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By ArtsQuest

December 28, 2022

When 2022 first began, we (listeners) were treated so nice by the musicians cranking out innovative works of art post lockdown, making long-lasting impressions on our listening ears. The albums kept coming, even up until last week with rap queen Little Simz presenting us with her latest notable release, No Thank You. In the year, we celebrated and mourned the final projects of Brockhampton before they’d disband for good. We sang “First Class” by Jack Harlow too many times to count. Bad Bunny left no crumbs behind, taking us on an an emotional journey through his Latin trap album Un Verano Sin Ti, and we all had our minds blown by Beyoncé’s track off Renaissance, “Alien Superstar.”

The list of important releases for 2022 runs too deep for one recap blog, with so many other musicians worthy of the same recognition for their achievements this year. To try to cover a broad scope of music for 2022, we asked the staff of ArtsQuest which songs stood out to them as being their “Song of the Year” and this is what they put together…

Listen to all our favorites from 2022, on Spotify here

“Arson” by J-Hope from BTS

Mariel Letourneau | Customer Experience Supervisor

It’s a dark look at his usually bright demeanor. I love when artists break their “norm” of what the industry standard expects of them and truly get in touch with a darker more complex side to themselves. I think it presents how malleable we are as humans and artists. Plus the best is Fire and his rap hits so hard.

“B-Side” by Khruangbin & Leon Bridges

Alexis Kuczek | Programming Coordinator

It’s so lovely; it’s chill, yet fun and uplifting.

“Gift Horse” (Ft Geoff Rickly of Thursday) by Gatherers

Jacob Bodai |Operations Specialist

Gatherers releases what is easily the album of the year for me. A modernized take on early/mid 00s screamo; the album flaunts their ability to take incredibly raw emotional desperation and translate it into continuously interesting and brutally honest harmonic and dis-harmonic pieces that addictively leave you feeling emptier after listening. The album continues to hit melodic highs and slow/solemn low points as it progresses, but no song does it with as much dynamic abruption as Track 5, titled Gift Horse. The song builds up and breaks down a few times before dissecting itself into a desperate self reflective emptiness. then cuts out entirely leaving you deserted and uneasy as an oscillating audio signal plays on a loop. cathartic dissonance.

“What’s the Trick?” by Jack White

Cory Stevens | Volunteer Program Manager

I loved every track off of Jack White’s first album of the year, FEAR OF THE DAWN, but “What’s The Trick?” always gets me with its surging sound and crunchy guitar riffs. I can’t help but get caught up in this song’s energy and that is how it ended up on repeat for me in 2022.

“About Damn Time” by Lizzo

Lisa Harms | Sr Director of Visual Arts and Education

Lizzo consistently puts out songs that inspire and empower. About Damn Time is no exception. The disco vibe makes you want to get out on the dance floor, while still embracing all the feels.

“Naked in Manhattan” by Chappell Roan

Cavan Mulligan | Human Resources Coordinator

This single has made it onto almost every playlist I’ve made this year! I’ve been following Chappell Roan for a few years after I saw her open for Declan Mckenna. It’s been great watching her develop as an artist experimenting with her sound and image.

“Ain’t No Thief” by Viagra Boys

Saige Sufrin | Marketing Coordinator

I got to see the silly Swedish band Viagra Boys perform at Underground Arts in the Spring before their summer release of their third studio album, Cave World. They played this track for us before it was officially released, and the venue absolutely exploded with energy. After the show I had a very pleasant run-in with front-man Sebastian Murphy (who is also an absolute incredible low-brow tattoo artist you should check out). We briefly chatted about his travels in the States & he gave me his set-list from the evening!

My very close honorable mention is Yung Lean’s “Trip.” Too funny, yet another Swedish artist also on the label Year0001.

“Crop Circles” by Odie Leigh

Elena Ostock | Visual Arts Manager

It kind of feels like the song version of staying at home on a rainy day in fall.

“Bathroom Light” by Mt Joy

Nicole Gencarelli | Visual Arts Manager

I’ll put a quote from songwriter Matt Quinn because I think he does a great job at explaining why the lyrics in the song are so moving: “As we were recording, there was an untimely death of a family member in our crew. It was horribly sad and gave me that sinking reminder of how fragile everything we build is. ‘Bathroom Light’ is about chasing love however it comes into your life and working to make those around you feel comfortable in their skin. We all have crazy stories, and for the most part there is just no time to be ashamed of them.”

“Chaise Longue” by Wet Leg

Jon Lunger | Sr Director of Marketing

I feel like I never stopped listening to this track – really the whole album.

“HEARTFIRST” by Kelsea Ballerini

Juliann Masenheimer | Lead Creative

Kelsea was one of my favorite Artists on the main stage this year at Musikfest. She was so fun and cheerful. Her new album and specifically this song has just stayed with me all year.

“American Teenager” by Ethel Cain

Anonymous

One of the best get in the car and drive to absolutely nowhere – but do so fast as hell – songs ever recorded.

“New Body Rhumba” by LCD Soundsystem

Mark Shively | Front Desk Assistant

Its a sonic roller coaster!!!

“Sweet Nothing” by Taylor Swift

Kimberly Koehler | Sponsorship Coordinator

This song is the absolute sweetest song Taylor has ever produced and I can’t help but have it on repeat. The catchy piano riff with the hums of Taylor’s voice combined with the lovely lyrics talking about how finding your someone makes everything in the world make sense is PERFECTION. “Sweet Nothing” is so heartwarming and deserves a listen (& hopefully a music video). I also want to give a shout to my most listened to song of 2022, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” because Encanto was fantastic movie with a fire soundtrack!! 🙂

“Maybe (Live)” Miley Cyrus

Kelley Andrade | Public Relations Coordinator

It’s a Janis Joplin cover, so already I loved it and mixed with her new vocal style – it’s very good.

“Called You Again” by Lizzy McAlpine

Hannah Cummings |Social Media Coordinator

I love to sing and the second I heard this song I instantly wanted to learn all the words so I could sing along with it. I also just find this song super relatable and the more I listened to it, the more I connected with it.

“Natural Born Killer” by Highly Suspect

Morgan Fehnel|Graphic Designer

With so many great songs being released this year from some of my favorite artists it was hard to pick my song of the year. One of my favorite bands is Highly Suspect and they released a new album this year, containing my favorite song of the year, Natural Born Killer. This song is a perfect new rock sounding tune. It starts off slow and then when the chorus comes in, the song has that great rock sound that Highly Suspect is known for.

Songs of Our Year, from the Past

“Crazy Tings” by Tems

Gabrielle Beckford | Front Desk Office Coordinator

There’s not a lot of popular female singers with deep voices, and I like the African influences in her music.

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” by Kate Bush

Kaitlin Brobst | Administrative Assistant to the COO

–Not new, but new to many of us! It manages to be both timeless and fresh at the same time; plus, I’m not super up on current popular music ?

“House of Memories” by Panic at the Disco

Curt Mosel |COO

My kids played it 1 million times this year!

“Pretty Places” by Aly and AJ

Alli Poczak | Programming Specialist

In 2017, I found one of my favorite female duos of the 00s were releasing music again and since then I haven’t been able to get enough. Aly and AJ’s latest album “a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun” kicks off with Pretty Places. This light and airy song sparks the wanderlust we’ve all been craving since the pandemic. The group showcases their songwriting and musical growth from their days with Disney delivering a delicate, upbeat, roll your windows down and head to the beach indie pop song.

Don’t forget to take this playlist with you into the New Year!

If listening on Spotify isn’t good enough to scratch your music itch, take a look at concerts we have coming up here!

STUFF THEIR STOCKINGS FULL OF LAUGHS

Get your tickets for stand-up and improv shows at SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Why not give the gift of laughter this holiday? From games to improv and of course stand-up, there’s a lot of side-splitting hilarity planned at the ArtsQuest SteelStacks campus, making this season’s gift shopping a snap. Tickets are now on sale for both ArtsQuest Members and the public at  steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch, Ryan Hamilton brings his unique perspective of growing up in rural Idaho to his stand-up journey through the New York comedy scene to the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling stage Friday, Feb. 3. Hamilton’s Netflix special “Happy Face” been dubbed “the special you can’t watch enough times.” He’s been featured on the late-night circuit including “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and Conan and opened for Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan.

ArtsQuest’s Visitor Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network will be transformed into the hottest comedy club in Bethlehem Saturday, Feb. 4 when Gianmarco Soresi takes the stage. Stand-up comic, actor and writer is also known as “the guy from all those General Electric commercials” much to his chagrin. In an art imitating life event, Soresi made his television debut on CBS’ “Blue Bloods” when he played Tom Selleck’s server. Now a nationally touring stand-up comic he’s been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix’s “Bonding,” “New York LIVE,” “George Takei Presents” and was the winner of Amazon’s “Comics Watching Comics Season 8.”

Grab your seats in the Visitor Center once again Friday, Feb. 17, for Sammie James and Friends. New Jersey based Sammie James is a comedian, storyteller, writer, actor and produces a monthly show “The Waiting Room.” Sammie has recently created a series of comedy animal facts titled “Trans Woman Ace Venture” and comedy movie reviews called “Demon Reviews Horror Movies.” Sammie has lent her voice to several fiction podcasts including “Stand by For Places” and has tour all over the U.S. from Broadway Comedy Club, to Charm City Comedy Festival, Queen City Comedy Festival.

Gather the family and head to the Visitor Center Friday, March 10, for Frank Vignola and Friends: A Family Friendly Comedy Show. Vignola has appeared on Comedy Central, Sirius XM Raid and performed at Montreal’s prestigious “Just for Laughs’ Comedy Festival. Vignola has appeared in films “Tilting at Windmills” and “Game Night.”

Join stand-up Earl David Reed in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room Saturday, April 15, for a night with a comedian once called “an urban Don Rickles.” Reed has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” HBO, Showtime, A&E’s “Comedy on the Road” and NBC’s “Friday Night Videos.” Reed has also been performed as one of “Bill Engvall’s All-Stars of Country Comedy with Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy.” He is currently working on his reality-based TV pilot “The Secret of My Unsuccess.”

Rachel Feinstein, will perform in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling Friday, April 21. Feinstein is a nationally touring comedian and actress with an impressive list of features and appearances. Feinstein has appeared in numerous television shows and appeared on several episodes of Inside Amy Schumer where she also worked as a contributing to as a writer.

Looking to mix up the comedy experience?

Join ArtsQuest’s own Addyson Young and Anthony DeSanctis for Improvised Standup Saturday, Dec. 17, where improvisers from Lehigh Valley and beyond will create fresh comedy on the spot based on crowd suggestion in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room.

Meg Goetz will host Ghosted in the Visitor Center Saturday, Jan. 21. This hauntingly hilarious show features comedians ghost writing sets for each other and who will then perform them for the first time onstage in front of the live Visitor Center audience.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, enjoy comedy at your own risk as Jumanji: A Burlesque Show takes over the Visitor Center. This immersive burlesque show is for risk takers and not the faint of heart! Join the cast for the performance and leave the world behind. *This is an 18+ show and contains adult language and situations. View code of conduct here.*

Visit: steelstacks.org/comedy for language/content age recommendations and full schedule.

START 2023 WITH A SONG

Shake off the winter blues with dance parties, indie bands and tributes

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Short days, early sunsets and winter weather got you down? Gather your friends, get out your calendars and shake off those winter blues planning for an exciting 2023 in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. ArtsQuest has a variety of upcoming dance parties, indie pop, classic rock and tribute shows sure to start 2023 with a song! Tickets are available now and can be purchased at Steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

The Feelies will bring their post-punk, jangle pop style to the Café Friday, March 24. Formed in 1976 in Haledon, NJ, the Garden State group has released four studio albums starting with their debut “Crazy Rhythms” – chosen by Spin Magazine as the 49^th best alternative record of all time. The group toured extensively, appearing alongside the Patti Smith Group, REM and Bob Dylan. Founders Glenn Mercer and Bill Million serve as songwriters, their twin-guitar attack providing the group’s infectious sound. Pairing Mercer and Million with driving drums and percussion has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and roll. The group recently wrapped up a brand-new studio album expected to be released later this year. Their work has been featured in films “Married to the Mob,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” and “The Truth About Charlie.”

Join Kofi Baker Friday, March 31 as he brings the music of his father Ginger Baker’s legendary bands to the Café stage. Kofi Baker’s Cream Faith- Performing the Music of Cream & Blind Faith will bring all the groundbreaking drumming classics to the Lehigh Valley audience. Without question, Kofi not only continues but extends the family legacy! First taking the stage with his father for a performance on the cult UK TV music show “The Old Grey Whistle Test,” at the age of 6, he toured with his father in the early 80s playing drum duets. Kofi later went on to tour with John Ethridge of Soft Machine, Steve Waller of Manfred Mann and Randy California of Spirit. In the 90s he recorded the album “Lost City” and continued to tour extensively often being joined by his father onstage.

The Legendary Lenny Kaye with the Craig Thatcher Band will bring and unforgettable night of music to the Café Saturday, April 1. A former member of the Patti Smith Group, Lenny Kaye is an American guitarist, composer and writer and will be joined by Lehigh Valley’s popular Craig Thatcher Band. Thatcher, an international clinician/Ambassador for C.F. Martin & Co. began his career in 1968 and has joined musical icons on stage like Simon, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn, Steve Miller and so many more. Thatcher has performed in every U.S. State and 35 different countries and is an ArtsQuest staple, performing at every venue from Musikfest to the Levitt Pavilion and the Café.

Never failing to provide a good time, Go Go Gadjet brings their unique and innovative blend of traditional instruments and modern synths to the Café Friday, Jan. 6. After a decade on the road, this Pennsylvania-based band has homed in on its grove and never disappoints. A Go Go Gadjet show is your chance to dance!

Embrace the angst, put on the flannel and plan to “Come as You Are” to the SteelStacks Campus Thursday, Jan. 12, for Smells Like Nirvana with opening act Dead Original. Celebrate the crunch of electric guitar chords, hard-driving drums and everything else you remember about groundbreaking grunge as Smells Like Nirvana performs hits from “Nevermind,” “Bleach” and includes the B-sides and deep cuts with support from Dead Original. Dead Original has toured with rock bands Candlebox, Seether, 10 Years and more, and will open the show with songs from their debut album.

Come “Shake it Off” at the dance party you’ve been waiting for! On Saturday, Feb. 4, the 18+ show Long Live: A Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party will take over the Café. Come celebrate T-Swift throughout her eras where trivia, lip syncing, costume contest, photo walls and more await you. Red scarves and heart glasses are optional.

Get your low-rise jeans and backward fitted hats ready to welcome The Dude Ranch and 40oz to Freedom to the Café Friday, Feb. 17. These two tribute groups, straight out of the 90s, will present authentic and accurately played classics from Blink 182 and Sublime.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, join the fun of Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute Band inside theCafé as they play all the Swedish supergroup hits, unleashing your inner dancing queen! The New York based tribute band of seasoned musicians and talented singers will take you back to the glittering and glamorous 70s with their harmonies, costumes and choreography.

Tribute band singing on a Saturday night. Join Strawberry Fields- The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band Saturday, April 8, for an evening full of all the beloved songs from the mop-top crew. Strawberry Fields deliver a unique and theatrical trip through one of the most famous music catalogs in history. The use of costumes, vintage instruments and amplifiers give a truly authentic audio and visual experience for the causal listener or the forever fan. The group is comprised of cast members from the Broadway and touring company of the hit musical “Beatlemania.” They have performed throughout the country and hold the record for the longest running Beatles show on Broadway.

Siga la Estrella hasta SteelStacks

11.ª celebración de El Día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day anunciada para el domingo 8 de enero en ArtsQuest

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Reúna a la familia y haga los planes necesarios para unirse a los Reyes Magos en su búsqueda para seguir a la “Estrella de las Maravillas” de Belén hasta el campus SteelStacks de ArtsQuest, el domingo 8 de enero. La undécima celebración cultural anual, El Día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, se celebrará junto con los medios de comunicación La Mega, Baby J Production, Sabroso Video y 69-WFMZ Edición en Español de 3:00 a 6:00 p. m. Patrocinada por B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, con regalos financiados en parte por los patrocinadores y promotores del evento, entre los que se incluyen B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer, Carlos López, Latinos Affinity Group en Amazon ABE4 y el Programa Toys for Tots del Cuerpo de Infantes de Marina de los Estados Unidos. Este evento familiar es gratuito y abierto al público.

“Mi familia y yo siempre esperamos con ansias la tradición de la celebración de Día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, en ArtsQuest”, comentó Myrna Rivera, miembro de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de ArtsQuest y presidenta del Comité ¡Sabor! de ArtsQuest”. Aunque mi familia de PA se ha criado fuera de la isla de Puerto Rico, cada año nos reunimos con otras familias latinas y no latinas para recordar y enseñar a nuestros hijos (y a sus hijos) la tradición de los Reyes Magos. Sin duda, es una forma muy divertida de cerrar las fiestas”.

La celebración incluirá una lectura en vivo de “Los Reyes Magos”, tanto en español como en inglés, por los presentadores de La MEGA Radio y actuaciones musicales de Herencia Jíbara y la visita de Einstein the Camel, de 3:30 a 4:30 p. m. Habrá deliciosas meriendas de la Iglesia Católica Holy Infancy para la venta durante todo el evento.

“El Día de Reyes, Three Kings Day, es una hermosa tradición religiosa y cultural, sobre todo para las familias latinas”, expresó Iris M. Cintron, miembro del Comité de Programación Latina de ArtsQuest. “Nuestro hijo siempre preparaba su caja de hierba para los camellos la víspera de la llegada de los Reyes. Ahora sus hijos continúan la tradición”.

El Día de Reyes, conocido como Epifanía o Teofanía, es una fiesta cristiana que celebra la revelación de Dios a través de su Hijo, Jesucristo. El Día de Reyes marca el final de los “12 Días de Navidad” repletos de festividades, desde España hasta Chile y México, que conmemoran el viaje de los Tres Reyes Magos o Magos de Oriente, Gaspar, Melchor y Baltasar a Belén para traer al recién nacido niño Jesús regalos sagrados de oro, incienso y mirra.

“Este acontecimiento anual se ha convertido en una maravillosa tradición y marca el inicio de nuestro calendario 2023 de conciertos, clases, eventos y festivales”, dijo la presidenta y directora ejecutiva de ArtsQuest, Kassie Hilgert. “Estamos encantados de recibir a la comunidad una vez más en nuestro campus para esta celebración familiar”.

Los niños harán un recorrido por el Centro ArtsQuest, disfrutando de actividades muy divertidas, como manualidades, antes de conocer a los Reyes Magos, que repartirán juguetes. Todo el mundo está invitado a asistir a esta dinámica experiencia cultural.

Follow the Star to SteelStacks

11^th annual celebration El Dia de Los Reyes, Three Kings Day announced for Sunday, Jan. 8 at ArtsQuest

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Gather up the family and plan to join the Three Wise Men in their quest to follow Bethlehem’s “Star of Wonder” to the ArtsQuest SteelStacks campus on Sunday, Jan. 8. The 11^th annual cultural celebration, El Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, will be hosted with media partners La Mega, Baby J Production, Sabroso Video and 69-WFMZ Edicion en Espanol from 3–6 p.m. Sponsored by B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation with gifts funded in part by sponsors and supporters of the event including B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer, Carlos Lopez, Latinos Affinity Group at Amazon ABE4 and US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

“My family and I always look forward to the Three Kings celebration tradition at ArtsQuest,” said Myrna Rivera, ArtsQuest board of trustee member and chairperson of ArtsQuest’s Sabor! Committee. “Although my PA family has been raised outside the island of Puerto Rico, each year we gather with other Latinx and non-Latinx families to remember and to teach our children (and their children) the 3 Kings tradition. It certainly is a festive way to close out the holiday season.”

The celebration will include a live reading of “The Three Kings” in both Spanish and English by La MEGA Radio hosts and musical performances by Herencia Jibara and a visit from Einstein the Camel from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Delicious snacks by Holy Infancy Catholic Church will be available for purchase throughout the event.

“The Three Kings Day is a beautiful religious and cultural tradition particularly with Latino families,” said Iris M. Cintron, ArtsQuest’s Latin Programing Committee member. “Our son always got his box of grass ready for the camels the day before the Kings arrived. Now his children carry on the tradition.”

Three Kings Day, known as Epiphany or Theophany, is a Christian feast day in celebration of the revelation of God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Three Kings Day marks the end of the festivity filled “12 Days of Christmas” from Spain to Chile to Mexico that commemorate the journey of the Three Wise Men or Magi from the East, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar to Bethlehem to present the newly born baby Jesus with holy gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

“This annual event has become a wonderful tradition and it kicks off our 2023 calendar of concerts, classes, events and festivals,” said ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert. “We’re excited to welcome the community back in person to our campus for this family-friendly celebration.” Children will take a journey through the ArtsQuest Center, enjoying fun-filled activities including arts and crafts before meeting the Three Kings who will hand out toys. Everyone is welcome to attend this dynamic cultural experience.

The ‘Sweetest’ New Year Celebration in Town

Just Born to commemorate its 100^th anniversary during this year’s PEEPSFEST®

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Looking for a family-friendly way to close out 2022? Join hosts ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections for PEEPSFEST® Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31. Bring the whole family to celebrate Just Born Quality Confections’ 100^th anniversary in sweet style at the SteelStacks campus from 3-6 p.m., where Just Born will give a sneak PEEP at its new Easter PEEPS® flavors. Tickets for this annual family-focused outdoor event, featuring fun, fireworks and the annual PEEPS® Chick drop are now on sale. Make a magical family day more memorable by gliding across the authentic ice at The Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Tickets and additional details can be found at steelstacks.org/PEEPSFEST. Skate sessions are available between 3 and 4:30 p.m. on both days.

“We are so proud that the PEEPS® Chick Drop has become a beloved New Year’s Eve tradition for local families and devoted fans across the country,” says Meg Dowd, Corporate Affairs Manager at Just Born Quality Confections. “We look forward to celebrating with our local community each year at PEEPSFEST® and we’re excited to provide them with a unique experience this year with the new Easter PEEPS® Marshmallow announcement!”

This year’s outdoor festival tickets are limited and can be purchased for $5 per person. Tickets to the event include Just Born Quality Confections goodie bags for all children younger than 12 including one s’mores kit, PEEPS® sampling stations and live musical performances. The whole family can also enjoy activities like the PEEPSFEST® Scavenger Hunt, the Leaning Tower of PEEPS®, cornhole, Jenga and crafts by local groups from around the Lehigh Valley.

On both nights the massive PEEPS® Chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing 4 feet and 9 inches tall, will descend for the countdown to the New Year at 5:35 p.m., followed by a stunning display of fireworks.

The PEEPSONALITY® Family Fun Run & Walk returns at 1:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 30. Register the whole family to strut their PEEPSONALITY® along the less than one-mile SteelStacks campus course. For a $5 ticket upgrade families will enjoy the annual run where prizes will be awarded for the best expressed PEEPSONALITY®, early entry to the event, complimentary hot chocolate complete with PEEPS® marshmallow topper for all participants, access to unique PEEPS® sampling flavors and exclusive photo opportunities with Lehigh Valley mascots including the PEEPS® Chick and Bunny, Telebear, Corey, Andy the Aardvark, Della the Mule and more!

Families will enjoy a plethora of activities and entertainment during the sweet celebration. From Miss Pennsylvania to Tootsee the Clown and Friends delighting the crowds, with performances by Lolly Hopwood, DJ Wesley Works and Eddy Ray Magic. Adding to the festivities of the Festival, The Banana Factory Arts Center will host family-fun crafts, while children will have the chance to help ArtSkills add color to its large PEEPS® themed mural. –

Looking to win a sweet competition? Just Born Quality Confection’s Lehigh Valley PEEPS® Diorama Competition candy kits are now on sale. Decide on an idea and start creating using all the sweets available in the kit. Kits can be picked up at the Banana Factory from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Registration for kits close Sunday, Dec. 11. Dioramas photos must be entered online by Monday, Dec. 12. The winner will receive a Candy Prize Package courtesy of Just Born Quality Confections. The online gallery will be on display through Saturday, Dec. 31.

Calling All Fútbol Fans

Final FIFA World Cup™ match to be featured at SteelStacks Sunday, Dec. 18

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— The U.S. Men’s National Team may have fallen to the Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup’s knockout stage Saturday, Dec. 3, but Lehigh Valley soccer fans are still feeling the fever, eagerly awaiting the sport’s final match and a chance to celebrate this year’s champion team.

“The excitement is still strong here in the City of Bethlehem, despite the USMT loss,” said ArtsQuest’s Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel. “Thousands attended Lehigh Valley SoccerFest at ArtsQuest these past few weeks, demonstrating how important the sport is to our local community.”

Mosel said ArtsQuest will culminate SoccerFest 2022 with a free screening of the World Cup Final inside the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Special soccer themed food and drink items will be available for purchase.

“Although the final teams are still unknown, we’re excited to showcase the final, giving soccer fans one more opportunity to stand side-by-side and chant together for victory,” said Mosel.

Throughout this year’s cup, SteelStacks has been the Lehigh Valley’s only FIFA approved World Cup viewing location. Mosel explained that the free viewings were made possible due to various partnerships and sponsorships.

“We were able to provide this ongoing World Cup experience with the assistance of presenting partner Wind Creek Bethlehem, and in partnership with Lehigh Valley United (LVU), Lehigh Valley Health Network, Baby J Productions/Sabroso Video, La Mega Radio, Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley, KLYR Rum, Discover Lehigh Valley and WFMZ (Edición En Español) TV69,” Mosel said. “The support for showcasing FIFA World continues to amaze all of us who work behind the scenes to make the Lehigh Valley SoccerFest a success.”

According to Mosel, this year’s presentation included soccer clinics for children from Lehigh Valley United and DOMINATE the 18 Goalkeeper and Soccer Training. “We’re also extremely grateful to Kwik Goal for providing the equipment used during our youth clinics this year.”

“We can’t wait to welcome soccer fans back to SteelStacks December 18,” said Mosel. “Until then, I expect to see feverish fans like me watching the all the preceding action at Molly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub in Bethlehem.”

Perfect Pairing

ArtsQuest announces winter wine-centric festival, market event for February

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest invites novice sippers, experienced oenophiles and culinary tastemakers to sip, sample, savor and shop from some of the state’s best wineries and retailers offering wine-adjacent goods at the Winter Winefest and Market planned for Sunday, Feb. 19, inside the ArtsQuest Center.

Sampling from participating Pennsylvania Wineries at the Winter Winefest and Marketplace is unlimited!* Immerse yourself in a variety of offerings from top wineries, including Binah Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, Cellar Beast Winehouse, Clever Girl Winery, Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, Easton Wine Project, Franklin Hill Vineyards, Mountain View Vineyard Winery, Brewery, & Distillery, Renegade Urban Winery, Rowan Asher Winery, Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, Sorrenti Family Estate, Tolino Vineyards and Vynecrest Vineyards and Winery.

As attendees mingle about the 14 participating wineries, they’ll be greeted with new winter-inspired varieties and favorite staples to sample and purchase by the glass, learning about winemaking from the local experts, including Breinigsville-based Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery.

“Tasting at an event like this is a great opportunity to learn,” said Clover Hill co-owner Kari Skrip. “We’re eager to share our premium wines, make some new fans for Clover Hill and enjoy an afternoon at ArtsQuest! We’re also grateful for the community support of our locally grown and produced wines.”

Skrip shared that Clover Hill will have some of its special, seasonal sangria on-hand and available by the glass. “We’ll also have the recipe available for folks to recreate at home,” Skrip added.

Beginning at noon and lasting until 5 p.m., those with general admission tickets can sip while shopping from chocolatiers and all sorts of vendors and retailers –think cheese, snacks and so much more. Guests can also opt to enhance their festival experience via interactive charcuterie board building seminars and tasting sessions for sippers of all skills eager to learn more about the finer points of wine sampling. The seminars will be held in the Blast Furnace Room of the ArtsQuest Center.

The first seminar, “Wine Tasting 101,” will begin at 12:30 p.m., led by wine tasting and hospitality expert Jay Nee of Juniper & Grain. Nee has presented more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events for thousands of guests, partnering with ArtsQuest to launch his signature event, The Ginvitational in September 2022. With commemorative keepsake glass in-hand, attendees of this seminar will experience a tasting journey through a sampling of two red wines and one white wine, all while Nee presents the five staples of successful wine tasting, “See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip and Savor.”

At 1:30 p.m., meat and cheese expert Matt Conway of Conway Provisions/Boar’s Head and Black Box Charcuterie of Easton will offer tips and tricks to build the perfect Charcuterie Board.

Those attending this seminar will learn the secret presentation tips and tricks, combining all the components and flavors to create the tastiest bites imaginable!

At 2:30 p.m., Butterhead Kitchen’s Jason Sizemore will offer a seminar on creating vegan Charcuterie Boards. Not only will Sizemore offer guidance on preparing the perfect plant-based snack plate during the seminar, but he’ll also offer samples of his delicious food. Attendees will also get to keep the commemorative board and be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card to Butterhead Kitchen, which offers online and in-person vegan cooking events, in addition to small batch products, t-shirts, aprons and more.

Those looking to get a jump on the sipping, shopping and savoring are encouraged to consider attending as a VIP. In addition to unlimited sampling offered to all attendees, VIPs will have early entrance beginning at 11 a.m., with exclusive access to the fourth-floor lounge, a free bottle of wine, and a special goodie bag featuring Boar’s Head products.

“Pennsylvania has some absolutely fantastic wineries and we’re really excited to shine a light on them during the Winter Winefest and Market,” said ArtsQuest Senior Director of Programing Ryan Hill. “We’re building a day wherein wine lovers can get a full experience of not just wine, but some of the food and wares associated with the culture.”

Now through Dec. 21, tickets are $24 for general admission, $44 for VIP, with $39 VIP and $19 general admission tickets for ArtsQuest members. The price increases $5 for all tickets Dec. 22 through Feb. 12, with a $10 increase on all tickets a week leading up to and including the festival and marketplace. More information and tickets may be purchased here.

For the most up-to-date line-up of participants and events for the Winter Winefest and Marketplace, click here.

*Each winery has the right to set a sampling limit at their table.

Soccer Fever!

FIFA World Cup™ Lehigh Valley SoccerFest continues this weekend at SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Come and celebrate soccer fever with fellow fans from across the Lehigh Valley this weekend at ArtsQuest as the U.S. Men’s National Team advances to the knockout stage in FIFA World Cup action.

“As the USMNT advances, so too does the celebration advance and excitement continue here in the City of Bethlehem,” said ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel. “We’re beyond excited to offer these additional opportunities for our community to come together and passionately chant their team to victory.”

SteelStacks, the Lehigh Valley’s only FIFA approved World Cup viewing location, and presenting partner Wind Creek Bethlehem, in partnership with Lehigh Valley United (LVU), Lehigh Valley Health Network, Baby J Productions/Sabroso Video, La Mega Radio, Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley, KLYR Rum, Discover Lehigh Valley and WFMZ (Edición En Español) TV69 will host free viewing parties this weekend at the following locations and times.

This weekend’s action kicks off Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., as the USMNT takes on the Netherlands. The match will be shown inside the ArtsQuest Center at Palette & Pour and the Frank Banko Alehouse Red and Blue Cinemas. The fever continues with the 2 p.m. match between Argentina and Australia featured at Palette & Pour.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, France will face Poland at 10 a.m. and England will take on Senegal at 2 p.m. Both matches will be shown at Palette & Pour.

“The support and excitement in showcasing FIFA World Cup™ action here in Bethlehem is intense,” Mosel said. “We can’t wait to welcome soccer fans back to SteelStacks this weekend.”

Written by Saige Sufrin | Marketing Coordinator 11.30.22 1:30 P.M.

It’s that time of year once again.

Spotify Wrapped Is Here!

All year, Spotify users try to meticulously curate their listening data hoping their Spotify Wrapped will be absolutely incredible! To create this special experience, the listening platform automatically documents all the artists, genres and songs each user explores. Then at the end of the year users are presented with this data in the form of a special slideshow to look back at their streaming history!

As 2022 is now nearing the end, the ArtsQuest team would love to share their tunes with you and hear what you’ve been jamming to all year-long!!

Leeeeeeeeettttttttsssssssss goooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!