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Ruby Dear: ArtsQuest Discovery Series

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By Jenny Founds of Ruby Dear & ArtsQuest Staff | Published 2/12/21

Congrats, you’ve found your way to the ArtsQuest Discovery Series! Our organization prides itself on introducing your ears to new bands and artists. So while the music touring industry is mostly on hold because of the pandemic, we’re giving some of our musician friends the chance to share what music they’re hyped about. A mix of up-and-comers, artists that inspire their craft, deep cuts, the classics…oh, and their own tunes!

In this edition, get to know the musical tastes of Ruby Dear! The power trio celebrates the release of its second album, This Will, with a record release show in the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling on Feb. 19. All three members – Jenny, Jon and Jesse – are also in the band Start Making Sense, which is (at the time of publishing) in the middle of a residency at SteelStacks, paying tribute to Tom Petty (Feb. 5), Jane’s Addiction (Feb. 12) and Talking Heads (Mar. 5).

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Discover Ruby Dear: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Grab Merch

Rough Francis

We Met Rough Francis when Start Making Sense (SMS) was paired with them on a festival bill in Burlington, Vt in 2013. We were immediately impressed by their musicianship and awesome heavy punk sound and attitude and became fast friends, playing multiple shows together over the years, and always catching up over some food or a drink when we make it to one another’s home towns. Rough Francis recently dropped their latest album “Urgent Care” which is now available on streaming platforms, and they even have a song featured in Tony Hawk’s re-release of Pro Skater. They’re definitely a band that needs way more exposure! Check out their TapeSwap session on YouTube filmed right here in Bethlehem at Shards Studio with Matt Mulchaney!

Thelma and the Sleaze

Jon was definitely the first of Ruby Dear to get hip to Thelma and the Sleaze, but swiftly turned the rest of us onto their powerhouse sound and created diehard fans. Jenny was directing a Women Who Rock show at School of Rock in Allentown a few years back and decided to include this song. Amongst a playlist of Heart, Blondie, and Joan Jett this song being the newest and most obscure didn’t deter the students from rocking out and obsessing over this incredible tune. Fast forward to the fall of 2019 when Ruby Dear got to open for the Sleaze in Pittsburgh for a one night only show, Jenny finally got to meet the legendary front woman LG and her all female crew of equally badass bandmates which totally made her year. You can call it southern rock, blues rock, hard rock at times – but at its core Thelma and the Sleaze are a down and dirty rock n’ roll band that take no prisoners live in person or listening on vinyl. Their newest record “Scared as Hell” just dropped late 2020 and is available on all streaming platforms, and LG has an amazing podcast called “Queen of S Mountain” that is definitely worth checking out!

SeepeopleS

A few years ago SeepeopleS reached out to open up for Start Making Sense in Raleigh, North Carolina when they were booking a tour, had an open date, and saw we were playing. That move on band leader Will Bradford’s part sparked a friendship that has spawned over a dozen shows together up and down the east coast from North Carolina to Maine, working with SMS as well as Ruby Dear! Will produced the latest Ruby Dear record “This Will”, which we recorded up in Boston, Massachusetts February 2020 during a blizzard at Chillhouse Studios with Will Holland as head engineer. SeepeopleS just celebrated 20 years as a band and released this new single “Blink” with a music video featuring footage from friends and fans during quarantine. Their entire catalog is worth a listen, which you can find on all streaming platforms, and has an incredible range of thoughtful, exciting, catchy yet experimental indie rock songs that you’ll find stuck in your head days after listening.

EchoTest

EchoTest is the brainchild of Julie Slick, incredible bassist for Adrian Belew, sub bassist for Start Making Sense, and good friend of Ruby Dear. In the midst of traveling world wide to tour with Belew, Julie started composing her own material and joined forces with italian bassist Marco Machera to create their bass-duo fronted band EchoTest. Jenny has had the awesome opportunity to tour and record for EchoTest through the years, and particularly loves this song “Ladies Legs” as it’s the perfect blend of progressive rock bones & indie rock sensibility, experimental musicality & electronic ambiance, as well as an alternative rock core with symphonic overtones. The music video is also a work of art in its own respect, with it’s Lynchian tones that are borderline fever dream fuel. Jenny had the pleasure of singing on this song, which is available via bandcamp!

Secret American

Secret American is one of those bands that gets you smiling and on your feet moving as soon as they hit their first chord live. Jon has been friends with frontman Derek Kryzwicki for a long time, going back to the days of Derek’s first band Cheers Elephant. They’re a bi-coastal band with Derek living in California and bassist/producer/engineer Todd Mecaughey hailing from Philadelphia PA. Ruby Dear had the pleasure of performing a co-bill with Secret American during Musikfest 2019 at the legendary Funhouse in Bethlehem on the final night of the festival. This song is also the namesake of their newest album “Heavy Feels” which dropped November 2020, and is truly a masterpiece that will get you smiling and feeling all the feels. As a 7 piece band comprised of musicians from all over the country, they tour sparingly but somehow make it out to Bethlehem when they can. Secret American is definitely a band to keep your eyes on, so make sure you’re watching their socials and try to get out to see them next time they’re in town! Definitely a live show you do not want to miss. Their new album is streaming online, so check it out!

Sicman Of Virginia

Sicman Of Virginia is a power trio from southeastern Virginia that Ruby Dear has been friends with for quite a while. For over a decade SoV has been creating and releasing music blending straight ahead rock and roll with beautiful songwriting and clever lyrics at the core. Pre pandemic, Ruby Dear booked a weekend of shows at the Funhouse and John and Peters in New Hope PA with both Sicman of Virginia and Crescent Moon, the power house rock duo featuring Ween and JRAD’s bassist Dave Dreiwitz and Sound of Urchin drummer Tomato (Chris Harfenist). Looking back to that weekend of shows, it was definitely the most rock and roll line up Ruby Dear ever had the pleasure of being in, but also the last weekend that felt “normal” before the craziness of 2020 set in. Sicman has an epic catalog of music spanning the past decade, which you can find on all streaming platforms. They have an uncanny ability to have a sound that is uniquely theirs, yet each song has its own feel switching between genres and blending elements from a vast knowledge of music history. Definitely a band worth listening to over and over again! They released three singles late 2020 that are out now, but this tune “Cutter” of their 2011 album “Sweatpants and Other Unnecessary Nonsense” truly rocks and the video is from the weekend of shows they played with Ruby Dear!

Listen to Ruby Dear’s Music!

While “Supersonicphiladelic” is a bit of a departure from Ruby Dear’s power trio rock sound, it’s a tune Jenny wrote reminiscing of her years touring with School of Rock as a student and playing in legendary Asbury Park, NJ at the Asbury Lanes – but deeper than that it’s a song expressing the feeling of nostalgia for youth that we all feel, and how returning to places from our past inspire the bittersweet mixture of memory and hope for the future. This is our very first music video, shot by Michael Kravetsky of NJ during the fall of 2020 on a perfectly cloudy day at the shore. We’ll be playing this song and the rest of the new album as well as our first album tunes at the upcoming Musikfest Cafe album release show 02/19/21!

Ruby Dear
Friday, February 19
Musikfest Cafe pres. by Yuengling

Buy Table

Click here to listen to Ruby Dear on SPOTIFY!
Click here to listen to Ruby Dear on YOUTUBE!
Click here to listen to Ruby Dear on BANDCAMP!

Follow Ruby Dear on Social Media!

Click here to follow Ruby Dear on FACEBOOK!
Click here to follow Ruby Dear on INSTAGRAM!
Click here to follow Ruby Dear on TWITTER!

Explore other ArtsQuest Discovery Series Entries!

Kendal Conrad: ArtsQuest Discovery Series
Seth Witcher: ArtsQuest Discovery Series

ArtsQuest “Frontline Worker Private Film Screening” Sweepstakes Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. SWEEPSTAKES OPEN ONLY TO PERMANENT LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. How to Enter. No purchase necessary. To enter the Sweepstakes complete the online form at https://fest.formstack.com/forms/frontline_worker_nomination_form by 11:59PM on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Limit one (1) entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted. No mechanically reproduced entries, alterations, facsimiles or forged entries. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of ArtsQuest, N.A. (“Sponsor”) and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, postage due, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

2. Eligibility. Participation open only to permanent legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age as of time of entry. Participants may be asked to send a photo of an active ID as proof of frontline employment, which is categorized under many different industries, including, but not limited to: Medical and Healthcare Services, Food Service, Transportation, Maintenance, Finance, Housekeeping, Animal Services, Public Safety, Childcare and Teachers. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor, members of these persons’ immediate families (spouses, parents, children, and siblings, and their spouses regardless of where they reside), and persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

3. Random Drawing/Odds. Ten (10) winners will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. The drawing will take place on or about March 1, 2021. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including the release and waiver of liability contained herein, and the decisions of the judges, and Sponsor, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

4. Prizes. Ten (10) grand prizes (“Grand Prize”): a 3-hour rental of the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of prize package is $99. Prizes are non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. In the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion thereof of equal or greater value. All federal, state and local taxes, meals, gratuities, travel upgrades, incidentals, fees, service charges, surcharges, insurance costs or other unspecified costs or expenses associated with use of the prize are the sole responsibility of winner and/or his or her travel companion. Prize may be subject to restrictions imposed by prize sponsors.

5. Notification. Winners will be notified by email or phone on or about the week following the Drawing and will be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release within seven (7) days of prize notification. If winner cannot be contacted within three (3) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Sweepstakes Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected from all remaining eligible entries. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given. Limit one winner and one prize.

6. Conditions; Waiver and Release. All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Participation in Sweepstakes and acceptance of prize constitutes winner’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the Official Rules and winner’s permission for Sponsor to use his/her name, address (city and state), likeness, photograph, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information and/or any statements made by each winner regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor for advertising and promotional purposes without notice or additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Prize awarded “as is” without any representation or warranty by Sponsor. Winner assumes all risks associated with use of the prize and participation in prize-related activities. Sponsor is not responsible if any scheduled event is delayed, postponed, or canceled for any reason. Accommodations subject to availability. Winner is solely responsible for observing and abiding by prize sponsors’ rules and regulations or terms and conditions for use of prize. By participating, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death arising from, relating to, or which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel, or participation in the Sweepstakes, possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize, or preparation for, travel to or from, and participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity, and for any claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each entrant hereby agrees to indemnify Sponsor against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or resulting from and breach by entrant of these Official Rules. Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or who attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, shall be disqualified.

7. Additional Terms. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should Sponsor determine, in its sole discretion, that fraud, mistake, or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor will select the winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

The Sweepstakes and these Official Rules will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Unless expressly prohibited by governing law, entrants agree that any and all disputes, claims or causes of action in connection with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred, but in no event and under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to claim or obtain indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages other than actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses.

The Sweepstakes and these Official Rules will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Unless expressly prohibited by governing law, entrants agree that any and all disputes, claims or causes of action in connection with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred, but in no event and under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to claim or obtain indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages other than actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses.

Valid email address required in order to win. By completing the sweepstakes entry form, you are agreeing to the official sweepstakes rules and the terms of our privacy policy. You will also be registered to receive email notices from ArtsQuest. Our goal is to provide you with important, valuable and timely updates about upcoming events and promotions. We will not sell your personal information. Also, you have the opportunity to unsubscribe at any time.

8. List of Winner. To obtain the name of the winning individual, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by March 1, 2021 to: ArtsQuest / “Frontline Worker Private Film Screening” Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

9. Sponsor. ArtsQuest

HEARTSQUEST: Things to Do with Your Valentine

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By Jake Cohen, ArtsQuest Marketing Intern

Look, we know that 2020 was full of tough love and that you’re all eager to get back out there and treat yourself! Look no further than SteelStacks & The Banana Factory as ArtsQuest becomes HeartsQuest during the season of love! With live comedy shows, trivia nights, concerts, art activities and, of course, delicious meals, you’re sure to find something you love with the one you love.

SmartsQuest: RomCom Trivia – 2/9 – REGISTER

Have you been bingeing romantic comedies in preparation for Valentine’s Day? Good! SmartsQuest: RomCom Trivia night pits couples against each other to see which ones know the most about classic romantic films as they compete for show tickets, gift cards, swag, and more! Hosted via Zoom.

Palette & Pour Dining Reservations – 2/12 & 2/13 – Free Reservations

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and there’s nothing better than dinner and live music to set the mood! Enjoy indoor dining at the Capital BlueCross Creativity Commons with live music performed on the Williams Brew Stage. GT3 Jazz and Ginger and The Schnappes each perform jazz-style music on the 12th and 13th, respectively.

Start Making Sense & Friends Present Jane’s Addiction – 2/12 – Buy Table

Bonus points if your date’s name is Jane! Join us for live music and dinner as Start Making Sense and Friends presents Jane’s Addiction’s first two albums “Nothing’s Shocking” & “Ritual de lo habitual” in their entirety.

Swipe Right – 2/12 – Register for Free

Your night might not end with Netflix-and-chilling, but we can guarantee that you’ll laugh your head off! Swipe Right is the virtual game show where key words from real people’s online dating profile bios are replaced Mad-Libs style by comedians who compete to please the judge. Will the judge swipe right on the new bio? Swipe left? Super like? Hosted Via Zoom.

Ruby Dear – 2/19 – buy table

Still in the loving mood? Then you’ll swoon for Ruby Dear as they debut their newest album LIVE in the socially-distanced Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling. After playing together for years on the road paying tribute to some incredible music, these seasoned musicians have crafted original material that is loud and evolving.

Nomadland – Opens 2/19 – buy tickets

If your boo is a cinephile, there’s no better film to see this year than Nomadland, nominated for four Golden Globes including Best Picture & Best Actress (Frances McDormand). See it in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas while you try that yawn/stretch/arm-over-the-shoulder move.

SmartsQuest: 50 Shades of Trivia: A Kink on Screen Trivia Game – 2/23 – REGISTER

Test your knowledge of kink in film in this 50 Shades of Trivia event. (Note: This trivia includes a variety of films, not just 50 Shades of Grey). Surprise prizes to our winning team could include, show tickets, gift cards, swag, and more! Hosted via Zoom.

Don’t forget about The Banana Factory! They’ve got cute and crafty kits and events for you all week leading up to Valentine’s Day to guarantee that you don’t show up to the big date empty-handed.

DIY Valentine Cards Art Kit – 2/4-13 – Buy Kit

Buy an art kit that will teach you how to make eye-catching Valentine’s cards that will make anyone feel loved! This kit includes everything you need to make 10 Valentin’s and envelopes, including paper in all different colors and patterns, collage materials, decorations, and a guide with instructions to create envelopes, pop-ups, and blackout poetry. Pick up your kit from the Banana Factory Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or have orders placed before 2/7 shipped for an additional fee.

Valentine’s Yarn Gnome Workshop – 2/13 – Register

Craft a Valentine’s Day gnome in the comfort of your home! This easy, fun craft is made without sewing or messy glue. No prior experience is necessary, and supplies are included with a supply kit to be picked up at the Banana Factory Arts Center and assembled during the virtual session.

Banana Factory Guided Gallery Tour – 2/13, 2/16 & 2/22 – Register for Free

Show how much you love the Banana Factory, which brings so much culture and creativity to the Lehigh Valley, by joining us on a tour! Explore the work of local artists with small-capacity Guided Gallery Tours led by ArtsQuest Visual Arts staff. Experience two exhibitions on display and partake in lively discussions about local and regional artists and their work. Visitors will receive take-home gallery guides as part of their registration.

Kendal Conrad: Music Discovery Series

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By Kendal Conrad & ArtsQuest Staff / Photo by Jim Trocchio

Congrats, you’ve found your way to the Music Discover Series! ArtsQuest prides itself on introducing your ears to new bands and artists. So while the music touring industry is mostly on hold because of the pandemic, we’re giving some of our musician friends the chance to share what music they’re hyped about. A mix of up-and-comers, artists that inspire their craft, deep cuts, the classics…oh, and their own tunes!

In this edition, get to know the musical tastes of Kendal Conrad! The pop-country singer-songwriter hasn’t let the pandemic slow her down! Conrad has played live stream shows for seemingly every major organization in the Lehigh Valley over the past year. Her biggest career moment (so far) was performing live on stage with Keith Urban at Musikfest in 2014.

Phoebe Ryan

I’ve been following Phoebe for a few years now, and I’ve been waiting for her to blow up. She has a really unique voice, and her songs are super catchy.

Whitney Houston

Whitney is the biggest influence on my music. I would sit and listen to her for hours before trying to imitate all her riffs and runs. This song will always be super special to me. It was my first “big girl” solo in the 6th grade for our middle school’s DARE graduation.

Taylor Swift

This is the song that not only made me want to be a songwriter but made me feel completely in love with country music. A girl my own age who plays guitar and writes her own songs? I was so inspired. I taught myself how to play guitar and soon afterward started writing my own songs.

Ariana Grande

I love that Ariana Grande has such a quirky personality and on the flipside, her music is so sexy. She is a great example of how female artists should not have to play to stereotypes. This hook is definitely a lyric I wish I had written.

Judah & The Lion

This one was definitely a gamechanger for me. I am a big fan of pop and country music, and Judah really mixes elements of pop and folk brilliantly. It’s twangy, it’s hooky. It’s the best of both worlds. I really like artists who refuse to be put in a box.

Keith Urban

I hear this song, and I am immediately transported back to Musikfest: I’m singing with Keith Urban in a sparkly dress and having the time of my life. Forever grateful for a such a magical moment.

Listen to Kendal Conrad’s Music!

My song “Leader of the Pack” has over 1 million plays on Soundcloud!

…and this is one of my newest hits “Better On” on Spotify!

Click here to listen to Kendal on SPOTIFY!
Click here to listen to Kendal on YOUTUBE!
Click here to listen to Kendal on APPLE MUSIC!

Follow Kendal Conrad on Social Media!

Click here to follow Kendal on FACEBOOK!
Click here to follow Kendal on INSTAGRAM!
Click here to follow Kendal on TWITTER!

Explore other ArtsQuest Discovery Series Entries!

Seth Witcher: ArtsQuest Discovery Series

ARTSQUEST TO PRODUCE 8th ANNUAL STEELSTACKS IMPROV COMEDY FESTIVAL

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All-digital events featuring comics from across the country to happen live Feb. 25-28

BETHLEHEM, PA – Performers who have been seen and heard on Netflix, Stephen Colbert, NPR and more are among the nationwide lineup of comedians taking part in the 8th annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival (SSICF), to be produced exclusively on digital platforms Feb. 25-28. The 2021 edition of the SSICF will shift from its usual performance marathon format to one that focuses more on the future of comedy, featuring roundtable discussions, intimate 1-on-1 conversations and workshops. All SSICF events – except for the workshops – are free of charge and will be livestreamed via the SSICF Facebook page.

SSICF 2021 will kick off on the night of Thurs., Feb. 25 with a keynote talk from The Astronomy Club, the first all-black house team at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater and the creators of a self-titled sketch show currently streaming on Netflix. Their talk will cover their shared experiences as people of color in the comedy business and offer direction on how to create the comedy participants want to see in the world. A Q&A session will follow the talk.

“When Astronomy Club performed at SSICF in 2019, we were pleasantly surprised at the warmth that radiated from the audience,” said Monique Moses, a member of Astronomy Club. “It was clear while working with the participants of our workshop that ArtsQuest has fostered a community that really cares about comedy, the arts and performance. I’m so curious to see how this energy will translate into a digital festival, but I have no doubt that it will remain.”

As many improv teams have adapted to performing via digital platforms, the 2021 SSICF has four shows slated, including sets from Chucho, a NYC-based Latinx team, and Conlan-Williams, a duo originally from Colorado that splits time between New York and Los Angeles and features Nicole Conlan, a staff writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Two improv jams will be hosted by Staycation, a Lehigh Valley-based team made up of ArtsQuest-trained performers.

“We see a unique opportunity in producing the 2021 SSICF in this way,” said Ryan Hill, the Director of the SSICF and ArtsQuest’s Programming Director. “We can bring performers, producers and fans of comedy from across the country in a way that helps everyone envision a way forward through not just the pandemic, but the seismic shifts in the live comedy landscape that have occurred over the past few years. Hopefully this year’s SSICF will give people the knowledge and confidence to turn those visions into reality.”

There are three roundtable events geared towards turning those visions into actions to be produced as part of the 2021 SSICF: Where Do We Go From Here?, gauging how to move forward past the pandemic and the effect the shutdown of big-name improv theaters across the country has had on the comedy landscape; Healthier Improv Communities, addressing how theaters can ensure their spaces are safe and welcoming to all; and An Improv Career (And How to Have One), helping improvisers to figure out how to apply their improv skills to a career in the arts.
-continued-

Ophira Eisenberg, the host of NPR’s Ask Me Another, regular panelist on Hulu’s new late-night show Up Early Tonight and a veteran standup comedian and storyteller, will also be speaking to performers trying to figure out where they fit when she sits down for an informal talk with Hill entitled How to Have an Unfocused Comedy Career (and Succeed!).

The current schedule of events for the 2021 SSICF follows (more events will be added as they are confirmed):

Thurs, Feb. 25
8 p.m.: Keynote Talk – Comedy in the Age of Wokeness with The Astronomy Club
9:30 p.m.: Improv Jam with Staycation

Fri, Feb. 26
7:30 p.m.: SSICF Roundtable – Where Do We Go From Here? with panelists Raymond Cordova, Lou Gonzalez, Martiza Montanez and Melissa Ulloa
9:30 p.m.: SSICF Show – Chucho + team TBD

Sat, Feb. 27
1:30 p.m.: SSICF Workshop – Sketches That Say Something with Astronomy Club’s Monique Moses and Keisha Zollar*
5 p.m.: SSICF Talk – How to Have an Unfocused Comedy Career (and Succeed!) with Ophira Eisenberg
7 p.m.: SSICF Roundtable – An Improv Career (And How to Have One) with panelists Nicole Conlan, Monique Moses, Rachel Rosenthal and Tovah Silbermann
9 p.m.: SSICF Show – Conlan-Williams + team TBD
10:30 p.m.: Improv Jam with Staycation

Sun, Feb. 28
1 p.m.: SSICF Workshop – Make Online Improv Fun with Donald Chang of Asian AF*
4 p.m.: SSICF Roundtable – Healthy Improv Communities with panelists Donald Chang, Amey Goerlich and Glo Tavarez

*Denotes price points of $29 / $26 ArtsQuest Member; all other events are free of charge.

The ArtsQuest Comedy program, in existence since the opening of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in April 2011, includes the Lehigh Valley’s only year-round comedy class program (currently on hiatus due to the pandemic), the SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival, and 100-150 free and ticketed shows a year. It is overseen by Programming Director Ryan Hill and Cinema and Comedy Coordinator Addyson Young, who serve as Festival Director and Assistant Festival Director, respectively, for the SSICF.

PALETTE & POUR RESTAURANT AND WILLIAMS BREW STAGE AT ARTSQUEST CENTER TO REOPEN IN FEBRUARY FOR DINING AND PERFORMANCES

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Williams Brew Stage performances feature pop, soul, folk and jazz artists

BETHLEHEM, PA – After the sold-out success upon launching last year, Palette & Pour, located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, is set to present another winning combination of delicious dishes and live musical performances on the Williams Brew Stage. The restaurant will continue offering immersive experiences for guests with good taste in food and music every Friday and Saturday night, beginning Feb. 5.

Acoustic artist Tim Harakal will kick things off on Feb. 5, followed by roots rocker Steve Brosky (who will share the stage with Bangor-based guitarist John Cannavo) on Feb 6. Cabaret jazz band Ginger and the Schnappes are set for Feb. 13 with a Valentine’s-tinged show.

The Williams Brew Stage, made possible by the generous donations of ArtsQuest Circle Donors Dr. Mary Ellen Williams and Mr. John Brew, will once again showcase a variety of homegrown talents. These include both the GT3 Jazz and the Hector Rosado Trios, dynamic pop/soul duo Honey and Nutz, Americana folk/rock act aGirl and aGuy and Phillipsburg’s Pentley Holmes, who will bring his signature blend of contemporary folk and soul pop on Feb. 26.

Free table reservations will become available on Thursday, Jan. 28 to ArtsQuest Members and Monday, Feb. 1 to the public. There is a $10 food and beverage minimum per person in each party.

Following all CDC, state and city health and safety guidelines, campus attendance is being limited to ensure proper social distancing and masks – covering both the nose and mouth – are required at all times, aside from when seated eating and drinking.

Below is the current list of confirmed shows:

Tim Harakal
Friday, Feb. 5, 7-10 p.m.

Steve Brosky and John Cannavo
Saturday, Feb. 6, 7-10 p.m.

GT3 Jazz
Friday, Feb. 12, 7-10 p.m.

Ginger and the Schnappes
Saturday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m.

Hector Rosado Trio
Friday, Feb. 19, 7-10 p.m.

Honey and Nutz
Saturday, Feb. 20, 7-10 p.m.

Pentley Holmes
Friday, Feb. 26, 7-10 p.m.

aGirl and aGuy
Saturday, Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m.

Seth Witcher: Music Discovery Series

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By Seth Witcher & ArtsQuest Staff

Congrats, you’ve found your way to the Music Discover Series! ArtsQuest prides itself on introducing your ears to new bands and artists. So while the music touring industry is mostly on hold because of the pandemic, we’re giving some of our musician friends the chance to share what music they’re hyped about. A mix of up-and-comers, artists that inspire their craft, deep cuts, the classics…oh, and their own tunes!

In this edition, get to know the musical tastes of Allentown-native Seth Witcher, a hungry young singer-songwriter who played as part of Virtual Musikfest in 2020!

Juice WRLD

Juice is an inspiration to me because of how catchy his music is. When I listen to his stuff, I break down each song mentally to understand why each song did as well as it did, and how I can implement those things into my own style.

XXXtentacion

I love X’s delivery, and almost dream like sound. In some of his music, the beats are what I call “abstract”. Meaning that the percussive elements of some songs do things that I personally would not expect them to do.

Panic at the Disco

Brendon Urie has an amazing voice. I found out about this band when I was 12 or younger, and have been listening to their music ever since. I love how they talk about real problems or issues in their music unabashedly.

Milky Chance

I love this band because they’re kind of similar to me. They are just a primarily acoustic duo who make great music. I primarily perform with my guitar, so I feel a sort of connection with their stuff in that way.

Eminem

Eminem is inspiring because he literally started with nothing and became the GOAT he is today. I think his life story is very inspiring, and I think about it occasionally when I am pursuing my own dreams and goals.

LISTEN TO SETH WITCHER’S MUSIC!

My latest song is “Marionette.” Give it a listen and let me know what you think! I was inspired to produce this song the way I did mostly because of Juice WRLD and XXXtentacion. (I’ll be releasing a new song at the end of January, get ready.)

Click here to listen to Seth on YOUTUBE!
Click here to listen to Seth on SPOTIFY!
Click here to listen to Seth on APPLE MUSIC!
Click here to listen to Seth on SOUNDCLOUD!

FOLLOW SETH WITCHER ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Click here to follow Seth on TIKTOK!
Click here to follow Seth on INSTAGRAM!
Click here to follow Seth on FACEBOOK!
Click here to follow Seth on TWITTER!

ARTSQUEST CELEBRA EL DIA DE LOS REYES MAGOS CON LA EXPERIENCIA DE SERVICIO AL CARRO

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BETHLEHEM, PA – Una tradición querida por muchos en la comunidad Latina del Valle de Lehigh, adaptada para incorporar reglas de seguridad del CDC, va a continuar El Día de los Reyes – Three Kings Day – será celebrado en la tarde del 3 de enero. Los Reyes Magos seguirán repartiendo regalos a niños de 12 años y menor a través de una experiencia de servicio al carro. Esta será realizada en el estacionamiento de PNC ubicado en 711 E. 1st Street en Bethlehem. Los padres y guardianes deben registrarse con anticipación en el sitio de web de SteelStackes o llamando a la oficina de ArtsQuest al 610 332-1300. Los espacios de registro están disponibles entre la 1pm y 3pm el día 3 de enero y son gratuitos.

La novena celebración de los Reyes Magos en el campus de SteelStacks se vera diferente en el sentido de que no se puede incorporar la comida, música, arte debido a las reglas mas recientes con relación al COVID 19 por el estado de Pensilvania. Pero los Tres Reyes Magos – Gaspar, Melchor y Balthazar – todavía estarán en asistencia para repartir regalos e impartir el cuento de los Reyes Magos (en ingles y español) para asegurar que esta tradición nunca se olvide.

“El compartir esta tradición querida con nuestros hijos es la razón porque tantos de nosotros damos nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoros para asegurar esta tradición navideña se transmita y continúe, “ dice Myrna Rivera, una Puertorriqueña y miembro del Comité Comunitario Latino de ArtsQuest. “No puedo recordar una navidad en Bethlehem que no incluyo reuniones con familia y amigos cantando y bailando con música, parrandas, comiendo comida típica y aun mas importante dándole a nuestros hijos regalitos y dulces. Ya que este año no podemos hacer los primeros dos mencionados, vamos a asegurarnos que este día viva con nuestros niños en la manera mas segura posible.

La celebración de los Reyes Magos es un programa cultural del Comité Comunitario Latino de ArtsQuest, cual es compuesto de lideres de la comunidad Latina del Valle de Lehigh. Partidarios de la celebración de los Reyes magos incluye la Corporación PPL, Carlos y Carol Anne López, West Side Hammer Electric y MEGA Radio. Pamela Ptak, la diseñadora de Riegelsville que apareció en la séptima temporada del exitoso programa de televisión Project Runaway, esta creando y prestando los vestidos y el vestuario de los Tres Reyes.

ARTSQUEST TO CELEBRATE EL DIA DE LOS REYES WITH DRIVE-THROUGH EXPERIENCE

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Annual Three Kings celebration will be held Jan. 3

BETHLEHEM, PA – A cherished tradition in much of the Lehigh Valley’s Latin American community, adapted to incorporate CDC safety guidelines, will continue when El Dia de los Reyes – Three Kings Day – will be celebrated on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 3. The Three Kings themselves will still hand out presents to children ages 12 and under via a drive-through experience held at the PNC Parking Lot, located at 711 E 1st St in Bethlehem, that parents and guardians must register for in advance at THIS LINK or by calling the ArtsQuest Box Office at 610-332-1300. Registration slots are available from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3 and are free of charge.

The 9th annual celebration of Three Kings Day on the SteelStacks campus will look different in that it cannot incorporate the usual food, music, arts and crafts due to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s latest COVID-19 related mandates, but the Three Kings – Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar – will still be in attendance to both hand out gifts and impart the story of the Three Kings (in English and Español) to ensure that this time-honored tradition will never be forgotten.

“Sharing these cherished memories with our children is the reason so many of us give of our time, talent and treasures to ensure this holiday tradition is passed on and continued,” said Myrna Rivera, a native of Puerto Rico and a member of ArtsQuest’s Latino Community Advisory Committee. “I can’t remember a Christmas holiday in Bethlehem that didn’t include congregating with family and friends to sing and dance to parranda music, eat food and, most importantly, give our children gifts and treats. While we can’t do those first two in quite the same way as before, we’re going to make sure this day lives on with our youth in the safest way possible.”

The Three Kings Celebration is a cultural program of ArtsQuest’s Latino Community Advisory Committee, which is comprised of leaders from the Lehigh Valley’s Latino community. Supporters of the Three Kings Celebration include PPL Corporation, Carlos & Carol Anne Lopez, West Side Hammer, and MEGA Radio. The Three Kings’ gowns and costumes are being created and lent to the event by Pamela Ptak, the Riegelsville-based designer who appeared on Season 7 of the hit TV show Project Runway.

Top Songs of 2020:
ArtsQuest Staff Picks

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2020 sucked, but the year’s new songs didn’t!

To brighten your spirits and share our staff’s passion for music, we put together a list of top song choices from the-year-that-shall-not-be-named. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since he’s in charge of booking our major acts, we let Patrick pick his Top 5 and gave him top billing. The rest of our staff picked their favorite song and they’re listed in order of when the pick was submitted (slackers are at the bottom).

CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Patrick Brogan – Chief Programming Officer & Manager of the ArtsQuest Center

In a very weird year for music inside a very difficult year for the entire world I still see a lot to be celebrated. My top five singles are below but I’d like to also give some honorable mentions. Big names had new music out and Lady Gaga’s “Rain On Me” reigns supreme though The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” and really the whole album is excellent. Ritt Momney breathed creative new life into what was already a phenomenal Corinne Bailey Rae song in his remix to “Put Your Records On.” I thoroughly enjoy French singer/songwriter Christine and the Queens’ “People, I’ve Been Sad” as well as new music earlier in the year from The 1975 (“If You’re Too Shy” is my favorite but I give a loving mention to “Me & You Together Song”). Also a fan of much of Grimes new album including the art mix of “My Name Is Dark” and “Delete Forever.”

Here are my top five singles of the year, this year I have not listed in any particular order:

Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyonce – “Savage Remix”

My choice to win Best New Artist at the GRAMMY’s this spring combines with the Queen who I love to hear rap in songs like this when she offers.

Hinds – “Good Bad Times”

A fun rhythm with some relationship-heavy lyrics, the women of this power pop group even float seamlessly between English & Spanish language beautifully throughout the chorus.

Soccer Mommy – “yellow is the color of her eyes”

My haunting singer-songwriter / rock entry from Swiss-born and Nashville-based Sophia Regina Allen’s sophomore album.

Taylor Swift – “the last great american dynasty”

I find music I love on every Taylor Swift album and this one is no different telling the tale of Holiday House and a ruined relationship in catchy pop fashion.

Rina Sawayama – “XS”

I don’t know how this fun banger hasn’t broken on the US charts & pop radio but it’s a statement off a great debut studio album Sawayama from Japanese/British pop songwriter Rina Sawayama.

Ben Youngerman – Marketing Manager

Marilyn Manson – “WE ARE CHAOS”

As the resident metalhead at ArtsQuest, I typically choose a song that absolutely shreds. But this melancholy year was best summed up by the title track of Marilyn Manson’s latest album WE ARE CHAOS. Co-written with country artist Shooter Jennings, the whole album is a brilliant new direction for the shock rocker (and dare I say “Bowie-esque”?). \m/ (*>*) \m/

Cory Stevens – Volunteer & Internship Programs Manager

Glass Animals – “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”

I’ve loved the music of Glass Animals for years! Their sounds are all at once dreamy, dramatic, and primal, and when their new album Dreamland dropped truly in the midst of Virtual Musikfest it became the perfect soundtrack to keep me going through this awful year. “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” is my favorite song off this album because of its infectious beat and narrative lyrics.

Nicole Gencarelli – Visual Arts Specialist

Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver – “exile”

I just really enjoyed the collab for this song, both musicians gave such great performances and it’s been playing in my Spotify a lot!

Gabriela Laracca – Public Relations Coordinator

System of a Down – “Protect the Land”

As the great granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivor Virginia Sarkisian De Hamalian and an avid System Of A Down fan, this song, their first release in 15 years on Nov. 5, means the world to me. It discusses the corrupt, genocidal actions of Ilham Aliyev (President of Azerbaijan) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan (President of Turkey), leaving Armenians in a very similar situation to what my abuelita went through about 100 years ago. Both this song and their other new release, “Genocidal Humanoidz,” are available for purchase now with all proceeds going to the Armenia Fund and the Aid for Artsakh Campaign.

Michelle Veresink Richmond – Sr. Manager of Membership

Luke Combs – “Six Feet Apart”

What a year! This song just really speaks to how difficult this year has been, how much we have had to adapt, but that there is hope and that we will get past this pandemic. It’s all the feelings and story-telling wrapped up in a way that can only be done in a country song!

Jason Frisch – Director of Event Services

Phish – “Everything’s Right”

Phish released their first studio album, Junta, in 1989 and launched themselves to the top of the Jam Band scene where they have remained. 30 years later they are still doing it with the release of Sigma Oasis in 2020. Phish kills it with “Everything’s Right”. It is quintessential Phish with an epic dance groove into an epic jam. There’s not many bands who can still release great new music after 30 years.

Elena Ostock – Visual Arts Manager

Mac Miller – “Good News”

I really didn’t listen to Mac Miller before this year, when his final, post-humous album Circles was released in January. Somehow, some algorithm connected me with this song, and I am glad. For me this song encapsulates a lot of my mood for 2020: Sleepy, a little bit sad, and totally unsure of what day it is.

Anne Sturm – Sr. Talent Buyer

Phoebe Bridgers – “Garden Song”

Talk about a song to get lost in during a late night drive. This song is darkly beautiful as it transports me to a nostalgic world with my younger self.

Alexis Grant – Graphic Designer

HAIM – “The Steps”

Love this album! I’ve been listening to it on repeat since its release over the summer. It’s hard to pick just one song, but “The Steps” is at the top for me.

Brooke Novotnak – Partnership Activation Specialist

Taylor Swift – “the 1”

• This was the first track on a surprise album drop that came right as my pandemic depression was kicking in. Being a long-time Taylor Swift fan, hearing her sing, as the very first line on her album, “I’m doing good, I’m on some new sh*t”, made me devolve into tears. Maybe it was the emotions of 2020, maybe it was an amazing first track, all I know is that Folklore was exactly what I needed this year.

Teena Renfrow – Box Office Manager

Eric Church – “Stick That in Your Country Song”

A lot of country songs are about trucks, beer, God and country and it’s an easy formula to get to #1. 2020 has highlighted a lot of the underbelly of our country and Eric Church isn’t afraid to call it out and sing about weightier issues in this crazy, rockin’ powerful song. One of the few songs he sings but didn’t write, he still makes it his own.

Kimberly Koehler – Partnership Activation Specialist

BLACKPINK – “How You Like That”

There is something about “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK that has a special place in my heart. The pre-album single introduced me to the phenomenal superstar K-pop girl group. (Shout out to Made For You playlists!). “How You Like That” is the exact anthem everyone needs to hear in 2020: No matter the obstacle, you can always overcome them and come back stronger. Not to mention, this song’s beat can get you on your feet and dancing which would make anyone happy! Bonus Points, if you learn the moves from the music video ?. I highly recommend giving BLACKPINK a listen!

Ryan Hill – Programming Director

H.E.R. – “I Can’t Breathe”

THE song of 2020 from one of the most electrifying performers and writers out there (check her SNL performance from earlier this year out if you haven’t yet – BOTH songs).

Alli Poczak – Performing Arts Assistant

BTS – “Dynamite”

2020 was the year of disco-pop with many of this year’s chart topping favorites featuring funky synth and rhythm guitar you can’t help but dance to. “Dynamite” was no different. Featuring the seven-member, South Korean, K-Pop Boy Band, BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys. The song is light and fun which matches the pastel dreamland they’ve created in their video as BTS dances and sings about a night out with your friends. This is the first all-English song released by BTS and it follows last year’s hit, “Boys with Luv” featuring Halsey, which is a mix of Korean and English. Overall, “Dynamite” always lifts my mood and puts a smile on my face. To sum up my general feelings about music in 2020, I’ll close with a quote from this song: “Disco overload, I’m into that, I’m good to go.”

Shayna Super – Performing Arts Specialist

Fleet Foxes – “Can I Believe You”

Fleet Foxes dropping a new album on the first day of Fall was the most autumnal thing that could have happened. “Can I Believe You” is my current favorite from this album, it sounds familiar to classic Fleet Foxes but without being tired or overdone – you can sense their evolution as musicians in this album. The songwriting in this song is poignant and reflective and the sound of the music just washes over you as you listen. The title of the album is “Shore” and I think that’s a pretty accurate name for the feelings evoked.

Amanda Celestina – Operations Specialist

Puscifer – “Apocalyptical”

Puscifer is my favorite band. They have a great way of dropping societal garbage into their music. With this year being the dumpster fire it was, this song alludes to some of the nonsense. And the video just makes me chuckle.

Juliann Masenheimer – Lead Creative

Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”

Quirky, sarcastic and definitely not afraid to poke fun at itself, Ballerini’s song may be the perfect drinking song for 2020. From working from home with kids, social distancing and trying to stay sane during this pandemic I feel like we have all had that moment of thinking we were only going to have one drink to unwind.

Nick Michael – Business Development Manager

Spiders Dressed in Red – “Valentine’s Bought Your Lover”

Selfish selection, as this is my son’s band. This is my favorite song of a very ambitious 6 track album that the boys released earlier this year. Very smooth and melodic. Check them out on Spotify!!!!

Jacob Rivera – IT Computer Systems Analyst

The Weeknd – “In Your Eyes”

This song has so many great elements to it. Not only does it make me want to put on my dancing shoes, but it also makes me feel like I took a DeLorean back to the ’80s. The fact that The Weeknd took an upbeat instrumental and meshed it with sad and vulnerable lyrics was simply beautiful!!!

BONUS PLAYLIST!

Listen to all of these 2020 tunes in one awesome playlist…

Previous end-of-year staff picks:

2019
2018
2017
2016
2015

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