DECK THE STEELSTACKS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY!

Yuletide treasure, Christkindlmarkt, returns Nov. 18

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets to Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial® are now on sale! The holiday tradition returns for its 30th year for five weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 19. This year to compliment the three-decade long holiday tradition, ArtsQuest will debut The Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, an authentic ice rink constructed on the Levitt lawn from Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan. 1. Tickets for both Christkindlmarkt and Ice Rink may be purchased at Christmascity.org.

“Christmastime in the Christmas City is a magical time of year and we’re delighted to be part of the Bethlehem’s rich holiday heritage,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Through the decades, various vendors, artists, crafters and retailers have become a part of our extended family, offering one-of-a-kind items and a unique festive shopping experience. We’ve been fortunate to have such great community support and excitement surrounding the merriment of Christkindlmarkt and look forward to offering an enhanced experience with the Ice Rink at SteelStacks this holiday season.”

The German-inspired, tented Christkindlmarkt has been named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice annual competition. Come to the market to find out if you are on the Naughty or Nice with a visit to St. Nicholas. Create memories and holiday-themed crafts with the whole family at the Crayola Creativity Station. Grab a seat with the kids and watch as a chunk of ice is sculpted into shape before your very eyes. Warm up with the thrilling experience of creating your very own glass artwork at ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience or purchase the perfect handcrafted tree ornament from Germany’s premier crafter, Käthe Wohlfahr.

“Univest Financial is excited to again serve as presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt,” said Annette D. Szygiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Univest Financial. “As we excitedly return to our favorite traditions, sponsoring this annual event is a great way to bring the community together while also supporting local artisans and small businesses. Univest is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with ArtsQuest to support the arts in the Lehigh Valley.”

The seasonally constructed market is known for its unique holiday shopping experience where the perfect present awaits. Buy the unique gift that mom always wanted from one of the dozens of crafters, artisans and retailers. Enjoy the Season’s Eating with warm strudel, German bratwurst, apple dumplings and piping hot poutine.

Keep the day filled with holiday spirits with a delicious Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter from Frosty’ s Pour Bar, a glass of local red from Franklin Hill Vineyards, a taste of rustic Apple Jack from Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, a Sasquatch cocktail from Social Still or chilled chardonnay from Vynecrest to inspire your shopping spree!

The market will be open Friday – Sunday the first two weeks (Nov. 18 – 20, 25-27) and then Thursday – Sunday the last three weeks (Dec. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18). Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Ice Rink at SteelStacks opens Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan.1 and will feature fresh ice maintained throughout the day to deliver an outdoor skating experience like no other across the Lehigh Valley. To purchase tickets to The Ice Rink at SteelStacks visit ChristmasCity.org.

PROST!

Food, fun and brews at the heart of ArtsQuest’s fall favorite

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The fall skies might have been fickle during opening weekend, but ArtsQuest’s 12^th annual Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), welcomed nearly 40,000 people who eagerly donned lederhosen and imbibed hops throughout both October weekends. Along with food, fun and brews, the annual festival hosted a variety of local businesses, performers, and vendors at the SteelStacks campus.

“We’re always eager to host this area favorite,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer of ArtsQuest. “Our annual Oktoberfest continues to grow because of our great corporate and community partnerships. It’s the dedication and work we do collectively that ensures people of all ages have a great time enjoying this popular festival and sharing this celebration of our German heritage.”

During the course of the outdoor festival, attendees enjoyed multiple October themed beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Logyard, Victory and Troegs, as well as hand-brewed creations in the Brewer’s Village featuring a plethora of craft IPAs, ales and lagers. Unique retailers and crafters set up shop at the German dubbed crafters village — Künstler Markt.

Hungry festival goers enjoyed fare favorites from over a half dozen vendors including Karl Ehmer’s Smoked Meats, Heaven on a Bun, Heidi’s Strudel, and newcomers Bacon on a Stick. According to food and beverage vendors, sales were up from 2021 despite the first weekend’s chilly overcast weather.

For Jeff Terleski, owner of Island Expression/Heidi’s Strudel, Oktoberfest went great. “ArtsQuest is a great organization to partner with,” said Terleski. “The event is growing every year, there is so much to do with all the different games and entertainment.” Terleski said his most popular items this year were the warm strudel, hand-twisted pretzels and the newest addition – Papa Sarges Homemade Pierogies. “The pierogies were a huge hit,” Terleski said.

Oktoberfest 2022 Highlights

ArtsQuest hosted the experiential dining experience PierogiPalooza for the second year during both Saturdays of the festival. Attendees purchased passports and sampled their choice of six pierogi creations at different locations in the ArtsQuest Center.

This year’s Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship produced in partnership with the U.S. Steinholding Association and presented by Samuel Adams, culminated with Jillian Matthews of Bangor and Samuel Raup of Bethlehem winning the Sunday finals, each earning a spot in the National Steinholding Championship.

In the Oktoberfest Arena PNC Plaza, 135 four-legged racers competed in the much-loved dachshund races during the festival. The Hasselhoff-off contest returned, with competitors stepping out in their best Hasselhoff duds.

The ever-entertaining Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniel’s returned this year. So widely-popular, it was moved from the arena to the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling on both Saturday nights. Other activities included axe-throwing, Karaoke with Royal and the Kong Pong Tourney presented by Yuengling.

Live musical performances occurred in the festivals Biergartens, Arena and the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The Wonton Soups opened this year’s Oktoberfest while John Stevens Polka Band, The Beautiful Distortion, Melody Cruz, Big Bone Daddy, Acoustic Kitty Project, Regina Sayles and The BriTles brought nonstop entertainment throughout Oktoberfest.

ALL SEASON SUNFLOWER ON DISPLAY AT STEELSTACKS

SunFlower sculpture artist Alyssa Imes will host in-person talk Sunday  

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— You can now enjoy a touch of summer all year long at the SteelStacks campus thanks to a recent installation of Sculpture Artist Alyssa Imes’s newest work SunFlower at the Visitor Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. During the Steel Weekend, Imes will host an in-person, on-site artist talk at noon on Sunday, Oct. 16, to introduce and discuss her larger than life flora.

“ArtsQuest is thrilled to launch this annual sculpture program to celebrate the Steel Weekend and Steelworkers Reunion event,” Lisa Harms, ArtsQuest’s Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education said. “Public art projects like these give us the opportunity to offer powerful visual experiences in our community that are accessible to everyone. Imes’ SunFlower uses steel in its structure, which is a nod to the site of the sculpture and the impact of steel on our local history. The fiery oranges used in her piece evokes the molten metal that was once poured from the blast furnaces, which now stand as a dramatic backdrop to the SteelStacks campus. The sculpture emits a powerful energy that creates an interesting contrast to the industrial landscape. We are excited for the public to see this work of art in person.”

At the October 16 on-site artist talk, Imes will discuss her creative process in creating the more than four-foot-tall mixed media flower. According to Imes, SunFlower was created during the darkest time of Covid Pandemic. The bright colors bloom and explode while the petal-like shape form to create a giant loom for knit fabric planes of color. Imes was selected out of six artist submissions from across the country who applied for the Sculpture at SteelStacks exhibition. SunFlower is the latest installation in exhibition series. The first sculpture, Optic Wall by Emil Lukas, was installed on site from 2017-2021.

Each year ArtsQuest and the Steel Weekend Arts Sub-Committee send out a national call to experienced professional sculptors, students and emerging artists who were invited to submit their work for the annual Sculpture at SteelStacks exhibition. The outdoor display is featured at the entrance of the former site of Bethlehem Steel, where the work will be visible to over a million people annually. The annual program includes educational and community outreach events such as artist talks, public art walking tour and an artist-led knitting loom that will be hosted in spring of 2023.

Artist Bio – Alyssa Imes grew up in Emmitsburg, Maryland and currently lives in Knoxville, MD. She received her undergraduate degree from Shepherd University in 2018. During her time in undergrad, she used mediums of knitted fibers and communal cast iron. She graduated with her MFA from University of Maryland in May 2022. She has a small cast iron furnace named Phil-US she has used for more than 10 pours at various universities, museums and historical sites. Currently her work has transitioned from heavy iron work to light fiber works. Through the years of her art practice, her work reflects on ideas of growth after trauma and inspired by the connections she makes with people.

For more information on Steel Weekend and Steelworkers Reunion weekend visit: https://www.nmih.org

For a full schedule of current and upcoming Art Exhibitions visit:  https://www.bananafactory.org.

GRAB A SEAT FOR STAND-UP

ArtsQuest to host three comics on the Visitor Center Stage

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Weekends are about to get a whole lot funnier! Three hilarious stand-up comics, Tyler Rothrock, Chanel Ali and Blake Wexler will bring their talents to ArtsQuest’s  Visitor Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network on November 19, December 16 and December 17. Tickets for each show are now on sale: $14.50 for ArtsQuest Members, $15 for seniors and 25 and under, $16 for general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

On Saturday, Nov. 19 Nazareth native Tyler Rothrock will bring his new show “It’s Great to be Here” to the Visitor Center for two shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Rothrock released his debut album, recorded at the SteelStacks campus, “Tyler of Nazareth” in 2017, and has performed in the New York Comedy Festival, opening for legendary comedians Dave Attell, Roy Wood Jr., Kyle Kinane and Michael Che. Rothrock is a co-founder of Musikfest’s own ComedyPlatz and the Night Moves podcast with Sean Preston and Lou Misiano. After 35 years of life, with more than a decade of not making it in comedy, he is eager to share the comical reasons for what changed his mind.

On Friday, Dec. 16, stand-up comedian and writer Chanel Ali will bring her commanding New York stage presence to Bethlehem, sharing her life experiences –from her time as a cast member on MTV’s Girl Code to her experience as a budding comedian on the Philadelphia circuit– with the audience. Ali has been featured on two Comedy Central sets, honored as a “New Face” in 2019 at the Just for Laughs festival, can be seen on the Starz series “Night Train” with Wyatt Cenac, having recently released an album titled “Chanel No. 1”.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, chart toping comedian Blake Wexler will take the Visitor Center stage. At 15, Wexler began his stand-up career as a high school student in Philadelphia. He continued performing in Boston while attending Emerson College, ultimately moving to Los Angeles in 2011. In addition to writing for and appearing on Comedy Central and ABC, Wexler has also been a featured performer in The Boston Comedy Festival, Seattle Comedy Competition, Laughing Skull Fest, 10000 Laughs and The Aspen Comedy Festival. Wexler can regularly be heard on The Cracked, Daily Zeitgeist and The Todd Glass Show podcasts. His critically acclaimed stand-up recordings “The Blake Album” (2016), “Stuffed Boy” (2018), “Live from The Pandemic” (2020) and “A Lifetime of Laughter” (2021) all debuted at #1 on iTunes and Amazon comedy charts. His album “12 Years of Voicemails from Todd Glass to Blake Wexler” charted on Billboard.

For a full schedule of weekend stand-up shows visit SteelStacks.org.

GOT QUESTIONS – THE LEHIGH VALLEY MEDIUM HAS ANSWERS

SteelStacks campus will host live-gallery reading October 30th

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— As the veil between the natural world and spirit world thins The Lehigh Valley Medium will bring answers from beyond to the SteelStacks campus on Halloween Eve. On Sunday, Oct. 30, the Lehigh Valley Medium experience will be hosted in the Visitor Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited. Tickets are available at steelstacks.org.

From 2-5 p.m., The Lehigh Valley Medium, Matthew Kamont, will host an intimate live gallery reading in the Visitor Center. Kamont’s readings are an experience unlike anything ever encountered before. A live reading is fun, inspirational and full of messages from loved ones that have crossed over. Spirit gives him “signs” of things that he has personally experienced in the physical world. His gift allows him to see (clairvoyant), hear (clairaudient) and feel (clairsentient) things from the other side. Loved ones are constantly sending messages to let the living know they are still with us and watching over us. These signs come in many different forms, armed with his uncanny ability to simply “know” things about others, Kamont’s job is to translate these “signs” into validations and messages.

Since a young age, when speaking with friends and family, he would begin talking about things he would have no way of knowing, from past experiences to current situations. After being informed by world-renowned Spiritual Advisor and Healer, Pat Longo, that he is a Psychic Medium, Kamont’s life changed forever. Following this encounter, he began to share his gift with others around the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. He has since traveled to multiple states to share his amazing abilities. Kamont’s modern and down to earth approach brings new life to the world of Mediumship. His kind and personal touch, paired with his hilarious personality, allows him to connect with even the biggest skeptics and show that there certainly is more to life than just the here and now.

Please note that attendance at a live event does not guarantee a reading.

Audio and video recordings are not allowed at live events, however, note taking is strongly encouraged.

ALIEN ANT FARM TO JOIN HOOBASTANK & LIT: TRIED-N-TRUE TOUR AT STEELSTACKS

Co-Headlining rock bands to perform at Musikfest Café, joined by guests Alien Ant Farm and Kris Roe

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Hoobastank & Lit: Tried-N- True Tour will be joined by Alien Ant Farm and Kris Roe of The Ataris in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tickets for this co-headlined tour are on sale for ArtsQuest Members and general public at steelstacks.org.

The California rock band, Alien Ant Farm formed in 1996 and have released five studio albums with more than 5 million sold worldwide. Musically influenced by Faith No More and Primus, AAF release their debut album Greatest Hits in 1996, wining Best Independent Album in the L.A. Music Awards. The group became a household name after the release of its cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” topping charts around the world.

Formed in 1997, the American rock band Hoobastank recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of its self-titled release, Hoobastank featuring vocalist Doug Robb with guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse and Mark Lappalainen. The 2001 album launched the band into mainstream success with platinum singles: “Crawling in The Dark”, “Running Away” and “Remember Me”. The band began touring with The All-American Rejects and Ozomatli before releasing its 2003 follow up studio album The Reason. The title track “The Reason” went platinum four times, with the album going double platinum. Over the past two decades the band has enjoyed continued success, building its fan-base and recording six studio albums.

Co-headliner and fellow California rock band, Lit is best known for hits “My Own Worst Enemy”, “Miserable”, “Zip-Lock” and “Lipstick & Bruises”. Having released six studio albums, including the certified platinum A Place in the Sun, the group features original members: lead singer Jay Popoff, guitarist Jeremy Popoff, bassist Kevin Baldes and newest member Taylor Carroll on drums. The mega-hit “My Own Worst Enemy” won a Billboard Music Award for Modern Rock Song of the Year and is one of the most recognizable rock hits of the last 20 years. In April of 2022, Lit released its newest album Tastes Like Gold with the single “Kicked Off The Plane”.

Kris Roe, singer/songwriter and guitarist for American punk rock band The Ataris, will open the show. Getting its start in the late 90s, the California group recorded five studio albums including the certified gold So Long, Astoria featuring cover song “The Boys of Summer”.

Skate Your Way into the Holidays

ArtsQuest announces tickets are now available for its authentically-surfaced ice rink on the SteelStacks campus

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest has announced that tickets to its newest holiday tradition –The Ice Rink at Steelstacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital  – are now on sale. Located at the base of the blast furnaces on the SteelStacks campus, the authentic outdoor rink will be open daily, including holidays, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

“Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Ice Rink at SteelStacks for the 2022 year,” Richard Levy, Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs, Lehigh Valley Health Network said. “As the region’s only children’s hospital, we are dedicated to keeping the kids in our community out on the ice and helping them get back on it if they ever need care.”

In partnership with Rink Management Services Corporation, The Ice Rink at SteelStacks will feature fresh ice maintained throughout the day to deliver an outdoor skating experience like no other across the Lehigh Valley. This new attraction will complement ArtsQuest’s beloved Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, presented by Univest Financial®, which will return for its 30^th year beginning Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

“The Ice Rink at SteelStacks is the ideal addition to our campus during the holiday season,” said Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming at ArtsQuest. “There will be music-based theme nights, mascot skating, and beautiful decorations that will serve as the backdrop to a whole new batch of great memories made next to the blast furnaces.”

Individual passes are available for $9, with skate rentals $6; children 13 and younger are $7 for admission, $6 for rental. The cost is $6 admission and $6 skate rental for ArtsQuest members.

For group inquiries, contact Groups@artsquest.org For corporate and community sponsorship opportunities, contact sponsorship@artsquest.org. More information will be announced throughout the year and the full calendar of events will be posted on ChristmasCity.org/Skate.