Ahh, February. The month of love and friendship. If you’re looking for some date night inspiration (or a fun venue to host Galentine’s Day), why not look for some events at ArtsQuest?

Music

Explore new musicians, or dive deeper into your favorites this February with these offerings!

Patty Griffin with special guest Raul Malo

Start off the month right with GRAMMY® Award winner Patty Griffin with special guest Raul Malo at the Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling on Wednesday, February 1!

Patty Griffin is among the most consequential singer-songwriters of her generation, a quintessentially American artist whose wide-ranging canon incisively explores the intimate moments and universal emotions that bind us together. Get your tickets here!

Long Live: A Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party

Missed out on Taylor Swift tickets this year? No problem – we’ve got the next best thing! On Saturday, February 4 at Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling, celebrate all things Taylor with your fellow Swifties. Get your tickets here!

Cash Unchained – The Ultimate Johnny Cash Experience

On Saturday, February 11 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling, say hello to The Man in Black at this tribute to the one and only Johnny Cash! Get your tickets here!

The Dude Ranch with 40oz to Freedom

Channel your inner emo kid with The Dude Ranch with 40oz to Freedom. Catch this tribute act to Blink 182 and Sublime on Friday, February 17 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling. Get your tickets here!

Philadelphia Funk Authority

Don’t miss out on this powerhouse group on Saturday, February 18 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling. The talented musicians of Philly Funk Authority bring together the experience of literally thousands of performances to formulate the ultimate entertainment machine. Get your tickets here!

The Brit Pack

Capture the spirit of all things British at The Brit Pack on Friday, February 24 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling! From The Beatles to Elton John to Amy Winehouse, The Brit Pack will be sure to bring the crowd to its feet. Get your tickets here!

Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute Band

Calling all Dancing Queens! Saturday, February 25 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling is a can’t-miss night for all ABBA lovers. Get your tickets here!

Comedy

Be aware that these comedy shows will contain adult language and/or situations.

We’re Good, You’re Great

Kick off the month with some laughs from We’re Good, You’re Great. Performing on Friday, February 3 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network, We’re Good, You’re Great is a quick witted, fully improvised show focusing on the humor found through a labyrinth of audience informed characters and comedic situations. Get your tickets here!

Ryan Hamilton

Laugh the night away with Ryan Hamilton on Friday, February 3 at Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling! Ryan been named one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch; and his recent appearances include The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Conan, as well as opening spots for Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan. Get your tickets here!

Gianmarco Soresi

Don’t miss Gianmarco Soresi on Saturday, February 4 at Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Gianmarco’s stand up has been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix’s Bonding, PBS’ Stories from the Stage, SeeSo’s New York’s Funniest, Real Housewives of New York (really), NY1, New York LIVE, Vanity Fair, George Takei Presents and he was the winner of Amazon’s Comics Watching Comics Season 8. Get your tickets here!

Swipe Right: The Online Dating Game Show

On Friday, February 10 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network, host Aliya Brown will take away key words in real people’s online dating profile bios. Two teams of comedians will compete to replace the words Mad-Libs style to please the judges. Will the judges swipe right? Swipe left? Super like!? There’s only one way to find out! Get your tickets here!

Improvised Date Night

What better way to get an early jump on Valentine’s Day than with an improvised comedy show telling quite perhaps the greatest love story ever told? And maybe that love story is YOUR love story. You’ll never know if you’re not there on Saturday, February 11 at Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Get your tickets here!

Cracking Up in the Valley – Valentine’s Masquerade Night

Cracking Up in the Valley returns for a night of love and laughter. Featuring a fun game show for couples and a chance to win some fabulous prizes! You can expect a fun evening mixed in with some romance. Will we see you there on Tuesday, February 14 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network? Get your tickets here!

Sammie James and Friends

On Friday, February 17 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network, join Sammie James, a comedian, storyteller, writer, actor, and voice actor from New Jersey.  Sammie James is soon to be your favorite disabled, nerdy, butch trans woman in comedy. Get your tickets here!

Jumanji: A Burlesque Show

Jumanji is an immersive burlesque show for risk takers. Our menagerie is not for the faint of heart. Beware! Do not start the game unless you intend to finish on Saturday February 18. This is an 18+ show. Get your tickets here!

Isabel Hagen in: IMAGINE I’M SOMEONE ELSE

Join Isabel Hagen for this one-woman, one-viola comedy show on Friday, February 24 at the Visitor’s Center, presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Isabel made her debut performance on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” March 11, 2020, and was the last comic to perform before the quarantine. Her second appearance was October 26, 2022. Get your tickets here!

Cinema

There’s a reason why a night at the movies is a classic date night staple. Why not keep the tradition going at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas this month? We’ve got a number of special screenings to choose from.

BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas

Join RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook in this special cinematic cut, re-edited and remixed for the big screen. Catch this cinematic event on Wednesday, February 1, Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. Get your tickets here! This film is in Korean and English with English subtitles.

Piggy

“Piggy” is a part of our First Saturday Horror Series on Saturday, February 4. Who says you can’t be scared other than on Halloween? Get your tickets here! This film is in Spanish with English subtitles.

Dressed in Blue (Vestida de Azul) (40th Anniversary)

As part of our LGBTQ+ Film Series, on Wednesday, February 8, we will be screening Dressed in Blue (Vestida de Azul). This screening will feature a special performance by Elektra Fearce St. James before the film. Be sure to be there! Get your tickets here!

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (20th Anniversary)

This Galentine’s Day, celebrate the 20th Anniversary of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days! Celebrate this iconic romantic comedy with us on Monday, February 13. Get your tickets here!

Mo’ Better Blues

As part of our Black Film: Then And Now series, we will be showing Spike Lee’s “Mo’ Better Blues”. Join us on Thursday, February 16 for this classic drama from an iconic director. Get your tickets here!

Let There Be Drums!

This rock documentary features interviews with Ringo Starr from The Beatles, Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters, Stewart Copeland from The Police, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann from Grateful Dead, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. Celebrate what would have been Taylor Hawkins’ 51st birthday with us on Friday, February 17. Get your tickets here!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Get ready to do the Time Wrap with us! Our monthly screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will occur on Friday, February 24.
These screenings will feature a live performance from the Spaced Out Sensations shadowcast. Get your tickets here!

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

On Saturday, February 25, as part of our Saturday Night Anime Series, we will be screening Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Be sure to join us for this Hayao Miyazaki classic on the big screen! Get your tickets here!
This screening will be in Japanese with English subtitles.

In addition to our special screenings, we have our regular cinema showings. Since these change every week, be sure to keep yourself updated here.

Art Classes

Take the opportunity to learn a new skill with your bestie or significant other this month. We always have classes running; however, these classes will be best enjoyed with someone you know.

Parent + Toddler Handprint Trays

Parents, you and your toddler can create a keepsake piece on Tuesday, February 7. Pieces can be designed, carved, and decorated on the day of, and picked up at a later date as bisque-ware or taken to a glaze day offered by the instructor after the first firing. Sign up here!

SoulCollage© Card Making Studio

Join artist Erica Gramp for this one day workshop on Wednesday, February 8. SoulCollage® is an easy, fun, creative process for discovering the wisdom inside of you. It is a simple process that is full of surprise epiphanies! Sign up here!

If you can’t make the February 8 SoulCollage® workshop, check out the February 15 workshop. Find more information on the February 15 date here!

Yoga in the Gallery

Gain some serenity with instructor Susan Morelock, starting on Thursday, February 16. These classes follow a model of All-Levels Yoga Flow: each class will be based on a theme present in the artworks on view. Examples included harmony, empowerment, individuality, expression, and power. Sign up here!

Fusing – Sand Dollar Bowl

It may be hard to remember those warm days on the beach in the middle of winter, but you’ll be sure to channel in those feelings with our Fusing – Sand Dollar Bowl class! Starting on Monday, February 13, join artist Rebecca Shoemaker for this 4 week class. Sign up here!

Second Sunday Hot Glass Experience – Heart

Work one on one with a hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass on Sunday, February 12, as part of our Second Sunday series. No experience necessary! Sign up here!

Date Night Experience: Matching Mugs

In need of some coffee/tea mugs? Skip the store and make your own! As part of our monthly Date Night Experience, on Friday, February 24, make your own! Sign up here!

As always, be sure to check out our event page to be updated on all of our classes geared to all ages!

Art Exhibition

Running from January 21 through March 19, be sure to visit our current art exhibition, We are Empowered: Women Veteran Art Exhibit & Ritual Storytelling. This exhibition showcases the work of several women veteran artists. In each piece, these women use their artwork as part of their ritual storytelling to talk about and process their experiences as women veterans. Find more information on this exhibition here!

We hope to see you and your loved ones at these events happening in February! Be sure to check out our website, as we are always adding more fun to our campus!

Anthony DeSanctis

Programming Manager, Lead Programmer, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

1. Everything Everywhere All At Once – The best multiverse movie of the year. One of the most original and unique films I’ve ever seen that at its heart is a story about family, love, and relationships. In the same movie where we have truly powerful moments between mother and daughter or husband and wife, we also have hot dog fingers. And it works! Masterpiece. This is the kind of film that really showcases just what the medium is capable of. I’ll be very surprised if this doesn’t make my top 10 films of the decade list in 2030!
2. The Whale – This movie broke me. I bawled my eyes out at the end and thought about it long after it ended. Brendan Fraser’s triumphant return. Fingers crossed he wins the Oscar!
3. RRR – Probably my favorite movie going experience of the year… and I was in a theater all by myself ☹ But I was screaming and cheering for the other 189 people not in the theater. Easily one of the most entertaining and incredible spectacles I’ve seen on screen in years. RRR is the reason movies need to be seen on the big screen.
4. Turning Red – I really wish this had been a theatrical release because I feel it would have been a smash. I found it to be a hilarious, charming, heartwarming coming of age tale of the struggles to express yourself to your family and friends as you grow up and find yourself. One of my favorite Pixar films of the last decade.
5. The Northman – A simple revenge tale executed very well. Had this come out later in the year, I think it would have swept the Academy Award nominations in all of the technical categories… and hopefully a few of the bigger ones. It’s a perfect showcase of every aspect of filmmaking. Hands down my favorite visuals of the year. The cinematography is breathtaking. Robert Eggers is 3 for 3 in my book and one of my favorite upcoming directors. I will see anything he releases.
6. Girl Picture – A Finnish coming of age tale I saw at Sundance in 2022 that won the Audience Award for World Cinema Dramatic. It’s sweet, honest, and really wears its heart on its sleeve. When I saw it for the first time back in January, I said there’s no way this isn’t making top 10 of 2022 at the end of the year. And it’s still here!
7. The Batman – Okay, I may be a little biased as I love all things Batman. Okay, maybe not Batman & Robin, but everything else. But what Matt Reeves did with his take on The Batman is nothing short of spectacular. Rather than making a superhero movie, he took a page from Se7en and Silence of the Lambs and basically made a crime mystery thriller that just so happen to have Batman be your detective and The Riddler your killer. AND IT WORKS! Incredible performances from Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, and Paul Dano but it’s Colin Farrell as The Penguin who really steals the show!
8. Triangle of Sadness – Another director who is 3 for 3 in my book! Ruben Östlund really knows how to lean into the cringe but in the best way possible. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed being so uncomfortable watching a movie. It’s an absolute blast that I honestly didn’t want to end. I could have watched six more hours of this.
9. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – I love the Shrek films and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots has always been one of my favorite voice performances of the last twenty years. But I’ll be honest, the trailers didn’t do it for me. And then I saw the movie. Within five minutes, I told myself “This will be one of my favorite movies of the year.” I really enjoyed the new direction they took with the animation and how they grounded Puss in Boots’ character. Despite the nonstop laughter, this is actually a very honest approach to exploring one’s own mortality.
10. The Banshees of Inisherin – Brendan Gleason stops being friends with Colin Farrell because he finds him boring and Farrell doesn’t take it well. That’s the plot of the film but it’s so much more. I’ve always been a fan of Martin McDonagh, but his film and stage work. He has a signature wit and dark sense of humor that I think really makes him such a distinct voice in the entertainment industry. I think this one may be my favorite of his films because it actually feels the most like his plays which makes this the perfect showcase for his talents.

Ryan Hill

Sr. Director of Programming

1. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – only a select few movies have ever made me laugh like that while also making me cry like that.
2. Aftersun – it’s so hard to not overdo it on a film as deeply personal as this one; the restraint is as impressive as the acting.
3. Everything Everywhere All At Once – a fantastic answer to those who say there’s no originality left in cinema.
4. George Carlin’s American Dream – the title is perfect; this is a story about Cold War-era America as much as it is a brilliant comic.
5. Petit Maman – Céline Sciamma continues her mastery of quiet cinema, and much respect to anyone brave enough to put out a movie less than an hour and a half long these days.
6. 32 Sounds – arguably more of an interactive experience than a movie, but one that ensures you’ll never take the sense of hearing for granted again.
7. Fire Island – the funniest movie I saw all year.
8. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story – on the nose in some spots, but still incredibly fun cinema.
9. The Banshees of Inisherin – the only real way to tell the story of male depression is to place it in a pitch black anti-buddy movie set in 1920s Ireland and involve a donkey.
10. The Automat – Anthony (the guy above me on this list) recommended this on a trip to NYC, which I quickly dismissed because it sounded way too little. I was way too wrong

Lauren Tocci

Co-Curator of the First Saturday Horror Series, and Cinema Member

For a moment I am going to do the thing Cinefix does with any “top” list and throw a bunch of films that should have been contenders. This was a year that saw people united about their love of film over a Top Gun sequel. I didn’t have that on my 2022 cinema bingo card, and I am happy for the surprise. It kicked off with yet another vision for The Batman, one that I think highlighted where DC films can go and the undeniable talent of Robert Pattinson (or as I call him RBatz). Bodies, Bodies, Bodies whodunit, madcap, and brilliantly lit and composed satire of Gen Z was truly hilarious. It was a year where horror won, okay not all of it, but in many ways, it is the genre that dominated and occupied many of the bests of the year (even if The Academy will continue to pretend that’s not the case). I settled on a top 5 for this yearly count, because these are films that I think will stay with me long past this year.

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once: Is too cheesy to say this movie has everything? I don’t care if it is because that’s how it feels. This is that rare film that comes out and gives you the opportunity to feel everything. It’s creative and clever in ways that innovate and break the form. Backed by insanely profound performances it’s the kind of film that years from now will still be referenced, taught, and be that niche film that if you know this, then you are someone who loves great films. As Hollywood finds it footing at the stage of the pandemic, I hope this is the path collectively that cinema keeps taking.
2. X & Pearl: Can you choose two movies at once? Because I have to do it! Mia Goth. Mia Goth. Mia Goth. I will repeat her name over and over again for what she accomplished in these two films. Also, Ti West too. I refuse to pick which one I love more, Pearl definitely panders to my sensibilities, but X challenged me and started conversations about beauty, age, violence in a way that didn’t feel like an overreach for the craft of the filmmaker and screenwriter. 
3. The Fablemans – Best. Cameo. Ever. Aside from that, I am a Spielberg kid. I will never tire of how he tells stories, the emotional depth and grace he affords flawed adults and wonderous children. In many of Spielberg’s films I always marvel at the whole, however, there is always one moment that catches my breath. This movie definitely has that.
4. Nope – In any year if Jordan Peele is putting out a movie, then it is likely to be something that beleaguered friends can admit, I talk way too much about. This film walks the line of combining several genres with their packed expectations and has a lot of fun turning those notions on their heads. It also truly had a scene that makes me more uncomfortable each time I think about it.
5. Turning Red – This year saw animation as a form have many contenders that could be counted in the conversation of best films of the year. I was blown away by Turning Red. Call it nostalgia for my own boyband-obsessed years or remembering with cringe-inducing realness that moment of growing up, but this movie just hit everything right.

Catherine Ford

Co-Curator of the LGBTQ+ Series, and Cinema Committee Member

1. Petite Maman – Wonderful movie by director/writer, Céline Sciamma. Easily my favorite of 2022. Lovely cinematography and heartfelt story that is rarely told with such gentleness and depth. It captured me from beginning to its beautiful ending.
2. Official Competition – Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas at their best. The script is great. A comedy satire about the film industry that I thoroughly enjoyed.
3. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – Loved this “mockumentary” about a one-inch shell and family. Moments of hysterical laughter and at times a tear or two. The voices of Jenny Slate as Marcel and Isabelle Rossellini as their grandma are magic.
4. Good Luck to You Leo Grande – Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack and a hotel room are the leads in this comedy/drama. Sensual, sensitive, and funny.
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once – Simply Entertaining! Refreshing with some life lessons thrown in.  Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis are fantastic.
6. Girl Picture – Loved this coming-of-age story out of Finland directed by Alli Happasalo. It’s filled with so much emotional nuance and exceptional storytelling not seen in similar films. Both Entertaining & Heartfelt. Awesome performances by the three young female leads Milonoff, Leino and Kauhanen.
7. Fire Island – Never expected a gay romcom set in 1995 to be adapted by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in 2022. But thrilled that it did. Fun, light-hearted and sensitive. The cast was wonderful, especially Joel Kim Booster, plus I never miss a chance to catch Margaret Cho.
8. Nothing Compares – Documentary about Sinead O’Connor that provides insights that told me so much of what I did not know of this iconic artist of the 90s. It clearly shows how O’Connor was 20 years ahead of her time. A must see whether or not one is familiar with her fame, unwavering activism or fall from stardom.
9. The Banshees of Inisherin – Beautiful cinematography that completely contrasts with the melancholy and sadness of the film (which appeals to me). Appreciated the symbolism throughout. Although Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are the leads, I found Kerry Condon a breath of fresh air in her supporting role, a bright spot in a dark movie.
10. Ester Newton Made Me Gay – I was fortunate to meet the director, Jean Carlomusto, at Provincetown International Film Festival where it won best documentary. This film explores the life and times of cultural anthropologist Esther Newton. It tells her story of awakening to gay life in the 1950’s. Appreciated the raw footage and the journey Ester Newton traveled. A trailblazer!! 

Honorable Mentions.

• Tár – Loved and hated this movie which means it’s in my top favorites list. Intense! Cate Blanchard is incredible but so is the entire cast.  Appreciated the contrast between Tár and spouse, along with the musical score that magnified the tension.
• Emily the Criminal – Emily (Aubrey Plaza) is weighted down by student debt and works hard to follow the right path but finds it impossible because of her minor criminal record. Plaza is terrific in this thriller, as my sympathies for her slowly evolved to OMG!!!

Alessandra Fanelli

Curator of Cinema Significa Series, Co-Curator of the LGBTQ+ Series, and Cinema Committee Member

1. Lucy and Desi – My favorite documentary of the year. Poignant and fascinating. I will never not love learning about them.
2. White Noise – I would watch Adam Driver eat a sandwich, and a few times in this film I had to remind myself of that. However, I was very locked into this one.
3. The Whale – This is a story that resonates with me that I did not realize I needed to see on the screen. It activated a huge emotional reaction in me and for Brendan Fraser’s performance mostly (which by itself would be #1). This was a huge favorite.
4. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – I don’t know what I was expecting from this, but it was not to thoroughly enjoy it as much as I did. It was meta, warm, charming, and… a Nicholas Cage movie actually worthy of a theatrical release.
5. Elvis – Some super neat sequences and, yes, a great performance by Austin Butler. The scene where Priscilla leaves (sorry, spoiler) was enough to put this one on my list.
6. The Batman – Similar sentiment to Adam Driver, but with Robert Pattinson. Inner torment and Zoë Kravitz-what more could you want? I hyped this one up for myself and while I feel it fell short in a lot of ways, still one of my favorite watches of the year.
7. Bodies Bodies Bodies – It wasn’t a sexy slasher and balanced out enough entertainment with annoyance and anxiety, and for that, I have to award it kudos.
8. Top Gun: Maverick – I was morally against this one and still couldn’t turn away the entire time. I don’t know why I loved it. But I did.
9. DC League of the Super-Pets – Bat-Hound Puppyhood Trauma. Natasha Lyonne. That’s all.
10. Thor: Love and Thunder – This took Avatar’s place because of the frame rate. I really enjoyed watching this- it wasn’t like other MCU and wasn’t groundbreaking, but had a lot of good dialogue and visuals.

Professor Bob Kilker

Cinema Committee Member

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once – I just love how inventive and emotionally resonant this movie is.  The Daniels know how to thread that needle. And Michelle Yeoh proves what a gift to cinema she truly is.
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story – It’s funny and well-observed look at a particular cultural moment. 
3. The Menu – I keep revisiting this dark and snarky commentary on privilege and critic culture.
4. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – The movie is sweet, but never saccharine.  Truly a delight.
5. The Banshees of Inisherin – A grim story to be sure, but still a pleasure to see this depiction of a crumbling friendship.
6. Nope – This horror film didn’t get the attention paid to Us or Get Out, but it’s still a fascinating film and Keke Palmer is especially good in it.
7. Prey – This prequel to Predator focused on indigenous Americans isn’t just a representational victory; it’s a compelling and endlessly rewatchable action film.
8. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – It’s as charmingly silly as you’d want a parody biopic of Weird Al Yankovic to be.
9. The Lost City – I loved this Romancing the Stone-style throwback; we need more movies like this.
10. The Woman King – Viola Davis is always brilliant, but Lashana Lynch stole this movie with a powerful performance.

Adrianna Gober

Co-Curator of the First Saturday Horror Series, Co-Curator of the LGTBQ+ Series, Co-Curator of The Unknown Planet Film Society, and Cinema Committee Member

1. Tár
2. All The Beauty and the Bloodshed
3. The Banshees of Insihirin
4. Saint Omer
5. Aftersun
6. Decision to Leave
7. Flux Gourmet
8. Everything Everywhere All at Once
9. We’re Going to the World’s Fair
10. Crimes of the Future

Jen Suwak & Steve Abruzzese

Cinema Committee Members

1. Everything, Everywhere All at Once
2. Barbarian
3. The Last Movie Stars
4. Top Gun Maverick
5. The Fablemans
6. The Menu
7. Smile
8. All that Breathes
9. The Batman
10. Nope

Lou Fromm

Cinema Committee Member

In no particular order:

• The Whale
• The Tender Bar
• Top Gun: Maverick
• Hustle
• White Noise

To keep your “Must-Watch List” growing, be sure to see what’s playing at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2_7jiENaOI

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!