¡Sabor! Latin Festival Returns to SteelStacks June 26-28, 2025

The 14th annual free admission ¡Sabor! will celebrate the talents of numerous musicians, cuisine and entertainment, honoring Latin culture in the Lehigh Valley.

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., May 5, 2025 – ArtsQuest is proud to announce the 14th annual free admission ¡Sabor! Latin Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield taking place from Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28, 2025, in partnership with media partner La Mega Radio on the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks. The festival is a celebration of Latin heritage for all ages.

“We are excited and can count on some of the finest salsa bands from the Lehigh Valley and beyond to give great performances this year,” says Miguel Perez, ArtsQuest Performing Arts Board member and Latin Programming Committee member and Clave Legacy band member. “Headliners this year are sure to make you dance! You do not want to miss it.”

The annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 27, to kick off the festival, just prior to the musical celebrations later that evening. The event will feature U.S. and Puerto Rican National Anthems and community speakers.

Performing at Levitt Pavillion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health on Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m., “A Tribute to the Women of Salsa” by Celeste “La Fiera” with special tribute to La Reina de Salsa, Celia Cruz (musical direction by Chino Nuñez). This performance is accompanied by Hector Rosado y su Orquesta Haché. “A Tribute to the Women of Salsa” is a high energy, move-your-feet show with an amazing cast of musicians. Its content will inspire and bring you back to some of the best moments in Latin music history, beginning with original music by Celeste “La Fiera,” produced and arranged by two-time Grammy award winner and world renown master percussionist, arranger and producer Chino Nuñez. Nuñez has recorded, performed and produced for the likes of Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz, Hector LaVoe, Ismael Miranda, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and many others. This evening will be an unforgettable, mesmerizing, exhilarating dance-fest.

This year, as a special feature to ¡Sabor!, check out Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa), a musical documentary revealing the exciting lifestyle of New York Latinos during the 1970s, playing at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas for FREE on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. The film captures the New York ’70s salsa explosion in all its power and adrenaline. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Leon Gast, highlights include a performance by Cheo Feliciano at the top of his game with backup vocalists Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago and Pete ‘El Conde’ Rodríguez. Gast takes also to the streets of the Spanish Harlem where the salsa phenomenon was born.

Stick around after the film for a live set by Clave Legacy on the Highmark Community Stage at Air Products Town Square, bringing the soundtrack of Our Latin Thing to life!

“I can’t think of a better place to ‘salsa’ the weekend away with family and friends,” says Myrna Rivera, Chair of the ArtsQuest Latin Programming Committee. “Come join us at ¡Sabor! We can’t wait to see you there!”

Come hungry and ready to indulge—¡Sabor! Latin Festival is serving up an irresistible lineup of delicious food options! This year’s food vendors include beloved festival staples like Holy Infancy Church and School, Hogar CREA, La Frikitona, Fiesta Churros and, new to the scene, Mozzarepas. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Friday, June 27, 2025

Saturday, June 28, 2025

“We are counting down the days to the 14th Annual ¡Sabor! Latin Festival!” exclaimed Shayna Super, Programming Director at ArtsQuest. “Huge thanks to the Latin Programming Committee for bringing this vibrant and authentic celebration of Latin heritage to life. There’s nothing quite like salsa under the stars 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.

Beat the Heat with a Sense of Humor! This Summer’s Comedy Classes at SteelStacks

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 29, 2025 – ArtsQuest is excited to host a variety of adult comedy classes at SteelStacks this summer! With three levels of improv comedy to choose from, beginners to experienced comedians have a place at ArtsQuest. Classes will be taught by three of the Lehigh Valley’s funniest comedians: Laurie Wagner Storlie, Danielle Tampier and Cindy Marsh. Learn more and register for classes at ArtsQuest.org. Pricing for all classes is $179 for general patrons and $160 for ArtsQuest Members. Students of all classes must be 18+ by the first day of class.  

Improv 101 with Laurie Wagner Storlie
July 7 – September 8 (Skips Aug 4 and Sept 1)
Mondays 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health
Price: $179 General Patrons | $160 ArtsQuest Members
Graduation Show: Monday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Tickets $5

Improv 101 focuses on the three core principles of comedic improvisation: agreement, being active and justification. We designed our classes to create an energetic and supportive environment for play. Whether you’ve never taken the stage before, you’re a seasoned improviser or you’re simply looking to help yourself in your career and/or life, you’ll learn a lot about improv from this class.

Laurie Wagner Storlie is a long-time actor, improviser and improv team coach. She is an alum of Second City/Hollywood and IO West (Improv Olympic). She honed her improv skills in Los Angeles, CA in the early 2000’s during what was known as the Great Improv Explosion. She has studied and performed with some of the great masters of improv. Laurie currently teaches an ongoing improv class called Improv For Everyday Survival at Wunderbarn (East Greenville, PA) and Holistic Awakenings (Catasauqua, PA) and has coached improv team “Staycation.”

Improv 201 with Danielle Tampier
July 7 – September 3 (Skips Aug 6)
Wednesdays 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health
Price: $179 General Patrons | $160 ArtsQuest Members
Graduation Show: Monday, Sept 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Tickets $5

Must have completed Improv 101 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.

Improv 201 builds on the basic principles of improv and helps develop your improv skills to make strong comedic choices. By finding and exploring Game you will expand your ‘Yes, and’ abilities while also discovering all avenues that Game can play in scenes.

Danielle Tampier is an actress and comedian located in the Lehigh Valley. Post college, Danielle found a love for improvisation while going through the improv program at ArtsQuest. She is a member of two Lehigh Valley improv teams: Staycation and Cranks & Pulleys and has graced the ArtsQuest stages numerous times appearing in the shows Pigeon City Sketch Show, The Mister Sisters, Valley Weird Squares, You’ve Died of Dysentery: An Improvised Oregon Trail Experience, Staycation’s Improvised Television and her all-time favorite show, Tony & Tina’s Wedding.  

Improv 301 with Cindy Marsh
June 11 – July 30
Wednesdays 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health
Price: $179 General Patrons | $160 ArtsQuest Members
Graduation Show: Thursday, August 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Tickets $5

Students must also have graduated from Improv 101 and 201 at SteelStacks or have equivalent experience.

Now that you’ve mastered the basic improv principles of “Yes, and” and Game, Improv 301 shows you how to put these skills into action in an improv form of your instructor’s choosing. Each 301 showcases a different improv form.

Cindy’s improv journey began at ArtsQuest and has continued as a student of The Second City Chicago, Upright Citizens Brigade and The Magnet Theater in New York City. Her infectious laughter and boundless energy light up stages like SteelStacks where she performs with her improv team, Synced Up. As a coach, teacher and corporate trainer, she empowers individuals and teams to tap into their own comedic genius and embrace the transformative power of “Yes, and…” Cindy is currently the Vice Chair of ArtsQuest’s Performing Arts Board and owner of Good Human Improv Company in Easton, PA.

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.

Summer Classics Series: Iconic Films Every Wednesday at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 28, 2025 – Get ready for a summer of unforgettable cinema! Join us every Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. from May to Musikfest for our Summer Classics Series at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, featuring a carefully curated lineup of iconic films that span genres and generations. From timeless musicals to thrilling adventures, heartwarming comedies to unforgettable dramas – there’s something for everyone in this spectacular collection.

Whether you’re revisiting your favorite classic or discovering a new one, these Wednesday nights will be the highlight of your summer. General Admission tickets are $12, and ArtsQuest Member tickets are $8.50. Tickets can be purchased at steelstacks.org/films or at the Box Office in the ArtsQuest Center. There is a discount ($10 ticket) available for students ages 25 and under and seniors when purchasing tickets in person at the box office.

May 7: Hairspray (2007). Rated PG

May 14: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Rated PG-13

May 21: Crazy Rich Asians (2018). Rated PG-13

May 28: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). Rated PG

June 4: The Goonies (1985). Rated PG

June 11: The Philadelphia Story (1940). Rated NR

June 18: Dog Day Afternoon (50th Anniversary) (1975). Rated R

June 25: Beat Street (1984). Rated PG

July 2: Funny Face (1957). Rated NR

July 9: Bad Boys (30th Anniversary) (1995). Rated R

July 16: Dirty Dancing (1987). Rated PG-13

July 23: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958). Rated NR

July 30: The Producers (1967). Rated PG

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.

Ginspired: Join ArtsQuest for the Ultimate Ginvitational Cocktail Celebration!

Don’t miss out on an afternoon of crafty cocktail tastings and hands-on mixology with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, plus other experienced mixologists on Sunday, June 8

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 16, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Ginvitational: A Celebration of Cocktails, on Sunday, June 8 in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. This spirited event celebrates cocktails from all over the world, featuring bourbon, vodka, gin and much more, and food from local restaurants. Attendees will taste spirits from local, national and international distillers, including Ginvitational Premium Access Lounge Sponsor Edrington, who will be featuring their Wyoming Whiskey!

Some of the Lehigh Valley’s best restaurants will be serving food to accompany your tasting journey, including Meli, Colonial Pizza, Stoke, La Maya and more to be announced. Food vendors are generously sponsored by the Ginvitational Food Sponsor, YMI Insurance. While you enjoy delicious food and drink, NiteLiters LLC will be spinning classic vinyl tunes all afternoon!

The Ginvitational is an especially unique event, allowing its participants to taste and learn how to make fancy cocktails in educational seminars, sponsored by the Campari Group, who will also host an Aperol Spritz table and a Negroni Bar. Level up your next house party with tips from Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, as he presents seminars to take your cocktail knowledge to the next level! Jay Nee brings more than twenty years of beverage hospitality experience to the table, having launched a recurring wine education night in the Lehigh Valley and presented more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events, making him a true cocktail expert.

Additional educational seminars include:

• “Cool Beans”: The ultimate espresso martini and other caffeinated cocktails
• “Are You Mocking Me?”: A look at mocktail choices for those seeking an alternative to full proof cocktails
• “The Walking Dead in a Hawaiian Shirt”: Zombies and other Tiki classics
• “Jump in the Line (Shake, Señora)”: Ramos Gin Fizz shaker workout

The Ginvitational Seminar Educators are some of the Lehigh Valley’s best mixologists: Hillary Carrigan, Tyler Chambers, Lucas Heckenberger, Neil Heimsoth, Melissa Lozada, Maximilian Ur and Aindrea Williams.

NEW for this year’s Ginvitational: A very special, extremely limited-edition gin produced in collaboration with County Seat Spirits and the producers of The Ginvitational. This limited-edition gin, produced with summer cocktails in mind, is citrus forward with an assortment of aromatics. The true highlights are the unique additions of Buddha’s Hand, an Asian fruit of exquisite form and aroma along with Centennial hops. The hops are a nod to the Lehigh Valley’s deep brewing history. Ticketholders (both GA and VIP) will have the option to add a NEW Ginvitational bottle to their purchase when buying tickets to the event. All bottles sold online before the event will be signed and numbered for pickup at the event.

Tickets can be purchased at steelstacks.org. This is a 21+ event. Pricing starts at $39 for General Admission and $79 for VIP Access. ArtsQuest Member pricing starts at $34 for General Admission and $69 for VIP Access. Ticketholders can purchase a voucher that can be redeemed at the County Seat Spirits table for one take home limited-edition 375ml bottle of gin. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Member today. Act fast! Ticket prices will increase on June 2.  

General admission includes access to the educational seminars (listed above) and spirit sampling throughout the event.

VIP Admission includes:

• Exclusive access to a VIP-only Seminar at 11 a.m., conducted by Area Manager of Edrington – Ryan Umholtz— “Twist on Tiki Classics” brought to you by Brugal Rum, featuring several interpretations of classic Tiki cocktails to taste along with insight into the history of Tiki cocktail culture.
• Exclusive early access to The Ginvitational from 12-1 p.m.
• Exclusive access to the Edrington Wyoming Whiskey Lounge
• One complimentary Brugal + Ginvitational branded Cocktail Glass Tiki
• VIP-exclusive spirits

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.

Live Music Legends on the Big Screen: A Cinematic Celebration of Iconic Performances

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 14, 2025 – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is bringing the stage to the big screen with some incredible concert films, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience iconic performances like never before! Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, experimental music or timeless artists, these screenings have something for everyone. Each screening presents a unique journey through music history, capturing the magic of live performances in stunning cinematic detail.

April 17: Neil Young: Coastal
Directed by: Gary Hannah

Take a journey with maverick musician Neil Young in this personal, behind-the-scenes doc as he cruises the coast on his recent solo tour. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and Young’s wife, Daryl Hannah, Coastal offers a glimpse behind the curtain of this unguarded iconoclast, as he navigates a return to the stage post-Covid – from his everyday observations on the bus to his candid, wry banter with his audience. The illuminating film also features songs rarely, if ever played live, performed in breathtakingly beautiful theaters.

Opening April 18: One to One: John & Yoko
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards

On August 30, 1972, in New York City, John Lennon played his only full-length show after leaving The Beatles, the One to One benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, a rollicking, dazzling performance from him and Yoko Ono. Oscar®️-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald’s riveting documentary takes that legendary musical event and uses it as the starting point to explore eighteen defining months in the lives of John and Yoko.

By 1971 the couple was newly arrived in the United States— living in a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village and watching a huge amount of American television. The film uses a riotous mélange of American TV to conjure the era through what the two would have been seeing on the screen: the Vietnam War, The Price is Right, Nixon, Coca-Cola ads, Cronkite, The Waltons. As they experience a year of love and transformation in the US, John and Yoko begin to change their approach to protest — ultimately leading to the One to One concert, which was inspired by a Geraldo Rivera exposé they watched on TV. Filmed in a meticulously faithful reproduction of the NYC apartment the duo shared, ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO offers a bold new take on a seminal time in the lives of two of history’s most influential artists.

April 24 & 27: Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII
Directed by: Adrian Maben

Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, the film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance features unforgettable tracks such as “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets” and “One of These Days.” The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheater, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance, creating a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band working on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.

This meticulous restoration delivers stunning image and sound quality, featuring a theatrical and home entertainment mix from Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. These upgrades enhance the film’s depth and clarity while preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Inspired by the golden warmth of Pompeii’s iconic setting, the remaster transforms this timeless piece into a masterpiece of sight and sound. Experience Pink Floyd like never before through this pioneering audio-visual remaster!

April 30: The Doors: The Final Cut – A Tribute to Val Kilmer
Directed by: Oliver Stone

Capturing the hedonistic chaos of the late ‘60s, The Doors: The Final Cut follows the life and times of the band’s enigmatic and magnetic front man Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer) from cradle to grave. Stone’s powerful musical portrait, featuring an amazing soundtrack including over twenty-five songs from The Doors’ catalogue, charts Morrison’s turbulent relationship with his muse Pamela Courson (Meg Ryan), the formation of the band in Southern California, his experimentation with hallucinogens and the occult and his tragic death at the age of 27 in Paris.

May 7: Björk: Cornucopia
Directed by: Ísold Uggadóttir

Björk: Cornucopia, the highly anticipated concert film recorded live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s groundbreaking tour that mesmerized audiences worldwide for five years. This unique cinematic experience immerses viewers in Björk’s spectacular stage production, featuring a setlist spanning her iconic early works to the visionary Utopia (2017) and Fossora (2023). The production showcases bespoke instruments, including a magnetic harp, a circular flute, an allophone and a reverb chamber. Björk is joined on stage by musical director and multi-instrumentalist Bergur Þórisson, percussionist Manu Delago, flute septet Viibra, harpist Katie Buckley and the Hamrahlid choir. Digitally animated moving curtains create a modern lanterna magica for live music, transforming 21st-century VR visuals into the grandeur of a 19th-century theatre — and now into an immersive cinema experience, enhanced by meticulously crafted Dolby Atmos spatial audio.

The film features sound and visual creative direction, music arrangements, production and performance by Björk. It showcases the work of James Merry as co-creative director of visuals, and original animation by Tobias Gremmler – with additional contributions from Andrew Thomas Huang, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Pierre-Alain Giraud, Nick Knight and Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton-Jones.

Cornucopia sees Björk pushing the boundaries of live performance, offering a visually and sonically immersive experience unlike anything seen before.

May 12: Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Directed by: Varda Bar-Kar

In 1965, Janis Ian, a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from New Jersey, wrote “Society’s Child” about an interracial relationship. Recorded and released a year later, the song launched Ian’s career, but its subject matter ignited controversy, even resulting in death threats. The fallout plunged Ian into an emotional tailspin–and yet a few years later she emerged from the ashes with an even bigger hit, “At Seventeen.”

Over six decades, Janis Ian gained ten Grammy nominations in eight different categories, saw her song “Stars” recorded by such luminaries as Nina Simone and Cher and overcame homophobia, misogyny and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw audiences around the globe. Featuring Janis Ian, Joan Baez, Jean Smart, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin and Tom Paxton, among other icons.

Don’t miss out on these incredible musical experiences that bring the magic of live performances to the big screen! Grab your tickets today and experience the unforgettable energy of live music with these screenings at ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

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.

Everybody Wants The Struts at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 15, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce that The Struts, with Special Guest Dirty Honey, will be playing a gated show at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on August 20, 2025. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. Please note that chairs and blankets are not permitted.

Public ticket access begins Thursday, April 17 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Ticket prices run from $33 (in advance of show date) to $38 (day of show). For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

The Struts are back at SteelStacks after playing the Musikfest Café in 2018. This unforgettable show celebrates 10 years of their debut album, Everybody Wants, which took the world by storm a decade ago. The Struts have been a live sensation since their certified Platinum anthem, “Could’ve Been Me,” took the No. 5 spot on Alternative Radio and introduced the world to their triumphant, timeless rock sound. Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut, the British rockers set out on the road, bringing their energetic tracks alive on stage with larger-than-life performances and cementing their reputation as a must-see live act. Lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies have continued to prove themselves worthy of that distinction since first coming together in Derby, England back in 2012.

The Struts have opened for The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses, while selling out shows across the globe. Their on-stage prowess and perpetual musicality have allowed them to reach the No. 1 Spot on Spotify’s Viral Top 50, garner more than 850M on-demand streams and put them in the studio collaborating with Kesha, Tom Morello, Robbie Williams, Def Leppard and more.

Joining The Struts is none other than Dirty Honey, the hard-hitting rock band that made history in 2019 as the first unsigned act to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock Charts with their debut single, “When I’m Gone.” Since then, Dirty Honey has opened for The Who, Guns N’ Roses, Slash with Alter Bridge and The Black Crowes. Dirty Honey’s self-titled album – without being signed to a major label – debuted at #2 on the Current Hard Rock Chart. They were tagged as the “do-not-miss-band” at more than a dozen major North American summer festivals and played sold-out shows on their first two North American headline tours.

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.

ArtsQuest Hosts Successful Second Annual Music Industry Day, Empowering Students with Career Insights and Hands-On Learning

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 8, 2025 – Yesterday, ArtsQuest hosted the second Music Industry Day at the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center, offering students from across Eastern Pennsylvania a unique educational opportunity. The event, which was made possible by a grant from The Les Paul Foundation, aimed to introduce participants to various aspects of the music industry and provided valuable insights into potential careers.

“Music Industry Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience and learn about the vast job options in the music industry and arts non-profit organizations like ArtsQuest,” said Grace Obert, Music Programming Administrator at ArtsQuest. “The day provides students with valuable insight into their own careers and what it’s like to book bands, run sound and lights and ultimately make a concert happen from start to finish. It is something I would have loved to experience for myself as a high schooler and I’m excited to be able to provide that opportunity to Lehigh Valley and Greater Philadelphia students.”

This year’s Music Industry Day expanded its reach, with ten schools from both local and distant areas taking part, showcasing the event’s growing regional impact. Participating schools included:

• Liberty High School
• Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
• Nazareth High School
• Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
• Warren Hills High School
• Pennridge High School
• Central Bucks West High School
• Notre Dame High School
• LaSalle College High School
• Northern Lehigh High School

ArtsQuest employees provided the students with a behind-the-scenes experience of what it’s like to book, promote and put on a show in the Musikfest Café, a prominent entertainment venue in the Lehigh Valley, for over ten years. Through one-on-one opportunities to connect with a diverse group of ArtsQuest employees, the students learned about potential careers in the music industry, marketing and arts nonprofits.

This event not only emphasized the importance of artistic and career development but also highlighted the educational value of hands-on learning experiences in a dynamic industry. For students traveling from farther away, it was a chance to gain insight into a field that might not be easily accessible in their local communities. Students left with a greater understanding of the diverse opportunities the music industry offers, further enhancing their academic and professional aspirations.

By connecting students with professionals in the field, ArtsQuest is fostering a new generation of talent, ready to explore the limitless possibilities within the world of music and entertainment.

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.

Upcoming Stand-Up Comedy Shows at SteelStacks: Laughs, Laughter and Legendary Performances

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 2, 2025 – Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as ArtsQuest welcomes three incredible stand-up comedians to perform in the coming months at the ArtsQuest Center’s Fowler Blast Furnace Room and the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health. Whether you’re into sharp-witted jokes, smooth storytelling or hilarious family anecdotes, there’s something for everyone.  

River Butcher – April 11 at 8 p.m. | Fowler Blast Furnace Room

Los Angeles-based stand-up comic, actor and writer, River Butcher’s first half-hour special, A Different Kind of Dude, debuted on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel and garnered the title of “Some of the Best Jokes of 2022 So Far.” They’ve done stand-up all over the country, the globe and the screen, including Ellen, Conan, Comedy Central and HBO.

TJ Joachim – April 19 at 7:30 p.m. | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health

TJ (Tanael Joachim), a Haitian-born, New York-based stand-up comedian known for his laid back, smooth, and conversational style, with sharp and socially aware humor on topics ranging from race and society to the contrasting experiences of life in Haiti and America. He has made appearances on Gotham Comedy Live (AXS TV) and Good Day New York (FOX) and has performed all over the world. He recently returned from a small European tour where he performed in English and French.

Michael Yo: ISSA TRUUUE! Tour – June 11 at 8 p.m. | Fowler Blast Furnace Room

A 2-time Emmy nominee, heard on the Joe Rogan Experience, a regular on the Adam Carolla Show and fresh off his third comedy special Snack Daddy, Michael Yo is a comedian, actor and host keeping busy in all of Hollywood’s platforms.

With a hilarious take on life as a father and husband, Michael has kept audiences laughing with his fresh perspectives on family, love and everything in between. In stand up, Michael came up under the wings of Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy and now headlines all over the country.

These shows will contain adult language and/or situations. Seating will be assigned by ArtsQuest staff upon arrival in the showroom. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No children 12 or under will be admitted. 

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.