ArtsQuest’s SoccerFest to Host Kids’ Clinics and Tournament

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, May 15, 2024 – Earlier this year, ArtsQuest announced the return of SoccerFest 2024: Copa America Watch Parties presented by Wind Creek Bethlehem that will take place this June and July on the Air Products Town Square at the ArtsQuest campus. Up next, the arts-based non-profit organization, in partnership with Lehigh Valley United, is formally announcing youth clinics and a 3v3 tournament for kids to have fun while improving their soccer skills during this year’s SoccerFest. With the help from partners like supporting sponsor, Discover Lehigh Valley, and official equipment vendor, Kwik Goal, ArtsQuest hopes to assist in the development of young athletes in our community at this year’s SoccerFest.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA)-sanctioned tournament will take place on the PNC Plaza on Monday, July 1 at 1 p.m. To participate in the tournament, teams can register at SteelStacks.org and click on the registration link. Registration will close at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24th. Bracket groupings include U9/U10 Boys, U9/U10 Girls, U11/U12 Boys and U11/U12 Girls.

Want some practice prior to the big game? Soccer clinics will take place on Sunday, June 23 starting at 1:30 p.m. on the Air Products Town Square. We have teamed up with Special Olympics to provide Clinic 1, a Special Olympics Kids Soccer Clinic. Kids with intellectual disabilities will have the opportunity to practice their soccer skills with drills and techniques hosted by Team Lehigh and Team Bethlehem Special Olympics. Perfect your goalkeeping skills in Clinic 2 with DOMINATE the 18 Youth Goalkeeping Clinic and switch over to dribbling, shooting and passing techniques in Clinic 3 with Lehigh Valley United, Moravian Academy and Perfect Touch Soccer. Register for clinics at SteelStacks.org.

Clinic 1: Special Olympics Kids Soccer Clinic

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Special Olympics is a global moment that unleashes the human spirit every day around the world through sports and fitness empowering people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Kids ages 6-12 with intellectual disabilities are welcome to join us for a skills and drills clinic hosted by Team Lehigh and Team Bethlehem Special Olympics. Kids will experience the thrill of learning to pass, dribble and shoot soccer balls as they maneuver through our fun stations.

Clinic 2: DOMINATE the 18 Youth Goalkeeping Clinic
3-4 p.m. (Check-in by 2:45 p.m.)

In partnership with ArtsQuest, Coach Bob Pipech and staff from DOMINATE the 18 Goalkeeper and Soccer Training will be hosting a FREE goalkeeping clinic for players ages 7 to 11. This clinic is for all young goalkeepers, whether you have been playing goalkeeper for a couple of seasons, an experienced young goalkeeper, or a new goalkeeper interested in the position.

The clinic will teach goalkeepers about the basics of the position. Fun games will be incorporated in the second half of the session to promote retention and skill development. Goalkeepers will also be shown drills that they can do at home to promote repetition, improve dexterity and coordination and the essential basics of being a goalkeeper.

Clinic 3: Youth Soccer Skills Clinic

4:15 – 5:45 p.m.

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join Lehigh Valley United, along with coaches from Lehigh University, Moravian Academy and Perfect Touch Soccer as they teach several different drills and games! Lehigh Valley Health Network will also be running a station based on sports performance. Dribbling, shooting, passing and other techniques will be covered as your child goes station to station. Parents will be welcome to take photos and even participate. Parents do not need to register, please only register children who will participate. Children of all skill levels are welcome.

Please email Sr. Director of Programming, Ryan Hill, at rhill@artsquest.org with any questions related to the tournament or soccer clinics.

During Copa América, (June 20 to July 14, 2024), each of the US Men’s National Team Group Stage games will be shown on a jumbo screen on the Levitt Pavilion lawn. We will have food trucks, beverage service and fun soccer activities throughout the festival. Don’t forget to join us on Levitt Lawn and the Town Square for ¡Sabor! Latin Music Festival performances by Herencia Jibara and DJ Breezzy on June 27!

Copa América Viewing Schedule:

June 23 – USA vs. Bolivia / Uruguay vs. Panama

June 27 – Panama vs. USA / Uruguay vs. Bolivia (¡Sabor! Latin Music Festival)

July 1 – Bolivia vs. Panama / USA vs. Uruguay

Join us in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas inside the ArtsQuest Center at 7 p.m. on June 30 for a screening of Copa 71. Enjoy the cool air inside the cinemas while continuing the celebration that is taking place all around the campus. 

The U.S. is the only non-CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol) country to host Copa América, having hosted the event in 2016. The U.S. will be hosting it again this year in what is anticipated to be the “defining soccer tournament” for the Western Hemisphere.

“Bethlehem’s Hispanic population has increased by 21% over the last decade, comprising about 29% of the city’s population,” commented Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer. “With the sport of soccer being so prevalent throughout our Latin-based communities, we are excited to present SoccerFest 2024, and are always looking to provide programming that directly identifies with our communities.”

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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 over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Bethlehem Steel Company Legacy Band Searching for Instrumentalists for Musikfest Café Performance

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., May 4, 2024, – Join us during MusikFest week at the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks on Saturday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m. to be a part of a historic event that was designed to pay homage to the Bethlehem Steel Company Band.

The Bethlehem Steel Company Band was originally a Christmas present to a community overcoming upheaval; this legacy band provides high quality music making opportunities for performers and meaningful communication through music for the audience by using historic period-style music.

Any brass, woodwind and percussion instrumentalist of all ages can participate. The Bethlehem Steel Company Legacy Band will rehearse prior to the performance on Friday, August 9 at Liberty High School from 2:30 until 6 p.m. Participants are given the music to work with one month prior to the performance which will be conducted by Dr. Joshua E. Long, PhD.

“I am looking forward to bringing musicians together,” commented Dr. Long, “not only to perform, but also to pay homage to a historical industrial band that existed in the Bethlehem area.”

Instrumentalist registration can be found at artmusicemporium.com . Simply fill out the form and pay the performance fee – includes music and delivery, a shirt for the event and participation at the venue.

“My focus for this event is to educate on the importance of these late 19^th and early 20^th century bands to their communities, especially since so many appreciated the Bethlehem Steel Company Band when it was formed in 1910,” continues Dr. Long. “Through performing initiatives of teaching, research, podcasts and events such as this one, my hope is to encourage others to participate in live music making opportunities.”

If you are interested in sponsoring and promoting the historic industry band through this event, please contact the Art & Music Emporium.  

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

ArtsQuest Anuncia una Serie de Películas Familiares Gratuitas para la Temporada de Verano!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, 2 de mayo de 2024 – Únase a nosotros para nuestra Serie de Películas Familiares Gratuitas presentada por el Aeropuerto Internacional de Lehigh Valley (ABE). Lugares de ArtsQuest – el Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks y el Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema – ofrecen dos experiencias muy diferentes, permitiéndole elegir la más adecuada para usted.

Lleve mantas y sillas de jardín a Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, presentado por Lehigh Valley Health Network, para sentarse mientras disfruta de películas bajo las estrellas. Hay estacionamiento gratuito disponible en los estacionamientos de First Street inmediatamente adyacentes a SteelStacks; habrá alimentos y bebidas disponibles en la Mack Truck Stop en el Levitt Pavilion, así como en el ArtsQuest Center en SteelStacks, ubicado frente al Levitt Pavilion.

Todas las películas que forman parte del Serie de Peliculas Familiares Gratuitas se proyectarán a la 6:30 p. m.

Haga que este verano sea fantástico con estas fantásticas películas familiares. Relájese bajo las estrellas, disfrute algo de comida y viva magníficas aventuras con los personajes de las películas que elija. ¡Un poco de diversión veraniega es de lo que se trata todo el año!

Nuestra Serie de Películas Familiares Sensoriales está ubicada en el Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema dentro del ArtsQuest Center en SteelStacks. El programa está diseñado específicamente para niños y adultos que viven con autismo y permite que todos experimenten la alegría de ver sus películas favoritas en la pantalla grande.

Como parte de las proyecciones de películas, se permite hablar y caminar, y se alienta el stimming (comportamiento de autorregulación). Las luces del teatro se atenúan pero permanecen encendidas, mientras que el volumen de la película se reduce y se eliminan las vistas previas, todo en un esfuerzo por brindar una experiencia visual cómoda a los asistentes. Además, las familias con necesidades dietéticas especiales pueden traer comida de la casa.

Todas las películas que forman parte del Ciclo de Películas Familiares Sensorialmente Amigables se proyectarán a la 1:30 p. m.

“Siempre es emocionante cuando ArtsQuest y ABE encuentran nuevas formas de hacer crecer nuestra asociación continua de manera que beneficie a las familias de toda la región”. Dice Thomas R. Stoudt, Director Ejecutivo de la Autoridad Aeroportuaria de Lehigh-Northampton. “¡Invitamos a todos a disfrutar de este entretenimiento gratuito y estamos contando los días para el espectáculo!”

Películas Programadas:

22 de mayo – Cómo Entrenar a Tu Dragón: El Mundo Oculto (2019)

Clasificación: PG [Bajo Supervisión de un Adulto]        1hr42m

29 de mayo – Tarzán (25 Aniversario) (1999)

Clasificación: G [Público en General]      1hr28m

5 de junio – Encanto (2021)

Clasificación: PG  1hr42m

12 de junio – Mary Poppins (1964)

Clasificación: G 2hr19m

19 de junio – Elemental (2023)

Clasificación: PG  1hr49m

26 de junio – Toy Story 2 (25 Aniversario) (1999)

Clasificación: G  1hr32m

3 de julio – Enredados (2010)

Clasificación: PG  1hr40m

17 de julio – Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Clasificación: PG  1hr25m

24 de julio – Los Increíbles (20 Aniversario) (2004)                    

Clasificación: PG  1hr45m

21 de agosto – Wonka (2023)                          

Clasificación: PG  1hr57m

*** las películas en Levitt Pavilion son en inglés con subtítulos en español***

Acerca de ArtsQuest

La misión de ArtsQuest es facilitar el acceso a experiencias artísticas, culturales y educativas excepcionales utilizando las artes y la cultura como elementos clave del desarrollo económico de nuestras comunidades urbanas. ArtsQuest™ apoya esta misión a través de la presentación de artes escénicas y visuales, cine, clases de educación artística y tareas de extensión comunitaria, programación juvenil y eventos culturales.

A través de festivales como su evento estrella, Musikfest; el Banana Factory Arts Center; y el ArtsQuest Center en el campus artístico y cultural de SteelStacks, la programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas cada año. De los programas y eventos de la organización, más del 50% ofrecen entrada gratuita, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones de dólares al año en la región.

ArtsQuest Announces Free Family Movie Series for the Summer Season!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, May 2, 2024 – Join us for our Free Family Movie Series presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). ArtsQuest venues – the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema – offer two very different experiences, allowing you to choose the right one for you.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, to sit on as you enjoy movies, under the stars. Free parking is available at the parking lots on First Street immediately adjacent to SteelStacks; food and beverages will be available at the Mack Truck Stop at the Levitt Pavilion, as well as the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, located across the street from the Levitt Pavilion.

All films that are a part of the Free Family Movie Series on the lawn will be screened at 6:30 p.m. 

Make this summer fam-tastic with these great family movies. Relax under the stars, enjoy some food and take on some magnificent adventures with the characters in the movies of your choosing. A little bit of summer fun is what the whole year is all about!

Our Sensory Friendly Family Film Series is located at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema inside the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The program is specifically designed for children and adults living with autism and allows everyone to experience the joy of seeing their favorite movies on the big screen.

As part of the film screenings, talking and walking are permitted, and stimming (self-regulation behavior) is encouraged. The theater’s house lights are dimmed but remain on, while the film volume is lowered and previews are eliminated, all in an effort to provide a comfortable viewing experience for attendees. Additionally, families with special dietary needs are allowed to bring food from home.

All films that are a part of the Sensory Friendly Family Film Series will be screened at 1:30 p.m.

“It’s always exciting when ArtsQuest and ABE find new ways to grow our ongoing partnership in ways that benefit families across the region.” Says Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director at Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “We welcome everyone to enjoy this free entertainment and are counting down the days to showtime!”

Movie Scheduled:

May 22 – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)          

Rated: PG     1hr42m

May 29 – Tarzan (25^th Anniversary) (1999)                                     

Rated: G       1hr28m

June 5 – Encanto (2021)                                                      

Rated: PG     1hr42m

June 12 – Mary Poppins (1964)                                           

Rated: G       2hr19m

June 19 – Elemental (2023)                                                           

Rated: PG     1hr49m

June 26 – Toy Story 2 (25 Anniversary) (1999) 

Rated: G       1hr32m

July 3 – Tangled (2010)                                                       

Rated: PG     1hr40m

July 17 – Lilo & Stitch (2002)                                               

Rated: PG     1hr25m

July 24 – The Incredibles (20^th Anniversary) (2004)                        

Rated: PG     1hr45m

August 21 – Wonka (2023)                             

Rated: PG     1hr57m

*** titles at Levitt Pavilion are in English with Spanish subtitles***

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the r

Kick Back for a Summer filled with ‘Cool’ Movie Classics 

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, April 29, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to host the Summer Classics Film Series at Frank Banko Cinema  every Wednesday from May 1 to July 31 at 7:15 p.m. General Admission tickets are $11, $8.50 for ages 25 and under and seniors and $7.50 for ArtsQuest members. Tickets can be purchased at SteelStacks.org or at the Box Office.  

There will be a total of 14 films shown throughout the summer: 

• May 1 – Star Wars: A New Hope 1977. Rated PG.  
• May 8 – Beverly Hills Cop (40th Anniversary) 1984. Rated R. 
• May 15 – On the Town (75th Anniversary) 1949. Rated NR.  
• May 22 – Speed (30th Anniversary) 1994. Rated R.  
• May 29 – Viva Las Vegas (60th Anniversary) 1964. Rated NR.  
• June 5 – Footloose (40th Anniversary) 1984. Rated PG.  
• June 12 – Carmen Jones (70th Anniversary) 1954. Rated NR.  
• June 19 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1988. Rated PG.  
• June 26 – Rear Window (70th Anniversary) 1954. Rated PG.  
• July 3 – Sabrina (70th Anniversary) 1954. Rated NR. 
• July 10 – Crooklyn (30th Anniversary) 1994. Rated PG-13.  
• July 17 – The Notebook (20th Anniversary) 2004. Rated PG-13.  
• July 24 – Creature from the Black Lagoon (70th Anniversary) 1954. Rated G.  
• July 31 (Last One) Jaws 1975. 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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.  

Blast Furnace Blues Festival Returns for its 13^th Annual Event

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 26, 2024 – The Blast Furnace Blues Festival will return to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. This decade-long event will feature two days of live music for the community to enjoy while honoring this great American genre’s history.

“At the Blast Furnace Blues Festival this summer you can sample the blues styles of Memphis, New Orleans, Texas, Mississippi, Chicago, Harlem and our Lehigh Valley’s own blues groups all in one weekend,” says ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan. “And with headliners like the Harlem Gospel Travelers and blues rocker Eric Lindell, the event promises to deliver memories at the ‘Stacks once again. Celebrating its 13^th year, Blast Furnace Blues Festival has become a staple of the summer festival season in the Lehigh Valley and what better way to continue its growth than with the partnership event of the Steel City Smokeout happening at the same time on the ArtsQuest campus?”

Friday Schedule:

Eden Brent is a celebrated songwriter and dynamic performer, with numerous nominations and awards including 11 Blues Music Award nominations since 2009 and three BMA trophies. Her most recent Yellow Dog Records album, Jigsaw Heart, was nominated for BMA Acoustic Album of the Year, continuing a streak of nominations for her last three albums.

Bedlam Blues is a Lehigh Valley blues rock band with experienced band members rooted in blues. Seasoned players bring you driving guitar sounds, smooth bass lines and bluesy rhythms to set the groove. Bedlam Blues is in their 9^th year of bringing music to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

The Harlem Gospel Travelers were born out of a non-profit music education program led by Eli Paperboy Reed. The Harlem Gospel Travelers – singers Thomas Gatling, George Marage and Dennis Bailey – released their debut LP, He’s On Time to rave reviews in 2019, with Pop Matters hailing the album’s “musical transcendence” and AllMusic praising it as “dreamlike and joyous.” The record charted on Billboard, earned the Travelers high profile fans, like Elton John, and landed them festival slots everywhere from Pilgrimage to Telluride Jazz.

Community was at the core of Tony Holiday’s young career from the beginning. Since relocating from Salt Lake City to Memphis in 2017, Holiday has been at the center of a soul blues revival in Memphis, anchored by a contingent of young, savvy well-schooled musicians with a “family-like” attitude and a strong belief in one another. Mentored by past legends, Holiday and this loose Memphis collective are building on the city’s rich traditions and carrying them forward.

Saturday Schedule:

Nate Myers and the Aces have been established in Central PA for over 20 years. Led by vocalist Nate Myers and his harmonica, the band creates a loose, casual atmosphere in which everyone can relax and have a good time! Nate Myers is an excellent musician, songwriter and performer – the consummate entertainer who keeps the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance. The wide variety of styles, energy and sincerity in his music allows him to fit into nearly any musical genre. On a typical evening, audiences can hear influences from many forms of American music – blues, funk, hip hop, rockabilly, country and improvisation. Nate Myers & the Aces take all the styles they love and weave them into a tapestry of their own.

Myers has been billed with and on occasion, shared the stage with many national and regional artists such as Styx, Cheap Trick, Kim Simmons/Savoy Brown, Kansas, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, The Nighthawks, Charlie Sayles, Billy Price and many others.

Sierra Green and the Giants emerged as a vibrant musical force from the bustling streets of New Orleans. Green embodies a fusion of timeless soul with an irresistible contemporary allure, evoking the depth and grit of the genre’s raw essence. Revered as the “Queen of Frenchmen Street,” Sierra’s roots delve deep into the rich musical soil of the city’s 7^th Ward—a historic breeding ground that nurtured legends such as Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and Allen Toussaint. Sierra’s musical destiny is woven into the tapestry of this storied neighborhood, where her voice resonated in the church choir from the tender age of eight.

The SlideWinder Blues Band hits hard with its own brand of Texas and Chicago driven contemporary blues. For those times when the 1,4,5 just isn’t enough, the bands red blooded live shows are full of vigor and offer a sonic pallet indicative of the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans. Hailing from Doylestown, PA, SlideWinder is comprised of members Paul Boddy, Glenn Hale, Chuck Hearne and Dave Hollingsworth.

The Skya Burell Band is known for their unique blend of contemporary, traditional and blues rock, which has earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim worldwide. The band was founded in 2002 by partners in life and music, guitarist/singer Skya Burrell and guitarist Mark Tomlinson who both share songwriting credits.

Eddie Davis & Blues Anatomy is comprised of five talented musicians, all Philadelphia area natives, bring superb musicianship and a genuine love of the Blues to every performance. Playing at festivals, nightclubs, private parties, corporate and special events, Eddie Davis & Blues Anatomy perform exciting, classic Blues that always pleases the audience and stirs a feeling in their soul.

Eric Lindell had released five albums and already had earned a devoted and growing fan following by the time of his 2006 Alligator Records debut, Change In The Weather. With its unforgettable songs and undeniable melodies, this album earned him regular radio rotation and piles of critical praise. The Los Angeles Daily News said Lindell plays “passionate blue-eyed soul smothered with a big heap of New Orleans funk.” Two subsequent Alligator releases and a series of albums on other labels kept Lindell in demand and on the road. Now Lindell returns to Alligator with Revolution In Your Heart, featuring his most engaging and personal writing and his most irresistible, instantly hummable melodies.

Jump, Jive and Wail was formed in 2012 and plays a variety of what we call house rockin’ music, including swing, retro-swing, jump blues, blues, New Orleans second line music, classic r &b, roots r & r, Dixieland, and jazz, among others. The band has played at the Wawa 4th of July Welcome America in Philadelphia, 1st Energy Stadium in Reading, Rehoboth Beach Summer Concert Series, various casinos, parks, colleges and private affairs. The band features the sizzling Demetria Joyce Bailey on vocals and the red-hot Molten Brass horns. They released Let the Good Times Roll in 2016.

Visit https://www.steelstacks.org/festivals/blast-furnace-blues/ for additional information.  

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

ArtsQuest Announces First Ever Barbeque Competition: Steel City Smokeout

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., April 2, 2024 – ArtsQuest, in partnership with Nick’s BBQ, is proud to announce the Steel City Smokeout, a brand-new barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and the Mid-Atlantic BBQ Association, to take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, on PNC Plaza presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network on the ArtsQuest campus at SteelStacks.

Professional and amateur teams from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region will be competing at the 18+ event in a number of categories to win cash prizes from a purse of $10,000. You can see how these teams prepare delicious meats while getting some of your own from the many barbeque vendors that will be on hand. Barbeque made by the competing teams will not be available for sampling. Enjoy barbeque from 4 Raices Street Tacos, Grubnight Food Truck, The Taste Smokers and You got Pork’d and finish the day with a dessert from Kona Ice of Allentown and Mon and Mel’s Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Truck. More vendors, as well as the competing teams, will be announced later this spring.

Both professional and amateur barbeque teams interested in participating in the Steel City Smokeout should contact Eric Bauder, ArtsQuest Director of Event Operations, at ebauder@artsquest.org on or before June 20.

“I am thrilled for the Steel City Smokeout, a BBQ event unlike any other in the area,” commented Nick Binczak, owner and pitmaster of Nick’s BBQ. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the exceptional team at ArtsQuest. Together, we’re going to bring you an unforgettable barbeque experience, and continue it for years to come!”

Additionally, award-winning pitmasters Bob Trudnak and Moe Cason are teaching classes in ArtsQuest Center’s Blast Furnace Room as part of the Steel City Smokeout! Trudnak and Cason will give you the very best methods and procedures for cooking high end backyard BBQ with competition tips and tricks. They cover everything from meat selection and trimming to seasoning and cooking procedures on grills and smokers.

Barbeque classes being offered include:

BBQ Chicken
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

We will discuss selecting chicken, the different cuts as well as seasoning and tendering the skin. In addition to when to sauce and how dry rub works on chicken, we will learn the best time and temperature for thighs, drums, wings and breast meat.

BBQ Pork Ribs
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

We will discuss different brands of ribs and the difference between spareribs, St. Louis cut and baby backs. We will learn how to trim ribs for backyard and competition, as well as trimming and removing membranes for better tenderness. Finally, we will study wrapping techniques vs. not wrapping and how to apply layers of flavor as well as perfect tenderness.

Beef Brisket (the King of BBQ meats)
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

We will discuss the anatomy of a brisket and how to buy them. We will talk about brand cuts and the different grades of beef, from select to wagyu. Injecting, seasoning and wrapping procedures will lead us to finish up the class with a conversation on how to tell when a brisket is done and ready to rest.

About the Pitmasters

Nick Binczak
Lehigh Valley native Nick Binczak started smoking meats in 2019 after working in the kitchen at the Edge Restaurant in Bethlehem under Chef Tim Widrick. He created Nick’s BBQ with his partner in life and in business, Hallie, in May of 2020. The business has grown with the acquisition of an event venue where they produce, plan, decorate and cater for events.

Moe Cason
Moe Cason is a Des Moines-based award-winning BBQ chef and TV personality who has garnered multiple Grand and Reserve Grand Championships while competing in 35 different states. He’s been seen as a contestant, judge and star on Destination America’s Pitmasters and BBQ Pit Wars. Self-taught as a pitmaster, he uses skills and authentic ingredients passed down from his grandmother, Margaret Cason.

Bob Trudnak
Bob Trudnak got his start in the outdoor cooking industry in 2002. He spent 20 plus years in the product design and manufacturing business while building his cooking career as a competition cook, judge and teacher. He has over 600 awards and has competed throughout the United States and Europe winning many state and national championships. He has taught thousands of students to perfect their craft in the backyard as well as on the competition circuit.

Bob has become a well-known BBQ personality and has an award-winning line of BBQ and pizza sauces and seasonings and is a certified Professional Pizzaiolo (North American Pizza and Culinary Academy).

Ernest Pile

Ernest Pile has been a resident of the Lehigh Valley since 2001. Prior to this, he spent 21 years as a resident in Nashville, TN where he was employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a biomedical research scientist. It was there that he developed his taste for BBQ and southern cuisine. When he relocated back to the Northeast, he realized how much he missed the foods that had been a part of his daily diet. After watching episodes of the “BBQ Pitmasters” on TV, and seeing Master chefs demonstrate their skills in competition, he found an outlet in Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) where he could learn more about the sport of BBQ and participate as a judge in sampling their cuisine. Ernest has been an active member and certified KCBS judge since 2019. He is participating in this event as the KCBS BBQ Cook Team and Judge Coordinator.

Ticket pricing varies depending on what type of ticket you choose, as well as if you attend the barbeque classes. Access to the amateur team area of the Steel City Smokeout will be free and no ticket will be needed for entrance.

Access to the professional team area of the Steel City Smokeout is as follows:

VIP ticket benefits include early access to the event at 11 a.m., access to an exclusive area with a private cash bar and a complimentary “BBQ Brunch.” This brunch will be prepared by Nick’s BBQ and will include brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, pinto beans, tangy slaw, gouda mac, cornbread, sauce, pickles, pickled red onions, bread and rolls.

When you’re finished eating BBQ, be sure to check out the 11^th Annual Blast Furnace Blues, featuring two days of live rhythm and blues music happening on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Lights, Camera, Action: ArtsQuest to host The Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival and a Weekend of Film-Related Events 

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA – March 26, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to host The Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival taking place from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.  

On Friday, April 26, Lehigh Valley native Stephanie Gardner will unveil two episodes from her upcoming projector “33 and Me,” an international travel documentary television series, which follows American film director Gardner who upon turning 33, travels to over 33 countries around the world to meet and engage with other film directors in their thirties, to explore their lives, careers and cultures. 

Each episode of “33 and Me” features a specific country and introduces audiences to the current generation of cinematic storytellers who are dynamically challenging the status quo of the world today. “33 and Me” explores the past, present and future of cinema in each of the 33 featured countries Stephanie visits. This screening will offer two episodes of the upcoming series and will be followed by a live in-person Q&A/talkback with Gardner. 

“33 and Me” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the public are $11, ages 25 and under as well as seniors are $8.50 and ArtsQuest Members are $7.50.  

On Saturday, April 27 there will be a Student Showcase at 11 a.m., featuring various film projects from The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, as part of their Literary Arts curriculum. These films were shot using only smartphones with no budget/high concept. The price is free to view the showcase.  

Then, join us at 4 p.m. for the Free Curated Film Series: Selected Shorts Block. Four short films will be featured that were selected by the curators of ArtsQuest’s four-year round free film series, “Black Film: Then & Now,” “Cinema Significa,” “Fem in Film” and “LV LGBTQ+ Film Series”. Each of these films displays the uniqueness of its series. Afterward, there will be a Q&A and talkback session with the curators who will provide insight into their motivations behind their selections and why these films hold significance for them.

Throughout the weekend there will be multiple adjudicated blocks highlighting a variety of work from filmmakers throughout the Lehigh Valley. Each block is $10 and there are four blocks available, two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Blocks 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Blocks 3 and 4 will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. All blocks contain mature themes not suitable for children, including language, violence and other adult content. Viewer discretion is advised. 

The Unknown Planet Mystery Screening will be shown on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. The Unknown Planet series is a subscription-based film series to twelve different films throughout the year where the audience does not know the film title until the movie is playing. April’s screening is also open to the public and the film will be selected by guest curator Jesse Pires, Director & Curator of Lightbox Film Center at University of the Arts in Philadelphia. For more information and to sign up go to steelstacks.org  

The Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival will also host its first 48-Hour Film Challenge where filmmakers are challenged to create a short, yet captivating 3–5-minute film in just 48 hours while being given specific stipulations that must be included in their film such as a specific character name, prop and line of dialogue. The Challenge itself will take place from April 19 at 8 p.m. through April 21 at 8 p.m. The finished films will then be screened at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the festival.  

The awards ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the ceremony. A festival pass offering access to all events listed above is also available at $25. For more information on this film-filled weekend, visit Steelstacks.org. 

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.   

SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase Results

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, March 25, 2024 – ArtsQuest announces the results from the 12^th Annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase presented by KingSpry Attorneys & Counselors, in partnership with Moravian University and official media partner Service Electric Cable TV. Outstanding soloists from any school won a scholarship to the Moravian University Summer Jazz Camp for 2024.

FINALS: RESULTS

Winner (1st place):  North Penn Navy Jazz Band

Section Awards:

Best Reed Section: Easton Area HS Jazz Band
Best Trumpet Section: North Penn HS Navy Jazz Band
Best Trombone Section: Quakertown Community HS Jazz Band
Best Rhythm Section: Upper Moreland HS Jazz Band

Solo Awards:

Best Jazz Saxophone/Woodwind:           Jesse Hasting (alto sax) Kutztown
Best Jazz Trumpet:                                  Logan Bigelow North Penn
Best Jazz Trombone:                               Richard Strader Quakertown
Best Jazz Rhythm Soloist:                       Akshay Krishnan (guitar) North Penn Navy
Best Overall Jazz Soloist:                        Carter Stein (tenor sax) Easton

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

The Ginvitational: A Celebration of Cocktails

Enjoy an afternoon of libations, educational seminars and delicious food samplings.

Bethlehem, PA, March 21, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce it is again partnering with Juniper and Grain to host the third annual Ginvitational: A Celebration of Cocktails, on Sunday, June 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. (11 a.m. for Premium access) in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

This spirited event will feature local, national and international distillers and distributors sampling and selling bourbon, vodka, gin and many other spirit categories. Premium Access Lounge sponsor Edrington will be featuring their Wyoming Whiskey and leading a Premium Access seminar on whiskey-forward classic cocktails. Educational seminars led by Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain and a team of the Lehigh Valley’s best mixologists will happen throughout the event and will cover topics like recipe fundamentals, syrups and tinctures, the proper use of garnishes, and more! The Ginvitational Education sponsor is the Campari Group.

“We can’t wait to bring back The Ginvitational,” said Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest’s Sr. Director of Programming. “Jay Nee brings such a wealth of cocktail culture knowledge and has assembled an impressive team to teach you how to take your parties to the next level!”

New to The Ginvitational this year is both a Negroni station and an Aperol Spritz bar. Several of the Lehigh Valley’s best restaurants will be in attendance sampling food, sponsored by YMI Insurance. The restaurants include Mr. Lee’s Noodles, Pennsylvania Rye Company, The Wilbur Mansion, The Bayou, Nick’s BBQ and Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti. And NiteLiters LLC will be spinning soul, funk and lounge classics throughout the event!

Ticket pricing runs from Mar 20 to June 2 and can be purchased at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest Member pricing starts at $64 to $69 (week of event) for Premium Access and $29 to $34 (week of event) for General Admission. For the general public, ticket pricing ranges from $74 to $79 (week of event) for Premium Access and $34 to $39 (week of event) for General Admission.

Premium ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the event that will include a Whiskey Forward Classic Cocktails Seminar with Edrington from 11 a.m. to noon where you’ll learn more about the Outryder Old Fashioned, Single Barrel Old Fashioned, Small Batch Negroni and a special Whiskey Sour. You’ll all enjoy exclusive access to the Edrington Wyoming Whiskey Lounge and receive an Edrington branded flask. Lastly, you’ll gain early access to The Ginvitational event and exclusive spirits from 12 to 1 p.m.

Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain brings more than twenty years of beverage hospitality experience to the table and has presented more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events for thousands of guests. Seminar educators include Hillary Carrigan, Tyler Chambers, Lucas Heckenberger, Neil Heimsoth, Melissa Lozada, Maximilian Ur and Aindrea Williams.

“I’m thrilled to see this year’s event unfold as we have returning favorites and newcomers that will excite attendees,” commented Nee. This partnership showcases the Lehigh Valley as a destination for spirits and food forward events.”

Confirmed distillers and distributors include:

• 375 Park
• Allegheny Distilling LLC/Maggie’s Farm
• Black River Farms & Wardog Spirits
• Botl’d
• Campari
• Christmas City Spirits
• County Seat Spirits LLC
• Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
• Doan Distillery
• Edrington
• Hotaling & Co
• Kilimanjaro Distillery LLC
• Magical Spirits
• Oasis Wine & Spirits LLC
• Palm Bay International/Drumshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin
• Social Still Distillery
• Stray Dog Spirits LLC

Please note this is a 21+ event.

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 Banana Factory Arts Center; 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, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.