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.

BLAST FURNACE BLUES RETURNS WITH INAUGURAL “LEHIGH VALLEY BIKEFEST” ADDITION

This 9^th annual free event, presented in partnership with Keystone Harley-Davidson®, takes place Fri., July 22 to Sun., July 24, 2022 at SteelStacks campus.

Blast Furnace Blues Festival, presented by Keystone Harley-Davison, will return to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus on Fri., July 22 through Sun., July 24. This 9^th annual free event will feature three days of live music and the inaugural Lehigh Valley BikeFest.

“We are excited to compliment our diverse line up of blues artists with an array of engaging activities featured in the debuting ‘Lehigh Valley BikeFest’ in partnership with Keystone Harley-Davidson,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “It is such a natural fit and we’ll be proud to welcome both music lovers and bike enthusiasts to this free three-day festival.”

Local favorites BC Blue, lead by Lehigh Valley blues music staple Bev Conklin, will kick off festivities Friday at PNC Plaza. Moonshine Society, winners of the 2020 International Blues Challenge (IBC), will headline the Levitt Pavilion stage on Friday night. Soul singer Phillip Michael Scales, nephew of blues legend BB King, is among the talented artists performing on the Air Products Town Square.

On Saturday, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Jackie Venson will headline Levitt Pavilion. Philadelphia-based Slim and the Perkolators will rock PNC Plaza. On Sunday don’t miss Musikfest performers Scott Marshall and The Highway Souls on PNC Plaza. Little Red Rooster Blues Band, who has playing the blues since 1988, will take the Air Products Town Square stage that afternoon. Veronica Lewis, nominated for best emerging artist album and best instrumentalist for piano by The Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards, will also perform. Headliners Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, for Blues Music Award for Band of the Year, will close out the festival Sunday night on the Levitt lawn.

For this year’s festival Yuengling will bring its Mobile Tour experience to SteelStacks campus that features an extended bar, its signature cold beer and a unique photo booth.  Motorcycle enthusiasts can shop from dozens of vendors and enjoy food from local food trucks, ArtsQuest’s Mac Truck Stop and Palette & Pour restaurant. The three-day fest will have a variety of entertainment options including stunt riding by King Tony of Busted Knuckles Stunt Tour and a bike wash benefitting Penn State’s THON. Additional activities will be announced throughout the spring. Visit steelstacks.org for more information.

“We are excited to partner alongside ArtsQuest bringing this event to the Lehigh Valley,” Keystone Harley-Davison owner, Bob Eggstein said. “The SteelStacks Arts and Cultural campus is an excellent venue to attract motorcycle and music enthusiasts from the area and provides plenty of space to grow the event in the coming years. We would also like to thank our supporting industry sponsors helping make our inaugural event a success.”C

Blast Furnace Blues Festival is made possible by presenting sponsor Keystone Harley-Davidson®, supporting sponsors Blackman’s Cycle Center and Kitay Law Offices, along with partners Sundance Vacations and Green Mountain Energy. Blast Furnace Blues is part of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks free concert series, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The much-anticipated lineup for the summer will be announced on May 1st.

ARTSQUEST’S LGBTQ+ FILM SERIES RETURNS WITH 2020’S ‘AHEAD OF THE CURVE’

Free screening Tues., April 26, features special introduction by ArtsQuest’s President and CEO Kassie Hilgert, panel discussion afterward

ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) will feature its next installment of the LGBTQ+ Film Series at 7 p.m. on Tues., April 26, with the 2020 biographical documentary Ahead of the Curve, to coincide with National Lesbian Visibility Day. ArtsQuest’s President and CEO Kassie Hilgert will give opening remarks for the introduction of this screening. A panel discussion will be hosted post-screening with musician Dian Hall and student advocate Sky Bela. Tickets are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610.332.3378. 

Ahead of the Curve is based on the true story of Franco Stevens, founding publisher of Curve Magazine, a leading international lesbian lifestyle magazine, from its founding in the 1990s through its current uncertain future. Only 23 when she funded the magazine with the winnings from a day at the racetrack, Stevens helped build a foundation for many movements being led today in the face of threats to the LGBTQ+ community and is now considered one of the most influential women in Queer history. Ahead of the Curve also features interviews with Denice Frohman, Amber Hikes, Melissa Etheridge and Jewelle Gomez. It premiered at the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival in the summer of 2020 and has since received the Audience Award for Best Documentary at The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Connecticut LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

The LGBTQ+Film Series, curated by Catherine Ford, Alessandra Fanelli and Adrianna Gober, aims to explore and uplift a wide and diverse scope of LGBTQ+ issues and stories by highlighting selections from the rich, enduring history of Queer cinema. The series will showcase comedies, dramas, documentaries, mainstream and independent as well as international films both new and old, spotlighting Queer filmmakers, screenwriters, actors and themes. The LGBTQ+ Film Series has previously featured Swan Song, But I’m a Cheerleader, Buddies and The Watermelon Woman.

TRACY MORGAN BRINGS ‘NO DISRESPECT’ TOUR TO ARTSQUEST

The EMMY-nominated SNL alum will perform two sets on Sat. Oct 29, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.—  ArtsQuest is proud to announce comedian Tracy Morgan will perform his show, “No Disrespect” in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on Sat., Oct 29, 2022. Tickets will go on sale beginning Tues., April 12 for ArtsQuest Members and at 10 a.m. Fri., April 15 for the general public on steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Brooklyn born and raised, Tracy Morgan is one of the most well-known comedians to date. Morgan got his start in comedy performing on street corners in the early 90s until taking the stage at Uptown Comedy Club in 1992 and appearing on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. In 1994, he made his television debut on the show “Martin,” two years later he went on to beat Stephen Colbert for a feature spot on “Saturday Night Live.” For seven seasons Morgan starred on NBC’s “30 Rock” playing the character Tracy Jordan, earning himself an EMMY nomination. In 2009, he released his first book, “I Am The New Black,” a compilation of anecdotes and serious moments that shaped him and his career. Morgan currently is starring in “The Last O.G.” on TBS and has appeared in more than 35 films including “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” “G-Force,” “Cop Out,” “Fist Fight” and most recently “Coming 2 America.” Morgan has also released several standup specials for Netflix, HBO and Comedy Central.

Show times for Morgan are 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. This event is for mature audiences only; all attendees must be 18 or older on the day of the show.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES ONE EARTH REGGAEFEST

One Earth ReggaeFest Headliner Tropidelic

This free festival, produced in partnership with Movement Moves Media, will debut outdoors at SteelStacks on Saturday, July 2, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to launch a new, free festival celebrating reggae music on Saturday, July 2. One Earth ReggaeFest, produced in partnership by Movement Moves Media, is an all-ages event celebrating a fusion of Cali reggae, classic reggae, hip hop and funk music with live performances from both nationally touring and bands local to the Lehigh Valley region.

“We are proud to debut this new celebration of culture this summer,” Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “Reggae is more than a genre of music, it’s an energy and vibe we are excited to share in the Lehigh Valley. This experience is made possible through our partnership with Movement Moves Media and so many community members who have stepped up to help bring this experience to SteelStacks.”

Tropidelic will headline the festival, bringing their mix of reggae, hip hop and high energy funk to the stage. The six-piece band has been featured at festivals around the world including Electric Forest, California Roots Music & Art Festival, Reggae Rise Up, Warped Tour and 311 Caribbean Cruise. Guests can also enjoy performances from Sister Nancy, trending right now for her hit song BAM BAM featured on Netflix’s Ozark, and Red Fox, who has won DJ of the Year in New York on multiple occasions. Other featured artists will include Space Kamp, LNJ Sessions, Maxamilly, DJ BezMusiq, Screechy Dan, Solomonic Sound, JoJo Mac and Trouble City All Stars.

Bring the whole family to this free day-long festival featuring eclectic vendors, authentic Jamaican food and fun under the sun. Tickets aren’t needed, but good vibes will be collected at the gate! The hours will be 2 p.m. to midnight. Visit steelstacks.org for more information.

Want to be part of this new festival? Vendor spots are still available.Click here or contact vendors@artsquest.org to apply. This event is produced by ArtsQuest and Movement Moves Media as part of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks free concert series, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The much-anticipated lineup for the summer will be announced at the beginning of May.

LEVITT PAVILION STEELSTACKS HOSTS OUTDOOR FUNDRAISER

Tickets now on sale for June 10^th Chicago Tribute Celebration Show

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network is excited to announce “Beginnings-A Chicago Celebration” on Friday, June 10. Tickets for Friends of Levitt members and the general public are now on sale. All ticket proceeds will go to supporting Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks whose mission is to build a diverse community through the power of free live music. Tickets can be purchased at Levittsteelstacks.org or Steelstacks.org, or by visiting ArtsQuest Center Box Office directly or by calling (610) 332-1300. 

As a part of the Levitt Pavilion concert series, “Beginnings- A Chicago Celebration,” is a fundraising concert tribute to the music of Chicago performed by world-class musicians and vocalists who bring the sound, excitement and emotion of three decades worth of hits by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Performing without a pre-recorded track, all the members of this tribute band bring talent and high-energy to each song including “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “Beginnings.” All ticket proceeds from this show will go directly to supporting Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks free concert season.

On Sunday May 1, at 3 p.m., Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, will host this year’s line-up reveal with special guests Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey. Following their performance Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer and Manager of ArtsQuest Center along with Shayna Super, ArtsQuest Programming Manager will announce Levitt Pavilion’s 2022 season schedule.

“Over the past 11 years, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks has presented nearly 600 concerts for our community, positively impacting nearly 650,000 community members. Free, accessible live music experiences such as Levitt concerts foster social connections among people of all ages and backgrounds – strengthening the social fabric of our community,” Anne Sturm Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks said. “Music has the power to connect us all, and the 2022 concert line up will have you excited for the summer weekends! Get your lawn chairs and blankets ready for unforgettable nights at Levitt!” The Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks concert series, occurs May 20 through Sept. 11, features free professional concerts at the Levitt Pavilion every Thursday-Saturday and select Sunday nights. Festivals included in Levitt’s 2022 summer line up are Sabor Latin Festival on June 24-26, Blast Furnace Blues on July 22-24 and One Earth ReggaeFest on July 2. Back again this summer is Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Free Family Movie Series presented by UGI Utilities, Inc., taking place on the lawn on select Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The first movie for 2022 is Sing 2 on Wed., May 25.  Stay tuned to the Levitt website for line-up updates

ARTSQUEST TO HOST EASTER BRUNCH AT STEELSTACKS

Families are invited to celebrate Easter with a brunch on Sun., April 17, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest and culinary partners Levy Restaurants invite the community to an Easter Sunday brunch experience at SteelStacks on Sun., April 17. Guests can select time slots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the buffet closing at 2 p.m., to enjoy a variety of brunch classics.

“We are excited to offer this option for families celebrating the Easter holiday and the beginning of spring,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “We plan to offer more dining events like this throughout the year, including a Mother’s Day brunch. Guests are also invited down to SteelStacks all year long to experience live music while sampling our seasonal food and drink offerings at Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center.”

The menu for this event includes appetizing options for every member of the family to try and enjoy. From a veggie frittata to turkey sausage, there will be a wide array of breakfast foods to choose from. A waffle station and bagel station will also be open for guests to customize pastries to their liking. For those looking to satisfy their savory cravings, try the penne a la vodka sauce, roasted ham or the Cluckery-style chicken tenders which can be carried over from the waffle station for a unique, personalized take on chicken and waffles.

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. Visit steelstacks.org to purchase tickets.

OLGA TAÑÓN TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

The GRAMMY award winner will perform on the closing night of Musikfest on Sun., August 14, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest and media partner La Mega Radio are excited to welcome Olga Tañón to Musikfest in 2022. Tañón will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Sun., August 14, the closing night of the 39^th annual flagship ‘fest. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning Tues., March 29 and to the public on Fri., April 1 on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Olga Teresa Tañón Ortíz is an award-winning Puerto Rican recording artist. Throughout the course of her career, she has earned two GRAMMY awards, four Latin GRAMMY Awards and 30 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards. She has been honored by the Salón of Fame for Latin Singer-Songwriters with the “La Voz de La Musa” award and the prestigious Hispanic Award for the Arts awarded in Washington D.C. Tañón holds the record for the most top 10 hits by a female artist on Billboard Tropical Airplay. Her 14th studio album, Senderos de Amor, contains danceable and romantic styles with all the optimistic flavor that has characterized her with each of her musical proposals. The single “Así Es El Amor” with Wisin has taken her to the top of the Billboard Tropical and Latin Pop Airplay charts. Tañón is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has participated in the charity songs, “Somos El Mundo,” “El Último Adiós” and “Nuestro Himno.”

Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Willie Nelson & Family, Poison, Counting Crows, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute To His Father, Kelsea Ballerini and ALABAMA. 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.

OLGA TAÑÓN TITULAR DEL MUSIKFEST 2022

La ganadora del premio GRAMMY actuará en la noche de clausura de Musikfest el domingo 14 de agosto de 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest y La Mega Radio se complacen en dar la bienvenida a Olga Tañón a Musikfest en 2022. Tañón encabezará el Wind Creek Steel Stage en el PNC Plaza el domingo 14 de agosto, la noche de clausura de la edición 39a anual Musikfest. Las entradas estarán a la venta para los miembros de ArtsQuest a partir del martes 29 de marzo y al público el viernes 1 de abril en musikfest.org. Para acceder a boletos más exclusivos y oportunidades de compra anticipada, conviértase hoy en un donante de ArtsQuest Circle.

Olga Teresa Tañón Ortíz es una galardonada artista puertorriqueña. A lo largo de su carrera, ha ganado dos premios GRAMMY, cuatro premios Latin GRAMMY y 30 premios Premio Lo Nuestro. Ha sido distinguida por el Salón de la Fama de los Cantautores Latinos con el premio “La Voz de La Musa” y el prestigioso Premio Hispano de las Artes otorgado en Washington DC Tañón ostenta el récord de mayor número de éxitos top 10 de una artista femenina en Billboard Tropical Airplay. Su 14° álbum de estudio, Senderos de Amor, contiene estilos bailables y románticos con todo el sabor optimista que la ha caracterizado con cada una de sus propuestas musicales. El sencillo “Así Es El Amor” junto a Wisin la ha llevado a lo más alto de las listas Billboard Tropical y Latin Pop Airplay. Tañón es Embajador de Buena Voluntad de UNICEF y ha participado en las canciones benéficas “Somos El Mundo”, “El Último Adiós” y “Nuestro Himno”.

Musikfest se llevará a cabo del 5 al 14 de agosto de 2022. La programación de este año incluye a Willie Nelson & Family, Poison, Counting Crows, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute To His Father, Kelsea Ballerini y ALABAMA. Se compartirán anuncios adicionales a lo largo del año. El nuevo cartel de Musikfest, del renombrado artista plástico Bart Cooper, se presentó en noviembre. Visite musikfest.org para obtener más información. En general, se estima que 1,127,000 personas asistieron a Musikfest en 2021 y el festival de 11 días tuvo un impacto estimado de $67 millones en la región de Lehigh Valley de Pensilvania.