Mayor’s Musikfest Preview Podcast 2025

Posted On July 31, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  
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Recorded at City Hall’s Payrow Plaza, it’s the Mayor’s Musikfest Podcast 2025, hosted by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Lehigh Valley with Love Media’s George Wacker.

This year’s episode highlights the people powering Musikfest behind the scenes and on stage:

  • Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, shares what’s new and what keeps the festival going after 42 years

  • Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer of ArtsQuest, talks booking hundreds of bands and building a “city within a city”

  • Dave Fry, local music icon who’s performed at every single Musikfest since 1984, joins the conversation and performs live

  • Laura Waits and Cathy Campanaro of Sync Recovery, along with Northampton County Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner, talk about the launch of SoberPlatz, a new alcohol-free space at the festival

  • Meet the Mayor, a long-time local band, reflects on playing Musikfest for the past 8 years

  • Bren closes out the episode with thoughts on artistry, identity, and what it means to perform at Musikfest

Listen for honest conversations, local stories, and a look at how community and music come together every summer in Bethlehem.

Musikfest starts Friday, August 1.
Thank you to everyone who helps make Bethlehem such a special place to live, visit, and celebrate.
Have a great Fest.

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/VSV_onIlqok

Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

WDIY 88.1 FM

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

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Fest Friends 2025

Posted On July 27, 2025 By lvwithlove In Blog /  

Welcome, Fest Friend!

We love Musikfest because of you – the friends, the memories, the fun. Here’s your chance to be part of our Fest Friends project:

  • Get your name featured in our Grand Finale Musikfest video of 2025 on @lvwithlove social channels
  • Be one of 10 people to receive a free LVwithLOVE Pack, including our special Squonk sticker
  • Share a photo or video of you and your best friend for a chance to be featured in a community montage
  • Sign up to hear about future Lehigh Valley with Love event, projects, and partners

Fill out the form below, it only takes a minute, and you’ll help us celebrate the community that makes Musikfest so memorable.

Check out our Fest Friends Merch (IG STORY) at Learn about Pennsylvania’s own cryptid, The Squonk

Check out the YouTube Playlist

FEST FRIENDS ENTRY LINK

Thank you to our sponsors: Banko Beverage Company | Wind Creek Event Center | Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX | Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub | WDIY 88.1 FM | Hellertown Historical Society 

Fest Friends Tshirts / Charms / Stickers for sale at The Bethlum Shop Merch Tent at Match Platz

Follow @bethlum.shop and @lvwithlove

 

 

 

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Musikfest 2024

Posted On August 12, 2024 By lvwithlove In /  
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Thank you to our Partners!

Lehigh Valley Health Network

WDIY

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate 

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

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Fest Friends at Musikfest 2024

Posted On July 30, 2024 By lvwithlove In Blog /  

Join Us for Fest Friends at Musikfest!

Musikfest is about the joy of friendships—whether you’re meeting new friends, reconnecting with old ones, or sharing unforgettable moments together. We’re celebrating these connections with our Fest Friends community video project, presented by Banko Beverage Co.

We want to hear your stories and capture them on location! If you and your friends have met at Musikfest, make it a yearly tradition, or simply love coming together for the festivities, we want to feature you in our video series.

HOW’S IT WORK?

  • Follow us on social media @lvwithlove (www.lvwithlove.com) to find out where we’ll be during Musikfest.
  • For the best chance to participate, join us at Plaza Tropical around 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 3.
  • We will be filming August 1 – 4
  • Limited edition Fest Friends charms for the first 200 participants
  • Exclusive buttons and stickers, available while supplies last
  • Exciting giveaways from our partners, including Wind Creek Event Center, Banko Beverage, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, and more!

Celebrate Friendship. Celebrate Musikfest. Celebrate You.

#FestFriends #Musikfest2024 #LehighValleyWithLove

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Second Annual Musikfest Preview Livestream

Posted On August 4, 2023 By lvwithlove In /  
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Thank you to our Partners!

WXPN

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate 

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

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.

 

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Walk the Moon / August 4 at Musikfest / Media Sponsor Lehigh Valley with Love

Posted On May 30, 2023 By lvwithlove In Blog, Press Release /  

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.

TICKETS

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.

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LIVE Guide to Musikfest with Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Guests!

Posted On August 5, 2022 By lvwithlove In /  
Partner with Lehigh Valley with Love!

Thank you to our Partners!

Made Possible in Lehigh Valley

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

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.

Musikfest.org

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Live Guide to Musikfest 2022 with Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds

Posted On August 1, 2022 By lvwithlove In Blog /  

Join us as we go live on Thursday, August 4 from 5 to 7 pm from Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza to give you a Live Guide to Musikfest 2022!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lehigh Valley with Love (@lvwithlove)

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.

 

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Musikfest Live Stream 2021 (7+ Hours)

Posted On August 22, 2021 By lvwithlove In /  1 No Comments

Here it is.

All 7+ hours of our Musikfest Live Stream recorded on August 7, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

You can watch the video stream here. We look forward to doing more streams like this and improving the quality and adding some fun tweaks!

Thank you to our sponsor for the stream, Service Electric Cable TV!

Thank you again to everyone who came onto the stream, including Phil Reese, who helped out immensely with planning and hosting.

Also, but thank you to The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties for being our featured Non-Profit for the stream!

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!

—

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!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Venture X

– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?

 

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Musikfest Live Stream 2021 brought to you by Service Electric Cable TV

Posted On August 3, 2021 By lvwithlove In Blog /   No Comments

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

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Penn State University Biology Student Hailee from Nazareth | Take it from a Local with Allison

Posted On April 28, 2021 By lvwithlove In /   No Comments

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!

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X

 

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!”

– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?

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Muhlenberg College Student Riley | Take it from a Local with Allison

Posted On April 20, 2021 By lvwithlove In /   No Comments

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.

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X

 

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!”

– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?

Read More

Boba Tea, Musikfest, and Delores | Take it from a Local with Allison

Posted On March 26, 2021 By lvwithlove In /   No Comments

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.

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X

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!”

– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?

Read More