CHRISTKINDLMARKT PASSES TO GO ON SALE IN NOVEMBER

The popular annual holiday market will return to the SteelStacks campus beginning Fri., Nov. 19 through Sun., Dec. 19, 2021.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem presented by Univest Financial® will go on sale beginning Mon., Nov. 1, 2021. The holiday tradition will return for its 29th year beginning Fri., Nov. 19 and will run for five weekends through Sun., Dec. 19.

“We are proud to be part of the Christmas City’s rich holiday heritage,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Christkindlmarkt is just one of the many traditions that attract visitors to the Lehigh Valley region each year. We have been fortunate to receive a tremendous amount of support from our community. This is the perfect opportunity to come out and support the artists, crafters, retailers and vendors who rely on the busy holiday shopping season.”

Christkindlmarkt, 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 competition, is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring dozens of artisans offering thousands of unique, handmade gifts and holiday items, including the premier German ornament manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt.

“Univest Financial is excited to again serve as presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt,” said Annette D. Szygiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Univest Financial. “While we all continue to navigate uncertainty, Univest Financial remains dedicated to supporting the local communities we serve. This annual event provides a great opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses at a time they need it more than ever while also providing a favorite Christmas City tradition for families. Thanks to ArtsQuest for their dedication to safely bringing the community together in support of the arts in the Lehigh Valley.”

Retailers will include Bethlehem’s own Donegal Square and the Christmas Shoppe by Domaci. Shoppers can sip on their favorite seasonal offerings from Franklin Hill Vineyards, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, Social Still and Vynecrest. Visitors can feast from an array of seasonal eats like strudel, German bratwurst and German roasted almonds. Bring the whole family to visit with St. Nicholas or stop by the Crayola Creativity Station to make beautiful holiday-themed crafts. Enjoy the sounds of the season with live entertainment from a wide range of Lehigh Valley performers, from Corinne Mammana, Kendal Conrad and Seth Witcher to the Olde Towne Carolers, South Side Brass and area high school and university bands and choirs.

The market will run Fri. – Sun. the first two weeks (Nov. 19 – 21, 26-28) and then Thurs. – Sun. the last three weeks (Dec. 2-5, 9-12 and 16-19). Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thurs. and Sun. and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Thanks to the generosity of ArtsQuest’s partner T-Mobile, all fees will be waived, and entry will be free from 6 – 8 p.m. on Fridays.

Tickets to the first two weeks of Christkindlmarkt will be available on ChristmasCity.org beginning Mon., Nov. 1 or through the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610.332.3378. Passes for the remainder of the dates will be available after Thanksgiving. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

ARTSQUEST’S PALETTE & POUR RESTAURANT OPEN FOR DINNER AND A SHOW

Listen to live music while dining at this new restaurant located inside the ArtsQuest Center on the SteelStacks campus.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Warm up this fall and winter inside Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Guests can enjoy live music Wednesdays through Saturdays through the end of the year.

“Live music pairs perfectly with delicious food and drinks,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “Our loyal guests who love our many outdoor summer experiences now have a home indoors where they can enjoy local and nationally touring acts all year long for free. We are proud to offer this new option to patrons with our culinary partners Levy Restaurants.”

Members of the community are invited to showcase their talents on the Williams Brew Stage during open mic nights on Thursdays and there will be Jazz Improv sessions on select Wednesday evenings. Diners can also enjoy a wide variety of talented local acts throughout the fall and winter, including the jazz cabaret-style band Ginger and the Schnappes. Rasha Jay will showcase her raw rock vocals on Fri., Oct. 22. Lehigh Valley favorites, The Wonton Soups, will bring their ska/funk/pop/punk sound to the stage on Sat., Nov. 27. Talented songwriter Phillip-Michael Scales, the nephew of B.B. King, is scheduled to perform on Sat., Dec. 4. Get into the holiday spirit with Corinne Mammana’s Jazz in the Christmas City on Fri., Dec. 10.

Diners can come and go during three-hour performances beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. The kitchen opens approximately 45 minutes before show time. Spots at the bar and tables are available on a first come, first served basis, no reservations. Click here to view Palette & Pour’s updated menu. Food and drinks are also available for purchase while visiting the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

ARTSQUEST HOSTS RECORD-BREAKING OKTOBERFEST

New programs and an expanded festival footprint led to increased food and beverage sales for local businesses and vendors

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s 11th annual Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), returned to the SteelStacks campus supporting local businesses, performers and vendors. An estimated 42,000 people attended the outdoor festival which took place the first two weekends of October (Fri. Oct. 1-3 and 8-10).

“It was a joy to welcome the public back to our campus for this popular festival,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “This year’s mix of programming, paired with support from our corporate and community partners, hit just the right note. The numbers show there was clearly an appetite for this event, and it was great to see people of all ages enjoying the fall fun.”

The festival featured craft beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head and more. More than a dozen retailers and crafters set up shop at the Künstler Markt (crafters village). Hungry festival goers also had their pick of festival fare from Karl Ehmer’s Smoked Meats, to desserts from Waffle de Lys, to chef creations from Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Early indications, from a number of the small businesses operating at the festival, show food and beverage sales were up significantly when compared to both 2019 and 2018.

“This year’s Oktoberfest was a wonderful and rewarding experience,” Leo Osanitsch of Karl Ehmer Smoked Meats said. “Thank you to the organizers, staff and volunteers with ArtsQuest and a huge thank you to all of the patrons who continue to support our business. For us, it’s not just about selling our product, we enjoy sharing and celebrating German heritage. It’s fulfilling to be able to do something like this and interact with the diverse crowd who attends this annual festival.”

Highlights of this year’s Oktoberfest included Pierogipalooza, an experiential dining experience. The new event, originally scheduled for one day only on Sat., Oct. 2, was so popular, it returned on the second Saturday of the festival. Attendees purchased passports and sampled their choice of any six pierogi creations at different spots on the SteelStacks campus.

After sweating out the minutes for years, Oktoberfest 2021 became the official site of the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship. The championship, produced in partnership with the US Steinholding Association and presented by Samuel Adams, culminated during the finals on Sun., Oct. 10.

ArtsQuest also expanded the festival footprint, offering free musical performances Friday and Saturday nights during Oktoberfest on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage, presented by Coordinated Health, now part of Lehigh Valley Health Network. Acts included Boat House Row – A Yacht Rock Experience, The Discoteks, Renaissance Orchestra and Vanessa Collier.

Dragtoberfest, presented by Jack Daniels, and the Hasselhoff-off contest drew lively audiences to the Oktoberfest Arena. The adorable dachshund dog parades and races also returned, delighting attendees of all ages. Other activities included axe-throwing and the Kong Pong Tourney, presented by Yuengling.

Aside from Oktoberfest, ArtsQuest provides countless opportunities for the community to enjoy, year-round, including different musical, artistic, cultural and educational experiences on its campus at the SteelStacks and Banana Factory. To ensure the future of ArtsQuest, visit artsquest.org/donate.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES UPCOMING SHOWS TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR IN THE MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Tickets will soon go on sale for The Sofa Kings, The Nerds, The Weight Band, Motherfolk, as well as tributes to Prince, Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce upcoming shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, through the beginning of 2022. Tickets to these shows will go on sale beginning Tues., Oct. 12 for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. to the public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Say goodbye to 2021 and ring in 2022 with The Sofa Kings, one of the SteelStacks’ favorite party bands! Spend New Year’s Eve with this high energy ten-piece band from southeastern Pennsylvania. Their combination of fine musicianship, extraordinary vocals and an exceptional horn section sets the Sofa Kings apart from the rest. The group covers a wide range of genres including dance music, Motown, R&B, classic rock and current top hits on the Billboard charts.

America’s party band ‘fun-omenon’ The Nerds® will rock out on Fri., Jan. 7, 2022. The group has been redefining what it means to be a cover band since 1985. Throughout the last two decades, Spaz, Biff, Stretch and Mongo have graced stages from the Jersey Shore to Las Vegas.

The Weight Band will bring their “Woodstock sound” to the stage on Fri., Jan. 14, 2022. The Weight Band, led by Jim Weider a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band, will be performing their current album, World Gone Mad, as well as classic songs of The Band. The Boston Globe says World Gone Mad “strikes a chord between past and present,” and the Chicago Tribune says, “The Weight carries on where The Band left off.”

Dean Ford & The Beautiful Ones – A Tribute 2 Prince will grace the stage on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Dressed “2 the 9’s,” this tribute band embodies Prince. Ford and company will perform the hits you know and love, including the “Purple Rain” album in its entirety. The show is a must-see for all fans looking for a tribute to the late great Prince!

Motherfolk will return to Bethlehem, Pa. on Thurs., Jan. 27, 2022. What started in 2014 as a writing project between two college friends has since turned into a band with quite the following. Texas King will kick-off the evening of high-energy performances. Motherfolk humorously touts themselves as “the best band ever” according to “almost all of its current members.”

Don’t miss The Music of Simon & Garfunkel by Swearingen & Kelli on Sat., Feb. 12, 2022. In this show, musicians AJ Swearingen & Jayne Kelli recreate the music, memories and magic of one of the most famous folk-rock duos of our time. AJ’s deep baritone blends perfectly with Kelli’s vocals delivering a true tribute to the sound of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1960s Greenwich Village coffeehouse performances.

Marrakesh Express – a Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Experience will take place on Sat., Feb. 26, 2022. CSNY, arguably one of the most enduring and influential musical groups of all time, was born in the turbulent years of the late 1960s and their songs remain in heavy rotation on classic rock radio stations to this day. Featuring four harmonizing vocalists backed by a top-flight band, Marrakesh Express delivers a unique and energetic concert performing the classic acoustic and electric CSNY hits, deep cuts and fan favorites. Marrakesh Express has played to tens of thousands of fans at music festivals, theaters, fairs, performing arts centers and casinos, including the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Tribute Concert.

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

ROCK GROUP FUEL TO PERFORM IN ARTSQUEST’S MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Fuel will take the stage in Bethlehem, Pa. on Fri., Nov. 26, 2021

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome Fuel to the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on Fri., Nov. 26, 2021. Tickets will go on sale beginning Wed., Oct. 6 for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. to the public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Fuel, known for their hit singles “Hemorrhage” (In My Hands), “Innocent” and “Shimmer,” first formed in the 90s while playing the club circuit in and around Harrisburg, Pa. Since then, the band has sold millions of records and headlined sold out tours across the country. The group has also supported the likes of Aerosmith and Kid Rock. After a time away from the group, lead singer Brett Scallions says, “Fuel is fully reignited, and it feels like we are just getting started.”

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

ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES FREE SHOWS ON LEVITT PAVILION STEELSTACKS STAGE DURING OKTOBERFEST

These free performances will take place Friday and Saturday nights throughout the festival

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to offer free shows on Friday and Saturday nights during Oktoberfest on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Coordinated Health. The 11th annual festival, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will take place Oct. 1-3 and 8-10.

On Fri., Oct. 1 Boat House Row – A Yacht Rock Experience will rock the stage beginning at 7 p.m. They play a style of rock known for being more mellow than its heavy metal counterpart. The group has built up a following and continued to perform for fans virtually, even during the pandemic. Come check them out and prepare to be rocked…gently.

Looking for a fun, 70s disco experience? Look no further than The Discoteks performing at 6 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 2. Take a trip through time and get your groove on with this 70s disco and party band.

Renaissance Orchestra, a 10-piece party band will be playing beginning at 7 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 8. Comprised of musicians with more than 30 years of experience, they specialize in musical diversity and are not afraid to play any song. Come see this versatile band!

Vanessa Collier, winner of back-to-back Blues Music Awards in 2019 and 2020 for Horn Player of the Year, will grace the stage with her band at 6 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 9. This up-and-coming musician seamlessly weaves together funk, soul, rock and blues styles through soulful vocals.

“Oktoberfest has always been a great place for fun, engaging entertainment,” Anne Sturm, ArtsQuest’s Senior Talent Buyer and Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion said. “This year, we are excited to expand our offerings outside of the festival footprint and onto the big stage outdoors. So don’t put away your beach or lawn chairs just yet – bring them with you when you come to Oktoberfest where we will have something for everyone’s taste in both music and beer!”

The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature more live music along with brew samples, local artisans and activities like Pierogipalooza, the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship and dachshund dog parades and races. Visit steelstacks.org/Oktoberfest for more information. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FALL/WINTER SHOWS IN THE MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Start Making Sense, The Amish Outlaws, EagleMania, The Stranger, The Large Flowerheads, RUBIX KUBE, The BritPack and Scythian will perform on the SteelStacks campus.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce upcoming shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, through the beginning of 2022. Tickets to these shows will go on sale beginning Tues., Sept. 28 for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. to the public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Tribes & Vibes presents A Night Outta Town – Fri., Nov. 12, 2021 – Tribes & Vibes looks to bring their views to topics such as self-empowerment, self-consciousness and love. Creator and CEO Ashley Sanchez, known as Baby The Poet, uses her rhyme schemes and edgy delivery to promote and provide a safe and intimate space for people as well as artists from all cultures to be inspired and uplifted through the art of poetry, spoken word, music and the performing arts.

Start Making Sense Presents: Tom Petty’s Wildflowers – Sat., Nov. 27, 2021 – If you’re a fan of Tom Petty, then this is the show for you. Start Making Sense normally plays the hits of Talking Heads, but this time they are paying tribute to musical genius Tom Petty. They will be playing his album Wildflowers in its entirety, plus some songs from All The Rest and other hits. A can’t miss event for a tribute to a great musician by great musicians.

The Amish Outlaws – Thurs., Dec. 16, 2021 – This band, from Lancaster, Pa., is made up of three former members of the Amish faith and three “honorary” members. If you ever want to know what it’s like to see six men play music in full Amish clothing, then this party band is a must-see.

EagleMania – The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute – Fri., Dec. 17 and Sat., Dec. 18, 2021 – EagleMania has dedicated themselves to faithfully reproducing the music of The Eagles. Their show consists of the Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as some of the solo work of Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh.

The Large Flowerheads – Mon., Dec. 27, 2021 – The Large Flowerheads bring to life the musical sights and sounds of the groovy 60s to the stage for everyone to enjoy. From bands such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher and many more, this tribute to the 60s will bring back memories for some and show others the greatness of this decade in music.

The Stranger – A Tribute to Billy Joel – Tues., Dec. 28, 2021 – Billy Joel is one of the world’s most beloved musical artists of the past century. The Stranger, comprised of some of the best and most experienced musicians in the business, creates an authentic replication of Billy’s timeless music, crowning it with soulful, spot-on vocals that makes listening to a Billy Joel song so special.

RUBIX KUBE: THE EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK SHOW! – Sat., Feb. 5, 2022 – RUBIX KUBE personifies the sound that made the 80s one of the best decades for music! Their ever evolving and interactive The EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK SHOW captivates audiences of all ages. The KUBE rocks for the coolest fans across the globe…and galaxies far, far away.

The BritPack – Fri., Feb. 25, 2022 – The BritPack features the amazing talents of Matt Nakoa (vocals, guitar, keys), Mark Johnson (guitar, vocals), Bryan Percivall (bass) and Will Haywood Smith (drums). They have performed with artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Britney Spears, Chet Faker, Tom Rush and Mark Hudson among many others. The BritPack has established a reliable reputation as the most authentic British Invasion band this side of the Atlantic.

Scythian – Sat., March 5, 2022 – Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began more than 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets. They have headlined the US Celtic Festival circuit and have made a name for themselves in the bluegrass/Americana festival circuit. Known for wanting to bring, as they say, the “old time, good time music” of many cultures, you’ll leave this show with a smile and tired from all the dancing.

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 TO HOST OCT. SCREENING IN LGBTQ+ SERIES, PANEL DISCUSSION

The screening of But I’m a Cheerleader on Thurs., Oct. 7, 2021, will be followed by a talkback/Q&A with Liz Bradbury and Rev. Goudy.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is proud to present a screening of the 1999 edgy comedy But I’m a Cheerleader on Thurs., Oct. 7, 2021, followed by a talkback/Q&A with Liz Bradbury, Director of the Training Institute of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, and Rev. Goudy of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley. This event is part of the cinema’s LGBTQ+ Film Series. Tickets are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610.332.3378.

“When this movie came out 22 years ago, we all thought parts were funny, but we also thought the gender binary role issues, the hypocritical religious pressure and the quack ‘science’ were very important to expose and end,” said Liz Bradbury, Director of the Training Institute of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. “Yet today, ‘conversion therapy’ is still harming young people because it’s still frighteningly present and legal in way too many areas of the US, including some suburban parts of the Lehigh Valley. I’m glad to be taking part in this important panel discussion.”

The film, starring Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall, Melanie Lynskey and RuPaul, follows a teenager whose suburban existence filled with friends, cheerleading and all-American fun is upended when her parents suspect she may be a lesbian. Panelist Liz Bradbury (she/her), Director of the Training Institute of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, has more than 40 years of experience working as a professional advocate for the LGBTQ community and is recognized as a national expert on LGBTQ issues. Rev. Goudy received a B.A. in History & Theology from the College of St. Catherine and an M.Div. from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas restarted its LGBTQ+ Film Series on Sat., Aug 28 with a screening of the award-winning feature Swan Song and a talkback with the film’s director Todd Stephens. The LGBTQ+ Film Series, when produced prior to the pandemic, would last for one month of the year and tickets cost $10 each. Thanks to grant support from the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program, the series will now run throughout the year and it is free to attend. The series is also now curated by three ArtsQuest Cinema Committee members: Alessandra Fanelli, Catherine Ford and Adrianna Gober.

Masks will be required for all attendees of this screening and should be worn at all times during the screening, except when actively eating or drinking. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

The next event in the LGBTQ+ Film Series will be a screening of the 1985 film Buddies at 6 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 5, 2021. Arthur J. Bressan Jr. (Gay USA) created this first feature-length drama about AIDS after more than a decade of making gay adult films. Visit steelstacks.org/film for more information.