Written by Anthony DeSanctis | 2.3.23 Programming Manager, Lead Programmer, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
As a huge movie buff I typically try and watch a movie a day. In my trip to Sundance Film Festival 2023, I definitely got in well over a month’s worth in just about ten days!
Here Are My Top Films from Sundance
Flora & Son – Okay, I may be a little biased as I love the work of John Carney. The director of Once and Sing Street does it again with another inspiring music drama! Easily the biggest crowd pleaser of the festival. It’s sure to be a film that will have audiences cheering and clapping along continuously throughout! I had a smile on my face from start to finish and didn’t want it to end. Eve Hewson (Bono of U2’s daughter) gives a star-making performance as Flora, who mends the fences of her troubled relationship with her teenage son, through their shared interest in music. As soon as it ended, I wanted to call my mother and tell her how amazing she is! See it in a theater with an audience, you won’t regret it
Cassandro – I love it when a biopic avoids all of the typical clichés! Cassandro has a singular, unique voice that I found myself fully engaged in from start to finish. And it also features possibly a career best performance from Gael García Bernal.
Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) – A deep dive into how some of the most iconic album art of 1970s rock came to be, from the art design studio that made them. It’s a love letter to a time long gone. A time where lots of attention was put on what was on the front covers, and the (sometimes) extreme lengths people would go to to achieve the desired vision. A truly fascinating and entertaining watch that I could see over and over again.
Scrapper – A heartfelt yet surprisingly charming tale of fathers and daughters, love and loss, acceptance, and forgiveness. Harris Dickenson and Lola Campbell play off each other very well as father and daughter. This is Campbell’s first film and she commands the screen with the confidence of an actor who has been in the industry for decades.
Magazine Dreams – 2023 is the year Jonathan Majors becomes a star. Sure he’s about to be the next big bad Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with Magazine Dreams, he may very like have an Academy Award on his mantle next year for this performance, which is a powerful, distributing portrayal about obsession and what one will do to be the best of the best.
Written by Amanda Seemayer | Marketing & Social Media Intern 1.30.2023
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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.
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” 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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Written by ArtsQuest | 1.25.2023
Anthony DeSanctis
Programming Manager, Lead Programmer, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Everything Everywhere All At Once – a fantastic answer to those who say there’s no originality left in cinema.
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.
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.
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.
Fire Island – the funniest movie I saw all year.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story – on the nose in some spots, but still incredibly fun cinema.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Lucy and Desi – My favorite documentary of the year. Poignant and fascinating. I will never not love learning about them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DC League of the Super-Pets – Bat-Hound Puppyhood Trauma. Natasha Lyonne. That’s all.
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
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.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story – It’s funny and well-observed look at a particular cultural moment.
The Menu – I keep revisiting this dark and snarky commentary on privilege and critic culture.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – The movie is sweet, but never saccharine. Truly a delight.
The Banshees of Inisherin – A grim story to be sure, but still a pleasure to see this depiction of a crumbling friendship.
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.
Prey – This prequel to Predator focused on indigenous Americans isn’t just a representational victory; it’s a compelling and endlessly rewatchable action film.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – It’s as charmingly silly as you’d want a parody biopic of Weird Al Yankovic to be.
The Lost City – I loved this Romancing the Stone-style throwback; we need more movies like this.
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
Produced in partnership with Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, the annual celebration will kick off Thursday, March 16
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Join us this St. Patrick’s Day weekend as the ArtsQuest Center is transformed into the best pub around for the second annual Sláinte, produced in partnership with Bethlehem’s Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub. The celebration of Irish Heritage begins Thursday, March 16 and continues through Sunday, March 18 with the weekend featuring several bands from Ireland, Scotland, the Lehigh Valley and beyond, a youth fiddle competition, traditional food and whiskey pairings supervised by Neville Gardner and his team at Red Stag. Sláinte is an immersive experience taking the usual St. Patrick’s Day festivities to the next level. Tickets for this event are now on sale at steelstacks.org.
“The first Sláinte Festival brought amazing
Celtic music and culture to Bethlehem on St. Patrick’s Day weekend last year,”
Neville Gardner, owner and operator of Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub
and Whiskey Bar said. “We hope you can join Donegal Square again at SteelStacks
this March to celebrate the Irish High Holy Days – Sláinte!”
In this three-day festival,
there are a multitude of different events and activities for those to enjoy
throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend. To kick off the celebration on Thursday,
March 16, Gardner will host the Red Stag Pub for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day
dinner. Red Stag Executive Chef Jill Oman will prepare a four-course dinner
paired with whiskeys from Ireland and Scotland. Gardner will guide guests
through the culinary experience while streaming in a conversation on the
history of Saint Patrick by Tim Campbell, Director of the Saint Patrick Centre
in Northern Ireland. Ticket holders for this delicious event will also gain
access to the two days of Sláinte programming.
Not to be outdone by seasoned performers, the second annual Sláinte youth fiddle competition will be hosted 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18th. This free event will showcase fiddlers in two groups, 13 years of age and younger and 14 to 18 years. The fee to compete is $19 with the top three winners taking home a cash prize. To register visit: steelstacks.org.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Neville Gardner again to bring Sláinte to the –SteelStacks campus,” Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer, said. “Last year’s festival is a testament to the incredible collaboration we have with Neville and the team at Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub. We couldn’t be prouder to present this authentic and immersive celebration of ‘all-things’ Irish to the Lehigh Valley once again.”
Tickets for each day, along with an option for two-day passes with choice of Irish Whiskey Tasting or McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub Whiskey and Food Pairing, are on sale now on our website, steelstacks.org.
Prepare sus cucharas
Souper Bowl XIII vuelve a Lehigh Valley este febrero
BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Tome sus cucharas y prepárese
para degustar algunos de los mejores restaurantes, servicios de banquetes y
estudiantes de cocina de Lehigh Valley en el Souper Bowl XIII de ArtsQuest
dentro del Musikfest Café presentado por Yuengling, el domingo 5 de febrero
desde el mediodía hasta las 3 de la tarde.
Se podrán degustar
sopas a base de crema, a base de marisco, a base de carne y veganas. Los
asistentes también podrán nominar a su sopa favorita para el “Premio del
Público” del Souper Bowl. El ganador recibirá un trofeo de vidrio inspirado en
el Trofeo Lombardi y creado por el Taller de Vidrio de ArtsQuest, en cuya parte
superior figurará un tazón de sopa en lugar de un balón de fútbol americano. Un
jurado de expertos y celebridades juzgará cada categoría y alzará sus
cucharones para premiar la mejor creación.
Además de las
categorías antes mencionadas, Behind the Grill, Bethlehem Area
Vocational-Technical School, Buzzwell Catering LLC, Daisy Hill Kitchen and
Grill, HOEM Kitchen, Jenny’s Kuali, Lemon Tree Kitchen, Molly’s Irish Grille
& Sports Bar, Palette & Pour, Passanante’s Home Food Service, Roasted,
Strange Brew Tavern y otros también competirán por el primer puesto en las
categorías de “Ingrediente más original” e “Ingrediente más sorprendente.”
Bethlehem AVTS
triunfó durante el Souper Bowl XII, con tres nominaciones a “Mejor sopa a base
de crema”, “Mejor sopa de marisco” y “La sopa más original”, victorias que el
instructor de la AVTS, Scott Ferry, dice que su equipo de estudiantes de cocina
espera repetir. En cuanto a mí, dijo Ferry, “me encanta ver brillar a los
estudiantes. Ganar algunas cosas tampoco está de más”.
Según Ferry, los
estudiantes esperan participar en el Souper Bowl cada año, y cuenta que el
equipo de este año estará formado por cuatro o cinco estudiantes de la Bethlehem
AVTS. “Los estudiantes se divierten mucho probando las recetas que se les
ocurren, y las cambian hasta que son perfectas”, dijo. “Cada año tenemos un
nuevo grupo de estudiantes que compiten, así que todo es completamente nuevo
cada año.”
“Nos encanta estar en
la comunidad”, añadió Ferry. “Cuando la gente prueba y disfruta de las
creaciones de los estudiantes, se sorprende de que los alumnos de secundaria
puedan competir a este nivel. Ganemos o perdamos, es una oportunidad de que nos
vean (y prueben) cientos de personas.”
Aparte de todo eso,
Ferry añadió que “en el fondo, el Souper Bowl consiste en divertirse.”
¿Quiere ser de los primeros en probar las tentadoras sopas que se ofrecen en el Souper Bowl XII? Considere una entrada VIP, que permite la entrada a las 11 de la mañana, e incluye un ticket de bebida gratis válido para cualquier cerveza Yuengling, vino Franklin Hills o un refresco. Además de muestras de sopa y la participación en un sorteo de tarjetas de regalo de los restaurantes participantes, los VIP también participarán en un sorteo especial sólo para VIP de diversas entradas para ArtsQuest. Las entradas VIP tienen un descuento y cuestan $54 hasta el domingo 29 de enero y pueden comprarse aquí.
Las entradas generales para los miembros de ArtsQuest cuestan $29 cada una, y las entradas para el público cuestan $34 hasta el 29 de enero. El precio aumenta $5 para todos los tipos de entradas desde el 30 de enero hasta el inicio del evento. Para más información, o para comprar entradas, visite steelstacks.org o llame a la taquilla de ArtsQuest al 610-332-1300.
Ganadores del Souper
Bowl XII:
Premio del Público: El estofado de asado de tira de Saucon Valley Country Club
Mejor sopa a base de crema: Sopa de maíz con pollo ahumado de la Bethlehem AVTS
Mejor sopa a base de carne: El estofado de asado de tira de Saucon Valley
Country Club
Mejor sopa de marisco: Sopa de paella de la Bethlehem AVTS
La sopa más original: Sopa fría de fresas, coco y bourbon de la Bethlehem AVTS
Ingrediente más sorprendente: La melaza de granada en la sopa vegetariana
mediterránea de Forks Mediterranean Deli.
Get Your Spoons Ready
Souper Bowl XII Winner
Souper Bowl XIII returning to the Lehigh Valley this February
BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Grab
your spoons and get ready to sample from some of the Lehigh Valley’s top
restaurants, caterers and culinary students at ArtsQuest’s Souper Bowl XIII
inside the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling Sunday, Feb. 5, from noon to 3
p.m.
Savory selections for sampling will include cream-based,
seafood-based, meat-based and vegan soups. Attendees will also nominate their
favorite contender for the Souper Bowl’s “People’s Choice” champion award. The
winner will be presented with a glass trophy styled after the Lombardi Trophy
and created by the ArtsQuest Glass Studio, featuring a soup bowl at its top
instead of a football. A panel of experts and celebrities will judge each
category and raise their ladles to award the best creation.
In addition to the above-mentioned-categories, Behind the
Grill, Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Buzzwell Catering LLC, Daisy
Hill Kitchen and Grill, HOEM Kitchen, Jenny’s Kuali, Lemon Tree Kitchen,
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Bar, Palette & Pour, Passanante’s Home
Food Service, Roasted, Strange Brew Tavern and others will also battle for top
billing in the categories of “Most Original” and “Most Surprising Ingredient.”
Bethlehem AVTS triumphed during Souper Bowl XII, with
three nods for “Best Cream-Based,” “Best Seafood” and “Most Original,” wins
AVTS instructor Scott Ferry says his team of culinary students hope to repeat.
“For me,” said Ferry, “I love seeing the students shine. Winning a few things
also doesn’t hurt.”
According to Ferry, students look forward to
participating in the Souper Bowl each year, sharing that this year’s team will
consist of four or five Bethlehem AVTS students. “The students have a blast
trying out recipes they come up with, and change them until they’re perfect,”
he said. “With each year we have a new group of students competing, so
everything is completely new each year.”
“We love being out in the community,” Ferry added. “When
people try and enjoy the student creations, they’re shocked that high school
students can compete at this level. Win or lose, this is a chance to be seen
(and sampled) by hundreds of people.”
All of that aside, Ferry added “ultimately the Souper
Bowl is all about having fun.”
Looking to be among the first to sample the taste-tempting soups offered at Souper Bowl XII? Consider a VIP admission, which allows entry at 11 a.m., and includes a free drink ticket good for any Yuengling beer, Franklin Hills wine or soft drink. In addition to –samples of soup and entry into a raffle to win gift cards from participating restaurants, VIPs are also entered into a special VIP-only raffle for a variety of ArtsQuest tickets. VIP tickets are discounted at $54 through Sunday, Jan. 29, and can be purchased here.
General admission tickets for ArtsQuest members are available for $29 each, with tickets at $34 for the public through Jan. 29. The price increases $5 for all ticket types from Jan. 30 to the event start. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit steelstacks.org or call the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610-332-1300.
Souper Bowl XII winners:
People’s Choice: Saucon Valley Country Club’s Braised Beef Short Rib
Best Cream-Based: Bethlehem AVTS’s Smokey Chicken Corn Chowder
Best Meat-Based: Saucon Valley Country Club’s Braised Beef Short Rib
Best Seafood: Bethlehem AVTS’s Paella Soup
Most Original: Bethlehem AVTS’s Chilled Strawberry Coconut Bourbon Soup
Most Surprising Ingredient: The Pomegranate Molasses in Forks Mediterranean
Deli’s Mediterranean Vegetarian Soup
Cinematic Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Free film series, discussion slated for Monday, Jan. 16
BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Celebrate and reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at ArtsQuest on Monday, Jan. 16. Presenting sponsor Air Products and supporting sponsor Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley will present three free film screenings, beginning at noon in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, inside the ArtsQuest Center.
“In
honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Air Products is proud to partner with
ArtsQuest to offer this free film series,” said Laurie Hackett, Director of
Community Relations at Air Products. “As we pause on January 16 to celebrate
Dr. King’s life and legacy, these important films are a chance to come together
as a community.”
The documentary films to be shown in the Red Cinema include “King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis” at noon, 1972’s “Nationtime” at 4 p.m. and “Selma” at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online at steelstacks.org/films-special-screenings or by clicking here. More information about these films can be found below.
In
addition to the cinematic tribute, Dr. Karen Britt, Professor of Business and
Economics at Northampton Community College and President of Juneteenth Lehigh
Valley, will lead a special discussion about King’s legacy and how it applies
to today’s society. Britt will be joined by colleagues from the Juneteenth
Lehigh Valley Steering Committee in the Red Cinema at 3:15 p.m. The discussion
is free to ticketholders of any of the three films in the series.
“We’re
proud to partner with Air Products to present a collection of films curated to
celebrate King’s legacy as we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at
ArtsQuest,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest COO. “King offered such a
significant message of nonviolence and equality, so much so that it still
resonates today, as society still seemingly struggles come together positively
advocating for one another’s humanity.”
“King: A Film Record… Montgomery to Memphis” is a 185-minute documentary constructed from wealth of archival footage. This documentary follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 1955 to 1968, in his rise from regional activist to world-renowned leader of the Civil Rights movement. Rare footage of King’s speeches, protests, and arrests are interspersed with scenes of other high-profile supporters and opponents of the cause, punctuated by heartfelt testimonials by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
The film was originally presented as a one-night-only special event March 20, 1970, at an epic length of more than three hours (plus intermission). Since that time, the film has occasionally been circulated in a version shortened by more than an hour.
Admitted
to the National Film Registry in 1999, KING is a cinematic national treasure
that allows viewers to be firsthand witnesses to Dr. King’s crusade, and
thereby gain a fuller appreciation of both the personal challenges he endured
and the vast cultural legacy he left behind. –
Directed
by William Greaves, “Nationtime” is an 80-minute report on the National Black
Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, in 1972, a historic event that
gathered black voices from across the political spectrum, among them Jesse
Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Richard Hatcher,
Amiri Baraka, Charles Diggs, Isaac Hayes, Richard Roundtree and H. Carl
McCall.
Narrated
by Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, the film was considered too militant for
television broadcast at the time and has since circulated only in an edited
58-minute version. This new 4K restoration from IndieCollect, with funding from
Jane Fonda and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, returns the film to its
original 80-minute length and visual quality.
At
128-minutes, “Selma” chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting
rights in the face of violent opposition. Director Ava DuVernay’s tells
the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted
change that forever altered history.
Enhancing the Holiday Experience
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Auger
ArtsQuest’s newest attraction adds to Christmas City’s charm
BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Thousands of people
strapped on skates and made The Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh
Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital part of their holiday celebration during this
season’s inaugural run. The area’s only outdoor rink featuring authentic ice
opened to much fanfare and excitement Tuesday, Nov. 22, hosting its final
session –and last group of skaters – to welcome the new year Sunday, Jan. 1.
“Lehigh
Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital was honored to sponsor the Ice Rink at
SteelStacks in its first year,” said Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital
President Anne Baum. “Seeing the Levitt Pavilion lawn transformed into
a beautiful wintery wonderland was magical! As the region’s only
children’s hospital, we know just how important family fun is for kids as they
grow and develop. We are thrilled to have sponsored this new tradition and
enjoyed seeing our community out on the ice!”
With
blast furnaces serving as its backdrop, the Ice Rink at SteelStacks quickly
added to the Christmas City’s charm, providing opportunities to create new
traditions and memory-making merriment. Presented in partnership with Rink
Management Services Corporation, the new attraction served to complement
ArtsQuest’s beloved Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, presented by Univest Financial.
“The
Ice Rink at SteelStacks welcomed 12,264 guests during its first year,” said
Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer. “We’re grateful to LVRCH for the
generous partnership that enabled ArtsQuest to present this exceptional
addition to our holiday offerings.”
During its
inaugural season, 75-minute skating sessions were offered daily. Children 13
and younger were admitted free Monday nights, courtesy of LehighValleyNews.com,
with LVRCH presenting sensory-friendly skates Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
According to
Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Programming, the Bethlehem-based
nonprofit is excited to be reviewing plans to bring the rink back in 2023.
“We received so
much positive feedback on the rink, from how it ties our campus together to how
adding it further enhanced the holiday experience for patrons,” said Hill.
Hill explained
that throughout its first season, the rink featured themed night events –geared for all
ages. “We had a lot of fun with the theme nights,” he said. “A number of them were
sellouts and people were thrilled to participate either via costumes, by
playing trivia or by simply singing along.”
LIVE COMEDY CREATION BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES
Shannon O’Neill
Sabastian Conelli
Connor Ratliff
Bridgett Rizkalla
The SteelStacks Improv Festival returns for its 10th year
BETHLEHEM, Pa.— The 10th annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival (SSICF) returns live to the Fowler Blast Furnace Room Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28. The two-day marathon festival features national improv groups, solo acts and workshops taught by this year’s headliner Raaaatscraps.Tickets are now on sale for ArtsQuest Members and the general public.
“We’re thrilled to bring the 10th annual
SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival back to its traditional format,” ArtsQuest
Senior Programming Director Ryan Hill said. “The energy that performers from
all over the country bring to Bethlehem to celebrate improv comedy -and each
other- is truly what makes this festival so special.”
This year’s SSICF headliner is New York based Raaaatscraps. Led by former Upright Citizens’ Brigade Artistic Director Shannon O’Neill, Raaaatscraps, is a reimagining of UCB’s flagship show “ASSSSCAT” with a team of rotating players. For each performance a guest monologist shares their true-life stories used to inspire the cast who create fully improvised scenes on the spot. Former guest monologists include Gloria Steinem, Kevin Bacon, Ilana Glazer and so many more. The cast’s rotating members, Shannon O’Neill, Sebastian Conelli, Bridgette Rizkalla and Connor Ratliff can be found everywhere from “Broad City” to “Marvelous Ms. Maisel,” “Succession,” “Black Mirror” and multiple Marvel movies.
“We are so excited to headline this year’s festival,” Shannon O’Neill said. “We love to be around people who love improv and hopefully we will infect some noobs while we are at it.”
The two-day improv marathon begins its 2023
run with its classic, opening “Yes and…” ceremony Friday, Jan. 27. Teams
hailing from Toronto, ON to New York City and our very own Lehigh Valley-based
backyards will be featured in the 10th annual festival. A variety of comedic
styles will entertain the crowds from the tarot inspired “Whatever Fate
Decides” to the solo “I Am the Show.” Looking for something a bit meta, enjoy
the art-inspired artform with comedian Torrey Shineman, performing
spontaneously crafted poetry in “Mashed POET-atoes,” musically centered “Heavy
Rotation” and famous works of visual art inspired team, “ART.”
In addition to closing the festival Saturday night Raaaatscraps will be hosting workshops throughout the weekend. For tickets and to view the full schedule visit steelstacks.org.
Raaaatscraps cast
Shannon O’Neill, host and founder of
Raaaatscraps can be found on episodes of “Broad City,” “High Maintenance,”
“Difficult People,” “The Chris Gethard Show,” and as the lead in the true-crime
docu-series “How to Fix a Drug Scandal” on Netflix portraying Sonja Farak.
Sebastian Conelli is comedian from Staten Island and a “cawfee” from Dunkin’ kind of guy. He has appeared as a blue-collar worker on TV
shows such as “Search Party,” “The Last OG,” and “The Detour.” Conelli also
hosts a podcast called “Loud About Nothing” from his mother’s basement.
Bridgette Rizkalla is a writer and comedian
born and based in Brooklyn. Her standup has been featured on “Vulture,” “Elite
Daily,” “HuffPost” and “Funny or Die.” If you text her in full sentences, she
will think you are mad at her.
Connor Ratliff is an actor/comedian and can
be seen in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Search Party,” “The Blacklist” and is
the creator of the critically acclaimed podcast, “Dead Eyes.” He’s been doing
comedy in NYC for more than 10 years, including “The George Lucas Talk Show,”
the livestream version of which has been described as “The Internet’s
Coolest Talk Show” and “The Worst Podcast Ever Made.”
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
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!