Staff Music Picks: May 2018

None of the ArtsQuest staff would work here if they didn’t live for music and the arts. To share our passion, our programming and social media teams put together a list of new-ish songs they’ve got on repeat this month. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes!

Ben “The Resident Metalhead” Youngerman
Marketing Manager

“Rats” – Ghost

Ghost’s hard-rocking plague is spreading. The lead single from the Swedish band’s fourth full-length album Prequelle features “new” frontman Cardinal Copia (it’s the same singer, with a new character at the helm) and the Nameless Ghouls welcoming the return of the Black Death. Combining award-winning musicality (GRAMMY winners in 2016) with unique theatrics and storytelling, Ghost’s small cult following has grown into festival headlining gigs and a pair of scheduled arena shows. “Rats” is the anthem that brings them into a new era. Hail Ghost! \m/ (*>*) \m/

Amber “Genre Trainwreck” Galdamez
Communications Coordinator

“OTW” – Khalid feat. 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign

This recently released track from Khalid became an instant favorite of mine as soon as I heard it. OTW (an acronym for “on the way” if you were wondering…) is lyrically very modern but musically takes notes from 90s R&B. In fact, the instrumental version of this song could have easily played during the credits scene of any semi-serious Disney movie from the 90s and nine-year-old Amber would have been highly impressed. Khalid’s voice complements the track flawlessly while the features from 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign add some nice variation and depth.

Cory “Don’t Put Me In A Genre Box” Stelzman
Performing Arts Coordinator

“Lift Yourself” – Kanye West

The man that needs no introduction – Mr. West himself – released a single last week on his website entitled “Lift Yourself.” I love it. I can’t get enough of it. People love to hate Kanye and I am just over hear counting the minutes until the new album gets released in June. The single is the perfect combination of absurd and fun which is exactly what I’m looking for as we finally get into warmer weather. ENJOY. #kanyeforever

Emily “The Funk Junkie” Cummins
Public Relations Coordinator

“Heat Wave” – Snail Mail

I just got turned on to Snail Mail, singer-guitarist Lindsey Jordan, who’s sound is simultaneously dreamy and irreverent. In “Heat Wave,” the latest track off her upcoming album Lush, Jordan delivers devastating lyrics like “And I hope whoever it is holds their breath around you, cause’ I know I did” all in an ethereal haze that captures the feel of a sad, suburban summer. It reminds me of the bright and cheery melodies of Laura Stevenson and Waxahatchee that are expertly fused with bleak words. I can’t wait to hear what she comes out with next.

Patrick “P. Diddy” Brogan
Chief Programming Officer

“Hit or Miss” – CERAMIC ANIMAL

My boys are back with a new single and this could well be their strongest yet. It opens with a spacey little ditty and then enters Warren Regan’s growling Alex Turner-like vocals. It is a great indie rock song with hints of country and almost constant synth from Elliot Regan which gives it a retro rock feel. I’ve long been a fan of these guys original music and if “Hit or Miss” is any indication we can look forward to even better stuff yet to come.

Matt “Hip-Hop & R&B Boy” Gotzon
Partnership Activation Specialist

“The Cut Off” – J. Cole ft. kiLL edward

J. Cole gave us his new album KOD, which is another thought provoking project from the Dreamville leader. It instantly broke the first day streaming record on Spotify (36.5 million), but was dethroned about a week later once Post Malone released Beerbongs & Bentleys (48 million). The most controversial track being “1985,” were some seem to think Cole disses new age/mumble rapper Lil Pump. To me it seems more of a song giving guidance and advice rather than hate. Cole is set to go platinum without any features yet again, if he hasn’t already. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. If you want to see him perform these songs live you’re in luck as Cole just announced a Dreamville Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina Sept. 15. My favorite track right now is “The Cut Off,” but I’m sure will be constantly changing as I continue listening. If you haven’t taken the time to hear this album, please do, and make sure to do so in its entirety. Another classic from Cole that you need to get into your rotation.

Helen “New Wave” Smith
Talent Buyer

“Go Out Fighting” – Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog just released their first fresh work in almost five years, Critical Equation. I love all of Dr. Dog’s albums and this one is no different. My favorite song is most definitely “Go Out Fighting” – it shows their renewed confidence and fresh direction after taking a couple of years off. The driving vintage Hammond organ is ever present, pushing the tune forward. These dudes have been together for almost two decades now and don’t show any signs of stopping.

Kimberly “The Wild Card” Koehler
Partnership Activation Specialist

“Wasted Times” – The Weeknd

If you were wondering why my music nickname is “the wild card”, this month’s pick is great example. Just when you thought you could narrow down my taste in music, a pick like this throws you off. I knew my extreme love for The Weeknd and his music would eventually be shown in our Monthly Music Picks but I wasn’t sure when it come out. My Dear Melancholy dropped in late March and I am pretty sure I’ve listened to it every day since. This EP has 6 phenomenal tracks that focus on Abel’s recent heartbreak & anger related to breakups. “Wasted Times” not only showcases The Weeknd’s great vocals but him as an amazing lyricist. This “darker” song reminds me of why I love The Weeknd’s music in the first place. I wish I could pick the whole album, so be sure to check out not only “Wasted Times” but the rest of My Dear Melancholy!

Alicia “Better in Boots” Rohrbach
Senior Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator

“Friends Don’t” – Maddie and Tae

There was a lot of new music that came out this month that I was a fan of – so this month was a hard choice! Maddie and Tae just released a new single a few days ago that started playing on a Spotify playlist I listen to frequently – and it’s quickly become one of my go to tunes. It’s a little more of a mellow tune to listen to at work – and the lyrics and their harmonies work together perfectly. I’m glad this female duo is releasing new music in 2018 as they are one of my favorites and I can’t wait to hear more from them!

Ryan “Comedian Who Likes Music” Hill
Programming Director

“I Still See It” – POP ETC

I usually like POP ETC best when they’re full-on with their 80s-tinged hooks (“Bad Break”, “Keep It for Your Own”, “Running in Circles”), but this track is just the right amount of laid back for me to imagine blasting it with the windows down and the sun on the horizon. It’s a big step up from the group’s other single released this year (“Losing Yourself”).

Anne “The Alternative Solution” Sturm
Senior Talent Buyer

“Hide” – Rainbow Kitten Surprise

“Hide” is from Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s newest album How to: Friend, Love, Freefall. This song is quirky, addictive, charming, and headstrong all in one. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, based out of North Carolina, is currently on a very busy tour performing to many sold out venues.

BONUS PLAYLIST!

Previous ArtsQuest Staff Music Picks:

April 2018
March 2018
Top Songs of 2017
Top Songs of 2016
Top Songs of 2015

Cars Are the Stars of These Films!

Cars on Film Series at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

Sometimes the real stars of films aren’t the actors and actresses, they’re the rubber and chrome of Hollywood’s best cars! Rev your engines and cruise to the ArtsQuest Center’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas for four classic car-centric movies back on the big screen, each for one night only!

Thelma & Louise – 6/26 – buy tickets

One of the most iconic car scenes in cinema history (*SPOILER ALERT*), the main characters driving a 1966 Ford Thunderbird off a cliff in an emotional climax, is even better on the big screen! See Geena Davis, Susan Surandon and Brad Pitt in the 1991 Academy Award winning road film.

Goldfinger – 7/8 – buy tickets

There may not be a better collection of classic cars on the silver (or, perhaps, golden) screen than the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger! The movie features Bond’s Aston Martin DB 5, Goldfinger’s Rolls Royce Phantom III, a Mercedes 190 and even Oddjob’s Ford Ranchero! It’s no international mystery, this film is a car lover’s dream!

Repo Man – 8/22 – buy tickets

Otto (Emilio Estevez) is in pursuit of a ’64 Chevy Malibu carrying “precious” cargo! Repo Man is many things: an alien-invasion film, a punk-rock musical, a send-up of consumerism and a sweet car film! One thing it isn’t is boring.

Mad Max: Fury Road – Black & Chrome Edition – 8/22 – buy tickets

If you thought Mad Max: Fury Road’s fuel-burning chase scenes were intense, wait until you see the black-and-white version of the epic 2015 film starring Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy. It’s the way director George Miller wanted you to see this adrenaline rush of a movie. You are awaited in Valhalla and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

We’ll see you for the Cars on Film Series at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (as long as you don’t take a wrong turn)!

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Simone on Simone! Talking with Lisa Simone

By Emily Cummins, ArtsQuest Public Relations Coordinator

The daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, Lisa Simone is a GRAMMY-nominated singer and actress who’s perhaps best known for her work on Broadway originating the roles of Aida in Disney’s Aida, Nala in The Lion King and Mimi Marquez in RENT. Over the years, she has graced the stage of New York’s Carnegie Hall and Australia’s Sydney Opera House, as well as performed at jazz and music festivals worldwide including Telluride Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival and more. On May 13 at SteelStacks, she’ll perform her 2003 album Simone on Simone as a special Mother’s Day tribute to her mom. Here’s what she had to say about the upcoming performance, reuniting with the Rob Stoneback Big Band and if she ever senses her mother’s presence when she’s on stage.
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Lisa, this Mother’s Day show marks the 10th Anniversary of the release of Simone on Simone. How did the concept for this show, which includes the Rob Stoneback Big Band, come about?

Well, it all started in January when I sent an e-mail to my friend, arranger of the Simone on Simone charts, Ken Moyer. I just wrote Ken to say, ‘Hello,’ and he mentioned the 10-year anniversary was fast approaching and went on to say how many people he had spoken with that had expressed excitement about the possibility of reuniting.

My U.S. agent, Greg Epler, contacted me shortly thereafter with a comprehensive outline of possibilities; clearly everyone had been talking to each other. Greg asked if I would be interested in a 10-year anniversary celebration of the release of Simone on Simone. I didn’t hesitate!

Since then, it has been a waterfall of names and personalities that played big roles in the making of my debut album. It’s literally a 10-year reunion, and I am so excited to share the stage with Rob Stoneback and his Big Band once again.

What can the audience expect at the performance?

A good time!

You’ve been quoted as calling your mother ‘The Great One who walked before me.’ When you perform her music, how do you approach that?

The way I approach everything – with joy! My mother’s music is as familiar to me as my own heartbeat, and when I perform her songs I am at home.

Do you ever feel like you have some really big shoes to fill?

Nope. It’s the rest of the world that looks at it that way.

Has there ever been an instance where you’ve felt like she’s right there with you on stage?

All the time!

You’re an accomplished singer, performer and Broadway actress. What’s next for you after this performance?

I return to Europe for more concerts, as well as to begin mixing and mastering my latest album due for release in the fall.

What are some of the other projects you are working on?

When the film “What Happened, Miss Simone?” was making the rounds I was approached by my literary agent asking if I had ever thought of sharing the story of my life. Considering I’ve been journalizing for over 25 years, it was the next logical step. So, I am well on my way to becoming an author.

You’re a U.S. Veteran who served in the Gulf War. What’s something you took away from your service to our nation that you carry with you in your performances?

I’ve never been asked that question. It’s a sense of pride that I made the decision to serve my country. The military life as I experienced it and performing are two different planets. It feels good to be part of a special family of individuals who have taken the oath to protect and serve.

Each time I take to the stage, I am the sum total of all my parts…Daughter Of, Military Veteran, Mother, Business Woman, Actress, Producer, Author, Composer, Meditation Practitioner, Human…

Did those experiences help shape who you are as a performer?

Yes, indeed. All of the experiences I shared above have helped create the seasoned performer who will grace the stage at SteelStacks on Mother’s Day.

Simone on Simone: Lisa Simone with the Rob Stoneback Big Band
A Mother’s Day Tribute to the legendary Nina Simone
Part of RiverJazz presented by Concannon Miller
SUNDAY, MAY 13
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

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SteelStacks Comedy: It’s Gonna Be May

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager / Original photo: Dani Nightlinger

Say “Bye Bye Bye” to boredom! It ain’t no lie, SteelStacks has hilarious live comedy shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Baby, come on down to Bethlehem because you’ll love our improv, standup and sketch shows endlessly!

Two Laugh Minimum: Dina Hashem – 5/3 – buy tickets

Two Laugh Minimum, the Lehigh Valley’s best stand-up comedy showcase is every first Thursday of the month at 8pm! Headliner Dina Hashem was a competitor on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and recently made her late-night debut on CONAN on TBS. Also featuring Aliya Brown, Roya Hamadani, Tyler Rothrock, and Richie Warmkessel.

Four Finger Discount – 5/3 – free show

Four Finger Discount is a FREE hour long improv comedy show every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month featuring improv teams from the Lehigh Valley and beyond!

We’re Good, You’re Great! – 5/4 – buy tickets

Matt Candio and Evan Stutts (formerly of Mandudebro) bring you the improvised show We’re Good, You’re Great! every first Friday of the month at 10:30pm!

The Two Show Show: Dinner and a Movie – 5/5 – buy tickets

2 shows in 1! The Blind Date Show is exactly what you expect: a live, on stage date between two people who have never met. After the Credits is a film-centric improv comedy show that creates sequels/post-credit scenes to some of cinema’s greatest offerings!

#Bestof Dumb Summer Movies – 5/10 – buy tickets

We’re going to look at trailers for some of the most obscure and dumb movies coming out this summer. Then we’ll make fun of them. It’s going to be really dumb. An improvised comedy show starring the Lehigh Valley’s moviest comedians.

Free Jokes! – 5/10 – free show

Free Jokes! is a FREE hour long standup comedy show that occurs every 2nd and last Thursday of the month featuring standup comedians from the Lehigh Valley and beyond!

The Two Show Show: Cat Sweaters & Flumplenarfs – 5/11 – buy tickets

TWO improv teams for the price of one! Cat Sweaters is a high energy longform improv team who spent nearly two years as a SteelStacks Improv Comedy Power Hour team. The Flumplenarfs live under your bed, but they’re far from scary. Don’t you dare call them monsters, they just want to make people happy.

Improv Comedy Power Hour – 5/12 & 5/26 – buy tickets

The Improv Comedy Power Hour is 60 minutes of completely unscripted, high-energy longform improv performed by two of our resident comedy teams: Four Eyes & Hawking Radiation! The regular show happens the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month.

Nerd Nite Bethlehem – 5/17 – buy tickets

Each night three speakers will present talks on a range of topics from science, video games, technology, and other nerdy pursuits. Grab a beer, pull up a seat, and learn something interesting at this unique event. Hosted by Lehigh Valley-based standup & writer Glen Tickle. The regular show happens the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Spitfire – 5/18 – buy tickets

Spitfire is a comedy show full of hot takes and even hotter improv every 3rd Friday of the month! Each show is completely improvised and features hot takes on audience-determined topics, delivered by a very special guest, which are then transformed into improvised, comedic gold.

Improvised Standup – 5/19 – buy tickets

The Lehigh Valley’s best standups and improvisers face a new challenge when they’re given topics to talk about…while they’re onstage! YOU might even be the one providing the topic!

The Roast of Richie Warmkessel – 5/24 – buy tickets

Richie Warmkessel is a standup comedian, member of the improv team Cat Sweaters, and Allentown Mayoral Candidate. Come see him get roasted by a jury of his peers for a good cause! A portion of the profits will benefit Turning Point of Lehigh Valley.

Conversation Club – 5/25 – buy tickets

Want to talk about your bad day at work? How you and a loved one met? Maybe share your doomsday plans with the less prepared. Conversation Club will place you in the middle of a hilarious and insightful dialog. Hosted by comedian Kirk Griffiths every last Friday of the month.

Game Show Night: Ship It or Ditch It – 5/31 – buy tickets

Ship It or Ditch It is a Newlywed Game-style show where three different couples will compete to see who we’ll ship and who we’ll ditch!

Get your calendar NSYNC so you don’t miss these May comedy shows and classes at SteelStacks!

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Big Events on Big Screens: Watch Parties at SteelStacks

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

Big events are more fun to watch with a big screen and a big crowd! That’s why we’re hosting watch parties at SteelStacks for three of the biggest events of the year!

If you don’t have the time and money to make it to the Derby or the Royal Wedding or FIFA World Cup, we’ve got the next best thing. Watch with fellow fans in Bethlehem at these three huge events…

DERBY VIEWING PARTY – May 5 – FREE EVENT

Live Dixieland music, people decked out in their finest derby attire, mint juleps and all the excitement that comes with one of the most prestigious horse races in the world will be on display as SteelStacks hosts a Derby Viewing Party May 5, 3-7 p.m., on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn. Admission to the event, presented by Brown Forman, is free.

ROYAL WEDDING WATCH PARTY – May 19 – BUY TICKETS

Have your cake and eat it too! Come dressed in your most festive attire (or your pajamas) and enjoy a slice from a massive four-tier wedding cake as ArtsQuest presents a live broadcast of the royal nuptials of HRH Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle at the Royal Wedding Watch Party May 19, 6:30 a.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. Tickets include a light English-inspired breakfast.

L.V. SOCCERFEST & VIEWING PARTY – June 14-July 15 – FREE EVENT

Bethlehem Steel FC presents the 2018 Lehigh Valley SoccerFest & Viewing Party at SteelStacks this summer. Kicking off with the start of the World Cup in Russia June 14 and running through the finals match July 15.

The SteelStacks campus will air all of the World Cup matches on the Levitt Pavilion and PBS39 outdoor screens on the campus. Several of the matches will also be broadcast in Spanish, including the matches taking place during the free Sabor Latin Festival at SteelStacks June 22-24.

Don’t strain your eyes! Watch these events on the big screen!

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Staff Music Picks: April 2018

None of the ArtsQuest staff would work here if they didn’t live for music and the arts. To share our passion, our programming and social media teams put together a list of new-ish songs they’ve got on repeat this month. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes!

Ben “The Resident Metalhead” Youngerman
Marketing Manager

“Lightning Strike” – Judas Priest

Judas Priest still rips. Metal God Rob Halford & company’s newest album Firepower merges the vintage Priest sound with 2018 metal sensibilities. It’s another awesome addition to the band’s legendary catalog, even as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to snub them from induction. I can’t wait to blast “Lightning Stike” (and the entire album) in the car with the windows down this Spring! \m/ (*>*) \m/

Patrick “P. Diddy” Brogan
Chief Programming Officer

“Something To Believe In” – The New Respects

This indie blues rock group is all in the family. Literally. Lead singer Jasmine Mullen alongside her twin sisters, brother, and cousins make up this lifelong Nashville family band who plays a mix of ’70s funk and rock meets Alabama Shakes soul and blues. With “Something To Believe In” the group encourages you to have hope in dark times, possibly shaped by their Christian-music-only upbringing. But fear not, the sounds of rock and soul have found their way into all of this groups music and it’s truly wonderful.

Dani “I Stil Listen to Radio” Nightlinger
Marketing Intern

“Celebrate” – Dirty Heads

This song is about the sacrifices artists make to be on tour and follow their passion for music. Instead of seeing their families every night in a warm bed they are sleeping on a small tour bus standing in front of a bunch of strangers they call fans. Kyle Morris from The Unlikely Candidates originally recorded, but the Dirty Heads asked to put their sound into it and it got my attention a lot more on the radio than the first time around!

Matt “Hip-Hop & R&B Boy” Gotzon
Partnership Activation Specialist

“Effortless” – Wale

In the past month Wale dropped his It’s Complicated EP. This is the first project we’ve gotten from the MMG rapper since his departure from Atlantic Records. My favorite track is “Effortless” by the self-proclaimed and fan backed poetic genius. On Instagram he let the world know that this EP was “a story about ‘a’ love life.” Maybe this isn’t technically a personal story, but a beautiful one to listen to none the less. I consider Wale to be one of the most underrated rap veterans in the game. So, if you haven’t heard his stuff before please take the time to check it out. His Ambition album is my favorite to date. Either way you should get “Effortless” into your rotation, if you haven’t already!

Alicia “Better in Boots” Rohrbach
Senior Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator

“Take It From Me” – Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis released his debut album Home State on March 23rd and I’m pretty sure I’ve already worn it out (figuratively speaking – my copy is digital). He released the catchy, impossible not to sing along to “Singles You Up” last year – which I also loved. I am a fan of many tracks on this album (“Tough to Tie Down”, “Selfish”, “Made That Way” and the list goes on) but “Take it From Me” is my favorite track. It’s fun, catchy, and upbeat – the type of song that has me in the mood for the weather to change so I can listen to it with the windows rolled down. Check out the whole album – he’s definitely my new favorite country artist.

Kimberly “The Wild Card” Koehler
Partnership Activation Specialist

“Say Amen (Saturday Night)” – Panic! At the Disco

Panic! At the Disco is one of the bands that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I have been listening them for over 12 years and they never cease to amazing me with their talent in each album release. While Pray For the Wicked has not been released, Panic! At the Disco’s lead single “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” is fantastic. Brendon Urie is an amazing vocalist and this song showcase his talents once again. “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” has a great foot tapping beat and I’ve found myself humming the song around the office since the single dropped. Needless to say, I can’t wait until June when the rest of the album is released.

Emily “The Funk Junkie” Cummins
Public Relations Coordinator

“Journal of Adency” – Class Actress

I just watched the premier of HBO’s new dark comedy Barry, which stars Bill Hader as a hitman turned novice actor, and in addition to it being wildly funny and weird, I absolutely fell in love with the song Sarah Goldberg’s Sally dances to. I played it a few times on repeat before deciding it was the perfect song to pick for April. That is until I found out that Class Actress released its debut album Journal of Ardency in 2009! So it’s not new, but new to me. I can’t get over the chilling mix of the synth heavy beat and breathy vocals by Elizabeth Vanessa Harper. In 2009 I was almost solely listening to Metric and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs so I’m fairly surprised I missed out on Class Actress, but so happy to have found the trio now.

Cory “Don’t Put Me In A Genre Box” Stelzman
Performing Arts Coordinator

“Bad Bad News” – Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges tends to blow everything else out of the water. His old school sound and killer vocals are what initially drew me to love him with his debut album Coming Home. “Bad Bad News” maintains an old school sound, but instead of the bluesy melodies that you hear in Coming Home this song plays as a jazzy dance number. I’ll say it. You can hold me too it. Leon Bridges can do no wrong. New album out May 4.

Helen “New Wave” Smith
Talent Buyer

“Connected By Love” – Jack White

“Connected by Love” was the first song off of Jack White’s new album that he wrote in a Nashville apartment he keeps to work on new material. I love the psychedelic melody and the gospel feel of the backing vocals from Ann and Regina McCrary. It straddles the line of White’s familiar guitar riffs while delving into a kind of new territory genre-wise. Jack White. What a guy.

Amber “Genre Trainwreck” Galdamez
Communications Coordinator

“Cool” – Felix Jaehn ft. Marc E. Bassy & Gucci Mane

I’ve been a follower of Marc E. Bassy since he was the lead singer of the now disbanded 2AM Club. Therefore my review of this song may be just slightly biased by that, but only slightly. This banger produced by German/Dutch DJ Felix Jaehn features some of his signature tropical-house beats accompanied by the perfectly angelic voice of Marc E. Bassy and rapper Gucci Mane. Can Euro DJs really ever go wrong?

Anne “The Alternative Solution” Sturm
Senior Talent Buyer

“Game to Lose” – I’m With Her

The smooth, nimble, vocals from all three voices of the virtuosic trio of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan provides a perfect balance with the violin in this song. The song is both delicate and bold and certainly displays the talent from all three members of I’m With Her.

Jason “Anything But Country” Merola
Manager of Experiential Programming

“Card Shark” – Mo Lowda & the Humble

Mo Lowda & the Humble from Philadelphia, and more importantly, Pennsbury High School, are back with their second album Creatures bringing the same great sounds that they displayed from their debut album Curse the Weather. Lead singer Jordan Caoila rocks the mic with his signature raspy vocals that gives the band the unique sound that makes every song a hit.

BONUS PLAYLIST!

SteelStacks Comedy: April Shows To Help Your Allergies

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager / Original photo: Dani Nightlinger

Turn those sneezes into laughter this April with allergy-free comedy at SteelStacks! Avoid all that evil pollen inside our climate-controlled theaters, where tickets are less expensive than those pricey allergy meds. So wake up from your winter hibernation and head to Bethlehem for these hilarious improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy shows!

Rhea Butcher – 4/1 – buy tickets

Rhea Butcher is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comic, actor and writer. Rhea’s first television series, Take My Wife premiered as a critical hit. Rhea has also appeared on 2 Dope Queens, @Midnight and Conan.

Two Laugh Minimum: Chris Lamberth – 4/5 – buy tickets

Two Laugh Minimum, the Lehigh Valley’s best stand-up comedy showcase is every first Thursday of the month at 8pm! Chris Lamberth is an actor and comedian based in the New York City area. He has toured nationally with Chris Hardwick and has shared the stage with Bill Burr, Craig Robinson, Marc Maron, Maria Bamford and more.

We’re Good, You’re Great! – 4/6 – buy tickets

Matt Candio and Evan Stutts (formerly of Mandudebro) bring you the improvised show We’re Good, You’re Great! every first Friday of the month at 10:30pm!

Spoiler Alert: Terminator 2 in 3D – 4/7 – buy tickets

Two grown-ass men are preparing to blow your mind into itty-bitty tiny pieces by recreating James Cameron’s 1991 war-against-the-machines Terminator 2: Judgement Day live on stage.

Challengers of the Well-Known: Accept Nothing Dirty – 4/7 – buy tickets

Truth-challenging adventurers must face their dirtiest enemy yet…ACCEPTANCE. Sketch comedy so filthy, you might wanna bring soap. Featuring an opening performance by time-traveling improv sensation Period Drama.

#Bestof Facebook – 4/12 – buy tickets

How you spend 52% of your day? Facebook? A complete stranger is going to open up their ENTIRE PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGE for our improvisers to tear apart.

The Two Show Show: Cat Sweaters & Flumplenarfs – 4/13 – buy tickets

TWO improv teams for the price of one! Cat Sweaters is a high energy longform improv team who spent nearly two years as a SteelStacks Improv Comedy Power Hour team. The Flumplenarfs live under your bed, but they’re far from scary. Don’t you dare call them monsters, they just want to make people happy.

Improv Comedy Power Hour – 4/14 & 4/28 – buy tickets

The Improv Comedy Power Hour is 60 minutes of completely unscripted, high-energy longform improv performed by two of our resident comedy teams! The regular show happens the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month.

Nerd Nite Bethlehem – 4/19 – buy tickets

Each night three speakers will present talks on a range of topics from science, video games, technology, and other nerdy pursuits. Grab a beer, pull up a seat, and learn something interesting at this unique event. Hosted by Lehigh Valley-based standup & writer Glen Tickle. The regular show happens the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Spitfire – 4/20 – buy tickets

Spitfire is a comedy show full of hot takes and even hotter improv every 3rd Friday of the month! Each show is completely improvised and features hot takes on audience-determined topics, delivered by a very special guest, which are then transformed into improvised, comedic gold.

Nick Di Paolo: The Nick is Right Tour – 4/21 – buy tickets

While 95% of comedians are liberal, Nick Di Paolo leans the other way and isn’t afraid to call it as he sees it. His strong political opinions and razor wit make him a perfect fit for talk radio on The Nick Di Paolo Show on SiriusXM. Nick has performed on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Conan.

Game Show Night: The Comedy Game Show – 4/26 – buy tickets

Comedy Game Show features the Lehigh Valley’s hottest comedians and dopest game masters. The audience can win prizes including concert tickets, one-of-a-kind Musikfest merch and other random awesomeness. Laugh. Win Prizes. Repeat.

Ryan & Steve Bust-a Movie: Superhero Night – 4/27 – buy tickets

After taking on such illustrious flops like Glitter, Battlefield Earth, and Showgirls, Ryan Hill and Steve Bost are back with a new Bust-a Movie format! Instead of one movie, they’ll be busting parts of at least three monstrosities for your viewing pleasure!

The 60-Minute Unauthorized Harry Potter Weekend – 4/28 – buy tickets

Hop on your Nimbus 2000 and make your way to SteelStacks for this laughter-filled, completely unauthorized parody about the exploits of the boy who lived and his associates.

See you at SteelStacks for comedy shows soon, fellow sneezy people!

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