SoccerFest regresa a SteelStacks para las fiestas para ver la Copa América

Bethlehem, PA, 6 de febrero de 2024 – ArtsQuest junto con su comité organizador de SoccerFest se complace en anunciar el regreso de SoccerFest 2024: Fiestas para ver la Copa América. El festival de varios días también albergará una clínica juvenil y torneos junto con actividades y diversión adicionales relacionadas con el fútbol.

Durante la Copa América, que se desarrollará del 20 de junio al 14 de julio de 2024, ArtsQuest mostrará cada uno de los juegos de la fase de grupos de la selección nacional masculina de Estados Unidos en una pantalla gigante en el campus de ArtsQuest en SteelStacks. También nos hemos asociado con Lehigh Valley United para organizar una clínica juvenil y torneos 3 contra 3 como parte de las festividades. La información sobre cómo registrarse tanto para las clínicas como para los torneos se publicará a principios de la primavera.

En otras noticias relacionadas con el fútbol, ArtsQuest una vez más está aplicando para ser un lugar oficial para ver la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026™. El calendario de partidos anunciado oficialmente el pasado fin de semana, Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026™ incluirá la participación de tres países, 16 ciudades y 48 equipos.

“Estamos entusiasmados de regresar al campus de ArtsQuest para la Copa América este verano”, dijo Greg Ramos, director ejecutivo de Lehigh Valley United. “Y esperamos brindarles a los jóvenes del este de Pensilvania esta divertida oportunidad de participar en nuestras clínicas y torneos de fútbol. El año pasado, durante la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA 2023™, nuestros torneos femeninos se agotaron y esperamos una gran participación este verano nuevamente”.

La programación para ver la copa y los eventos de SoccerFest es la siguiente:

• Domingo 23 de junio a las 4 p.m. – Clínicas Juveniles con Lehigh Valley United
• Domingo 23 de junio a las 6 p.m. – Fiesta para ver el partido entre la selección nacional masculina de Estados Unidos y Bolivia.
• Jueves 27 de junio a las 6 p.m. – Fiesta para ver el partido entre la selección Nacional Masculina de Estados Unidos y Panamá.
• Lunes 1 de julio a las 5 p.m. – Torneos juveniles 3 contra 3 de Lehigh Valley United
• Lunes 1 de julio a las 9 p.m. – Fiesta para ver el partido entre la Selección Nacional Masculina de Estados Unidos y Uruguay.

*Si el USMNT avanza más allá del juego de grupos, ArtsQuest continuará mostrando los juegos restantes hasta la final.

“ArtsQuest ha estado organizando fiestas para ver partidos en SteelStacks desde 2014 y estamos encantados de ofrecer una vez más lo mismo para la Copa América, reuniendo a fanáticos del fútbol de diversos orígenes junto con jóvenes que están desarrollando una pasión por el deporte en nuestro campus”, comentó Curt Mosel, director de operaciones. “Ya hemos iniciado conversaciones buscando aprobación para organizar una vez más una fiesta oficial para ver la Copa Mundial de la FIFA. 2026 incluirá más activaciones, torneos y clínicas de fútbol juvenil, experiencias y actividades de artes visuales, DJ y música en vivo, cocina de una variedad de culturas, junto con la pantalla más grande hasta la fecha en este campus para ver los partidos”.

¡Venga y apoye al Equipo Nacional Masculino de Estados Unidos mientras compite en la 48^va Copa América!

Los socios, proveedores o clubes de fútbol juvenil interesados pueden comunicarse con el Director Senior de Programación, Ryan Hill, en rhill@artsquest.org. Si está interesado en ser voluntario para este evento o eventos adicionales de ArtsQuest, puede visitar este sitio web www.artsquest.org/support/volunteer/.

Acerca de SoccerFest
ArtsQuest ha sido anfitrión oficial Copa Mundial de la FIFA™ con fiestas para ver los partidos desde 2014, cuando fue nombrado como uno de los “Mejores Eventos Nuevos” por la Asociación Internacional de Festivales y Eventos. El objetivo de estos eventos es reunir a personas de diversas comunidades y culturas a través de su pasión por el deporte y disfrutar de la variedad de programación que ArtsQuest tiene para ofrecer. Organizar SoccerFest en ArtsQuest en el campus de SteelStacks, donde Bethlehem Steel una vez representó al equipo de fútbol profesional más exitoso en la historia de los Estados Unidos, es testimonio de nuestro pasado de celebración mientras miramos hacia el futuro. El icónico equipo jugó en 11 partidos de campeonato a lo largo de 14 años, vinculando la historia del fútbol en esta región con la pasión actual que se encuentra en los deportes juveniles a través del fanático adulto.

Acerca de ArtsQuest
La misión de ArtsQuest es brindar 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 extensión, programación juvenil y eventos culturales. A través de festivales como su evento estrella, Musikfest; el Centro de Artes Banana Factory; y el Centro ArtsQuest en el campus artístico y cultural de SteelStacks, la programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas anualmente. Los programas y eventos de la organización, de los cuales más del 50% son gratuitos, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones al año en la región.

SoccerFest Returns to SteelStacks for Copa América Watch Parties

Bethlehem, PA, February 6, 2024 – ArtsQuest along with its SoccerFest organizing committee is thrilled to announce the return of SoccerFest 2024: Copa América Watch Parties. The multi-day festival will also host a youth clinic and tournaments along with additional soccer-related activities and fun.

During Copa América, which runs from June 20 to July 14, 2024, ArtsQuest will show each of the United States Men’s National Team Group Stage games on a jumbo screen on the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks campus. We’ve also partnered with Lehigh Valley United to host a youth clinic and 3-on-3 tournaments as part of the festivities. Information on how to register for both clinics and tournaments will be released in early spring.

In other soccer-related news, ArtsQuest is once again applying to be an official viewing party of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The schedule of matches officially announced this past weekend, FIFA World Cup 2026™ will include participation from three countries, 16 cities and 48 teams.

“We are excited to return to the ArtsQuest campus for Copa América this summer,” said Greg Ramos, executive Director Lehigh Valley United. “And we look forward to giving the youth of Eastern PA this fun opportunity to participate in our soccer clinics and tournaments. Last year, during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, our girls tournaments sold out, and we are expecting a big turnout again this summer.”

The lineup for SoccerFest’s viewing and event schedule is below:

• Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. – Lehigh Valley United Youth Clinics
• Sunday, June 23 at 6 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will take on Bolivia.
• Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will compete against Panama.
• Monday, July 1 at 5 p.m. – Lehigh Valley United 3-on-3 Youth Tournaments
• Monday, July 1 at 9 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will take on Uruguay.

*Should the USMNT advance beyond pool play, ArtsQuest will continue to show remaining games up through the finals.

“ArtsQuest has been hosting viewing parties at SteelStacks since 2014 and we’re thrilled to once again be offering the same for Copa América, bringing soccer fans from diverse backgrounds along with youth who are developing a passion for the sport together on our campus,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer. “We have already begun conversations seeking approval to once again host an official FIFA World Cup viewing party. 2026 will include more activations, youth soccer tournaments and clinics, visual arts experiences and activities, DJs and live music, cuisine from a variety of cultures, along with the largest viewing screen to date on this campus.”

Come out and support the United States Men’s National Team as they compete in the 48^th Copa América!

Interested partners, vendors or youth soccer clubs can reach out to Senior Director of Programming Ryan Hill at rhill@artsquest.org. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or additional ArtsQuest events, you may visit this website www.artsquest.org/support/volunteer/.

About SoccerFest
ArtsQuest has been hosting official FIFA World Cup™ viewing parties since the 2014 when it was named as one of the ‘Best New Events’ by the International Festivals & Events Association. The goal of these events is to bring people from diverse communities and cultures together through their passion for the sport and to enjoy the variety of programming that ArtsQuest has to offer. Hosting SoccerFest on the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks campus where Bethlehem Steel once represented the most successful professional soccer team in the United States history is testimony to our celebratory past while looking ahead toward the future. The iconic team played in 11 championship games over 14 years, tying the history of soccer in this region to the current passion found in youth sports through adult fandom.

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. 

Super Bowl XIV 2024 Winners

Best Vegan: Roasted – Vegan French Onion Soup

Best Seafood: BAVTS – Hearty Seafood Chowder with Smoked Gouda

Best Meat Based: Palette and Pour – Birria Soup

Best Cream Based: Lutzi’s – Cream of Cauliflower

Most Unique: Roasted – Curried Carrot and Apple Soup

People’s Choice: Lutzi’s – Cream of Cauliflower

Judges’ Choice – Best Overall – 29 Cooks Catering – Tom and Chee

Rhythmic Resonance: The Jazz Brilliance of Tomorrow at Musikfest Café

The 12th Annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase strikes a chord with 20 bands and five unforgettable events!

BETHLEHEM, PA, February 5, 2024 — ArtsQuest is honored to once again host 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. The Showcase, featuring 20 bands, will be held over five events in February and March at the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks at the ArtsQuest Center. This anticipated competition is a music-in-education program of ArtsQuest and the Moravian University Music Department’s Jazz Studies Program. Scholastic jazz groups from Pennsylvania and New Jersey will perform in front of a live audience and a judging panel of music educators.

Preliminary competition dates and participating schools include:

• Sunday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m.
  • Kutztown High School
  • The Hill School
  • Brandywine Heights High School
• Sunday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
  • Delaware Valley High School (PA)
  • Freedom High School
  • Pocono Mountain High School
  • Phillipsburg High School
• Sunday, Feb. 25 at 12 p.m.
  • Southern Lehigh High School Jazz Trane
  • Southern Lehigh High School Jazz Society
  • North Penn High School Navy
  • North Penn High School Columbia
  • Delaware Valley High School (NJ)
  • Warren Hills High School
• Sunday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
  • Quakertown High School
  • Upper Moreland High School
  • Upper Moreland High School Jazz Two
  • Wilson Area High School
  • Bangor Area High School
  • Easton High School
  • LaSalle College High School Comp Band

Finals will take place on Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m.

“KingSpry is thrilled to partner with ArtsQuest to present this jazz competition festival every year,” said Matthew Tranter, Deputy Managing Partner of KingSpry Attorneys & Counselors, and a board member of the Friends of Levitt Pavilion. “Our education practice serves many of the schools represented which makes this event so worthwhile in addition to seeing these talented student musicians performing and competing on stage at ArtsQuest.”

Tickets for the preliminary rounds are $7 and can be purchased at SteelStacks.org for the Feb. 11 competition and SteelStacks.org  for the Feb. 25 competition or by calling the box office at 610-332-3378. (Ticket purchases for the final competition will be announced shortly). For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle Member today.

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. 

Going Retro with ‘The 1999 in Film Series: A Tribute to One of Cinema’s Greatest Years’

Bethlehem, PA, January 11, 2024- ArtsQuest announces an exciting cinematic journey back in time with ‘The 1999 in Film Series: A Tribute to One of Cinema’s Greatest Years.’ This unique event promises to immerse audiences in the magic of 1999, a year celebrated for its groundbreaking and iconic films.

The series, being shown at The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema, will feature a carefully curated selection of films that left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. From timeless classics to revolutionary blockbusters, ‘The 1999 in Film Series’ invites moviegoers to travel back to 1999 and celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of cinema’s most remarkable years. Showcasing a wide spectrum of cinematic treasures, from iconic blockbusters to engrossing international sensations to cherished indie darlings, this series embodies a celebration of the diverse film terrain of this extraordinary year.

“99 gave us a year of intersecting films that influenced cinema far past the calendar’s turn,” commented Lauren and Ryan Tocci of the How Could You?! Podcast. “We saw the early stages of many of our greatest filmmakers and the final bow of one legendary director. Few years in the theater had as big an impact, and we can’t wait to revisit them after 25 years.”

The 1999 Film Series includes select screenings curated by Ryan and Lauren Tocci of the How Could You?! Podcast, in addition to featuring titles included in other year-round series such as our free curated series Cinema Significa… and Fem in Film. The lineup below also denotes if a film is part of another specific series or is a title curated by How Could You?! Podcast.

• Jan. 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. – The Virgin Suicides – R-Rated – An adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides’s highly acclaimed first novel, this film conjures the ineffable melancholy of teenage longing and ennui in its story of the suicides of the five Lisbon sisters, stifled by the rules of their overprotective religious parents. This film is also part of the Fem in Film Series.

• Feb. 3, 2024, at 9:45 p.m. – Audition – R-rated – One of the most infamous, impactful and gut-wrenching Japanese horror films ever made, this film is about a recent widower and movie producer is looking for a new wife but instead of going the usual route, he decides to hold ‘auditions’ for a movie that doesn’t exist. This film is also part of the First Saturday Horror Series, also curated by Lauren and Ryan Tocci.

• March 21, 2024, at 7:15 p.m. – The Matrix– R-rated – This film is a 1999 science fiction action-filled and mind-bending journey that challenges the boundaries of perception and reality. This iconic film directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski has left an indelible mark on pop culture, reshaping the science fiction landscape and setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling. This film is curated by the How Could You?! Podcast.

• March 30, 2024, at 9:45 p.m. – eXistenZ – R-rated – David Cronenberg’s spiritual sequel to VIDEODROME, in the near future, game designer Allegra Geller has revolutionized virtual reality gaming with a device that plugs directly into the player’s spine, allowing them to enter into an unpredictable simulated world.   

• April 10, 2024, at 7:15 p.m. – Man on the Moon– R-rated – This film is a biographical comedy-drama film about the late American entertainer Andy Kaufman, played by Jim Carrey. As the enigmatic comedian pushes the boundaries of reality with his alter ego, Tony Clifton, the film captures the highs and lows of Kaufman’s career, exploring the fine line between genius and madness. This film is curated by the How Could You?! Podcast.

• April 20, 2024, at 9:45 p.m. – Being John Malkovich – R-rated – This film is a thought-provoking and whimsical journey that defies conventional storytelling, inviting viewers into a realm where the boundaries of reality and fantasy collide in the most unexpected ways. Being John Malkovich is also the feature film debut of director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. This film is curated by the How Could You?! Podcast.

• May 2, 2024, at 7 p.m. – All About My Mother– R-rated – This Oscar-winning melodrama from Pedro Almodóvar provides a dizzying, moving exploration of the meaning of motherhood. This film is a FREE Screening, also part of the Cinema Significa Series, and is presented in Spanish, Catalan, and English with English subtitles.

• May 23, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. – She’s All That – PG-13-rated – This film is an American teen romantic comedy film and a feel-good throwback that explores the enduring themes of love, acceptance, and the surprises that come when you least expect them. This film is curated by the How Could You?! Podcast.

Ticket prices for ‘The 1999 in Film Series: A Tribute to One of Cinema’s Greatest Years’ is $11 for adults, $8.50 for ages 25 and under & seniors and $7.50 for ArtsQuest Members unless otherwise noted above. For additional information, including added titles in the 1999 Film Series, and to purchase tickets, please visit SteelStacks.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the nostalgia and brilliance of 1999’s cinematic achievements on the big screen.

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.

Get your Soup on at the 14^th Annual Souper Bowl and Experience ‘Best Thing You Ever Made’ Soup Demo with Chef Lee Chizmar

Bethlehem, PA, January 3, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce that in addition to the return of the 14^th annual Souper Bowl, Lee Chizmar of Bolete and Mr. Lee’s Noodles, and one of the Lehigh Valley’s most renowned chefs, will host the Best Thing You Ever Made Soup Demo on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 12:45 p.m. at SteelStacks. The demonstration will last approximately 45 minutes, giving plenty of time for Souper Bowl ticketholders to attend both events!

Tickets for the Soup Demo are $22.50 for members and $25 for the general public and can be purchased here: SteelStacks.org. Tickets for the 14^th Annual Souper Bowl can be purchased here: SteelStacks.org.

Allentown native Chef Lee Chizmar will demonstrate how he creates Cauliflower soup, which was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight from a James Beard Foundation nominee, both for Best Chef and Outstanding Restaurant, in an intimate setting. Visit Bolete for more information on Chef Chizmar.

The current list of contestants for the Souper Bowl includes:

Souper Bowl XIV Contestants (more to be announced – not the final list):

• 29 Cooks Catering
• Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech
• Forks Mediterranean Deli
• Orizaba Restaurant
• Palette Kitchen
• Prime Steak House
• Lemon Tree Lane Kitchen
• Lutzis Restaurant
• Roasted
• Sauce

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 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Vengan uno, vengan todos al Día Anual de Reyes Magos en SteelStacks

La duodécima celebración anual, El Día de Reyes, se celebrará el domingo 7 de enero en ArtsQuest  

14 de diciembre de 2023, Bethlehem, PA – ArtsQuest se enorgullece de anunciar el regreso del Día De Reyes, se celebrará el domingo 7 de enero de 2024 en su duodécima celebración anual en el ArtsQuest Center del campus SteelStacks. Este evento gratuito, una apreciada tradición religiosa y cultural de muchos países latinoamericanos, es presentada por PPL y su socio de medios La Mega junto con el patrocinador de apoyo, B. Braun Medical, Inc. and Commonwealth Charter Academy. Siga la estrella hasta Belén, ya que las puertas se abrirán a las 2 p.m.

Durante la celebración de los Reyes Magos, se anima a los niños a que vengan a escuchar una lectura de la Historia de los Reyes Magos seguida de la entrega de regalos. Los niños también pueden participar en una variedad de actividades llenas de diversión que incluyen artes y manualidades, una visita a Einstein, el camello de nieve, deliciosa comida que se puede comprar en la Iglesia de la Santa Infancia y presentaciones musicales en vivo.

“Crecimos en Bethlehem con padres puertorriqueños, y la temporada navideña siempre incluía muchas festividades con familiares y amigos, celebrando alegremente cantando y bailando música de “parranda”, comiendo platos tradicionales puertorriqueños y, lo más importante, asegurándonos de que los niños pequeños recibieran regalos y/o obsequios”, dijo Myrna Rivera, miembro de la Junta Directiva de ArtsQuest y presidenta del Comité de Programación Latina.  «Seguimos compartiendo estas tradiciones con nuestros niños durante la celebración de los Reyes Magos en ArtsQuest para garantizar que estas tradiciones navideñas se conserven para las generaciones futuras.”

“Al crecer en South Bethlehem, siempre me sentí afortunada porque no solo pudimos celebrar la Navidad, sino que también celebramos el Día de Reyes. Para un niño, era lo mejor de ambos mundos”, comentó Lissette Santana, Gerente Senior de Responsabilidad Corporativa de PPL.  Agradezco a ArtsQuest por incluir esta tradición latina especial en su emocionante programa de celebraciones navideñas. PPL se enorgullece de apoyar el Día de Reyes de ArtsQuest y compartir esta tradición cultural especial con una nueva generación de niños en nuestra comunidad.”

El Día de Reyes, conocido como Epifanía o Teofanía, es una fiesta cristiana en celebración de la revelación de Dios a través de su Hijo, Jesucristo. El Día de Reyes marca el final de los “12 Días de Navidad” llenos de festividad desde España hasta Chile y México que conmemoran el viaje de los Reyes Magos de Oriente, Gaspar, Melchor y Baltasar a Belén para presentar al bebé Jesús recién nacido con santas ofrendas de oro, incienso y mirra.

“Nací y crecí en Puerto Rico”, dijo Miguel Pérez, miembro de la junta de artes escénicas de ArtsQuest y planificador de demanda de B. Braun Medical Inc. “El Día de Reyes siempre ha formado parte de mi crianza durante las fiestas navideñas. Fue un día de verdadera celebración con familiares y vecinos, cantando música estilo “parranda”, compartiendo platos tradicionales puertorriqueños y por supuesto, ¡regalos!  Recuerdo recoger pasto en una caja de zapatos para alimentar a los camellos, ya que pasaban la víspera del Día de Reyes entregando juguetes a cada hogar. Comparto el valor cultural de esta tradición hoy con mis hijas.”

Pérez continúa: “Al reconocer la importancia de este día para nuestra creciente comunidad latina, ArtsQuest celebra esta tradición latinoamericana profundamente arraigada para garantizar que todos los niños que asisten a este evento reciban juguetes y/o golosinas mientras se ofrece una experiencia cercana a casa con comida típica, música, narración de historias y camaradería para esta y las generaciones futuras.”

Además de las festividades que tendrán lugar en el ArtsQuest Center, la pista de Patinaje sobre Hielo será la sede del Día de Reyes, organizado por La Mega, con dos sesiones de patinaje a las 2:30 y 4:15 p.m. Consiga sus entradas para patinar en christmascity.org  y para obtener información adicional sobre el Día de Reyes, visite steelstacks.org.

Acerca de ArtsQuest  

La misión de ArtsQuest es brindar 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 divulgación, programación juvenil y eventos culturales. Mediante festivales como su evento estrella, Musikfest; el Centro de Artes Banana Factory; y el Centro ArtsQuest Center en el campus artístico y cultural de SteelStacks, la programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas anualmente. Los programas y eventos de la organización, de los cuales más del 50% son gratuitos, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones anuales en la región.

Come One, Come All – to the Annual Three Kings Day at SteelStacks

The 12^th annual celebration, El Dia de Los Reyes, to be held on Sunday, Jan. 7 at ArtsQuest

December 14, 2023, Bethlehem, PA – ArtsQuest is proud to announce the return of Three Kings Day, El Dia de los Reyes, in its 12^th annual celebration on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks campus. This free event, a cherished religious and cultural tradition of many Latin American countries, is presented by PPL and media partner La Mega along with supporting sponsor, B. Braun Medical, Inc. Follow the star to Bethlehem as doors will open at 2 p.m.

During the Three Kings celebration, children are encouraged to come hear a reading of the Story of the Three Kings followed by gift giving. Kids can also take part in a variety of fun-filled activities including arts and crafts, a visit with Einstein the Snow Camel, delicious food for purchase from Holy Infancy Church and live musical performances.

“Growing up in Bethlehem with Puerto Rican parents, the Christmas holiday season always included many festivities with family and friends where we celebrated joyfully by singing and dancing to “parranda” music, eating traditional Puerto Rican meals and most importantly making sure the young children received gifts and/or treats,” said Myrna Rivera, member of the ArtsQuest Board of Trustees and Chair of the Latin Programming Committee.  “We continue to share these traditions with our children during the Three Kings celebration at ArtsQuest to ensure these Holiday traditions are preserved for generations to come.”

“Growing up in South Bethlehem, I always felt lucky because not only did we get to celebrate Christmas, we also celebrated El Dia de los Reyes. For a kid, it was the best of both worlds,” commented Lissette Santana, PPL Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility. I’m grateful to ArtsQuest for including this special Latine tradition in its exciting lineup of holiday celebrations. PPL is proud to support ArtsQuest’s Three Kings Day and share this special cultural tradition with a new generation of children in our community.”

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.

“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico,” said Miguel Perez, ArtsQuest Performing Arts Board Member and B. Braun Medical Inc. Senior Demand Planner. “The Three Kings Day has always been part of my upbringing during the Christmas festivities. It was a day of true celebration with family and neighbors, singing “parranda” style music, sharing traditional Puerto Rican dishes and of course, presents!  I remember collecting grass in a shoe box to feed the camels as they would spend the eve of Epiphany Day delivering toys to each home. I share the cultural value of this tradition today. with my daughters.”

Perez continues, “Recognizing the importance of this day to our growing Latin community, ArtsQuest celebrates this deeply rooted Latin America tradition to ensure all children attending this event receives toys and/or treats while providing a close-to-home experience with typical food, music, storytelling and comradery for this and future generations.”

In addition to the festivities taking place at the ArtsQuest Center, the Ice-Skating rink will host Three Kings Day, hosted by La Mega, with both the 2:30 and 4:15 p.m. skating sessions. Get your tickets for skating at christmascity.org  and for additional information on Three Kings Day, 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, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Spread Holiday Cheer through Laughter and Comedy at ArtsQuest

Announcing the 11^th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival and upcoming Comedy Classes

December 12, 2023, Bethlehem, PA- ArtsQuest is excited to announce several upcoming comedy events taking place on the SteelStacks campus this winter season, including the 11^th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27, with The Improvised Shakespeare Company® as this year’s festival headliner. The festival starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, with The Improvised Shakespeare Company® taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. on both nights.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Prepare for an evening of spontaneous comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch and if ever you’re wondering where the story is going…so are they!

“The Improvised Shakespeare Company received the most thunderous standing ovation I’ve ever seen when they performed at the SSICF in 2017; I can’t wait to have them back,” commented Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Specialist and SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival Director. “I’m also excited to get improvisers from New York and Philadelphia all under one roof with our own area performers to further create community in our improv scene.”

The Improvised Shakespeare Company® is one of the funniest and most critically acclaimed improv troupes in the world. It was founded in Chicago in 2005 where it ran to sold-out audiences at the iO Theatre for over a decade and performs regularly at Los Angeles’s Largo at the Coronet. Guest performers have included Jason Alexander, Bradley Whitford and Patrick Stewart. To learn more about additional accomplishments, click here.

Get your tickets here to see this award-winning comedy festival and be prepared to laugh out loud! Please note, children ages 12 and under will not be permitted. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are you interested in learning more about Improv comedy? This style of comedy is a fun, liberating performance medium with benefits that extend beyond the stage. Your team will learn improvisational techniques to better listen, support and ultimately satisfy your clients. The following classes are being offered through ArtsQuest:

Classes:

• Improv 301 with Evan Stutts on Tuesday, Jan. 9
• Improv 101 with Jamie Bleasdale on Wednesday, Jan. 10
• Intro to Sketch Comedy Writing with Jiah Peck on Monday, Jan. 22
• Improv 201 with Christy Devlin on Sunday, Feb. 4
• Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle on Monday, Feb. 12

Be sure to check out Steelstacks.org for more information on all things comedy including upcoming shows, workshops and more. Looking to spread holiday cheer? Consider giving the gift of laughter with an ArtsQuest gift card, available here.

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 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.