ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES RETURN OF TACOFEST

The much-anticipated food event will feature tacos, live music, games and the first annual Chihuahua Beauty Contest

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is delighted to announce the return of TacoFest presented by Bacardi Rum on Sun., July 10. Spend the afternoon at the SteelStacks campus enjoying tacos from around the Lehigh Valley, live music, the first annual SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest, a ghost pepper bobbing contest, comedy gameshow and more. Tickets for this much anticipated full day experience are now on sale at steelstacks.org. General admission tickets are $5; Margarita Madness tickets are $49 for members or $54 for general public; Patrón Tequila Tastingtickets are $49 for members and $54 for general public. Tickets for Margarita Madness and Patrón Tequila Tasting include early entry into the festival. For select discounted rates and presale opportunities become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today.

“We are excited for the return of TacoFest to the SteelStacks campus after its blockbuster sold-out debut in 2019,” Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer said. “What better way to spend a summer afternoon than on the Levitt lawn enjoying the best tacos in the Lehigh Valley while experiencing live music, games and chihuahuas.”

General Admission begins at 1 p.m., and includes access to all the food, drinks and fun at the SteelStacks campus. Live entertainment includes a performance from Reading-based Mexican folk band Mariachi Maya Internacional, the comedy game show “Spicy Talk,” hosted by comedian Jon Lunger and featuring notable area personalities and a ghost pepper bobbing competition hosted by comedian and Brooklyn Hot Sauce Expo Ghost Pepper Bobbing Champion Aliya Brown. Guests are invited to attend the first annual SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest. To register a pint-sized K-9 for a chance to showcase their magnificence, visit steelstacks.org. General admission also includes access to the TacoFest Sensory-Friendly Zone, hosted by Accessible Festivals in the Blast Furnace Room.

Participating Lehigh Valley food favorites include The Bayou, Cool Treats, Corner Cabinet, Cubano Xpress, Fud Truck, Flying V, Geakers Tacos, Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse, La Cabinita, Latin Bites, Take a Taco and more. ArtsQuest’s Mack Truck Stop and Palette & Pour will also be serving food and mixing cocktails featuring Cazadores Tequila and Bacardi Rum. 

Margarita Madness will begin in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling at 1 p.m., where attendees will vote on up to a dozen uniquely twisted cocktails featuring Cazadores Tequila. 2019 champions, Mixology Masters of Bethlehem, will be back to defend their crown against competing restaurants from throughout the area as they all try to win the title for the best margarita in the Lehigh Valley. There will also be a complimentary tortilla chip bar stocked with guacamole, queso, salsas, and rice and beans. Tickets to Margarita Madness also include early admission to Tacofest starting at noon, and automatic entry into a special raffle in which guests can win Musikfest Wind Creek Steel Stage tickets, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema passes, Hot Glass experiences and more.

Any businesses interested in participating in Margarita Madness may contact Programming Specialist Addyson Young at ayoung@artsquest.org or (610) 332-1354.

Patrón Tequila Tasting will be hosted at 1:30 p.m., on the Wind Creek Deck at the ArtsQuest Center. Attendees will imbibe five different samples of Patrón Tequilas including Gran Patrón Piedra, an extra añejo tequila that retails for $400 a bottle. A complimentary tortilla chip bar with guacamole, salsa, queso and rice and beans will be available during the event. Tickets for the Patrón Tequila Tasting include early admission to TacoFest at noon and automatic entry into a special raffle for exclusive ArtsQuest prizes including Musikfest Wind Creek Steel Stage tickets, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema passes, Hot Glass experiences and more. 

For more information and to purchase tickets visit SteelStacks.org  

ARTSQUEST ANUNCIA EL REGRESO DEL EVENTO TACOFEST

El tan esperado evento gastronómico ofrecerá tacos, música en vivo, juegos y el primer Concurso de Belleza Anual de Chihuahuas

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest se complace en anunciar el regreso de TacoFest presentado por Ron Bacardi el domingo 10 de julio. Pase la tarde en el predio de SteelStacks disfrutando de tacos de todo Lehigh Valley, música en vivo, el primer Concurso Anual de Belleza de Chihuahuas de SteelStacks, un concurso de chile fantasma, un concurso de comedia y más. Las entradas para esta experiencia de día completo tan esperada ya están a la venta en steelstacks.org. Las entradas de admisión general cuestan $5; las entradas para Margarita Madness cuestan $49 para los socios y $54 para el público en general; las entradas para la cata Tequila Patrón Tasting cuestan $49 para los socios y $54 para el público en general. Las entradas para Margarita Madness y cata Patrón Tequila Tasting incluyen entrada anticipada al festival. Para acceder a tarifas con descuentos exclusivos y acceso a la preventa, asóciese a ArtsQuest o conviértase en un donante Circle hoy.

“Estamos emocionados por el regreso de festival TacoFest al predio de SteelStacks después de su exitoso debut de ventas en 2019”, dijo Patrick Brogan, director de Programación de ArtsQuest. “Qué mejor manera de pasar una tarde de verano que en el césped de Levitt disfrutando de los mejores tacos en Lehigh Valley mientras se disfruta de música en vivo, juegos y chihuahuas”.

El ingreso general comienza a la 1:00 p. m. e incluye acceso a toda la comida, a las bebidas y a la diversión en el predio de SteelStacks. El entretenimiento en vivo incluye el espectáculo de la banda folclórica mexicana de Reading Mariachi Maya Internacional, el programa de juegos de comedia “Spicy Talk”, presentado por el comediante Jon Lunger y con notables personalidades del área y una competencia de chile fantasma organizada por la comediante y Campeona de la competencia de Chile Fantasma de la Exposición de Salsa Picante de Brooklyn, Aliya Brown. Se invita a los asistentes a asistir al primer concurso anual de belleza de Chihuahuas de SteelStacks. Para inscribir a su perro del tamaño de una pinta y tener la oportunidad de mostrar su magnificencia, ingrese a steelstacks.org. La admisión general también incluye acceso a la Zona Sensorial de TacoFest, organizada por Accessible Festivals en Blast Furnace Room.

Los platos favoritos de Lehigh Valley incluyen The Bayou, Cool Treats, Corner Cabinet, Cubano Xpress, Fud Truck, Flying V, Geakers Tacos, Grumpy ‘s BBQ Roadhouse, La Cabinita, Latin Bites, Take a Taco, entre otros. Mack Truck Stop y Palette & Pour de ArtsQuest también servirán comida y cócteles con Tequila Cazadores y Ron Bacardí.

Margarita Madness comenzará en el Musikfest Café, presentado por Yuengling a la 1:00 p. m., donde los asistentes votarán por hasta una docena de cócteles elaborados exclusivamente con el distintivo Tequila Cazadores. Los campeones de 2019, Mixology Masters of Bethlehem, regresarán para defender su corona frente a los restaurantes competidores de toda la zona mientras todos intentan ganar el título de mejor margarita en Lehigh Valley. También habrá una barra de tortillas chip (nachos) de cortesía con guacamole, queso, salsas y arroz y frijoles. Las entradas para Margarita Madness también incluyen la entrada anticipada a TacoFest a partir del mediodía y la participación en una rifa especial en la que los huéspedes pueden ganar boletos para Musikfest Wind Creek Steel Stage, pases al cine Frank Banko Alehouse, experiencias Hot Glass y más.

Cualquier empresa interesada en participar en Margarita Madness puede comunicarse con el Especialista en Programación, Addyson Young, escribiendo a ayoung@artsquest.org o llamando al (610) 332-1354.

La cata Tequila Patrón Tasting se llevará a cabo a la 1:30 p. m., en la cubierta de Wind Creek en el Centro ArtsQuest. Los asistentes tomarán cinco muestras diferentes de Tequilas Patrón, incluido el Gran Patrón Piedra, un tequila extra añejo que se vende por $400 la botella. Una barra de tortillas chip (nachos) con guacamole, salsa, queso y arroz y frijoles estará a disposición durante el evento. Las entradas para la cata Tequila Patrón Tasting incluyen la entrada anticipada al festival TacoFest al mediodía y la participación en una rifa especial para ganar premios exclusivos de ArtsQuest, entre las que se cuentan entradas a Musikfest Wind Creek Steel Stage, pases para el cine Frank Banko Alehouse, experiencias Hot Glass y más.

Para obtener más información y comprar entradas, visite SteelStacks.org

ARTSQUEST AND EMBASSY BANK PRESENT ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION

The Memorial Day weekend will feature Hometown Heroes 2022 banner debut, remembrance ceremonies and live music

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to announce the return of the 12^th annual Memorial Day commemoration presented by Embassy Bank on Sat., May 28, to Mon., May 30, hosted with community partners, Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Mothers, Tails of Valor, Lehigh Valley Health Network Veterans Health Program and Women’s Veterans Empowered and Thriving, at SteelStacks campus. This commemorative event will feature the Hometown Heroes 2022 photo-banner, live music and remembrance ceremonies including “A Time to Remember,” and “Remember Our Heroes” luminary display honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

“The decade-long tradition of honoring those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving the United States has become an event at the SteelStacks campus that we look forward to every year,” said Embassy Bank CEO, President and Chairman Dave Lobach Jr. “We are excited to see the new additions to this year’s Hometown Heroes photo-banner debut during the Memorial Day commemoration.”

On Sat., May 28 at 3 p.m., Ed McKendry will open the weekend event on the Levitt stage. McKendry, the guitarist and vocalist from award-winning band “The Difference.” McKendry has played venues all over the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia region.

Hydraulic Lime featuring Todd Patnaude on bass, John Sekella on guitar, and Reed Thomson on drums, will follow at 5:30 p.m. The three-piece power rock trio brings the style of the Grand Funk Railroad and Budgie playing a mix of original and covers songs.

Closing Saturday night at 9 p.m., acoustic trio Rock Steady will bring their three-part vocal harmonies, covering The Little River Band, The Eagles, Boston, Gerry Rafferty and many more.

On Sun., May 29 at 3 p.m., the five-sibling group, Sing for America, will cover a variety of musical selections for audiences of all ages. Their mission to raise funds for families of active serving military through concert and theatrical performances has led them to produce full scale musical productions throughout the year. Sing for America has raised over $60,000 for military families since their inception. Visit www.SingforAmerica.com for more information on donating.

At 5:30 p.m., Acoustic Kitty Project featuring singer-songwriter Carter Lansing will perform. Influenced by the classic Carter writes “real songs about real things for real people.”       

Closing the evening at 9 p.m., Roi and the Secret People will take the stage. Renowned for their exhilarating live shows, featuring songwriter Mike Roi on lead vocals and guitar, Ed Golden on guitar, Glen Radomski on bass, Madelaine Elizabeth on vocals, violin and keys, and Pete Ciccone on drums. The group was founded by Roi to create the version of rock music he was raised with, a mix of sultry swamp, classic rock, and alternative music.

On Mon., May 30, The Swing Time Dolls will open the afternoon at 3:30 p.m., with their own takes on the classics of the Vietnam Era and modern hits. The all-female vocal group of three accomplished vocalists showcase tight and intricate harmonies that are sure to keep any listener engaged. The trio brings their theatrical flair to their performances with pin-up styled costumes and energetic choreography.

The Dolls will be followed by Stefanie Johnson at 5 p.m. The singer-songwriter’s style ranges from a soaring pop to rock with a little country timbre. In addition to the local scene, Stefanie has performed at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe and 12th & Porter, as well as the Rock and Roll of Fame. Her song “In my Shoes” was featured in the 2018 film Affairs of State and “One Life” was featured 2021’s Red Rocket. On Mon., May 30 at 3 p.m., the weekend will conclude with a memorial service featuring speakers Representative Steve Samuelson, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, Lehigh County Executive Philips Armstrong, and City of Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds, on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage with “A Time to Remember” in honor of the Lehigh Valley’s fallen soldiers from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The ceremony will be followed by a luminary display honoring those who served in the United States Armed Forces, “Remember Our Heroes” at 8 p.m.

BOYZ II MEN WILL HEADLINE 2022 MUSIKFEST PREVIEW NIGHT

Harmonizing R&B trio, Boyz II Men will kick-off Musikfest 2022 on preview night Thurs., Aug. 4

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest and media partner B104 are excited to announce Grammy and Billboard award winning trio, Boyz II Men will perform on Musikfest Preview Night. Boyz II Men will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Thurs., August 4. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning 10 a.m., Tues., May 10 and to the general public at 10 a.m., on Fri., May 13  on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

The Philadelphia- based Rhythm and Blues group Boyz II Men became an international house-hold name in the early 1990s with the release of singles “Motownphilly,”  “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and “End of the Road”. The trio featuring, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, attribute their success to smooth harmonies, soulful multi-octave vocals and timeless song and story themes. Boyz II Men holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group of all time, with over 64 million albums sold across the world.

Over the course of their 30-year career Boyz II Men have amassed an impressive arsenal of awards including four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Awards and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Since the beginning of their career they have collaborated with artists of every genre from Mariah Carrey’s duet “One Sweet Day,” to the re-imagined “Motownphilly” with country singer Brett Young and Steep Canyon Rangers’s bluegrass song, “Be Still Moses.”

The group founded the charity “Boyz II Men House” in 2018 to help support organizations that focus on improving the quality of life, unlocking human potential and contributing to the health and vitality of those less fortunate. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Kip Moore, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. 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. 

 ¡SABOR! LATIN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS JUNE 24-26

ArtsQuest is proud to announce the return of the 11^th annual free-admission ¡SABOR! Latin Festival a celebration of Latin heritage including music, food and family fun

ArtsQuest, in partnership with B. Braun Medical Inc., and media partner La Mega Radio, is excited to present the return of ¡Sabor! Latin Festival, to the SteelStacks campus on Fri., June 24 through Sun., June 26, 2022.  The free-admission family friendly celebration of Latin heritage and Hispanic culture will be hosted over the course of three days featuring music, food and fun throughout the campus. 

“¡Sabor! Festival weekend at ArtsQuest is a great place for getting on your feet to let the music move you to a Latin beat while enjoying authentic Hispanic food and culture,” Latin Programming Committee Chair Myrna Rivera said.

“The ¡Sabor! Festival offers the Lehigh Valley community the opportunity to showcase their beautiful culture via music, food and artistic expression,” Latin Programing Committee member Iris M Cintron said. “It serves as a validation of the cultural contributions that Latinos have made to the Lehigh Valley. It also demonstrates ArtsQuest’s commitment to our cultural heritage.”

Getting the celebration started on Fri., June 24, Air Products Town Square will feature a free dance party hosted by LatinaFM. The Levitt Pavilion stage will feature Nexo, a New York City Merengue trio. Folk-group Herencia Jibara displays their Puerto Rican musical roots with beautiful melodies and energetic rhythms created by exploring Caribbean, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata flavors in the night’s closing set on the Highmark Stage at Air Products Town Square. Independent Latinx improv comedy team, Chucho, will perform with ArtsQuest’s own Synced Up at 9:15 p.m., inside the Visitor Center. Chucho has performed all over New York City, at Big City Improv Fest in Toronto and featured in the past five SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festivals.

On Sat., June 25, a special flag raising ceremony will take place outside the Visitors Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network at 3 p.m., followed by Allentown’s own eight-piece salsa plena merengue group Los Pleneros de USA at the Town Square. Rounding out the lineup for the day is 11-member salsa dura group PA Mambo Orquesta. This group will tease out the dancer in everyone with their hard chagrining gritty old-school style. Hector Rosado y su Orq Hache will headline the Levitt Stage while Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta, a high-energy classic salsa group consisting of 14 talented musicians, will end the night on the Highmark Stage. Improv team Chucho will give a solo performance at 9:15 p.m., inside the Visitor Center.

Saturday night features a special performance by Charlie Cruz in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Cruz has been well received by the Puerto Rican recording industry and is considered one of the newest stars to come from the Salsa genre. Cruz got his start in 1996 when he began working as vocalist in Domingo Quiñones’ Orchestra. He made his mark on the international scene with the released of his album Imagínate in 1999.Tickets for this show are now on sale and can be purchased at steelstacks.org

On Sun., June 26, Holy Infancy will host a Mariachi Mass in the Musikfest Café in the morning. This Mass free to all those who attend.

During the weekend Latin inspired food will be served by Hogar Crea and Holy Infancy in addition to ArtsQuest’s own quick service bar and kitchen Palette & Pour and Mack Truck. Family crafts will be hosted over the course of the festival by the engaging artists of the Banana Factory.                                                           

This festival is free and open to the public. For more details and full activity line up visit SteelStacks.org.

Schedule:

Fri., June 24

Air Products Town Square 6:30 – LatinaFM

Levitt 8 p.m. – Nexo

Visitor Center 9:15 p.m. – Chucho Improv Team w/ Synced Up

Town Square 10 p.m. – Herencia Jibara

Sat., June 25

Visitor Center 3 p.m. – Flag Raising

Town Square 4 p.m. – Los Pleneros de USA

                        6 p.m. – PA Mambo Orquesta

Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling 7 p.m. – Charlie Cruz *ticketed show*

Levitt 8 p.m. – Hector Rosado y su Orquesta

Visitor Center 9:15 p.m. – Chucho Improv Team

Town Square 10 p.m. – Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta

Sun., June 26

Musifkest Café 10 a.m. – Mariachi Mass by Holy Infancy

EL “FESTIVAL LATINO ¡SABOR!” REGRESA A STEELSTACKS DEL 24 AL 26 DE JUNIO

ArtsQuest se enorgullece de anunciar la 11.º edición anual y de entrada gratuita del “Festival Latino ¡SABOR!”, una celebración de la herencia latina que incluye música, comida y diversión en familia

ArtsQuest, en colaboración con B. Braun Medical Inc., y el socio de medios La Mega Radio, se complace en presentar el regreso del Festival Latino ¡Sabor! al campus de SteelStacks desde el viernes 24 de junio hasta el domingo 26 de junio de 2022. La celebración de la herencia latina y la cultura hispana, de entrada gratuita y para disfrutar en familia, se llevará a cabo durante tres días con música, comida y diversión en todo el campus. 

“El fin de semana del festival ‘¡Sabor!’ en ArtsQuest es un gran lugar para ponerse de pie y dejar que la música lo mueva a un ritmo latino mientras disfruta de la auténtica comida y cultura hispana”, dijo la presidenta del Comité de Programación Latina, Myrna Rivera.

“El festival ‘¡Sabor!’ ofrece a la comunidad de Lehigh Valley la oportunidad de mostrar su hermosa cultura a través de la música, la comida y la expresión artística”, dijo la miembro del Comité de Programación Latina Iris M. Cintron. “Sirve como una validación de las contribuciones culturales que los latinos han hecho a Lehigh Valley. También demuestra el compromiso de ArtsQuest con nuestro patrimonio cultural”.

La celebración comienza el viernes 24 de junio y Air Products Town Square ofrecerá una fiesta de baile gratuita organizada por LatinaFM. El escenario de Levitt Pavilion contará con la presencia de Nexo, un trío de merengue de la ciudad de Nueva York. El grupo folclórico Herencia Jibara exhibe sus raíces musicales puertorriqueñas con hermosas melodías y ritmos enérgicos creados al explorar los sabores del Caribe, la salsa, el merengue y la bachata en el cierre de la noche en el escenario Highmark de Air Products Town Square. El elenco independiente de comedia de improvisación latinx, Chucho, actuará con Synced Up de ArtsQuest a las 9:15 p. m., en el Centro de Visitantes. Chucho ha actuado por toda la ciudad de Nueva York, en el Big City Improv Fest (Festival de improvisación de la gran ciudad), en Toronto, y participó en los últimos cinco SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festivals (Festivales de comedia de improvisación SteelStacks).

El sábado 25 de junio se llevará a cabo una ceremonia especial de izamiento de bandera fuera del Centro de Visitantes en SteelStacks presentada por la Red de Salud de la Universidad de St. Luke a las 3:00 p. m., seguida por el grupo de ocho integrantes de salsa plena merengue de Allentown, Los Pleneros de USA, en la plaza de la ciudad. La cartelera del día se completa con el grupo de salsa dura de 11 miembros PA Mambo Orquesta. Este grupo sacará el bailarín que todos llevamos dentro con su estilo duro y enérgico de la vieja escuela. Hector Rosado y su Orq Hache serán los artistas principales en el teatro Levitt, mientras que Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta, un grupo de salsa clásica con mucha energía integrado por 14 músicos talentosos, cerrará el espectáculo en el teatro Highmark. El elenco de improvisación Chucho dará una actuación en solitario a las 9:15 p. m., en el Centro de Visitantes.

El sábado por la noche se presenta una actuación especial de Charlie Cruz en el Musikfest Café presentado por Yuengling. Cruz ha sido bien recibido por la industria discográfica puertorriqueña y es considerado una de las nuevas estrellas que provienen del género de la Salsa. Cruz se inició en 1996 cuando comenzó a trabajar como vocalista en la orquesta de Domingo Quiñones. Dejó su huella en la escena internacional con el lanzamiento de su álbum Imagínate en 1999. Las entradas para este espectáculo ya están a la venta y se pueden comprar en steelstacks.org

El domingo 26 de junio, Holy Infancy celebrará una Misa Mariachi en el Musikfest Café por la mañana. Esta misa es gratuita para todos los asistentes.

Durante el fin de semana, Hogar Crea y Holy Infancy servirán comida con sabores latinos, además de la exclusiva barra de servicio rápido y la cocina de ArtsQuest, Palette & Pour y Mack Truck. Los simpáticos artistas de Banana Factory ofrecerán actividades de artesanías y manualidades en familia durante todo el festival.

Este festival es gratuito y abierto al público. Para obtener más información y ver una lista completa de actividades, visite SteelStacks.org. 

Cronograma:

Viernes 24 de junio

Air Products Town Square 6:30 p.m. – LatinaFM

Levitt 8:00 p.m. – Nexo

Centro de Visitantes 9:15 p.m. – elenco de improvisación Chucho, junto con Synced Up

Plaza de la Ciudad 10:00 p.m. – Herencia Jibara

Sábado 25 de junio

Centro de visitantes 3:00 p.m. – Izamiento de bandera

Plaza de la Ciudad 4:00 p.m. – Los Pleneros de USA

                        6:00 p.m. – PA Mambo Orquesta

Musikfest Café presentado por Yuengling 7:00 p.m. – Charlie Cruz *espectáculo con entrada*

Levitt 8:00 p.m. – Héctor Rosado y su Orquesta

Centro de Visitantes 9:15 p.m. – elenco de improvisación Chucho

Plaza de la Ciudad 10:00 p.m. – Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta

Domingo 26 de junio

Musifkest Café 10:00 a.m. – Misa Mariachi por Holy Infancy

COUNTRY ARTIST KIP MOORE TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

Double-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore to perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage on Fri., August 5, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is delighted to welcome country artist Kip Moore to its flagship festival Musikfest, in 2022 with media partner Cat Country 96. Moore, will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Fri., August 5. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning 10 a.m., Tues., May 3 and to the general public at 10 a.m., on Fri., May 6  on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

The Georgia-born country singer songwriter made his way into the mainstream with the double-Platinum album Up All Night in 2012. The albumwas considered the most commercially successful debut for a male country artist in both 2012 and 2013, featuring Billboard chart topping recordings “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Hey Pretty Girl,” and “Beer Money.”

He went on to record Wild Ones, featuring single “I’m to Blame,” in 2015. Over the course of the next three years, Moore recorded album Slowheart, featuring “More Girls Like You,” and Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions. A seven track EP featuring “Plead the Fifth,” and “It Ain’t California.” 

Moore has toured the world extensively, earning a reputation as an all-in performer.

His newest album, Wild World is a 13-track collection written by Moore as he traveled the globe in 2019. The emotional weathered heartland-rock album was recorded live with a full band, aiming to showcase “substance over the trendy” according to Moore. Wild World is full ofcharacter and features songs: “Red White Blue Jean American Dream,” the 12-string backed “Payin’ Hard” and “Sweet Virginia,” co-written in a Scottish dressing room. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. 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.

LEVITT PAVILION STEELSTACKS REVEALS 2022 FREE CONCERT SERIES LINEUP

Free performances every Thursday through Saturday with select Sunday shows, special fundraising concert and new One Earth ReggaeFest

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, is proud to announce its 2022 free concert series line-up. Beginning on May 20 through Sept. 11, every Thursday-Saturday and select Sunday nights the Levitt Pavilion will feature free professional concerts at the SteelStacks campus. Included in Levitt’s 12^th season are annual festivals ¡Sabor! Latin Festival on June 24-26, Blast Furnace Blues on July 22-24 and new this year, One Earth ReggaeFest on July 2. Tickets for the June 10^th, fundraising concert, “Beginnings- A Chicago Celebration” are now on sale with all proceeds going directly to supporting the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks free concert season.

“We are so excited to get back out on the Levitt lawn for a summer filled with free, live music. Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to experience free high-caliber concerts and celebrate a shared sense of community. On the Levitt lawn, there’s no front row, back row or reserved seating – it’s a welcoming open space where our differences fade and people come together.” said Anne Sturm, Executive Director of the Levitt Pavilion. “The 2022 concert line up has something for everyone – here’s to some unforgettable nights at SteelStacks!”

To kick-off the season on Friday, May 20, The Pietasters, will rock the stage. A band of friends heavily influenced by a variety of punk music styles will play a mix of high-energy covers and originals.

On Sunday, May 29, BoDeans, are long known as one of the best live acts in the business, BoDeans continues to tour year-round and delivers amazing, high energy, performances.

On Thursday, June 23, Red Baraat is conceived by dhal player Sunny Jain, and has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, a merging of hard driving North Indian bhangra with elements of hip hop, jazz and raw punk energy.

On Thursday, July 21, Lucius, featuring Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, are two identically dressed and coiffed halves of the same whole, the mirror image of each other at the microphone; off-stage, they step into their respective lives-separate, but close-as chosen family.

On Thursday, July 28, Black Opry isa home for Black artists and Black fans of country, blues, folk, and Americana music. This evening’s performances consist of festival sets showcasing the diversity in sound and stories that Black artists offer to country, blues, folk, and Americana music genres.

On Thursday, Aug.,18, Ana Popovic brings a high-energy concert showcasing not only Ana’s mesmerizing guitar skills, but also her fabulous band, successfully merging musical styles.

“I am inviting everyone to join the best outdoor music venue in the Lehigh Valley; The Levitt Pavilion Steelstacks. The atmosphere is electric and the music is amazing,” said Mario Galante, Chair of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Board of Directors. “On the Levitt lawn you will find a diverse community of people from all around the Valley who share a love of music, a sense of fun, a passion for life and a commitment to building a better community. Help us to sustain our mission and grow this jewel of the Valley by becoming a Friend of Levitt or donating. Let’s keep the music playing and the fires of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks burning for years to come. Please donate today by visiting levittsteelstacks.org/donate.”

Confirmed show schedule:

Friday, May 20            The Pietasters

Saturday, May 21        Yam Haus

Thursday, May 26        Mike Mattison with Scrapomatic

Friday, May 27             Everyday Everybody (formally known as Aztec Sun)

Saturday, May 28         Back in Black- The True AC/DC Experience

Sunday, May 29           BoDeans

Thursday, June 2         Jocelyn & Chris

Friday, June 3              Reflections- A Tribute to the Ladies of Motown

Saturday, June 4         The New Respects

Thursday, June 9         Tanqueray Hayward

Friday, June 10            Beginnings – A Chicago Celebration – Levitt Fundraiser

Saturday, June 11       Cinnamon Jones – Flag Day

Thursday, June 16       Joyous

Friday, June 17            Light My Fire – The Ultimate Doors Tribute

Saturday, June 18        Boulevards – Juneteenth Celebrations

Sunday, June 19          The Dip

Thursday, June 23       Red Baraat

Friday, June 24            Nexo – ¡Sabor! Latin Festival

Saturday, June 25        Hector Rosado y su Orq Hache – ¡Sabor! Latin Festival

Thursday, June 30       Damn Tall Buildings

Friday, July 1               Cold Spring Union

Saturday, July 2           One Earth ReggaeFest *New Festival*

Sunday, July 3             The Beautiful Distortion

Monday, July 4             The Allentown Band – Fourth of July

Thursday, July 7          Aubrey Haddard

Friday, July 8               Earth to Mars- Bruno Mars Tribute

Saturday, July 9           Peia

Thursday, July 14        Arcadian Wild

Friday, July 15             Tinsley Ellis – Friends of Levitt Backstage Party

Saturday, July 16         Siempre Salsa All Stars – VetFest

Thursday, July 21          Lucius

Friday, July 22               Moonshine Society – Blast Furnace Blues Festival

Saturday, July 23         Jackie Venson- Blast Furnace Blues Festival

Sunday, July 24           Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials – Blast Furnace Blues Festival

Thursday, July 28        The Black Opry

Friday, July 29             Tall Tall Trees

Saturday, July 30          The Abrams

Thursday, August 18     Ana Popovic – Friends of Levitt Backstage Party

Friday, August 19          A Few Good Men of Pa

Saturday, August 20      Saludos Bethlehem Ft. Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta – in partnership with Movement Moves Media, Solid Ground Entertainment

Thursday, August 25     Billy Bauer’s Dave Matthews Band Tribute

Friday, August 26          Angela Perley

Saturday, August 27      Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

Thursday, Sept., 1         Vox Sambou- This engagement of Vox Sambou is made possible through Performing Arts Global Exchange, a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Friday, Sept. 2              October Rose

Saturday, Sept. 3          Danielia Cotton

Thursday, Sept. 8         Elijuri

Friday, Sept. 9              Dirty Dollhouse – Patriot Day Ceremony

Saturday, Sept. 10        The Aardvarks – Friends of Levitt Backstage Party

Sunday, Sept. 11          Slingshot Dakota & Catebite – Rally in The Valley

MUSIKFEST ANNOUNCEMENT – STEPHEN KELLOGG TO OPEN FOR COUNTING CROWS

The American singer-songwriter will open Counting Crow’s Musikfest headlining show on Mon., Aug. 8, 2022

Stephen Kellogg will open for GRAMMY and Academy Award-nominated Counting Crows during flagship festival, Musikfest on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Mon., Aug. 8. Tickets for this event are now on sale at musikfest.org. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today. ​

Stephen Kellogg first set foot on his musical career path in Northampton, Mass., as an intern at a local club in 1997. Founding his band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, in 2003 he began recording and touring with the group over the course of nine years. After embarking as a solo artist Kellogg gaining critic’s attention with the release of his 2016 album South, West, North, East. He created a 30-minute documentary on the making of the album to accompany its release. Kellogg’s style spans several genres from alternative to pop to folk to country. His most recent album, Objects in the Mirror, features hits “High Highs, Low Lows,” “Love Me as I Am” and “Song for Daughters.” He released a book in July 2020, “Objects in the Mirror: Thoughts on a Perfect Life from an Imperfect Person.”  Kellogg has toured the country extensively over the course of 19 years and released 17 albums. He donates his time to several charitable undertakings including selling handwritten lyrics to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. ​This year’s 11-day festival takes place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022 with the lineup including Counting Crows,  Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Willie Nelson & Family, ALABAMA and Poison. Additional details will be shared throughout the year. Visit musikfest.org for more information.

ARTSQUEST TO HOST MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Families are invited to celebrate their matriarchs with a brunch on Sun., May 8, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest and culinary partners Levy Restaurants invite the community to celebrate all the mothers in their lives with a Sunday brunch experience at SteelStacks on Sun., May 8. Guests can select time slots from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the buffet closing at 2 p.m.

The menu for this event includes brunch classics, comfort-food offerings and the popular waffle bar. Veggie frittatas, breakfast potatoes, Sweet Mustard Glazed Ham, five-cheese cavatappi macaroni and a Bethlehem Green Salad are included in the wide array of dishes to choose from. A bagel station and waffle bar featuring warm maple syrup, berry compote and sweet indulgent toppings will also be open for guests to customize their plates.

Tickets for anyone 13 and older are $45, and tickets for children 5-12 are $21. Children four and under eat free. The ticket includes full access to all food selections as well as a juice and coffee bar. A full-service bar featuring specialty drinks and mocktails will also be available to all guests for an additional cost. Anyone with special reservation requests or large groups requesting to be seated together please contact Carrie Senior: csenior@levyrestaurants.com Visit steelstacks.org to purchase tickets.