THE STEELSTACKS IMPROV COMEDY FESTIVAL RETURNS IN-PERSON

9th annual festival features 20+ teams, headlining set from members of Netflix sketch show

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— ArtsQuest is proud to present the 9th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival (SSICF) live and in-person on Saturday, Jan. 29. Tickets are now on sale for ArtsQuest Members and the general public. Face coverings will be required at this event for anyone in the showroom other than performers actively on stage.

“We’re so grateful to be able to produce this festival in any shape or form but are particularly excited to get people back in the Blast Furnace Room to watch some live comedy,” ArtsQuest Senior Programing Director Ryan Hill said. “We were in touch with many of the teams we’ve worked with over the years to see if they’d still come to be a part of a live festival and heard overwhelmingly that they would, as the SSICF has become one of their favorites to perform at year after year.”

The 2022 SSICF will be headlined by It’s in the Stars, a trio made up of Ray Cordova, Monique Moses and James III of Astronomy Club, whose Netflix sketch show, Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, was called “delightful for a number of reasons” by Paste Magazine and “so addictive that I had to resist bingeing them all at once” by Isaac Feldberg of The Boston Globe.

“After a challenging couple of years, Astronomy Club is so excited to be back at The ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in person,” said Moses. “We’re huge fans and friends of the SSICF and look forward to starting our 2022 with this fantastic comedy community!”

In addition to the featured headliners, more than 20 teams hailing from New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Baltimore and the Lehigh Valley will perform for nine hours during this marathon-style event. Each team – such as Model Citizen, Synced Up and Hot Pursuit – will have 20-minutes to produce live comedy on the spot. The festival, starting at 4:30 p.m. and lasting through the night until 1:30 a.m., will kick off with the traditional “Yes, And” Ceremony in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on the second floor of the ArtsQuest Center.

Tickets are now on sale for this event. ArtsQuest member tickets are priced at $16 in advance, $19 day of show, for the general public $19 in advance, $22 day of show, with ages 25 and under tickets priced at $17 in advance and $20 day of show.

For this event, masks will be required for anyone in the showroom other than performers actively on stage. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

Ray Cordova is an actor, writer and comedian born and raised in New York City. His work can be seen on Netflix in Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, Comedy Central’s Alternatino, Starz’s Raising Kanan and many other networks. He also performs and teaches improv at theatres such as The Upright Citizens Brigade, The Pit and Magnet.

Monique Moses is a writer, director and actor based in Brooklyn N.Y. A long-time performer and teacher at New York’s Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater (UCB). She has written and starred in content for Comedy Central, NBC Universal and Adult Swim’s Teenage Euthanasia. She also co-created Astronomy Club The Sketch Show, which premiered on Netflix in 2019 to stellar reviews.

James III is best known for co-creating and co-starring in the Netflix sketch series, Astronomy Club. He’s written for Netflix’s Human Resources, Nickelodeon’s All That and truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything and has appeared in the Miley Cyrus episode of Black Mirror. He’s also written feature films for Tyler Perry Studios and Marginal Media.

ARTSQUEST’S GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY FILMMAKER FESTIVAL ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

The deadline for early submissions into the 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival (GLVFF) is Fri., Jan. 28, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival is now accepting early film submissions for consideration into the 11th annual event. ArtsQuest is proud to be returning to its in-person format on Sat., April 9 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. This event is a celebration for filmmakers and cinephiles and the evening will include screenings of the top submissions.

“We are thrilled to be able to return to the in-person format of the festival,” Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest Programming Manager and Festival Director, said. “There’s just nothing like seeing your work given the big screen treatment. The atmosphere during the festival is always one of joy and excitement and it’s a great feeling to be able to offer this to our incredibly talented local filmmakers to show the Lehigh Valley just how gifted they are.”

The ArtsQuest Cinema Committee will work in tandem with a juried panel comprised of committee members and regional film professionals to view submissions and vote on awarding several prestigious titles including “Best Director,” “Best Performance” and “Audience Award” with the top title “Best in Show” receiving a $500 cash prize. Former “Best in Show” winners include 2020’s Five Stars, by Vernard James and 2019’s The Story of the Sectaurs, directed by Cliff Reese.

Film entries can be up to 30-minutes long and must have been filmed after Jan. 1, 2019. Copyrighted music is prohibited unless the filmmaker has proper documentation. The early submission deadline is Friday, Jan 28; films submitted by this date will have a discounted submission fee of $10. The discounted $10 rate will also apply to anyone 25 and under submitting films for the festival. All films must be submitted no later than Friday Feb., 25. The full festival lineup will be announced Wed., March 9.

Anyone wishing to submit a film may do so online, please click here. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST’S FRANK BANKO ALEHOUSE CINEMAS OFFERS $6 WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY

These discounted box office rates will be presented by Lehigh Valley with Love Media

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will offer discounted movie tickets on Wednesdays in the month of January 2022, thanks to a partnership with Lehigh Valley with Love Media.

“As a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to the arts, we are always looking for ways to remove barriers to experiencing our programming,” Jon Lunger, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Marketing said. “The new year is a perfect time to start this new partnership with a well-known name in the Lehigh Valley.”

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is a two-screen independent, foreign and arthouse cinema located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The two cinemas (red and blue) accommodate 100 and 200 guests, respectively. These $6 Wednesdays, presented by Lehigh Valley with Love Media, will begin on Jan. 5, 2022, and continue through at least the end of the month. The content driven media company, known for its popular Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and blog, will help cover costs at the box office.

“We are huge fans of what ArtsQuest provides to the Lehigh Valley,” George Wacker, Owner/Founder of Lehigh Valley with Love Media said. “We attend and cover everything from Musikfest, to music and comedy shows. The Lehigh Valley is our home, and this is a great opportunity to play a role in the region’s thriving arts scene. We hope everyone takes time to return to the theaters and see everything there is to offer at the SteelStacks.”

Throughout the year, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas plays a variety of new and classic films. ArtsQuest also presents a variety a special screenings and events including the LGBTQ+ Film Series and Cinema Significa… The series Black Film: Then and Now will premiere in February. Visit steelstacks.org/film for more information.

ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

PEEPSFEST® RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS WITH TWO NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS

Courtesy: Craig Roberts

The family-friendly New Year’s tradition, hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections, will ring in 2022 with fireworks on Dec. 30 and 31, 2021. Tickets to this outdoor event are on sale now.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets are now on sale for the family-friendly PEEPSFEST® hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections on Thurs., Dec. 30 and Fri., Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with this sweet celebration at the SteelStacks campus from 3 – 6 p.m., on either night. This event will be held outside with family-friendly activities and fireworks following the annual PEEPS® Chick drop on both Thursday and Friday.

As per tradition, the massive PEEPS® Chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing 4 feet and 9 inches tall, will descend for the countdown to the New Year at 5:30 p.m., on both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, followed by a stunning display of fireworks.

This year’s festival will take place entirely outdoors and tickets will be required to ensure a safe and quality experience for all in attendance. Tickets, which can be purchased for $5 per person, are limited and include Just Born Quality Confections goodie bags for all kids under 12, one coupon to redeem a free s’mores kit for all kids under 12, PEEPS® sampling stations and live musical performances. The whole family can also enjoy activities like the PEEPSFEST® Scavenger Hunt, the Leaning Tower of PEEPS®, cornhole, Jenga and crafts by local groups from around the Lehigh Valley.

Tickets and additional details can be found at steelstacks.org/PEEPSFEST. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. To help ensure the safety of children and families at PEEPSFEST®, it is highly recommended that masks are worn throughout the event. Visit artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST’S CHRISTKINDLMARKT BOOSTS SMALL BUSINESS, SETS NEAR RECORD ATTENDANCE

Courtesy: Jeff Auger

More than 93,500 visitors shopped at the annual holiday market featuring vendors from across the region

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest’s Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, presented by Univest Financial®, had a successful 29th year this holiday season. More than 93,500 people attended this year’s market, a number second only to 2019’s record-setting number (almost 95,000). Guests supported the market’s 167 unique craft and retail vendors for five weekends from Fri., Nov. 19 – Sun., Dec. 19.

“Visitors from the Lehigh Valley and beyond answered the call to shop small this holiday season,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “More than ever, this year’s Christkindlmarkt was a lifeline for so many artists, crafters and retailers from our region. We were thrilled to return to a full-scale festival this year and we thank all of our sponsors, donors and supporters who helped us contribute to the magic of all the wonderful activities, charm and attractions that make Bethlehem the Christmas City.”

Christkindlmarkt, voted one of the top two markets in 2021’s USA TODAY/10Best Holiday Market competition, offered guests a unique in-person holiday shopping experience. The 2021 festival featured more than 100 Pennsylvania-based vendors and 66 live musical performances. Along with local vendors, guests were able to shop from around the world from holiday favorites like Germany’s Käthe Wohlfahrt handmade ornaments and collectibles. Many new and returning vendors have told ArtsQuest they enjoyed record sales throughout the festival’s five-week run.

“It was great to be back, we saw a lot of former clients and made a lot of new friends,” Michael Sandy of Michael Sandy Photography said. Sandy, known for his stunning photography featuring Bethlehem’s unique architecture, has been a vendor at Christkindlmarkt for more than a decade. “ArtsQuest did an amazing job of getting people in this year. This was probably our best show ever financially in a five-week period. The experience was absolutely fantastic.”

Early indications show food and beverage sales were up significantly when compared to both 2019 and 2018. Guests feasted from an array of seasonal eats like strudel, German bratwurst and a variety of dishes from eight local food vendors. Attendees also got into the holiday spirit by enjoying beverages at the festival’s additional bar and by sampling from local distillers and vintners.

“I think people were rejoicing and happy to be out and about this holiday season,” Elaine Pivinski, Owner of Franklin Hill Vineyards said. “The energy levels of the ArtsQuest team and our teams were the perfect match. Our sales were strong and we were proud to give people the opportunity to give great gifts made here in the Lehigh Valley.”

The success of Christkindlmarkt would not be possible without hundreds of ArtsQuest volunteers and the support from presenting sponsor Univest Financial and the corporate community. Thousands of visitors took advantage of new community hours on Friday nights throughout the festival when all entry fees were waived thanks to ArtsQuest’s partner T-Mobile. Families enjoyed photos and activities with jolly Old St. Nicholas, presented by NJM Insurance and Just Born Quality Confections throughout the five-weekend festival.

“Univest Financial was proud to again serve as presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt,” said Annette D. Szygiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Univest Financial. “The overwhelmingly positive response to this event and stellar attendance is a testament to Christkindlmarkt being a favorite Christmas City tradition. Univest is dedicated to supporting the local communities we serve and this event was especially important this year as it provided a great opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses at a time they need it more than ever. Thanks to ArtsQuest for their dedication to safely bringing the community together in support of the arts in the Lehigh Valley.”

ArtsQuest would like to thank elected officials Sen. Pat Browne, Sen. Lisa Boscola, Rep. Steve Samuelson, Northampton County Council and County Executive Lamont McClure, as well as Lehigh County Commissioners and County Executive Phillips Armstrong, who provided CARES Act funding that kept our doors open, allowing ArtsQuest to bring this festival back.

Christkindlmarkt 2022 is scheduled to begin on Fri., Nov. 18. Visit artsquest.org for more information on events coming up in the new year.

ARTSQUEST TO HOST 10TH ANNUAL EL DIA DE LOS REYES, THREE KINGS DAY

On Sun., Jan. 2 families are invited to the SteelStacks campus for this cultural event from 3-6 p.m.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to host its 10th Annual El Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, on Sun., Jan. 2. Join the Three Wise Men and follow Bethlehem’s “Star of Wonder” on Sun., Jan. 2 from 3 – 6 p.m., to the ArtsQuest Center for the honored tradition of Three Kings Day. Sponsors helping to make the event possible include B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation and La MEGA Radio with gifts funded in part by sponsors and supporters of the event like B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer and Carlos Lopez. This event is free and open to the public. Face coverings will be required for all attendees regardless of age and vaccination status.

“We are proud to once again host this annual family tradition,” ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert said. “This is one of the first of many events being planned for the new year. We are excited to continue to welcome the community back to our campus and celebrate being together.”

During this cultural celebration, families will enjoy live musical performances by Los Pleneros de USA and Herencia Jibara, a reading of “The Three Kings” in both Spanish and English by La MEGA Radio hosts and a visit from Einstein the Snow Camel from Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo. Delicious food prepared by Holy Infancy Catholic Church will be available for purchase during the event.

“I continue to be amazed each year that the Three Kings celebration, while attended mostly by Latinx families, always draws non-Latinx families who truly want to teach and share this tradition with their children,” said ArtsQuest Board of Trustees member and Chair of
ArtsQuest’s Sabor! Committee Myrna Rivera. “Cultural awareness continues to grow each year through our Three Kings celebration.”

Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany or Theophany, is a Christian feast day in celebration of the revelation of God in his Son as Jesus Christ. From Spain to Chile to Mexico, Three Kings Day marks the end of the festivity filled “12 Days of Christmas” that commemorate the journey of the Three Wise Men or Magi from the East, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar to Bethlehem by way of horse, camel and elephant to present the newly born baby Jesus with holy gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Sunday’s event will take place in the ArtsQuest Center with children being escorted to the Blast Furnace Room where the Three Kings will hand out toys funded in part by sponsors and supporters of the event like B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer and Carlos Lopez. Everyone is welcome to attend this dynamic cultural experience.

For more information visit steelstacks.org. For the safety of guests of all ages face coverings will be required to attend this event, regardless of age or vaccination status. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.

ARTSQUEST AUPICIARA EL DECIMO ANUAL DIA DE LOS REYES, “THREE KINGS DAY”

El domingo 2 de enero las familias están invitados a Steel Stacks para este evento cultural de 3 a 6 p.m.

BETHLEHEM, Pa – ArtsQuest esta orgulloso en auspiciar el décimo, Día de los Reyes, “Three Kings Day”, el domingo, 2 de enero. Unase a los Tre Reyes Magos y siga la estrella hasta Belen de 3 a 6 p.m. a la tradicional Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes. Los colaboradores que nos ayudan para que este evento sea posible incluyen a B. Braun Medical, PPL Corporation, y La Mega Radio con regalos donados por B. Braun, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer Electric, y Carlos Lopez. Este evento es gratis y abierto al publico. Mascaras faciales se requieren para todos los que asistan sin importar su estado de vacunación.

“Estamos orgullosos de auspiciar esta tradición familiar anual”, dijo la presidente y CEO de ArtsQuest, Kassie Hilgert. “Este es una de los primeros de los muchos eventos planificados para el nuevo año. Estamos muy contentos de darles la bienvenida a la comunidad nuevamente a nuestro campus para celebrar y participar juntos”

Durante esta celebración cultural, las familias disfrutaran de musica en vivo por los Pleneros de USA y Herencia Jíbara, una leyenda de “Los Tres Reyes” en Ingles y en español por La Mega Radio y la visita de Einstein el Camello de Nieve que nos visita del Zoológico Peaceable Kingdom. Habra comida deliciosa para comprar durante el evento preparada por la Iglesia Santa Infancia, “Holy fancy Church.”

“Siempre quedo sorprendida por a pesar de que la celebración de los Tres Reyes es frecuentada mayormente por familias Latinx, siempre atrae familias no Latinx quienes quieren que sus niños compartan y participen de esta tradición” dice Myrna Rivera miembro de la Junta de Directores de ArtsQuest y Presidente del Comité Sabor de ArtsQuest. El conocimiento acerca de nuestra cultura continua creciendo cada año a través de la celebración de Los Tres Reyes.

El día de Los Tres Reyes también se conoce como la Epifanía y es un día de fiesta religioso. Desde España, a Chile y a Mexico, el Día de los Reyes conmemora el final de las fiestas de los 12 días de la Navidad que conmemoran la jornada de los Tre Reyes Magos del Este. Gaspar, Melchior, y Balthazar a Belen en caballo, camello y elefante para llevarle a niñito Jesus los presentes de oro, mirra e incienso.

El evento el domingo se llevara acabo en el ArtsQuest Center donde se escoltarán los niños al Blast Furnace Room sonde los Tre Ryes les darán los regalitos proveídos en parte por partidarios como B. Braun, PPL Corporation, Westside Hammer y Carlos Lopez. Todos quedan invitados a este evento cultural dinámico.

Para más información visite a steelstacks.org. Para la seguridad de nuestros invitados de todas edades se requieren mascaras faciales para asistir a este evento, sin importar la edad o estado de vacunación. Visite artsquest.org/safety para las últimos actualizaciones.

COMEDIAN/FORMER SEN. AL FRANKEN TO PERFORM AT ARTSQUEST CENTER

“Al Franken: The Only Former U.S. Senator Currently on Tour Tour” will come to the ArtsQuest Center on the SteelStacks campus on Fri., Feb. 18, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Comedian and former U.S. Senator Al Franken will perform in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, on Fri., Feb. 18, 2022. Tickets to “Al Franken: The Only Former U.S. Senator Currently On Tour Tour” will go on sale beginning Wed., Dec. 15 for  ArtsQuest Members and to the public at  steelstacks.org beginning at 10 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 17. Ticket prices range from $44 – $109, plus fees. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an  ArtsQuest Circle donor  today.

Franken served Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from 2009-2018 and is the only U.S. Senator who was also one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live. During his fifteen seasons with SNL, Franken won five Emmys for writing and producing. He’s also the author of four #1 New York Times bestsellers. The Al Franken Podcast is one of the nation’s top ten politics and public affairs podcasts. Past guests include Malcolm Nance, Sarah Silverman, Paul Krugman and Chris Rock.

ArtsQuest is proud to present a variety of upcoming comedy programs on the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, Pa. On Sat., March 12, Adrienne Iapalucci, New York-based writer, comedian and podcast host, will perform in the ArtsQuest Center. Iapalucci made her debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and has appeared on a variety of popular television shows. Join Doogie Horner, author of “A Die Hard Christmas,” Chip Chantry, comedy writer for “Whacked Out Sports” and Nazareth native Tyler Rothrock on Wed., Dec. 29 for The Tinseltown Comedy Show. Following the Tinseltown Show will be Improvised Standup: Holiday Edition where standups and improvisers from the Lehigh Valley and beyond will create standup comedy on the spot, based on audience suggestions. Recover from the holidays during Holiday Hangover, on Sat., Jan. 8. During this show, Lehigh Valley comedians will improvise and find the funny in holiday stories from the audience. Visit steelstacks.org/comedy for more information.

ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit  artsquest.org/safety  for the latest updates.

GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTISTS TO PERFORM ON STEELSTACKS CAMPUS THIS SUMMER

Indie rock artist Andrew Bird will perform with Iron and Wine outdoors at the SteelStacks on Sun., July 31, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest is proud to announce GRAMMY® nominated artists Andrew Bird and Iron and Wine will perform outdoors on the SteelStacks campus Sun., July 31, 2022. Tickets will go on sale beginning Wed., Dec. 15 for ArtsQuest Members and Fri., Dec. 17 to the general public at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today.

Andrew Bird is an internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY® nominated instrumentalist, vocalist, whistler and songwriter. Bird has released 17 albums and has recorded with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, appeared as “Dr. Stringz” on Jack’s Big Music Show and headlined concerts at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall and festivals worldwide. Bird performed as the Whistling Caruso in Disney’s The Muppets movie, scored the FX series Baskets, and collaborated with inventor Ian Schneller on Sonic Arboretum, an installation that exhibited at New York’s Guggenheim Museum, Boston’s ICA and the MCA Chicago. Bird has been a featured TED Talks presenter, a New Yorker Festival guest and an op-ed contributor for the New York Times. Bird made his professional acting debut in the cast of Fargo’s fourth installment, which is currently streaming on Hulu.

Iron and Wine is the musical project of singer-songwriter Sam Beam, who has found a home in the burgeoning indie-folk and Americana scenes. Over the last two decades, Iron and Wine has released seven full length recordings, garnering four GRAMMY® nominations. Their distinctly cinematic songs have become synonymous with the movies Twilight and Garden State and their new music continues to find a home in film, television and streaming playlists.

ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.