JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS THIS SUMMER

GRAMMY Award winning songwriter, Jason Isbell and special guest Bully to take the stage on Wednesday, August 24, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is excited to announce Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will perform outdoors on the SteelStacks campus Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Tickets for this general admission show will go on sale beginning Thursday, March 17 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, March 18 to the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

North Alabama native, Jason Isbell was 6-years-old when his grandfather began teaching him how to play numerous instruments for the family’s weekly musical gatherings. A decade later at the age of 16, Isbell played the Grand Ole Opry with his garage country cover band. In 2013, Isbell released his first album Southeastern. His next two albums, Something More Than Free and The Nashville Sound, won GRAMMY Awards for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song. Isbell’s song “Maybe It’s Time” was featured in the 2019 remake of A Star Is Born. Isbell’s self-reflective nuanced 2020 album, Reunions, was well received by critics and includes hits “Dreamsicle” and “Only Children.”

In the fall of 2021 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit released a special album, Georgia Blue, celebrating Georgia’s role in the 2020 election. All proceeds from the album benefit three nonprofit organizations: Black Voters Matter, Fair Fight and Georgia STAND-UP. The record features 13 cover songs originally performed by Georgia natives including R.E.M., Drivin N Cryin, James Brown, Cat Power, Precious Bryant, Otis Redding, The Black Crowes, Indigo Girls, Now It’s Overhead, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Allman Brothers Band and Vic Chesnutt. 

Minnesota native Alicia Bognanno’s Bully will open the summer evening show. Best known for hits “I Remember,” “Guess There” and “Where to Start,” Bully released its third album SUGEREGG in2020. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Bognanno is known for her unique scream and reverberating vocals. The band released its self-titled EP in 2014, following up a year later with their first full length album Feels Like.  In 2017 Bully signed with the Seattle based, grunge producing label Sub Pop to release their second album Losing. Bognanno currently rounds out her group with Wesley Mitchell on drums and Nick Byrd on bass.

STEPHEN LYNCH BRINGS THE LAUGHS TO MUSIKFEST CAFÉ

The performer, known for his comedic songs, will take the stage on Thursday, April 28, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.—  ArtsQuest will welcome Stephen Lynch to the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling on Thurs., April 28, 2022. Tickets will go on sale beginning Thurs., March 10 for ArtsQuest Members and Mon., March 14 for the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

“Musician trapped in the body of a comedian,” Stephen Lynch, moved to New York in 1996 and started performing his songs in clubs and underground music venues around Manhattan. He quickly developed a devoted fan base, catching the attention of Comedy Central. In 2000, he recorded his first cable special which went on to become one of the channel’s highest rated shows. In 2008, Lynch was invited to record his second Comedy Central special which was also highly rated.

In 2006 Lynch performed on Broadway in the lead role of The Wedding Singer, earning several nominations from American Theatre including the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance. Lynch was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.  His albums A Little Bit Special, Superhero, The Craig Machine and 3 Balloons have sold thousands of copies worldwide. His first DVD Live at the El Rey, was certified Gold by RIAA. Lynch has toured with some of the biggest names in comedy including Lewis Back and the late Mitch Hedberg, as well as headlining his own sold out shows throughout the United States, Australia and Europe

CARS & COFFEE LEHIGH VALLEY RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS CAMPUS

The popular event for car enthusiasts, presented by Koch Automotive Group, returns for its eighth year on Sunday, April 3

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is excited to announce the return of Cars & Coffee Lehigh Valley, presented by Koch Automotive Group to the SteelStacks campus from 9 a.m., to noon over the course of five Sundays beginning April 3 through Oct. 16. This event is free and open to the public.

“We are excited to be able to bring Cars & Coffee back to the SteelStacks campus,” event co-creator Dan Kendra said.  “We are pleased to continue our partnership with ArtsQuest and form a new one with Koch 33 Automotive.”

After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, SteelStacks campus is revving up for the relaunch of this popular free event. Cars & Coffee invites car and truck enthusiasts from the entire region to join in admiring and marveling at more than 500 vehicles over the course of five Sunday mornings throughout the spring and summer. This year’s schedule of events begins on April 3 – Opening Day, May 15, June 26 – to focus on Japanese Sport vehicles, July 17 – to focus on American Muscle, August 28 – to focus on SUV/4X4 and October 16 – Season Finale.

Originally started by local car enthusiasts Dan Kendra and Dr. Johnny Chung, Cars & Coffee was created to bring car collectors together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere to showcase a variety of vehicles including American muscle cars, hot rods, vintage collectables and classic European engineering early Sunday mornings with a hot cup of coffee and conversation at SteelStacks campus. Over the course of this year’s Cars & Coffee season, local and regional vendors Koch 33, Beadz Detailing, The Clean Garage, Lehigh Valley Motors, M&W Automotive, Precision Concrete Coatings and Shine Techs will bring their products and expertise to the SteelStacks campus. Coffee, breakfast sandwiches and muffins will be available for purchase at the Mack Truck Stop at the Levitt Pavilion. Visit steelstacks.org for more information.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS IN THE MUSIKFEST CAFE

Tickets to go on sale for rock acts 10,000 Maniacs, John Waite, Built to Spill and A Brother’s Revival performing in the Musikfest Café

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to announce newly scheduled shows in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling. Tickets to these shows will be available for ArtsQuest members on Wed., March 9 and the general public on Fri., March 11 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

On Tues., April 26 10,000 Maniacs will celebrate its 40^th year anniversary in the Musikfest Café. Established in 1981 from Jamestown New York, the band has covered plenty of ground in five live and nine in studio albums. The group, anchored by four original members and front woman Mary Ramsey have toured extensively for 27 years. 10,000 Maniacs is known for many hits such as “More Than This,” “Trouble Me,” and “Because the Night” originally written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith. The band launched the career of singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant and has been covered extensively by well-known rock groups such as The Pretenders and Garbage.

A Brother’s Revival will bring the music of The Allman Brothers Band to life in the Musikfest Café on Thurs., June 9. Former members of The Allman Brothers Band and Dickey Betts & Great Southern: Back to Where it All Begins, launched “A Brother’s Revival” to honor and do justice to the music of that legendary group. The group always brings energizing performance with an authentic performance of the music from the Allman Brothers.  During the show, they will play all the fan favorites, including “Ramblin Man,” “Melissa,” “Whipping Post” and many others.

Built to Spill will rock the Musikfest Café on Sun., Sept. 4. The group, based in Idaho, formed in 1992 centering on guitarist/lead vocalist Doug Martsch. Built to Spill has released eight full-length albums and is known for guitar centered complex song structures. The band released its first album in 1993 titled Ultimate Alternative Wavers with the one of its best-known songs “Three Years Ago Today.” The band gained exposure in 1995 by playing Lollapalooza. Since then, the group changed its musical style often spanning blues and folk to reggae influences. The band’s current lineup includes Doug Martsch, Melanie Radford, and Teresa Esguerra.

Singer/Songwriter John Waite will perform hits from his extensive 40-year career in the Musikfest Café on Sun., Nov. 13. Waite, once a member of The Babys and Bad English, is known for his talent writing power ballads and arena rock. His musical resume includes some of the most well-known hits from the 80s to 90s including worldwide hits “Missing You,” “When I See You Smile” and “Every Step of The Way.”

BAYSIDE AND THRICE TO PERFORM AT STEELSTACKS CAMPUS THIS SUMMER

Pop-punk and alternative bands will rock outdoors at SteelStacks on Sunday, June 5, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce coheadliners Bayside and Thrice, with opening act Anxious, will perform outdoors on the SteelStacks campus Sunday, June 5, 2022. Tickets will go on sale beginning Wednesday, March 9 for ArtsQuest Members and Friday, March 11 to the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

American punk rock band, Bayside was formed in 2000 by lead vocalist Anthony Raneri. The name comes from a time when Raneri was on his way to a New Found Glory show on Long Island with his own band’s demo in hand. When passing the Bayside train station, he scrawled the name Bayside onto the recording at the last minute. The name stuck with the group who produced its own five-song demo, releasing an EP in 2001. Touring with groups like Shelter and The Rocking Horse Winner, Bayside was signed to Victory records and released their first full length album Sirens and Condolences in 2004. Their sophomore self-titled album Bayside featuring “They Look Like Strong Hands,” “Devotion and Desire” launched the band into the mainstream airwaves. The New York City based band has released eight full-length albums with longtime members Jack O’Shea, Nick Ghanbarian and Chris Guglielmo.

Formed in 1998 in Irvine California by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and lead guitarist Teppei Teranishi, Thrice was known for fast, hard guitar forward music laced with distortion and complex time signatures. On their fourth album, Vheissu released in 2005, the group veered from their metal influence post-hardcore sound and experimented with incorporating electronic beats, strings and keyboards. Their sound continued to evolve as the group explored different aspects of musical aesthetics. After announcing an imminent hiatus in 2011, Kensrue and Teranishi reformed the band in 2015 and released three more albums up to 2021’s Horizons/East. Thrice has continued to donate a portion of proceeds of every album to charitable organizations.

Connecticut based band Anxious will open this coheadliner show. Anxious, a five-piece group featuring Grady Allen, Dante Melucci, Ryan Savitski, Sam Allen and Jonny Camner released their first album Little Green House in January 2021.

COUNTING CROWS TO HEADLINE MUSIKFEST 2022

Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz

The Counting Crows will perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage on Mon., August 8, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to welcome GRAMMY and Academy Award-nominated Counting Crows to Musikfest, its flagship festival, in 2022. The rock band will headline the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Mon., August 8. Tickets will go on sale to ArtsQuest members beginning Tues., March 8 and to the public at 10 a.m. Fri., March 11 on musikfest.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Counting Crows, led by frontman Adam Duritz, has been entertaining music fans worldwide for more than two decades with their soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. The group came onto the scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, including hits “Round Here” and “Mr. Jones.” Since then, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide. In 2004, Counting Crows recorded the chart-topping hit “Accidently in Love” for the animated motion picture Shrek 2. The instant success of the track earned them an Academy Award nomination for “Best Original Song” at the 2005 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Original Song” and a GRAMMY award nomination for “Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.” Counting Crows was recently named No. 8 on Billboard Magazine’s 2021 “Greatest Of All Time: Adult Alternative 25th Anniversary Chart.” The band released their newest record, Butter Miracle, featuring the hit single “Elevator Boots” in April of 2021.

Musikfest will take place Aug. 5 – 14, 2022. This year’s lineup includes Willie Nelson & Family, Kelsea Ballerini, ALABAMA and Poison. Additional announcements will be shared throughout the year. 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.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES ELECTED BOARD OFFICERS FOR 2022

Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and officers are appointed and reappointed for 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is pleased to announce new and returning members to the Board of Trustees, ArtsQuest Foundation, ArtsQuest Performing & Visual Arts Boards and Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks for 2022. As a nonprofit organization, ArtsQuest is led by volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities on the Boards and Committees that support the organization’s mission.

ArtsQuest Board of Trustees

This board is responsible for the overall governance of the nonprofit community arts organization.

Vicki Doule’ has been reelected for her third one-year term as Chair on the ArtsQuest Board of Trustees. Doule’, Sr. Vice President of BSI Corporate Benefits LLC., has been a member of ArtsQuest’s volunteer leadership for the past eight years, serving as a Board of Trustees member since 2014. Doule’ was appointed Governance Committee Chair in 2018 and served on the ArtsQuest Food Service Committee when selecting a new culinary partner for service at SteelStacks that same year.

Additional elected and reelected ArtsQuest Board of Trustees officers include:

• Vice Chair: Orville Trout, Vice President of Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Administration at Crayola
• Secretary: Myrna Rivera, Retired Director of Corporate Benefits & Compensation at B. Braun Medical
• Treasurer: Joseph Bergstein, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of PPL Corporation

ArtsQuest Foundation

The ArtsQuest Foundation is responsible for the strategic plan and goals for the ArtsQuest endowment fund and assisting in the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit community arts organization.

The ArtsQuest Foundation is pleased to announce that Thomas Riddle, Founder & Chairman of Valley National Financial Advisors, has been reelected chair of the Foundation. Riddle, a resident of Bethlehem, has been reelected for his fourth one-year term.

Additional elected and reelected ArtsQuest Foundation officers include:

• Vice Chair: Michael Perrucci, Managing Partner for Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Tipton & Taylor
• Secretary: Jason Cort, President & Founding Partner of Quadrant Private Wealth
• Treasurer: Joe Pietrantonio, Retired Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality for Air Products

ArtsQuest Performing and Visual Arts Boards

ArtsQuest’s Performing Arts Board is responsible for assisting in the development and evaluation of diverse performing arts programs including music, dance, film, theatre, comedy and multi-disciplinary programs. The Visual Arts Board is responsible for assisting the development and evaluation of diverse visual arts programs in both tangible and non-tangible mediums including but not limited to glass, ceramics and photography. This board also oversees public art on all the nonprofit’s properties and outreach of public art programs, visual arts education and exhibits in any gallery or exhibit space operated by ArtsQuest.

ArtsQuest is pleased to announce Richard Liu, Associate Director, Global Marketing for Merck & Co., has been elected Chair of the Performing Arts Board, with Deborah Sacarakis, Retired Artistic Director of Zoellner Arts Center, newly elected Vice Chair.

Todd Chambers, Partner/Architect with MKSD Architects, has been reelected Chair of the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board and Dr. Lee Riley, Network Chairman of Oncology and Director of Surgical Research-Bethlehem Campus at St. Luke’s University Health network, has been reelected the board’s Vice Chair.

Friends of Levitt Pavilion

The Friends of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks is responsible for the overall governance and programing direction of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks.

Friends of Levitt Pavilion is pleased to announce Mario Galante, retired Quakertown Community High School Principal has been reelected as Chair.

Additional reelected officers include:

• Vice Chair: Erin Zebertavage, Manager SouthSide Arts District
• Treasurer: Philip Gauffreau, Principal at Colliers Engineering & Design
• Secretary: Daniel Miller, Retired Unit Manager for Mack Trucks Inc.

For more information on ArtsQuest and its volunteer leadership, please visit ArtsQuest.org.

ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES 2022 DERBY WATCH PARTY

This year’s Derby Watch Party on May 7, presented by Noble Oak, will feature a Run for the Rosé wine tasting event, Derby style contest and hobby horseracing.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Spend the first Saturday in May partying at SteelStacks! ArtsQuest is proud to announce plans for a reimagined Derby Watch Party, presented by Noble Oak, on Sat., May 7. This event will include a Run for the Rosé wine tasting experience, a Derby style contest and hobby horseracing, as well as authentic infield and VIP experiences. Event tickets will go on sale at steelstacks.org beginning Tues., March 1. For more exclusive ticket opportunities, including discounts, become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today.

“The Derby is a cultural experience that reaches far beyond the world of sports,” Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer said. “As an arts organization, we wanted to make sure this event offered new festivities while keeping in the spirit and tradition surrounding the Derby. We can’t wait to offer this option for people living in the Lehigh Valley to get in on the party in creative ways.”

The Levitt lawn will be transformed into an experience emulating the relaxed party atmosphere of the infield at Kentucky’s Churchill Downs. Guests can watch the Derby broadcast live on a new LED screen and participate in lawn games and a hobby horseracing contest. The Mack Truck stop will be serving up themed food and drink specials from Noble Oak including mint juleps, the traditional drink of the Derby. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the Air Products Town Square and Central Tap bar where an additional large LED screen will be broadcasting the run for the roses. Ticket holders will receive one free mint julep, a glass of rosé, Yuengling beer, or a nonalcoholic drink of choice. VIPs can also enjoy table service and Wyoming Whiskey samples. The party doesn’t stop after the big race, all guests are invited to stick around for free live music. Tickets to the infield are free for ArtsQuest members and $5 for the public. VIP tickets start at $45 for members and $49 for the public.

Guests are encouraged to express their interpretation of Derby fashion by dressing in their finest fascinators, hats or colorful bow ties. This year’s style contest will be judged by Elektra Fearce St. James (as seen at ArtsQuest’s Dragtoberfest and A Golden Girls Drag Show), Amber Galdamez of LuxeLatte and Christe Konopitski of Classically Christe. Prizes will be awarded for best hat, best dressed, best couple coordination and more. New this year, the Run for the Rosé wine tasting experience will feature eight different samples from around the world, provided by Juniper & Grain. Tickets are $19 and include admission to the Derby infield experience.  

Doors for all areas will open at 4 p.m. on Sat., May 7. Visit steelstacks.org for more information.

EMBASSY BANK INVITES COMMUNITY TO SUBMIT IMAGES FOR 12TH ANNUAL ‘OUR HOMETOWN HEROES’ PHOTO DISPLAY AT STEELSTACKS

The photo submission deadline is April 1, 2022 to be included in the annual recognition display

BETHLEHEM, PA — Embassy Bank invites the community to submit photos of family members, neighbors and friends who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces for the 12^th annual “Our Hometown Heroes” display at SteelStacks. Submissions will be accepted beginning March 1 through April 1. The photos will go on display beginning May 28 for Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July.

“We at Embassy Bank are proud to join with ArtsQuest in continuing the tradition of honoring our members of the military, especially those who have lost their lives protecting and serving our nation,” Embassy Bank President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Dave Lobach said.

The deadline for photo submission is Friday, April 1. The first 200 photos received will be accepted for the 2022 display. Throughout the past twelve years, more than 1,300 images of local servicemen and women from all branches of the military have been on display in honor of our hometown heroes. Individuals can submit photos two ways, either through ArtsQuest’s website or photos can be dropped off in person at a local Embassy Bank branch or at ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory.

To upload digital pictures of their “heroes” visit steelstacks.org/memorial. Images must be high-resolution jpeg, tiff, bitmap or PDF file. Color photographs, as well as black and white photos will be accepted. Hardcopies will be accepted at all Embassy Bank locations or the Banana Factory, located at 25 W. 3^rd St. in Bethlehem. All hardcopies will be returned promptly to the location where they were originally submitted. 

The first 200 photos submitted will be displayed on one of the “Our Hometown Heroes’” banners on the SteelStacks campus and include the soldier’s rank, branch, dates of service and hometown. All images submitted in previous years will automatically be displayed as part of the “Our Hometown Heroes” display. As part of the display of “Our Hometown Heroes,” the public is invited to attend “A Time to Remember” Memorial Day event May 30, 3 p.m., SteelStacks.

Additional details on 2022 Memorial Day events and activities at SteelStacks will be available later this spring at steelstacks.org. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST HOSTS WEEKLY OPEN MIC NIGHTS

There are a variety of opportunities for both music and comedy performers to take the stage

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to invite aspiring artists to weekly open mic nights for both music and comedy in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Sing your heart out on Thursdays during Open Mic with Billy Bauer, of the Lehigh Valley’s popular Billy Bauer Band. Participants will take to the Williams Brew Stage at Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Open Mic Night will start at 7 p.m., with sign-ups opening at 6:30 p.m. General admission to this event is free. This weekly open mic features acoustic performances only.

The comedy program is proud to host Free Jokes! Standup Open Mic at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas two Thursdays a month all year long. This hour-long standup event, hosted by Addyson Young and Alexis Kuczek, is free to the public. Sets run around five minutes beginning at 9:45 p.m. Sign-ups for interested performers will be available at the door to the event starting at 9:30 p.m. This show will contain adult language and/or situations. Anyone coming in between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No child 12 or under will be admitted. At this time, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the past 24 hours must be presented to participate in this open mic.

For the full schedule visit steelstacks.org