ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES UPCOMING COMEDY SHOWS

A variety of comedic shows will be hosted June and July at SteelStacks campus

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to announce newly scheduled comedy shows in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (FBAC) and Visitors Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network through the months of June and July. Tickets for these shows are available for both ArtsQuest members and the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

These shows will contain adult language and/or situations and those under 18 will not be admitted without an adult. Children 12 and under are not permitted.      

Base Reality (May 5 to July 28, 9:15 p.m.) Base Reality is an enthusiastic improv team and SteelStacks’ resident comedy act that will be showing every other Thursday. Comedians from the Lehigh Valley and beyond will also be featured in this show.

Out of Towners: A Standup Showcase (June 10, 9:15 p.m.) Comedians from out of town come to SteelStacks to represent their hometowns. The show is hosted by Pennsylvania-based comedian Kirk Griffiths, co-host of the popular podcast, Proper Ebonicswith Kirk and Alan. Griffiths has also previously performed at Musikfest’s Lehigh Valley with Love Comedy Platz.       

Improv Mash Up: Chucho and Synced Up (June 24, 9:30 p.m.) The two comedy groups, Chucho and Synced Up, will unite for a comedic improvisation show. Chucho is an all-Latinx Indie group that has performed throughout New York City. Synced Up is a comedy ensemble who has performed at SteelStacks since 2017 and uses storytelling to enhance the comedic experience.  

Chucho (June 25, 7 p.m,) Chucho is an all-Latinx group trained at Magnet Theater, Dojo Comedy and Theater 99 etc., that performs all over New York City. The crew’s mission is to bring diversity to the world of comedy and values performing together as a family.

Fart! The Game Show (July 2, 9:15 p.m.)  Join ArtsQuest’s own Jon Lunger as he puts a panel of comedians to the test in this game show filled with laughs and flatulence. Lunger is a Pennsylvania-based comedian, improvisor, podcast host and writer with his most recent show being featured at SteelStacks campus, “You’ve Died of Dysentery: An Improved Oregon Trail Experience.”                    

The Sequel Show (July 16, 9:15 p.m.) is directed by Anthony DeSanctis and is described as a “film-centric improv” comedy show creating post-credit scenes and sequels from cinema’s most notorious movies. DeSanctis’s film The Alley won Best Film at the Front House “Philm” Fest in Philadelphia in 2014. He has performed with improv groups “The Associated Mess” and “The Improv Comedy Power Hour.”

ARTSQUEST CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH WITH LGBTQ+ FILM SERIES

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will host free weekly screenings in June 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce four feature film screenings for its LGBTQ+ Film Series this June in honor of Pride Month. The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) will screen a feature every week at 7 p.m. starting June 7, 14, 21 and 28.Tickets are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at (610) 332 – 3378.  For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.  

Pride (Tues., June 7) is based on the true story of gay and lesbian activists who show support for miners in the 1984 British miners’ strike. Highlighting the struggles and resistance between the two communities as they work to overcome differences and achieve a common goal. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the film was presented as part of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and won the Queer Palm Award for best LGBTQ+ related film. Prior to the screening special guest Dina Hall will perform. Hall is a singer/songwriter activist rooted in Bethlehem. Over the past two decades, Hall has performed at PRIDE across the entire northeast region. Hall is a leader in the music community striving to create increased opportunities for women in the industry.  

Pier Kids (Tues., June 14) is a documentary directed by Elegance Bratton on the lives of Krystal Dixon, Desean Irby and Jusheem Thorne. On the New York City Christopher Street Pier, Bratton shows the experiences of discrimination and abuse endured by trans and queer people of color who seek autonomy, friendship and a sense of family. The documentary is nominated for a 2022 GLADD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary.  

Shiva Baby (Tues., June 21), centers on college student Danielle’s attendance of her family’s gathering of close friends and family in the traditional Jewish period of mourning known as Shiva. Things become awkward when Danielle discovers her ex-girlfriend and current sugar daddy are both at the Shiva. Shiva Baby is directed by Emma Seligman and is nominated for a GLADD Media Award for Outstanding Film.  

A Night with Curt McDowell (Tues., June 28) Curt McDowell was an artistic director, actor, and writer known for his works including ‘Wieners and Buns Musical’ and ‘Loads’ that celebrate sexual liberation and step out of the box in terms of genre. McDowell died at age 42 from AIDS on June 3, 1987, in San Francisco, California. This film contains adult themes and content and may not be suitable for children under 18. 

DISTRUBED TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

The Grammy nominated heavy metal band will rock The Wind Creek Steel Stage Wed., Aug 10

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce triple-platinum chart topping heavy metal band, Disturbed, will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Wed., August 10. This show is sponsored by Ironton Global with media partner WZZO. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning 10 a.m., Wed., May 25 and to the general public at 10 a.m., on Fri., May 27  on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Formed in Chicago in 1994, the four-man band has released seven studio albums with five debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 a feat only accomplished by Metallica and The Dave Matthews Band. Lead by vocal powerhouse David Draiman, Disturbed, released two of their most recognizable songs “Down with the Sickness” and “Stupify” in late 90s with the band’s quadruple-platinum 2000 debut album The Sickness launching them into notoriety. In 2015 the group released a cover of “The Sound of Silence,” featured on both their studio platinum album Immortalized and Live at Red Rocks, gaining multiple award nominations including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance, and winning iHeartRadio’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2017. The group has toured extensively during its career often headlining heavy metal summer tours like “Ozzfest” and “Mayhem Festival. For its most recent album the group broke from its signature sound with the release of Evolution.  The studio recording was broken into two sections: “Ballad” and “Heavy.” The “Ballad” section included acoustic guitar, piano and even a didgeridoo for tracks like “A Reason to Fight.” Following the release, the band put a call out to its die-hard fans for help choosing the first single. “Are You Ready,” a song filled electronics and stadium filling riffs from the “heavy” side was selected for release and was well received. The group has racked in eleven number one singles and has sold over 16 million records worldwide. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Ja Rule & Ashanti,  Kip Moore, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Olga Tañón, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. This year’s ‘Fest includes a preview night on Aug. 4 with headliner Boyz II Men. The new Musikfest poster, by renowned fine artist Bart Cooper, was unveiled in Nov. Visit musikfest.org for more information. Overall, an estimated 1,127,000 people attended Musikfest in 2021 and the 11-day festival had an estimated $67 million impact on the Lehigh Valley Region of Pennsylvania. 

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW WORLD WINE CENTRIC DINNER

The wine and food pairing series, produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, will return with a New World Wine Dinner on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to offer the second installment in its dining series centered around rare wines and gourmet food pairings from around the world. This series, produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, will offer “New World” wines from both Australia and New Zealand, perfectly paired with four-courses of delectable creations from ArtsQuest’s culinary partners Levy Restaurants. The dinner will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. Tickets can be purchased now on steelstacks.org for $99, which includes wine, food and server gratuity.

To start the experience, guests will be served a haricot vert, grilled zucchini and coriander salad with manuka honey citrus vinaigrette, all paired with Schild Estate Barossa Chardonnay from Barossa Valley, Australia.

The second course – the appetizer will feature Havelock green lipped mussels in a white wine with roasted garlic and chives on grilled rewena. The wine pairing will be Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.

The main course will feature tender New Zealand Kawakawa lamb meatballs in chimichurri, kumara puree with roasted seasonal vegetables. The wine pairing for this course will be Wild & Wilder ‘The Opportunist’ Shiraz from Langhorne, Australia.

To close the evening on a sweet note, dessert will feature Feijoa Hokey Pokey ice-cream with an Anzac biscuit. Based on availability the wine pairing will be either a RL Buller Fine Premium Moscato from Victoria, Australia or Lambert Estate ‘The Chocolatier’ Tawny from Barossa Valley, Australia.

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 has 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. He has gone on to present more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events for thousands of guests.

THE ICE RINK AT STEELSTACKS TO OPEN NOVEMBER 2022

ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the addition of an authentically-surfaced ice rink on the SteelStacks campus from Thanksgiving week to New Year’s Day

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is adding a new tradition to Bethlehem’s holiday season with an authentic ice rink at the base of the blast furnaces on the SteelStacks campus. The Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, will be open daily, including holidays, beginning Tues., Nov. 22, 2022 through Sun., 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. Throughout the season the rink will be packed with events for all ages, including birthday parties, themed nights, sporting events and more. This new attraction will complement ArtsQuest’s beloved Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, presented by Univest Financial®, which will return for its 30^th year beginning Fri., Nov. 18, 2022.

“This rink will add to the magic of the seasonal activities and charm that make Bethlehem the Christmas City and a major tourism destination,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “We thank Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital for helping to make this vision a reality for the residents of the Lehigh Valley and beyond.” For group inquiries, contact Groups@artsquest.org For corporate and community sponsorship opportunities, contact sponsorship@artsquest.org. Individual passes and skate rentals will go on sale after Musikfest. More information will be announced throughout the year and the full calendar of events will be posted on ChristmasCity.org/Skate.

LA PISTA DE HIELO EN STEELSTACKS ABRIRÁ EN NOVIEMBRE DE 2022

ArtsQuest se complace en anunciar la incorporación de una auténtica pista de hielo en el campus de SteelStacks desde la semana de Acción de Gracias hasta el día de Año Nuevo

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest agregará una nueva tradición a la temporada de fiestas de Bethlehem con una auténtica pista de hielo en los altos hornos del campus de SteelStacks. La pista de hielo en SteelStacks, patrocinada por el hospital Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, estará abierta todos los días, incluidos los feriados, desde el martes, 22 de noviembre de 2022 hasta el domingo, 1 de enero de 2023.

“Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital se enorgullece de ser el patrocinador principal de la pista de hielo en SteelStacks del año 2022″, dijo Richard Levy, vicepresidente de Marketing y Relaciones Públicas de Lehigh Valley Health Network. “Como único hospital infantil de la región, nos comprometemos a mantener a los niños de nuestra comunidad sobre el hielo y a ayudarles a volver a él si alguna vez necesitan atención”.

En colaboración con Rink Management Services Corporation, la pista de hielo de SteelStacks contará con hielo fresco que se mantendrá durante todo el día para ofrecer una experiencia de patinaje al aire libre como ninguna otra en todo Lehigh Valley. Durante la temporada, la pista contará con una gran variedad de eventos para todas las edades, como fiestas de cumpleaños, noches temáticas, eventos deportivos y mucho más. Esta nueva atracción complementará el querido Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem de ArtsQuest, presentado por Univest Financial®, que volverá en su 30.º año a partir del viernes, 18 de noviembre de 2022.

“Esta pista de patinaje se sumará a la magia de las actividades estacionales y al encanto que hacen que Bethlehem, la ciudad de la Navidad sea un importante destino turístico”, dijo Kassie Hilgert, presidenta y directora general de ArtsQuest. “Agradecemos al Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital por su ayuda para hacer realidad esta visión para los residentes de Lehigh Valley y de otros lugares”. Para consultas sobre grupos, escriba a Groups@artsquest.org. Para oportunidades de patrocinio corporativo y comunitario, escriba a sponsorship@artsquest.org. Los pases individuales se pondrán a la venta después del Musikfest, al igual que el alquiler de patines. Se dará más información a lo largo del año, y el calendario completo de eventos se publicará en ChristmasCity.org/Skate.

BRETT DENNEN TO PERFORM AT MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Californian Singer-Songwriter Brett Dennen will perform Sun., July 17

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce folk/pop artist Brett Dennen will perform in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Sun., July 17 . Tickets for this show will go on sale for ArtsQuest members at 10 a.m. Thurs., May 19 and Fri., May 20 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Raised in a small California farm town, Dennen emersed himself in music, learning to play guitar and writing songs inspired by Paul Simon, Neil Young, John Denver and Joni Mitchell. In 2004 he worked on recording his first self-titled, self-released album Brett Dennen. After being signed to Daultone Records he released So Much More, including singles “Ain’t No Reason,” She’s Mine,” and “Darlin’ Do Not Fear.” In 2008 Dennen opened for John Mayer and was named by Rolling Stone as an “Artist to Watch.” In 2018 Dennen opened for Jason Mraz at ArtsQuest’s own Musikfest. Over the course of his career his music has been featured on numerous television shows and films including According to Greta, “Parenthood,” “About a Boy,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “Live from Daryl’s House.” Since 2004 Dennen has released seven studio albums, five live albums and has worked in The Mosaic Project, a San Francisco Bay nonprofit organization since its creation.  

Tickets are now on sale for a variety of Musikfest Café shows.

Fri., June 3, ArtsQuest’s own Draggin’ With The Divas.  A drag show featuring music performed by some of our favorite Queens; Elektra Fearce St. James, Sharron Ann Husbands, Georgia Versace Couture and Shanae Morgan covering Queens of the music scene.

Fri., July 1, Melvins with opening act Helms Alee and Harsh Mellow. The experimental rock band was formed in 1983 and have released nearly 30 albums over the course of their three-decade career.

Sun., Sept. 18, Here Come the Mummies, with opening act SaxQuatch. Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000-year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind.

Fri., July 8, Yellow Brick Road- A Tribute to Elton John, with Augusta Maine, is a full concert tribute, complete with an incredible light show and sound system.

Sun., Nov. 20 The Evolution of Joni Mitchell, featuring Lauren Fox’s constructed musical journey through Joni Mitchell’s life and music with pianist and narrator Andrew Powers.

Fri., Nov. 25 and Sat., Nov. 26, Tusk – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, featuring five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac with note for note renditions that no other can come close to duplicating.              

On Thurs., Dec., 8Livingston Taylor & Karla Bonoff – Home for The Holidays featuring Karla Bonoff and Livingston Taylor’s unforgettable performance of the most loved Holiday classics including songs from Karla’s critically acclaimed Holiday album Silent Night.

For tickets to Musikfest Café’s shows up visit steelstacks.org. 

JA RULE AND ASHANTI TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

 Chart-topping Ja Rule and Grammy Award winner Ashanti will headline Musikfest on Fri., Aug. 12, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest with media partner B104 are thrilled to announce Ja Rule and Ashanti as co-headliners for the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Fri., August 12. Tickets for this chart-topping duo will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning 10 a.m., Tues., May 17 and to the general public at 10 a.m., on Fri., May 20  on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Atkins, made his debut in 1999 with his single “Holla Holla,” on the platinum-selling album Venni Vetti Vecci. He quickly topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart with hits “Between Me and You” featuring Christina Milian, “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny” both featuring Jennifer Lopez. Ja Rule joined forces with R&B singer Ashanti for songs “Always on Time,” “Mesmerize” and “Wonderful,” gaining four Grammy Award nominations and two American Music Award nominations. In 2000 he released Rule 3:36 and Pain Is Love in 2001, gaining him triple platinum status. Keeping the momentum of his success going Ja released platinum album The Last Temptation in 2002, Blood in My Eye in 2003 and R.U.L.E in 2004. Over the course of his career, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, actor and author Ashanti debuted with her self-titled album Ashanti featuring hit song “Foolish,” in 2002. Her album landed her at the top of the Billboard charts by selling 504,593 in the first week of its release. She was named to Guinness Book of World Records for the most albums sold by any debut female artist and still holds the record today. Over the course of two-decades Ashanti has recorded six studio albums, receiving an array of awards including eight Billboard Awards, a Grammy Award, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards and six ASCAP Awards. In 2005 Ashanti starred as Dorothy in “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz” followed by roles on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Army Wives,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and films such as John Tucker Must Die and Resident Evil Extinction. Dipping into the entrepreneurial pool she partnered with AMC Beauty and was the first African American to land a national campaign with Herbal Essence. She recently penned a book of poetry “Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love” set to be released this year.

Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Kip Moore, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Olga Tañón, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. This year’s ‘Fest includes a preview night on Aug. 4 with headliner Boyz II Men.

Additional announcements will be shared throughout the year. The new Musikfest poster, by renowned fine artist Bart Cooper, was unveiled in Nov. Visit musikfest.org for more information. Overall, an estimated 1,127,000 people attended Musikfest in 2021 and the 11-day festival had an estimated $67 million impact on the Lehigh Valley Region of Pennsylvania.

BRETT ELDREDGE TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS SUMMER SERIES

Country artist Brett Eldredge with opening act Lauren Alaina will take the outdoor stage on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce country artist Brett Eldredge and country star Lauren Alaina will perform on the outdoor stage for SteelStacks Summer Concert Series on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022 Tickets for this general admission show will go on sale beginning Thur., May 19 for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., May 20 to the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Country music singer/songwriter and producer Brett Eldredge broke through the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2012 with his single “Don’t Ya,” from his debut studio album, Bring you Back. He continued to top the charts with hits “Beat of the Music,” and “Mean to Me,” winning Country Music Association Award’s New Artist of the Year and BMI Country Award Song of the Year. Following his debut success, Eldredge has since released seven studio albums including Illinois, Brett Eldredge, Sunday Drive and holiday themed Glow and Mr. Christmas. His newest album, Songs About You, centers on Eldredge’s signature vocals work backed by uncluttered and understated arrangements featuring live horns. The album includes well received singles, “Songs About You,” “Holy Water” and “Want That Back.” Over his musical career Eldredge has received nine Gold and Platinum-certified singles, two Gold-certified albums and multiple CMA, ACM and CMT Music nominations and wins, and regularly fills arenas nationwide with electrifying live performances.  

Lauren Alaina will return to the SteelStacks campus to kick-off the outdoor concert featuring Brett Eldredge. The American Idol runner up turned country-pop singer/songwriter was inducted to the Grand Ole Opry in February 2022. Alaina is best known for hits “Like My Mother Does,” “Georgia Peaches,” “Eighteen Inches,” and has toured all over the country with artists including Jason Aldean, Martina McBride and Blake Shelton.

The SteelStacks Summer Concert Series includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bayside and Thrice, with opening act Anxious, Fitz and the Tantrums and St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine. Tickets are now on sale at steelstacks.org