VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvPiUeoMO0k
This episode features the full audio of our Second Annual Musikfest Preview Livestream featuring Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and guests! Learn more about the 40th Musikfest, which bands to see, what foods to eat, and what makes the festival a special part of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
We were also extremely honored to be joined by Richard Anderson, Mayor, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, along with delegates from the city’s council. Schwäbisch Gmünd is a Sister City to Bethlehem.
GUESTS
Kassie Hilgert: CEO of ArtsQuest
Pat Brogan: Programming Director ArtsQuest
Paul Fistner: 40 Year Volunteer
Hayley Jackson: Musician
Richard Anderson, Mayor, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
Bethlehem, PA, May 30, 2023 – ArtsQuest is proud to announce the alternative-pop band, Walk the Moon, will perform Friday, August 4 at 7 p.m. on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza. This Musikfest headliner presented in partnership with 100.7 WLEV and Lehigh Valley With Love Media.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 30 at 8 a.m. for ArtsQuest Members and on-sale to the general public Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at Musikfest.org. Ticket prices will range from $25 to $79. For more information on ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become a ArtsQuest Circle donor today.
Walk the Moon was formed in Cincinnati, Ohio and released their first alternative hit, “Anna Sun” in 2012. Their breakthrough hit, “Shut Up and Dance” released in 2014 became a multi-platinum global hit. The song hit the Billboard Hot 100 Chart running, staying on it for 53 weeks peaking at No. 4. The song also peaked at No. 1 on the Alternative Hot AC and went to number 2 at Top 40 Radio Hits and broke the record for consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. “Shut Up and Dance” is from the group’s third album, Talking Is Hard, which is a platinum-selling album and reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200.
Throughout the bands career, they have been nominated for MTV Music Video Award for Best Rock Video, American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group, New Artists of the Year, and Favorite Alternative Rock Artist and for the iHeart Music Award for Best Duo/Group of the Year, Song of the Year, and Alternative Rock Song of the Year for “Shut Up and Dance.” The group has won two Billboard awards for Top Rock Song for “Shut Up and Dance” and Top Rock Artists. They have also won the Vanguard Award from ASCAP Pop Music Awards in 2016.
In 2017, with the release of “One Foot,” the leading single of their fourth album, What if Nothing, scored No. 1 Alternative Radio Hit. The album reached number 40 on the Billboard 200 and number three on Alternative Albums chart. The bands most recent and fifth album was released in November 2021, HEIGHTS, includes the hits “Can You Handle My Love?” and “Giants.”
About Musikfest
A record-breaking 1,240,000 people attended Musikfest in 2022. The 11-day festival featured
over 500 free performances, across 16 stages located throughout the City of Bethlehem. The
40th Musikfest is scheduled for Aug. 4 – 13, 2023, with a special preview night on Aug. 3. This
year’s Musikfest 2023 poster artist is Allentown-based family Maltas Con Leche. Visit
musikfest.org for more information.
We met up with Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds to talk to some Musikfest dignataries, vendors, and musicians about what to look for this year at the ‘Fest!
Thank you to everyone who came down on this incredibly hot day! We’ll see you at the fest.
The Lehigh Valley is rich with possibilities. A proud heritage and bright future that has long attracted makers, innovators, and those with great vision.
Everything you need to create the life you want… on your terms. Vibrant downtowns. Charming Main Streets with surprises around every corner. And lots of open spaces to explore.
We’ll be joined by Bethlehem Mayor, J. William Reynolds, vendors, Musikfest representatives, musicians, and maybe even you!
We’re also looking for a Musikfest superfan to join us as a guest. If that’s you, be sure to let us know in the comments what makes you a #MusikfestSuperFan (and use that hashtag). We’ll select someone and message them via social media.
Let’s Fest!
Visit https://linktr.ee/lvwithlove for all links and information.
The stream features interviews with guests such as
Kassie Hilgert, CEO of ArtsQuest
Pat Brogan, Chief Programming Officer at ArtsQuest
Maraleen Shields, Running for Lehigh County Judge
Ian Riccaboni, Commentator for Ring of Honor Wrestling
Bobby Martrich – Eastern PA Weather Authority
Ginger and The Schnappes
Seth Witcher
Fig for a Kiss
Matt Dellecker
Mike McKenna of Access Services
Michael Bernadyn of Howard Schaefer and Associates
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Claire Boucher, Social Media Manager at Moravian University
Allison Pittenger, Host of “Take it from a Local”
Stephen Jiwanmall, Communications Manager of the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Tammy Wendling, Manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association
Melissa Reese
Robbie Lawrence of Robbie Lawrence and the SteelWorkers
AND MORE!
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If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or through our various social media channels.
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast is everything Lehigh Valley. Get in touch!
Join us as we broadcast live from Musikfest 2021 brought to you by Service Electric Cable TV!
We’ll be LIVE on location from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. bringing you the best bands to see, best foods to eat, celebrity and non-celebrity guests, and probably some unexpected surprises. We’ll also have some live music, giveaways, the chance for you to get on the stream, AND look-ins with our beer tent and food correspondents as they give us updates from the ‘Fest.
We’re ALSO excited to have The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties as our featured non-profit partner. Representatives will be on hand at 11 a.m. to speak about their organization.
Start your Musikfest 2021 with us! More info coming as we get closer! #ThanksMusikfest
Stream on your favorite platform by visiting this link: https://linktr.ee/lvwithlove
This week, we’re talking with Hailee from Nazareth.
She is currently at Penn State University studying Biology with a Neuroscience option and pre-Med track.
We talk all about her favorite memories and moments from the Lehigh Valley (Musikfest Smoothie in a Pineapple anyone?), favorite food spots (including Apollo Grill), and so much more (like how she has never been to BaconFest)!!
Learn about how she made her own curriculum on brain injuries and her work with non-profits!
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
In this episode, we join Bethlehem resident and Muhlenberg College student Riley, as we talk about her favorite parts of the Lehigh Valley!
Riley, a Freedom High School Grad, talks about many of her favorite food spots, live entertainment spots (Musikfest and Celtic Classic), and must do experiences in the area!
We also discuss the positive impact the area has had on her life and some of the many memories she has made while living here.
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
In this episode, we join Bethlehem resident and Penn State University student Delores, as we talk about her favorite parts of the Lehigh Valley! Delores, a Freedom High School graduate and longtime resident of the Lehigh Valley, talks about many of her favorite food spots, festivals, and must to experiences throughout the Lehigh Valley during the many times of the year. We also discuss the positive impact the area has had on her life and some of the many memories she has made while living here.
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
This week, join Bethlehem resident and University of Pitt student Jaime as we talk about all things Lehigh Valley related. Jaime, a Freedom High School graduate and longtime resident of the Lehigh Valley, talks about all her favorites in the area in this episode.
From memories made at the Celtic Classic parade, to the amazing food found throughout the area, and of course to talking about the many must-do things to experience during the holiday season, we talk about it all!
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 14 shows at ComedyPlatz at the Ice House during Musikfest! We had about 3,000 total people at all the shows!
We were able to sit down with comedian Paul Spratt backstage for a quick, but memorable, episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.
A bit about Paul Spratt: Paul born in Boston but grew up in Pennsylvania brings a unique and different outlook to the world he lives in through his comedy.
Knowing both the crowded city life but also the quiet country life leads him to have a different view on everything happening in his own life and around him. Paul brings a honest truthful in your face kind of honesty about what a lot of us take for granted in the everyday world. Comedy therapy where someone says what you were always thinking. Paul also loves to take time to donating to charity events, running, and working his own events for one of his favorite charities B4BC.org where he’s raised over $10,000 for breast cancer.
Rising through a relatively unknown comedy scene in Scranton, PA to becoming an up and coming comic now in the New York city scene. Paul has been seen working in a lot of the clubs in the tri-state area and also finished high in some well regarded comedy competitions and festivals.
Multi-time semi-finalist in the March Madness Comedy competition at the Stress Factory Comedy Club Laughing Skull Comedy Festival Winner of New Jersey’s funniest comic at the Stress Factory Semi Finalist in Helium’s Philly’s Phunniest Semi- Finalist in Last Comix Standing at Comix at Foxwoods Winner of Wisecrackers comedy competition Semi- Finalist in the Comedy Cabaret comedy competition Cape May Comedy Festival Paul regularly opens on the road for comic Joe Matarese but also has opened for many other big name comedians such as Dom Irrera, Dave Attell, and many more.
Walter Investment Partners
This Podcast is brought to you by Walter Investment Partners, 81 Highland Avenue. Suite 100. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Call them at 610.865.9550 or Toll Free 800.685.2160.
It’s easy to do a Google search for financial information. But what happens when you run into conflicting articles and need to separate fact from fiction?
That is where Judd Walter of Walter Investment Partners can help. Judd is a Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, located in the Bethlehem office. He will take the time to answer all of your investment questions and help you develop a personalized financial planning strategy with the flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. Judd can also help you with estate planning, setting up trusts, income for retirement and legacy planning for the next generation.
Call or text Judd today for a complimentary portfolio review at 610 609 8001 or visit WalterInvestmentPartners.com.
This Podcast is brought to you by Walter Investment Partners, 81 Highland Avenue. Suite 100. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Call them at 610.865.9550 or Toll Free 800.685.2160.
It’s easy to do a Google search for financial information. But what happens when you run into conflicting articles and need to separate fact from fiction?
That is where Judd Walter of Walter Investment Partners can help. Judd is a Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, located in the Bethlehem office. He will take the time to answer all of your investment questions and help you develop a personalized financial planning strategy with the flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. Judd can also help you with estate planning, setting up trusts, income for retirement and legacy planning for the next generation.
Call or text Judd today for a complimentary portfolio review at 610 609 8001 or visit WalterInvestmentPartners.com.
Just in time for Musikfest 2019, we welcome ArtsQuest Programming Director, Ryan Hill, to the Podcast.
Ryan tells us a little bit about his history in comedy, advice for those starting out, and gets us ready for a ton of comedy at the ‘Fest!
Be sure to check out Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz AND all of ArtsQuest comedy programming before, during, and after Musikfest!
Walter Investment Partners
This Podcast is brought to you by Walter Investment Partners, 81 Highland Avenue. Suite 100. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Call them at 610.865.9550 or Toll Free 800.685.2160.
It’s easy to do a Google search for financial information. But what happens when you run into conflicting articles and need to separate fact from fiction?
That is where Judd Walter of Walter Investment Partners can help. Judd is a Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, located in the Bethlehem office. He will take the time to answer all of your investment questions and help you develop a personalized financial planning strategy with the flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. Judd can also help you with estate planning, setting up trusts, income for retirement and legacy planning for the next generation.
Call or text Judd today for a complimentary portfolio review at 610 609 8001 or visit WalterInvestmentPartners.com.
Popular comedy event moves to two weekends and adds family friendly shows.
BETHLEHEM, PA (July 24, 2019) – The Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz returns to Musikfest with 14 free stand-up comedy shows over six nights on Aug. 2-4 and 9-11 at The Ice House on 56 River St. In its third year as an official Musikfest site, the venue has been extended to two weekends and will also include four family-friendly shows. ComedyPlatz will feature more than 30 comics in all from the New York City, Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas.
Highlights include:
Doogie Horner, a writer, comedian and illustrator originally from the Lehigh Valley. He’s the author of the YA novel This Might Hurt a Bit, and had a memorable appearance on America’s Got Talent.
Boris Khaykin, a Brooklyn-based comedian who has performed stand-up on CollegeHumor Live and as a warmup for The Opposition with Jordan Klepper. He was listed by TimeOutNY as one of Brooklyn Comedy Festival’s “Biggest Stars”.
Jim Tews, from Allentown, is creator of the New York Times Bestseller Felines of New York. He made his stand-up television debut on Last Comic Standing and has been seen on FX, NBC, SeeSo and TBS.
Nataly Aukar, a Lebanese born and raised standup comic based in New York City. She has opened for Nimesh Patel (Saturday Night Live), Mo Amer (Colbert, Fallon, Netflix) and Gad El Maleh as part of his Dream Tour in DC, Canada, and Dubai. She was a producer of Tickling the Ivories, a weekly comedy show at Pianos in New York’s Lower East Side, featured on TimeOutNY.
Bob Hansen, a retired professional wrestler who was trained by WWE legend The Wild Samoan in Allentown and Hazleton, Hansen won the San Diego Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Championship in 2010. He’s written and self-published three novels, in addition to making and releasing a documentary, I Don’t Belong Here, about his move from the Los Angeles to New York comedy scenes.
Plus some of the Lehigh Valley’s best comics.
Regular shows are 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 2-3 and 9-10 and 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 11. Tickets are not needed for the shows.
Nataly Aukar
In addition to the evening shows, Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz will also feature four family-friendly shows. These shows will be at 4:30 p.m. on August 3, 4 and 10, 11. The family friendly shows are designed to allow families to bring their children to comedy events that will feature suitable content, although parental guidance is always suggested. The family-friendly performances are designed so adults can bring their children to without fear of the children hearing words or terms that most parents would not want them to hear.
Bob Hansen
Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz is the culmination of a partnership between Nazareth-born comedian Tyler Rothrock, Lehigh Valley with Love owner George Wacker and ArtsQuest. Hundreds of comics have applied to be a part of the Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz over the past few years.
The full lineup for The Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz at Musikfest is as follows:
August 2 7:00 p.m. Aliya Brown Jason Brown Doogie Horner Tyler Rothrock Betty Smithsonian Jim Tews Glen Tickle Ian Webster
9:30 p.m. Aliya Brown Jason Brown Boris Khaykin Tyler Rothrock Betty Smithsonian Jim Tews Glen Tickle Ian Webster
August 3 4:30 p.m. Family Friendly Show Nataly Aukar Roya Hamadani Doogie Horner Boris Khaykin Brett Peveteaux Michael Kelly Shanell Renee Jim Tews
7:00 p.m. Nataly Aukar Roya Hamadani Doogie Horner Boris Khaykin Brett Peveteaux Michael Kelly Shanell Renee Jim Tews
9:30 p.m. Nataly Aukar Michael Kelly Boris Khaykin Alan Massenburg Brett Peveteaux Shanell Renee Tyler Rothrock Ian Webster
August 4 4:30 p.m. Family-Friendly Show Darryl Charles Roya Hamadani Doogie Horner Maureen Ferguson Minna Gorry-Hines Alan Massenberg Ryan Roe Tyler Rothrock
7:00 p.m. Darryl Charles Roya Hamadani Maureen Ferguson Minna Gorry-Hines Alan Massenberg Ryan Roe Tyler Rothrock Ian Webster
August 9 7:00 p.m. Steve Clark John Deary Dan Fitzpatrick Kirk Griffiths Janear Hankerson Kyle Neff Emily Poche Paul Spratt
9:30 p.m. Steve Clark John Deary Dan Fitzpatrick Kirk Griffiths Janear Hankerson Kyle Neff Emily Poche Paul Spratt
August 10 4:30 p.m. Family-Friendly Show Jason Brown Dan Fitzpatrick Kirk Griffiths Bob Hansen Derek Humphery Tyler Rothrock Glen Tickle
7:00 p.m. Aliya Brown Geoff Colella Dan Fitzpatrick Kirk Griffiths Bob Hansen Derek Humphery Chris O’Connor Tyler Rothrock
9:30 p.m. Aliya Brown Jason Brown Geoff Colella Bob Hansen Derek Humphery Chris O’ConnorT yler Rothrock Paul Spratt
August 11 4:30 p.m. Family-Friendly Show Aliya Brown Janear Hankerson Maureen Ferguson Aaron Landis Joe Moore Shane O’Connor Paul Spratt Glen Tickle
7:00 p.m. Maureen Ferguson Janear Hankerson Aaron Landis Joe Moore Shane O’Connor Tyler Rothrock Paul Spratt Glen Tickle
