HEARTSQUEST: Things to Do with Your Valentine

By Ben Youngerman

We know that finding the perfect Valentine’s Day date idea can be the most stressful part of a budding romance. So this February, ArtsQuest turns into HeartsQuest as your one-stop lover’s shop for Valentine’s Day entertainment. With live theater, comedy and films spread over the weekend, you’re sure to be struck by Cupid’s arrow!

Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding: February 12-14 & 19-20

Need something to do with your significant other? Now you can FUGGEDABOUTIT!

Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is a one-of-a-kind night of entertainment. It’s an Off-Broadway show staged as a festive celebration in which the audience doesn’t just watch but participates directly, from the first toast to the last slice of cake!

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The “Best” of OkCupid: Sunday, February 14

This Valentine’s Day, experience an improvised take on internet creepers, online dating, and everything that is OkCupid! Featuring the Lehigh Valley’s most amorous improvisers.

Directed by Dan Maher (ManDudeBro, Men’s Health’s Next Top Trainer).

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The Divas! present: Love is a Four Letter Word:
Friday, February 12

The Divas! are back to make your Valentine’s Day all it should be. Love is a four letter word. When you think of love, what four letter word comes to mind?

These sassy singers will entertain you with love AND hate songs made popular by divas throughout music history. Pop, jazz, standards, and Broadway. No date required!

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ManDudeBro Saves Valentine’s Day: Friday, February 12

What’s better than Cupid? Four cherubic angels of improvised comedy filling your heart with laughter!

Join the cutie patooties of ManDudeBro, Lehigh Valley Style’s “Best Local Comedian” 2015, on a journey to save Valentine’s Day.

WARNING: They may steal your girlfriend in the process.

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The Associated Mess: A Lovey Dovey Mess:
Saturday, February 13

After the lovey dovey, cutesy wutesy candlelight dinner, let The Associated Mess lighten the mood. Love stinks, so you might as well laugh about it.

Improv comedy in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

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Films at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Go for the classic yawn-and-put-your-arm-around-them move!

Snuggle up with a cold Yuengling or mixed drink from our bar while enjoying one of the Oscar-nominated films currently playing in our theaters at SteelStacks.

Now Playing

Hot Glass Experience: Sunday, February 14 SOLD OUT!

Heat up your relationship next to the glass furnaces!

Experience the Hot Glass floor! In this workshop, participants can work along side the glass staff on the Second Sunday of the month while transforming molten glass into a beautiful glass heart. No experience necessary. Ages 6 and up welcome.

SOLD OUT!

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE CRUNCH: Chipotle Shortbread® Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe

By Ben Youngerman

The Girl Scout Cookie Crunch is like Christmas for your taste buds! We take already-delicious Girl Scout Cookies and make them even more delicious-er! In this creative food-based event, chefs and restaurants create unique dishes, be they sweet or savory, all of them made with Girl Scout Cookies.

The 2nd-annual Girl Scout Cookie Crunch is Saturday, February 28 at the Musikfest Cafe. To tide you over until then, enjoy this recipe from last year’s 1st place People’s Choice winner!

Iron Lakes Country Club
Chef Ellen Paredes
Girl Scout Shortbread® Chipotle Mac ‘n’ Cheese

– Prep Time 20 minutes

– Cook Time 25 minutes

– 12”x20” metal pan with sides (no greasing or vegetable spray needed)

– Pre-heat oven 350degrees

Ingredients

-2lbs cooked macaroni pasta

-3lb Smoked Gouda, shredded

-2 tsp freshly chopped chipotle peppers, not dried or canned

-1lb shredded parmesan cheese

-2 Quarts of Heavy Cream

-Paprika

-2 bxs Girl Scout Shortbread® Cookies, crumbled

Directions

– Set-up double boiler that allows ample volume

– Once water is boiling roughly, place heavy cream in top

– Once Cream is boiling put heat down to medium and add all shredded cheese and chopped chipotle peppers, let all melt, watch/stirring as to not burn

– Once all elements are melted add all but one cup of remaining Crumbled Girl Scout Shortbread® Cookies

– Thoroughly mix cooked macaroni and melted cheese/shortbread mixture and pour into hotel pan (no greasing or vegetable spray needed), top with the remaining 1 cup of crumbled Girl Scout Shortbread® Cookies and a sprinkle of paprika

– Place in oven on 350 degrees; bake for 25 minutes or till golden brown on top

Notes:

Refrain from using oil, salt or pepper prior to cooking; cheeses are inherently flavorful on their own and contain enough oils to keep recipe from sticking to pan

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE CRUNCH
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
MUSIKFEST CAFÉ PRESENTED BY YUENGLING

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Staff Picks: Best Films of the Year

(Image from blogs.indiewire.com)

The Academy has spoken, nominating 8 films for Best Picture at the 88th Academy Awards: The Big Short, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Martian, The Revenant, Room and Spotlight. As the staff at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, we have our predictions on who will win the awards — although the nominees aren’t necessarily our favorite films or performances of the year. You can check out our picks for best films of the year below.

From now through the awards ceremony (and beyond) we’re showing the best of the nominees. CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT FILM TIMES

Then on February 28, join us for THE RED CARPET PARTY! A night of stars, prizes and fun as we simulcast the 88th Academy Awards – and the Red Carpet arrivals leading up to them – in our cinemas!

RYAN HILL – Programming Director

1) Inside Out

I feel that 2015 was a year of B+ movies, with few As, and only one A+. Inside Out was that A+, a brilliantly-conceived and executed film on all levels.

2) Tangerine

Maybe Tangerine doesn’t have the best script, but it far and away had the most electricity of any film I’d seen in quite some time. I’d want to show Tangerine to anyone even mildly interested in making movies.

3) Spotlight

Much like Inside Out, the people behind Spotlight knew when to ease off on the melodrama pedal, and wisely but effectively told an incredibly important story. Add to it excellent acting and deft direction, and you get a piece of narrative cinema that is arguably much more impactful than any documentary on the subject could ever be.

4) Clouds of Sils Maria

The 2015 movie I spent the most time thinking about, hands down. Incredible acting from Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart.

5) What We Do in the Shadows

With the possible exception of Trainwreck (which would have been #11 or #12 on a longer list), I didn’t laugh harder at a movie in 2015. An excellent sendup of our fascination with vampires.

6) Ex Machina

The dance scene = the best scene of 2015. Nope, that one isn’t better.

7) Mad Max: Fury Road

The movie that gave me hope for big budget movie-making, or at least that I might actually enjoy some future big budget movies. Also, a mainstream action movie I’m excited to show my nieces someday soon… haven’t been able to say that in maybe ever.

8) Mistress America

I rank Frances Ha as my favorite film of the past 5 years, so Mistress America had a lot to live up to. It didn’t quite make it thanks to what I felt was a strangely-paced 20 minutes in the middle of the film (when all are at the really nice house outside of the city), but the Baumbach/Gerwig team still wins overall.

9) Brooklyn

I still can’t believe a simple love story captivated me like this one did.

10) 45 Years

A lot of people are talking about Phoenix’s final scene in their top 10 lists, and though I agree with them, the rest of that film doesn’t hold up as well to me. 45 Years, on the other hand, has a gut-punch of a final shot that’s been preceded by a beautifully-paced acting master class from Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. It’s slow, but so rewarding.

Just missed: Carol, Room, Trainwreck, Amy

Lauren McAloon – Performing Arts Coordinator

1) Brooklyn

This is a solid film, plain and simple. It is a very well told story that is extremely well acted by Saoirse Ronan.

2) Inside Out

I was most excited to see this film in 2015. Pixar put such a complicated story on the screen in such a simple, imaginative way. Very emotional and funny, everyone will take something away from it.

3) Carol

Watch this solely for the set design and costume design if nothing else! The two leads prove that they would win any staring contest. Incontestable pair that deserves to be watched and understood by everyone.

4) Clouds of Sils Maria

Interesting dynamics between Kristen Stewart and Juliette Binoche. I was present from beginning to end.

5) Phoenix

The best part of Phoenix is the last two minutes. What an awesome ending. Nina Hoss plays her character with a perfect juxtaposition of sadness and hope.

6) Mad Max: Fury Road

Amazing landscapes, incredible imagination and awesome use of color. I spent the first half of the movie thinking what am I watching, but in a good way! This will definitely be popular for years to come. Tom Hardy, you keep going!

7) The Revenant

Beautiful cinematography that accentuates the hardships that the characters face in this redemption film. You can tell it’s the first time Leo has eaten a raw bison liver and it sticks with you.

8) Ex Machina

Surprising, interesting, smart science fiction tale that only has three main characters and a lot of plot twists. One of the only roles this year that Domhnall Gleeson should have taken. Also, Oscar Isaac dances.

9) Tangerine and Girlhood

Both films are shot extremely well with limited resources. Tangerine shot on an iPhone and with non-actors pushes you into an underground world of L.A. that most people overlook. The principle actors bring a lot of attitude and personality to the roles. If you are in the mood to watch something off the beaten track this is it. Girlhood is a simple yet powerful coming of age story that touches on a gentle turned rebellious teen trying to make her way in life. Great acting from the lead actor, Karidja Touré.

10) What We Do in the Shadows

This is one of the best underrated comedies of 2015. Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi poke fun at vampire pop culture using a single camera setup to show aging vampires and how they go about their day to day lives. Hilarious and sweet: a must see as usual.

What I’m still looking forward to: Mustang and Room

Anthony DeSanctis – Cinema & Comedy Assistant

1) Inside Out

A funny yet insightful take on psychological tics both common and complex, and what’s more impressive is that it’s easily the most emotionally mature and heartbreaking film I’ve seen this year. Delightful from beginning to end, and also Kyle MacLachlan.

2) The Martian

An incredibly pleasing, touchingly human, genuinely thrilling masterwork. A winning script, great performances, excellent direction, sincere moments of levity with not a moment wasted.

3) Room

The greatest emotional gut punch of the year. Brie Larson deserves Best Actress for this heartbreaking and haunting films that stays with you for days after it ends.

4) Mad Max: Fury Road

Warner Bros. gave 70 year-old George Miller $180,000,000 to go in to the desert for sixth months and make a movie and he comes back with this two hour adrenaline rush. This is easily one of the greatest action films ever made.

5) Spotlight

A tight and well-crafted look at one of the greatest scandals of the 21st century and the journalists who uncovered it. Director Thomas McCarthy’s subtle yet thrilling procedural grabs you emotionally and refuses to let go.

6) Brooklyn

This is a simple story, well told. Easily one of the most beautifully shot films of the year and perhaps one of, if not THE, biggest crowd-pleasers of the year.

7) Star Wars: The Force Awakens

JJ Abrams did it! Aside from a few moments of “fan service at the expense of the plot”, it’s unquestionably the best Star Wars movie since Return of the Jedi.

8) Ex Machina

A smart, sly and sophisticated piece of science fiction, destined to be a cult classic. This is also the year of Alicia Vikander; where have you have been all my life?!

9) Creed

Ryan Coogler returns the Rocky franchise to its glory with this spin-off, which he blends his style the best qualities of the original Rocky film. Sylvester Stallone hands over the Rocky reigns to a man with strong respect for the source material, as well as directing Michael B. Jordan and Stallone to potential Academy Award nominations.

10) Kingsman: The Secret Service

Who would have ever thought Colin Firth could be such a badass? Nonstop fun from start to finish, this over the top love letter to the great spy movies of the past displays Matthew Vaughn’s effortless ability to blend over the top style with rich substance.

Lawrence Milano – Cinema & Comedy Assistant

Even though there aren’t 10 films from the past year that I feel are worth mentioning, here are 7 that I truly enjoyed and stuck with me.

1) Mad Max: Fury Road

Both visually stunning and poetic, Mad Max is a relentless adventure that is able to tell a story just by its breathtaking imagery. It’s truly daring filmmaking on all levels.

2) Ex Machina

The soundtrack, the imagery, everything. It’s a near perfect film.

3) The Hateful Eight

The quickest three hours of my life. Seeing the Roadshow version of the film wasn’t just an ordinary movie going experience, it was an adventure. It captured the emotions you’re supposed to have when watching a movie. Also, the writing, the acting, and the incredible soundtrack makes this one hell of a piece of work.

4) Amy

The exploitation and collapse of one of the music industry’s most talented participants is all exposed here. The film is heartbreaking and alarming.

5) Love

I think I’m just a sucker for Gapser Noe films in general, so I’m a bit biased. This film is another experimental and ambitious project from the French director and holds no punches in subject matter or explicit imagery.

6) The Wolfpack

A beautiful and haunting observation of a unique American family.

7) Montage of Heck

This film removes, in my opinion, the God-like complex of Cobain and instead, paints him as just another individual who lead a life of poor decision making, but at the same time, managed to leave an incredible impact on the entire music industry and remains to be one of my favorite musicians of all time.

Ben Bailey talks about being mistaken as a comedian, predicting Cash Cab, and his new comedy special!

By now nearly everyone has heard of the Emmy Award winning TV game show Cash Cab, where host and comedian @RealBenBailey quizzes unsuspecting passengers of his New York City taxi cab for a chance to win cash. But did you know that he got his start in comedy by being mistaken as a comedian? Or that he drove limos before getting behind the wheel of the infamous New York City taxi cab?

Hear those stories and more in our exclusive interview below:

BEN BAILEY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
MUSIKFEST CAFÉ PRESENTED BY YUENGLING

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We’ve filled January and February with comedy shows because winter is the worst.

The start of a new year can often be a daunting thing: You’ve got resolutions that -let’s face it- you’re going to eventually break, it’s still dark and cold out all the time, and the sheen has worn off your Christmas presents so you once again have nothing to do ever.

Don’t panic. That’s where this handy list of comedy shows coming to SteelStacks comes into play. Seeing live comedy is the best way you can spend a night. Especially in winter, when everything is cold and scary. It’s scientifically proven, probably.

So don’t hibernate this winter – put on your fancy sweatpants and make your way to SteelStacks for any/all of the following:

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-other Saturday, 10:30pm – Shortform improv in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway”
• TWO LAUGH MINIMUM: Every-other Thursday, 8pm – A showcase of stand-up comedy featuring some of the area’s best stand-ups:
  • Pat House: 1/7
  • Alex Marx: 1/21
  • Michele Biloon: 2/4
  • Alex Grubbard: 2/18
• Improv Comedy Power Hour: Every-other Thursday, 10pm – Improv comedy from our very own house teams

The “Best” of YouTube – 1/9 – buy tickets

It’s an improvised take on viral videos, weirdo vlogs, and everything that is YouTube. Be prepared for shock and awwwww-that’s cute. Also, weird stuffs. You’ve been on YouTube before right? This could be all-sorts-of amazing weird.

Dry Humor: Stand-up for Recovery – 1/13 – buy tickets

January 11th, 2016 will mark Liz Russo’s 5 year sober-anniversary and she wants to celebrate with laughter, while also giving back! Liz and her clean and sober comedian friends will entertain you by sharing their experience, strength, and hope through humor. This show is a benefit for the non-profit Livengrin Foundation For Addiction Recovery.

Ban Bailey of “Cash Cab” – 1/16 – buy tickets

Before he got behind the wheel of The Cash Cab, Ben Bailey began his career as a Stand Up comedian. Don’t just believe this sentence you’re reading, google it. Dude even has two Comedy Central specials. Why not have someone drive you to this show? Who knows, maybe “Cash-Uber” is a thing now.

SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival – 1/22 and 1/23 – buy tickets

It’s two marathon days of non-stop comedy featuring more than 50 different improv teams from around the country! Friday is headlined by New York’s Christian Capozolli (RECKLESS THEATRE). Saturday features a performance from Chicago’s Improvised Shakespeare Company! Check out the complete lineup here.

Cameron Esposito with Rhea Butcher – 1/30 – buy tickets

Chances are that if you own a TV, you’ve seen Cameron Esposito. For example, she’s appeared on (deep breath) Comedy Central, TBS, CBS, NBC, E!, IFC, HBO Canada and Cartoon Network. Cameron has also been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Marie Claire and has performed at top festivals like Montreal’s Just for Laughs, Bonnaroo, Outsidelands, SF Sketchfest and many more. So basically, there are lots of people who are telling you she’s awesome so SEE THIS SHOW!

Chris Gethard – 2/5 – buy tickets

Comedian Chris Gethard is the creator and host of “The Chris Gethard Show,” a variety and talk show that began as a stage show at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre in New York before becoming a weekly live public access show during the summer of 2011. Last year, TCGS was picked up by Fusion which aired 10 hilarious episodes, including one just for dogs. The AV Club says the Chris Gethard Show “undoubtedly belongs in the conversation with the best of TV” and the New York Times called it “an often riveting experiment in seat of the pants broadcasting.” Chris also plays the role of Derek in the Comedy Central series “Broad City,” had a recurring role on the last season of NBC’s The Office and can be seen on the silver screen in “The Heat” and “The Other Guys.”

After his show, Chris will be joining ManDudeBro to perform some improv at 10:30.

Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding – 2/12-14 and 2/19-20 – buy tickets

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! It’s the return of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding – a one-of-a-kind night of entertainment. It’s an Off-Broadway show staged as a festive celebration in which the audience doesn’t just watch but participates directly, from the first toast to the last slice of cake. The New York Times calls it “audaciously imaginative” and Variety says “it’s worth not missing.”

The “Best” of OK Cupid – 2/14 – (tickets aren’t on sale yet)

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than by making fun of the best-of-the-worst of internet dating? It’s an improvised show tackling internet creepers, online dating and all-things OK Cupid. Perfect for a first date, a 300th date, or no date at all.

Ryan & Steve Bust-a Movie: Cool As Ice – 2/20 – buy tickets

Stop, collaborate and listen. Ryan and Steve are back with a brand new edition of their “Bust-a Movie” franchise! Watch as comedians Ryan Hill and Steve Bost make fun of one of American cinema’s worst achievements: Vanilla Ice’s “Cool As Ice.” It’s two comics, two microphones and one hella terrible movie.

Top Songs of 2015:
ArtsQuest Staff Picks

None of the ArtsQuest staff would work here if they didn’t live for music and the arts. To share our passion, we put together a list of top song choices from 2015. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes.

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

CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Patrick Brogan – Senior Vice President of Programming

1. MisterWives – “Our Own House”

I can’t stop playing this song. In truth, I can’t stop playing this whole album (Reflections, Not Your Way, Best I Can Do all solid entries competing for this spot) of which I am choosing the title track as my favorite single of the year. It is playful and fun, catchy, and simply makes me want to dance. I can’t sit still listening to this song. It was an instant hit with my three kids too and has been regularly requested by them alongside Taylor Swift & Meghan Trainor in the car. And I can’t get enough of Mandy Lee, the lead singer for MisterWives, you can’t take your eyes off of her and her bandmates as they have fun through the whole video.

2. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats – “S.O.B.”

I love funky, soulful, Americana rock music like St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and along comes this single this year from breakout artist Nathaniel Rateliff. A little country, a little soul, a little rock, it is a fun jaunt into a nostalgic sound of American music. His vocals are gritty and the band is barroom hot. I can listen over and over again.

3. Florence & the Machine – “Ship To Wreck”

If you know me, you know my passion for Flo. We’re on a first name basis, obviously. This driving rock anthem is filled with big chords and gutty emotions. It is catchy, yet powerful and even angry. I find it hauntingly beautiful, stunning, and the next level of sophisticated pop from Florence & her band.

4. The Wombats – “Give Me A Try”

While their album Glitterbug came out early in 2015, my favorite song off of it was a single as early as 2013 Your Body Is A Weapon, so I picked my favorite single from the album released this year –Give Me A Try. I like it for the sing-song bridge to the chorus and the drop that starts the chorus. That whole section from “London can try….…the drug that doesn’t bite” is just fun and I particularly love the more acoustic rep of it later in the song. In a current wave of Brit rock bands, The Wombats turned in a solid album at the start of the year.

5. The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face”

This is my most pop entry in a year of some great pop from Mark Ronson to Drake to another favorite of mine Selena Gomez (can’t stop playing her songs right now), but The Weeknd ruled the year break-out pop wise with Beauty Behind The Madness. While I loved the sultry and suggestive Earned It, Can’t Feel My Face is the party anthem of late summer for me.

Ben Youngerman – Marketing Manager

Ghost – “Cirice”

Ghost is the total package. Their imagery and music is interwoven to create the ultimate musical experience. The Swedish doom metal band may look scary, but the mix of melody and traditional metal sound remind me of a more modern Blue Oyster Cult/Black Sabbath hybrid. From their incredible 3rd album, “Cirice” is a GRAMMY nominee for “Best Metal Performance”. They got the chance to perform the song on national television for Stephen Colbert, a rarity for metal bands nowadays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMWeIRX-ZHE

Brittany DeSantis – Graphic Design Assistant

Pentatonix – “Sing”

Its catchy, and always make me want to get up and dance. As someone who sings everywhere I go (loudly, quietly, publicly or to myself at my desk or in the car), “Sing” just resonates with me because it expresses perfectly how I feel whenever I sing or listen to music. It lifts my spirit and just makes me feel lighter, like I can handle anything.

Chris Stubbe – Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator

Eagles of Death Metal – “Save a Prayer”

This album is by far my favorite release in a year of amazing albums across the board. It was really difficult for me to make a choice regarding which song to pick, but I ended up with Save a Prayer because a) Duran Duran played Musikfest this year and absolutely killed it! One of the best shows I’ve seen in years, and b) This rendition is haunting and beautiful. It’s worth noting that Duran Duran and EODM have recently declared that all of the proceeds from this song will go to charity in light of the Bataclan shooting in Paris this year.

Michelle Veresink Richmond – Membership Manager

Hamilton (The Musical) – “My Shot”

The music for the whole musical Hamilton is just amazing. The lead actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda has such a talent for sewing together these awesome melodic ideas and words. On top of that, I love that it takes history and presents it in a very new and interesting way. The songs are just so complex and I hear something new in them every time I listen.

https://youtu.be/VK4Wk_8PbcI

Kailee Baylor – Public Relations Coordinator

Smallpools – “Killer Whales”

I am in love with this song. No matter what my day was like, this song always makes me want to dance. Definitely turn-it-up-so-loudly-that-everyone-on-the-bus-can-hear-it-and-stares-at-you-but-you-don’t-care-because-it’s-so-catchy worthy.

Ryan Hill – Programming Director

Hot Chip – “Dancing in the Dark”

I know it’s a little cheap to pick a cover as your favorite song for a whole year in which a lot of great original music was made (I specifically liked the new Chvrches, Father John Misty, and Grimes releases), but I put this song on repeat for a good month or so, which I hadn’t done with any other 2015 release. Bonus points for throwing in LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” into the mix, and for providing a excellent counterpoint to Pete Yorn’s stripped down version of “Dancing in the Dark” from 10 years ago.

Russ Waterhouse – Operations Assistant

Kurt Vile – “Pretty Pimpin”

I’ve been listening to Kurt Vile’s music for a long time, and “Pretty Pimpin” is up there with his early classics. I was hooked the first time I heard it.

Hilary Harper – Sr. Manager of Visual Arts

St. Paul & The Broken Bones – “Call Me”

I’m loving this on-going resurgence of artists who could have been recording decades ago.

Jon Lunger – Marketing Director

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – “S.O.B.”

Asa former saxophone player, I’ve always got my ears open for pop songs that utilize horn sections. Additionally, I was one of those guys who lost his mind when the “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack came out. This track is so fun – it brings that folky Appalachian thing together with Nuevo-soul goodness. Plus, it kinda swears a little bit (by 1960s standards, at least). Also, I’m a sucker for large groups clapping in unison.

Nicole Dotta – Director of New Business Development

Thomas Rhett – “Crash and Burn”

Tt makes me (and my 3 year old) break out in spontaneous dance anytime we hear it!

Mike Matuczinski – Web Development Manager

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds – “Mama Knows”

With a throwback mix of R& B, soul, funk and blues how can you not like Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds? Their song ‘Mama Knows’ gets my vote. The super sticky chorus of ‘You ain’t got love then you ain’t got nothin’ is icing on the cake. Here’s a live version that’s almost as good as their SteelStacks performance.

Jimil Ataman – Volunteer & Internship Program Coordinator

Courtney Barnett – “Elevator Operator”

The whole album (I Just Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit) is really great, but this song is my favorite because it highlights her unique ability to write a song better than most people write novels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm2d_HrNPLQ

Emily Martin Fickes – Marketing & Development Coordinator

Father John Misty – “I Love You, Honey Bear”

This concept album is a raw account of Josh Tillman’s personal life and relationship with his wife Emma. You can really feel the love in the most honest way. Its adorable and entrancing, and surely not lacking soul.

Rebecca Hannon – Retail Operations Manager

twenty one pilots – “Tear in My Heart”

I just got into them last year and they have quickly become my favorite band! They are going to be HUGE- keep an eye out for them!

Nicole Willers – Ticket Services Manager

Bomba Estéreo – “Mar (Lo Que Siento)”

The passion in Bomba Estéreo’s music for me transcends past language barriers as you can feel the music and loose yourself in it. But what is special about this particular song is the lyrics. She talks about “flying around the world non-stop when it was found inside what he wanted close to my happiness will live in a House by the sea” meaning she is searching all over the world for what has been right in front of her all along, in a little house by the sea……. “only what I feel is only a moment” – all I can think is Pura Vida (enjoy life)!

Curt Mosel – SVP of Marketing & Corporate Partnerships

X Ambassadors – “Renegades”

I like the message about overcoming challenges.

Autumn Fink – Customer Experience Representative

WALK THE MOON – “Shut Up and Dance”

It’s a catchy dancefloor hit with a frequent chorus and a bop-worthy drop, but I think that the true magic and fun of “Shut Up and Dance” is the memory it inspires in me. I just graduated from college, and for the close-knit DeSales Theatre Class of 2015, it was “our song.” Somewhere in the beat and the surface lyric was a confidence that seemed to overwhelm all of us. Anything was possible if we just allowed ourselves to be swept away by a dream or passion. Now we’re scattered from Bethlehem to Broadway between East and West coasts and across the pond, but life is happening for all of us!

Chuck Kuczynski – Director of Donor Relations

JJ Grey & Mofro – “Every Minute”

Good old soulful southern sermon to the people, it’s a song that lives as a reminder to focus on the good that is around us everyday. Derek Trucks offering his talents to a ballad about how much we have within us. You can almost feel the warm rays shining through in this song. Makes me smile on a cloudy day.

Lauren McAloon – Performing Arts Coordinator

The Japanese House – “Sugar Pill”

Captivating from the her first note! The Japanese House is brilliant and I can never stop listening to each song.

Andrew Suborits – IT Assistant

Muse – “Reapers”

This is my favorite song from 2015 because it’s just an intense, fast-paced rock song. It has a powerful riffs and a face melting guitar solo.

Helen Smith – Programming Specialist

Foals – “Mountain at My Gates”

One of many favorites from 2015…the lyrics are absorbing and I love the build-up to the end. I’m also a sucker for that psychedelic guitar sound.

Rhonda Gillespie – VP of Finance

Phillip Sayce – “Out of My Mind”

I love this guy and happened to just stumble across him on YouTube one day, then realized he had an album coming out in 2015, “Influence”. This is Philip Sayce (from Canada, former guitar player for Melissa Etheridge and also with Jeff Healey). This video clip is one of my faves of 2015 because it is one off his new album and demonstrates the power this guy (and his trio) have. This guy live is something to see and hear if you’re a blues/rock/psychedelic blues fan.

Cindy Karchner – VP of Human Resources

The Mavericks – “All Night Long”

Stacie Brennan – Senior Director of Visual Arts Education

Leon Bridges – “Smooth Sailin'”

I love the way Leon Bridges infuses multiple music genres and bridges old school and contemporary music.

Painting Their Way to an Inclusive World

By Kailee Baylor

Though she has never spoken a word, Mikayla’s Voice is now being heard.

Without specially adapted equipment or the fine motor skills to paint with her hands, Mikayla Resh, a young woman who was discovered to have severe, permanent brain damage at only 5-days-old, has learned to create large acrylic paintings using just the wheels of her wheelchair.

In the spring of 2009, when Mikayla was only 14, two art classes at Nazareth Area Middle School taught and helped her to apply acrylic paint to large canvases with her wheels. The two works that were created that day, titled “One World. Many Friends.” and “The Road to Helping Hands,” are now on permanent display at the school.

Modeling itself after that initial painting project, Mikayla’s Voice, the nonprofit created by Mikayla’s mother, Kimberly Resh, developed an inclusive painting program called Wheels of Friendship to give other children the same opportunity.

“Our goal is always to include students with disabilities and their peers at school when we create these paintings,” Kimberly says. “It’s important to show the kids that everyone can be included… but the beauty is really in the process.”

Resh also emphasized the importance of having the works on permanent display in the schools in which they are created. “Being able to see those paintings all the time reminds them [the students and faculty] that they are a school that supports inclusion.”

In an effort to highlight the importance of inclusion, the Wheels of Friendship program has started a traveling exhibit, where patrons of all walks of life can experience the magic these children create.

If you’d like to see work from the program, several paintings will be on display in the Hallway to the Arts on the first floor of the Banana Factory from Dec. 18-Feb. 7. Mikayla and her mom will also be on hand at PEEPSFEST® presented by Just Born Quality Confections Dec. 30 and 31 working with guests to create their own unique works of art.

See the Exhibit