ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR RED CARPET PARTY, RETURNING THIS MARCH

This live viewing of the 93rd Annual Academy Awards® will take place in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas on Sun., March 27, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to host the Red Carpet Party, an event surrounding the live telecast of the annual Academy Awards® ceremony, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sun., March 27. Tickets are on sale now at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest members, Circle donors, as well as seniors and those 25 and under, can purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

“After a year of virtual award shows, it feels great to enjoy the Red Carpet Party, live, in person again,” ArtsQuest Programming Specialist Addyson Young said. “We can’t wait to see guests show off either their coziest of jammies or sparkliest of formal wear, all while playing trivia, guessing which films will win and participating in our super fun Red Carpet BINGO!”

Along with the livestream, there will be a variety of games and raffles for attendees to participate in throughout the night. There will be raffles for framed posters of nominated films and during the commercial breaks, guests can take part in trivia with Steve Bost, owner of Know Contest Trivia. There will also be an Oscar® Pool where participants can predict the winners in several award categories, with the person who comes closest in their predictions earning two Season Passes to see films at the cinemas throughout 2022. On this red carpet, guests are invited to dress up or down. Prizes will be awarded for a number of categories including, but not limited to, Best Dressed and Most Comfy.

Presenting sponsor Mishka Vodka will be serving up product samples and specialty cocktails will be available throughout the night from Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. General tickets are priced at $19, which includes a complimentary bag of popcorn and a drink voucher for one beer, wine, or soda. Seniors and those 25 and under can purchase their tickets for $18. ArtsQuest members can purchase tickets for $17. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR SLÁINTE, A NEW FESTIVAL CELEBRATING IRISH HERITAGE

This immersive festival, produced in partnership with Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, will kick off on St. Patrick’s Day and last 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. Single day passes, which include admission to all musical performances, will go on sale Mon., Feb. 7 at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest members and Circle donors can purchase passes at a discounted rate.

“Sláinte will be an immersive experience,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “We are enjoying collaborating with Neville Gardner’s team at Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub to bring the Lehigh Valley a truly elevated and authentic celebration.”

Several bands are coming over from Ireland including traditional Irish music group Lúnasa (pictured above). Pennsylvania’s own Celtic group House of Hamill will kick off the festivities on St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday afternoon, ArtsQuest will debut the First Annual Sláinte Fest Youth Fiddle Competition. Young musicians can click here to sign up for a chance to win prizes for top performances in their age group. The full entertainment schedule can be viewed below.

Thurs., March 17
Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling (Doors open 6 p.m.)
7 – 8 p.m. House of Hamill
8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Kalos

Fri., March 18
Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling (Doors open 6 p.m.)
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Poor Man’s Gambit
7:45 – 9 p.m. Seasons
9:30 – 11 p.m. The Glengarry Bhoys

Fowler Blast Furnace Room on the second floor of the ArtsQuest Center (Doors open 6:30 p.m.)
7 – 8:15 p.m. Fire In The Glen
8:45 – 10:15 p.m. Rachel & Ron

Williams Brew Stage at Palette & Pour
8 – 11 p.m. The Rogue Diplomats

Sat., March 19
Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling (Doors open 2:30 p.m.)
3 – 4:30 p.m. Blackwater
5 – 6:30 p.m. Fisher & Maher
7 – 8:30 p.m. Fig For A Kiss
9 – 11 p.m. Lúnasa

Williams Brew Stage at Palette & Pour
4 – 7 p.m. Raksih
8 – 11 p.m. Rachel & Ron

Sun., March 20
Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Irish Breakfast presented in partnership with McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar, Featuring House of Hamill.
3 – 6 p.m. First Annual Sláinte Fest Youth Fiddle Competition (Doors open 2:30 p.m., admission $5)

Passes for St. Patrick’s Day are priced at $25 in advance and $29 at the door. Admission for Friday and Saturday will be $39 in advance and $44 at the door. Festival passes for all four days are on sale now on steelstacks.org for $79 for ArtsQuest members and $99 for the public. The festival will also include traditional food and whiskey pairings supervised by Neville Gardner, owner and operator of Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar. Additional details on VIP food and whiskey events will be released soon.

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

10TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND SHOWCASE RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS CAMPUS

ArtsQuest will host this competition in February featuring 21 local and regional bands

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to announce the return of the 10^th Annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase presented by King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC with broadcast partner Service Electric. ArtsQuest, in partnership with Moravian University, will host 21 local and regional high school bands live on Sun., Feb. 20 and Sun., Feb. 27. Face coverings will be required to attend this event. Tickets for the event’s preliminary rounds are $7 per-session and on sale now at steelstacks.org or by calling the box office at 610.332.3378.

“Our law firm is exceedingly proud of our partnership with ArtsQuest and the High School Jazz Band Showcase,” said John Freund, KingSpry Education Law Practice Chair. “Music is a gateway to so many great things, and it is a great feeling to know we’re helping these students have a fantastic experience that will launch them toward a bright future.”

Scholastic jazz groups from Pennsylvania and New Jersey will perform in front of a live audience and judging panel comprised of music educators. This annual competition is a music-in-education partnership between ArtsQuest and the Moravian University Music Department’s Jazz Studies Program. Preliminaries are set Feb. 20 and Sun., Feb. 27 with finals to be held on Sun., March 27 at 4 p.m.

“It is a huge relief to begin the High School Jazz Band Showcase again! The last two years have provided unprecedented challenges for all performers, professionals and students alike,” Dr. Neil Wetzel Jazz Band Showcase Educational Director and Director of Jazz Studies, Moravian University said. “ArtsQuest’s continued support of performing arts education programs provides opportunities to aspiring musicians and educators; especially on such a prestigious platform like the Musikfest Café.” 

Scheduled competitors for Sun., Feb 20 noon session include Kutztown High School, The Hill School, LaSalle College High School Band, LaSalle College High School – Lab Band and Delaware Valley High School (Pa.). Sun., Feb 20 4 p.m. session include Bangor Area High School, Wilson Area High School, William Tennent High School and Delaware Valley High School (N.J.).

Scheduled competitors for Sun., Feb. 27 noon session include Brandywine Heights High School, Upper Moreland High School, Central Bucks High School South, North Penn High School Columbia Jazz Band, North Penn High School Navy Jazz Band and Warren Hills High School.  Sun., Feb. 27 4 p.m. session include Freedom High School, Quakertown High School, Pocono Mountain East High School, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, Saucon Valley High School and Easton High School.C

For more information or to purchase tickets for the event’s preliminary rounds visit steelstacks.org. Face coverings will be required to attend this event. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

The American outlaw country music legend will perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage Sat., Aug. 6, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to welcome Willie Nelson & Family to its flagship festival, Musikfest, in 2022. Willie Nelson & Family will perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Sat., Aug. 6. This show was originally scheduled for Musikfest in 2020. Previously sold tickets will be honored, ArtsQuest’s box office will be reaching out to all ticket holders via email. Member access begins on Tues., Feb. 1 and the remaining tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Fri., Feb. 4 on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor  today.

Before his big break in 1962 with the release of his first album “…And Then I Wrote,” 88-year-old music legend and Texas native, Willie Nelson, sold bibles and vacuum cleaners door-to-door. Following the success of his first single “Touch Me,” Nelson left sales behind and embarked on a journey that would take him around the world to record more than 145 albums, act in more than 30 films and co-author a dozen books. Nelson has been working with artists from every generation and genre. Best known for hits “Whiskey River”, “On the Road Again,” “Always on my Mind” and “Red Headed Stranger,” Nelson recently launched his latest project Willie Nelson & Family, featuring Nelson with sister Bobbie, sons Lukas and Micah and daughters Amy and Paula. The prolific song writer is an avid activist having founded Farm Aid in 1985 and continues to support and represent dozens of causes, including advocating alternatives to biofuels.

This show will be sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and B. Braun Medical Inc. with media partner Cat Country 96. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. Rock group Poison will perform on Sun., Aug. 7, country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini is set to perform on Thurs., Aug. 11 and GRAMMY-award winning country music band ALABAMA will take the stage on Sat., Aug. 13. 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.

‘POISON’ TO ROCK MUSIKFEST 2022

Save the dates for your favorite festivals like Musikfest along with some new food and arts experiences.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to welcome Poison to its flagship festival, Musikfest, in 2022. The group’s original members (Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett) will rock the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Sun., Aug. 7. This show was originally scheduled for Musikfest in 2020. Previously sold tickets will be honored, ArtsQuest’s box office will be reaching out to all ticket holders via email. Member access begins on Tues., Feb. 1 and the remaining tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Fri., Feb. 4 on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an  ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Poison, known for their hit songs “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time” “Unskinny Bop” and more, started their journey playing in Pennsylvania bars and then the Los Angeles club scene. Their early album “Look What The Cat Dragged In” sold more than three million copies. The album “Open Up and Say…Ah!” sold more than eight million copies out of the gate and their “Flesh & Blood” album went multi-platinum. Lead singer Bret Michaels, a Pennsylvania native, also gained fame through his smash hit television show “Rock Of Love” and his winning season on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Michaels was awarded Humanitarian Of The Year at the 2019 Hollywood Christmas Parade. His philanthropic work includes his Life Rocks Foundation which supports causes such as diabetes awareness, and fundraising for children with cancer, veterans’ organizations and animal rescues.

This show will be sponsored by Rich Mar Florist with media partners WLEV and 99.9 the Hawk. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. Country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini is set to perform on Thurs., Aug. 11 and GRAMMY-award winning country music band ALABAMA will take the stage on Sat., Aug. 13. 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.

New bi-monthly series will launch in Feb. with Judas and the Black Messiah featuring an exclusive interview with screenwriters Keith and Kenny Lucas and a live discussion with Lehigh Valley Stands Up

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is proud to present a new screening series, Black Film: Then and Now, on Sat., Feb. 19. In addition, The LGBTQ+ Film Series will return on Wed., Feb. 9. Tickets are free to all screenings in both series and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film.

The Black Film: Then and Now Series will premiere on Sat., Feb. 19 at noon with the Oscar-winning Judas and the Black Messiah. Curated by Allentown-based filmmaker Vernard James, Black Film: Then and Now centers on displaying the evolution of how Black people have been depicted throughout the history of cinema, while also seeking to boost the voices of Black Lehigh Valley-based artists of all disciplines. A 2021 film, Judas and the Black Messiah details the betrayal of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya, winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film), chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late 1960s Chicago, by FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield). Judas earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Immediately following the screening, an exclusive pre-recorded interview between James and Keith and Kenny Lucas (known as the Lucas Brothers), co-writers/producers of Judas and the Black Messiah, will be presented. Ce-Ce Gerlach of Lehigh Valley Stands Up and James will discuss activism in the Lehigh Valley and ways in which Fred Hampton’s legacy persists today in a live discussion prior to the film.

The LGBTQ+ Series’ first installment for 2022 will be a screening of The Watermelon Woman on Wed., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. This 1996 film was written, directed and edited by Cheryl Dunye, making it the first feature film to be directed by a Queer Black woman and cementing its status as a landmark in new Queer cinema. The Watermelon Woman follows a young woman named Cheryl (Dunye) as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she begins producing a documentary about Fae Richards, a 1930s Black film actress known as “The Watermelon Woman.” The Watermelon Woman was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2021. 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.  Tickets for both series are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling ArtsQuest’s Box Office at 610.332.3378. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW MUSIKFEST CAFÉ SHOWS

Tickets go on sale Jan. 28 for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Craig Thatcher Band and Steve Vai

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce four newly scheduled shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, for the upcoming months. Tickets to these shows will go on sale beginning Tues., Jan. 25 for ArtsQuest members and Fri., Jan. 28 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD) will perform on Tues., March 1 at the Musikfest Café. Since its formation in the early 90s in Ventura, Calif., the energetic-jazz and swing band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average more than 150 shows a year. The group has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of more two million albums to date. The band was at the forefront of the swing revival in the age of flannel wrapped grunge, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing and Dixieland with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. BBVD’s core lineup includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger). Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s first large scale appearance in the 1996 indie film Swingers, and has appeared in countless films and television shows, including The Wild, Despicable Me, Friends and So You Think You Can Dance. They have appeared live on Dancing with The Stars, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After 29 years, 11 records, thousands of live shows and countless appearances in film and television, BBVD is showing no signs of slowing down.

Philadelphia Funk Authority will bring the party on Fri., Feb. 11. Created with one thing in mind, to provide the very best in high-energy dance and party entertainment, Philadelphia Funk Authority prove time and again the ability to deliver at parties, night clubs, festivals, weddings, concerts and corporate events. Philly Funk has a reputation for making the party happen. The talented musicians of Philly Funk Authority bring together the experience of literally thousands of performances to formulate the ultimate entertainment machine.

Craig Thatcher Band will take the stage on Fri., April 22. A Lehigh Valley fan favorite, the Craig Thatcher Band has been entertaining audiences with their extensive and exciting brand of blues/rock music since 1993. Craig Thatcher is a band leader, an International Clinician/Ambassador for C.F. Martin & Co. of Nazareth, Pa, a guitar instructor and recording artist. He has worked with many great artists including Simone, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jonny Lang, Train, Savoy Brown, Jorma Kaukonen, Roseanne Cash, John Mayer and many other international artists.

Steve Vai: Inviolate Tour will perform on Wed., Oct. 26. A virtuoso guitarist, visionary composer and consummate producer who sculpts musical sound with infinite creativity and technical mastery, Steve Vai has awed fans of all genres with his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship for decades. More than three decades, 15 million in album sales, and three GRAMMY Awards later, Vai has proven himself, in his own right, to be one of music’s true originals. His career accomplishments have earned him honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute. Vai was voted the 10th “Greatest Guitarist” by Guitar World magazine and consistently lands among the best in various lists of the top guitarists of all time. Vai has toured the world as a solo artist, as a member of G3, Generation-Axe and with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Alcatrazz and Whitesnake. Vai’s full discography encompasses more than 60 albums, including many with Zappa, others from stints with Roth and Whitesnake, as well as live releases, collaborations, compilation and orchestral works.

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

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW COMEDY SHOWS

Tickets are now on sale for upcoming shows in the Musikfest Café and new comedy venue at the Visitor Center at SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce a variety of upcoming comedy shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, and Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Tickets to these shows are now on sale for both  ArtsQuest Members and the general public at  steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Bobby Collins will perform at the Musikfest Café on Fri., Oct. 21. This comedian has distinguished himself as a premier comedian through precise physical timing and impeccable audience insight. He has honed his talents while performing from hole in the wall clubs to sold out theaters with an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up rants on world events. Bobby has toured with Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias and Dolly Parton and worked alongside Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld. Bobby has made innumerable television appearances on Letterman, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno.

Marina Franklin will perform in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room at the ArtsQuest Center on Sat., Feb. 12. The New-York based comedian is emerging as one of the hottest performers in the comedy scene today, with such notable appearances as in Trainwreck and on Conan O’Brien, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Showtime’s Women Who Kill and Chappelle’s Show. She is a favorite in comedy festivals across the world, like Melbourne Comedy Festival, Scotland’s Glasgow Comedy Festival, BBC’s World Stand Up, Rotterdam’s Comedy Factory, Montreal’s Just For Laughs, Ireland’s Kilkenny Comedy Festival and Nashville’s Bonnaroo Music Festival.

Jeff Allen will perform on the Musikfest Café stage Thurs., April 7. Allen combines clean, hilarious humor like no other comedian working today. Jeff has been featured on America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Amazon, Dry Bar Comedy, Pureflix, Huckabee, Warner Bros., Bananas, Apostles of Comedy, Thou Shalt Laugh and numerous other networks and shows. Jeff’s comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life and the joy derived from a healthy marriage. This is an ALL-AGES event.

Glen Tickle will perform in the Visitor Center Sat., Feb. 26. Tickle has appeared on SiriusXM, Dry Bar Comedy and PBS. He is rewriting all of Wikipedia without doing any research as a co-host of The Improvised Wikipedia Podcast and he can beat you in Dr. Mario. Glen is currently working on his next special, “Glen Tickle Against the World Crime League.”

In addition to its stand-up schedule, ArtsQuest will host a plethora of improv, sing-a-longs and gameshows to keep you entertained.

On Sat., Feb. 12, join us for Happy Together, come laugh out loud and see who is the bigger upstaging, scenery chewing Queen when Carol Ann Carol Ann and Sharron Ann Husbands return to ArtsQuest as Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway in this show filled with sing-a-long hits from the 60s. Also on Sat. Feb, 12 join us for Valley Weird Squares: Love Boat, with Emcee and Trivia master Steven Bost as he quizzes a cast of colorful, comedic characters. Contestants must decide whether the answers are true or false to claim their squares and win the game. On Sat., Feb. 19 check out We’re Good, You’re Great, a quick witted, fully improvised show focusing on the humor found through a labyrinth of characters and comedic situations. On Sat., Feb. 26 come to the Visitor Center for Synced Up, an improv extravaganza staring Cindy Marsh, Erica Sylvester, Sam Beedle, Tami Cantilina, and Addyson Teal.

Stand-up comedian, actress and podcaster Emma Willmann has been rescheduled for April 8. The full line-up can be viewed, and tickets purchased for all comedy shows on steelstacks.org/comedy.

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