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.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES VEGAN POP-UP MARKET

Vegan vendors will set up shop at SteelStacks Oct. 23

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to partner with Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley to present Mercy Vegan Pop-Up Market on Sunday Oct. 23. The Pop-Up Market will take place on the Air Products Town Square at the SteelStacks campus from noon until 4 p.m. Tickets, for ArtsQuest members $5 and $8 for the general public, are now on sale at Steelstacks.org

Enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the SteelStacks campus with vegan eats and crafts on the Air Products Town Square. Vendors setting up shop from noon until 4 p.m., include, but are not limited to:

• Bake-A-Re (homemade artisan cookies and bread)
• Binne and Clode (candles and oil diffusers)
• Butterhead Kitchen (vegan meats and cheeses)
• For the Animals Inspired Creations (handmade crafts/jewelry)
• How is this Vegan! (vegan meals)
• Jenny’s Kuali (Malaysian cuisine, sauces, and cookbooks)

In addition to tasty treats, caricature artist, Alex Clare of Alexander the Art will be at the family-friendly Pop-Up Market. Also, part of that afternoon’s festivities is the Pup Parade and Costume Contest. Patrons can bring their dog to strut through the market and potentially win prizes for cutest, spookiest and/or best owner/pup duo costume, among other categories. Prizes will include ArtsQuest tickets and merch. Registration for the Pup Parade and Costume Contest is $15 for ArtsQuest members or $19 for the general public. Pup registration fee includes admission.

For a complete list of vendors visit steelstacks.org

ARTSQUEST HOSTS SHOWS FULL OF LAUGHS

Improv, Sketch and Stand-up shows scheduled this Fall

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Looking for fresh ideas for a night on the town? Join us as ArtsQuest presents a variety of side-splitting comedy shows. Dehydrated Meatballs & Greg will perform during a run of shows starting Sept. 22.  On Oct. 21 We’re Good, You’re Great will perform followed by Synced Up on Oct. 22. On Nov. 4 Pigeon City will fly in to entertain crowds and on Jan. 21 Damon Sumner will take the stage for his stand-up show. Tickets to these shows are now on sale at steelstacks.org.

From Thursday Sept. 22 until Thursday Dec. 1, ArtsQuest’s own resident comedy teams, Dehydrated Meatballs & Greg, will bring their high-energy improv show to the SteelStacks campus for its six-show run in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema in the ArtsQuest Center. The performers on these two teams are largely graduates of the ArtsQuest Comedy Curriculum and were placed on these teams after successful auditions. Tickets for the upcoming shows are $8. 

On Friday Oct. 21, the quick-witted and fully improvised show We’re Good, You’re Great, featuring 15-year comedy vets Matt Candio and Evan Stutts, will be hosted in the Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Tickets range from $8.50 to $10.

On Saturday Oct. 22, improv show Synced Up, featuring Cindy Marsh, Erica Sylvester, Sam Beedle, Tami Cantilina and Addyson Teal, will be hosted in the Visitor Center. Synced Up has been performing in the Lehigh Valley since 2017. Tickets range from $8.50 to $10.

Friday Nov. 4 Pigeon City will perform in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center. The sketch comedy collective returns for their third show with a brand-new hour of live and video scripted comedy. Pigeon City features writer/directors J.J. Ellis, Roya Hamadani and Jiah Peck.  Ellis has participated in “Sketchlehem”, “Lexington Compost”, and “Booger Sugar”.  He has performed in numerous locations, including the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Hamadani is a stand-up comedian and writer, co-writer of “Sketchlehem,” and founding member of Pigeon City. She has performed in Musikfest’s own ComedyPlatz. Peck is a Bethlehem-based filmmaker who regularly produces live comedy and is a founding member of the Pigeon City Sketch Comedy Collective. Tickets range from $12.50 to $15.

January 21, Damon Sumner will perform on the Visitor Center stage. Sumner delivers hilarious stories about his upbringing and witty observations of everyday life. Getting his stand-up start in Atlanta, he has shared the stage with headliners like Iliza Shlesinger, Todd Glass, Atsuko Okatsuka and many more. His album I Know Who I Am debut at #1 in the US and #2 globally on the iTunes charts. He can be seen on The Weather Channels’ “Weather Gone Viral”, Standup Nashville. Sumner co-hosts a relationship podcast with his wife, “Sum it up with The Sumners”. Tickets range from $13.50 to $16.

DRY HUMOR: STAND UP FOR RECOVERY RETURNS TO ARTSQUEST

Jessica Kirson will headline the annual comic event

BETHLEHEM, Pa.—  ArtsQuest is proud to announce comedian Jessica Kirson will headline the annual event presented by Liz Russo, Dry Humor: Standup for Recovery in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Tickets are now on sale for ArtsQuest Members and at 10 a.m. and will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 for the general public on steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

The annual event presented and hosted by Lehigh Valley residing comedian Liz Russo, returns to celebrate Russo’s 12^th year of sobriety. In addition to hosting the evening the three-time winner of Best Comic of the Lehigh Valley by Lehigh Valley Style, will share her own inspiring and self-deprecating stories along with her tails of triumph. Russo has performed in comedy clubs and festivals across the country opening for Colin Quinn, Gilbert Gottfried, Jim Norton and Lisa Lampanelli.

This year’s headliner Jessica Kirson is one of the most recognizable female standup comics to date. The hilariously relatable performer will charm the audience with her vulnerability, silliness and ridiculous characters. Kirson produced FX’s documentary Hysterical and has been featured on numerous television shows including HBO’s “Crashing”, “Kevin Can Wait” and the full late night TV circuit from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon. Her own Comedy Central special Talking To Myself has received rave reviews. Her latest work, prank call album recorded during the height of the pandemic, The Call Girls, was released in 2021. Kirson can be found on her podcasts Disgusting Hawk and Relatively Sane where she has interviewed comic icons Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan and Rosie O’Donnell. She was awarded “Best Female Comic” by the MAC association in New York and is a regular contributor to “The Howard Stern Show”.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sync Recovery Community.

NEW YEAR, NEW SHOWS

SteelStacks campus kicks off 2023 with an impressive list of live performances

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to ring in 2023 with classic rock in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. KASHMIR, EagleMania, Damn the Torpedoes and Hollywood Nights will bring classic rock generation hits to life in the Café. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 20. Tickets for the public will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

KASHMIR, The Live Led Zeppelin Show will bring the ultimate Zeppelin experience to life in the Café on Friday, Jan. 13. Created in 2000 by vocalist Jean Violet, this group has grown to become the top tribute band sharing electromagnetic vibes and raw energy. KASHMIR’s performances have led to audiences across the country turning out to see the band again and again.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, join us and find out why EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute has a reputation of being the best in the country. This group is dedicated to a faithfully reproduced Eagles show like no other. From the greatest hits to solo works by Don Henley, Glen Frey and Joe Walks, this band has it all.

Need more Tom Petty in your life? Join us on Friday, Jan. 27for the popular Damn the Torpedoes- A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty’s signature riffs, harmonies and musical foundation is on full display mixed with spontaneous fresh twists sure to leave audiences smiling, dancing and nostalgic.

The 9-piece New Jersey powerhouse group, Hollywood Nights – The Bob Seger Experience will bring the rock and roll to the Café on Saturday, Jan. 28. Recreating the iconic songs of Seger, this group recreates every detail right down to the baby grand piano. Covering all the hits and deep cuts of Seger’s 30-year career, this is a show fans will not want to miss.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES YEAR END ENTERTAINMENT

Join ArtsQuest for live performances from Pam Tills and more

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce a variety of live musical performances will be hosted in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Tuesday Sept. 20. Tickets for the public will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Gather friends and family for Thanksgiving Eve and join us at the second annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam presented by The Groove Merchants and Trouble City all-Starts on Wednesday Nov. 23. The evening will be hosted by Kirk Griffiths and feature the best in Lehigh Valley art, music, and comedy. The night will encompass everything from a jazz cocktail hour with art, performances and collaborations by some of your favorite local bands. Performances by Clayton Reilly, Rich Jefferys and the Cosmic Ark, Trouble City All-Stars and The Groove Merchants will take place throughout the evening.  

On Sunday, Dec. 11, Soultown to Motown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers Holiday Show will bring its harmonies, horns and energy to the Musikfest Café stage. The 11-man vocal focused soul group has been performing for 25 years along side the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Little Anthony and the Imperials, John Cafferty and Stevie Wonder.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14 Grammy and CMA award winner singer/songwriter Pam Tills will bring her show Belles & Bows-Country Hits & Christmas Favorites to the Musikfest Café. Tillis started her music career in Nashville Tennessee joining her father Mel Tillis on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at 8-years-old. She went on to take piano lessons and taught herself guitar by the age of 12. She has released 14 albums since her debut album Above and Beyond the Doll of Cutey in 1983. Tillis is known for hits “All the Good Ones Are Gone”, “Same Old Train”, “Cleopatra, Queen of Denial”, and “Don’t Tell Me What to Do.”

The David Bromberg Quintet will perform in the Musikfest Café on Sunday, Dec. 18. American multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, Bromberg’s talents range from Bluegrass to County to rock and roll and of course the Blues. Since his debut album featuring songs co-written by George Harrison and Bob Dylan on harmonica, Bromberg has released 19 albums. His latest work, Big Road is a collection of a dozen songs in various styles and instruments. Bromberg is best known for songs “The Holdup”, Mr. Bojangles”, “Will Not Be Your Fool” and “The Joke’s on Me”.  

ARTSQUEST PIEROGIPALOOZA RETURNS TO OKTOBERFEST

Back by popular demand, Pierogipalooza returns to SteelStacks campus

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After its sold out debut at 2021’s Oktoberfest, Pierogipalooza  returns! On Saturdays Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 from 2 – 6 p.m. the Palooza will take place throughout the SteelStacks campus. During this potato-filled comfort food experience, attendees will be able to sample six pierogi creations. Passports are now on sale and can be purchased for $22 in advance on steelstacks.org or $29 the day of event, while supplies last.

With passports in hand, foodies will enjoy their choice of six pierogis including apple pie, pork and sauerkraut, stuffed mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, halupki (stuffed cabbage) and dill pickle. Pierogi stations will be located throughout the ArtsQuest Center, the Levitt Pavilion and the Mack Truck Stop. Grab your passports in advance – they are guaranteed to sell out fast!

Tickets for Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild are still on sale. This year’s Village features a diverse array of German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, and limited-edition seasonal offerings all hand-crafted by Pennsylvania’s award-winning craft breweries. Brewers will be on hand to discuss all things Ale. VIP tickets are available for this event and include early entry and first-dibbs on limited edition Yuengling Cask and exclusive merchandise. For a full list of breweries visit website BrewersVillage.

Pierogipalooza is part of ArtsQuest’s Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The festival, now in its 12^th year, features brews, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog races, Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniels and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship. Visit steelstacks.org/Oktoberfest for more information.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES CALIFORNIA WINE THEMED DINNER

Popular wine/food pairing series, produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, returns November 10, with Cruise the California Coast

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest and partner Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain invite you to the  next installment in its dining series centered around rare wines and gourmet food pairings from around the world. This dinner will center on the sunshine state with Cruise the California Coast at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday Nov. 10. The evening features a delectable four-course dinner created and prepared by ArtsQuest’s culinary partners Levy Restaurants. Tickets are now available on steelstacks.org for $99, which includes wine, food and server gratuity.

The culinary cruise will begin with a Mango, Avocado and Charred Poblano Ceviche on Friese with fresh Fish Selection. The first course will be paired with Field Recordings – Chenin Blanc from Paso Robles, Central Coast.

Revving up the appetite, the second course will feature Salmon Sashimi, Wasabi, Pickled Ginger and Soy all paired with Wonderwall – Pinot Noir from Edna Valley, Santa Barbara County.

The main course delivers Beet Braised Beef, Shiitake Farro Risotto, Caramelized Heirloom Carrots paired with Fableist – Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast.

No evening would be complete without a touch of sweetness. The dessert course features a Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte, Blackberry Whipped Cream, Orange Zest perfectly paired with Il Cuore – Zinfandel from North Coast, Mendocino County. 

This wine and pairing experience series is produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain. Nee brings more than two decades of beverage hospitality experience to the table. Since moving to the Lehigh Valley from New England 15 years ago, he’s worked in the beverage hospitality industry in many roles. He helped develop one of the most interesting wine programs in the area and launched a recurring wine education night that has entertained hundreds of guests. Nee has gone on to present more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events for thousands of guests.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES HOLIDAY SHOWS

From soul to sole celebrate this holiday season with a variety of music

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest invites you to join us to celebrate this holiday season with live performances in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Jonathan Butler, with special guest Grace Kelly, present Oh Holy Night on December 20. On December 22,  Jimmy and the Parrots will bring the holiday cheer with A Parrot Holiday Party. And, on December 29, the Sofa Kings will help shake off the stress of this year and help you ease into 2023. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., and for the public on Friday, Sept. 16 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, singer/songwriter and guitar player Jonathan Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. At very young age his father presented him with a homemade one-string guitar. At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder and was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and won the South African equivalent to a Grammy. His self-titled debut album, Jonathan Butler, received two Grammy nominations for the pop hit “Lies” an instrumental “Going Home”.  In spite of all the hardships, Jonathan Butler has an air of playfulness and quiet resilience that is easily visible in his passionate performances.

Grace Kelly is an unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer, and bandleader. She has rocked the jazz world with 13 acclaimed albums, performed at Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009, as a featured soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, and as part of the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – all before reaching her mid-twenties. She has won multiple ASCAP Composer Awards, Boston Music Awards and International Songwriting Awards. Grace’s latest album All That I Need, was inspired by the words of incredible women who embody great courage and resilience. The album is a deeply personal collection of songs with anthemic beats, upbeat grooves, and soulful melodies and lyrics.

On Thursday, Dec. 22, enjoy an island get-away without ever leaving the Lehigh Valley. Jimmy and the Parrots– A Parrot Holiday Party, will take you to the islands with the ultimate tribute to Jimmy Buffett. For more than 15 years, Jimmy and the Parrots have been playing to delighted crowds all over the United States as well as the Caribbean. One of the most requested Jimmy Buffett cover bands in the country, Jimmy and the Parrots perform not only all the great Buffett songs you love, they also play new and classic rock ‘n roll, as well as outstanding original songs written by lead singer/guitarist Jimmy Maraventano. Their cover songs include favorites by the Beach Boys, Zac Brown, Jerry Jeff Walker, Harry Belafonte, and Bob Marley, among many others. The band truly appeals to all ages and all musical tastes.

Start celebrating the new year early with Lehigh Valley favorite The Sofa Kings on Thursday, Dec. 29. This high energy 10-piece band from Southeastern Pennsylvania is bringing all the fun to the Lehigh and Delaware Valleys. With a combination of fine musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and an exceptional horn section, the Sofa Kings are set apart from the rest covering all genres including all forms of Dance Music, Motown, R&B, Classic Rock, and current top hits on the Billboard charts.