Maria Bamford Talks the Weird and Wonderful World of Comedy

By Emily Cummins, Public Relations Coordinator

Named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Funniest People, and winner of the 2014 American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic, Maria Bamford takes oddball comedy to the next level. Whether she’s performing in her living room with her parents on the couch as her only audience in “The Special Special Special!” or she’s baring it all in the semi-autobiographical series “Lady Dynamite,” which explores her struggles with Type-II Bipolar, Bamford is unapologetically awkward in a way that is simultaneously endearing, uncomfortable and endlessly entertaining.

One of the most acclaimed and original stand-up comics in the country, Bamford was the first female comic to have two half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” specials and starred alongside Patton. Her new Netflix special “Old Baby” premieres later this year.
Ahead of her performance at SteelStacks’ Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling Aug. 18, 8:30 p.m., we chatted with Bamford about her career.

AQ: You’ve had a tremendous amount of voice acting roles including everything from “Hey Arnold” to “The Adventures of Puss in Boots.” What is special to you about voice acting, and who has been your favorite character to portray?

MB: I always like playing my mother’s voice because then I get to think like my mom or how I think my mom thinks. I got to do that on “Barnyard” by Nickelodeon and in sideline characters in “Adventure Time” and “Word Girl” on PBS.

AQ: In “Lady Dynamite” you play yourself in a show based on your life. What is it like to work on something so personal?

MB: It is wonderful in that it’s very cathartic to re-experience things with a whole team acting it all out, but in the same way it is stressful, as I definitely worry that I’m not being true to myself or other people involved, I don’t want to sell myself or others out. I’m not sure whether I’ve succeeded!

AQ: In the show, and in your standup, you address your struggles with mental illness. What’s the importance of sharing your experiences through a comedic lens?

MB: Well, it’s the only material I have. I work with what I’ve got, and that’s been a big part of my life. So, in that way the reason I don’t have a lot of material about having kids or being from Russia is arguably because of sloth and a lack of curiosity to research other people’s experiences.

AQ: Many fans were first introduced to you as DeBrie Bardeaux. What was it like to join “Arrested Development” when it was picked up by Netflix for its fourth season?

MB: Awesome! Always great to get a job! Especially with a very creative set with people I admire!

AQ: Before comedy, what was the worst job you’ve ever had? And if you had to be something other than an actress/comedian what would you be?

MB: The hardest job, for me, was waitressing and it was so hard that I quit. Same goes for substitute teaching- the anxiety was so high that I couldn’t even begin – despite being qualified and accepted to do it. I think that I’d make an okay Mayor, but I’d definitely need more patience and willingness to listen to the thoughts of others. That’s not my greatest skill, but I don’t mind a rousing speech.

AQ: What can the audience expect from your upcoming show at SteelStacks this summer?

MB: A grandiose display of wealth. No, just myself and my friend Jackie Kashian, working hard and playing hard to bring you joy. All are welcome!

AQ Bonus Question: If you were an astronaut where would you want to go first?

MB: Home! I love the returning flight.

Maria Bamford
FRIDAY, Aug. 18
8:30 pm
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

Buy Tickets

Kevin Nealon’s Five Funniest TV & Film Roles

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

Since debuting on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson as a standup in 1984, comedian and actor Kevin Nealon has been a versatile and hilarious part of many of your favorite TV shows and movies.

In honor of Kevin Nealon’s standup show in the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling on May 7, here are five of the comic’s funniest roles over the past three decades…

Pumping up with Hans & Franz on Saturday Night Live

The late-80s and early-90s on SNL were packed with iconic characters, including the iron-pumping tandem of Hans & Franz! With fellow cast member Dana Carvey, this was one of Kevin Nealon’s first big roles on the iconic show. Brought back in 2014 for a series of insurance commercials with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Hans & Franz are still pumping you up almost 30 years later.

Doug Wilson from Weeds

Appearing on all 8 seasons of the Showtime series Weeds, Nealon played Doug Wilson who was arguably the show’s funniest character. Riding the ups and downs of Nancy’s pot dealer career, Doug Wilson gave us classic moments like this banjo montage.

Weekend Update Anchor on Saturday Night Live

“I’m Kevin Nealon, and that’s news to me.”

For three seasons between 1991-1994, Kevin Nealon was the anchor of SNL‘s longest-running sketch Weekend Update. Nealon skewered the news and acted as the straight man for legendary character bits such as Adam Sandler’s “Operaman” and Chris Farley’s “Bennett Brauer” (watch below).

Being Humiliated in Adam Sandler Movies

If you’ve seen any of Adam Sandler’s many movies. You’ve seen Kevin Nealon. He’s had roles in Happy Gilmore, Anger Management, Eight Crazy Nights, Little Nicky, and more. Although, as Nealon explains to Conan O’Brien, it seems like Sandler is always trying to embarrass him on camera…

Mr. Subliminal on Saturday Night Live

Perhaps (definitely) Kevin Nealon’s best SNL character is Mr. Subliminal (hilarious). The character made many (not enough) appearances in sketches and Weekend Update segments throughout the late-80s (gnarly) and early-90s (phat).

Harness the good energy. Block out the bad. Get tickets to see Kevin Nealon at SteelStacks.

via GIPHY

Kevin Nealon
SUNDAY, May 7
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

Buy Tickets

Programmers’ Picks: SouthSide Arts & Music Festival

The new SouthSide Arts & Music Festival (April 28-29) is a glorious combination of the two things ArtsQuest does best: showcasing nationally-touring musicians and providing high-caliber visual arts programming to the Lehigh Valley. Patrick Brogan and Stacie Brennan, tasked with picking the bands and artists to feature at the Southside Arts & Music Festival (SSAMF), are extremely excited and proud to present this festival for the first time. Below, you can find their picks of can’t-miss programs over this awesome April weekend!

TOP 5: Music to catch at SSAMF!

By Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer & Manager of the ArtsQuest Center

1. The headliners: Rusted Root & Robert Randolph

We’ll have great headliners in the Café each night with Rusted Root taking you back to the 90s playing their hits and creating a great vibe of fun and energized music, and then Robert Randolph and the Family Band simply crushing an audience with skilled blues and rhythm music. Randolph was such a hit at Blues Fest last year we couldn’t wait to get him back, and Rusted Root has been regularly filling the Café with great performances year-after-year. Both nights will end with a great show in the Musikfest Café.

2. Discovery Artist: The Sun Parade

This four piece indie rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts is my favorite “new” act on the lineup. They are a little bit Beatles, a little bit Dr. Dog. I’m a big fan of their singles “Heart’s Out” and “Need You By My Side.”

3. Legendary Artists: Steve Forbert, Coco Montoya, Pablo Batista

80s pop songwriter Steve Forbert is a great live show made even better by the intimacy that the venue of Godfrey Daniels provides, Coco Montoya is a legendary blues artist with amazing guitar skills and  Pablo Batista (a Holy Infancy & SouthSide alum!) is the coolest Latin percussionist you’ve ever met having toured with the likes of Alicia Keys, John Legend and more.

4. Younger Favorite Artists: Ceramic Animal

Ceramic Animal, our Artist In Residence this year, has a great retro-rock sound heavily influenced by the 60s/70s, but with a modern take, while Ballroom Thieves is more pop-indie-folk; I could listen to their song “Arrows”on repeat for hours. Also, Blair Crimmins & the Hookers (out of Atlanta, GA) are southern Dixieland & Ragtime soul, and just may deliver the highlight shows of the whole event.

5. Everything else!

There are dance performances in the Commons at the ArtsQuest Center each night, there is an improv comedy show, there are students performing, there’s an Indian pop singer, there are visual art engagements everywhere, there is Social Still, The Bookstore and Bonn Place Brewing Co. for great drinks, plus Jenny’s and Molinari’s and countless places for great eats. The spirit of the SouthSide of Bethlehem is one of engaging discovery across a palate that honors the grit of the work and workers here before alongside the passion and energy of the future through the arts. It’s going to be a ton of fun!

Click here to check out the full SSAMF performer lineup!

TOP 5: Visual Arts activities to check out at SSAMF!

By Stacie Brennan, Senior Director of Visual Arts

1. Dripped on the Road

Experience the power of public art in action as the Dripped on the Road artists install a giant mural to the gateway of the shops in the SouthSide Arts District on the side of 24 East 3rd street. Then learn from the artists at a hands-on workshop that gives you tips and tricks designing and mural for installing artwork outdoors.

2. Jay Walker: “The Steelworker” Tape Art Installation, Plaid Shirt Project and Graffiti Tape Art Workshop

Jay Walker is a classically trained artist from Pennsylvania Academy of Art, who has taken pop and street art to the next level using alternative materials including tape. Inspired by the history of Bethlehem Steel and the workers who breathed life into its past, Jay Walker created a colorful large-scale installation from duct tape that incorporates the uniform and everyday clothing that were once worn by steel workers. He will also be including SouthSide Bethlehem as a destination for his international public art project called the “Plaid Shirt Project,” where he adheres vinyl and tape art shirts like graffiti in unexpected places.

3. Lehigh Valley Art Wars

Watch local artists create in a competitive environment where they are challenged to complete a work of art based on a theme within in a two-hour period. Four separate battles will take place during the festival where 16 artists will be whittled down to 8 artist who will move on to the next round. Artists bring their own supplies and Art Wars supplies the substrate to create on.

4. Hands-on Arts Projects

Choose from a variety of hands-on art projects for children and adults that are sure to jump-start your creativity and leave you with a feeling of pride when you complete them. From a cute and vividly painted cactus, to a Frida Kahlo inspired flower crown, you will have lots of creative projects to either wear or display.

5. Face Painting by Peanut Butter

Experience face painting like you never have before, and become part of the artistic display at the festival. With unique and easy to remove air brushed designs using water-based, non-toxic paints and jewels, festival attendees become a work of art in less than 12 minutes.

Click here to check out the full SSAMF visual arts lineup!

SouthSide Arts & Music Festival
APRIL 28-29
Bethlehem, PA

Buy Tickets

Songs for Another Time: Our 5 Favorite Songs Old Dominion Wrote for Other Artists

By Alicia Rohrbach, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator

Old Dominion has certainly seen their fair share of success in 2015 and 2016 – with “Break up with Him” going platinum and spending two weeks at #1, “Snapback” reaching RIAA certified Gold status, and “Song For Another Time” climbing to the top spot on the charts. The band is comprised of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, guitarist and keyboardist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers.

The band received recognition in 2016 winning New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards and Breakthrough Group/Duo of the Year at the American Country Countdown Awards. But did you know they were writing tunes before their 2015 release Meat and Candy gained popularity? Before Old Dominion visits SteelStacks for the Yuengling Summer Concert Series, check out some of our favorite songs that the band members co-wrote.

5. “Come Back to Me” – Keith Urban

This Keith Urban tune was co-written by Trevor Rosen along with Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.

Keith Urban:

4. “Better Dig Two” – The Band Perry

Trevor Rosen co-wrote “Better Dig Two” along with Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and it rose to the top spot on the charts. (Sidenote: The Band Perry headlines Musikfest on August 11!)

The Band Perry:

Old Dominion:

3. “Make You Miss Me” – Sam Hunt

Matthew Ramsey co-wrote the song with Sam Hunt and Josh Osborne. It became Sam Hunt’s fourth #1 from his album Montevallo.

Sam Hunt:

Old Dominion:

2. “Say You Do” Dierks Bentley

“Say You Do”, which spent two weeks at number one, is a song penned by Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen along with Shane McAnally.

Dierks Bentley:

Matt Ramsey:

1. “Save It For a Rainy Day” – Kenny Chesney

Brad Tursi, the band’s guitarist, and Matthew Ramsey get the co-writing nods along with Andrew Dorff for “Save It For a Rainy Day” which spent three weeks at #1. Old Dominion toured with Kenny Chesney twice, in 2015 on The Big Revival Tour and again in 2016 on the Spread the Love Tour.

Kenny Chesney:

Kenny Chesney & Old Dominion:

Old Dominion
SUNDAY, August 27
Yuengling Summer Concert Series

Buy Tickets

Leading Ladies: Upcoming Performer Spotlights

By Ally Abramson, ArtsQuest Marketing Intern

National Women’s History Month is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the celebration should stop. Year-round, we enjoy the work of female performers, artists, and comedians who bring their vibrant talents to ArtsQuest programming. Here’s a look at some of the leading ladies showcasing their skills at SteelStacks, The Banana Factory and Musikfest…

Banana Factory Art Classes – Year-Round – Current Classes

Throughout the year, our teaching artists hold classes in various art forms at The Banana Factory. Artists include Virginia Abbott, Deborah Slahta, Angie Snyder Lande, Cotty Kilbanks & more. From single-day workshops to weekly sessions, these classes are a great opportunity to get creative in the Lehigh Valley.

L.V. Improv Comedy Showcase – 4/6 – buy tickets

The Lehigh Valley Improv Comedy Showcase features some of the area’s best female improvisers. Erica Sylvester and Cindy Marsh come together to form dynamic improv duo Aunt Merica. Tami Cantilia and Franny Klapac keep your laughs up-to-date on #NEWS. A lovely creature (don’t call her a monster) Gretch hams it up with The Flumplenarfs.

Marina Franklin – 4/15 – buy tickets

Comedian Marina Franklin has appeared in various festivals, shows, and movies, from Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck, to HBO’s recent Crashing. Franklin also hosts the weekly podcast FriendsLikeUs, where she speaks to women of color about different hot topics.

Ginkgoa – 4/20 – buy tickets

Broadway/TV actress and singer Nicolle Rochelle is 1/2 of Ginkgoa, a band that combines French songs with a distinctly American vibe. The group, discovered in the well-known French festival “Les Francofolies,” has performed more than 140 dates and will be releasing their first album later this year.

That’s Historical! – 4/29 – buy tickets

“That’s Historical!” is a history based sketch comedy show that you don’t have to study for! Local comedians Shelley Lee and Jen Santos invite you to take a ride in their DeLorean and travel through time to visit famous figures and witness little known historic events as they really* (read: probably) happened.

Sneak Preview Screening of Great News – 5/4 – buy tickets

Tracey Wigfield, Emmy Award winning comedy writer and executive producer of shows like 30 Rock and The Mindy Project, presents a special advance screening of Great News. The show, also produced by Tina Fey, debuts on NBC this Spring. Following the screening, Wigfield joins us for a Q&A!

Caroline Rhea – 5/14 – buy tickets

Comedian Caroline Rhea, best known as Aunt Hilda on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, joins us for this special Mother’s Day performance. Rhea has appeared in several movies including The Perfect Woman and was the host of her own variety and talk show The Caroline Rhea Show in 2002.

Lake Street Dive – 6/13 – buy tickets

Fronted by lead singer Rachael Price, Lake Street Dive got their start in 2005 when they recorded a song written by Bridget Kearney (bass, piano, vocals) that ultimately won the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Since then, the band has released many albums; they describe their sound a combination of pop and swing jazz.

Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line – 7/14 – buy tickets

Nora Jane Suthers presents her new album Wake in this show in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room. Suthers and The Party Line are known for their self proclaimed “classic Americana” style, with songs like “Let Go” and “Carnival.”

The Band Perry – 8/11 – buy tickets

Grammy Award winning superstar sibling trio The Band Perry are an unstoppable presence in music, with hits like “If I Die Young” and “You Lie.” Frontwoman and big sister Kimberly Perry is joined by her brothers in this country/pop band releasing their third studio album this year.

Maria Bamford – 8/18 – buy tickets

Comedian Maria Bamford, star of the semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, and creator of the hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, brings quirky comedy and a great attitude to the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling this August.

Hypoallergenic Spring Comedy at SteelStacks!

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

Turn those sneezes into laughter this Spring with allergy-free comedy at SteelStacks! Avoid all that evil pollen inside our climate-controlled theaters, where tickets are less expensive than those pricey allergy meds. So wake up from your winter hibernation and head to Bethlehem for these hilarious improv, stand-up, sketch and unique comedy shows!

The Regularly Scheduled Shows

There are a handful of shows that happen on a regularly scheduled basis. That doesn’t make them less special, on the contrary, it makes them dependable ways to get out of the house.

• ManDudeBro: Every Friday, 10:30pm – Longform improv comedy from Lehigh Valley Style’s “Best Local Comedian” 2015
• The Associated Mess: Every final Thursday, 8pm – Shortform improv in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway”
• Improv Comedy Power Hour: 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:30pm – Improv comedy from our very own house teams Cat Sweaters & Dream Carnival

Comedy Classes

• Sign up today: Do the thing you’ve always wanted to do! Improv and stand-up!

Sam Beedle’s Magical Happy Hour – 4/1 – buy tickets

Bethlehem-based improv comic and actor Samantha Beedle is bringing back her sensory overload show on April Fool’s Day! This is not an April Fool’s Day prank!

The Lehigh Valley Improv Comedy Showcase – 4/6 – buy tickets

The Lehigh Valley’s growing improv scene is bringing us some incredible teams, all with their own unique vibe. Featuring #NEWS, Aunt Merica, and The Flumplenarfs.

Hopefully We Don’t Break Up: Live Podcast Taping – 4/7 – buy tickets

Giulia Rozzi (Chelsea Lately, Comedy Central, TruTV) and Will Miles (Chris Gethard Show, SeeSo, Comedy Central) host a live recording of their relationship podcast with special guests, games and more!

Best of Instagram – 4/13 – buy tickets

The Lehigh Valley’s most narcissistic improvisers take on food pictures, cat photos, and glimpses of what your ex-lover wears to the beach. The Best of Instagram is a comic send up of the mobile app that turned everyone’s cousin into a make-believe fashion photographer. Check your duck face at the door.

Marina Franklin – 4/15 – buy tickets

New-York based Marina Franklin is emerging as one of the hottest comedians in the comedy scene today, with the following notable appearances: Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck, Conan O’Brien, Louie, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Showtime’s Women Who Kill, and Chappelle’s Show.

The Liberal Rednecks: The wellRED Tour – 4/24 – buy tickets

Southern Born and Southern RED. You’ve seen them on Nightline (ABC), Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO), Evening News with Don Lemon (CNN), Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (MSNBC), and WTF with Marc Maron. Trae Crowder’s “Liberal Redneck” viral videos have been watch by over 60 million people on Facebook and YouTube.

That’s Historical! – 4/29 – buy tickets

“That’s Historical!” is a history based sketch comedy show that you don’t have to study for! Local comedians Shelley Lee and Jen Santos invite you to take a ride in their Delorian and travel through time to visit famous figures and witness little known historic events as they really* (read: probably) happened.

Sneak Preview Screening of Great News w/ creator Tracey Wigfield – 5/4 – buy tickets

Great News is a new NBC sitcom created by Tracey Wigfield and produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).Following an exclusive screening of an upcoming episode, creator, writer, and actress Tracey Wigfield will join us for a Q&A to discuss the show and answer all your burning questions about television writing.

The Bethlehem Air Sex Championships – 5/6 – buy tickets

The Air Sex Championships routinely sells out shows all over the country. It’s a safe, respectful, and thought-provoking show, but also a competition where the audience is invested in the outcome. The show itself is simple – roughly a dozen solo volunteer competitors pretend to make love by themselves – while a panel of comedians/sex experts judge their performances.

Kevin Nealon – 5/7 – buy tickets

Kevin Nealon sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likeable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series, Weeds.

Nerd Nite Bethlehem – 5/11 – buy tickets

Nerd Nite Bethlehem is the newest edition to the Nerd Nite brand, a worldwide series of fun and education lectures, comedy, music, games, and drinking. 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.

Ryan & Steve Bust a Movie: Bloodsport – 5/18 – buy tickets

ArtsQuest Programming Director Ryan Hill and SmartsQuest host Steve Bost – both of which may or may not still be standup comics – are back to add their witty takes to yet another awesomely bad movie! They’ll have live microphones and be watching Bloodsport with you, while throwing verbal punches.

Brian Posehn – 6/10 – buy tickets

Comedian/actor/writer Brian Posehn always has a full plate in front of him. He is constantly touring as a stand-up comedian in the best comedy clubs and rock venues in the country. 2013 marked the release of his first hour long special, The Fartist, through Netflix. Brian is currently co-writing Deadpool for Marvel Comics. He has a popular podcast, Nerd Poker, on the Earwolf Network.

Oscar Predictions by the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas Staff

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 Molly’s Irish Grille.

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

Will win: La La Land (Anthony, Addyson, Ryan); Moonlight (Lawrence)
Should win: Moonlight (Addyson, Lawrence, Ryan); La La Land (Anthony)

Ryan: It’s probably all the OJ Simpson stuff I’ve been watching lately; I just don’t trust the Academy to get this one right. While La La Land was an absolute treat in the first watch, it showed avoidable cracks the second time around for me. Moonlight, however, is an accomplishment for the ages that stays that way no matter how many times you watch it.

Addyson: While you might leave feeling better after watching La La Land, Moonlight is, overall, the better film.

BEST DIRECTOR

Will win: Damien Chazelle (Anthony, Lawrence, Ryan); Barry Jenkins (Addyson)
Should win: Damien Chazelle (Anthony, Lawrence); Barry Jenkins (Addyson, Ryan)

Lawrence: Chazelle deserves the Oscar for the film’s first seven minutes alone.

Ryan: Both Jenkins and Chazelle deserve the nod; this comes down to style and substance, and I predict the Academy will be more comfortable with Chazelle’s.

BEST ACTRESS*

Will win: Natalie Portman (Addyson, Lawrence); Emma Stone (Anthony, Ryan)
Should win: Natalie Portman (Addyson, Lawrence); Emma Stone (Anthony, Ryan)

Anthony: Emma Stone displayed a completely honest and genuine vulnerability in the film and stole my heart.

Addyson: Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Jackie Kennedy shows the heartbroken and real emotion behind the seemingly poised and ever admired First Lady.
*None of us had the chance to see Isabelle Huppert in Elle, unfortunately, which skews our choices a bit.

BEST ACTOR

Will win: Denzel Washington (Addyson, Lawrence, Ryan); Casey Affleck (Anthony)
Should win: Denzel Washington (Anthony, Addyson, Ryan); Ryan Gosling (Lawrence)

Lawrence: Gosling deserves it not only for his incredible and soothing singing voice, but also for being one of the brightest and talented actors in the industry… and for being a total heartthrob.

Ryan: First off, I’m firing Lawrence for thinking that Ryan Gosling has a soothing singing voice (he’s totes right about the heartthrob thing tho, but that won’t save his job). Secondly, Denzel’s Fences is an acting clinic through and through, and he’s got the momentum to overtake what I believe to be an overrated performance from Affleck.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will win: Mahershala Ali (unanimous)
Should win: Mahershala Ali (Addyson, Lawrence, Ryan); Michael Shannon (Anthony)

Lawrence: When Moonlight opened up with Ali in the first frame, I knew he was going to dominate the screen; he certainly did just that in the first act of the film.

Anthony: In classic Michael Shannon fashion, he steals Nocturnal Animals.

Ryan: I just want it on record that Ben Foster should have received the nomination for Hell or High Water, not Jeff Bridges.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will win: Viola Davis (Anthony, Addyson, Ryan); Naomie Harris (Lawrence)
Should win: Viola Davis (Anthony, Ryan); Naomie Harris (Addyson, Lawrence)

Ryan: The scene in which Troy reveals a troubling secret to Rose in Fences, well… Davis’s performance there may just be the best of the decade.

Addyson: I think either one of these women should/will win. Both of their performances will make you feel the feels.

SOME OTHER RANDOM PREDICTIONS/OBSERVATIONS FROM RYAN

• Look for Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight to grab their respective Screenplay awards, though I’d kill to see The Lobster come up from behind and grab it from Manchester.

• The Salesman will steal the Best Foreign Film nod from Toni Erdmann as a protest vote, though I also wouldn’t be surprised if those two films end up splitting voters enough that A Man Called Ove grabs it.

• So long as he’s reviewed the terrible turn from Seth MacFarlane and learned the right lessons, Jimmy Kimmel is gonna kill it as host.

• I’m only halfway through O.J. Made in America and I can tell you that it’ll deservedly win Best Documentary on Sunday.

• The Cinematography category – of which 4 of the 5 nominees have never been nominated before – is the biggest toss-up of the night. The safest money is on Linus Sandgren for La La Land, because it’s La La Land.

• Hospitals across the country will be overrun by morons who took the under in drinking games involving how often award winners take a swipe at the president.

• Mica Levi – known as Micachu – turned in work for Jackie that was as important to the film as Natalie Portman’s. It should not just be enough that she’s nominated for Best Score, she has to win it.

• I’m sorry, Hamilton fans, but Lin Manuel Miranda ain’t gonna EGOT… at least not at this time.

• We’re gonna have a killer time watching the Oscars at the Red Carpet Party presented by Molly’s Irish Grille, and really, if you’ve read this far, you’re a true cinephile who needs to be there with us!

THE RED CARPET PARTY: Presented by Molly’s Irish Grille
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Buy Tickets

Girl Scout Cookie Crunch: Recipe for Shortbread Bacon Mac & Cheese

Tickets for fundraising event benefiting ArtsQuest and Girl Scouts on sale now

What’s better than bacon mac & cheese? Bacon mac & cheese topped with Girl Scout cookies!

At the 3rd Annual Girl Scout Cookie Crunch, Feb. 26, at SteelStacks, ArtsQuest Executive Chef Michael Hoffman will prepare bacon macaroni and cheese topped with Girl Scout Shortbreads®. Try this unique recipe at home!

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese topped with Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

1 pound Cavatapi Pasta
1 gal water, boiling
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tablespoon Salted Butter
1 large Shallot minced
½ Sweet onion minced
¼ cup minced garlic
1 pound bacon lardons, bacon cut into small pieces (match stick width)

On medium high heat, melt butter and sweat the onions, garlic and shallots, add bacon. By the time the bacon is done the onions and garlic mix should be caramelized. Turn the heat down to a low medium. Salt and Pepper to taste.

1 Qt Heavy Cream
1 lb Smoked Gouda Cheese (hand shredded)
1 lb White American Cheese (tear into quarters while adding to cream)

Add Cream to the above onion mix. Once the cream is starting to come to a roll (do not allow the cream to boil over) start adding small amounts of the smoked Gouda and whisking using a wire whisk once each batch is melted add more cheese. Once all the Gouda is in the mix add American cheese one slice at a time until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

1 box Girl Scout Shortbread Cookies (crumbled, one sleeve at a time)
6 oz Salted butter, melted

Sauté the crumbled cookies in the Melted butter (this will stop the cookies from burning while baked)

1. Cook pasta to al dente. Drain.
2. On medium high heat, melt butter and sweat the onions, garlic and shallots, add bacon by the time the bacon is done the onions and garlic mix should be caramelized. Turn the heat down to a low medium.
3. Add Cream to the above onion mix, once the cream is starting to come to a roll (do not allow the cream to boil over) start adding small amounts of the Smoked Gouda and whisking using a wire whisk once each batch is melted add more cheese. Once all the Gouda is in the mix add American cheese one slice at a time till the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Pour over macaroni and mix carefully. Scale into one greased 12 x 20 x 2-in baking pan.
5. Mix crumbs and 6 oz salted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese. Cover with Parchment paper (waxed paper will work) then in aluminum foil.
6. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until 160°F. Remove the foil and paper and bake until top is golden brown

Try this amazing dish and more at the 3rd Annual Girl Scout Cookie Crunch. During this fun filled event, attendees can sample culinary creations from more than 15 restaurants, as well as vote for their favorites in People’s Choice ‘sweet’ and ‘savory’ categories.

New this year, ages 18 and under can also vote for the winner of the Kid’s Choice Award. Each dish will feature one or more of the Girl Scout Cookie brands: Thin Mints®, Peanut Butter Patties®, Caramel deLITES®, Shortbreads®, Lemonades®, Peanut Butter Sandwiches®, Thanks-A-Lots® and Gluten-Free Trios®. Also available are signature cocktails including a Lemonade Martini and Thin-Mintini.

Other Cookie Crunch participants and a sample of their offerings include:

• 29 Cooks Catering and Culinary Center – Sweet BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese and Strawberry Shortcake Cream Cheese Bites
• ArtsQuest Center Culinary Team, Bethlehem – Bacon Macaroni and Cheese topped with Shortbread Cookies
• Bell Hall, Allentown
• Bethlehem Dairy Store, Bethlehem – S’mores & Cream and Lemon Chiffon Crunch
• Centro, Allentown – Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemonades® Cookies coated in a Sage Infused Butter
• The Dime, Allentown – Kabocha Squash Gelato with Coconut Mole and Caramel deLITES®
• Emeril’s Chop House, Bethlehem – Strawberry Crème Domes
• Forks Mediterranean Deli, Easton – Fig and Walnut Cookies using Shortbreads
• Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, Allentown
• Iron Lakes Country Club, Orefield – Caribbean Chicken Meatball, with Roasted Tomato Sauce with Caramel deLITES®
• Papa’s Cupcakes, Perkasie – Caramel deLITES® Cupcakes
• Shankara Vegan Restaurant, Bethlehem
• The Steel Pub, Bethlehem – Brownie Cheesecake Bar with S’mores and Shortbread Cookies
• Trixie’s Treats, Allentown – Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
• Vince’s Famous Cheesesteaks, Allentown

Girl Scout Cookie Crunch
SUNDAY, Feb. 26
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

Buy Tickets

Ladysmith Black Mambazo talks new album, group’s legacy and inspiration

By Emily Cummins, Public Relationsh Coordinator

Designated as “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World” by the late South African President Nelson Mandela, acclaimed a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been on a mission to spread peace, love and harmony all around the world through song. They plan to “bring the sunshine” to Bethlehem during their performance at the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling March 7, 7:30 p.m.

Founded by Joseph Shabalala, in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo established themselves as the most successful singing group in South Africa. In 1986, they were launched onto the world stage through their appearance on Paul Simon’s Graceland, which was later considered a pivotal moment in introducing world music to mainstream audiences. Simon later produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first worldwide release, Shaka Zulu, which won the group’s first of four GRAMMY Awards.

Now led by Shabalala’s sons, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have received their 17th GRAMMY nomination for their latest studio album, Walking In The Footsteps Of Our Fathers. The album is dedicated to the original members of the group, as well as the many people who have work to transform South Africa. Songs include “Long Walk to Freedom,” which commemorates former President Nelson Mandela and the many heroes who sacrificed and fought for freedom for all South Africa; “Phalamende,” which portrays a free nation and better society; and “Mina Kangivumanga,” which praises the equality of all, no matter what color, culture or country.

As the group tours the U.S. performing music from this album, as well as their greatest hits, we chatted with Albert Mazibuko, who’s been with the group since 1969.

As a group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for more than 50 years. What do you think is the secret to your success and longevity?

I could say the secret to our success is that the music has got a message. Our mission is to spread love, peace and harmony through the music so the message is a positive one. Our aim is to encourage people through the music, like some people living hard lives think if things are not going right today, they will soon get better because in life there is always hope.

With the group’s mission of spreading peace, love and harmony, how does that manifest in your music?

Our music is joy, and we share that with our audience, and we try to inspire others. You would be amazed at what inspires us. Growing up in a not so pleasing environment, you need something to make you stronger. It is in our culture. Everybody sings on the farm. You find a way to escape and create the positive environment in yourself in any circumstance. This is what inspires us; people who say “instead of sitting, feeling sorry for ourselves, let’s sing because tomorrow will be better than today.”

Through the group’s history, you’ve been associated closely with the struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa. What is the importance of politics in music to you and how do you hope to influence others?

A lot of our songs deal with this specifically. There was a time in South Africa when the political parties were killing each other left and right and we had written a song that asked everyone to come together in peace. It’s powerful to say something through song that puts the emotion there for everyone to see and hear and it impacted people. We were asked to sing at rallies, and we of course wanted to help all our brothers and sisters. Dr. Nelson Mandela, he requested us to sing his inauguration. In the song “King of Kings” we start with a prayer

Oh Kings of Kings
King of Kings
We kneel before you Father, appealing
Asking for peace in the rest of the country
Lord of Lords
We kneel before you Father, appealing
Asking for peace in the rest of the country

We hope our music influences people to look at situations the way we look at it.

The group has had some outstanding collaborations with artists from around the globe. What are your favorites, and what styles of music are the most fun to incorporate with your music?

We enjoy all collaborations. Of course Paul Simon introduced us to the world stage. For me the standout studio collaboration was with Dolly Parton. When we got there, she was this beautiful lady and so happy. She listened to the song, and then she had a costume change and then we worked some more. The whole time, she changed her costume four times (laughs). That really made the recording a special and fun experience for us all. It is always a wonderful experience in the studio, working with Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Melissa Etheridge, but Dolly Parton is one I will never forget.

What was it like to pair music with dance in your latest collaboration with Rambert Dance Company’s Inala – A Zulu Ballet?

This was a great experience that worked so beautifully. The team writing songs was song talented, but then came the challenge of putting dance to the music. It was a totally different experience for us, so it’s wonderful to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you stand on your toes.

What’s the most memorable performance for the group and what made it special?

Really the privilege for us is just to be in front of people; it does not matter if the people are many or few. The importance is to share the music and be with them while they enjoy it.

What can the audience expect during Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s show at the Musikfest Café?

We now have a younger generation of members, and we are celebrating our history while also letting these new voices shine. People can expect beautiful singing with lots of dancing, a vibrant performance.

Any advice for fans?

In life you shouldn’t give up! You have to stand up for you rights, but doing what is just good for you is not helping anyone.

WXPN Welcomes Ladysmith Black Mambazo
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

Buy Tickets