Summertime at the Movies at ArtsQuest 

Come Join us at ArtsQuest to Cool Off and Enjoy a Summer Film 

Bethlehem, PA, June 26, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to showcase movies for everyone to enjoy at both the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema and the Levitt Pavilion. With an array of special screenings and film series from showcasing Hollywood classics and indie darlings, a Saturday night Anime series to Cinema Significa, there’s something for every filmgoer to enjoy.

The Summer Classic Series presented by Fulton Bank shows movies every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. until August 2 and includes Enter the Dragon, A Place in the Sun, Do the Right Thing, The Birds, Jaws and Stand by Me. Tickets are $8 for ages 25 and under, $7.50 for ArtsQuest Members and $10 for the general public. 

The Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Free Family Movie Series presented by UGI Utilities Inc., shows family friendly movies every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Before the showing, at 6 p.m., the Banana Factory has a specially selected pre-movie craft for all ages, so come early! Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beverages are available at the Mack Truck Shop and Palette & Pour, located inside the ArtsQuest Center. All movies presented in the series are free and include Spanish subtitles. 

Just some of the movies you can see this summer include:  

• Asteroid City Opening June 22 
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Opening June 30
• Piranha (First Saturday Horror Series) July 1, 9:45 p.m.  
• Frida (Cinema Significa…) July 6, 7:00 p.m.  
• Saturday Night Anime Series Last Saturday of Every Month at 9:45 p.m.
• Summer Classics Series Every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. until Aug 2 
• Free Family Movie Series  Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Levitt Pavilion

“June and July are going to be very exciting at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and Levitt Pavilion. We are excited to be showcasing such a variety of films throughout the summer,” said Anthony DeSanctis, Programming Manager. “With brand new features and a large variety of repertory programming, there is certainly something special for everyone to enjoy.”   

Additional information including show dates and times can be found here steelstacks.org/film/.  

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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 over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.   

ArtsQuest Presents its Annual 4th of July Celebration   

Bethlehem, PA, June 21, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to invite the community to its celebration of Independence Day presented by Embassy Bank on Tuesday, July 4th. This free festivity, which begins at 3:30 p.m., will feature an afternoon of musical performances accompanied by delicious food vendors and will serve as the perfect spot to watch the spectacular fireworks display put on by the City of Bethlehem. 

From 3:30 – 5 p.m., Sing for America will perform on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square. Sing for America is a group composed of five siblings whose mission is to raise funds for families of active service military through concert and theatrical performances. The group performs a variety of music from Broadway to patriotic to oldies.  

From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., The John DeRosa Band will perform on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square. John DeRosa’s song “13” is a tribute written to honor the 13 U.S. soldiers who were killed in the 2021 attack on Kabul airport in Afghanistan.  

From 7:30 – 9 p.m., The Allentown Band will perform at the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks. The Allentown Band, America’s oldest civilian concert band, preserves concert band music in the Lehigh Valley through inspirational performances that fall nothing short of excellent.  

 At 9 p.m., the City of Bethlehem will put on its fireworks display which can be perfectly viewed from the SteelStacks campus.  

“We are very happy to be able to partner with ArtsQuest and bring this 4th of July celebration to the SteelStacks,” David M. Lobach Jr., Embassy Bank Chairman, President and CEO, said. “What a great way for the community to come together by enjoying this free event with all of the wonderful musical performances and the spectacular fireworks the City of Bethlehem produces.” 

The Independence Day festivities are the final chance to view the Hometown Heroes banner that debuted on Memorial Day displaying over 1,500 photos of local military veterans.  

ArtsQuest Members can purchase tickets for the ArtsQuest Members’ Fourth of July Fireworks Party on the Wind Creek Deck of the ArtsQuest Center from 7 – 10 p.m. Tickets for this event are $99. The tickets include a reserved seat on the Wind Creek Deck where you will enjoy dinner, dessert and beverages, as well as a view of the fireworks. Click here for more information on how to become an ArtsQuest Member. If you are already an ArtsQuest Member you can purchase tickets by visiting this link. 

For more information on the celebration of Independence Day presented by Embassy Bank, please visit SteelStacks.org.  

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.  

SoccerFest regresa a SteelStacks para la edición 2023 de la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA™

¡Únase a nosotros en SteelStacks y vea cómo la selección nacional femenina de Estados Unidos defiende su título!

Bethlehem, PA, 14 de junio de 2023: ArtsQuest traerá de regreso el SoccerFest a SteelStacks para la edición 2023 de la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA™. SoccerFest comenzará con el Torneo de 3 contra 3 de ArtsQuest y Lehigh Valley United Girls el 21 de julio a las 5:30 p.m. en PNC Plaza. Después de que concluya el torneo, se podrá ver el partido de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA™ entre U.S. y Vietnam, a partir de las 9 p.m.

ArtsQuest organiza una de las fiestas para ver partidos autorizadas por la FIFA más grandes en Lehigh Valley y estamos entusiasmados de continuar con esta tradición comenzando con el torneo 3 contra 3 de ArtsQuest y Lehigh Valley United Girls, un evento con entrada que se llevará a cabo en PNC Plaza.

Para participar en el torneo, debe haber nacido entre los años 2009 y 2016. Un adulto debe comprar una inscripción ($99 por equipo). El registro se cerrará el domingo 16 de julio a las 11:59 p. m. y los detalles adicionales sobre dónde registrarse estarán disponibles pronto. Los grupos se dividen por año de nacimiento y cada equipo debe tener un mínimo de tres y un máximo de seis jugadoras. Cada partido tendrá una duración de 15 minutos, y cada equipo jugará al menos tres partidos. Los juegos se jugarán en canchas deportivas donadas a ArtsQuest por parte de Lehigh Valley United.

“Estamos muy emocionados de producir estos eventos que destacan un aspecto del crecimiento exponencial que los deportes femeninos han experimentado en los últimos años”, dijo Ryan Hill, director sénior de programación. “Poner el USWNT en pantallas gigantes refleja el estatus de grandeza que estas jugadoras tienen ante los niños de Lehigh Valley y el resto del país”.

A las 9 p.m., habrá una fiesta para ver el partido, USWNT vs. Vietnam, también en PNC Plaza. Las fiestas para ver partidos son gratuitas y habrá alimentos y bebidas disponibles para la compra.

“ArtsQuest ha estado organizando una de las fiestas para ver partidos autorizadas por la FIFA más grandes en la costa este para las Copas Mundiales de hombres y mujeres desde 2014, atrayendo a diversos fanáticos del fútbol al campus de SteelStacks y ampliando nuestra visión de brindar acceso a las artes”, dijo Curt Mosel, Director de Operaciones de ArtsQuest. “El creciente interés y apoyo que despierta el fútbol en nuestra región genera entusiasmo en nuestra comunidad cuando se acerca la Copa del Mundo. Estamos ansiosos por ver a los fanáticos del fútbol regresar a SteelStacks para ver a la selección nacional femenina de US en su búsqueda por volver a consagrarse campeonas de la Copa del Mundo por tercera vez consecutiva”.

A continuación, se muestra la programación de los partidos y eventos:

Antes de la fiesta para ver el partido contra Holanda, habrá una clínica de fútbol juvenil organizada por el equipo de fútbol femenino de Lehigh University [Universidad de Lehigh]. Esta clínica es gratuita, pero debe registrarse para el evento. La fiesta para ver el partido USWNT vs. Holanda a las 9 p.m. en Air Products Town Square será después de la clínica. Ambos eventos son gratuitos y se podrá comprar alimentos y bebidas.

Habrá un par de clínicas de fútbol juvenil más organizadas por la Lehigh University durante todo el SoccerFest. Pronto tendremos más información.

Para concluir el SoccerFest de ArtsQuest, habrá una fiesta final el 20 de agosto a las 6 a.m. para ver la final de la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA™ en el Frank Bank Alehouse Cinema. Este evento ocurrirá independientemente de quién llegue a la final. 

Si tiene más preguntas o desea obtener más información, visite ArtsQuest.org. Comuníquese con el director sénior de programación Ryan Hill en rhill@artsquest.org si tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con el torneo. Si está interesado en ser voluntario para este evento u otros eventos de ArtsQuest, puede visitar este sitio web www.artsquest.org/support/volunteer/.

Acerca de ArtsQuest  

La misión de ArtsQuest es facilitar el acceso a experiencias artísticas, culturales y educativas excepcionales utilizando las artes y la cultura como elementos clave del desarrollo económico de nuestras comunidades urbanas. ArtsQuest™ apoya esta misión mediante la presentación de artes escénicas y visuales, cine, clases de educación artística y participación comunitaria, programación juvenil y eventos culturales. A través de festivales como su evento más emblemático, Musikfest; el Banana Factory Arts Center; y el ArtsQuest Center en el campus artístico y cultural SteelStacks, la programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas al año. Los programas y eventos de la organización, de los cuales más del 50% son gratuitos, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones anuales en la región.   

SoccerFest Returns to the SteelStacks for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 

Join us at SteelStacks and Watch the United States Women’s National Team Defend Their Title!  

Bethlehem, PA, June 14, 2023 – ArtsQuest is bringing SoccerFest back to the SteelStacks for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. SoccerFest will kick off with the ArtsQuest and Lehigh Valley United Girls’ 3-on-3 Tournament on July 21, at 5:30 p.m. at PNC Plaza. After the tournament concludes, there will be a viewing of the U.S. vs. Vietnam FIFA World Cup™ game, beginning at 9 p.m.  

ArtsQuest hosts one of the largest licensed FIFA viewing parties in the Lehigh Valley and we are excited to continue this tradition starting off with the ArtsQuest and Lehigh Valley United Girls’ 3-on-3 Tournament, a ticketed event that will take place at PNC Plaza. 

To participate in the tournament, you must be born between the years of 2009 through 2016. An adult must purchase one registration ($99 per team). Registration will close on Sunday, July 16 at 11:59 p.m. and additional details on where to register will be available soon. The brackets are split up by birth year and each team must have a minimum of three and a maximum of six players. Each game will last 15 minutes, and each team will play at least three games. Games will be played on sport courts donated to ArtsQuest from Lehigh Valley United.  

“We’re really excited to produce these events highlighting one corner of the exponential growth women’s sports has seen in recent years,” Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming, said. “Putting the USWNT on big screens reflects the larger-than-life status these players have with the children of the Lehigh Valley and the rest of the country.”  

At 9 p.m., there will be a viewing party of the match, USWNT vs. Vietnam also at PNC Plaza. Viewing parties are free and there will be food and beverages available for purchase. 

“ArtsQuest has been hosting one of the largest licensed FIFA viewing parties on the east coast for the Men’s and Women’s World Cups since 2014, bringing diverse soccer fans to the SteelStacks Campus and expanding our vision of providing access to the arts.,” Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer for ArtsQuest said. “The ever-growing interest and support of soccer in our region causes excitement in our community when the World Cup comes around. We can’t wait to see soccer fans coming back to SteelStacks to watch the US Women’s National team in their quest to repeat as World Cup champions for the 3rd straight time.” 

Below is the Viewing and Event Schedule:  

Prior to the viewing party of the match against the Netherlands, there will be a Youth Soccer Clinic hosted by Lehigh University Women’s Soccer Team. This clinic is free, but you must register for the event. A viewing party of the USWNT vs. Netherlands match at 9 p.m. at Air Products Town Square will follow the clinic. Both events are free and food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

There will be a handful of other Youth Soccer Clinics hosted by Lehigh University throughout the entirety of SoccerFest. Additional details to come.  

To wrap up ArtsQuest’s SoccerFest, there will be a final viewing party on August 20, at 6 a.m. to watch the Women’s FIFA World Cup™ Final at the Frank Bank Alehouse Cinema. This event will occur regardless of who is in the final.   

If you have any additional questions or would like to learn more, visit ArtsQuest.org. Please contact Senior Director of Programming Ryan Hill at rhill@artsquest.org with any questions related to the tournament. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or additional ArtsQuest events, you may visit this website www.artsquest.org/support/volunteer/.  

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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 over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.  

ArtsQuest and Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ Film Series Kicks off with Desert Hearts

Bethlehem, PA, May 22, 2023 – ArtsQuest and Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center are partnering to present the Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ Film Series, a year-round monthly exhibition of queer cinema from the past and now. The screenings will be free to the public and take place at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center. The partnership kicks off on June 1 at 7 p.m. with the groundbreaking film “Desert Hearts” at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, a screening that will feature an in-person appearance by the film’s director, Donna Deitch.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with ArtsQuest to amplify intersectional queer stories in films and create an affirming environment where LGBTQ+ folks can build community,” said Ashley L. Coleman, Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. “Expanding access to cultural experiences like this film series are vital initiatives that benefit our community.”

“ArtsQuest is ecstatic to be working with Bradbury Sullivan to shine an even brighter light on queer cinema,” Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming at ArtsQuest, said. “I’m particularly excited that the hard work of ArtsQuest’s curators and staff, including next month’s appearance by Desert Hearts director Donna Deitch, can be seen by a larger group of potential movie-goers through this partnership.”

“Desert Hearts” has, over the years, come to be seen as one of the most important films in queer cinema, with The Globe and Mail referring to it as “one of the first and most highly regarded works in which a lesbian relationship is depicted favorably.” The Lesbian Film Guide said of the film “It is no exaggeration to say that in 1985 ‘Desert Hearts’ was the film many lesbians had waited for all their lives. For the first time in cinema history here was a movie which was an unashamedly romantic lesbian love story, aimed primarily at a lesbian audience.”

Dietch will lead a Q&A/talkback after the free screening on June 1.

The second movie in the series, “Flee”, will take place at the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center on July 8 at 3 p.m..

“We’re looking forward to attending the launch of this series at ArtsQuest while they show “Desert Hearts” on June 1,” said Community Programs Manager, Deirdre Van Walters. “This series will be a great way for LGBTQ+ community members to build community and we can’t wait to watch “Flee” with them at our Center.”

“Flee” is a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner and is directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, telling his story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan. This film tells the story of Amin Nawabi as he grapples with a secret that he has kept hidden for 20 years and threatens to derail the life he has built for himself and his soon-to-be husband.

Check back on ArtsQuest.org or BradburySullivan.org for more updates to the Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ Film Series schedule as the year progresses.

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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 over 50% of are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

About Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center (BSC) provides a vibrant, inclusive space in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley for all the region’s LGBTQ+ residents and allies. BSC facilitates the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment, addresses barriers to care through LGBTQ+ health programs, produces affirming community programming, organizes Lehigh Valley Pride and makes the Lehigh Valley more equitable through their LGBTQ+ Education Institute.

ArtsQuest to Present Sensory Friendly Family Film Series

Bethlehem, PA, May 16, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce the beginning of their Sensory Friendly Family Film Series starting Wednesday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (Red Cinema). The series runs until August 2 and all tickets are free. Shows are screened at 1:30 pm.

The Sensory Friendly Family Film Series is specifically designed for children and adults living with autism. This program allows everyone to experience the joy of seeing their favorite movies on the big screen. As part of the film screenings, talking and walking are permitted, and stimming (self-regulation behavior) is encouraged. The theater’s house lights are dimmed but remain on, while the film volume is lowered and previews are eliminated, in an effort to provide a comfortable viewing experience for attendees. Additionally, families with special dietary needs are allowed to bring food from home.

There will be a total of ten movies to be shown from May 24 to August 2. Tickets must be printed out before attending the film series.

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series Schedule

“Access to the arts is at the forefront of ArtsQuest’s mission,” Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming, said. “Offering sensory-friendly screenings allows for more access to these great family movies, which in turn creates more memories for kids and adults alike.”

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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 over 50% of are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.  

Actor and Comedian Jay Pharoah to Take the Stage at Musikfest Café

Bethlehem, PA, May 9, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to announced that actor and comedian Jay Pharoah will perform at the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling at ArtsQuest at SteelStacks on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

ArtsQuest Circle tickets are on sale now, Member tickets will go on sale Wednesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. and to the general public on Friday, May 12 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices start at $36 and can be purchased at Steelstacks.org. For more information on how to become an ArtsQuest member, visit ArtsQuest.org.

Pharoah most recently starred in the biopic SPINNING GOLD as Cecil Homes, the right-hand man of 1970s record producer Neil Bogart who co-founded Casablanca Records. Together they were behind the success of stars like Donna Summer, Kiss and The Village People. He also starred in the Toronto International Film Festival triumph, THE BLACKENING as Shawn. The film performed so well it was sold out of the festival to Lionsgate and will be released this upcoming Juneteenth weekend.

In the last few years, Pharoah has appeared in Comedy Central’s OUT OF OFFICE alongside Ken Jeong and Oscar Nuñez and in the independent comedy MORT IN SHERMAN OAKS with Lucy Hale and Jim Gaffigan. He starred in Netflix’s RESORT TO LOVE with Cristina Milian for producer Alicia Keys and in the Lionsgate thriller PRIVATE PROPERTY. Pharoah also co-starred opposite Harry Shum Jr. in Universal’s ALL MY LIFE, in Justin Simien’s critically acclaimed feature film BAD HAIR for Hulu, and in Lionsgate’s 2 MINUTES OF FAME for director Leslie Small. 

On the small screen, Pharoah starred as “J.J. Evans” in ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Live in Front of a Studio Audience version of ALL IN THE FAMILY and GOOD TIMES. He currently hosts and produces the Nickelodeon hit gameshow UNFILTERED. 

Best known for his spot-on impressions, Pharoah spent six seasons as a cast member on NBC’s SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. In 2017, he shifted to his first leading role as ‘Floyd Mooney’ in Showtime’s WHITE FAMOUS, which was executive produced by Academy Award-winner Jaime Foxx and inspired by Foxx’s real-life experiences. 

Additional film and television credits include Sony Picture’s animated feature, THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES, Steven Soderbergh’s UNSANE, Universal’s animated feature SING, CBS Films’ GET A JOB, CBS’s All Access’s REMOTE, FOX Searchlight’s LOLA VERSUS, FOX’s FAMILY GUY, FOX’s THE SIMPSONS, Netflix’s BOJACK HORSEMAN, and Cartoon Network’s ROBOT CHICKEN.

In addition to acting and his stand-up, Jay released his first EP titled “Spittin Image” in August 2021. The tracks are a marriage between Jay’s spot-on impressions and his love of songwriting and rapping.  All songs are written by Jay and produced by Andrew Hypes. 

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.