Lights! Camera! Action! Lucky Louie to Premiere at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks

Special screening event on Saturday, April 29 at 7:15 p.m. to include live Q&A with Dan Roebuck, Grace Roebuck and Tammy Roebuck

Bethlehem, PA, April 24, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce the premiere of Lucky Louie, a film, co-written and co-directed by Lehigh Valley native Daniel Roebuck and Grace Roebuck and produced and edited by Tammy Roebuck at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks. While the film premieres on Friday, April 28, a special screening of the movie will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 7:15 p.m. and will include a live Q&A discussion with the Roebucks, following the film.

The film, starring Basil Hoffman, Daniel Roebuck, Willard Pugh, Duane Whitaker, Patrick Voss Davis, Madelyn Dundon and Tim Goodwin, is about a retired police officer, Wilbert Moser who is unable to solve a 50-year-old bank robbery. He eventually teams up with members of his Bible study, all of whom are ex-convicts that he arrested and rehabilitated. Together, and with the help of a Forensic Psychology major, the owner of the diner they frequent, and the Lehigh Valley community, they solve the decade’s old crime.

“It’s a dream come true for me to make films in the Lehigh Valley,” commented Daniel Roebuck. “I love it here so much and rarely will filmgoers have an opportunity to watch the movie and in one of the scenes, behind the character, see the actual theater on screen that they are sitting in to watch the move. I think it speaks to the great synergy we have making movies in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.”

Tickets are available online for all shows at SteelStacks.org. The film is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hr. 52 min.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzxoKJe00Rg

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Blast Furnace Blues Rocking Return to ArtsQuest

10^th annual event, presented by Highmark Blue Shield takes place Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23, 2023 at SteelStacks campus.

BETHLEHEM, Pa., April 21, 2023— Blast Furnace Blues Festival, presented by Highmark Blue Shield, will return to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus on Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23. This decade-long event will feature three free days of live music for the community to enjoy while honoring this great American genre’s history.

“I could not be more excited for the entire lineup of the Blast Furnace Blues Festival this summer,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer. “Three nights of headliners featuring the southern blues & roots of Bywater Call led by Meghan Parnell’s engaging vocals; the soulful sounds of the Sensational Barnes Brothers which will make you feel like you are Memphis TN at a Stax recording studio; and Toronzo Cannon’s Chicago blues guitar returning to SteelStacks.”

Levitt Pavilion Presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network headliners include: (shows start at 7:30 p.m.)

Bywater Call (July 21) -, Powerhouse 7-piece Southern Soul, Roots Rock band from Toronto, nominated for the Maple Blues and Independent Blues Award and has extensively toured Europe.

The Sensational Barnes Bros. (July 22) – As Pop Matters states, “The brothers run through a spectrum of moods and modes in their gospel soul, often bridging the gap between the Soul Stirrers and Stax, all the while keeping a local flavor.”

Toronzo Cannon (July 23) – Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon defies all expectations. The blistering guitarist, soulful vocalist, singular songwriter and city bus driver fuses his muscular, rock-inspired blues guitar playing with his original, keenly detailed slice-of-life songs, blazing his own blues trail.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, July 21:

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 6 to 7:25 p.m. –
Duwayne Burnside and BC Blue from 9 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, July 22:

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 4 to 5:30 p.m. – The Nighthawks

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 6 to 7:25 p.m. – Lionel Young

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 9 to 11 p.m. – Chris Pierce

Sunday, July 23:

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 4 to 5:30 p.m. – John Primer

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 6 to 7:25 p.m. –Kelly Bell Band

“We are thrilled to team up with ArtsQuest on the 10^th annual Blast Furnace Blues,” commented Highmark Blue Shield Vice President of Community Affairs, Kathleen McKenzie. “This weekend-long festival is just one of many that celebrates a variety of musical styles and genres, all possible through ArtsQuest. Listening to Blues performers on a summer evening, while enjoying the SteelStacks campus will make for a great weekend.”

Visit steelstacks.org for additional information.

Blast Furnace Blues is made possible by presenting partner Highmark Blue Shield and sponsors Adams Outdoor, Coca-Cola Bottling of the Lehigh Valley, Jack Daniels, Service Electric Cable TV Communications and WDIY. 

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, approximately 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association and NATO, the National Association of Theatre Owners.

 ¡SABOR! LATIN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO STEELSTACKS JUNE 23-25

ArtsQuest is proud to announce the return of the 12^th annual free admission ¡SABOR! Latin Festival, a celebration of Latin heritage including music, food and family fun

BETHLEHEM, Pa., April 20, 2023— ArtsQuest, in partnership with Highmark Blue Shield and media partner La Mega Radio, is excited to present the return of ¡Sabor! Latin Festival, to the SteelStacks campus on Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25, 2022.  The free-admission family friendly celebration of Latin heritage and Hispanic culture will be hosted over the course of three days featuring music, food and fun throughout the campus.   

“If you’re looking to enjoy authentic, savory Latin American cuisine while listening and dancing to live Latin performers, join us at ArtsQuest’s annual ¡Sabor! Festival,” commented Latin Programming Committee Chair Myrna Rivera. “You can learn to salsa dance and practice your dance moves to the rhythms of the live musicians and DJs that are scheduled to perform throughout the weekend-long festival.”

Kicking off the celebration on Friday, June 23, the Annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square at 6 p.m. and will include both the U.S. and Puerto Rican National Anthems along with community speakers. The Puerto Rican flag will be displayed all weekend long.

Weekend schedule includes:

Friday, June 23:

• Levitt Headliner presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network 8-10 p.m.
  Folk group Herencia Jibara will display their Puerto Rican musical roots with beautiful melodies and energetic rhythms creating by exploring Caribbean, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata flavors.
• Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 6:30-8 p.m.
  Lehigh Valley Urban Latin Orquesta
• Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on theAir Products Town Square 10 p.m. – midnight
  Hector Rosado and His Group, who is an internationally acclaimed percussionist, bandleader, arranger, educator and recording artist, has performed and toured with many notable performers in the world of Latin music.

Saturday, June 24:

• Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 4-6 p.m.
  Singer, guitarist and producer Fabricio Orihuela
• Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 6:30-8 p.m.
  Kiltro, a band that draws from an array of stylings of Brian Eno and progressive rock.
• Levitt Headliner presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network 8-10 p.m.
  Master percussionist, song writer, producer, performer and band leader Little Johnny Rivero and His Salsa Band continue their world tour.
• Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 10 p.m. – midnight
  Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta is a high energy classic Salsa group consisting of 14 talented musicians.

Sunday, June 25

Holy Infancy hopes to host a Mariachi Mass in the Musikfest Café, details coming soon.

“We are excited to join with ArtsQuest to bring this event back to the Lehigh Valley for its 12^th year,” commented Highmark Blue Shield Vice President of Community Affairs, Kathleen McKenzie. “The SteelStacks Arts and Cultural campus is an excellent venue for our community to come together and celebrate Latin music and culture while sampling traditional food. It will be a fun and festive weekend for all.”                                   

New to the festival this year, is Brugal Lounge, a free tasting lounge that will include a variety of Brugal Rums for sampling (age 21+). Throughout the weekend, Latin inspired food will be served by Hogar Crea, offering his famous shish kabobs; Holy Infancy will offer tacos, pastelillos, bacalaitos (fried cod fritters) and tostones; and new to the festival this year, Cubano Xpress, will offer Cubano sandwiches, Cuban nachos, loaded Yucca fries and a Cubano Bowl (rice, beans, plantains and pork, chicken or veggies).

Additionally, ArtsQuest’s Pallet Kitchen, Pour Bar, Central Tap and Mack Truck are all open for walk-up service. Pallet kitchen will be serving Elotes (Mexican street corn topped with Siracha Aioli, Queso Fresco, cilantro and fresh squeezed lime) and Chicken Tinga served over Arroz con Gondules.

Family crafts will be hosted over the course of the festival by the engaging artists of the Banana Factory. Te Lo Juro, a retail vendor, will be selling clothing, glassware, and more (Saturday, only).

Supporting sponsors for which we are grateful include Brugal, B. Braun Medical, Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley, Lagom Care and PNC Bank. Visit Steelstacks.org for additional information.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Steelworkers’ Archive Tours are Back at the Former Bethlehem Steel Plant

Take an educational walk-through time with a former steelworker and learn what life was like during the height of this 20^th century giant

Bethlehem, PA, April 14, 2023 – The “Steelwalker’ tours are back! Come take a multi-faceted journey led by former steelworkers on a sidewalk and Hoover-Mason Trestle tour through the former Bethlehem Steel plant site. Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, from now to July 29, 2023. Tickets are priced at $15 per person (free for children ages 12 and under).

Discover the history and importance of this 20^th century giant including the evolution of iron making in the Lehigh Valley. Guests will learn about the rich history of the Bethlehem Plant from its opening to closing, including its importance during World Wars I & II. Steel produced by Bethlehem Steel was used in the construction of some of America’s greatest landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Chrysler Building.

“I’m excited for the Steelwalker tours to be back,” commented Joe Mayer, President of the Steelworkers’ Archives. “The people who worked at Bethlehem Steel came here for new opportunities and a better life for their families. It’s important for our community to reflect on this important past, pay tribute to them and reminisce about a way of life that is gone forever.”  

Along the way, guests will also gain a better understanding about the remaining buildings on the site, the ethnic neighborhoods surrounding the plant and what life was like working there. The 1+ hour tour will conclude with a Q&A session.

“Steelwalker” tours will start at 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, and will depart from the plaza outside the National Museum of History (NMIH), 602 E. Second Street, Bethlehem. Free parking is available for guests in the lot across the street from the museum. Please note, there is a limit of 25 people per tour.

Purchase tickets at steelstacks.org. For more information and inquiries about a private group tour, contact the Steelworkers’ Archives at 610-861-0600.  

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas Offer Unique Movie Experiences for Theatergoers

Bethlehem, PA, April 13, 2023 – Looking for a movie theater that offers a wide variety in film titles and other movie-related experiences? ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, a two-screen independent, foreign and arthouse cinema, located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, are showing several fun flicks this month that you don’t want to miss.

Are you a budding filmmaker? On Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m., join film producer and editor Tammy Roebuck in Filmmaker Workshop – Film Editing 101, an in-depth interactive discussion into the process of film editing. Roebuck will provide the ins and outs of getting your film prepped for your composer, sound editing team and colorist, as well as what is required for theater distribution and international distribution. Learn about why sound editing and color timing makes a dramatic difference in the end result and how to manage your media before you start shooting a project. Q&A discussion to follow. For more information and to purchase tickets to this exclusive event, visit steelstacks.org.

Who doesn’t love Coldplay? On Wednesday April 19 and Sunday, April 23, Coldplay – Music of The Spheres: Live at River Plate will be shown at 7:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., respectively. This brand new, definitive director’s cut of the show was filmed during the band’s sold out, ten-night run at Buenos Aires’ River plate stadium and features remixed/remastered sound and stunning visuals captured by BAFTA-winning and Grammy-nominated director Paul Dugdale, including a host of previously unseen footage. For more information, visit steelstacks.org

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary, The Outsiders: The Complete Novel, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and featuring a brand-new high-definition restoration, will be shown on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:15 p.m. See the ‘stars before they were stars’ in this revisited epic with an added 22 minutes of footage that includes a beginning and ending which are truer to the book and a rousing rock ’n’ roll soundtrack. For more information and to purchase tickets visit steelstacks.org.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Taco’bout Awesome! ArtsQuest Announces Return of Annual TacoFest

Bethlehem, PA, April 6, 2023 – Holy guacamole, it’s taco time! ArtsQuest announces its annual TacoFest, presented by Cazadores Tequila, on July 9, 2023 at SteelStacks. Last year’s event sold out, so purchase tickets sooner than later and get ready for a fun day of tacos from around the Lehigh Valley, not one but two Chihuahua Beauty contests, a comedy gameshow and of course, Margarita Madness.

Tickets for this much anticipated full day experience are now on sale at steelstacks.org. General admission tickets are $5 and Margarita Madness tickets start at $39 for members and $49 for general public. Tickets for Margarita Madness also include early entry into the festival at noon. For select discounted rates and presale opportunities become an ArtsQuest member or Circle donor today.

“We are excited to once again announce the return of TacoFest, just one of many ArtsQuest events popular with the Lehigh Valley community that has sold out year after year,” Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer said. “It’s a great way to spend the day, here on the SteelStacks campus and Levitt lawn. Enjoying tacos from top taco vendors across the Valley, more Chihuahuas than you’ve ever seen at one time, contests and giveaways – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!”

General Admission begins at 1 p.m., with access to all the food, drinks and fun at the SteelStacks campus, including the comedy game show “Spicy Talk,” hosted by comedian Jon Lunger and featuring notable area personalities. General admission also includes access to the TacoFest Sensory-Friendly Zone, hosted by Accessible Festivals in the Blast Furnace Room.

This year, the number of participating vendors has increased significantly (more tacos!) and includes Cubano Xpress, Cousins Maine Lobster, Don Juan Mexican Grille, Fiesta Churros, Flying V, Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse, Grubnight Food Truck, Holy Infancy, Isasuma Art, Kona Ice, Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops, Oomie ZoOmiez, Taco Town, Take A Taco, The Angry Chourico BBQ, Uno Taqueria and 22 Peppers. ArtsQuest’s Mack Truck Stop, Central Tap and Palette & Pour will also be serving food and drinks.

Margarita Madness will begin in the Musikfest Café, presented by Yuengling, at 1 p.m., where attendees will vote on all of the uniquely twisted cocktails featuring Cazadores Tequila. Restaurants from throughout the Lehigh Valley will compete to see who has the best margarita and try to beat last year’s defending champions, Edge! Guests will receive one 1oz sample from each restaurant and the opportunity to vote for their favorite margarita. All restaurants will also have alcohol-free versions of their margarita. There will also be a complimentary tortilla chip bar stocked with guacamole, queso, salsas, and rice and beans.

The popular Chihuahua Beauty Contest is back and this year, there will be two contests at 2 and 5 p.m. Strut your pup for the chance to have your furry friend dubbed Goodest Doggo, Most Huggable, Cutest Tail Wiggle and more. (Human handler winners will also be awarded ArtsQuest tickets and merch). To register a pint-sized K-9 for a chance to showcase their magnificence, steelstacks.org.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit steelstacks.org. Please note that this is a 21+ event.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association and NATO, the National Association of Theatre Owners.

¡Hablando de tacos increíbles! ArtsQuest anuncia el regreso del TacoFest anual

Bethlehem, PA, 7 de abril de 2023 – ¡Santo guacamole, es hora de tacos! ArtsQuest anuncia su TacoFest anual, presentado por Cazadores Tequila, el 9 de julio de 2023 en SteelStacks. El año pasado se agotaron las entradas, así que cómprelas cuanto antes y prepárese para un divertido día de tacos para todo el Lehigh Valley, no uno, sino dos concursos de belleza de chihuahuas, un espectáculo de comedia y, por supuesto, el Margarita Madness.

Las entradas para este día tan esperado ya están a la venta en steelstacks.org. Las entradas generales cuestan $5 y las del Margarita Madness cuestan $39 para los miembros y $49 para el público en general. Las entradas para Margarita Madness también incluyen la entrada anticipada al festival al mediodía. Si desea descuentos y posibilidades de preventa, hágase miembro de ArtsQuest o Donante del Círculohoy mismo.

“Estamos encantados de anunciar una vez más el regreso de TacoFest, uno de los muchos eventos de ArtsQuest populares entre la comunidad de Lehigh Valley que ha agotado las entradas año tras año”, dijo Patrick Brogan, Director de Programación de ArtsQuest. “Es una forma estupenda de pasar el día, aquí en el campus SteelStacks y en el césped Levitt. Disfrutar de tacos de los mejores vendedores de tacos en todo el Valle, más chihuahuas de los que jamás haya visto al mismo tiempo, concursos y regalos: ¡hay algo para que todos disfruten!”.

La entrada general comienza a la 1 p.m., con acceso a toda la comida, bebidas y diversión en el campus SteelStacks, incluyendo el programa de juegos de comedia “Spicy Talk”, presentado por el comediante Jon Lunger y con la participación de notables personalidades del área. La entrada general también incluye el acceso a la Zona Sensorial TacoFest, organizada por Accessible Festivals en la sala Blast Furnace.

Este año, el número de vendedores participantes ha aumentado significativamente (¡más tacos!) e incluye a Cubano Xpress, Cousins Maine Lobster, Don Juan Mexican Grille, Fiesta Churros, Flying V, Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse, Grubnight Food Truck, Holy Infancy, Isasuma Art, Kona Ice, Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops, Oomie ZoOmiez, Taco Town, Take A Taco, The Angry Chourico BBQ, Uno Taqueria y 22 Peppers. ArtsQuest’s Mack Truck Stop, Central Tap y Palette & Pour también servirán comida y bebida.

El Margarita Madness comenzará en el MusikfestCafé,presentado por Yuengling, a la 1 p.m., donde los asistentes votarán por todos los cócteles con tequila Cazadores. Restaurantes de todo Lehigh Valley competirán para ver quién tiene la mejor margarita e intentar vencer a los campeones defensores del año pasado, ¡Edge! Los clientes recibirán una muestra de 1 onza de cada restaurante y tendrán la oportunidad de votar por su margarita favorita. Todos los restaurantes tendrán también versiones sin alcohol de sus margaritas. También habrá un puesto gratuito de totopos con guacamole, queso, salsas, arroz y frijoles.

Vuelve el popular Concurso de Belleza de Chihuahuas, y este año habrá dos concursos a las 2:00 p.m. y a las 5:00 p.m. Presente a su cachorro para tener la oportunidad de que su peludo amigo sea nombrado el Perro más Bueno, el Más Abrazable, el Que Menea la Cola más Bonito y mucho más. (Los ganadores humanos también recibirán entradas y artículos de ArtsQuest). Para inscribir a un pequeño canino y darle la oportunidad de exhibir su magnificencia, visite steelstacks.org.

Para más información y para comprar entradas, visite steelstacks.org.Tenga en cuenta que este es un evento para mayores de 21 años.

Acerca de ArtsQuest

La misión de ArtsQuestes ofrecer oportunidades de acceso a experiencias artísticas, culturales y educativas excepcionales utilizando las artes y la cultura como elementos clave del desarrollo económico de nuestras comunidades urbanas. ArtsQuest™ apoya esta misión mediante la presentación de artes escénicas y visuales, cine, clases de educación artística y participación comunitaria, programación juvenil y eventos culturales.

A través de festivales como su evento principal, Musikfest; el Banana Factory Arts Center;y el ArtsQuest Center en el campus artístico y cultural de SteelStacksla programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas al año. Los programas y eventos de la organización, de los cuales más del 50 por ciento son gratuitos, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones anuales en la región. ArtsQuest es un orgulloso miembro de NIVA, el National Independent Venue Association y NATO, el National Association of Theatre Owners.

Annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase Winners Announced

Bethlehem, PA, Aril 5, 2023 – Recently, ArtsQuest held its annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase presented by law firm King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, in partnership with Moravian University and official media partner, Service Electric Cable TV. The competition was in collaboration with a music-in-education program between ArtsQuest and Moravian University’s Music Department’s Jazz Studies Program.

After several rounds of competition, the results are in.

Section awards:

Best Reed Section: North Penn Navy Band

Best Trumpet Section: William Tennent HS Jazz Ensemble

Best Trombone Section: Upper Moreland HS Jazz Ensemble

Best Rhythm Section: Quakertown Community HS Jazz Ensemble

Band Ratings:                      

Easton Area HS Jazz Band                            SUPERIOR

Quakertown Community HS   Jazz Band      SUPERIOR

North Penn HS Navy Jazz Band                    SUPERIOR    

Upper Moreland HS Jazz Band                      SUPERIOR

LaSalle College HS Competition Band          SUPERIOR

Solo Awards:

Best Jazz Saxophone/Woodwind:      Matt Pantos (tenor sax) Upper Moreland

Best Jazz Trumpet:                             Theo Peebles (trumpet) LaSalle HS Comp Band

Best Jazz Trombone:                          Emmet Sykes (trombone) LaSalle HS Comp Band

Best Jazz Rhythm Soloist:                  Liam Ritter (guitar) Upper Moreland

Best Jazz Vocal Soloist:                     N/A

Best Overall Jazz Soloist:                   Holly Kennedy (alto sax)        North Penn Navy

Overall Band Ratings:

Winner (1^st place):                             LaSalle College HS Competition Band     

First Runner-Up** (2^nd place):          Upper Moreland HS

Second Runner-Up** (3^rd place):     Quakertown Area HS

For the past decade, the city of Bethlehem has had the privilege of hosting high school bands from over 20 different local and regional schools to compete, showcasing their extensive musical abilities. This year, more than a dozen schools from Pennsylvania and New Jersey competed in front of musical educators, judge panelists, and a live audience for awards and titles.

The High Schools represented in this year’s 2023 showcase were Bangor Area High School, Brandywine Heights High School, Delaware Valley High School (NJ), Dieruff High School, Easton High School, Fleetwood Area High School, Freedom High School, the Hill School, Kutztown High School, LaSalle College High School Competition Band, LaSalle College High School Lab Band, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, North Penn High School Columbia Jazz Band, North Penn High School Navy Jazz Band, Pocono Mountain East High School, Quakertown High School, Southern Lehigh High School Jazz Band Society, Southern Lehigh High School Jazz Trane, Upper Moreland High School, Warren Hills High School, and Wilson Area High School.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region

Run for the Rosé Returns to SteelStacks

ArtsQuest to once again host a unique and festive event, celebrating a ‘day at the races’ with a wine tasting and Derby watch party

Bethlehem, PA, March 23, 2023 – It’ll be an evening of great wine and fancy clothes capped off with a thrilling race when ArtsQuest hosts the Run for the Rosé Derby Watch Party. Produced in partnership with Noble Oak, this fashionable fête will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Air Products Town Square and Capital Blue Cross Creativity Commons at SteelStacks. Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain is back offering a tasting of rosés from near and far and the 149^th running of the Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on a large LED screen.

Patrons will have exclusive access to Noble Oak and Wyoming Whiskey tasting stations along with Rosés from Chile, Portugal, France and the Western United States including but not limited to: Monrande Pionero (Chile), Sol Real (Portugal), La Vie En Rosé (France), Charles Smith Band of Rosés (Washington State), Hayes Ranch (California) and Acrobat Rosé (Oregon). 

And, what’s a Derby party without contests? Dress in your finest Derby attire for your chance to win Best Hat, Best Dressed, Best Couple Coordination and more, hosted by Sara Viteri of ASR Productions. Guests can also participate in a hobby horse racing contest and play a variety of lawn games.

“We’re excited to bring back the Run for the Rosé for its second year,” Commented Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer. “As an organization centered around the arts and culture, this is a perfect opportunity for everyone to come out and show off their creativity while enjoying a variety of rosés, alongside the traditions of the Kentucky Derby.” 

The festivities will also include a drink ticket for your preference of (one) Noble Oak Mint Julep, Oaks Lily, Yuengling beer, Franklin Hills wine or a non-alcoholic drink of choice. Derby-themed food and drink specials from Palette & Pour will be served and DJ Jamal Knight will be spinning tunes throughout the event.

Tickets will go on sale April 30, priced at $34 for ArtsQuest Members and $39 for non-members. Visit Steelstacks.org additional information regarding pricing.

About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.