ANDY MONTANEZ WILL PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS SUMMER SERIES – ANDY MONTANEZ ACTUARÁ EN LA SERIE DE VERANO DE STEELSTACKS

Andy Montañez/Edgar Joel concert encouraging attendees to support relief efforts at upcoming SteelStacks show on Sunday, Sept. 25

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following the devastation of Hurricane Fiona, ArtsQuest, in partnership with La Mega Radio, announced that attendees of the upcoming singer/songwriter Andy Montañez concert are encouraged to display the Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic flags during the show. Additionally, donations will be collected during the show and sent to the American Red Cross for continuing hurricane relief efforts.

Singer/songwriter Andy Montañez, with special guest Edgar Joel will bring the heat and the beat to the outdoor stage for SteelStacks Summer Concert Series on Sun., Sept. 25, 2022. Gates open at 5 p.m. for this Sunday evening show. Tickets go on sale beginning Thur., June 30, for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., July 1, for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Singer/Songwriter Andy Montañez, was born the first of 17 siblings in Puerto Rico in 1942. He began his musical journey in his teens when he joined El Gran Combo. Over the next 15 years the group recorded 37 full-length albums that include hits such as “El Barbero loco,” (The Crazy Bartender) “Julia,” “Un verano en Nueva York,” (A Summer in N.Y.) and “Las hojas blancas,” (White Leaves). In 1977 Montañez, took a risk and joined the popular Venezuelan salsa orchestra, Dimensión Latina, recording eight EPs. After leaving the group he found his own international success with his orchestra as he toured Latin America and the United States. He recorded his first solo album in 1981, Salsa con cache, and went on to release five more full length albums. He won his first Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album with Pablo Milanes for his 2006 Salsatón – Salsa con Reggaetón. Montañez has been featured in several films including La boda, and El atentado and made his theatrical debut in 1999’s “Lo mejor está por venir.” Montañez continues to perform internationally.
 

Philadelphia born bandleader and accomplished trombonist, Edgar Joel, first hit the Billboard Hot Latin Songs charts with his cover of “Hasta El Sol De Hoy,” in the early 1990s.  Edgar Joel and his Orchestra, known for songs “Spell of Moon” and “Until the Sun of Today,” earned two Lo Nuestro nominations for Tropical New Artist of the Year in 1994. Joel has toured extensively including performances in Madison Square Garden, Miami Arena, Venezuela and has been given credit for the revived popularity of salsa style music with his latest album “Mi Lenguage Musical.”  The SteelStacks Summer Concert Series includes Brett Eldredge with special guest Lauren Alaina, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bayside and Thrice, with opening act Anxious, Fitz and the Tantrums and St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine. Tickets are now on sale at steelstacks.org

Andy Montañez con el invitado especial Edgar Joel calentarán el escenario exterior el domingo 25 de septiembre de 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest en colaboración con La Mega Radio, se enorgullecen de anunciar que el cantante y compositor Andy Montañez con el invitado especial Edgar Joel, aportarán calor y ritmo al escenario al aire libre para la Serie de Conciertos de Verano de SteelStacks el domingo 25 de septiembre de 2022. Las puertas se abren a las 5:00 p.m. para este espectáculo del domingo por la noche. Las entradas estarán a la venta a partir del jueves 30 de junio para los miembros de ArtsQuest y el viernes 1 de julio para el público en general en steelstacks.org. Para obtener un acceso más exclusivo a las entradas y oportunidades de compra anticipada, conviértase en donante del Círculo ArtsQuest hoy mismo. 

El cantante y compositor Andy Montañez, nació en Puerto Rico en 1942 y es el mayor de 17 hermanos. Inició su carrera musical en la adolescencia cuando se unió a El Gran Combo. Durante los siguientes 15 años, el grupo grabó 37 álbumes completos que incluyen éxitos como “El Barbero loco”, (The Crazy Bartender) “Julia”, “Un verano en Nueva York”, (A Summer in N.Y.) y “Las hojas blancas” (White Leaves). En 1977, Montañez se aventuró a formar parte de la popular orquesta de salsa venezolana Dimensión Latina, con la que grabó ocho álbumes EP. Tras dejar el grupo, encontró su propio éxito internacional con su orquesta mientras hacía giras por Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos. En 1981 grabó su primer álbum solista, Salsa con cache, y luego lanzó al mercado otros cinco álbumes completos. Ganó su primer Grammy Latino al Mejor Álbum Tropical Tradicional con Pablo Milanes por su Salsatón – Salsa con Reggaetón de 2006. Montañez ha aparecido en varias películas, como La boda y El atentado, y debutó en el teatro en 1999 con “Lo mejor está por venir”. Montañez sigue presentándose a nivel internacional.

Edgar Joel, director de orquesta nacido en Filadelfia y consumado trombonista, llegó por primera vez a las listas de Billboard Hot Latin Songs con su versión de “Hasta El Sol De Hoy”, a principios de la década de 1990. Edgar Joel y su Orquesta, conocidos por las canciones “Hechizo de Luna” (Spell of Moon) y “Hasta El Sol De Hoy” (Until the Sun of Today), obtuvieron dos nominaciones a Lo Nuestro como Nuevo Artista Tropical del Año en 1994. Joel ha realizado numerosas giras, incluyendo actuaciones en el Madison Square Garden, en el Miami Arena y en Venezuela, y se le ha atribuido el mérito del resurgimiento de la popularidad de la música de estilo salsero con su último álbum “Mi Lenguaje Musical”.
La Serie de conciertos de verano de SteelStacks cuenta con Brett Eldredge con la invitada especial Lauren Alaina, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bayside and Thrice, con Anxious como telonero, Fitz and the Tantrums y St. Paul & The Broken Bones y Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine. Las entradas están a la venta en steelstacks.org.

ARTSQUEST PRESENTS ANNUAL 4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

The free 4^th of July event features live music and fireworks display

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is excited to announce the annual 4^th of July celebration presented by Embassy Bank on Mon., July 4. The free Independence Day festivities will include a full afternoon of musical events starting at 3:30 p.m., accompanied by delicious food vendors Bull & Bear and MMG Concessions. This event will be the last chance to view the Hometown Heroes 2022 banner that debuted over 1,500 photos of local military veterans on Memorial Day. The SteelStacks campus serves as the perfect spot to view a dazzling fireworks display put on by the City of Bethlehem at 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 4^th of July than being surrounded by photos of our own Hometown Heroes,” said David M. Lobach Jr., Embassy Bank President. “We look forward to enjoying the afternoon at the SteelStacks campus and enjoying great food, live music and the spectacular fireworks.”

At 3:30 p.m., Kendal Conrad will begin the festivities on the Highmark Stage. Conrad is a country music singer/songwriter from Pottstown, PA. Her single “Leader of The Pack” has reached over 26 million views online, and she has played with notable country artists across America, including her duet with Keith Urban at Musikfest.

At 5:30 p.m., Band of Brothers will take the beloved sounds of timeless classic rock to the Highmark Stage. Band of Brothers has built a reputation for their high energy and interactive performances all over the Lehigh Valley area.

At 7:30 p.m., The Allentown Band will be performing on the Levitt Stage. Through their high quality and inspirational performances, The Allentown Band honorably preserves the valuable heritage of concert band music in the Lehigh Valley. The band is the oldest civilian concert band in the entire United States.

Closing the night at 9:30 p.m., Big Bone Daddy will be on the Highmark Stage, accompanying Bethlehem’s fireworks display. Consisting of Bill DeHart, Ric Carhart, Paul Berger, Ray Higgins, Marc Young, Ken Fink, Stephen Kehs, and Jim Flynn, Big Bone Daddy is a rock & blues band that will rock any club or festival throughout Eastern PA and Western NJ.  

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES RETURN OF SANGRIAFEST 2022

The 5^th annual wine festival will return to the Upper Macungie Grange Park location

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Cheers! SangriaFest returns for its fifth year. ArtsQuest, in partnership with Upper Macungie Township and presenting sponsor Air Products, are delighted to host the return of SangriaFest in Upper Macungie Township Grange Park on Saturday, Sept. 3. The summer afternoon will feature sangrias created in partnership with Vynecrest Vineyards and Winery, Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery and Franklin Hill Vineyards and Winery. Tickets for this event are now on sale at steelstacks.org. 

 “We are so excited to partner with ArtsQuest for the return of SangriaFest to the Grange Park,” said James Brunell, Chairman of UMT Board of Supervisors. “Pickleball and live music while enjoying food and wine – what a great way to spend a Saturday in Upper Macungie.”

This year’s event takes place on the sprawling 165-acre park and includes yard games, live music, Mishka Premium Vodka cocktails, Yuengling beer and bottomless samples of a variety of sangrias. Clover Hill, Franklin Hill, and Vynecrest wineries will use their own red, white and blush wines to create unique twists on the summertime libation. The annual wine festival will begin at 3 to 7 p.m.Tickets for the VIP hour include three exclusive sangria samples, a specially-made Mishka Vodka cocktail sample and snacks from local restaurants. This year’s event will take place in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Pickleball Association pickleball tournament.  

ArtsQuest members can purchase tickets in advance for $30 or $35 at the door. Tickets for the general public in advance are $35 or $40 at the door. ArtsQuest member VIP tickets can be purchased for $65 in advance or day of event, while general public VIP tickets are $69 in advance or $79 at the door. Pickleball tournament players will enjoy free admission into the festival.

“ArtsQuest is excited to once again be partnering with Upper Macungie Township to host the 2^nd annual SangriaFest Upper Macungie at Grange Park,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest’s Chief Operating Officer. “Not only does this further our mission of providing accessible programing to the community, but also allows us to partner with local businesses while offering a taste of ArtsQuest programming offerings and we hope to expand on these in the future.” 

Upper Macungie Township Grange Park is a 165-acre facility located on Grange Road between Ruppsville Road and Route 222, consisting of three rentable pavilions, multiple indoor restrooms, 12 Pickleball courts, soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball fields, walking trails and handicap accessible paved parking.   

BILLY OCEAN TO PERFORM AT MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

Grammy winning Singer-Songwriter Billy Ocean will perform Sun., Oct. 2

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce chart-topping, platinum recording artist Billy Ocean will perform in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Sun., Oct. 2. Tickets for this show will go on sale for ArtsQuest members at 10 a.m. Thurs., June 9 and Fri., June 10 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Trinidad born, Britain raised Rhythm and Blues singer/songwriter Billy Ocean first found his place on the UK and US music charts with his second single “Love Really Hurts Without You,” followed by “Love on Delivery,” “Stop Me,” “Lover Boy,” and the Grammy winning song “Caribbean Queen.” Ocean developed his musical style through mixing his love for calypso with early influences like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and of course The Beatles. Over the course of three decades Ocean continued to write chart-toppers like “When the Going gets Tough,” the title song for Jewel of the Nile’s soundtrack. After a much-need break resting and regrouping with his family, Ocean returned to the stage in 2007 with his daughter Cherie on backing vocals for his world-wide tour. He released “There’ll be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” and “Get Outta My Dreams; Get into My Car,” returning him to the US music charts. In 2020 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music, has won a Grammy award for best vocals, two Billboard Music awards, seven ASCAP Pop Music awards and has released 11 full-length albums including 2019’s One World.

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

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES UPCOMING COMEDY SHOWS

A variety of comedic shows will be hosted June and July at SteelStacks campus

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to announce newly scheduled comedy shows in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (FBAC) and Visitors Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network through the months of June and July. Tickets for these shows are available for both ArtsQuest members and the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

These shows will contain adult language and/or situations and those under 18 will not be admitted without an adult. Children 12 and under are not permitted.      

Base Reality (May 5 to July 28, 9:15 p.m.) Base Reality is an enthusiastic improv team and SteelStacks’ resident comedy act that will be showing every other Thursday. Comedians from the Lehigh Valley and beyond will also be featured in this show.

Out of Towners: A Standup Showcase (June 10, 9:15 p.m.) Comedians from out of town come to SteelStacks to represent their hometowns. The show is hosted by Pennsylvania-based comedian Kirk Griffiths, co-host of the popular podcast, Proper Ebonicswith Kirk and Alan. Griffiths has also previously performed at Musikfest’s Lehigh Valley with Love Comedy Platz.       

Improv Mash Up: Chucho and Synced Up (June 24, 9:30 p.m.) The two comedy groups, Chucho and Synced Up, will unite for a comedic improvisation show. Chucho is an all-Latinx Indie group that has performed throughout New York City. Synced Up is a comedy ensemble who has performed at SteelStacks since 2017 and uses storytelling to enhance the comedic experience.  

Chucho (June 25, 7 p.m,) Chucho is an all-Latinx group trained at Magnet Theater, Dojo Comedy and Theater 99 etc., that performs all over New York City. The crew’s mission is to bring diversity to the world of comedy and values performing together as a family.

Fart! The Game Show (July 2, 9:15 p.m.)  Join ArtsQuest’s own Jon Lunger as he puts a panel of comedians to the test in this game show filled with laughs and flatulence. Lunger is a Pennsylvania-based comedian, improvisor, podcast host and writer with his most recent show being featured at SteelStacks campus, “You’ve Died of Dysentery: An Improved Oregon Trail Experience.”                    

The Sequel Show (July 16, 9:15 p.m.) is directed by Anthony DeSanctis and is described as a “film-centric improv” comedy show creating post-credit scenes and sequels from cinema’s most notorious movies. DeSanctis’s film The Alley won Best Film at the Front House “Philm” Fest in Philadelphia in 2014. He has performed with improv groups “The Associated Mess” and “The Improv Comedy Power Hour.”

ARTSQUEST CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH WITH LGBTQ+ FILM SERIES

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will host free weekly screenings in June 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce four feature film screenings for its LGBTQ+ Film Series this June in honor of Pride Month. The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) will screen a feature every week at 7 p.m. starting June 7, 14, 21 and 28.Tickets are free and can be reserved at steelstacks.org/film or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at (610) 332 – 3378.  For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.  

Pride (Tues., June 7) is based on the true story of gay and lesbian activists who show support for miners in the 1984 British miners’ strike. Highlighting the struggles and resistance between the two communities as they work to overcome differences and achieve a common goal. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the film was presented as part of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and won the Queer Palm Award for best LGBTQ+ related film. Prior to the screening special guest Dina Hall will perform. Hall is a singer/songwriter activist rooted in Bethlehem. Over the past two decades, Hall has performed at PRIDE across the entire northeast region. Hall is a leader in the music community striving to create increased opportunities for women in the industry.  

Pier Kids (Tues., June 14) is a documentary directed by Elegance Bratton on the lives of Krystal Dixon, Desean Irby and Jusheem Thorne. On the New York City Christopher Street Pier, Bratton shows the experiences of discrimination and abuse endured by trans and queer people of color who seek autonomy, friendship and a sense of family. The documentary is nominated for a 2022 GLADD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary.  

Shiva Baby (Tues., June 21), centers on college student Danielle’s attendance of her family’s gathering of close friends and family in the traditional Jewish period of mourning known as Shiva. Things become awkward when Danielle discovers her ex-girlfriend and current sugar daddy are both at the Shiva. Shiva Baby is directed by Emma Seligman and is nominated for a GLADD Media Award for Outstanding Film.  

A Night with Curt McDowell (Tues., June 28) Curt McDowell was an artistic director, actor, and writer known for his works including ‘Wieners and Buns Musical’ and ‘Loads’ that celebrate sexual liberation and step out of the box in terms of genre. McDowell died at age 42 from AIDS on June 3, 1987, in San Francisco, California. This film contains adult themes and content and may not be suitable for children under 18. 

DISTRUBED TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

The Grammy nominated heavy metal band will rock The Wind Creek Steel Stage Wed., Aug 10

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce triple-platinum chart topping heavy metal band, Disturbed, will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Wed., August 10. This show is sponsored by Ironton Global with media partner WZZO. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning 10 a.m., Wed., May 25 and to the general public at 10 a.m., on Fri., May 27  on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Formed in Chicago in 1994, the four-man band has released seven studio albums with five debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 a feat only accomplished by Metallica and The Dave Matthews Band. Lead by vocal powerhouse David Draiman, Disturbed, released two of their most recognizable songs “Down with the Sickness” and “Stupify” in late 90s with the band’s quadruple-platinum 2000 debut album The Sickness launching them into notoriety. In 2015 the group released a cover of “The Sound of Silence,” featured on both their studio platinum album Immortalized and Live at Red Rocks, gaining multiple award nominations including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance, and winning iHeartRadio’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2017. The group has toured extensively during its career often headlining heavy metal summer tours like “Ozzfest” and “Mayhem Festival. For its most recent album the group broke from its signature sound with the release of Evolution.  The studio recording was broken into two sections: “Ballad” and “Heavy.” The “Ballad” section included acoustic guitar, piano and even a didgeridoo for tracks like “A Reason to Fight.” Following the release, the band put a call out to its die-hard fans for help choosing the first single. “Are You Ready,” a song filled electronics and stadium filling riffs from the “heavy” side was selected for release and was well received. The group has racked in eleven number one singles and has sold over 16 million records worldwide. Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Ja Rule & Ashanti,  Kip Moore, Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father, Olga Tañón, Counting Crows, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. This year’s ‘Fest includes a preview night on Aug. 4 with headliner Boyz II Men. The new Musikfest poster, by renowned fine artist Bart Cooper, was unveiled in Nov. Visit musikfest.org for more information. Overall, an estimated 1,127,000 people attended Musikfest in 2021 and the 11-day festival had an estimated $67 million impact on the Lehigh Valley Region of Pennsylvania.