Getting out
Spring into these five events around the Lehigh Valley
Jennifer Sheehan
We are all looking to get back to normal.
We want to go places, gather as friends and buy a ticket for in-person events again.
The Lehigh Valley is slowly emerging from the pandemic. And as the vaccines work their magic on more of us, the state has begun the process of starting to ease restrictions.
As we wait patiently for the end of the pandemic, we can start to look forward to things to do with our families, friends and loved ones.
To that end, we’ve gathered a few spring events that you should consider. Some are outside, some are virtual and some are in-person, so regardless of your comfort level, there’s something to do.
Here are five events, in no particular order:
Get outside at Burnside
What: Saturdays at Burnside
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting in April and running through November
Where: Burnside Plantation, 1461 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem
Details: A lot of folks still feel more comfortable being outdoors. Here’s where you can combine being outside with a lesson in history.
And best of all, it’s free. Historic Burnside Plantation is hosting special Saturday events, perfect for families, with farm-themed crafts for all ages and opportunities to explore the Colonial Garden.
You can also take a hike on the Burnside leg of the Heritage Trail. (More here: historicbethlehem.org/visit/heritage-trail/). Furry family members are welcome to come along, too.
Info: historicbethlehem.org/ programs/saturdays-at-burnside/
Get something ‘new’
What: New-to-You & Vintage Barn Sale
When: Pre-Sale Day, noon to 6 p.m. April 9; Public Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 and 11; Bag Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17-18
Where: Burnside Plantation
Details: Speaking of Burnside, there’s another great
April event where you can dig through vintage items such as glassware, china, jewelry and more. (Items were collected earlier this year through donations for the sale.)
At the Pre-Sale Day you can check out the offerings before anyone else. ($5 fee that day; other shopping days are free.)
Another bonus: This is also an open-air marketplace held in the Burnside barn. If you prefer, you can also shop the online sale, which runs through April 2. You can shop for items and then pick them up on April 10 and 11.
Info, online shop: historicbethlehem.org/events/new-toyou/
Gather your kids and enjoy a (virtual) Bach Choir performance
What: Bach, Bikes and Basketball
When: 3 to 4 p.m. April 11 Where: Virtual concert through YouTube
How much: Free
Details: Usually spring is when the Bach Choir travels to schools and presents performances for third- and fifth-grade students in the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton school districts. With restrictions in place because of the pandemic, this can’t happen this year.
Instead, the Bach Choir has planned a virtual program that teachers, parents, and students can access online and share, along with activities that students can participate in relating to the video.
In “Bach, Bikes and Basketball” students will learn about the life of J.S. Bach, especially his childhood and early music education and learn how his music has influenced composers, musicians, and dancers to this day. The presentation will include archival footage from previous concerts, including “Basketball Gigue!”
Hosted and narrated by Greg Funfgeld, the video also offers lessons and conversation from soloists and instrumentalists, and interaction with students, all sharing their own insights about the genius of Bach’s music.
Info, registration: bach.org/ event/bach-bikes-basketball/
Day,” “What You Get” and “(Keep Mar-a-Lago But) I Want America Back” (one of several topical songs on “Spare Room” with a topical slant). The album closes with a bonus track — a largely acoustic, string accented version of the Cars’ hit “Drive,” whose sound reflects the dark tone of the lyrics better than the Cars’ original. “Drive” fits well on “Spare Room,” a satisfying album that makes one happy that Hirschberg has found time to share his musical talents with the world.
‘Sugarmill Slim’ Sugarmill Slim
The Los Angeles-based artist calls his music glammed up blues, harmonica punk or filthy harmonica blues. Both descriptions fit this debut album, on which Slim crafts a down and dirty updated take on classic 1950s/’60s Chicago blues. He does credible covers of such blues classics as “Little By Little,” “Me and Piney Brown,” “Help Me” and “Leaving Trunk,” breathing life into the songs with his nasty and sassy harmonica playing (plus an occasional inspired guitar solo from Luca Neroni). He also mixes in a few worthy original tunes, such as “Hook Me Up” and “Boogie, Ya Fools.” What may help Sugarland Slim get noticed (besides what, by all accounts, is a dynamic stage presence) may be his androgynous Bowie-ish look — a rare gambit in a genre that projects toughness and traditional genders. Hopefully Slim will continue to develop as a songwriter because in the end, his music will have to speak for itself.
‘Bones Owens’ Bones Owens
Those who have heard the previous EPs from Bones Owens may do an audio doubletake when they hear his new self-titled full-length album.
His EPs were largely made up of moody, rootsy ballads and midtempo songs that had a bit of twang and frequently plenty of atmosphere. This album, though, is about loud rock
‘n’ roll, with Owens and his backing musicians serving up roots rock with a big helping of garage rock on songs that include “Good Day,” “Keep It Close,” “White Lines” and “Come My Way.” Owens does well in this rocked-up setting, packing his songs with solid vocal melodies, big riffs and plenty of instrumental hooks. It will be interesting to see where he goes with his music from here.
‘See That Light’ Rick Holmstrom
Bandleader and guitarist for Mavis Staples for the preceding 13 years, it came as a shock to Holmstrom’s system when the world locked down and tours with Staples went up in smoke. But Holmstrom made the most of the situation, using the downtime to write and record “See That Light,” his sixth solo studio album. This latest effort shows his skills as a songwriter are just as strong as his guitar playing, as Holmstrom covers a range of rootsy rock styles. “Waiting Too Long” is a frisky blues shuffle with some solid hooks, while there’s a little twang in the otherwise rocking “Look Me in the Eye.” John Fogerty would probably smile at the chooglin’ feel of “Take My Hand.” There’s a good bit of swampiness in the slow-burning “Keep It Hid,” while “Don’t Wake Me” is the strongest of a few laid-back songs on “See That Light.” A solid effort, “See That Light” is one good thing to emerge from the pandemic.