ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES HOLIDAY SHOWS

From soul to sole celebrate this holiday season with a variety of music

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest invites you to join us to celebrate this holiday season with live performances in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Jonathan Butler, with special guest Grace Kelly, present Oh Holy Night on December 20. On December 22,  Jimmy and the Parrots will bring the holiday cheer with A Parrot Holiday Party. And, on December 29, the Sofa Kings will help shake off the stress of this year and help you ease into 2023. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., and for the public on Friday, Sept. 16 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, singer/songwriter and guitar player Jonathan Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. At very young age his father presented him with a homemade one-string guitar. At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder and was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and won the South African equivalent to a Grammy. His self-titled debut album, Jonathan Butler, received two Grammy nominations for the pop hit “Lies” an instrumental “Going Home”.  In spite of all the hardships, Jonathan Butler has an air of playfulness and quiet resilience that is easily visible in his passionate performances.

Grace Kelly is an unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer, and bandleader. She has rocked the jazz world with 13 acclaimed albums, performed at Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009, as a featured soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, and as part of the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – all before reaching her mid-twenties. She has won multiple ASCAP Composer Awards, Boston Music Awards and International Songwriting Awards. Grace’s latest album All That I Need, was inspired by the words of incredible women who embody great courage and resilience. The album is a deeply personal collection of songs with anthemic beats, upbeat grooves, and soulful melodies and lyrics.

On Thursday, Dec. 22, enjoy an island get-away without ever leaving the Lehigh Valley. Jimmy and the Parrots– A Parrot Holiday Party, will take you to the islands with the ultimate tribute to Jimmy Buffett. For more than 15 years, Jimmy and the Parrots have been playing to delighted crowds all over the United States as well as the Caribbean. One of the most requested Jimmy Buffett cover bands in the country, Jimmy and the Parrots perform not only all the great Buffett songs you love, they also play new and classic rock ‘n roll, as well as outstanding original songs written by lead singer/guitarist Jimmy Maraventano. Their cover songs include favorites by the Beach Boys, Zac Brown, Jerry Jeff Walker, Harry Belafonte, and Bob Marley, among many others. The band truly appeals to all ages and all musical tastes.

Start celebrating the new year early with Lehigh Valley favorite The Sofa Kings on Thursday, Dec. 29. This high energy 10-piece band from Southeastern Pennsylvania is bringing all the fun to the Lehigh and Delaware Valleys. With a combination of fine musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and an exceptional horn section, the Sofa Kings are set apart from the rest covering all genres including all forms of Dance Music, Motown, R&B, Classic Rock, and current top hits on the Billboard charts.

DEER TICK WILL ROCK OUT AT MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Deer Tick with special guest Izzy Heltai will perform Wednesday, Dec. 7

BETHLEHEM, Pa. –  In honor of release of its 11^th anniversary edition of Divine Providence, Deer Tick with special guest Izzy Heltai will rock the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Tickets for this show will go on sale for ArtsQuest members at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 16 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, the American alternative rock-folk band Deer Tick, is built on rock, blues and country. In 2004 band founder and singer/songwriter John McCauley toured with a revolving group of musicians for three years until 2007 when he began actively recruiting staple members to create the fully formed group now known as Deer Tick. In August 2008, following years of side jobs and selling handmade CDs, the band recorded and release Born on Flag Day receiving wide critical acclaim. In 2009 The Black Dirt Sessions was released with Deer Tick making its TV debut on the Late Show with David Letterman. The band continued to tour and released Divine Providence in October 2011 featuring hit songs “Clowinin’ Around”, “Let’s All Go to the Bar”, and “Cocktail”. The album displayed a louder and rawer sound, drawing comparisons to The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and The Replacements. The group followed up with three more recordings Negativity, Deer Tick, Vol. 1 and Deer Tick, Vol. 2. Deer Tick continues to tour growing its fan base and rocking venues around the country.

Boston born Singer/Songwriter Izzy Heltai continues to hustle his observational and often relatable songs across the country. Recently performing as a highlighted artist at Bonnaroo 2022, Heltai originally started his love of music on the piano before being inspired to pick up the guitar by folk icons like Joan Baez and Simon and Garfunkel. Heltai was featured on NPR Live Sessions: WGBH Field Recording and his five song EP Day Plan is currently available for streaming.

For a schedule of upcoming Musikfest Café shows or to purchase tickets visit steelstacks.org.   

THE SPOOKIEST SEASON RETUNS TO ARTSQUEST

Calling all the undead, ghouls, ghosts and well-dressed vamps to the SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Get ready to rise from the grave this Halloween weekend for the fifth annual SteelStacks Zombie Ball in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling on Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.  Be prepared, to be scared! Tickets for this spooktacular event are $10 each and are now on sale at steelstacks.org. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

You are cordially invited to the biggest living-dead dance party in the Lehigh Valley. On Friday Oct. 28 the Musikfest Cafe Presented by Yuengling will be transformed into a bloody house of horrific fun during the SteelStacks’ annual Zombie Ball.

This undead event features DJ AJ Stack spinning all the Halloween hits from “Monster Mash” to modern numbers, sure to rattle bones on the dance floor. Searching for answers from the beyond? Be sure to catch a session with Tarot card reader Auset Gypsy. Feast your eyes on unnerving aerial performances by Shannon Sexton while enjoying mouthwatering bites and drink specials offered throughout the evening.

Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged! A costume contest will take place with cash prizes being awarded to the most creative Individual and Couple.

Tickets for each show can be purchased at steelstacks.org or the ArtsQuest Center Box Office.

This event is for mature zombies only 18+.

ArtsQuest to Host Patriot Day Ceremony September 11th

Sergeant Blake Kuntz will receive this year’s ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, Pa. –The SteelStacks campus will host Patriot Day, presented by Embassy Bank, honoring the community’s first responders and revealing the Hometown Heroes First Responders Banners on Sunday, Sept. 11. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. and include a presentation of ArtsQuest’s First Responder Valor Award to City of Bethlehem Police Sergeant Blake Kuntz.

“We’re extremely honored for this opportunity to acknowledge real-life superheroes, those who bravely go to work each day, placing others before themselves,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest’s Chief Operating Officer.

Opening the event, Stop the Presses will perform on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square from 5:30 to 7 p.m. before the reveal of this year’s Hometown Heroes First Responders Banners. The banners consist of photos submitted by the community of family members, neighbors and friends who have served or are currently serving as first responders. The Banners will be on display throughout the SteelStacks campus.

ArtsQuest’s First Responder Valor Award recipient and Lehigh Valley native, Sergeant Blake Kuntz, is a Kutztown University graduate. He began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer for the City of Bethlehem for two years before being transferred to a specialized unit dedicated to the community policy efforts in public housing areas. In 2018, he was promoted to detective in the BPD Criminal Investigations Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2020 and is currently serving as the Sergeant of the Community Services Division. Kuntz has been a member of the City’s Emergency Response Team for 12 years. During his career, he has received a dozen Letters of Commendation and two Unit Citations for Merit. Kuntz serves the community as a liaison for the Cops ’n’ Kids program and led the City’s community engagement program Citizen’s Police Academy designed to educate the community on the police department by providing an opportunity for officers and community members to engage in meaningful conversation around community issues and concerns.

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott, State Representative Steve Samuelson and Mosel will be featured speakers at the event. There will also be a moment of silence to honor our nation’s fallen.

Following the ceremony, the season’s last free show at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network will feature performances by Slingshot Dakota and Catbite at 7:30-9:15 p.m. Food and beverages will be available on-site at the Mack Truck Stop and Palette & Pour, the full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center.

Raise Your Stein and Join Us!

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), ArtsQuest to present 12^th annual Oktoberfest

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), returns to the SteelStacks campus Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 and Oct. 7 – 9, 2022. Now in its 12^th year, the festival will once again feature brews, food, live music, local artisans, fan-favorite dachshund dog parades, the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniels and so much more!

“The return of Oktoberfest marks the official start of fall, and we’re excited to welcome the public back to this popular annual event here at SteelStacks,” Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest said. “None of this would be possible without the support of our corporate and community partners.”

“ABE has developed a strong partnership with ArtsQuest, and we’re always excited to support this popular event in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “Oktoberfest creates an enjoyable environment for everyone, as there’s plenty of delicious food, music and cultural entertainment that is all free for the community. Your neighborhood airport is ready for the fun to takeoff in early October. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”

ACTIVITIES

The tail-wagging fun of the Oktoberfest wiener dog parade and dachshund dog races will take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival in the Oktoberfest Arena located in the PNC Plaza. Dress your short four-legged friend to participate in the free parade. Is your hot-dog the fastest in the Valley? Pre-register your champion for the dachshund dog race in the Oktoberfest Arena. Purebreds, mixes and pups under 35lbs are invited to compete. Mark your calendars for the return of the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K to the SteelStacks campus this year on Sunday, Oct. 2. Grab a partner and register to play the blown-up version of a popular party game during the Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney, presented by Yuengling.

For the  second year, Oktoberfest will be the site of the official Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented by Samuel Adams and produced in partnership with the US Steinholding Association on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 4:30 p.m. To qualify for the state championship, competitors first must post one of the best times during Oktoberfest’s opening weekend and follow up on Sunday, Oct. 2 with one of the best times at the semi-finals. Contenders may also attend and post one of the best times at any sanctioned US Steinholding preliminary event. The two strongest people from the Oct. 9 state competition will take home $500 and be invited up to the national steinholding championships.

BEER AND FOOD

Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without the brews and food. Come sample seasonal craft beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head and more. Second only to the beer is the seasonal treats from vendor favorites Karl Ehmer, Heidi’s Strudel, Foodstuff and Heaven on a Bun to name a few.

Enjoy dishes from Palette & Pour, the full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Festival goers can also shop from a variety of artisan crafters and retailers der Verkäufer (vendors). Back by popular demand after its sold-out debut year, PierogiPalooza returns on both Saturdays! Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild returns for its sixth year. From German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, the hand-crafted beers of over 33 local and regional award-winning craft breweries take center stage. Guests will enjoy a diverse array of Oktoberfest’s limited-edition and seasonal offerings. To order tickets for this special event visit: Oktoberfest Brewers Village.

ENTERTAINMENT

Live music and entertainment will take place on multiple venues throughout the festival. Everyone’s favorite Schuhplattler groups will return with their authentic German dance traditions. New to the festival, Allentown-based Matt Ossiander will bring his Cyr Wheel, a large wheel built for eye-popping acrobatic feats. Directed by Elektra Fearce St. James, Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniels returns for its sixth year Saturday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 8. This show features the best queens from around the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas ready to electrify the festival audience. Grab a mic and join us on Friday nights for Karaoke with Royal from 9 to 11 p.m., in the Oktoberfest Arena.

Oktoberfest and Musikfest alumi Polkadelphia, Fritz’s Polka Band and John Stevens Polka Band will return to PNC Plaza. Fresh off Musikfest, groups like The Wonton Soups, Pentley Holmes and DJ Jamal Knight will also perform during Oktoberfest. Don’t put those lawn-chairs in storage just yet, live musical performances at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network will take place on Friday and Saturday nights. Musical acts will include The Johnny Folsom 4- Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash, KC Makes Music & Serg, The Beautiful Distortion and Igor & The Red Elvises. For more details and full schedule visit Steelstacks.org.

HOOBASTANK & LIT: TRIED & TRUE TOUR COMES TO STEELSTACKS

Co-Headlining rock bands will be joined by guest Kris Roe of The Ataris

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Hoobastank & Lit: Tried & True Tour (with special guest Kris Roe of The Ataris) will make a stop in Bethlehem to rock the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling on Sunday Oct. 16 Tickets for this co-headlined tour will go on sale beginning at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 23 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, Aug. 26 to the general public at steelstacks.org. All pre-sales will close at 10 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 25. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Formed in 1997 the American rock band, Hoobastank recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of its self-titled release, Hoobastank featuring vocalist Doug Robb with guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse and Mark Lappalainen. The 2001 album launched the career of the band to mainstream success with platinum singles: “Crawling in The Dark”, “Running Away” and “Remember Me”. The band began touring with The All-American Rejects and Ozomatli before releasing the 2003 follow up studio album The Reason. The title track “The Reason” went platinum four times, with the album going double platinum. Over the past two decades the band has enjoyed continued success, building its fan-base and recording six studio albums.

Co-headliner and fellow California rock band, Lit is best known for hits “My Own Worst Enemy”, “Miserable”, “Zip-Lock” and “Lipstick & Bruises”. Having released six studio albums, including the certified platinum A Place in the Sun, the group features original members: lead singer Jay Popoff, guitarist Jeremy Popoff, bassist Kevin Baldes and newest member Taylor Carroll on drums. The mega-hit “My Own Worst Enemy” won a Billboard Music Award for Modern Rock Song of the Year and is one of the most recognizable rock hits of the last 20 years. In April of 2022, Lit released its newest album Tastes Like Gold with the single “Kicked Off The Plane”.

Kris Roe, singer/songwriter and guitarist for American punk rock band The Ataris, will open the show. Getting its start in the late 90s, the California group recorded five studio albums including the certified gold So Long, Astoria featuring cover song “The Boys of Summer”.

A variety of Musikfest Café shows are now scheduled. For tickets visit steelstacks.org. 

Thursday Oct. 27 The Amish Outlaws.

Friday Nov. 4. The Aardvarks featuring opening act The Armadillos.

Friday Nov. 18. Boat House Row – A Yacht Rock Experience.

Friday Feb. 24. The Brit Pack.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES SEPTEMBER SHOWS

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears joined by Cedric Burnside will perform this fall

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce two upcoming shows in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. The excitement begins on Monday Sept. 26, when King Crimson Founder, Robert Fripp and his manager David Singleton will host a host a one-of-a-kind conversational experience for a live audience while on Thursday Sept. 29, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears with co-headliner Cedric Burnside will bring their signature blues to the stage. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Saturday July 23 and for the public on Monday July 25, at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

After more than two decades on the music scene, Joe and the Honeybears, are still going strong, “cashing checks and snapping necks.” Over the course of his career Joe has honed his unique blue-riffing guitar style while finding his true voice. Influenced by the Godfather of Soul James Brown and Howlin’ Wolf, Joe and the Honeybears have released six full-length albums, made numerous television appearances and headlined Coachella, Bonnaroo and Musikfest.

There are few artists like Cedric Burnside. The Mississippi Hill Country blues guitarist and singer/songwriter contains within him the legacy and future of the region’s prescient sound stories. Burnside’s two Grammy-nominated album projects— the 2015 Descendants of Hill Country and 2018’s Benton County Relic— channeled the blues spirit on drums, guitar and vocals in the North Mississippi Hill Country tradition. His newest album I Be Trying is a 13-track album treatise on life’s challenges, pleasures and beauty.

On Monday Sept. 26   An Evening of Talking with Robert Fripp and David Singleton (An Evening of That Awful Man and his Manager) will be hosted on stage with Fripp and Singleton sharing stories from the music business and behind the scenes anecdotes for a one-of-a-kind night in the Café. Robert Fripp is a founding member of King Crimson, contributor and collaborator with Brian Eno, David Bowie, Daryl Hall, Peter Gabriel and many other music legends. Fripp will be joined by David Singleton who established DGM with Fripp in 1993 and has reluctantly managed King Crimson since 2018.