FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS, ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS

The well-known bands will perform outdoors at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sun., June 12

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome hit musical artists Fitz and the Tantrums and St. Paul & The Broken Bones to the outdoor stage at SteelStacks on Sun., June 12. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning Wed., Jan. 19 and to the public at 10 a.m. Fri., Jan. 21 on steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Fitz and the Tantrums features Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs (vocals), James King (saxophone, flute), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards), Joseph Karnes (bass) and John Wicks (drums, percussion). The multi-platinum artists recently released their fourth full length album ALL THE FEELS, featuring singles “123456” and “I Just Wanna Shine.” ALL THE FEELS follows the band’s 2016 release FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS, which spawned the group’s biggest hit to date, “HandClap.” The RIAA-certified two-time platinum single has been streamed more than 400 million times globally, went top five on both the Hot AC and Alternative Radio charts and also enjoyed major airplay across the country at Top 40. The LA-based band has been featured on Dancing With The Stars, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, TODAY show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, America’s Got Talent and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The group has performed at music festivals around the world including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more.

The Alabama-bred soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones consists of members Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone) and Amari Ansari (saxophone). Their fourth album, THE ALIEN COAST, is a convergence of rock & roll, R&B, psychedelia and funk. Produced by Matt Ross-Spang, THE ALIEN COAST is the first album St. Paul & The Broken Bones have ever recorded in their hometown of Birmingham. The band’s chief lyricist drew inspiration from Greek mythology, dystopian sci-fi, 17th century Italian sculpture and colonial-period history books for the band’s most adventurous and original work to date.

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

ARTSQUEST’S 12TH ANNUAL ‘SOUPER BOWL’ RESCHEDULED

Credit: Lisa Boehm

This event, featuring prominent Lehigh Valley restaurants and caterers, returns to the SteelStacks campus on Sun., March 13, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Souper Bowl XII has been rescheduled for Sun., March 13, 2022. The annual culinary experience will still follow the same schedule and take place from noon – 3 p.m., in the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling.

Tickets for General admission start at $32 for ArtsQuest Members and $36 for the public. VIP Tasting Tickets will also be available for purchase on steelstacks.org. These passes will include early entry into the venue, a free drink ticket for any Yuengling beer, wine from Franklin Hills Vineyards, or a soft drink, plus automatic entry into a VIP only raffle for a chance to win a year-long pass to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and a Yuengling beer cooler.

This event will return for its 12th year and feature creations from some of the top restaurateurs in the region. A panel of expert and celebrity judges will award the best vegan, seafood-based, cream-based, meat-based, most surprising ingredient and most original creations. Guests will also choose who wins the coveted “People’s Choice” award. A live performance by Lehigh Valley based jazz-blues band, Dolcetto Trio, will also be featured during the event. Attendees can enter a raffle for a chance to win gift cards donated by the participating restaurants.

Any restaurants interested in participating must fill out the following form to reserve a station at this popular event.

Tickets for this delicious event are on sale can be purchased on steelstacks.org or by calling the ArtsQuest box office at 610.332.3378. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

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 PLANS FOR SLÁINTE, A NEW FESTIVAL CELEBRATING IRISH HERITAGE

This four-day celebration, 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.

Fiddles and whiskey will take center stage for four days during this festival focused on the music and traditions of the Emerald Isle. With several bands coming over from Ireland and traditional food and whiskey pairings supervised by Neville Gardner, owner and operator of Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar, Sláinte will be an immersive experience taking the usual St. Patrick’s Day festivities to the next level.

“We are excited to partner with Neville and his team on this new festival,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “From the music to the whiskey, this partnership will help us create an authentic celebration of Celtic heritage. This is a great opportunity for our organizations to collaborate.”

Tickets for individual days and events, including VIP single malt whiskey tastings and a Sunday Irish Breakfast, will go on sale in the coming weeks. The festival, taking place at SteelStacks on the SouthSide of Bethlehem, will also feature a fiddle competition and musical performances. Confirmed bands include the traditional Irish music group Lúnasa and Irish folk band The Jeremiahs. A full lineup will be announced soon.

“This is an exciting time for the Lehigh Valley,” Gardner said. “The announcement of Sláinte Festival as a celebration for St. Patrick’s Day and Celtic Culture will help connect many people to their heritage. I’m delighted to be part of this new venture.”

Festival passes are on sale now on steelstacks.org for $79 for ArtsQuest members and $99 for the public. These festival passes include admission to all musical performances. Single day passes and tickets to VIP food and whiskey events will be released soon.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS FOR THE MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Tickets for both New Suede and In the Light of Led Zeppelin – A Symphonic Zeppelin Experience will go on sale Fri., Jan. 14

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce two new upcoming shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling. New Suede will perform on Thurs., Feb. 24 and In the Light of Led Zeppelin – A Symphonic Zeppelin Experience will rock the stage on Sun., April 3. Tickets for both shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. Fri. Jan. 14 on steelstacks.org. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

On Thurs., Feb. 24, New Suede will bring its rock, blues and funk fusion style to the Café stage. After moving from Lancaster, Pa to Nashville, Tenn. in 2016, Elijah Perron formed the first iteration of New Suede, regionally touring and releasing three popular singles that quickly garnered audiences’ attention by fusing funk and rock. Originally a four-piece set of guitar, drums, bass and keys, New Suede returns with an added blues harp and saxophone to create a blended sound backed by multiple bases. New Suede’s first full album is scheduled to be released in Jan. Having performed live for more than 11 years and in eight different states, Perron continues to be the sociable stage performer his audience knows and loves.

On Sun., April 3, In the Light of Led Zeppelin – A Symphonic Zeppelin Experience, will bring its intriguing two-hour adventure to Café. Described as “Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets Led Zeppelin,” In the Light of Led Zeppelin is an exciting event with an orchestrated arrangement of rock’s most iconic music. This seven-piece supergroup of Grammy-nominated men and women features the sounds of the violin and cello, among classic guitar and other instruments. This highly refined tribute ensemble provides a unique musical experience. There is no other tribute experience like In the Light of Led Zeppelin. “It’s not a tribute, it’s an experience!” is the reaction from fans all over the world.

For tickets to Musikfest Café 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.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES 2022 EVENTS

Photo Courtesy: Jeff Auger

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

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— A new year means new music, arts and food events at ArtsQuest. The nonprofit arts organization, dedicated to providing access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, is planning a busy 2022 filled with annual events the Lehigh Valley has come to love, along with new experiences.

ArtsQuest’s flagship festival, Musikfest, will return Aug. 5-14. This year’s ‘fest, returning for its 39th year, will feature hundreds of free performances throughout the City of Bethlehem. The 2022 poster, by renowned contemporary artist Bart Cooper, has already been unveiled. Tickets are on sale now for headliners Kelsea Ballerini and ALABAMA who will perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage. Additional performers and details will be announced throughout the year.

Outdoor concerts are also back at the SteelStacks. Get ready for a full season of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Summer Concert Series presented by Coordinated Health, now part of Lehigh Valley Health Network, weekends from May 20-September 10. Also, this summer, mark your calendars for the new ReggaeFest on Sat. July 2.

Save the date this spring for a reimagined Kentucky Derby Watch Party on Sat., May 7. This summer Juneteenth will return to the SteelStacks campus for a full day of community events on Sat., June 18. ¡Sabor! Latin Festival will also return for three days of sizzling music, food and fun June 24-26.

Foodies rejoice! ArtsQuest has a full plate of events including a new TacoFest, set for Sun., July 10. Enjoy dinner and a show at Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center, or order some food and drinks while enjoying a film at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. Start making plans for brunch, featuring new chef’s creations, in honor of Easter on Sun., April 17 or Mother’s Day on Sun., May 8.

Appreciate the arts during the Glass Blast and Art Auction, a gala featuring demos and artwork, on Fri., April 22. Gear up for a family-friendly celebration of the arts during the revamped Banana Factory Block Party, formerly known as the SouthSide Arts and Music Festival, on May 6-7. Enjoy a marathon nine hours of laughs during The 9th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival, returning in-person on Sat., Jan. 29. Display your cinematic talents, submissions are now being accepting for Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival which will return in-person Sat., April 9. InVision, a month-long celebration of all things photography, will also return in November.

Celebrate and honor those who have served our country with patriotic events, presented by Embassy Bank, planned for Memorial Day May 28-30, Flag Day on Sat., June 11, the Fourth of July, Patriot Day on Sun., Sept. 11 and Veterans Day on Fri., Nov. 11.

After a record-breaking event in 2021, Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will return Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and Oct. 7-9. The 12th annual festival will feature brew samples, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog parade and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, presented by Univest Financial®, will return for five weekends beginning Nov. 18-20, 25-27 through Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18. Named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice, Christkindlmarkt is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring dozens of artisans offering thousands of unique, handmade gifts and holiday items. PEEPSFEST®, the sweetest way to celebrate the new year, will return Dec. 30 and 31 in partnership with Just Born Quality Confections.

More events will be announced soon including a festival celebrating Irish heritage in March and exciting new offerings during the holiday season. Visit steelstacks.org to view a calendar of upcoming events throughout the year.

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

THE STEELSTACKS IMPROV COMEDY FESTIVAL RETURNS IN-PERSON

9th annual festival features 20+ teams, headlining set from members of Netflix sketch show

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to present the 9th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival (SSICF) live and in-person on Saturday, Jan. 29. Tickets are now on sale for ArtsQuest Members and the general public. Face coverings will be required at this event for anyone in the showroom other than performers actively on stage.

“We’re so grateful to be able to produce this festival in any shape or form but are particularly excited to get people back in the Blast Furnace Room to watch some live comedy,” ArtsQuest Senior Programing Director Ryan Hill said. “We were in touch with many of the teams we’ve worked with over the years to see if they’d still come to be a part of a live festival and heard overwhelmingly that they would, as the SSICF has become one of their favorites to perform at year after year.”

The 2022 SSICF will be headlined by It’s in the Stars, a trio made up of Ray Cordova, Monique Moses and James III of Astronomy Club, whose Netflix sketch show, Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, was called “delightful for a number of reasons” by Paste Magazine and “so addictive that I had to resist bingeing them all at once” by Isaac Feldberg of The Boston Globe.

“After a challenging couple of years, Astronomy Club is so excited to be back at The ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in person,” said Moses. “We’re huge fans and friends of the SSICF and look forward to starting our 2022 with this fantastic comedy community!”

In addition to the featured headliners, more than 20 teams hailing from New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Baltimore and the Lehigh Valley will perform for nine hours during this marathon-style event. Each team – such as Model Citizen, Synced Up and Hot Pursuit – will have 20-minutes to produce live comedy on the spot. The festival, starting at 4:30 p.m. and lasting through the night until 1:30 a.m., will kick off with the traditional “Yes, And” Ceremony in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on the second floor of the ArtsQuest Center.

Tickets are now on sale for this event. ArtsQuest member tickets are priced at $16 in advance, $19 day of show, for the general public $19 in advance, $22 day of show, with ages 25 and under tickets priced at $17 in advance and $20 day of show.

For this event, masks will be required for anyone in the showroom other than performers actively on stage. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

Ray Cordova is an actor, writer and comedian born and raised in New York City. His work can be seen on Netflix in Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, Comedy Central’s Alternatino, Starz’s Raising Kanan and many other networks. He also performs and teaches improv at theatres such as The Upright Citizens Brigade, The Pit and Magnet.

Monique Moses is a writer, director and actor based in Brooklyn N.Y. A long-time performer and teacher at New York’s Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater (UCB). She has written and starred in content for Comedy Central, NBC Universal and Adult Swim’s Teenage Euthanasia. She also co-created Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, which premiered on Netflix in 2019 to stellar reviews.

James III is best known for co-creating and co-starring in the Netflix sketch series, Astronomy Club. He’s written for Netflix’s Human Resources, Nickelodeon’s All That and truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything and has appeared in the Miley Cyrus episode of Black Mirror. He’s also written feature films for Tyler Perry Studios and Marginal Media.

ARTSQUEST’S GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY FILMMAKER FESTIVAL ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

The deadline for early submissions into the 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival (GLVFF) is Fri., Jan. 28, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival is now accepting early film submissions for consideration into the 11th annual event. ArtsQuest is proud to be returning to its in-person format on Sat., April 9 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. This event is a celebration for filmmakers and cinephiles and the evening will include screenings of the top submissions.

“We are thrilled to be able to return to the in-person format of the festival,” Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest Programming Manager and Festival Director, said. “There’s just nothing like seeing your work given the big screen treatment. The atmosphere during the festival is always one of joy and excitement and it’s a great feeling to be able to offer this to our incredibly talented local filmmakers to show the Lehigh Valley just how gifted they are.”

The ArtsQuest Cinema Committee will work in tandem with a juried panel comprised of committee members and regional film professionals to view submissions and vote on awarding several prestigious titles including “Best Director,” “Best Performance” and “Audience Award” with the top title “Best in Show” receiving a $500 cash prize. Former “Best in Show” winners include 2020’s Five Stars, by Vernard James and 2019’s The Story of the Sectaurs, directed by Cliff Reese.

Film entries can be up to 30-minutes long and must have been filmed after Jan. 1, 2019. Copyrighted music is prohibited unless the filmmaker has proper documentation. The early submission deadline is Friday, Jan 28; films submitted by this date will have a discounted submission fee of $10. The discounted $10 rate will also apply to anyone 25 and under submitting films for the festival. All films must be submitted no later than Friday Feb., 25. The full festival lineup will be announced Wed., March 9.

Anyone wishing to submit a film may do so online, please click here. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST’S FRANK BANKO ALEHOUSE CINEMAS OFFERS $6 WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY

These discounted box office rates will be presented by Lehigh Valley with Love Media

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will offer discounted movie tickets on Wednesdays in the month of January 2022, thanks to a partnership with Lehigh Valley with Love Media.

“As a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to the arts, we are always looking for ways to remove barriers to experiencing our programming,” Jon Lunger, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Marketing said. “The new year is a perfect time to start this new partnership with a well-known name in the Lehigh Valley.”

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is a two-screen independent, foreign and arthouse cinema located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The two cinemas (red and blue) accommodate 100 and 200 guests, respectively. These $6 Wednesdays, presented by Lehigh Valley with Love Media, will begin on Jan. 5, 2022, and continue through at least the end of the month. The content driven media company, known for its popular Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and blog, will help cover costs at the box office.

“We are huge fans of what ArtsQuest provides to the Lehigh Valley,” George Wacker, Owner/Founder of Lehigh Valley with Love Media said. “We attend and cover everything from Musikfest, to music and comedy shows. The Lehigh Valley is our home, and this is a great opportunity to play a role in the region’s thriving arts scene. We hope everyone takes time to return to the theaters and see everything there is to offer at the SteelStacks.”

Throughout the year, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas plays a variety of new and classic films. ArtsQuest also presents a variety a special screenings and events including the LGBTQ+ Film Series and Cinema Significa… The series Black Film: Then and Now will premiere in February. Visit steelstacks.org/film 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.

PEEPSFEST® RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS WITH TWO NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS

Courtesy: Craig Roberts

The family-friendly New Year’s tradition, hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections, will ring in 2022 with fireworks on Dec. 30 and 31, 2021. Tickets to this outdoor event are on sale now.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets are now on sale for the family-friendly PEEPSFEST® hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections on Thurs., Dec. 30 and Fri., Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with this sweet celebration at the SteelStacks campus from 3 – 6 p.m., on either night. This event will be held outside with family-friendly activities and fireworks following the annual PEEPS® Chick drop on both Thursday and Friday.

As per tradition, the massive PEEPS® Chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing 4 feet and 9 inches tall, will descend for the countdown to the New Year at 5:30 p.m., on both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, followed by a stunning display of fireworks.

This year’s festival will take place entirely outdoors and tickets will be required to ensure a safe and quality experience for all in attendance. Tickets, which can be purchased for $5 per person, are limited and include Just Born Quality Confections goodie bags for all kids under 12, one coupon to redeem a free s’mores kit for all kids under 12, PEEPS® sampling stations and live musical performances. The whole family can also enjoy activities like the PEEPSFEST® Scavenger Hunt, the Leaning Tower of PEEPS®, cornhole, Jenga and crafts by local groups from around the Lehigh Valley.

Tickets and additional details can be found at steelstacks.org/PEEPSFEST. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. To help ensure the safety of children and families at PEEPSFEST®, it is highly recommended that masks are worn throughout the event. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.