2026 Winter/Spring Season

The Writing of Audubon's Sparrow

"Out to Lunch"

A Lunch & Learn Event

He Flew the Nest, While She Stayed to Feather it

Poet and author, Juditha Dowd, shares her insights on the writing of her book, Audubon’s Sparrow, a biography in poems of Lucy Bakewell Audubon.

‘How is a marriage sustained through bankruptcy, distance, the loss of children, and one partner’s single-minded focus on what, for many years, seems to be a pipe dream? In Audubon’s Sparrow, Juditha Dowd delves deep into both historical archives and her own imagination to craft a compelling portrait of Lucy Audubon, the unsung hero of her more famous husband’s story. If, as Lucy laments,” he is husband to his birds now, and I am…I am what?” then Dowd skillfully answers this question. In time traveling verses, she brings the reader into the world of the Audubons - a world of birds and mammals, muddy feet, and tender years too.’ From Irene Mathieu author of Grand Marriage.

Join us for a fascinating presentation followed by a delicious lunch.

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Juditha Dowd lives in Easton, PA. Her most recent book is Audubon’s Sparrow, a lyric biography in the voice of Lucy Bakewell Audubon (Rose Metal Press). Her poetry, fiction, essays and reviews have been widely published in literary journals and anthologies and her work supported by residency fellowships at Vermont Studio Center and Virginia Center for the Creative Art.

The "Two Maries" are BACK.

This month they will make a Memorable Meal Italian Style

And oh, by the way, they are HILARIOUS!

Join us for this hilarious and educational food lesson and luncheon as we watch and participate with these two beautiful italian ladies "of a certain age" who teach us how to make some o fthe best italian food in the region.

Its not only a fun time, but it is a chance to learn and then... we eat!

A Lehigh Valley Sing Off ENCORE!

The Maddy Kas Band, Max Lauton &  Eve Lanier

Maddy Kas, who will bring her band,  is a talented musician and dynamic performer who has made quite the impact on the local music scene. Known for her versatility, Maddy plays at many different venues and events, captivating audiences with her covers of classic rock, pop, country, and blues hits. Her positive interaction, guitar skills, and soulful voice bring a unique energy to every performance.

Max Lauton a 20 years old who was born and raised on music. He is studying Music Recording in college, and is preparing to release his first studio album. He has every intention of following his passion for music and songwriting forever.

Eve Lanier is a singer songwriter based in Jim Thorpe, PA. Having grown up in a very musical musical family, Eve has been singing, playing piano and guitar, writing and falling deeper in love with music her whole life. Eve describes the style of her music as a blend of folk, indie pop, blues and easy listening. She hopes you enjoy her performance!

 The Man Who Wanted to Know More About Washington

"Out to Lunch"

Lunch & Learn Event

The Bell is excited to offer a series of lunches and lectures to senior citizens, 55 and over. Once a month a lively lecture will be given by a local speaker (on a wide range of topics) to be followed by a light lunch, a sandwich, drink, and cookies. 

Local author, Jeff Finegan was always curious about our first president. Come listen as he explains how that curiosity led him to research and then write his four books for young readers known as the I Knew George Washington Series. These books are written from the perspective of people who knew George Washington well, including a slave, his grandson, and the Marquis de Lafayette.Jeff, a skilled storyteller, offers a fascinating look at how an author is inspired to research and imagine historical fiction for children. Jeff's books will be available for purchase, and he will be glad to autograph them for you.

A light lunch will follow in our Lower Level. All of his books are available for purchase through Amazon.com, the author’s website www.iknewgeorgewashington.com.

A light lunch will follow in our lower Level. Limited Seating. Must Pre-register. $15.00 includes all reservations fees

All of his books are available for purchase through Amazon.com, the author’s website (www.iknewgeorgewashington.com), historic sites such as Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, Washington Crossing, Valley Forge, Saratoga, Yorktown, and Morristown National Historic Parks and the oldest book store in America, the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA.

Concert 

Billy Joel Tribute Night with Wade Preston

Doors @ 7:00 PM   

Bar Available

 Purchase your concert ticket for Wade Preston from Billy Joel’s Broadway hit Movin’ Out delivers an impeccable show with time honored favorites and original compositions. It’s not often a man can sit in front of a piano and command full attention, but Mr. Preston can drop a stadium full of jaws, keeping his audiences engaged and participating.
Wade played the “Piano Man” role in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Broadway hit Movin’ Out for its entire 3 ½ year run, and starred off and on in the national tours for the next few years. He still does occasional concerts with the Movin’ Out Band™.
Billy Joel was so impressed by Wade’s performances that he asked him to do virtually all the rehearsals and sound checks for Joel’s historic Last Play at Shea concerts; Job description “Stunt Billy.”
Prior to Movin’ Out, Wade was well known on the west coast as the preeminent boogie pianist, revered for his rollicking performances, stunning technical abilities, spirited versatile singing and sense of humor.
Wade is focused mainly on solo concerts now, featuring Billy’s music along with the eclectic mix of styles that he was so well known for long before Movin’ Out ever hit Broadway. He also has a new version of the Wade Preston Band, a trio featuring Jon Ventre on bass and Steve Kurilla on drums he is occasionally doing shows with. They are featured on Wade’s 2020 CD of original songs Lost In the Noise as well as Wade Preston Christmas that was released in 2023. They are available on iTunes and all digital streaming platforms. 

  Celebrate Valentines Day with Dinner and Wade Preston's 

Billy Joel Tribute Show

 A Day Early & With a Twist! 

Be it romantic, platonic, or atomic, we are celebrating LOVE IN ALL IT’S VARIATIONS! So bring a partner, friend or group of favorite  friends to enjoy a delcious lazagna dinner & glass of wine in the Bell’s café, to be followed by a special evening of songs & tribute to the Piano Man, Billy Joel!

Wade Preston played Piano Man” role in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Broadway hit Movin’ Out for its entire 3 ½ year run, and starred off and on in the national tours for the next few years. He still does occasional concerts with the Movin’ Out Band™.
Billy Joel was so impressed by Wade’s performances that he asked him to do virtually all the rehearsals and sound checks for Joel’s historic Last Play at Shea concerts; Job description “Stunt Billy.”
Prior to Movin’ Out, Wade was well known on the west coast as the preeminent boogie pianist, revered for his rollicking performances, stunning technical abilities, spirited versatile singing and sense of humor.

 The Art of Crafting Paper Flowers

Looking for an enjoyable and relaxing craft class? Tired of the dark and drab wintery mix outside your windows? 

Join us as we learn the simple techniques for making bright and beautiful blossoms. No experience necessary. Everyone will take home a hand-crafted bouquet that never needs water!

Our instructor, Maria Filosa is an experiencedcraftswoman and enthusiastic teacher. Her classes are fun, inspiring, and full of positive energy!

Seating is limited. Sign up early so you won’t miss out. $17.50 per person includes ticketing fees

 Kids Can ... Storytime & Crafts - Let’s read about owls!

 Ages 4 to 8

 Let’s read about owls! 

Author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world. 

Come join us as we delve into the world of owls, both with fiction and non-fiction reads. To make it more fun, stay to enjoy a craft and snacks afterwards. Kids will learn about diverse global traditions and the shared joy of gathering nature's bounty. Plus, don’t forget about the craft and snacks!

Nominal Fee to hold reservation,  parents are free and  must stay with children

 Jesse Bardwell & The Noble Brothers

Americana-Bluegrass at the Bell with Jesse Bardwell and the Noble Brothers along with Amir Mortezai on the piano and Daniella Fischetti on the fiddle.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with the high energy sounds of Americana-Bluegrass music, where the spirited tunes will have you tapping your toes and dancing the night away. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, this event promises a night of fun and entertainment.

Bio: Jesse Bardwell’s dual passions for music and the outdoors are intrinsically linked, having fueled his existence for as long as he can remember. A multi-instrumentalist whose songwriting lends itself to traditional country, rock, bluegrass and Americana, Bardwell is equally at home on stage as he is spending the day solo fly-fishing on a lazy river. “I am a product of both my environment and my art,” says Bardwell, a New Jersey native who lives in rural Pennsylvania, just steps away from the Delaware River at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains.

With an innate calling to music, he began his career in 2005 as cofounder of the Quimby Mountain Band. Still in his teens, Bardwell and the band gained regional acclaim playing from the mid-Atlantic to the Mississippi River in Delta juke joints, theatres, bars, dives and concert halls, and opening for well-established national acts such as Railroad Earth, Keller Williams, Marshall Tucker Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Foghat and many others.

Bardwell will be joined by Noble Brothers Band frontmen, Harry Noble on guitar and Bob Noble playing the bass. The Noble Brothers Band is a rock, blues, and honky tonk band from the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area. Also, joining them for the evening will be Amir Mortezai on the keyboard and Daniella Fischetti on the fiddle.

Tickets: $17.50 online (includes fees), $20 at the door Beer/Wine will be sold on site. (Please do not bring your own alcohol). Doors open at 7:00 PM

The "Two Maries" are BACK.

But what are they cooking?

They will be preparing for Easter for this edition of the Two Maries.

And oh, by the way, they are HILARIOUS!

Join us for this hilarious and educational food lesson and luncheon as we watch and participate with these two beautiful italian ladies "of a certain age" who teach us how to make some o fthe best italian food in the region.

Its not only a fun time, but it is a chance to learn and then... we eat!

 The Work and Life of Groundbreaking Photographer Dorothea Lange

"Out to Lunch"

Lunch & Learn Event

The Bell is excited to offer a series of lunches and lectures to senior citizens, 55 and over. Once a month a lively lecture will be given by a local speaker (on a wide range of topics) to be followed by a light lunch, a sandwich, drink, and cookies. We’ve set the price for this at an affordable so that as many people can take advantage of this entertaining opportunity- ‘To Lunch and to Learn’.

Dorothea Lange’s desperate and beautiful pictures of migrant workers in California, the Dust Bowl in the Midwest, and her heartbreaking photographs of Japanese Americans interned during World War II put human faces on some of the darkest episodes in America’s history. From the review of Restless Spirit, the Life of Doretha Lange.

Former teacher, Patti Dewitski will take a closer look at the woman behind the lens.

A light lunch will follow in our lower Level. Limited Seating. 

Must Pre-register. 

 Booked at the Bell With Regina Marinelli

 Booked At the Bell will discuss the Book of the Month.

Please consider supporting independent book shops, such as Book & Puppet Co. in Easton.

St. Patrick's Day Movie Matinee 

&  Irish Desserts - "Once"

An unnamed guy is a Dublin guitarist/singer/songwriter who makes a living by fixing vacuum cleaners in his Dad's Hoover repair shop by day, and singing and playing for money on the Dublin streets by night.

An unnamed girl is a Czech who plays piano when she gets a chance, and does odd jobs by day and takes care of her Mom and her daughter by night. Guy meets girl and they get to know each other as the girl helps the guy put together a demo disc that he can take to London in hope of landing a music contract.

During the same several day period, the guy and the girl work through their past loves, and reveal their budding love for one another, through their songs.—Charles Delacroix

 Elaine Pivinski and Wine Tasting from Franklin Hill Wines

Come join us for a fabulous afternoon at the Belltower Cultural Center! Grab your girlfriends (and signifcant other too!!) and get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and of course, wine. 

We'll be have Master Vintner, Elain Pivinski as she discusses the birth and history of Franklin Hill Vineyards. All this while sipping on delicious wines from Franklin Hill Wines. It's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some quality time with your sisters. Don't miss out on this amazing event!

Who knew a hippy from New Jersey could start a revolution? With no experience in farming the Founder, Elaine Pivinski pioneered the wine industry here in Eastern Pennsylvania. A winery in Pennsylvania was unheard of in the mid-70s, yet Elaine had a dream. She is a self-taught winemaker, businesswoman, and philanthropist with guts and determination. She planted some of the first wine grapes in the region, and in 1982, Franklin Hill Vineyards became the first winery in the Lehigh Valley.

Possible Screen of portions of the Documentary: Sisterhood of the Vine

Franklin Hill Vineyard started as a small family run vineyard in Pennsylvania. But over the years, the trials and tribulations of its owner Elaine Pivinski have created not only some of the best wine in the Lehigh Valley, but also a culture of female empowerment known as the sisterhood of the vine. This Emmy nominated film parallels Elaine's journey and the wine making process.

 Celebrate the Music of the Grateful Dead at the Bell Tower with Tribute Band, Deal

Enjoy the evening in your tie-dye, jamming with your friends in an intimate venue.

About the Band: Deal has been keeping the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive since 2017, delivering soulful, high-energy performances that honor the music while carving out a sound that is unmistakably their own. What began as a small group of musicians united by a deep love for the Dead has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant and beloved tribute acts.

Over the years, Deal has cultivated not just a following, but a true community throughout the Lehigh Valley and down through the greater Philadelphia area. Their fans—many of whom travel from show to show—have become more like family than an audience. At each performance, familiar faces gather, new friendships spark, and the room fills with the same collective spirit that has always defined Deadhead culture. It’s this sense of togetherness, acceptance, and shared joy that keeps the Deal family growing.

Fans are drawn not only to Deal’s dedication to the Grateful Dead’s catalog, but to the unmistakable chemistry, improvisation, and emotional depth they bring to every show. Whether diving into expansive jams, exploring the subtleties of classic tunes, or adding their own fresh twists, Deal captures the energy, freedom, and communal magic that defined the original Grateful Dead experience.

Each performance is a journey—familiar yet unpredictable, nostalgic yet new—inviting Deadheads and newcomers alike to join the ride and become part of the ever-expanding Deal family.

Band Members:

John Smith – Lead Guitar & Vocals

Chris Lelli – Rhythm Guitar & Lead Vocals

Chris Willean – Drums

Bob Noble – Bass & Vocals

John Bigham – Keyboards

Tickets: $17.50 online (includes fees), $20 at the door Beer/Wine will be sold on site.

(Please do not bring your own).

 Booked at the Bell With Regina Marinelli

 Booked At the Bell will discuss the Book of the Month.

Please consider supporting independent book shops, such as Book & Puppet Co. in Easton.

Falling Hard For the Dead Guys or How I Fell in Love with Writing Historical Fiction.

"Out to Lunch"

Lunch & Learn Event

Join us as children’s book author, Elvira Woodruff takes us between the pages for an intimate look at how her popular historical fiction was inspired, researched, and written. ‘It’s really unrequited love, when an author falls hard for someone who has died 300 years before she was born,’ Elvira explains. ‘That happened to me while researching Henry Windstanley, builder of the Eddystone Light. So, I did what many authors do. I made him a main character, just to hear his voice. And suddenly he was in my ear, writing my story for me.’

From her books on the American Revolution, the Overland Trail, Irish Immigration, life at the Tower of London, or the building of the Eddystone Lighthouse, Elvira has a wealth of stories to share.

A light lunch will follow. 

Limited Seating Must pre-register. 

$15.00 includes fees for tickets. Belltowerculturalcenter.org

 A VERY Special Evening With Craig Thatcher & Friends

THE CRAIG THATCHER QUARTET Chico Huff on bass; Billy Wear on drums; Cliff Starkey on keys/vox join Craig Thatcher on guitar/vox for a very upclose and personal show.  

SPONSORED BY 

BLUE MOUNTAIN

SIGN CRAFTERS

Craig and his Quartet have been entertaining audiences with their exciting brand of blues/rock music since 1993. This is a must-see-live performing band!

Craig Thatcher is an International Clinician/Ambassador for C.F. Martin & Co. of Nazareth, PA, a guitar instructor & recording artist.
He has worked with and/or opened for many great artists including: Simone, Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, John Mayall, Jimmie Vaughan, Duke Robillard, John Hammond, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jonny Lang, Vanilla Fudge, Charlie Musselwhite, Train, Robin Trower, Dicky Betts, Savoy Brown, Jorma Kaukonen, Marty Stuart b& the Superlatives, Roseanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Rory Block, Woody Mann, Peter Rowan, Herman's Hermits, Spencer Davis Group, Laurence Juber, John Mayer, David Bromberg, Steve Miller, Bill Kirchen, GE Smith and many other international artists. Craig began playing guitar in 1964, after seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. By 1966 he was in his first band and by 1968, the band started getting paid for performances. Though Craig's early influences were Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Animals, Herman's Hermits, the Yardbirds and many other pop acts, once he heard Eric Clapton and then, Jimi Hendrix, his focus changed to a much heavier rock style of lead guitar, based in the blues. CTB's music spans many musical genres including folk, funk/jazz, blues and rock. Craig also has become a strong solo acoustic guitarist, focusing primarily on fingerstyle country blues. Craig has performed in one capacity or another—often as a Martin Guitar Artist/Clinician — in nearly every U.S. State as well as over 35 different countries.

Tickets: $23.50 online (includes fees), $28.00 at the door 

Beer/Wine will be sold on site.

(Please do not bring your own).

Kids will learn about diverse global traditions and the shared joy of gathering nature's bounty. Plus, don’t forget about the craft and snacks!

This is a free event, but parents must stay with children

 T                                                               

There's a laugh every 11 seconds, a gasp every 65 seconds, a scream every 25 seconds and a synchronized dance every 60 minutes.

During a COBRA comedy show, there's a laugh every 11 seconds, a gasp every 65 seconds, a scream every 25 seconds and a synchronized dance every 60 minutes. Carved from chaos and shaped by extreme excellence, COBRA is an improv team like no other. Normalcy is the disease and we are the cure. We are COBRA and we strike fast! 

Hissssssssssssss

The Cobra Improve Group consists of: Jen Carlson, Zach Lee, Jaqueline Prestoy, Justin Passino, Fonta Reily, and Sean Untamo.

This show will contain adult language and/or situations. 

Attendees within the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No child 12 or under will be admitted.   BYOB

 Booked at the Bell With Regina Marinelli

 Booked At the Bell will discuss the Book of the Month.

Please consider supporting independent book shops, such as Book & Puppet Co. in Easton.