Ginspired: Join ArtsQuest for the Ultimate Ginvitational Cocktail Celebration!

Don’t miss out on an afternoon of crafty cocktail tastings and hands-on mixology with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, plus other experienced mixologists on Sunday, June 8

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 16, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Ginvitational: A Celebration of Cocktails, on Sunday, June 8 in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. This spirited event celebrates cocktails from all over the world, featuring bourbon, vodka, gin and much more, and food from local restaurants. Attendees will taste spirits from local, national and international distillers, including Ginvitational Premium Access Lounge Sponsor Edrington, who will be featuring their Wyoming Whiskey!

Some of the Lehigh Valley’s best restaurants will be serving food to accompany your tasting journey, including Meli, Colonial Pizza, Stoke, La Maya and more to be announced. Food vendors are generously sponsored by the Ginvitational Food Sponsor, YMI Insurance. While you enjoy delicious food and drink, NiteLiters LLC will be spinning classic vinyl tunes all afternoon!

The Ginvitational is an especially unique event, allowing its participants to taste and learn how to make fancy cocktails in educational seminars, sponsored by the Campari Group, who will also host an Aperol Spritz table and a Negroni Bar. Level up your next house party with tips from Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, as he presents seminars to take your cocktail knowledge to the next level! Jay Nee brings more than twenty years of beverage hospitality experience to the table, having launched a recurring wine education night in the Lehigh Valley and presented more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events, making him a true cocktail expert.

Additional educational seminars include:

• “Cool Beans”: The ultimate espresso martini and other caffeinated cocktails
• “Are You Mocking Me?”: A look at mocktail choices for those seeking an alternative to full proof cocktails
• “The Walking Dead in a Hawaiian Shirt”: Zombies and other Tiki classics
• “Jump in the Line (Shake, Señora)”: Ramos Gin Fizz shaker workout

The Ginvitational Seminar Educators are some of the Lehigh Valley’s best mixologists: Hillary Carrigan, Tyler Chambers, Lucas Heckenberger, Neil Heimsoth, Melissa Lozada, Maximilian Ur and Aindrea Williams.

NEW for this year’s Ginvitational: A very special, extremely limited-edition gin produced in collaboration with County Seat Spirits and the producers of The Ginvitational. This limited-edition gin, produced with summer cocktails in mind, is citrus forward with an assortment of aromatics. The true highlights are the unique additions of Buddha’s Hand, an Asian fruit of exquisite form and aroma along with Centennial hops. The hops are a nod to the Lehigh Valley’s deep brewing history. Ticketholders (both GA and VIP) will have the option to add a NEW Ginvitational bottle to their purchase when buying tickets to the event. All bottles sold online before the event will be signed and numbered for pickup at the event.

Tickets can be purchased at steelstacks.org. This is a 21+ event. Pricing starts at $39 for General Admission and $79 for VIP Access. ArtsQuest Member pricing starts at $34 for General Admission and $69 for VIP Access. Ticketholders can purchase a voucher that can be redeemed at the County Seat Spirits table for one take home limited-edition 375ml bottle of gin. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Member today. Act fast! Ticket prices will increase on June 2.  

General admission includes access to the educational seminars (listed above) and spirit sampling throughout the event.

VIP Admission includes:

• Exclusive access to a VIP-only Seminar at 11 a.m., conducted by Area Manager of Edrington – Ryan Umholtz— “Twist on Tiki Classics” brought to you by Brugal Rum, featuring several interpretations of classic Tiki cocktails to taste along with insight into the history of Tiki cocktail culture.
• Exclusive early access to The Ginvitational from 12-1 p.m.
• Exclusive access to the Edrington Wyoming Whiskey Lounge
• One complimentary Brugal + Ginvitational branded Cocktail Glass Tiki
• VIP-exclusive spirits

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Live Music Legends on the Big Screen: A Cinematic Celebration of Iconic Performances

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 14, 2025 – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is bringing the stage to the big screen with some incredible concert films, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience iconic performances like never before! Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, experimental music or timeless artists, these screenings have something for everyone. Each screening presents a unique journey through music history, capturing the magic of live performances in stunning cinematic detail.

April 17: Neil Young: Coastal
Directed by: Gary Hannah

Take a journey with maverick musician Neil Young in this personal, behind-the-scenes doc as he cruises the coast on his recent solo tour. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and Young’s wife, Daryl Hannah, Coastal offers a glimpse behind the curtain of this unguarded iconoclast, as he navigates a return to the stage post-Covid – from his everyday observations on the bus to his candid, wry banter with his audience. The illuminating film also features songs rarely, if ever played live, performed in breathtakingly beautiful theaters.

Opening April 18: One to One: John & Yoko
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards

On August 30, 1972, in New York City, John Lennon played his only full-length show after leaving The Beatles, the One to One benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, a rollicking, dazzling performance from him and Yoko Ono. Oscar®️-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald’s riveting documentary takes that legendary musical event and uses it as the starting point to explore eighteen defining months in the lives of John and Yoko.

By 1971 the couple was newly arrived in the United States— living in a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village and watching a huge amount of American television. The film uses a riotous mélange of American TV to conjure the era through what the two would have been seeing on the screen: the Vietnam War, The Price is Right, Nixon, Coca-Cola ads, Cronkite, The Waltons. As they experience a year of love and transformation in the US, John and Yoko begin to change their approach to protest — ultimately leading to the One to One concert, which was inspired by a Geraldo Rivera exposé they watched on TV. Filmed in a meticulously faithful reproduction of the NYC apartment the duo shared, ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO offers a bold new take on a seminal time in the lives of two of history’s most influential artists.

April 24 & 27: Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII
Directed by: Adrian Maben

Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, the film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance features unforgettable tracks such as “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets” and “One of These Days.” The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheater, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance, creating a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band working on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.

This meticulous restoration delivers stunning image and sound quality, featuring a theatrical and home entertainment mix from Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. These upgrades enhance the film’s depth and clarity while preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Inspired by the golden warmth of Pompeii’s iconic setting, the remaster transforms this timeless piece into a masterpiece of sight and sound. Experience Pink Floyd like never before through this pioneering audio-visual remaster!

April 30: The Doors: The Final Cut – A Tribute to Val Kilmer
Directed by: Oliver Stone

Capturing the hedonistic chaos of the late ‘60s, The Doors: The Final Cut follows the life and times of the band’s enigmatic and magnetic front man Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer) from cradle to grave. Stone’s powerful musical portrait, featuring an amazing soundtrack including over twenty-five songs from The Doors’ catalogue, charts Morrison’s turbulent relationship with his muse Pamela Courson (Meg Ryan), the formation of the band in Southern California, his experimentation with hallucinogens and the occult and his tragic death at the age of 27 in Paris.

May 7: Björk: Cornucopia
Directed by: Ísold Uggadóttir

Björk: Cornucopia, the highly anticipated concert film recorded live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s groundbreaking tour that mesmerized audiences worldwide for five years. This unique cinematic experience immerses viewers in Björk’s spectacular stage production, featuring a setlist spanning her iconic early works to the visionary Utopia (2017) and Fossora (2023). The production showcases bespoke instruments, including a magnetic harp, a circular flute, an allophone and a reverb chamber. Björk is joined on stage by musical director and multi-instrumentalist Bergur Þórisson, percussionist Manu Delago, flute septet Viibra, harpist Katie Buckley and the Hamrahlid choir. Digitally animated moving curtains create a modern lanterna magica for live music, transforming 21st-century VR visuals into the grandeur of a 19th-century theatre — and now into an immersive cinema experience, enhanced by meticulously crafted Dolby Atmos spatial audio.

The film features sound and visual creative direction, music arrangements, production and performance by Björk. It showcases the work of James Merry as co-creative director of visuals, and original animation by Tobias Gremmler – with additional contributions from Andrew Thomas Huang, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Pierre-Alain Giraud, Nick Knight and Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton-Jones.

Cornucopia sees Björk pushing the boundaries of live performance, offering a visually and sonically immersive experience unlike anything seen before.

May 12: Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Directed by: Varda Bar-Kar

In 1965, Janis Ian, a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from New Jersey, wrote “Society’s Child” about an interracial relationship. Recorded and released a year later, the song launched Ian’s career, but its subject matter ignited controversy, even resulting in death threats. The fallout plunged Ian into an emotional tailspin–and yet a few years later she emerged from the ashes with an even bigger hit, “At Seventeen.”

Over six decades, Janis Ian gained ten Grammy nominations in eight different categories, saw her song “Stars” recorded by such luminaries as Nina Simone and Cher and overcame homophobia, misogyny and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw audiences around the globe. Featuring Janis Ian, Joan Baez, Jean Smart, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin and Tom Paxton, among other icons.

Don’t miss out on these incredible musical experiences that bring the magic of live performances to the big screen! Grab your tickets today and experience the unforgettable energy of live music with these screenings at ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Everybody Wants The Struts at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 15, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce that The Struts, with Special Guest Dirty Honey, will be playing a gated show at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on August 20, 2025. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. Please note that chairs and blankets are not permitted.

Public ticket access begins Thursday, April 17 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Ticket prices run from $33 (in advance of show date) to $38 (day of show). For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

The Struts are back at SteelStacks after playing the Musikfest Café in 2018. This unforgettable show celebrates 10 years of their debut album, Everybody Wants, which took the world by storm a decade ago. The Struts have been a live sensation since their certified Platinum anthem, “Could’ve Been Me,” took the No. 5 spot on Alternative Radio and introduced the world to their triumphant, timeless rock sound. Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut, the British rockers set out on the road, bringing their energetic tracks alive on stage with larger-than-life performances and cementing their reputation as a must-see live act. Lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies have continued to prove themselves worthy of that distinction since first coming together in Derby, England back in 2012.

The Struts have opened for The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses, while selling out shows across the globe. Their on-stage prowess and perpetual musicality have allowed them to reach the No. 1 Spot on Spotify’s Viral Top 50, garner more than 850M on-demand streams and put them in the studio collaborating with Kesha, Tom Morello, Robbie Williams, Def Leppard and more.

Joining The Struts is none other than Dirty Honey, the hard-hitting rock band that made history in 2019 as the first unsigned act to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock Charts with their debut single, “When I’m Gone.” Since then, Dirty Honey has opened for The Who, Guns N’ Roses, Slash with Alter Bridge and The Black Crowes. Dirty Honey’s self-titled album – without being signed to a major label – debuted at #2 on the Current Hard Rock Chart. They were tagged as the “do-not-miss-band” at more than a dozen major North American summer festivals and played sold-out shows on their first two North American headline tours.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

ArtsQuest Hosts Successful Second Annual Music Industry Day, Empowering Students with Career Insights and Hands-On Learning

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 8, 2025 – Yesterday, ArtsQuest hosted the second Music Industry Day at the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center, offering students from across Eastern Pennsylvania a unique educational opportunity. The event, which was made possible by a grant from The Les Paul Foundation, aimed to introduce participants to various aspects of the music industry and provided valuable insights into potential careers.

“Music Industry Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience and learn about the vast job options in the music industry and arts non-profit organizations like ArtsQuest,” said Grace Obert, Music Programming Administrator at ArtsQuest. “The day provides students with valuable insight into their own careers and what it’s like to book bands, run sound and lights and ultimately make a concert happen from start to finish. It is something I would have loved to experience for myself as a high schooler and I’m excited to be able to provide that opportunity to Lehigh Valley and Greater Philadelphia students.”

This year’s Music Industry Day expanded its reach, with ten schools from both local and distant areas taking part, showcasing the event’s growing regional impact. Participating schools included:

• Liberty High School
• Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
• Nazareth High School
• Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
• Warren Hills High School
• Pennridge High School
• Central Bucks West High School
• Notre Dame High School
• LaSalle College High School
• Northern Lehigh High School

ArtsQuest employees provided the students with a behind-the-scenes experience of what it’s like to book, promote and put on a show in the Musikfest Café, a prominent entertainment venue in the Lehigh Valley, for over ten years. Through one-on-one opportunities to connect with a diverse group of ArtsQuest employees, the students learned about potential careers in the music industry, marketing and arts nonprofits.

This event not only emphasized the importance of artistic and career development but also highlighted the educational value of hands-on learning experiences in a dynamic industry. For students traveling from farther away, it was a chance to gain insight into a field that might not be easily accessible in their local communities. Students left with a greater understanding of the diverse opportunities the music industry offers, further enhancing their academic and professional aspirations.

By connecting students with professionals in the field, ArtsQuest is fostering a new generation of talent, ready to explore the limitless possibilities within the world of music and entertainment.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Upcoming Stand-Up Comedy Shows at SteelStacks: Laughs, Laughter and Legendary Performances

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 2, 2025 – Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as ArtsQuest welcomes three incredible stand-up comedians to perform in the coming months at the ArtsQuest Center’s Fowler Blast Furnace Room and the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health. Whether you’re into sharp-witted jokes, smooth storytelling or hilarious family anecdotes, there’s something for everyone.  

River Butcher – April 11 at 8 p.m. | Fowler Blast Furnace Room

Los Angeles-based stand-up comic, actor and writer, River Butcher’s first half-hour special, A Different Kind of Dude, debuted on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel and garnered the title of “Some of the Best Jokes of 2022 So Far.” They’ve done stand-up all over the country, the globe and the screen, including Ellen, Conan, Comedy Central and HBO.

TJ Joachim – April 19 at 7:30 p.m. | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health

TJ (Tanael Joachim), a Haitian-born, New York-based stand-up comedian known for his laid back, smooth, and conversational style, with sharp and socially aware humor on topics ranging from race and society to the contrasting experiences of life in Haiti and America. He has made appearances on Gotham Comedy Live (AXS TV) and Good Day New York (FOX) and has performed all over the world. He recently returned from a small European tour where he performed in English and French.

Michael Yo: ISSA TRUUUE! Tour – June 11 at 8 p.m. | Fowler Blast Furnace Room

A 2-time Emmy nominee, heard on the Joe Rogan Experience, a regular on the Adam Carolla Show and fresh off his third comedy special Snack Daddy, Michael Yo is a comedian, actor and host keeping busy in all of Hollywood’s platforms.

With a hilarious take on life as a father and husband, Michael has kept audiences laughing with his fresh perspectives on family, love and everything in between. In stand up, Michael came up under the wings of Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy and now headlines all over the country.

These shows will contain adult language and/or situations. Seating will be assigned by ArtsQuest staff upon arrival in the showroom. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No children 12 or under will be admitted. 

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Spring into Laughter: Comedy Classes Blooming at ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 1, 2025 – ArtsQuest is pleased to offer its spring comedy classes, featuring Improv 101 with Matt Candio, Improv 201 with Stu Shaw, Improv 301 with Danielle Tampier and Intro to Standup with Kirk Griffiths. Led by seasoned comedians, these classes provide a fun and supportive atmosphere where beginners and those wanting to sharpen their skills can thrive. Starting in April, each course runs for several weeks and concludes with a graduation ceremony, giving participants the chance to showcase their new material and demonstrate everything they’ve learned.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a fun teambuilding experience that teaches affective ways to enhance communication, creativity and teamwork in the workplace, check out our Improv Teambuilding Workshops. Guided by professional improvisers, these engaging workshops teach core principles such as “Yes, and…” for collaboration, A to C thinking for creative problem-solving and active listening for improved communication. These exercises will improve confidence, spark creativity and build stronger, more effective teams. The workshops are flexible, tailored to your team’s needs and can be conducted in person or virtually. With no stage performance required, participants engage in supportive, low-pressure exercises that promote unity and reduce stress, making them ideal for team building. Group pre-registration is required. Please contact Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Specialist, at ayoung@artsquest.org to learn more.

For more information and to sign up for comedy classes, visit www.steelstacks.org. Students must be 18 years of age or older.

Comedy Classes Offered:

Improv 101 with Matt Candio

Tuesdays, April 15-June 3 at Lincoln Elementary School | 7-9 p.m.

Grad Show: Monday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

Improv 101 focuses on the three core principles of comedic improvisation: agreement, being active and justification. We’ve designed our classes to create an energetic and supportive environment for play whether you’ve never taken the stage before, you’re a seasoned improviser or you’re simply looking to help yourself in your career and/or life.

Improv 201 with Stu Shaw

With teaching assistant Megan Jaxheimer

Tuesdays, April 15-June 3 at Lincoln Elementary School | 7-9 p.m.

Grad Show: Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

Improv 201 builds on the basic principles of improv and helps develop your improv skills to make strong comedic choices. By finding and exploring Game you will expand your ‘Yes, and’ abilities while also discovering all avenues that Game can play in scenes.

Must have completed Improv 101 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.

Improv 301 with Danielle Tampier

Thursdays, April 10-May 29 at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health | 7-9 p.m.

Grad Show: Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

Now that you’ve mastered the basic improv principles of “yes, and” and Game, Improv 301 shows you how to put these skills into action in an Improv form of your instructors choosing. Each 301 showcases a different improv form.

Must have completed Improv 101 and Improv 201 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.

Intro to Standup with Kirk Griffiths

Sundays, April 27-June 8 at ArtsQuest Center (skips May 25) | 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Grad Show: TBD

Price: $154 | $140 ArtsQuest Member

This class is an introduction to standup comedy from both a creative and practical approach. Attendees will learn and apply the basics of joke construction, acquire useful tips for beginners and receive individualized feedback with the goal of producing five minutes of material. The class will culminate with a graduation show where participants will perform their material.

About the Comedians:

Matt Candio is a comedian, performer and improv instructor. He began his comedy career in 2009 and studied at Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), Magnet Theater (NYC) and The Second City (Chicago). Matt teaches for the ArtsQuest Improv Comedy Program and leads team-building workshops for businesses. He performs regularly at SteelStacks in shows like “We’re Good, You’re Great!”

Stu Shaw trained in Improv at ArtsQuest and Second City. He has been on six SteelStacks Improv house teams and currently performs with Tim For Short, Model Citizen and Portal. In his spare time, he enjoys playing bad golf and pretending to exercise at the gym.

Danielle Tampier is an actress and comedian based in the Lehigh Valley. With a background in theater and fashion design, Danielle found her love for improv at ArtsQuest. She performs with Staycation and Cranks & Pulleys and has appeared in various shows like Pigeon City Sketch Show and Tony & Tina’s Wedding. Outside of performing, she enjoys time with her family and crafting.

Kirk Griffiths is a seasoned stand-up comedian with over 10 years of experience, having performed in theaters, comedy clubs and festivals. He has featured for national headliners like Mike Birbiglia and Chris Gethard. Originally from the Bronx and an alumnus of Kutztown University, Kirk brings diverse perspectives to his comedy. He’s a regular performer at ArtsQuest and can be found on Instagram @Captainkeith24.

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Here’s to the Ladies Who Brunch: Celebrate Mother’s Day at ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., March 27, 2025 – Rise and shine! ArtsQuest will celebrate Mother’s Day with culinary excellence at Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11 at the Musikfest Café. Treat your mother to fine dining with a magnificent view of the SteelStacks this Mother’s Day.

Tickets are $49 + $1 fee for adults (13+), $25 + $1 fee for children 5-12 years old and free for children 4 and under. Ticket holders will have access to a delicious selection of brunch favorites, as well as a juice and coffee bar. Brunch will be serenaded with “Good Times Piano Music” by musical performer, Joe Lazorik. Server gratuity and sales tax are also covered in the ticket price. Tickets for Mother’s Day Brunch can be purchased at steelstacks.org.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11. Brunch-goers will be seated every half hour and may choose their seating time when purchasing tickets. The final seating session will take place at 1 p.m.

Attendees can expect to enjoy their favorite breakfast and lunch foods, including but not limited to a variety of egg selections, sautéed hash browns, sausage and bacon, cinnamon French toast, pineapple glazed pork tenderloin, spring citrus salad and plenty of sweet desserts. Check out the full range of menu options at steelstacks.org.

If you have special reservation requests or dietary restrictions, please contact Carrie Senior, csenior@levyrestaurants.com. Please also reach out with any inquiries about increasing the number of slots in a particular window, or if a group would like to be seated together but purchased tickets separately.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Tac-Oh! Join the Taco Craze at Tacofest

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., March 25, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the return of Tacofest, in partnership with Cazadores Tequila, taking place on June 1, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Spend the afternoon at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks enjoying tacos from the Lehigh Valley and beyond, great drinks, live music, the SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest and more! Get your Premium Access tickets now at steelstacks.org for $15 (price increases to $20 starting May 27). Premium Access tickets allow early access to the event starting at noon (which means more tacos), a Tacofest gift and all of the fun of Tacofest! It’s a day filled with tacos from restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley, music, game shows, Margarita Madness, the Chihuahua Beauty Contest, fantastic food and drinks from a ton of vendors including our culinary partner, Levy Restaurants at Mack Truck, Central Tap and Palette & Pour.

“In what has become an annual celebration, Tacofest returns in 2025 with more mouthwatering tacos than ever before!” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer. “Our favorite food trucks and top restaurants from across the region converge at SteelStacks to create a taco lover’s paradise. Margarita fans, be sure to grab your tickets early for the wildly popular Margarita Madness – this event sells out in advance every year!”

Additionally, you can participate in the annual Margarita Madness and find out which Lehigh Valley restaurant is voted ‘Best Margarita.’ Margarita Madness kicks off at 1 p.m. but you’ll enjoy early access to Tacofest at noon. Tickets for Margarita Madness start at $54 to $64 and the event takes place in the Musikfest Café. Each attendee will receive a 1 oz. sample from each restaurant and get to vote for their favorite margarita. Alcohol-free versions of margaritas will also be available from each participating restaurant. A complimentary tortilla chip bar with everything from guacamole, queso and salsa to rice and beans will also be available.

The Chihuahua Beauty Contest is back! Held next to the Levitt Pavilion Stage, this feisty event will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $10 ($15 week of show). Strut your pup for the chance to have your dog win in one of the following categories: Goodest Doggo, Most Huggable, Cutest Tail Wiggle and more. For each dog that wins, their owner will be awarded ArtsQuest tickets and merch! All Chihuahuas, mixes, Chihuahuas at heart and 25 lbs. or under are encouraged to participate! Please note that all dog owners must have a ticket to Tacofest for their furry friend to participate.

At this time, confirmed taco vendors include:
4 Raices Street Tacos LLC
Uno Taqueria
Aqui Es A Taste Of Mexico
Take A Taco, LLC – Vegan/Gluten Free Options Available
Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant & Food Trucks
Castaneda’s Mexican Restaurant
Don Juan Mex Grill
GRUMPY’S BBQ INC
Orizaba Restaurant
Tia B’s Street Tacos LLC

Additional vendors:
Why Not Burgerz
Latin Bites
Levy Restaurants

Dessert:
Fiesta Churros LLC
Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops, LLC – Vegan/Gluten Free/Dairy Free Options Available
Waffl’d

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

For select discounted rates and presale opportunities become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today.

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 50 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.