Bringing the Music that Moves You to the Silver Screen
After Musikfest, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas have something for every music lover, from the Dead Head to the Country Cowboy
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA August 13, 2025 – ArtsQuest is extending the festivities following Musikfest with the six music-centric movies coming to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas the week following the festival.
Documentaries and concert films like “THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE 2025 MEET-UP”, “It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley,” and “Ron Delsener Presents” invite moviegoers to dive deeper into the artists they already love—or to discover someone entirely new. Complementing these are music-centered films that either showcase music legends, like N.W.A’s Ice Cube in Friday; explore the vibrant country music scene, as in Nashville; or blend a coming-of-age tale with the sounds of Motown, as in Cooley High.
“THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE 2025 MEET-UP” is coming to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas the Thursday after Musikfest ends, Aug. 14. However, this is more than just a screening of the movie but a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. The theatrical event is called “The Grateful Dead Meetup at the Movies” to celebrate the rich fan culture around the Dead. For a limited time, Rhino Entertainment and Trafalgar Releasing present The Grateful Dead Movie, the cult classic capturing what was thought to be the band’s final five-night run at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in October 1974, complete with stellar performances, trippy animation, candid interviews and an affectionate spotlight on the devoted Dead Head community.
For hip-hop lovers N.W.A.’s Ice-Cube stars alongside comedian Chris Tucker in the cult classic movie “Friday” which celebrates its 30th Anniversary screening at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. The film is part of the Hip Hop Movie Club Film Series and will open with a pre-show DJ performance by DJ Arm 18 at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley” is a moving documentary capturing the story of a once-in-a-generation musician whose life was tragically cut short after his debut album. Featuring never-before-seen archival material and unreleased compositions, the film, created in collaboration with Buckley’s mother and directed by Amy Berg, celebrates the depth and beauty of his artistry and legacy. As part of its theatrical release, audiences will also be treated to 26 minutes of exclusive, remastered footage from a rare 1994 solo performance at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA. This previously unseen set offers both devoted fans and newcomers the chance to experience Buckley’s raw, unfiltered brilliance on stage. Get tickets to see “It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley” for Aug. 15 – Aug. 21.
“Ron Delsener Presents” is a documentary that dives into legendary concert promoter Ron Delsener. He put Patti Smith at the Palisades, got Simon and Garfunkel back together for a gig in Central Park and he staged the Beatles at Forest Hill in 1964. Even if you don’t know his name, you will know the interviewees sprinkled throughout like Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Cher and many more. Get tickets for “Rob Delsener Presents” Aug. 20 at 7:15 p.m.
For fans of coming-of-age movies, “Cooley High” is playing Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. This coming-of-age classic produced by Motown, is filled with Motown era tunes and was selected by the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” in 2021. The film is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and is part of the 1975 in Film Series.
“Nashville”, the Oscar-winning country music epic from MAS*H director Robert Altman, returns to the big screen for its 50th anniversary. This landmark musical dramedy uses an ensemble cast to explore themes of politics and celebrity, following characters in Nashville’s country and gospel music scene as they prepare for a gala benefit for a populist outsider running for president. Featuring early performances from Shelley Duvall, Lily Tomlin and Jeff Goldblum, Nashville played a key role in launching their careers. Don’t miss it on August 23 at 2:30 p.m.
From rock anthems to country ballads to hip hop beats, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas invite you to experience a soundtrack for every soul.
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.
