PENNSYLVANIA STATE STEINHOLDING CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO STEELSTACKS CAMPUS

Oktoberfest will be the official home of the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship on Sun. Oct. 10, 2021.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to present the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship as part of the 11th annual Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The championship, produced in partnership with the US Steinholding Association and presented by Samuel Adams, will start with the semi-finals at 5 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 3, and the finals at 3 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 10, 2021.

“Competitors have been raising steins and sweating out the minutes for years at Oktoberfest on the SteelStacks campus,” Jim Banko, Commissioner of the U.S. Steinholding Association said. “This year, we are proud to make this our official site. Oktoberfest has been a staple of the Lehigh Valley for more than a decade and we could not think of a better place for this partnership.”

There are two ways to qualify for the semi-finals on Oct. 3. To compete at partnered local breweries and bars, visit ussteinholding.com to view qualifying round locations. Competitors can also post one of the best times at the Spielplatz gaming area during the first weekend of Oktoberfest from Oct. 1-3 every hour, on the hour during the festival.

The goal of the competition is to hold your stein with proper form for the longest without being disqualified by the judge. This competition will bring the best Steinholders together as they compete for not only prizes, but glory in being named the best in Pennsylvania. This event is for adults 21 or older and the man and woman who win the contest will each receive a check for $500.

The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship is part of ArtsQuest’s Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature brew samples, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog parade. 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.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS CAMPUS

The holiday tradition will return on Fri. Nov. 19 and run through Sun. Dec. 19, 2021

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, the popular annual holiday market, will return for its 29th year beginning Fri., Nov. 19, 2021. The market, presented by Univest Financial®, will run for five weeks through Sun., Dec. 19, 2021.

“The reopening of Christkindlmarkt is an important part of the economy during the holiday season in the Christmas City and surrounding region,” Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Christkindlmarkt is not only a lifeline for the crafters and vendors, but it is a tradition for families in the Lehigh Valley and visitors from across the world. We are proud to play a role in the rich history of the city of Bethlehem.”

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, Christkindlmarkt 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. While visitors shop, they can also feast from an array of food and dining options, visit with St. Nicholas and enjoy live entertainment from Lehigh Valley performers.

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. More details will be announced throughout the fall. A complete list of vendors and ticket information will be posted soon on ChristmasCity.org.

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

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will take place over the course of two weekends, Fri., Oct. 1 through Sun., Oct. 3 and Fri., Oct. 8 through Sun., Oct. 10.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will return to the SteelStacks campus Oct. 1 – 3 and Oct. 8 – 10, 2021. The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature brew samples, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog parade and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship.

“You know it’s officially fall at SteelStacks when Oktoberfest returns and we are excited to welcome the public back to this popular annual event,” Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest said. “None of this would be possible without the support of our corporate and community partners.”

ACTIVITIES
The popular Hasselhoff-off, where contestants show off their Hoff-like good looks in a hilarious costume and impersonation contest, will return on Fri., Oct. 1. The adorable Oktoberfest wiener dog parade and dachshund dog races will return on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival. Attendees can come play the blown-up version of a popular party game during the Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney, presented by Yuengling. For the first time ever, this year’s Oktoberfest will be the site of the official Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented by Samuel Adams and produced in partnership with the US Steinholding Association. To qualify for the state championship on Oct. 10, competitors must first qualify for the semi-finals on Oct. 3 (or another qualifying competition held throughout the area).

BEER AND FOOD
It wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without the brews and food. Attendees can sample seasonal craft beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head and more. Second only to the beer is the food. Karl Ehmer, Heidi’s Strudel, Foodstuff and Heaven on a Bun will be returning. New this year will be Waffle De Lys and delicious dishes from Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Festival goers can also shop from a variety of artisan crafters and retailers der Verkäufer (vendors).

ENTERTAINMENT
There will be live music and entertainment in seven different venues throughout the festival, including at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on Friday and Saturday nights. Musical acts will include Boat House Row – A Yacht Rock Experience, The Discoteks and Renaissance Orchestra.

Festival favorites Polkadelphia will be playing daily, along with performances from a variety of Schuhplatters. Fire dance cabaret group Flame Nouveau will heat up the stage on Sat., Oct. 2. Then, join some of the Lehigh Valley’s favorite drag queens as they serve up Oktoberfest-themed performances during Dragtoberfest, presented by Jack Daniels, on Sat., Oct. 2 and 9.

“We are proud to be onboard once again as presenting sponsor for Oktoberfest in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley International Airport. “This year’s event is set to deliver a fun-filled time for all with plenty of delicious food, music and cultural entertainment. Last year’s successful event overcame many pandemic challenges due to the hard work and dedication of our amazing partners at ArtsQuest. Your neighborhood airport is ready for the fun to takeoff in early October and we can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Additional information will be announced throughout the month of September, visit steelstacks.org/oktoberfest. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

ARTSQUEST HOLDS SEPT. 11 PATRIOT DAY CEREMONY, DISPLAY

The presentation of the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 on the SteelStacks campus.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest will mark the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 with a display honoring first responders and a presentation of the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on the SteelStacks campus on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez will be featured speakers. There will also be a moment of silence to honor our nation’s fallen.

“We are grateful for our neighborhood heroes who have served and continue to serve our community,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Their work often goes unnoticed and we want to take this time to show our appreciation. It is important to come together as a community to remember the sacrifices made in the last two decades.”

Bob Novatnack, former Bethlehem Fire Department Chief and current Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Bethlehem will be presented with the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award. This award, created in 2016, commemorates his career servicing our community as a first responder. Four ArtsQuest volunteers, who have devoted their time to their community, not just at ArtsQuest events, but by committing acts of bravery and courage, have been honored in the past.

Members of the community submitted photos of family members, neighbors and friends who have served or are currently serving their communities as first responders for Our Hometown Heroes – First Responders, presented by Embassy Bank. These banners will be on display throughout the SteelStacks campus.

Following the ceremony, a free concert from vocalist and lyricist Hannah Gill will take place on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage, presented by Coordinated Health, now part of Lehigh Valley Health Network. Food and beverages will be available on-site at the Mack Truck Stop and Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS: SARAH JAROSZ, WE BANJO 3

Grammy award-winning singer Sarah Jarosz will perform in October and the fast-rising quartet We Banjo 3 will play at the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, in January.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce two new shows coming to the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on the SteelStacks campus. Tickets will go on sale beginning Tuesday, August 31 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, September 3 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.

Three-time Grammy award-winner Sarah Jarosz will perform in Bethlehem on Friday, October 1, 2021. Jarosz started singing at a young age and became an accomplished instrumentalist by her early teens. After releasing her full-length debut Song Up in Her Head, she went on to deliver the albums Follow Me Down, Build Me Up From Bones and 2016’s Undercurrent. In 2014, Jarosz joined forces with Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan to form the acclaimed Grammy winning folk trio I’m With Her. The Dead Tongues, a popular folk project from North Carolina, will open the evening.

The Galway, Ireland and Nashville-based quartet, We Banjo 3 is coming to the SteelStacks on Sunday, January 16, 2022. The group, comprised of two sets of brothers Enda and Fergal Scahill and Martin and David Howley, converges the shared and varied traditions of Americana, bluegrass and Celtic music to create a truly unique signature sound. Actor, comedian and musician Steve Martin says of the band, “We Banjo 3…are making waves…here in America. They are playing the banjo in a style that I didn’t even know could be played like that.”

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

KICK – THE INXS EXPERIENCE TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS

The well-known tribute group will perform in the Musikfest Café on Friday, April 15, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome KICK – The INXS Experience to the Musikfest Café on Friday, April 15, 2022. Tickets start at $15 and will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 27 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Formed in 2014, two years after INXS stopped touring, KICK – The INXS Experience captures the spirit of INXS in both its sound and live performances. KICK is officially endorsed by Tina Hutchence, sister of the late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, and has garnered the attention and admiration of well-seasoned ears in the music industry.

ARTSQUEST PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL LEHIGH VALLEY TURKEY JAM

The celebration of local music and arts will take place in the Musikfest Café on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to present the First Annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam: A Local Music and Arts Celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Tickets start at $15 and will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 27 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Hosted by Kirk Griffiths, this event will feature performances from Philly-based blues, funk and soul group The Groove Merchants, reggae/rocksteady group Trouble City All-Stars and singer/song writer Tim Harakal. The evening will also feature stand-up from Lehigh Valley comedians Tyler Rothrock and Emily Poche.

GUITARISTS MIKE DAWES AND YASMIN WILLIAMS TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS

The fingerstyle guitarists will perform together in the Musikfest Café on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome Mike Dawes and Yasmin Williams to the Musikfest Café on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Tickets will go on sale beginning Tuesday, August 24 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, August 27 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.

Mike Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He is hailed as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists with a repertoire spanning solo viral videos and popular arrangements, as well as mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. Yasmin Williams is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist with an unorthodox, modern style of playing. Her imaginative music has been commonly described as refreshing, relaxing and unique.

ARTSQUEST’S FRANK BANKO ALEHOUSE CINEMAS RELAUNCH LGBTQ+ FILM SERIES, ALL SCREENINGS FREE TO ATTEND

Series kicks off on Aug. 28 with Swan Song, plus an appearance from director Todd Stephens

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will restart its LGBTQ+ Film Series – which previously ran every year from 2012 through 2019 – on Sat., Aug 28 at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the award-winning feature Swan Song. Todd Stephens, the film’s director, will be in attendance to participate in a talkback/question and answer session after the film. Tickets are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610.332.3378.

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 will be free to attend. The series is also now curated by three of ArtsQuest’s Cinema Committee members: Alessandra Fanelli, Catherine Ford and Adrianna Gober.

“I am beyond ecstatic to be playing a role in the return of the LGBTQ+ Film Series, which is now more accessible than ever,” says Gober, who also serves as the co-curator of the cinema’s First Saturday Horror Series. “We aim to highlight films from the rich history of queer cinema that are not only diverse in genre, style and country of origin, but also inclusive of a wide and diverse scope of LGBTQ+ identities, experiences and perspectives and to share them with the community. Swan Song’s themes of queer resilience, connection and reconciling inter-generational differences, explored through an authentic queer voice, make it a perfect choice to kick the series back off.”

Swan Song, the winner of the 2021 NewFest Pride Audience Award, stars renowned actor Udo Kier as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client’s dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past – and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job.

“I am thrilled to be coming to Bethlehem,” says Stephens, whose credits also include writing 1998’s Edge of Seventeen and writing and directing 2001’s Gypsy 83, among others. “Bethlehem reminds me a lot of my own hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, where Swan Song is set. The film is about a man and his town coming back to life — and I have watched the same thing happen in the Lehigh Valley.”

The following is the list of events taking place as part of the screening of Swan Song:
• 6:30 p.m. – DJ set by Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air
• 7:30 p.m. – Opening remarks from the curators and Director Todd Stephens
• 7:45p.m. – Screening of Swan Song
• 9:30p.m. – Talkback/Q&A with Stephens

The next film in the LGBTQ+ Film Series will be 1999’s But I’m a Cheerleader, starring Natasha Lyonne, on Thurs., Oct. 7. Full details will be announced soon.