A Summer of Americana at the Musikfest Café
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. May 7, 2025 – This summer, ArtsQuest invites audiences to experience the diverse sounds and stories of Americana music and explore the wide-ranging landscape of the genre. From boundary-pushing newcomers to time-honored legends, the Musikfest Café will host artists whose voices and stories showcase the diversity and depth of this ever-evolving musical landscape. These performances celebrate not just tradition, but the innovation and inclusivity that continue to redefine what Americana music means today.
The season kicks off on May 18 with Carbon Leaf, whose high-energy live shows and signature fusion of folk-rock and Celtic influences have earned them a loyal national following. Known for poetic lyrics and dynamic performances, Carbon Leaf delivers a sound that is both timeless and wholly their own.
On June 22, the Steep Canyon Rangers return with their progressive take on bluegrass. Grammy winners and genre innovators, the Rangers seamlessly blend tradition with modern flair. A key influence on the band is the legendary Sam Bush, a bluegrass icon credited with pioneering the “newgrass” movement. The group’s deep connection to Bush was even featured in the acclaimed documentary Revival: The Sam Bush Story.
Fittingly, Sam Bush himself will bring his trailblazing spirit to the Musikfest Café on July 16. Known for his virtuosic mandolin playing and joyful, genre-bending performances, Bush continues to redefine Americana and inspire countless musicians across generations.
The incomparable Judy Collins takes to the Musikfest Café stage on July 20. With a luminous voice and a legacy of musical storytelling that spans over 60 years, Collins brings elegance, passion and purpose to every performance. Her concert promises to be an evening of reflection, inspiration and unforgettable music.
Together, these artists offer a powerful journey through the American musical landscape—honoring its roots while pushing its boundaries.
Plus, don’t miss BobFest – A Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration!
On May 23, to mark Bob Dylan’s 84th birthday, Pat Guadagno and Tired Horses bring their acclaimed BobFest to the Lehigh Valley for the first time. Join us as we pay tribute to the music and legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning icon.
More Americana Music at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
For those looking to explore even more Americana this summer, the Levitt Summer Season presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, offers a robust lineup of FREE concerts at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
Highlights from the Levitt Pavilion lineup include:
- Chloe Kimes – May 23
- Little Misty – June 6
- Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves – July 3
- Alysha Brilla – June 19
- Cristina Vane – August 22
- Alexis Cunningham – August 29
Celebrate the sounds of America all summer long—from legendary ballads to boundary-pushing roots revival—only at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.
