DockDogs Competition, Family Fishing Event, Firefighters Challenge & Hands-on Outdoor Activities Highlight 5th Step Outdoors Festival at SteelStacks June 1-2

Photo by Craig Roberts

Festival, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network, includes outdoors-focused activities and presentations by 25 different groups

BETHLEHEM, PA—The return of the high-flying Keystone DockDogs competition, a new kids’ firefighters challenge and a family fishing event on Saturday highlight the many events and hands-on activities designed to immerse kids in the wonders of the great outdoors during the fifth Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley festival presented by St Luke’s University Health Network at SteelStacks June 1-2. The festival, which is free to attend, includes two days of presentations, hands-on activities and educational experiences designed to encourage children and families to get outdoors, as well as learn about the many wildlife, outdoors and conservation-focused groups working in the region.

At Step Outdoors, children enjoy presentations and activities by more than 25 local and state groups. Activities include archery, biking, gardening, art & nature activities, hiking, nature photography, bluebird box building, laser sporting clays and more. Throughout the weekend, organizations like Hawk Mountain and Wildlands Conservancy also offer presentations featuring live wildlife.

“St. Luke’s, committed to promoting Fit For Life healthy eating and exercise programs, is proud to sponsor the Step Outdoors festival,” says Kenneth Szydlow, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of St. Luke’s University Health Network. “Festival activities feature healthy alternatives to screen time, activities which help prevent obesity, diabetes and other serious health issues.”

The 2019 DockDogs competition, which takes place June 1, 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and June 2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., features athletic canines performing high-flying feats as they leap into a 40-foot swimming pool set up on SteelStacks’ Air Products Town Square. During the competition, dogs go paw to paw as they compete in categories designed to showcase the highest leap, longest jump and quickest retrieve.

New at Step Outdoors on Saturday are a Family Fishing Program offered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, as well as a Kids Firefighter Challenge presented by Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection. The fishing event, which takes place 9 a.m.-noon along the Lehigh Canal on Sand Island, is designed for families with little or no fishing experience. During the event, PFBC staff teach participants basic fishing skills, culminating with the chance to angle for bass, panfish and trout on Lehigh Canal. The free program is open to ages 5 and older, with all equipment provided. Anyone interested in taking part can register at www.register-ed.com/events/view/141336.

Also back are Ah-Ha! Arts Management’s popular artisan show featuring more than 20 natured-themed artists and Your First Mud Run, the family-friendly obstacle course that drew more than 300 participants in 2018.

At Your First Mud Run – the only mud run designed for kids and parents alike – participants navigate a fun and challenging course that features as many as 10 obstacles including a 6-foot-high climbing wall, heavy jump ropes, mud pit, cargo net and even a secret obstacle. The run is ideal for families, with children as young as age 5 able to take part. Entry fee for the event, which takes place June 2, 10 a.m., is $42 in advance and $60 day of the event. Registrations can be done at www.yourfirstmudrun.com; both individuals and teams can enter.

Other Step Outdoors highlights include:

– Falconers Sean and Margaret Young with their red-tailed hawk and American kestrel
– NEW Four-course Beer Dinner June 1, 6:30 p.m., featuring Seven Sirens Brewing (tickets on sale at www.steelstacks.org)
– NEW activities like pinecone birdfeeder making, macro-invertebrate identification, sunflower seed plantings and axe throwing
– Wildlands Conservancy offering a Camping 101 experience where attendees can learn about tent setup, campsite selection, water filtration and more
– Appalachian Mountain Club offering urban hikes on the South Bethlehem Greenway 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday

Families looking for unique experiences that tie art to the outdoors will want to check out the Banana Factory Arts Center’s station, where kids can make colorful bird feeders or mini 3D woven turtles.

Partners helping to support the Step Outdoors festival presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network include Ah-Ha! Arts Management, Aqua-Duck, Coca-Cola Bottling of the Lehigh Valley, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, PSECU and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. For more information on the festival, visit www.steelstacks.org/stepoutdoors.

2nd Annual SteelStacks Derby Viewing Party May 4 at Levitt Pavilion

BETHLEHEM, PA—We’re off to the races at SteelStacks this spring as ArtsQuest presents the second annual Derby Viewing Party Sat., May 4, 3-7 p.m., on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn. Guests are invited to attend the event dressed in their finest derby attire to enjoy Live Dixieland music, backyard games, cocktails and all the excitement that comes with viewing one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

At the Derby Viewing Party, spectators can watch the race on the Levitt Pavilion’s large outdoor screen while enjoying live music by the Barrel House Brothers and playing games like cornhole and quoits on the Levitt Lawn. In addition, guests can purchase special Derby-themed cocktails like the Mint Julep with bourbon provided by Larceny Bourbon, who will also be on-site with samples of their delicious whiskey.

Attendees who come dressed in their best derby attire can take part in contests like Fanciest Lady’s Hat, Best Bowtie and Snazziest Couple/Group. An assortment of food and beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the event.

The Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks is located at 789 E. First St., Bethlehem.  For more information on the Derby Viewing Party, please visit www.steelstacks.org.

Quakertown Community High School Wins SteelStacks Jazz Band Showcase presented by KingSpry for Second Year

BETHLEHEM, PA—Reigning champion Quakertown Community High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Frank Parker, has again been crowned the winner of the SteelStacks High School Band Jazz Showcase presented by King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC. The school took top honors during the finals of the eighth-annual event March 17 at the ArtsQuest Center.

William Tennent High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Charlie DiCarne, was named the showcase runner-up, and Upper Moreland High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Glenn Cowen, took third place.

The SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase featured 21 high school jazz bands from Pennsylvania and New Jersey performing during three preliminary rounds at SteelStacks in February. The top six bands then advanced to the finals March 17. In addition to the band honors, the competition’s judges also recognized several schools and individuals with ‘best section’ and ‘best soloist’ awards. The complete list of winners is as follows:

Section Awards
Best Reed Section: Quakertown Community High School
Best Trumpet Section: Quakertown Community High School
Best Trombone Section: William Tennent High School
Best Rhythm Section: Upper Moreland High School

Solo Awards
Best Jazz Saxophone/Woodwind: Alex Mercer, North Penn High School
Best Jazz Trumpet: Andrew Boyer, Quakertown High School
Best Jazz Trombone: Drew Sedlascik, William Tennent High School
Best Jazz Rhythm Soloist: Greg Kerrigan, Upper Moreland High School
Best Jazz Vocal Soloist: Nina Vitek, Upper Moreland High School
Best Overall Jazz Soloist: Isaiah Nygard, Kutztown High School

The SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase was presented by King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC, in association with 69-WFMZ-TV, Green Leaf Productions and the Moravian College Music Department.

For more information on the showcase, please visit www.steelstacks.org.

Sixth Annual Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K to Feature Running, Entertainment and More at SteelStacks Oct. 6

Event, which features 2,000-plus runners, raises money for nonprofit ArtsQuest during Oktoberfest festival

BETHLEHEM, PA.—Ja, the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K returns this fall! Special Early Bird Registration is open now through June 5 for the sixth annual run/walk through historic Bethlehem on Sunday, Oct. 6. This year’s race brings back popular favorites like the Oktoberfest costume contest, as well as brand new surprises, as part of the Oktoberfest celebration at SteelStacks Oct. 4-6 and 11-13.

After running, jogging or walking their way through the scenic 5K course, which begins and ends on the Oktoberfest grounds, participants can enjoy live music, authentic German food and other Oktoberfest-themed surprises. Registrants will receive a 5K t-shirt, an official Yuengling Oktoberfest beer stein/mug and a complimentary Yuengling Oktoberfest 24-ounce beer. New this year, root beer is available in traditional mugs, so that race participants under age 21 can also partake in the celebration.

Proceeds from every 5K registration go directly to ArtsQuest to help fund its mission of engaging and revitalizing communities in the Lehigh Valley through arts programs and cultural events.

The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K race will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the ArtsQuest Center on the Oktoberfest grounds at SteelStacks. For more details about the event and to register for the Oktoberfest 5K, visit https://www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest5k/.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest, is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences for residents of the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and beyond. ArtsQuest supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, youth and community programming, and a variety of cultural events.

Tommy Castro & The War and Treaty Headline 2019 Blast Furnace Blues Festival

SteelStacks’ blues fest is free for first time thanks to support of Highmark Blue Shield

Bethlehem, PA—Two-time Blues Music Awards ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Tommy Castro, zydeco sensation Curley Taylor and the heartfelt music and story of The War and Treaty headline the 2019 edition of Blast Furnace Blues, set for June 28-30 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The festival, which will feature 10 acts performing over three days, is free for the first time in its history, thanks in large part to the support of Highmark Blue Shield.

“Highmark Blue Shield is proud to support the Blast Furnace Blues Festival and the arts in our community,” says Kathleen McKenzie, Vice President of Community Affairs for Highmark, “We are happy that Highmark’s presenting sponsorship helped to make this year’s festival free for the first time. Our entire community will now have the opportunity to enjoy this amazing lineup of great blues musicians. Highmark is honored to partner with an organization committed to bringing great acts to our community.”

On June 29, Tommy Castro headlines the festival when he performs 7:30 p.m. on the Levitt Pavilion stage.

Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. Over the course of his career, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has released 15 albums ranging from horn-fueled soul and R&B to piping hot blues and fiery rock ‘n’ roll. He has performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows. Castro has garnered six career Blues Music Awards, including two B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Awards, the highest award a blues performer can receive.

The following evening at 7:30 p.m. at Levitt Pavilion, the Blast Furnace Blues audience will discover the moving and powerful story of The War and Treaty.

As a member of the U.S Armed Forces serving in the Middle East, Michael Trotter found himself in one of Saddam Hussein’s crumbling palaces, playing piano. An Army captain – hearing him play and sing with his once-in-a-generation voice – encouraged Trotter to pursue music. When that same captain was killed, Trotter sat down to write––really write––for the first time. Officers noticed the tribute, pulled Trotter from the front lines and gave him a new charge: write and perform songs for the fallen.

After returning home from his tour of duty, Trotter was booked at a local festival, where he met singer Tanya Blount. The two instantly connected, married and now form the powerhouse duo The War and Treaty. Together, they deliver live shows and records that make the hairs on the back of necks stand up, with their music and stories bringing tears and goosebumps to audiences from coast to coast.

Kicking off the Blast Furnace Blues Festival is Curley Taylor and his band, Zydeco Trouble, which will perform June 28, 7:30 p.m., at Levitt Pavilion.

Taylor’s soulful, bluesy vocals and his band’s hard driving zydeco beat blend to create their unique style of zydeco and blues that keeps audiences dancing. Zydeco Trouble tours extensively, playing clubs and venues from New York to San Diego and Florida to Seattle. They’ve also performed at major festivals including Rhythm and Roots in Ninigret R.I., Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Ore. and Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

In addition to nightly headliners, Blast Furnace Blues showcases dynamic local and regional acts including Laura Rain & the Caesars, The BC Combo and Brandon Santini. Blues fans looking for the ultimate Blast Furnace Blues experience can purchase a special VIP Pass, which includes access to the Levitt Pavilion backstage lounge, opportunity for exclusive meet and greets with all three headliners and an official Blast Furnace Blues Poster. VIP Passes, which are available in a limited quantity, are $40 and go on sale at noon today at www.steelstacks.org.

The festival is also holding a Bourbon and BBQ event on June 29, 5:30 p.m., featuring sampling of Social Still spirits and unlimited sampling of Hickory Smoked BBQ Wings, Carolina Chopped Pork and Pecan Hot Smoked BBQ Salmon. Bourbon and Barbeque tickets, which are only $30, also go on sale today starting at noon at www.steelstacks.org.

The 2019 Blast Furnace Blues presented by Highmark Blue Shield lineup is:

Friday, June 28
Brody Buster, 6-7:30 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, 7:30-9 p.m.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

The BC Combo, 9-11 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Saturday, June 29

Kevin Burt, 4-5:30 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Ursula Ricks, 6-7:30 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Tommy Castro, 7:30-9 p.m.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Brandon Santini, 9-11 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Sunday, June 30

Laura Rain & the Caesars, 4-5:30 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

Studebaker John & the Hawks, 6-7:30 p.m.
Air Products Town Square Stage

The War and Treaty, 7:30-9 p.m.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Burnin’ Rubber for Arts Education

Photo by Dave Happel

Region’s Businesses Race to Raise Funds for Nonprofit ArtsQuest During SteelStacks Grand Prix June 14-16; Teams Can Sign Up for the Event Starting Today

BETHLEHEM, PA—As a former karting and micro-sprint car driver, Jeff Horvath of BELFOR Property Restoration was excited to learn about the SteelStacks Grand Prix, the go-kart race that takes place at SteelStacks each June.

Two years ago, he entered a team in the Le Mans-style race, with the goal of enjoying a great teambuilding experience with his colleagues. After a strong showing in 2017, last year the team took the checkered flag, topping 34 other corporate groups that had their sights set on finishing first.

“I have been a patron of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown since it opened, and I happened to see an advertisement for the SteelStacks event when I visited the facility,” says Horvath, Manager for BELFOR. “I was instantly interested in being part of this exciting day.

“The secret to our victory on race day was that our team loves auto racing. Most of us are current or prior drivers, so we took the fierce competition seriously. While it’s great fun, it’s also a highly competitive event, with drivers such as IndyCar Series star Marco Andretti and IMSA’s Corey Lewis taking part in previous years.”

This year, Belfor will once again field a team for one of the most unique fundraisers in the region. Taking place on a temporary, half-mile track constructed by Lehigh Valley Grand Prix exclusively for the event, the SteelStacks Grand Prix brings together a Who’s Who of the Lehigh Valley’s corporate community for a day of action-packed go-kart racing on the Saturday, June 15, of Father’s Day Weekend. The public can also get in on the action by watching the event from the trackside grandstands, as well as taking part in the public racing sessions June 14 and 16. Over the past two years, the event has generated more than $30,000 to support ArtsQuest’s free music and arts education programming for the region.

“The SteelStacks Grand Prix offers unique exposure to the Lehigh Valley community and beyond,” Horvath says. “This event is an awesome opportunity to meet other local businesses and the public, plus have a great time with your team. The most important element, however, is the charitable piece and partnership with ArtsQuest.”

The SteelStacks Grand Prix is presented by Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and Barry Bartakovits, Jim “The Judge” Stocklas and Anna Anthanasiou, along with media partner Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. Among the businesses already confirmed to take part in the Corporate Racing Challenge are Adams Outdoor Advertising of the Lehigh Valley, Bazella Group, BELFOR, Boyle Construction, Chevy 21, L & L Construction, Levan Associates, Inc. and The Bayou Boys Hospitality Group. Proceeds from the event support ArtsQuest’s free festivals for the region including Musikfest, as well as the nonprofit’s arts education programming at the Banana Factory and SteelStacks, which now reaches more than 6,000 students annually.

“This is truly unique to be able to offer companies from all over the region the opportunity to compete against each other on a professional outdoor karting track,” says Mike McCreary, owner of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, which spends a five days setting up the temporary race track at SteelStacks. “With the need to expand for more teams in year three, the new track layout will be our biggest and most technical yet. It is a blast to see the participants ditch their work outfits and become their own version of Mario Andretti when the helmet goes on.”

Experience the Thrill of Competitive Go-karting – Sign Up for the SteelStacks Grand Prix!

Local businesses and corporations that want to participate in the Corporate Racing Challenge can contact ArtsQuest Sr. Director of Business Development Nicole Dotta at ndotta@artsquest.org or 610-332-1334. Every business that sponsors a car receives a five-person team in the event, as well as a variety of other great benefits:

– Friday night kickoff party
– Fully-catered lunch on race day
– Team photos
– Team t-shirts
– Signage surrounding the track
– Tickets for family and friends for the public racing session June 16

For more information on the Grand Prix, visit www.steelstacks.org/grandprix.