DRY HUMOR: STAND UP FOR RECOVERY RETURNS TO ARTSQUEST

Jessica Kirson will headline the annual comic event

BETHLEHEM, Pa.—  ArtsQuest is proud to announce comedian Jessica Kirson will headline the annual event presented by Liz Russo, Dry Humor: Standup for Recovery in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Tickets are now on sale for ArtsQuest Members and at 10 a.m. and will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 for the general public on steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

The annual event presented and hosted by Lehigh Valley residing comedian Liz Russo, returns to celebrate Russo’s 12^th year of sobriety. In addition to hosting the evening the three-time winner of Best Comic of the Lehigh Valley by Lehigh Valley Style, will share her own inspiring and self-deprecating stories along with her tails of triumph. Russo has performed in comedy clubs and festivals across the country opening for Colin Quinn, Gilbert Gottfried, Jim Norton and Lisa Lampanelli.

This year’s headliner Jessica Kirson is one of the most recognizable female standup comics to date. The hilariously relatable performer will charm the audience with her vulnerability, silliness and ridiculous characters. Kirson produced FX’s documentary Hysterical and has been featured on numerous television shows including HBO’s “Crashing”, “Kevin Can Wait” and the full late night TV circuit from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon. Her own Comedy Central special Talking To Myself has received rave reviews. Her latest work, prank call album recorded during the height of the pandemic, The Call Girls, was released in 2021. Kirson can be found on her podcasts Disgusting Hawk and Relatively Sane where she has interviewed comic icons Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan and Rosie O’Donnell. She was awarded “Best Female Comic” by the MAC association in New York and is a regular contributor to “The Howard Stern Show”.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sync Recovery Community.

NEW YEAR, NEW SHOWS

SteelStacks campus kicks off 2023 with an impressive list of live performances

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to ring in 2023 with classic rock in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. KASHMIR, EagleMania, Damn the Torpedoes and Hollywood Nights will bring classic rock generation hits to life in the Café. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 20. Tickets for the public will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

KASHMIR, The Live Led Zeppelin Show will bring the ultimate Zeppelin experience to life in the Café on Friday, Jan. 13. Created in 2000 by vocalist Jean Violet, this group has grown to become the top tribute band sharing electromagnetic vibes and raw energy. KASHMIR’s performances have led to audiences across the country turning out to see the band again and again.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, join us and find out why EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute has a reputation of being the best in the country. This group is dedicated to a faithfully reproduced Eagles show like no other. From the greatest hits to solo works by Don Henley, Glen Frey and Joe Walks, this band has it all.

Need more Tom Petty in your life? Join us on Friday, Jan. 27for the popular Damn the Torpedoes- A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty’s signature riffs, harmonies and musical foundation is on full display mixed with spontaneous fresh twists sure to leave audiences smiling, dancing and nostalgic.

The 9-piece New Jersey powerhouse group, Hollywood Nights – The Bob Seger Experience will bring the rock and roll to the Café on Saturday, Jan. 28. Recreating the iconic songs of Seger, this group recreates every detail right down to the baby grand piano. Covering all the hits and deep cuts of Seger’s 30-year career, this is a show fans will not want to miss.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUCES YEAR END ENTERTAINMENT

Join ArtsQuest for live performances from Pam Tills and more

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce a variety of live musical performances will be hosted in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members will go on sale Tuesday Sept. 20. Tickets for the public will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Gather friends and family for Thanksgiving Eve and join us at the second annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam presented by The Groove Merchants and Trouble City all-Starts on Wednesday Nov. 23. The evening will be hosted by Kirk Griffiths and feature the best in Lehigh Valley art, music, and comedy. The night will encompass everything from a jazz cocktail hour with art, performances and collaborations by some of your favorite local bands. Performances by Clayton Reilly, Rich Jefferys and the Cosmic Ark, Trouble City All-Stars and The Groove Merchants will take place throughout the evening.  

On Sunday, Dec. 11, Soultown to Motown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers Holiday Show will bring its harmonies, horns and energy to the Musikfest Café stage. The 11-man vocal focused soul group has been performing for 25 years along side the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Little Anthony and the Imperials, John Cafferty and Stevie Wonder.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14 Grammy and CMA award winner singer/songwriter Pam Tills will bring her show Belles & Bows-Country Hits & Christmas Favorites to the Musikfest Café. Tillis started her music career in Nashville Tennessee joining her father Mel Tillis on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at 8-years-old. She went on to take piano lessons and taught herself guitar by the age of 12. She has released 14 albums since her debut album Above and Beyond the Doll of Cutey in 1983. Tillis is known for hits “All the Good Ones Are Gone”, “Same Old Train”, “Cleopatra, Queen of Denial”, and “Don’t Tell Me What to Do.”

The David Bromberg Quintet will perform in the Musikfest Café on Sunday, Dec. 18. American multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, Bromberg’s talents range from Bluegrass to County to rock and roll and of course the Blues. Since his debut album featuring songs co-written by George Harrison and Bob Dylan on harmonica, Bromberg has released 19 albums. His latest work, Big Road is a collection of a dozen songs in various styles and instruments. Bromberg is best known for songs “The Holdup”, Mr. Bojangles”, “Will Not Be Your Fool” and “The Joke’s on Me”.  

ARTSQUEST PIEROGIPALOOZA RETURNS TO OKTOBERFEST

Back by popular demand, Pierogipalooza returns to SteelStacks campus

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After its sold out debut at 2021’s Oktoberfest, Pierogipalooza  returns! On Saturdays Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 from 2 – 6 p.m. the Palooza will take place throughout the SteelStacks campus. During this potato-filled comfort food experience, attendees will be able to sample six pierogi creations. Passports are now on sale and can be purchased for $22 in advance on steelstacks.org or $29 the day of event, while supplies last.

With passports in hand, foodies will enjoy their choice of six pierogis including apple pie, pork and sauerkraut, stuffed mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, halupki (stuffed cabbage) and dill pickle. Pierogi stations will be located throughout the ArtsQuest Center, the Levitt Pavilion and the Mack Truck Stop. Grab your passports in advance – they are guaranteed to sell out fast!

Tickets for Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild are still on sale. This year’s Village features a diverse array of German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, and limited-edition seasonal offerings all hand-crafted by Pennsylvania’s award-winning craft breweries. Brewers will be on hand to discuss all things Ale. VIP tickets are available for this event and include early entry and first-dibbs on limited edition Yuengling Cask and exclusive merchandise. For a full list of breweries visit website BrewersVillage.

Pierogipalooza is part of ArtsQuest’s Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The festival, now in its 12^th year, features brews, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog races, Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniels and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship. Visit steelstacks.org/Oktoberfest for more information.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES CALIFORNIA WINE THEMED DINNER

Popular wine/food pairing series, produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain, returns November 10, with Cruise the California Coast

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest and partner Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain invite you to the  next installment in its dining series centered around rare wines and gourmet food pairings from around the world. This dinner will center on the sunshine state with Cruise the California Coast at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday Nov. 10. The evening features a delectable four-course dinner created and prepared by ArtsQuest’s culinary partners Levy Restaurants. Tickets are now available on steelstacks.org for $99, which includes wine, food and server gratuity.

The culinary cruise will begin with a Mango, Avocado and Charred Poblano Ceviche on Friese with fresh Fish Selection. The first course will be paired with Field Recordings – Chenin Blanc from Paso Robles, Central Coast.

Revving up the appetite, the second course will feature Salmon Sashimi, Wasabi, Pickled Ginger and Soy all paired with Wonderwall – Pinot Noir from Edna Valley, Santa Barbara County.

The main course delivers Beet Braised Beef, Shiitake Farro Risotto, Caramelized Heirloom Carrots paired with Fableist – Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast.

No evening would be complete without a touch of sweetness. The dessert course features a Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte, Blackberry Whipped Cream, Orange Zest perfectly paired with Il Cuore – Zinfandel from North Coast, Mendocino County. 

This wine and pairing experience series is produced in partnership with Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain. Nee brings more than two decades of beverage hospitality experience to the table. Since moving to the Lehigh Valley from New England 15 years ago, he’s worked in the beverage hospitality industry in many roles. He helped develop one of the most interesting wine programs in the area and launched a recurring wine education night that has entertained hundreds of guests. Nee has gone on to present more than 400 wine, beer and spirits events for thousands of guests.

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.