Finally, spring has sprung! And whether this month will bring those anticipated April showers, ArtsQuest will be sure to provide you with quality programming, no matter the weather! From music, comedy, films, art classes, & more – let us prove that April indeed is the kindest month.

Music

This month will be packed with performances that you’ll be humming along to all spring long.

The Legendary Lenny Kaye with the Craig Thatcher Band

Lenny Kaye, who you may know from The Patti Smith Group, joins the stage with The Craig Thatcher Band on Saturday, April 1st at Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling. Get your tickets here!

Riki Rachtman

On Sunday, April 2nd, Riki Rachtman will perform his spoken word show. This will be an intimate evening of stories and unbelievably true tales of rock ‘n roll, sleaze, and debauchery. Get your tickets here!

Strawberry Field – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band

Strawberry Fields is the closest you can get to seeing The Beatles perform live today! Catch this tribute to The Fab 4 on Saturday, April 8th at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling. Get your tickets here!

Jim Messina

On Thursday, April 13th, don’t miss guitarist Jim Messina at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling! Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. Get your tickets here!

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Ave Horns Present the Music of Talking Heads, David Byrne, and More

Don’t miss out on Friday, April 14th at Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling! This special evening will feature tributes to David Byrne’s solo material, Talking Heads songs and more surprises with the Ocean Avenue Stompers Horns. Get your tickets here!

Alan Cumming

Don’t worry about acting your age on Thursday, April 20th! Alan Cumming sure isn’t. This is a “can’t-miss” show at Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling. Get your tickets here!

For all of our other musical acts this month, visit here!

Comedy

This month is stuffed with back-to-back laughter, thanks to these fabulous performers. Please note that these shows will contain adult language/situations.

If We Were Married…

Comedians Sam Beedle and Matt Candio present this fully improvised show on Saturday, April 1st. “If We Were Married…” takes the audience’s thoughts, feelings, gripes, and grievances on marriage and spins them into a comedic event you’ll be happy you RVSP-ed to. Get your tickets here!

Trevor Wallace

Trevor Wallace will be coming to the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on Monday, April 3rd. He has built a following of over 16 million followers across social media platforms, and has been featured on Comedy Central and Barstool Sports. Get your tickets here!

Two Show Show: Staycation & Barn People

Get two comedy shows for the price of one! On Saturday, April 8th, experience this guaranteed hour of laughs.

Join Staycation as they use the power of ritual and your suggestions to invoke the comedy gods and bring about the apocalypse (end of the world not guaranteed).
Barn People is an improv comedy team whose combined experience includes decades of comedy and performance arts trainings.

Get your tickets here!

Tina Friml

Catch Internet famous funny lady Tina Friml on Friday, April 14th! Tina has cultivated a strong following with 127K followers on Instagram and over 92.5K on TikTok. Get your tickets here!

Earl David Reed

Dubbed “the urban Don Rickles” by The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Earl David Reed will be stopping by the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on Saturday, April 15th. Get your tickets here!

Rachel Feinstein

Rachel Feinstein, who’s past credits include Trainwreck, Inside Amy Schumer, and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will be performing at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling on Friday, April 21st. Get your tickets here!

Glen Tickle Against The World Crime League: A Standup Album Recording

Be sure to attend Glen Tickle’s comedy show taping on Saturday, April 22nd. Glen Tickle is a comedian who uses humor as a defense mechanism to avoid processing his feelings. His Dry Bar Comedy special has racked up well over a million views, and he has millions of views and likes on TikTok. Get your tickets here!

Mouth Full Monologues

Are you the best at monologues? Want to win money? Now’s your opportunity on Friday, April 28th! Join the competition show that will put your monologue skills to the test! Learn more here.

Brian Posehn

Does Brian Posehn look familiar to you? Probably because he’s been featured on hit shows such as Mr. Show and The Big Bang Theory! Be sure to see Brian Posehn perform at Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Friday, April 28th. Get your tickets here!

Check out our other comedy shows here!

Films

Discover old and new favorites at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas this month!

Dream Demon

As part of our First Saturday Horror Series on Saturday, April 1st, we will be showing Dream Demon. This terrific blend of psychological horror and late-1980s practical gore SFX has at long last been stirred from its slumber and given a new Director’s Cut by Arrow Video. Get your tickets here!

Drunken Angel (75th Anniversary)

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of this Akira Kurosawa classic on Monday, April 3rd. Get your tickets here! This film will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.

This is my Son, This is my Daughter

Presented in partnership with Easton Opioid Awareness Task Force, on Tuesday, April 4th, this documentary detailing the devastating effects of opioid abuse illustrates the impact of addiction right here in the Lehigh Valley.

PLEASE NOTE: This film features occasional vulgar language and graphic descriptions of true events. Get your tickets here.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch

On Thursday, April 6th, as part of our LGBTQ+ Film Series, we will be showing Hedwig And The Angry Inch. In this trail blazing musical, writer-director-star John Cameron Mitchell and composer-lyricist Stephen Trask brought their signature creation from stage to screen. Get your tickets here!

The Fly Fishing Film Tour

On Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th, gear up for trout season and transport yourself to some of the most exotic angling destinations as the preeminent exhibition returns for the 8th year. Get your tickets here!

Coldplay – Music Of The Spheres: Live At River Plate

Don’t miss your chance to share what has been called “the greatest live music show” on Wednesday, April 19th and Sunday, April 23rd. This joyful experience with Coldplay includes a special behind-the-scenes documentary – featuring unseen interviews with the band. Get your tickets here!

Candy Planet

This family friendly screening is presented in partnership with Northampton Community College. On Saturday, April 22nd, you and your kiddos will be in for a great time at this sugar rush of an event! Get your tickets here!

The Outsiders: The Complete Novel (40th Anniversary)

On Wednesday, April 26th, catch this brand new high-definition restoration of Francis Ford Coppola’s adaption of the classic novel, The Outsiders. This screening will show an added 22 minutes of footage that includes a beginning and ending more true to the book. Get your tickets here!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Buckle up for our monthly screening of the cult classic on Friday, April 28th! This showing features a live performance from the Spaced Out Sensations shadowcast. Get your tickets here!

#IAmVanessaGuillen

On Saturday, April 29th, this documentary – directed by Andrea Patiño Contreras – is about the resilience of survivors of military sexual violence and their fight to change the system that silenced them. This screening is presented in partnership with Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving. Get your tickets here!

Grave of the Fireflies

Catch this classic anime directed by Isao Takahata as part of our Saturday Night Anime Series on Saturday, April 29th. Get your tickets here! This screening will be in Japanese with English subtitles.

33 and Me w/ Filmmaker Stephanie Gardner

Discover local filmmaker Stephanie Gardner’s upcoming project “33 and Me,” an international travel documentary television series on Sunday, April 30th.

This series follows the 33-year-old as she travels to over 33 countries around the world to meet and engage with other film directors in their thirties, to explore their lives, careers, and cultures. Get your tickets here!

Be sure to keep up with our cinema showings, as they change weekly!

Events

Drink, eat, and be merry all month long! We have something for everyone in April.

Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival

Join us for this showcase of local filmmakers on Saturday, April 1st and Sunday, April 2nd. During the GLVFF, the ArtsQuest Cinema Committee will present one winner with the Best in Show Award and a $500 cash prize. Get more information on the festival and get your tickets here.

Easter Brunch

Celebrate the holiday with us on Sunday, April 9th for some good food, drink, and music by pianist Joe Lazorik. Get more information on the menu and get your tickets here.

Spring Beer Fest

Get your suds on at our first annual Spring Beer Fest, presented in partnership with The Lehigh Valley Brewers’ Guild on Saturday, April 15th. Grab your friends and enjoy 24 brewers of the Lehigh Valley Brewers’ Guild for a day of beer sampling. Get your tickets here!

Bloody Mary Drag Trivia Brunch

Bring your appetite for drinks and trivia on Sunday, April 23rd. Hosted by Elektra Fearce St. James, patrons will enjoy a buffet style brunch with special Bloody Mary and Mimosa toppings while playing pop culture trivia with Elektra. Get your tickets here!

Art Classes

There’s no excuse to take a class (or two, or three … who’s counting) when weather is this nice!

Street Photography Workshop

Ever walk a crowded street and wish you knew how to capture a certain “can’t-be-recreated” moment? Then, sign up for this one day workshop on the basics of street photography on Saturday, April 1st. Learn more here.

Date Night Experience: Wheelthrowing

Gather your sweetheart for our Date Night Experience: Wheelthrowing on Wednesday, April 5th. Learn the basics of the pottery wheel from instructor Gabriella Gentile. Learn more here.

Yoga in the Gallery

Ommm… For three weeks starting on Thursday, April 6th, assemble the spirit of serenity. Learn more here.

Needle Felting: Turtle Portrait

At this one day workshop on Wednesday, April 19th, create your own turtle plush out of wool! This workshop is open to beginners. Learn more here.

Paint Like Bob Ross

Learn from the painting master himself! On Sunday, April 23rd, we will be following the step-by-step approach just like Bob Ross himself used on his PBS shows. By the end, you’ll have your own version of a Bob Ross original! Learn more here.

Mosaics

For six weeks starting on Tuesday, April 25th, students will learn the art of mosaics from expert Kim Hogan. Learn more here.

We update our class list weekly, so be sure to be informed here.

If you can’t decide where to start, take our latest Buzzfeed quiz to see which of our programming suits you best!

As usual, there’s a ton of fabulous programming planned for the month of April! Be sure to check out our website, as we’re always adding more events.

At ArtsQuest, our intern program is designed to help college and graduate students gain real-world skills, in addition to their degree program. This spring semester, we have a plethora of interns working with us who we’d love to introduce to you!

Cassidy Wampole, Public Relations Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest?

A:  I chose ArtsQuest because ever since I was a teenager, ArtsQuest was always there without me knowing what it was. I went to a multitude of events with family and friends, and when I got to college, I realized who was creating all these events for everyone around the community. When researching internships, I saw an opportunity to be involved with something I have had connection to since I was 15. ArtsQuest has many different events and people which is one of my favorite things about this organization; there is always room to learn new things and meet new people.

Q: What is your major?

A: I am a double major in Professional Writing and English.

Q: What school do you go to?

A: I go to Kutztown University.

Q: What is your year?

I am a senior in my last semester (sad)!

What is your favorite television show?

My favorite show is Parks and Recreation – I even have a tattoo of it!

Rianna Aucker, Public Relations Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest?

A: I applied to ArtsQuest because of how close it is, and to experience interning at a creative and fun organization.

Q: What is your major?

A: Public Relations!

Q: What school do you go to?

A: Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Q: What is your favorite concert you’ve been to?

A: Trinity of Terror Tour!

Q: What is your favorite thing about ArtsQuest?

A: I’ve always enjoyed going to MusikFest and it’s my favorite because I like to explore the historic area of Bethlehem, eat/drink, and create long-lasting memories with my parents at Musikfest.

Amanda Seemayer, Marketing/Social Media Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest?

A: I found myself drawn to an organization whose mission is to bring art, music, movies, and more to the community!

Q: What school do you go to?

I’m a Public Relations grad student at Quinnipiac University. Since Quinnipiac is based in Connecticut, I’m able to do that program online! I did my undergrad degree at DeSales University, where I was a TV/Film Production major.

Q: What is your favorite art medium?

A: Painting, since I like to work with acrylics myself! Second choice has to be filmmaking.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: It’s a toss-up between Ireland and the Outer Banks in North Carolina! Yes, I know they’re definitely two different types of destinations. But I’ve been to both, and love them equally!

Q: What is your favorite television show?

A: Hmmm… good question. I will have to go with Frasier. It’s one of the wittiest shows I’ve seen!

Rebecca Clark, Arts Administration & Education Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest?

A: I have always had a keen interest in making the arts more accessible and working on different programs that give students of all ages the opportunity to engage with the arts. I love what ArtsQuest has been doing, and wanted to be a part of it.

Q: What is your major? 

A: I go to Muhlenberg College, where I am a double major in History and Art History, with a minor in Studio Art. I am also a part of a Secondary Education Certificate program. 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of school/work? 

A: My favorite thing to do outside of school or work is to find a new coffee shop in the Lehigh Valley and try out a new caffeinated beverage!

Q: What is your favorite art medium?

Q: My favorite art medium would have to be photography. I love the excitement of getting the perfect shot and spending time editing the images. I have had experience with both digital and analog photography and love both of them.

Q: What is the best college class you’ve had so far?

A: The best college course I have taken would have to be a class called Gender and Art, where we ask the question, “What is gender?” and examine artworks to see how gender has influenced them. It was a fascinating class with interesting discussions. We looked at artworks that I have never even heard of, but have now come to know and love.

Alex Fitzgerald, Sponsorship Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest?

A: I wanted to intern at ArtsQuest because of their community driven purpose and exciting events. 

What is your major?

A: I am a Marketing Major.

Q: What school do you go to?

A: I attend Lehigh University.

What is your year?

A: I am a Senior!

Who is your dream Musikfest headliner?

My dream headliner would be The Strokes.

Nicole Aquino, Cinema Intern

Q: What made you apply to ArtsQuest? 

A: When I found the cinema programming internship at ArtsQuest, I knew I wanted to apply because I wanted an internship in film. I was excited by the description of the position. I previously worked for a non-profit organization, so when I found out about this internship, I knew I wanted to continue in organizations that provide access to education, culture, and arts.

Q: Why did you decide on your major? 

A: I decided on my major – Media Studies and Production – because growing up watching films with my parents and immersing myself in storytelling, I discovered I could turn my passions into a career. 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of school/work? 

A: Watch movies, read, and spend time with my family. 

Q: What is your favorite television show (currently running or not)? 

A: “Gilmore Girls”. It is a show that I consistently re-watch and never gets old!  

Q: What is the best college class you’ve had so far? 

A: Creative Scriptwriting at Temple University. I had previously taken a screenwriting class at Bucks County Community College, so when I transferred to Temple, I knew I wanted to take a similar formatted class. I love storytelling, and this class allowed me to write short screenplays! 

Want to be a part of the fun? We are currently accepting applications for Summer internships! Apply here!

Luck be at ArtsQuest in March! Unfortunately, there aren’t any leprechauns running around our campus ? Immerse yourself with art, music, movies, and more as the spirit of the Emerald Isle helps us transition out of winter.

From fine wine dining to fine arts, we have programming that will keep you entertained until the warm weather returns for spring!

Music

Sing along with your favorite (or soon to be fave) musical acts this month!

The Aardvarks

On Saturday March 11, come jam along with The Aardvarks, with special guest The Armadillos at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling. Be a part of it and come get down with The Aardvarks. Get your tickets here!

Tribes&Vibes Open Mic Session

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On Tuesday March 21, Tribes&Vibes returns with its second Open Mic Session – an intimate evening showcasing art from many forms. This event is not only a safe place for artists, but also a safe place for our audience to engage with fellow creatives. Learn more here!

The Feelies

The Feelies will be performing at Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Friday, March 24. Catch the band featured in films such as Married to the Mob, Something Wild, Prelude to a Kiss, The Truth About Charlie, The Squid & the Whale and Ricki and the Flash. Get your tickets here!

Kofi Baker’s Cream Faith – Performing the Music of Cream & Blind Faith

Kofi Baker is keeping the music of his father alive by this exciting rock touring outfit, playing tribute to the music of Cream and Blind Faith on Friday, March 31 at Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Be sure to be there for this experience like none other. Get your tickets here!

For more music acts, be sure to visit here!

Comedy

Laugh the month away with our usual house acts, and some special guests. Please note that these shows (with the exception of Frank Vignola) can contain strong language and adult material.

We’re Good, You’re Great

Start off the month right with We’re Good, You’re Great on Friday, March 3 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s Health Network. With over ten years performing together, Matt Candio and Evan Stutts ask the audience “what’s great?” Get your tickets here!

Improvised Murder Mystery

Obsessed with true crime? Hosts Tami Cantilina and Christy Devlin are! Join them on Saturday, March 4 in the Fowler Blast Furnace room. What better way to celebrate this unique obsession than with an hour of improvised comedy! Real premises from popular true crime shows are replaced with suggestions from the audience and new episodes. Find your tickets for this eventhere!

Pinky Patel: New Crown, Who Dhis

Catch Pinky Patel at Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling on Friday, March 10! See why over 5 million people have followed her on TikTok. Get your tickets here!

Frank Vignola and Friends: A Family Friendly Comedy Show

Meanwhile on Friday, March 10 at the Visitor’s Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network, see Frank Vignola and Friends LIVE! This is a family friendly stand-up comedy show with a theme. To date, themes have included addiction, parenthood, sports allegiances and social commentary. Reserve your spot at the show here!

A Golden Girls Drag Show: What a Web We Weave…

Thank you for being a friend this March! Our favorite Girls are back for three shows this month!! A Golden Girls Drag Show: What A Web We Weave… is a staged reading of Season 5’s “Triple Play” and Season 3’s “My Brother, My Father”. Don’t miss out!

Click here for Thursday, March 23 tickets. Click here for Friday, March 24 tickets. Click here for Saturday, March 25 tickets.

For more comedy shows, be sure to visit here!

Films

This time of year is a busy one for the film industry, and this is no exception at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. We’ve got a month packed with our weekly repertoire, and some special screenings.

George A. Romero Double Feature

On Saturday, March 4, as part of our First Saturday Horror Series, we have a special double screening of director George A. Romero’s cult classics. First, there will be a showing of the once thought to be lost film, The Amusement Park.

Following The Amusement Park will be a screening of The Crazies. Two shows for the price of one! Get your tickets here!

Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro)

On Wednesday March 8, as part of our Cinema Significa… series, we have Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro). Don’t miss this Academy Award and Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or winner. Get your tickets here! This screening will be in Portuguese with English subtitles.

The Lunchbox

Presented in partnership with the Indian American Association of the Lehigh Valley, on Saturday, March 18, we will be screening The Lunchbox, from director Ritesh Batra. Get your tickets here! This screening will be in Hindi with English subtitles.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Bring your sweet tooth for a free screening of 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! This screening on Wednesday, March 22 is presented in partnership with Northampton Community College. After the film, NCC will host a talk back panel featuring NCC film faculty and candy artisans. Get your tickets here!

Angel’s Egg

Part of our Saturday Night Anime Series, we will be showing Angel’s Egg, directed by Mamoru Oshii. This screening will occur on Saturday, March 25. Get your tickets here! This film will be in Japanese, with English subtitles.

Carole King: Home Again Live in Central Park

On Sunday, March 26, feel the earth move under your feet with this brand new concert documentary! Carole King: Home Again Live in Central Park presents the musical icon’s triumphant May 26, 1973 homecoming concert on The Great Lawn of New York City’s Central Park before an estimated audience of 100,000. Get your tickets here!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Be a part of our monthly showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, March 31. These screenings will feature a live performance from the Spaced Out Sensations shadowcast. Get your tickets here!

Be sure to keep yourself updated with all the films playing at our cinemas, as this changes every week. Click here to see all current screenings!

Classes

Continue (or start up!) a new hobby this month. The Banana Factory has a variety of selections in March to choose from.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

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In today’s day and age, learning skills in Photoshop can be very helpful! With this four week class, students will cover all bases around the in-program basics. This class is geared towards photographers new to Photoshop and to those looking for a good introduction to the software. The course begins Thursday, March 2 and students can sign up here!

13th Annual Hope & Healing Juried Art Show

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This art show is the signature project of Healing Through The Arts (HTTA.org) with the mission: Where those who are healing find strength, hope, and inspiration through the arts.  The exhibit will be running from March 11 through April 23. Learn more about it here!

Silversmithing Studio

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Starting on Saturday, March 11, learn the art of making silver jewelry! With instructor Erica Gramp, learn to use exciting tools, including the jeweler’s torch and saw to make your own one of a kind jewelry! Sign up here!

Paint Like Bob Ross

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Don’t be afraid to make some happy little accidents at this one day workshop on Sunday, March 12. This class follows a step-by-step approach leaving you with a completed Bob Ross design in just a few hours! Sign up here!

Date Night Experience: Matching Mugs

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Grab your sweetheart (or your friend, or whoever!) and make your very own matching mugs on Monday, March 13! At this one-day workshop couples will be given clay with instruction to create slab built mugs for themselves, or each other. Pieces can be picked up at a later date as bisque-ware or brought to a glaze day offered by the instructor after the first firing. Sign up here!

Beginning Glass Fusing – Organic Burnout

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At this one-day workshop on Saturday, March 18, bring your favorite leaf or evergreen branch to preserve in glass forever! Sign up here!

Art of Transformation

For five weeks, starting on Saturday, March 18, discover the Art of Transformation! In this class we activate that power through a holistic approach of mind, body, spirit connection. You’ll be introduced to a wide range of creative tools and techniques to discover the insights, inspiration and inner flame waiting for you. Sign up here!

Date Night Experience: Wheelthrowing

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Grab your favorite person (again) for another Date Night Experience this month! On Friday, March 24, we’re giving the pottery wheel a spin! Students will be given clay and basic instruction on how to throw on the wheel. This workshop is just a sample of what students can expect from a long term pottery wheel class. Sign up here!

To keep up with all the happenings at The Banana Factory, visit here!

Special Events

At ArtsQuest, there’s always a reason to say “cheers”! We have two special events happening in March.

Sláinte

Did you know that “Sláinte” is an Irish way of saying “cheers”? From March 16-18, we’re celebrating all things around Irish & Celtic culture, right here in the Lehigh Valley.

At Sláinte, there will be plenty of activities to fill out your weekend. Enjoy a four-course meal at The McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub Whiskey and Food Pairing, with Neville Gardner of Red Stag Pub & Donegal Square.

There will be options to include the Guinness Tasting add-on to your ticket, and an Irish Whiskey Tasting (21+) event! Also, be sure to support the incredible Youth Fiddle Competition.

For all things Sláinte, click here!

The French Wine Dinner

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Produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, bring your appetite for fine foods and even finer wine on Thursday, March 30. This will be a 21+ event. For information on the menu, and to buy tickets, click here.

Exciting things happen all month on our campus! Be sure to keep up with all of our events this month (and beyond) here.