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SteelStacks Comedy: Lucky March Shows

march-comedy
By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager / Original photo: Dani Nightlinger

Top of the comedy list to ya! With live comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (and other days, too, sometimes), March is more packed with comedy than a leprechaun’s pot is full of gold. Speaking of which, after you finish this list of March comedy shows, there’s a prize waiting for you at the end of the article…

Two Laugh Minimum: Leighann Lord – 3/1 – buy tickets

Two Laugh Minimum, the Lehigh Valley’s best stand-up comedy showcase is every first Thursday of the month at 8pm! Leighann Lord is a veteran stand-up comedian seen on Comedy Central, HBO, The View, and Netflix. Also featuring: Jason Brown, Rebecca Mackillop, Nate Marshall, and Ian Webster.

Ophira Eisenberg – 3/2 – buy tickets

Ophira Eisenberg is a comedian, writer, and host of NPR’s hit trivia comedy show, Ask Me Another. She has appeared on HBO’s Girls, Comedy Central, The Late Late Show, The Today Show, and VH-1.

We’re Good, You’re Great! – 3/2 – buy tickets

Matt Candio and Evan Stutts (formerly of Mandudebro) bring you the improvised show We’re Good, You’re Great! every first Friday of the month at 10:30pm!

Dear Diary – 3/3 – buy tickets

Hormones. Questionable fashion choices. First jobs. Terrible hair choices. Dating. Angst. So much damn angst. Somehow we all survived these so called “best years of our lives”. Come watch as six comedians explore, analyze, and improvise scenes inspired by their actual diary entries, photographs and poems.

#BestOf Craigslist – 3/8 – buy tickets

Improv comedy and a filthy clickhole! Explore the internet’s original stranger-danger website with some the Lehigh Valley’s best improvisers.

Ryan Hamilton – 3/9 – buy tickets

Ryan Hamilton is endearing comedy lovers, and his future is bright. Named one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch with standout appearances on Netflix, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and Showtime, he’s establishing himself as one of the country’s favorite stand-ups.

The Two Show Show: Cat Sweaters & Flumplenarfs – 3/9 – buy tickets

TWO improv teams for the price of one! Cat Sweaters is a high energy longform improv team who spent nearly two years as a SteelStacks Improv Comedy Power Hour team. The Flumplenarfs live under your bed, but they’re far from scary. Don’t you dare call them monsters, they just want to make people happy.

Improv Comedy Power Hour – 3/10 & 3/24 – buy tickets

The Improv Comedy Power Hour is 60 minutes of completely unscripted, high-energy longform improv performed by two of our resident comedy teams, Family Laundry and Staycation! The regular show happens the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month.

Nerd Nite Bethlehem – 3/15 – buy tickets

Each night three speakers will present talks on a range of topics from science, video games, technology, and other nerdy pursuits. Grab a beer, pull up a seat, and learn something interesting at this unique event. Hosted by Lehigh Valley-based standup & writer Glen Tickle. The regular show happens the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Spitfire – 3/16 – buy tickets

Spitfire is a comedy show full of hot takes and even hotter improv every 3rd Friday of the month! Each show is completely improvised and features hot takes on audience-determined topics, delivered by a very special guest, which are then transformed into improvised, comedic gold.

Let’s Make a Website – 3/17 – buy tickets

Join rock-star computer programmer Mark Vigeant as he takes audience suggestions and builds and launches a completely new original website onstage- that is, if he can overcome his ego.

Improvised Standup – 3/17 – buy tickets

The Lehigh Valley’s best standups and improvisers face a new challenge when they’re given topics to talk about… while they’re onstage! And… YOU might even be the one providing the topic!

Irish Comedy Tour – 3/18 – buy tickets

The Irish Comedy Tour takes the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub and combines it with a boisterous, belly-laugh band of hooligans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV6XlmW-77g

Synced UP – 3/23 – buy tickets

Synced Up is Cindy Marsh, Erica Sylvester, Sam Beedle, Tami Cantilina, and Addyson Teal; 5 ladies who perform improv comedy inspired by something that’s a big deal in your life. They are also pretty snazzy.

Roy Wood Jr. – 3/31 – buy tickets

Currently a correspondent on The Daily Show w/ Trevor Noah, Roy has been described by the Hollywood Reporter as “A Standout”, and Entertainment Weekly called his brand of thought provoking comedy as “charismatic crankiness”. Prior to The Daily Show, Roy spent three years on the TBS sitcom, Sullivan and Son, and still appears as a regular guest.

Thanks for reaching the end of the article! Lucky for you, we have a year-long list of comedy shows going on SteelStacks! That’s your real prize. We’re a nonprofit, so no gold here, sorry.

via GIPHY

Oscar Predictions by the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas Staff

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By Ryan Hill – Programming Director; Anthony DeSanctis – Cinema Coordinator; Lawrence Milano – Cinema Coordinator; Addyson Young – Cinema/Comedy Assistant

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas have been the home to most of the year’s Academy Award nominated films. On Sunday, our big screen is the place to watch Hollywood’s biggest night at the Red Carpet Party presented by Whole Foods Market.

As the staff members in charge of choosing our films, promoting the movies and tearing your ticket stubs, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas staff live and breath cinema. Who will raise the golden trophies? These are their expert predictions.

BEST PICTURE

oscarpost_picture

Will win:

  • The Shape of Water (Ryan, Anthony)
  • Three Billboards (Addy)
  • Lady Bird (Lawrence)

Should win:

  • Get Out (Ryan)
  • Three Billboards (Addy, Lawrence)
  • The Shape of Water (Anthony)

Ryan: I’m not gonna be mad when The Shape of Water wins, but the programmer in me says that Get Out not only should win, but needs to win in order to swing the Oscars back towards something that can actually be relatable to the entire American movie-going public. It helps that it was an incredible accomplishment; I am gonna be mad, however, if the film walks away without a single win.

Anthony: I wouldn’t be surprised if Three Billboards won, but it doesn’t have a Best Director nomination and films almost never win Best Picture without being nominated for Best Director. I think it’s happened like twice in the history of the Academy Awards. Plus The Shape of Water is, quite frankly, the better film.

Lawrence: Lady Bird struck a chord with audiences. It’s delightful, relatable, and touching. Something about it just screams “I’m going to sneak in here and steal this Oscar. Thanks.”

Addy: I didn’t love how angry Three Billboards made me, but I respect a film that can garner intense emotions from its audience.

BEST ACTRESS

oscarpost_actress

Will win:

  • Frances McDormand, Three Billboards (Ryan, Anthony)
  • Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird (Lawrence)
  • Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water (Addy)

Should win:

  • Hawkins (Ryan, Lawrence)
  • McDormand (Anthony)
  • Ronan (Addy)

Addy: Saoirse’s performance really connected with me; I think she does the most accurate portrayal of an angsty female teenager I have ever seen.

Anthony: I’ve always known McDormand was one of the best out there, but I’ve never seen her so raw. To put it simply: she’s badass.

BEST ACTOR

oscarpost_actor

Will win:

  • Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour (Ryan, Anthony, Lawrence)
  • Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name (Addy)

Should win:

  • Oldman (Anthony, Lawrence)
  • Chalamet (Ryan, Addy)

Ryan: Timothee Chalamet, along with fellow nominee Daniel Kaluuya, is the revelation of 2017 in actor-world. His face during the end credits of Call Me By Your Name tells the entire story of that movie.

Lawrence: Will someone give this beautiful man (Oldman) an Oscar already?

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

oscarpost_supportingactor

Will win:

  • Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards (Ryan, Addy, Anthony)

Should win:

  • Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project (Ryan, Anthony)
  • Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards (Addy)

Anthony: Dafoe has always been one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, mostly known for his characters with a dark side. His character in the Florida Project was warm, generous and incredibly likable and one of my favorite characters of 2017. I absolutely love Rockwell, but Dafoe should be going home with the Oscar.

(For some reason Lawrence doesn’t count the Supporting Actor/Actress categories as major and therefore didn’t answer as to who will/should win. Please notify the Screen Actors Guild as to his insubordination.)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

oscarpost_supportingactress

Will win:

  • Allison Janney, I, Tonya (Ryan, Anthony)
  • Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird (Addy)

Should win:

  • Janney (Anthony)
  • Metcalf (Ryan, Addy)

Addy: A lot of times in films, moms are either seen as the enemy or the heroine, with little in between. Laurie’s performance captures the tension that can form between mother and daughter while also showing their bond and love for one another. Like Saoirse’s performance, it just feels very real.

Ryan: [posts the Meryl Streep clapping enthusiastically GIF in response to Addy’s comment despite the fact that he can never truly know what she means]

BEST DIRECTOR

oscarpost_director

Will win:

  • Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water (Ryan, Anthony, Lawrence)
  • Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk (Addy)

Should win:

  • del Toro (Anthony, Lawrence)
  • Nolan (Addy)
  • Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird (Ryan)

Lawrence: del Toro has managed to present to us a haunting masterpiece that is a throwback to old school Hollywood and Universal horror movies. It’s his time to win.

Anthony: del Toro’s heart is all over The Shape of Water. He shows that despite his love for creatures and violence, he’s also a big softie. And the finished product is simply beautiful.

Addy: I love how much story Nolan packed into an hour and a half.

Ryan: Hands down the best field for this category since the FBAC opened in 2011. All of these directors are deserving of recognition and there’s not a single outcome that would be disappointing to me. But Greta Gerwig is an American treasure so she should win.

ALSO:

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

(via Anthony)

Will win:

  • “This is Me”, The Greatest Showman
  • The song is inspiring and uplifting and will be a guaranteed showstopper at the Academy Awards.

    Should win:

  • “Remember Me”, Coco
  • This song is wisely used as a plot device; as the film progresses, you cry harder and harder every time you hear it. And if a simple song like “Remember Me” can get that sort of reaction out of you, it deserves the win.

    BEST FILM EDITING

    (via Lawrence)

    Will/Should win:

  • Baby Driver
  • The best thing about Baby Driver was the incredible and on-the-edge editing.

    ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

    (via Ryan)

    Will win:

  • Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards
  • Should win:

  • Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick
  • or

  • Jordan Peele, Get Out
  • THERE ARE TWO COMEDIANS NOMINATED FOR BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY OSCARS THAT IS THE BESTTTTTTT [posts Meryl Streep clapping GIF yet again]

    via GIPHY

    THE RED CARPET PARTY: Presented by Whole Foods Market
    SUNDAY, MARCH 4
    Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks

    Buy Tickets

    Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School Students Take Home Top Prize at Girl Scout Cookie Crunch

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    Although they came first and foremost for the experience, the students from the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School’s Culinary Arts Program wowed judges at the 4th Annual Girl Scout Cookie Crunch, taking home top honors at the culinary event held Feb. 25 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks’ Musikfest Café in Bethlehem. The culinary students faced off against some of the Lehigh Valley’s most creative chefs, ultimately earning the title of “Cookie Crunch Champions” thanks to their Lemonades® Pepper Chicken Bites with Mango Salsa.

    The Cookie Crunch crowd had its favorites too. More than 300 guests sampled 19 delicious dishes and then voted for their top choices. Bethlehem Dairy Store’s Peanut Butter Patties® Ice Cream was named winner of the coveted Kids’ Choice Award, while Aramark at SteelStacks won Best Sweet Dish for its Caramel deLites® Stuffed French Toast and Carmel’s Braised Thin Mint® Short Ribs won best Savory Dish. All four winners took home cookie jars as trophies.

    cookie-crunch1-bylisaboehmThe complete list of winners is:

    Cookie Crunch Champion – Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School: Culinary Arts
    Best Sweet Dish – Aramark at SteelStacks, Bethlehem
    Best Savory Dish – Carmel, Allentown
    Kids’ Choice Award – Bethlehem Dairy Store, Bethlehem

    The Cookie Crunch also featured an exclusive pre-event cooking demonstration for Girl Scouts led by four Fearless Female chefs. The Girl Scout Cookie Crunchdown, now in its second year, included motivational talks and dessert workshops with 2017 “Hell’s Kitchen” runner-up Heather Williams formerly of OAK Steakhouse and Marblehead Chowder House; Pastry Chef Sarah Sobers of Buddy V’s Ristorante at Sands Resort Bethlehem; Girl Scout and “Chopped Jr.” winner Lucy Chelton; and Aramark at SteelStacks Executive Sous Chef Ashley Sherman, a 2014 “Hell’s Kitchen” Contestant.

    “The creative dishes that Cookie Crunch chefs make are undoubtedly the big draw at this event, but it’s the incredible partnership between ArtsQuest, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania and our culinary partners that makes this event so successful every year,” says ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert. “The past two years we’ve really focused on providing a unique educational experience through our Cookie Crunchdown pre-event, so we were very excited to see even more Girl Scouts at this hands-on workshop this year.

    “We thank the Girl Scouts, the participating restaurants, our volunteers and all of the attendees at Cookie Crunch for coming together for an amazing event. Congratulations to the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School and all of the Cookie Crunch winners – we’re already looking forward to seeing what the chefs will make for the 5th-annual Cookie Crunch in February 2019.”

    This Cookie Crunch fundraiser benefits both Girl Scouts of Eastern PA (GSEP) and the ArtsQuest Art Education Fund, which provides quality arts and education programs for area students. GSEP is the largest girl-serving organization in Pennsylvania and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves close to 40,000 girls in partnership with more than 15,000 volunteers. For further information about Girl Scouts, visit www.gsep.org.

    Double-Festing with Walter “Wolfman” Washington

    wolfmanweb
    By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

    A NOLA musician that’s so good, we’re having him play two major ArtsQuest festivals in 2018! Walter “Wolfman” Washington, a mainstay on the New Orleans music scene, comes to Bethlehem as part of the Blast Furnace Blues Festival at SteelStacks in March and as part of Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown at Musikfest Preview Night in August!

    Before he comes to town, let’s get to know the iconic bluesman…

    Washington cut his teeth backing up some of the best singers and performers in New Orleans history before putting together his long time band The Roadmasters who have been burning down and burning up local and national stages since their first gigs in the 1980s.

    His guitar style combines both rhythm and blues, blues, New Orleans funk, and modern jazz into a way of playing that is uniquely his. His singing is emotional and heartfelt. His guitar work is intricate, intimate and full. There is a little Bobby Blue Bland, a little Kenny Burrell, a little George Benson, a little church, and a lot of New Orleans charm and experience in a Walter “Wolfman” Washington performance.

    Walter “Wolfman” Washington and The Roadmasters are known for doing their own soulful originals and then tackling some great unsung covers such as Otis Redding’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” and Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” And in this day and age of musicians imitating the past or trying to recreate it, The Wolfman stands out as a musician steeped in the history but completely contemporary. Few musical acts, if any, do what he does. He is real, authentic and unique.

    The Wolfman is a leader in the New Orleans musical pack! Make sure to catch him once or twice this year on the SteelStacks campus!

    Walter “Wolfman” Washington at the Blast Furnace Blues Festival
    Saturday, March 24

    Buy Tickets

    Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown at Musikfest (ft. Walter “Wolfman” Washington)
    Thursday, August 2

    Buy Tickets

    Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas “Red Carpet Party” 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 http://fest.formstack.com/forms/redcarpetpartysweepstakes by 11:59PM on Sunday, February 25, 2018 or send your first and last name, full mailing address, and phone number on a 3×5 index card with the words Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas “Red Carpet Party” Sweepstakes in a #10 envelope addressed to: ArtsQuest / Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas “Red Carpet Party” Sweepstakes ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015. All mail-in entries must be post-marked by Sunday, February 25, 2018 and received no later than February 25, 2018. Limit one (1) entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning, regardless of method of entry. 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 Whole Foods Market (“Sponsor”) and ArtsQuest (“Promotional Partner”), 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 or Promotional Partner.

    2. Eligibility. Participation open only to permanent legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor and Promotional Partner, 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. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. The drawing will take place on or about February 26, 2018. 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. One (1) grand prize (“Grand Prize”): Two (2) passes to the Red Carpet Party presented by Whole Foods Market and one (1) $50 gift card for Whole Foods Market. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of prize package is $128. 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. Winner will be notified by E-mail or phone on or about the day 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 Promotional Partner 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.

    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, check the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AlehouseCinema or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2018 to: Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas “Red Carpet Party” Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

    9. Sponsor: Whole Foods Market

    10. Promotional Partner: ArtsQuest

    Staff Picks: The Year’s Best Films

    favoritefilms2018

    The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas staff and ArtsQuest Cinema Committee have seen a lot of great films and eaten a lot of popcorn over the past year. Hollywood will crown their favorite films in a couple weeks (which you can watch on the big screen at The Red Carpet Party presented by Whole Foods Market.) You can also see some of these Oscar nominated films right now at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

    The Red Carpet Party pres. by Whole Foods Market
    Sunday, March 4

    Buy Tickets

    Ryan Hill, Programming Director

    ladybird2_web

    1. Lady Bird
    2. Florida Project
    3. The Shape of Water
    4. Get Out
    5. The Big Sick
    6. Dunkirk
    7. I Am Not Your Negro
    8. Wonder Woman
    9. I, Tonya
    10. mother!

    I am the one compiling all these lists so I can see that no one on my staff even included Sean Baker’s incredible Florida Project, let alone put it at #2, so look for job openings soon. As for mother!, I’m still not even sure I actually liked the movie, but I loved that it was made and am still thinking about it, so it squeaks in. I Am Not Your Negro may have made some 2016 lists as IMDB has it as a ’16 release while Rotten Tomatoes has it as ’17. Doesn’t matter; it’s one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen about one of the most fascinating people the world has ever seen. Call Me By Your Name would have been on this list if the first 45 minutes weren’t so incredibly slow. The last 45 minutes, however – incredible; I can’t decide whether it or Florida Project has the better final shot. Lady Bird continues my platonic love affair with Greta Gerwig, who masterfully paces her directorial debut while avoiding cliché. As my fiancée said when the credits started rolling: “It’s over? I could have watched eight more hours of that!” If I hadn’t already proposed, I would have right then and there.

    Anthony DeSanctis, Cinema Coordinator

    coco_web

    1. Coco: Pixar once again shows why they are one of the best studios working today. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a reaction to a film quite like this. Coco is both breathtaking and beautiful. One of the most emotional films I’ve seen in a long time to the point that I was continuously sobbing for the last 15 minutes of it. I don’t see how this doesn’t win Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. I’d have used that vacant 10th Best Picture nomination slot and given it to this film.
    2. The Shape of Water: To put it simply… The Shape of Water is poetry in motion. The film is memorizing from start to finish. Not since Pan’s Labyrinth has Guillermo Del Toro poured his heart into a project like this. It’s haunting yet enchanting. Easily one of the best romances on film I’ve seen in recent memory. This is a film that stays with you long after it finishes. And Sally Hawkins will steal your heart.
    3. Dunkirk: Dunkirk is a technical masterpiece. This is a film that will be dissected in film classes for years to come for its craft and technique. There are only a handful of directors who can sell a movie on their name alone, and Christopher Nolan is definitely one of them. And he is very much the star of Dunkirk.
    4. Phantom Thread: Paul Thomas Anderson’s contemporary take on a Gothic romance is absolutely incredible. If Hitchcock were alive today, this is the kind of film he’d make. Despite its dark core, the film is wickedly funny, sophisticated, and it’s use of certain colors is gorgeous. Daniel Day-Lewis, why do you have to retire? If this really is his final performance, he goes out with a mic drop.
    5. Lady Bird: Who doesn’t love a good coming-of-age story? And Lady Bird breathes new life into the genre. I’m so happy Greta Gerwig got Best Director and Best Original Screenplay nominations for this film because she absolutely deserves them. Everything about the film feels honest and genuine. And I’m always a sucker for witty dialogue.
    6. Get Out: With Get Out, Jordan Peele shows he’s a creative force to be reckoned with. This is one of the best directorial debuts I’ve ever seen. The film is already a modern day classic. Frightening, hilarious and thought-provoking all at once.
    7. The Big Sick: The Big Sick does something most romantic comedies fail to do: it actually succeeds in being both comedic and romantic. There are very few films out there that can deliver gut busting laughs and then break your heart minutes later. And The Big Sick does it multiple times!
    8. It: It’s been a long time since a horror movie has given me characters so likable, so funny, so… well developed. Half the time I felt like I was watching a Goonies spin-off, except there’s a clown that eats children. And Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise is terrifying.
    9. Good Time: The most underrated film of the year. Good Time grabs you from the minute it starts and refuses to let you go. Easily Robert Pattinson’s best performance.
    10. Call Me By Your Name: I was hooked from the opening credits. And the opening credits are terrific. But it wasn’t until the end credits starting rolling that I realized just how much I loved this film. And the end credits are powerful… like “parade of emotions” powerful.

    Lawrence Milano, Cinema Coordinator

    raw_web

    1. Raw: Raw is an arthouse film from French director Julia Ducournau which focuses on two sisters bonding over one common interest: Cannibalism. This film is absolutely flawless in its writing, acting, and no holds barred subject matter. A must see for anyone and everyone.
    2. The Killing of a Sacred Deer: The director of Dogtooth, Alps, and The Lobster returns behind the camera with this incredibly uncomfortable piece of cinema about revenge.
    3. It: This new adaptation of Stephen King’s novel felt like it turned the theater into an immersive haunted house. Absolutely brilliant and horrifying.
    4. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: A realistic story with realistic characters. It’s down to earth and yet brutal. It’s also one of the best written films in 2017. If this doesn’t win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, I’ll probably riot.
    5. The Shape of Water: Creature from the Black Lagoon meets Beauty and the Beast. A classic love story with unique twist that keeps you emotionally engaged throughout.
    6. Get Out: Hilarious. Dark. Genius.
    7. Colossal: This film spoke to me on a spiritual level in ways no other film has in 2017.
    8. The Void: A throwback to 80’s horror. Gory and suspenseful!
    9. Pieles: A Spanish film about people with deformities (physical and emotionally) trying to find acceptance and love. It’s also one of the most disturbing films I have ever seen.
    10. Lady Bird: I went to a Catholic high school and can confirm: Most of this film is pretty spot on.

    Addyson Young, Cinema & Comedy Assistant

    ladybird1_web

    1. Lady Bird: Not even a doubt that this was my favorite movie of the year. Greta Gerwig writes the most realistic depiction of what it’s like to be a teenage girl I have ever seen.
    2. Shape of Water: Sally Hawkins is incredible in this movie, and she doesn’t even say a single word.
    3. The Big Sick: This film made romantic comedies cool again.
    4. The Beguiled: I heard a lot of mixed reviews about this film, many claiming it was too slow. For me, that slowness is what made the movie so remarkable. It added to the balmy southern summer that the movie is set in.
    5. Beauty and the Beast: My nostalgic love of the original animated version combined with my love of Emma Watson made this film a pure delight.
    6. Mr. Roosevelt: Written by, directed by, and starring Noel Wells (former SNL cast member); this indie film has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 30 reviews. While this film is currently unknown, I’m predicting it’s going to do great when it gets released to Netflix (editor’s note: it’s on Netflix!).
    7. Dunkirk: I’m amazed with what Christopher Nolan did with an hour and a half and hardly any dialogue. This film’s star is definitely its sound and scene design.
    8. Pitch Perfect 3: This movie was crazy. I appreciate that the writers of this film knew they somehow had to heighten the stakes of this film beyond winning a singing a competition.
    9. Get Out: I will fight anyone who says this is a comedy. (verbally)
    10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: As a piece of art, I can’t argue that this is an incredible film. It’s beautifully done with an original plot that is both serious and humorous, but it scared me and stressed me out. I highly suggest everyone watch this movie… but I don’t want to watch it again.

    BOB KILKER, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE/TUESDAY TALKBACK HOST

    1. The Shape of Water
    2. Lady Bird
    3. Get Out
    4. The Florida Project
    5. Dunkirk
    6. Wind River
    7. Phantom Thread
    8. The Big Sick
    9. Colossal
    10. Wonder Woman

    ROBERT DANIELS, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE

    1. Raw
    2. Call Me By Your Name
    3. The Florida Project
    4. Lady Bird
    5. Phantom Thread
    6. Columbus
    7. Good Time
    8. Get Out
    9. mother!
    10. Brawl in Cell Block 99

    LAUREN TOCCI, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE

    1. The Shape of Water
    2. Dunkirk
    3. Get Out
    4. Big Sick
    5. Lady Bird
    6. Mother!
    7. Coco
    8. The Post
    9. The Beguiled
    10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

    TIM MOLCHANY, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE

    1. Dunkirk
    2. Lady Bird
    3. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri
    4. Baby Driver
    5. The Shape of Water
    6. Phantom Thread
    7. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore
    8. Get Out
    9. The Post
    10. Blade Runner 2049

    CATHERINE FORD, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE

    1. Shape of Water
    2. Lady Bird
    3. The Big Sick
    4. The Florida Project
    5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
    6. Dunkirk
    7. Whose Streets?
    8. Get Out
    9. Call Me by Your Name
    10. Battle of the Sexes

    JASON PAULUS, ARTSQUEST CINEMA COMMITTEE

    1. Call Me by Your Name
    2. Lady Bird
    3. Baby Driver
    4. I, Tonya
    5. As You Are
    6. Good Time
    7. The Killing of a Sacred Deer
    8. Molly’s Game
    9. Blade Runner 2049
    10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

    The Red Carpet Party pres. by Whole Foods Market
    Sunday, March 4
    6:30 pm
    FRANK BANKO ALEHOUSE CINEMAS

    Buy Tickets

    SOUTHSIDE ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL FREE CONCERTS FOR EVENT APRIL 20-21

    roi-and-the-secret-people

    Shows, presented by Lehigh Valley Underground and ArtsQuest, are designed to draw guests to South Bethlehem’s restaurants, pubs and businesses

    An acclaimed singer-songwriter playing amid the pottery of Color Me Mine, and the alt-country sounds of Acoustic Kitty Project at the Comfort Suites, are part of the diverse music experiences SouthSide Arts & Music Festival (SSAMF) attendees can enjoy for free thanks to a new partnership between ArtsQuest and Lehigh Valley Underground, the region’s premier website dedicated to promoting the Lehigh Valley’s indie music scene.

    During SSAMF, music lovers can purchase a ticket to see acts like 2018 GRAMMY winners The Infamous Stringdusters, indie rockers Delta Rae, singer-songwriter Dar Williams and Talking Heads Tribute “Start Making Sense” performing at five SouthSide music and arts venues. In addition, South Bethlehem will come alive with 10 additional free concerts at venues like Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Domaci and Sotto Santi. The partnership between Lehigh Valley Underground and the nonprofit ArtsQuest pushes the total number of musical acts at this year’s festival to more than 30 in all, with live music taking place in 10 different venues throughout the SouthSide during the two-day event.

    “ArtsQuest is our region’s premier arts and culture organization, so partnering with them on the SouthSide Arts & Music Festival is a tremendous honor,” says Gerard Longo, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Lehigh Valley Underground. “This partnership will provide 10 local performing artists with a meaningful opportunity to share their passions with new audiences, while increasing the visibility of several South Bethlehem businesses throughout the weekend.”

    Among the artists attendees can enjoy for free are Julia Sommer, performing at Color Me Mine April 20, 6:30 p.m. The winner of Discover Lehigh Valley’s “Discovered” New Artist Award at the 2017 Lehigh Valley Music Awards, Sommer is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter who has performed at Highline Ballroom in New York City, Hotel Bethlehem, The Sands Event Center and Musikfest. In 2016, she auditioned for NBC’s “The Voice.” This year, she was selected to perform in the finals of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s High School Rock Off competition Feb. 17.

    Roi and the Secret People, who perform at Comfort Suites’ Hill to Hill Grille April 20, 6:30 p.m., are renowned for their exciting live shows, having played clubs like Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge in New York City and The World Live Cafe, North Star Bar and The Tin Angel in Philadelphia. In 2015, the quintet rocked Musikfest as one of the bands presented by Liberty High School as part of the “Marketing Musikfest” program.

    If alt-country sounds are your favorite genre, then check out Acoustic Kitty Project, which performs at Hill to Hill Grille April 21, 6:30 p.m. Whether playing as a solo acoustic act, or as a five-piece band, the Acoustic Kitty Project delivers gutsy, passionate performances every time. This band’s sets feature original tunes covering heartbreak, redemption, love and loss, as well as a healthy dose of covers sprinkled in for fun.

    ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan, who books the acts for the SSAMF, says ArtsQuest is excited to partner with Lehigh Valley Underground to showcase so many area musicians.

    “Gerard and Lehigh Valley Underground have done an excellent job highlighting the Lehigh Valley’s local musicians at events like First Fridays in South Bethlehem, as well as via the videos and articles on the Lehigh Valley Underground website,” Brogan says. “Showcasing and helping to promote the region’s growing music scene has long been a part of ArtsQuest mission, and when we sat down to talk with Gerard, his enthusiasm for local acts and artists was evident from the start.”

    “This is a great partnership between two groups that have very similar goals, and we hope that working together results in a great experience for our local musicians, our festival guests and especially the businesses that are hosting these performances.”

    The complete lineup of free Lehigh Valley Underground performances is:

    Friday, April 20

    Color Me Mine (25 E. 3rd St.)
    6:30-8 p.m.: Julia Sommer

    Comfort Suites Hill to Hill Grille (120 W. 3rd St.)
    6:30-8 p.m.: Roi and the Secret People

    Domaci (21 E. 3rd St.)
    7-8:30 p.m.: Kayla Avitabile

    Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub (8 E. 4th St.)
    6-7:30 p.m.: Chelsea Lyn Meyer

    Sotto Santi (10 W. 4th St.)
    8-9:30 p.m.: Rofo Audio

    Saturday, April 21

    Color Me Mine (25 E. 3rd St.)
    5-6:30 p.m.: Jordyn Kenzie

    Comfort Suites Hill to Hill Grille (120 W. 3rd St.)
    6:30-8 p.m.: Acoustic Kitty Project

    Domaci (21 E. 3rd St.)
    7-8:30 p.m.: January Noon

    Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub (8 E. 4th St.)
    6-7:30 p.m.: Cass McSparin

    Sotto Santi (10 W. 4th St.)
    8-9:30 p.m.: theLionhearted

    The SouthSide Arts & Music Festival features two days filled with visual arts experiences, live music and family programming, all designed to encourage guests to visit South Bethlehem’s shops, restaurants and arts venues. In addition to concerts, the festival includes an ArtsWalk featuring artisans and fine art vendors; art installations and sculpture throughout the SouthSide’s business district; a skateboarding competition by Homebase610 and more.

    For tickets to shows like Infamous Stringdusters and Delta Rae, as well as complete details on the festival, visit www.steelstacks.org.

    ArtsQuest “Blast Furnace Blues Festival 3-Day Passes” 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 http://fest.formstack.com/forms/bfb_3daypasses by 11:59PM on Sunday, February 11, 2018. 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 February 11, 2018. 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. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. The drawing will take place on or about February 12, 2018. 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. One (1) grand prize (“Grand Prize”): Two (2) 3-day passes to the Blast Furnace Blues Festival at SteelStacks. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of prize package is $198. 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. Winner will be notified by email 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.

    8. List of Winner. To obtain the name of the winning individual, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 12, 2018 to: ArtsQuest / “Blast Furnace Blues Festival 3-Day Passes” Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

    9. Sponsor. ArtsQuest

    SteelStacks Comedy: February Shows You’ll Love

    february-comedy
    By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

    If you love to laugh, SteelStacks has a comedy show for you this February. If you’re in a relationship, bring a date! If you’re single, who knows, you could find the love of your life in the audience! Either way, we want to fill your heart with joy from these stand-up, improv and sketch comedy shows!

    Two Laugh Minimum: Doogie Horner – 2/1 – buy tickets

    Come out to Two Laugh Minimum, the Lehigh Valley’s best standup comedy showcase, every first Thursday of the month at 8pm! Doogie Horner was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent where he famously won over a hostile NYC crowd. Also featuring Kirk Griffiths, Roya Hamadani, Jake Mattera and Leticia Viloria.

    Financial Guru Gregg Gethard: Money Talks – 2/2 – buy tickets

    “Financial Guru” Gregg Gethard is a personal finance expert/motivational speaker best known for his best-selling memoir “Cash Dad Trash Dad.” The Philadelphia comedian’s show parodies the get-rich quick schemes and seminars that target people trying to better their lives.

    We’re Good, You’re Great! – 2/2 – buy tickets

    Matt Candio and Evan Stutts (formerly of Mandudebro) bring you the improvised show We’re Good, You’re Great! every first Friday of the month at 10:30pm!

    Jim Tews – 2/3 – buy tickets

    Comedian and writer Jim Tews, a native of Allentown, is the creator of the New York Times Bestseller Felines of New York. He made his stand-up television debut on Last Comic Standing.

    The Two Show Show: A Day at the Office & New Phone, Who Dis? – 2/3 – buy tickets

    TWO shows for the price of one! A Day at the Office is an improv comedy show that brings to life the crazy/weird/mundane situations that happen in the workplace. New Phone, Who Dis? is a solo comedy show performed by Jon Lunger. It’s the journey of a self-loathing psuedo-millennial coping with the realization that his phone really is the boss of his life.

    #Bestof OkCupid – 2/8 – buy tickets

    “Dating is fun & easy,” said every asshole you know. Experience an improvised take on internet creepers, online dating, and everything that is OkCupid! Featuring the Lehigh Valley’s most amorous improvisers.

    The Two Show Show: Cat Sweaters & Flumplenarfs – 2/9 – buy tickets

    TWO improv teams for the price of one! Cat Sweaters is a high energy longform improv team who spent nearly two years as a SteelStacks Improv Comedy Power Hour team. The Flumplenarfs live under your bed, but they’re far from scary. Don’t you dare call them monsters, they just want to make people happy.

    Improv Comedy Power Hour – 2/10 & 2/24 – buy tickets

    The Improv Comedy Power Hour is 60 minutes of completely unscripted, high-energy longform improv performed by two of our resident comedy teams, Family Laundry and Staycation! The regular show happens the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month.

    Drew Lynch – 2/11 – buy tickets

    In 2015, Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his “Golden Buzzer” performance on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent.

    Nerd Nite Bethlehem – 2/15 – buy tickets

    Each night three speakers will present talks on a range of topics from science, video games, technology, and other nerdy pursuits. Grab a beer, pull up a seat, and learn something interesting at this unique event. Hosted by Lehigh Valley-based standup & writer Glen Tickle. The regular show happens the 3rd Thursday of every month.

    Spoiler Alert: Titanic – 2/17 – buy tickets

    Spoiler Alert is a frenetic, sort-of-improvised performance that will remind you why you love movies in the first place. This time, it’s a hilarious send-up and take-down of James Cameron’s 1997 romantic-disaster masterpiece about The Little Boat That Couldn’t, Titanic!

    The Two Show Show: Dinner and a Movie – 2/17 – buy tickets

    TWO shows for the price of one! The Blind Date Show is exactly what you expect: a live, on stage date between two people who have never met. After the Credits is a film-centric improv comedy show that creates sequels/post-credit scenes to some of cinema’s greatest offerings!

    Game Show Night: I’m Probably Reading Into This… – 2/22 – buy tickets

    The comedy game show of over-analysis. Two teams of comedians, and over-thinkers, compete to find the deep, true, and profound meanings of seemingly mundane photos, videos, and situations.

    Hockey Fight – 2/24 – buy tickets

    Drop the gloves and get ready to laugh! A roster of the Lehigh Valley’s funniest enforcers throw down in this scripted character show about the only sport you’re legally allowed to knock someone’s teeth out.

    Have a lovely February!

    via GIPHY

    Roosevelt’s 21st Named Souper Bowl IX Champion

    souper-bowl-winner_web
    Chef Benjamin Leffler (left) from Roosevelt’s 21st, the Souper Bowl IX Champion, and ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert.

    BETHLEHEM, PA—With 19 restaurants and 29 soups, the competition was tasty – and fierce – at Souper Bowl IX, the culinary event held at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Café in Bethlehem Jan. 27.

    Roosevelt’s 21st of Bethlehem took top honors for its dynamic and flavorful Beer Can Chicken Chowder. Chef Benjamin Leffler and his team were named Souper Bowl Champions after capturing the most attendee votes during the annual fundraiser, which raised more than $20,000 for the Arts Education Fund for ArtsQuest, the nonprofit that presents Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and classes and programs at the Banana Factory arts center and SteelStacks.

    “The proceeds from the Souper Bowl support the wide range of art programs offered to local schools through ArtsQuest,” says ArtsQuest Director of Education & Outreach Lisa Harms. “We’re grateful to all those who came out to taste the many delicious soups and also help provide arts access to thousands of children in our community. We’d also like to recognize the four student chefs from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School who entered their delicious Cheesy Baked Potato and Thai Coconut Curry soups in the competition. This is a great addition to our ongoing partnership with the Bethlehem Area School District.”

    Runner-up in the Souper Bowl Champion category was Volpe’s Sports Bar of Emmaus with a Beer Belly Bisque, while Easton’s The View at Morgan Hill’s Crème Brulée Soup was named second runner-up.

    The official Souper Bowl Judging panel also handed out several honors at the conclusion of the Souper Bowl. Winners were:

    Best Cream-Based – Crème Brulée Soup from The View at Morgan Hill, Easton
    Best Ethnic – Greek Mountain Stew from Daisy Hill Deli & Grill, Allentown
    Best Meat-Based – Beer Can Chicken Chowder from Roosevelt’s 21st, Bethlehem
    Best Seafood-Based – Shrimp Bisque from SouthSide 313, Bethlehem
    Best Vegetarian – Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Johnny’s Bagels & Deli, Bethlehem
    Most Original – Kefir Yogurt Fig Soup from Forks Mediterranean Deli, Forks Township

    Judges for Souper Bowl IX were Nicholas Coleman of The Restaurant Store, ArtsQuest Board of Trustees Chair Jim Creedon, Alexandra Hogan of WFMZ-TV 69 News and Becca Lynn & Sam Malone of CAT Country 96.

    The Souper Bowl is presented The Restaurant Store, in association with media partner 100.7 WLEV. Proceeds from the event will go to support ArtsQuest’s arts and education programs and experiences for area students. Souper Bowl X is set for Jan. 26, 2019. Tickets for the event will go on sale later this year.

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