route 63, Harleysville, PA.  215-794-7921

Battle of the Bands at McCoole’s, Quakertown

Here’s your chance to hear and see the newest bands and performers before they graduate and leave the area. Yes, I said “graduate.” This Battle of the Bands is for musicians between the ages of 12 and 21 (and at least half of the band members must be enrolled in 6th – 12th grade).  The fantastic Got Strings Extreme (at least one of whose members resides in Pennsburg) will be competing at the event at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place, 10 S. Main Street, Quakertown, PA on Saturday, November 15, 2014. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 610-838-1253   The competition begins at 7 p.m.

Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression (UBACE) Battle of the Bands is open to solo performers, duos, and multiple person groups. Band must be unsigned. The entire performance must be live – no prerecorded music is allowed. Band members must be between the ages of 12-21 (and at least half of the band members must be enrolled in 6th – 12th grade). REGISTRATION FOR PERFORMERS IS CLOSED AND THE PROGRAM IS SET!

Music, Crafts, and Bacon

No need to wait until the weekend for live concerts and new art exhibits. On Wednesday, November 5th, the Allentown Band presents the family friendly concert Fabulous Fables, 7 p.m. at Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th Street, Allentown, PA. The Fabulous Fables program will include Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, and Aesop’s Fables by local composer and music teacher Scott Watson of the Parkland School District, narrated by Emile Guida, as well as selections from The Lion King.

While the Astrophotography exhibit at Michener Museum doesn’t open until this Saturday, November 8, 2014, two new related exhibits are currently on display at the Allentown Art Museum, American Pop! The Prints, and Robert Indiana: From A-Z.

Wait Until Dark, a mystery thriller of a play, opens Friday night, Novmeber 7th, at DCP Theater in Telford. If you’d rather stay in the Valley on Friday night, or take the stage yourself, head over to the Open Mic at Java Good Day Cafe, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Performers of all abilities and instruments are welcome, including poetry and prose reading. And of course, an audience in the house is needed. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m. and acts are presented on a first come, first serve basis. 231 Main Street, East Greenville, PA

The Hereford Elementary Holiday Bazaar is this Saturday, November 8th, from 9-3 and another craft and vendor show is on the calendar for Sunday afternoon, November 9th, at the East Greenville Fire House. More details on these, and future craft fairs, here.

And try not to miss this year’s Baconfest, bigger and better than ever, right on Main Street (the lawn outside St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Pennsburg, and Upper Perk Community Life Center, just down the block). Enjoy the amazing food creations, the new bacon games (?!), the live music, and if you are feeling really creative, enter your own bacon enhanced food (you may register to compete as late as the morning of the event!). The fun starts at 1 p.m. and, sadly, ends at 4 p.m.

If you like to plan ahead, take a look at the art, theater, music, and festival pages, and keep checking back to catch the latest updates.

Holiday Craft Fairs and Bazaars Begin on November 1st!

Despite Halloween pumpkins still out on the front porch, there is no time to waste if you are interested in seeing this year’s crafts on display and for sale at local fairs and bazaars.

The 29th Annual Holiday Marketplace Juried Fine Art and Craft Show at Swain School, 1100 S. 24th Street, Allentown, PA is being held from 10 a.m. go 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2014. This is a lovely show featuring pottery, turned wood, jewelry, clothing, modern and traditional artwork, holiday ornaments, and more. Go to the website before leaving the house and print out a coupon for a dollar off admission (admission is $3 with proceeds going toward the Guild’s Student Awards).

As long as you are out and about on this rainy day, consider stopping by the Craft Fair at Lower Macungie Fire Department, 958 Brookside Road, Wescosville,PA between 9 a.m .and 2 p.m., and the Craft and Vendor Show at Emmaus Moravian Church, 148 Main Street, Emmaus, PA between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both shows are on November 1st.

Saturday, November 8, 2014 is the Annual Hereford Elementary School Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m .to 3 p.m. Free admission as always, with crafts for sale by children as well as by adults. This is their 29th year! Hereford Elementary School, 1043 Gravel Pike, Hereford, PA

East Greenville Fire Company is hosting a Fall Craft and Vendor show on Sunday, November 9, 2014, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 4th and Washington Street, East Greenville, PA

Palm Schwenkfelder’s Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition to good crafts, one can always count on good food; breakfast (sticky buns?), lunch (homemade soup, hoagies, and more) and delicious baked goods. Palm Schwenkfelder Church Social Hall, Route 29, Palm, PA

The 28th North Penn Holiday Craft Market begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22nd, and closes at 4:30 p.m. This outstanding fair features fine art including stained glass, quilting, wood carvings, paintings, pottery, jewelry, weaving, sculpture, and more, as well as holiday decorations and smaller items. A one dollar off coupon can be downloaded from their website. North Penn High School, 1340 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA

Der Belsnickel Craft Fair is, as always, the weekend after Thanksgiving; November 28th and 29th, 2014, at the Boyertown Senior High School; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. This is a juried show featuring high quality traditional and modern crafts. 120 N. Monroe Street, Boyertown, PA

And put aside some time on Saturday December 6, 2014 to drive over to Marlborough Elementary’s Annual Holiday Bazaar opens at 9 a.m .until 3 p.m., 1450 Gravel Pike, Green Lane,PA

St. John’s Lutheran Church’s annual Holiday Bazaar is on Saturday, December 13, 2014, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Allow some time for this craft fair, since it usually takes over not just the social hall, but the youth room, and several Sunday School classrooms. Homemade breakfast, lunch, and baked goods for sale as well. 3104 Main Street, Sumneytown, PA