ArtsQuest Patriot Day Ceremony Honoring First Responders Streaming Live
Sept. 11

Rev. Herbert G. Gates III to be honored with 2020 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, PA—The public is invited to join ArtsQuest virtually in honoring our region’s first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel during Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be streamed live for everyone to view from home.

As part of the presentation, ArtsQuest will present its 2020 First Responder Valor Award to Bethlehem’s Rev. Herbert G. Gates III.

Gates has lived a life of servitude, starting with his service in the U.S. Army from 1966-’68, with 6.5 months spent in South Vietnam. Gates served in churches in the West Pennsylvania Conference for more than 30 years. He has also led bible studies and taught Sunday School in several churches, and now holds regular support groups at Bethany U.M.C. Since moving to Bethlehem in 2007, he has served as an Associate Chaplain and a Pulpit Supply for six years in regional Evangelical Lutheran Churches. He currently serves as Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Associate Chaplain, where he brings comfort and support to patients and their families in dire times.

Gates has volunteered at ArtsQuest for more than a decade as an ArtsQuest Ambassador, Musikfest Site Supervisor, Christkindlmarkt Site Supervisor and ticket-taker at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. In recognition of his efforts to minister patients, their families and staff, as well as his dedication to our community, ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem City Council member J. William Reynolds will present Gates with a glass sculpture hand-blown by the artists at the ArtsQuest Glass Studio at the Banana Factory.

ArtsQuest is also honoring regional first responders for their courage and sacrifice for our community by displaying “Our Hometown Heroes” banners on the fence lining 1st Street and Founders Way, as well as via an online gallery. Singer and guitarist Seth Witcher will present the National Anthem.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/festivals/patriotic-holidays/patriot-day/.

ArtsQuest Presenting Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Outdoor Movie Series Starting Sept. 8 at SteelStacks

New Movie Series Airing Classics like ‘Pitch Perfect,’ ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Mean Girls’

BETHLEHEM, PA—Starting Sept. 8, SteelStacks will present the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Movie Series featuring a string of family-loved classics. Grab your PJs and your BFF for cinematic, socially-distanced fun Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in September, along with a special Saturday showing Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.

With the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Series, groups of up to four in the same party can reserve a 6-foot by 6 foot, socially-distanced square on the Levitt Lawn to enjoy their favorite films under the stars. Reservations are $20 and $15 for spots that offer limited views of the screen; they are available starting today at www.steelstacks.org.

Food and beverages will be available for sale at the Mack Truck Stop. For the safety of our patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply.

Movie titles and dates are:

Sept. 8 – Bring It On (20th Anniversary)
Sept. 15 – Pitch Perfect
Sept. 22 – Legally Blonde
Sept. 29 – Grease
Oct. 3 – Mean Girls (8 p.m. start)

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

‘Arts, Music & Action’ Concert and Multi-media Event Coming to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Sept. 19

Afternoon, which features performances by Space Kamp & Trouble City All-Stars, to benefit at-risk youth and homeless community

BETHLEHEM, PA–An afternoon of music, art and positivity, including performances by Space Kamp, Trouble City All-Stars and Mako Swing, highlight Movement Moves Media’s inaugural “Arts, Music & Action” event, Sept. 19, 3-7 p.m., at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Tickets are $10 and on sale now at www.steelstacks.org. Proceeds from the event will support Movement Moves Media’s programs geared toward finding solutions for helping at-risk young people, supporting the homeless community and reducing gun violence.

At Arts, Music & Action, music and art take center stage, with performances by alternative, rap and reggae group Space Kamp, roots and rock act Trouble City All-Stars and Mako Swing, as well as dance crews and spoken word performances. Guest speakers include Vic LaBoy, Justan Parker, Arthur Benson II, Yamelisa Taveras and Norberto Dominguez.

Arts, Music and Action will be hosted by J Capitol P, with DJ BezMusiq. Artist Max Meano will also be creating a graffiti wall during the event and WeL!veTV’s Tim Foster will screen his first short documentary, “BikeLife_610,” which was nominated this year at the International Short Film Festival in Lancaster. Vendors from the arts and medical cannabis communities will also be on site. All safe social distancing guidelines will be in effect and patrons will be required to wear masks/face coverings unless eating and drinking.

“As a local nonprofit, part of Movement Moves Media’s mission is to help young people thrive within their communities by connecting them to resources and opportunities. We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with ArtsQuest in creating this showcase of some of the Lehigh Valley’s local talent,” says Movement Moves Media Executive Director Michael A. Frassetto. “As we know, the arts encompass so many modalities and are often an essential way for people to express themselves. We look forward to future events and collaborations with ArtsQuest as we continue our mission to help bridge the opportunity gaps for our community’s young people and artists.”

About Movement Moves Media:
Movement Moves Media is 100% volunteer-based nonprofit organization offering programs that find solutions for helping at-risk young people, supporting the homeless community and reducing gun violence. The organization mentors young local artists and connects them to resources to help them achieve their goals. In just a few years of being in operation, Movement Moves Media has helped hundreds of young local artists.

For more information, visit www.MovementMovesMedia.com or contact Executive Director Michael A. Frassetto at 484-707-1767 or mfrassetto86@gmail.com.

New Outdoor Comedy Series at SteelStacks to Feature Regional Comedians

Mary Radzinski, David James, Glen Tickle & Tyler Rothrock Highlight Performances Beginning Sept. 4

BETHLEHEM, PA – ArtsQuest is presenting a new, live comedy series highlighting dynamic regional comedians like Mary Radzinski, David James and Tyler Rothrock starting Sept. 4 at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks.

Shows begin at 8 p.m. and feature three comedians each night. Tickets are $12 per person, $10 for students and seniors, and $9.50 for ArtsQuest Members; they go on sale Aug. 28, noon, at www.steelstacks.org. Only groups in the same party will be seated together, with appropriate social distancing from other groups at the event. There will be limited dining options available, with mobile bar add-ons for purchase as well.

Comedy at the PNC Plaza dates are Sept. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Confirmed performers so far are below, and additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed:

Tyler Rothrock – Friday, Sept. 4
This Nazareth-based comedian recorded his debut album, “Tyler of Nazareth,” at the ArtsQuest Center. He has opened for a number of national comedians such as Michael Che, Dave Attell, Roy Wood Jr., Kyle Kinane and more. He is also one of the co-founders of the Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz at Musikfest and can be heard hosting both the “Clicking and Screaming” and “Tee’d Up” podcasts.

David James – Saturday, Sept. 5
Philadelphia’s David James slays the city night after night, with one of his biggest achievements being beating all of his fellow comedians at the Helium Comedy Club’s first-annual “Philly’s Phunniest” Competition. Since then, he has performed at countless colleges, bars, private shows and clubs. His unique observational humor that walks the line leaves audiences intrigued, confused, laughing and wishing for more.

Glen Tickle – Friday, Sept. 18
Glen Tickle was once stopped in a hallway by a woman who said, “I know you. You’re that dad comic,” and that sums him up pretty well. He has been on SiriusXM, Amazon Prime, CoziTV, the internet (heard of it?) and his debut album charted on Billboard. His first comedy special, “Good Grief,” is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Tickle is the father of two kids, ages 7 and 1. They have a real C3PO and R2D2 dynamic, so that makes him Chewbacca, we think?

Mary Radzinski – Saturday, Sept. 19
This Philadelphia-based comedian is a regular feature at numerous comedy clubs including Helium and Goodnights, and she has opened for a number of national comedians such as Dave Attell, Jim Norton, Sarah Colonna, Rosie O’Donnell and more. Radzinski can also be seen on TruTV’s new series, “Greatest Ever,” and has been recognized countless times, including as a semi-finalist in the 2017 Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and a finalist in the 2015 Boston Comedy Festival. She has also been named Best Comedian in Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.

For the safety of all patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations will apply at all Comedy at the PNC Plaza performances. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

The Rolling Stones’ “Havana Moon” Concert Screens Sept. 1 at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Concert from Havana, Cuba features hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Gimme Shelter” and “Satisfaction”

BETHLEHEM, PA – The iconic “Havana Moon” concert performed by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Rolling Stones – recorded live in September 2016 in Havana, Cuba – will hit the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks screen on Tues., Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Reservations for the screening go on sale to ArtsQuest Members today, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m., and the public on Aug. 26, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/film.

Reservation prices are $40 for a 6-foot by 6-foot spot on the Levitt Pavilion lawn and are good for up to four people in the same party. Six-foot by 6-foot spots that offer limited views of the screen are also available for $25 and also good for up to four people in the same party.

Directed by renowned music filmmaker Paul Dugdale, “Havana Moon” runs approximately 110 minutes and features beloved Stones hits including “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” “Satisfaction” and many more. Filmed at the end of the América Latina Olé Tour 2016, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood perform a truly spectacular set to more than 1.2 million adoring fans.

During the screening, light food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Mack Truck Stop. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing guidelines and all patrons will be required to wear masks/face coverings unless eating and drinking. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/film.

SteelStacks Favorites to Perform on Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Photo by Ted Colegrove

Beloved bands like Splintered Sunlight, Boat House Row and Philadelphia Funk Authority to be complimented by outdoor dining

BETHLEHEM, PA – Starting next weekend, SteelStacks favorites like Splintered Sunlight and Boat House Row will hit the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, complimented by outdoor dining on the Air Products Town Square.

Patrons interested in attending these “Outdoor Dining and a Show” experiences must make reservations in advance, either at a table on the Air Products Town Square in front of the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, or on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn, where they can listen to the music from the Community Stage and view the performance on the Levitt Pavilion’s outdoors screen. Reservations open Aug. 14, 10 a.m., AT THIS LINK for ArtsQuest Members and Aug. 15, 10 a.m., to the public.

Both table and lawn spot reservations are good for single parties of up to four people, with campus attendance limited to ensure proper safe social distancing and follow all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines. Air Products Town Square guests can enjoy dinner available from the ArtsQuest Center menu. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing and food and beverages can be ordered via the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn.

Shows, dates and reservation prices are:

Splintered Sunlight
Friday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
$60 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Boat House Row
Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
$45 for Town Square Table and $15 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Philadelphia Funk Authority
Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Damn the Torpedoes – A Live Tom Petty Concert Experience
Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn

The Large Flowerheads
Friday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Billy Bauer Band – Dave Matthews Band Tribute
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Jimmy & The Parrots
Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.
$35 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

Music & 1st Comedy Show Kick Off Return of Live Performances at SteelStacks

Photo by David Happel

Lehigh Valley Icon Craig Thatcher and comedian LaTice highlight lineup on Air Products Town Square this week

BETHLEHEM, PA–Beloved Lehigh Valley icon Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey, as well as acclaimed female comedian LaTice, highlight the return of outdoor dining with live entertainment at SteelStacks this week.

While new to the Valley scene, LaTice has been slaying people with her jokes since 2009. She has performed in Las Vegas at the World Series of Comedy and live on ABC’s THE VIEW for “Hilarious Housewives.”

Reservations must be made in advance for each performance. To reserve a table for seating up to four people in the same party, visit https://www.steelstacks.org/eat/. Mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply.

The schedule for this week is:

Aug. 12: Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 13: Ginger and The Schnappes (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 14: Zaire (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 15: LaTice with Glen Tickle & Roya Hamadani (8-9:30 p.m.)

For reservations and more information, CLICK HERE.

SteelStacks’ Independence Day Celebration Returns July 4 with Live Music, Food & More

Photo: Jonathan Davies

Event Culminates with City’s Popular Fireworks Display at 9:15 p.m.

BETHLEHEM, PA – Live music by Big Bone Daddy and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor dining by the blast furnaces – all culminating with the City of Bethlehem’s popular fireworks show – highlight the return of the Independence Day Celebration at SteelStacks July 4.

The Independence Day Celebration, presented by Embassy Bank, starts at 5 p.m. Leading the evening are two sets on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage by rock and blues band Big Bone Daddy. This dynamic group has rocked clubs and festivals from the Garden State to North Carolina. Members are Bill DeHart and Paul Berger on guitar and vocals, Ric Carhart on bass and vocals, Jim Flynn on drums and vocals, Ken Fink on saxophone, Mark Young on keyboards and Ray Higgins on harmonica.

The group will take the stage from 6:30-9:15 p.m. and 9:45-10:45 p.m. Dinner will be available for purchase at the ArtsQuest Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and a variety of ArtsQuest and Musikfest merchandise, including the popular Musikfest 2020 collector’s mug will be for sale.

Guests who want to attend the Independence Day Celebration must reserve a table – good for the entire evening – since campus attendance will be limited to ensure proper safe social distancing and follow all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines.

Cost to reserve a table, which can accommodate a single party of up to four people, is $80 plus fees. All proceeds from table reservations will help to cover additional staffing and infrastructure costs for cleaning, as well as to support the nonprofit ArtsQuest, which has been closed since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns. Table reservations are available on a first-come basis starting June 29, 10 a.m., to ArtsQuest Members and June 29, noon, to the public at www.steelstacks.org.

In addition to seating on the Air Products Town Square, ArtsQuest is offering the community the opportunity to reserve a 6’ x 6’ spot on the Levitt lawn, perfect for putting out a blanket or lawn chairs to watch the fireworks and enjoy the music performances via the Levitt Pavilion outdoor screen. Cost per spot, which can hold a single party of up to four people, is only $20. ArtsQuest Members can make reservations starting June 29, 10 a.m., and the public can do so starting June 29, noon, at www.steelstacks.org.

Levitt lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing, and food and beverages can be ordered from the Levitt Lawn via the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn. Rain date for the Independence Day Celebration presented by Embassy Bank will be July 5 starting at 5 p.m.

For additional details, visit www.steelstacks.org.

FREE LIVE MUSIC RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS THIS WEEKEND!

Photo: Diane Richter

Valley Favorites Craig Thatcher and Billy Bauer Take Up Residencies at ArtsQuest Center in July

BETHLEHEM, PA—Popular Hector Rosado and Pancho Bongo y Su Orquesta highlight the return of live music at SteelStacks June 26-27 as the ArtsQuest Center officially reopens for indoor and outdoor dining.

The ArtsQuest Center will be open starting at 5 p.m. both evenings, with first priority on seating given to those who make dinner reservations in advance. Reservations can be made now by visiting www.steelstacks.org/eat.

In keeping with the theme of its SABOR Latin Festival, which would have taken place this weekend, ArtsQuest will be featuring some of the region’s top Latino artists. On Friday from 6-8 p.m., the Air Products Town Square will offer the sounds of Pancho Bongo y Su Orquesta, while Saturday from 6-8 p.m. acclaimed percussionist Hector Rosado will bring his dynamic trio to SteelStacks.

Latino artists will also be featured as part of the “Levitt in Your Living Room” online series this weekend. Artists include Gina Chavez June 25, Pablo Batista’s Latin Jazz Ensemble with special guest Nestor Torres from SABOR 2019 June 26 and Latin Express from Levitt Pavilion Arlington on June 27.

Starting July 1, the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks will be open Wednesday-Saturday starting at 5 p.m., with regular Wednesday night shows from 7-9 p.m. by Craig Thatcher, Nyke Van Wyk and Cliff Starkey, and Thursday sets from 7-9 p.m. by Billy Bauer. First priority on seating given to those who make dinner reservations in advance. Reservations for the July events can be made by visiting www.steelstacks.org/eat beginning June 28.

Additional performers will be announced on the SteelStacks website and Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/SteelStacks/. ArtsQuest will be announcing the return of its special July 4th Celebration by the end of this week.

“We are extremely excited to return to our roots and offer live music that brings our community together, something that’s especially important during these challenging times we are just starting to emerge from,” says ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan. “As a small nonprofit that has been closed since mid-March, we know how hard all of our independent business and artists have been hit by this pandemic. Each year, we support hundreds of small businesses and performers, and this is our first opportunity to resume providing opportunities for them to support their livelihood. We encourage the community to come out and support them.”

Among the menu items guests can enjoy are appetizers like succulent smoked chicken wings; pierogis with caramelized onions, scallions and sour cream; and Bavarian pretzels with hot beer cheese dipping sauce, as well a summer Berry Spring Green Salad, featuring romaine and field greens lettuce blend, crumbled goat cheese, seasonal berries, candied walnuts and a raspberry vinaigrette. A variety of gourmet flatbreads, sandwiches and hand-helds are available including the signature SteelStacks Smash Burger, featuring two beef patties, special Stacks Sauce, hickory smoked cheddar cheese, tomato jam and lettuce on a toasted potato roll, served with house-made kettle chips.

Diverse beverage options, including Buckets of Yuengling FLIGHT and Yuengling beers on draft, as well as frozen cocktails are also available. SteelStacks is one of the first locations in the region to have on draft Yuengling FLIGHT, the next generation of light beer.

The Air Products Town Square and first floor of the ArtsQuest Center are the only portions of building open at this time. ArtsQuest is working on plans to reopen both the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling in July and will announce plans for those two venues by early in July.