Mayor’s Musikfest Preview Podcast 2025

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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