COUNTING CROWS TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz

The Counting Crows will perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage on Mon., August 8, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome GRAMMY and Academy Award-nominated Counting Crows to Musikfest, its flagship festival, in 2022. The rock band will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Mon., August 8. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning Tues., March 8 and to the public at 10 a.m. Fri., March 11 on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Counting Crows, led by frontman Adam Duritz, has been entertaining music fans worldwide for more than two decades with their soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. The group came onto the scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, including hits “Round Here” and “Mr. Jones.” Since then, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide. In 2004, Counting Crows recorded the chart-topping hit “Accidently in Love” for the animated motion picture Shrek 2. The instant success of the track earned them an Academy Award nomination for “Best Original Song” at the 2005 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Original Song” and a GRAMMY award nomination for “Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.” Counting Crows was recently named No. 8 on Billboard Magazine’s 2021 “Greatest Of All Time: Adult Alternative 25th Anniversary Chart.” The band released their newest record, Butter Miracle, featuring the hit single “Elevator Boots” in April of 2021.

Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes 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.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES ELECTED BOARD OFFICERS FOR 2022

Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and officers are appointed and reappointed for 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is pleased to announce new and returning members to the Board of Trustees, ArtsQuest Foundation, ArtsQuest Performing & Visual Arts Boards and Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks for 2022. As a nonprofit organization, ArtsQuest is led by volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities on the Boards and Committees that support the organization’s mission.

ArtsQuest Board of Trustees

This board is responsible for the overall governance of the nonprofit community arts organization.

Vicki Doule’ has been reelected for her third one-year term as Chair on the ArtsQuest Board of Trustees. Doule’, Sr. Vice President of BSI Corporate Benefits LLC., has been a member of ArtsQuest’s volunteer leadership for the past eight years, serving as a Board of Trustees member since 2014. Doule’ was appointed Governance Committee Chair in 2018 and served on the ArtsQuest Food Service Committee when selecting a new culinary partner for service at SteelStacks that same year.

Additional elected and reelected ArtsQuest Board of Trustees officers include:

• Vice Chair: Orville Trout, Vice President of Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Administration at Crayola
• Secretary: Myrna Rivera, Retired Director of Corporate Benefits & Compensation at B. Braun Medical
• Treasurer: Joseph Bergstein, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of PPL Corporation

ArtsQuest Foundation

The ArtsQuest Foundation is responsible for the strategic plan and goals for the ArtsQuest endowment fund and assisting in the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit community arts organization.

The ArtsQuest Foundation is pleased to announce that Thomas Riddle, Founder & Chairman of Valley National Financial Advisors, has been reelected chair of the Foundation. Riddle, a resident of Bethlehem, has been reelected for his fourth one-year term.

Additional elected and reelected ArtsQuest Foundation officers include:

• Vice Chair: Michael Perrucci, Managing Partner for Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Tipton & Taylor
• Secretary: Jason Cort, President & Founding Partner of Quadrant Private Wealth
• Treasurer: Joe Pietrantonio, Retired Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality for Air Products

ArtsQuest Performing and Visual Arts Boards

ArtsQuest’s Performing Arts Board is responsible for assisting in the development and evaluation of diverse performing arts programs including music, dance, film, theatre, comedy and multi-disciplinary programs. The Visual Arts Board is responsible for assisting the development and evaluation of diverse visual arts programs in both tangible and non-tangible mediums including but not limited to glass, ceramics and photography. This board also oversees public art on all the nonprofit’s properties and outreach of public art programs, visual arts education and exhibits in any gallery or exhibit space operated by ArtsQuest.

ArtsQuest is pleased to announce Richard Liu, Associate Director, Global Marketing for Merck & Co., has been elected Chair of the Performing Arts Board, with Deborah Sacarakis, Retired Artistic Director of Zoellner Arts Center, newly elected Vice Chair.

Todd Chambers, Partner/Architect with MKSD Architects, has been reelected Chair of the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board and Dr. Lee Riley, Network Chairman of Oncology and Director of Surgical Research-Bethlehem Campus at St. Luke’s University Health network, has been reelected the board’s Vice Chair.

Friends of Levitt Pavilion

The Friends of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks is responsible for the overall governance and programing direction of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks.

Friends of Levitt Pavilion is pleased to announce Mario Galante, retired Quakertown Community High School Principal has been reelected as Chair.

Additional reelected officers include:

• Vice Chair: Erin Zebertavage, Manager SouthSide Arts District
• Treasurer: Philip Gauffreau, Principal at Colliers Engineering & Design
• Secretary: Daniel Miller, Retired Unit Manager for Mack Trucks Inc.

For more information on ArtsQuest and its volunteer leadership, please visit ArtsQuest.org.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES 2022 DERBY WATCH PARTY

This year’s Derby Watch Party on May 7, presented by Noble Oak, will feature a Run for the Rosé wine tasting event, Derby style contest and hobby horseracing.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Spend the first Saturday in May partying at SteelStacks! ArtsQuest is proud to announce plans for a reimagined Derby Watch Party, presented by Noble Oak, on Sat., May 7. This event will include a Run for the Rosé wine tasting experience, a Derby style contest and hobby horseracing, as well as authentic infield and VIP experiences. Event tickets will go on sale at steelstacks.org beginning Tues., March 1. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, including discounts, become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today.

“The Derby is a cultural experience that reaches far beyond the world of sports,” Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer said. “As an arts organization, we wanted to make sure this event offered new festivities while keeping in the spirit and tradition surrounding the Derby. We can’t wait to offer this option for people living in the Lehigh Valley to get in on the party in creative ways.”

The Levitt lawn will be transformed into an experience emulating the relaxed party atmosphere of the infield at Kentucky’s Churchill Downs. Guests can watch the Derby broadcast live on a new LED screen and participate in lawn games and a hobby horseracing contest. The Mack Truck stop will be serving up themed food and drink specials from Noble Oak including mint juleps, the traditional drink of the Derby. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the Air Products Town Square and Central Tap bar where an additional large LED screen will be broadcasting the run for the roses. Ticket holders will receive one free mint julep, a glass of rosé, Yuengling beer, or a nonalcoholic drink of choice. VIPs can also enjoy table service and Wyoming Whiskey samples. The party doesn’t stop after the big race, all guests are invited to stick around for free live music. Tickets to the infield are free for ArtsQuest members and $5 for the public. VIP tickets start at $45 for members and $49 for the public.

Guests are encouraged to express their interpretation of Derby fashion by dressing in their finest fascinators, hats or colorful bow ties. This year’s style contest will be judged by Elektra Fearce St. James (as seen at ArtsQuest’s Dragtoberfest and A Golden Girls Drag Show), Amber Galdamez of LuxeLatte and Christe Konopitski of Classically Christe. Prizes will be awarded for best hat, best dressed, best couple coordination and more. New this year, the Run for the Rosé wine tasting experience will feature eight different samples from around the world, provided by Juniper & Grain. Tickets are $19 and include admission to the Derby infield experience.  

Doors for all areas will open at 4 p.m. on Sat., May 7. Visit steelstacks.org for more information.

EMBASSY BANK INVITES COMMUNITY TO SUBMIT IMAGES FOR 12TH ANNUAL ‘OUR HOMETOWN HEROES’ PHOTO DISPLAY AT STEELSTACKS

The photo submission deadline is April 1, 2022 to be included in the annual recognition display

BETHLEHEM, PA — Embassy Bank invites the community to submit photos of family members, neighbors and friends who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces for the 12^th annual “Our Hometown Heroes” display at SteelStacks. Submissions will be accepted beginning March 1 through April 1. The photos will go on display beginning May 28 for Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July.

“We at Embassy Bank are proud to join with ArtsQuest in continuing the tradition of honoring our members of the military, especially those who have lost their lives protecting and serving our nation,” Embassy Bank President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Dave Lobach said.

The deadline for photo submission is Friday, April 1. The first 200 photos received will be accepted for the 2022 display. Throughout the past twelve years, more than 1,300 images of local servicemen and women from all branches of the military have been on display in honor of our hometown heroes. Individuals can submit photos two ways, either through ArtsQuest’s website or photos can be dropped off in person at a local Embassy Bank branch or at ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory.

To upload digital pictures of their “heroes” visit steelstacks.org/memorial. Images must be high-resolution jpeg, tiff, bitmap or PDF file. Color photographs, as well as black and white photos will be accepted. Hardcopies will be accepted at all Embassy Bank locations or the Banana Factory, located at 25 W. 3^rd St. in Bethlehem. All hardcopies will be returned promptly to the location where they were originally submitted. 

The first 200 photos submitted will be displayed on one of the “Our Hometown Heroes’” banners on the SteelStacks campus and include the soldier’s rank, branch, dates of service and hometown. All images submitted in previous years will automatically be displayed as part of the “Our Hometown Heroes” display. As part of the display of “Our Hometown Heroes,” the public is invited to attend “A Time to Remember” Memorial Day event May 30, 3 p.m., SteelStacks.

Additional details on 2022 Memorial Day events and activities at SteelStacks will be available later this spring at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST HOSTS WEEKLY OPEN MIC NIGHTS

There are a variety of opportunities for both music and comedy performers to take the stage

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to invite aspiring artists to weekly open mic nights for both music and comedy in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Sing your heart out on Thursdays during Open Mic with Billy Bauer, of the Lehigh Valley’s popular Billy Bauer Band. Participants will take to the Williams Brew Stage at Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Open Mic Night will start at 7 p.m., with sign-ups opening at 6:30 p.m. General admission to this event is free. This weekly open mic features acoustic performances only.

The comedy program is proud to host Free Jokes! Standup Open Mic at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas two Thursdays a month all year long. This hour-long standup event, hosted by Addyson Young and Alexis Kuczek, is free to the public. Sets run around five minutes beginning at 9:45 p.m. Sign-ups for interested performers will be available at the door to the event starting at 9:30 p.m. This show will contain adult language and/or situations. Anyone coming in between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No child 12 or under will be admitted. At this time, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the past 24 hours must be presented to participate in this open mic.

For the full schedule visit steelstacks.org

FOOD AND WHISKEY TAKE CENTER STAGE AT ARTSQUEST’S NEW SLÁINTE FESTIVAL

ArtsQuest is working in partnership with Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub to bring the Lehigh Valley exciting new tasting experiences St. Patrick’s Day through Sun., March 20, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to present Sláinte, a celebration of Irish heritage Thurs., March 17 through Sun., March 20. This new four-day experience is being produced in partnership with Bethlehem’s Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub. The four-day festival will feature traditional whiskey and Guinness tastings along with authentic Irish fare and a Sunday Irish Breakfast. Admission to these events can be purchased now at steelstacks.org, with select discounted rates and presales for ArtsQuest members and Circle donors.

Whiskey tastings

Have a toast to St. Patrick’s Day at our VIP whiskey tasting at 6 p.m. Sample rare whiskeys Yellow Spot, Redbreast 21, Jameson 18 and Writer’s Tears in a Sláinte souvenir Glencairn glass sourced from Scotland. Food pairings will be served with each whiskey and the session will end with Irish Cream and shortbread. Patrons will also view an exclusive interview conducted by Neville Gardner, owner/operator of Bethlehem’s Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, with Tim Campbell of the Saint Patrick Centre in North Ireland, who will be at the site of St. Patrick’s grave.

Celebrate at 1:30 p.m. on Sat., March 19 with a whiskey tasting session overseen by McCarthy’s Red Stag Whiskey Ambassador Kyle Dalrymple. Sample Jameson Caskmates IPA, Green Spot, Redbreast 12 and Method & Madness Single Pot Still in a Sláinte souvenir Glencairn glass sourced from Scotland. The session will finish with an infused Jameson. The VIP session is priced at $149 and regular tastings will be $49. ArtsQuest members and Circle donors can purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Guinness tastings

No celebration is complete without Guinness! For $19, come sample eight different varieties of products at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., March 18 or 6:30 p.m. on Sat., March 19. Get your pint personalized, quite literally, with your face drawn on the head of a Guinness. Guests will walk away with a full pint of Guinness, along with a special pint glass and Guinness swag.

Irish Breakfast

Top off the last morning of Sláinte with a traditional Irish Breakfast on Sun., March 20. McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Levy Restaurants, operators of ArtsQuest’s Palette & Pour restaurant, have partnered to present an authentic dining experience. Enjoy Red Stag’s Farl and Irish Soda bread, along with eggs, pork and turkey sausage, white and black puddling, rashers, griddle tomato and potato pancakes. Coffee, tea, water and assorted juices are also included, and the bar will be serving Irish drink specials.

Festival goers can experience live music all four days from Irish music group Lúnasa to Pennsylvania’s own Celtic group House of Hamill, among others. On Sunday afternoon ArtsQuest will debut the First Annual Sláinte Fest Youth Fiddle Competition. Single day and four-day festival passes, which include admission to all musical performances, are on sale now at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest members and Circle donors can purchase passes at a discounted rate.

ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

FIVE FOR FIGHTING, WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE VERVE PIPE, TO PERFORM AT MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Five for Fighting will be joined by special guest The Verve Pipe on Wed., July 27

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce Five for Fighting with special guest The Verve Pipe will perform in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Wed., July 27. Tickets for this show will go on sale at for ArtsQuest members at 10 a.m. Thurs., Feb 17 and Friday Feb. 18 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Before finding widespread musical fame with his hockey penalty stage name, Five for Fighting, Los Angeles native John Ondrasik first appeared on the glam metal scene in the early 90s through collaborations with Rudy Sarzo and Pat Benatar. As the grunge scene began to expand, Ondraski returned to his piano where he has spent the past decade writing deeply personal songs and making emotional connections spanning six full studio albums. Five for Fighting’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the chart-topping song “Superman.” Following the acclaim of his Grammy-nominated song, Ondrasik released “100 Years,” “World” and “The Riddle” and has been featured in more 350 films, TV shows and advertisements ranging from The Blind Side to The Sopranos. Ondrasik has been deeply involved in supporting the troops with USO tours, supporting several veteran oriented charities and distributing more than a million CDs for the Troops to servicemen and their families around the world.

The multi-platinum alternative rock band The Verve Pipe, is recognized worldwide for radio hits “Photograph,” “Hero,” “Happiness Is,” “Never Let You Down” and the smash single “The Freshmen,” from its 1996 album Villains. In addition to their success on radio, TV and film, the band has performed in sold-out concerts throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. The band has released seven studio rock albums, one live album featuring an acoustic reimagining of their platinum debut album Villains, and expanded its repertoire to include A Family Album, a critically acclaimed introduction to the world of children’s music, as well as a follow up family-oriented release, Are We There Yet? With a new lineup and a renewed energy and focus, lead singer/songwriter and founder Brian Vander Ark and the band continue to deliver original music that is distinguished by innovative arrangements, soul-searching lyrics and layered vocals.

For tickets to Musikfest Café’s shows up visit steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

MUSIKFEST ANNOUNCEMENT – ‘GIRL NAMED TOM’ TO OPEN FOR KELSEA BALLERINI

The Voice 2021 winner will open Kelsea Ballerini’s Musikfest headlining show on Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Girl Named Tom will open for country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini during ArtsQuest’s flagship festival, Musikfest in 2022. The ACM and iHeartRadio Music award-winning country artist will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage on Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022. This show, sponsored by media partner Cat Country 96, was originally scheduled for Musikfest in 2020. All previously sold tickets will be honored. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today. ​

The sibling trio band, Girl Named Tom, will bring their modern twist on classic country to fans before Ballerini takes the stage. In 2019, the Ohio- based Girl Named Tom, brothers Caleb and Joshua and sister Bekah, began driving their old minivan across country playing more than 67 shows in 27 cities. The trio built its sound on vocal harmonies with acoustic guitar accompaniment. Their style combines the classics such as Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills & Nash with artists of today such as Taylor Swift, The Wailin’ Jennys and Adrianne Lenker.

​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. This year’s lineup includes Willie Nelson & Family, ALABAMA and Poison. Additional details will be shared throughout the year. Visit musikfest.org for more information. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.