WHAT’S NEW AT MUSIKFEST 2022: NEW PLATZ, VENDORS, INTERACTIVE ART AND MORE

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Featured image provided courtesy of ArtsQuest, Photo Credit Jeff Auger

A variety of programming, entertainment, dining, interactive art and experiences

 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Returning for its 39th year, the nation’s largest free music festival, Musikfest 2022 keeps it fresh with new additional locations, experiences, bands and of course food!

NEW LOCATIONS

Making its return to Payrow Plaza after a decade, Musikfest will offer the Northside of Bethlehem an additional concert venue: PNC Stadtplatz. After a call-to-action social media campaign, the community submitted more than 1,000 names for the returning venue. The winner was Stadtplatz, sponsored by longtime partner PNC the new location’s name translates into “city place” or “town square.” The line will feature free performances starting at 5 p.m. and continuing to 10 p.m.

Additionally, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will now be home to two intimate music venues; Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz (featuring singer/songwriters) & Lutron Jazz Cabaret Stage.

For the full performance schedule visit musikfest.org or download the Musikfest App today.

An additional Inclusion Zone in partnership with Accessible Festivals sponsored by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network has been added to Musikfest 2022. Two locations will be available for at North Side’s NJM Insurance Familienplatz and South Side location next to the SteelStacks playground. The inclusion zone is a sensory-supportive space that provides services, tools and amenities to benefit individuals with sensory-processing difficulties of all ages and abilities will be availableIt will feature silent sound system headphones/weighted lap pads, Moon Mats and more. Inclusion Day is on the SouthSide Arts District on Sunday, Aug. 7., will include an ASL Interpretation for five shows: Poets for Justice at The Icehouse for two shows, as well as three shows that will be at Air Products Americaplatz including Baha Men.

NEW Wind Creek Steel Stage -Stage

ArtsQuest is very excited to announce a brand-new design and construction for the beloved Wind Creek Steel Stage. Designed by Mountain Productions and built by local IATSE 200 labor force, this stage takes three days to construct – that’s half the time it took to build the old main stage. This stage is much safer than the previous design, the roof can hold more than two times the weight for lighting and video production and is fully surrounded by vinyl making it completely weatherproof. This stage design might look familiar, as it has been used at many events such as Rolling Loud and Firefly.

For its inaugural year, an exciting list of sensational headliners will take over the new stage.

Boyz II Men: Thursday, Aug. 4 

Starting off Musikfest strong on preview night is the fan-favorite R&B group Boys II Men. The gates will be open to the public at 6 p.m.

Kip Moore: Friday, Aug. 5

Musikfest welcomes country star Kip Moore to the Wing Creek Steel Stage in partnership with Cat Country 96. Gates open at 6 p.m. Special guest stars include Karley Scott Collins and After Midtown.

Willie Nelson & Family: Saturday, Aug. 6

One of America’s favorite country music artists, Willie Nelson, is excited to join the festival on the new stage. Nelson has had a seven-decade long career and is known for being an award-winning artist, author, actor and activist. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Poison: Sunday, August 7

Enjoy your favorite Poison hits that are more than likely to appear such as songs from their album “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” Gates open at 6pm.

Counting Crows: Monday, August 8

The Grammy and Academy Award-nominated rock band Counting Crows will perform on Aug. 8, with special guest star Stephen Kellogg. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Do not miss the makers of the 2004 hit song “Accidently in Love!”

Ziggy Marley: Tuesday, August 9 

Ziggy Marley will be performing a heartfelt tribute to his father, Bob Marley. Gates open to the public at 6 p.m.

Disturbed: Wednesday, August 10 

Come and see the “Best Rock Artist” named by the 2017 iHeartRadioMusic Awards. Gates opening at 6 p.m.

Kelsea Ballerini: Thursday, August 11

Ballerini is a country music star who had been in the top five debut of the Billboard Top 200 twice. Opening for her is a special guest star Girl Named Tom. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Ja Rule & Ashanti: Friday, August 12

Brought to you by media partner B104. Gates opening to the public at 6 p.m.

Alabama: Saturday, August 13

Alabama has sold 73 million albums while influencing the sound of country music. In 1980, the band had their first Top 20 hit with “My Home’s in Alabama.” Opening for the group is a special guest star Thomas Mac. Gates opening at 6 p.m.

Olga Tañón: Sunday, August 14 

Tañón is an award-winning Puerto Rican artist and has achieved two Grammy awards and four Latin Grammy Awards. She will be joined by special guest starts Mako Swing and Christian Alicea. The gates open to the public at 5 p.m., with the festival’s annual firework display to follow her performance.

PROGRAMMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Free Stage Highlights 

Our free stage lineup includes over 500 free performances and will showcase a plethora of music genera bands.

The Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks will host incredible talent for the 2022 Musikfest. On Sunday, Aug. 7, Baha Men will answer the age-old question of “Who Let the Dogs Out,” during their performance at 9:30 p.m. Southern blues and rock favorites, JJ Grey & Mofro will be performing on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 9 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 11, husband-and-wife rock duo Shovels & Rope will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. On Sunday Aug. 14, at 7:30 p.m., The Beaches will perform.

The Musikfest Drag Show presented by Jack Daniels will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling. The show will contain adult language and situations. Any child between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. No child 12 and under will be admitted.

Buskers Return! Don’t miss the Unicycling Unicorn or parades by the Big Easy Brass Band throughout the festival.

First Ever ArtsQuest Hosted Back-Backstage Parties

On Friday, Aug. 5 join us for a pregame BBQ with special concert by Stefanie Johnson before country artist Kip Moore takes the Wind Creek Steel Stage.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, a 80s Trivia Contest hosted by ArtsQuest own Anthony DeSanctis will be hosted before legendary hair metal band Poison rocks the crowd. Trivia prizes including front row tickets for Poison and variety of special ArtsQuest events and prizes.

On Tuesday, Aug. 9, join us after Ziggy Marley – A Live Tribute to His Father and cool down and refill with a delicious ice-cream bar presented by ArtsQuest restaurant partner Levy.

On Sunday, Aug. 14 for the closing night of the festival, join us on PNC Stadtplatz for Sparklers & Sparkling Wine, the first ever Fireworks Watch Party.

Tickets for all four events are now on sale at Musikfest.org.

Fun Interactive Displays

The Nintendo Switch™ Road Trip hits the road this summer to bring you and your family hands-on playtime with the latest member of the Nintendo Switch family, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model! Play demos of the latest games, including Nintendo Switch™ Sports, Mario Strikers™: Battle League, and Kirby™ and the Forgotten Land.

Visit the Monster Energy Bodega at T-Mobile Plaza Tropical! Stop by the Mashed in America Tour for some FREE Idahoan Mashed Potatoes! They’re real potatoes, real easy!

While you’re there make sure to play a game of mash-a-potato, cornhole, and snap a picture on the giant couch potato. Highmark will be onsite the first Saturday, Aug. 6, of the festival with a big claw machine where folks can try their hand at winning a variety of prizes.                    

Highmark is also hosting a front row ticket giveaway for Willie Nelson and partnering with Martin Guitar to give away a guitar.

Cash Cards Return!  

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy the convenience of cash cards for food vendors once again at Musikfest ‘22. These recyclable cards can be reloadable with cash at several booths located throughout the festival. Visitors can also use their credit/debit cards at any vendor.

FOOD VENDORS

ArtsQuest is thrilled to welcome a variety of new food vendors to the ‘fest this year.

Homer’s Girls – Donuts, Cheeseburger Quesadilla, Buffalo Chicken Eggroll, Cheesesteak

Eggroll, Veggie Empanada, Chicken and Cheese Empanadas, Loaded Tots, Iced Coffee, Cookies.

French Toast Bites French Toast Bites, Bacon on a Stick, Cold Brew Coffee.

The Little Sicilian – Pizzaball, Chicken Parm Ball, Philly Cheesesteak Ball, Sausage and Peppers Ball, Fried Ravioli, Cannoli.

The Munchy Machine – Chicken and Waffle Cone, Loaded Pierogies & Kielbasa, Pork Bahn Mi.

Palette & Pour, in partnership with Levy, ArtQuest’s own Quick Kitchen and Bar will be open to serve a variety of snacks, cocktails and mug refills.

FESTIVAL MUST SEE AND EXPERINCE ART

Bart Cooper’s Purple Series on the first and second floor of ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Featuring select work from Musikfest Poster artist’s Purple Series, where each piece is inspired by an artist, symbol, or leader in his or her own right. The recurring theme among those selected are defined by their unique persona especially in that each exudes a deeper understanding and harmony within his or herself. Also featured is the original painting for the 2022 Musikfest Poster art.                              

Loop, the 2022 interactive Art installation will be located on the SteelStacks campus. Loop is an impressive, must-see, interactive art installation piece that we’re thrilled to feature at this year’s Musikfest, at SteelStacks from August 4-14. From the same art installation company which shared “Prismatica” at Musikfest 2019, Loop is a hybrid of music box, zoetrope and railway handcar with retro-futuristic animated images. This illuminated musical installation features a distinctive retro-futuristic look, uses cylinders two meters in diameter and plays short flip book-style movies inspired by literature. Members of the public are invited to sit down inside the zoetrope, pump the bar and make the image cylinder turn so the pictures will spring into motion. At the center of each giant wheel is a music box to provide accompaniment for the beautiful hand-drawn animations. The animated images are tinted by a strobe effect and are reminiscent of the early movies. The speed of the whirring pictures, the frequency at which the light flickers and the tempo of the music are all determined by how fast you move the bar.                 

COMMUNITY BUILDING

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, Wells Fargo and Military Warriors Support Foundation will be at Wells Fargo Fest Platz to honor former U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal James R. Fizer, for he and his family’s sacrifices to our country.

To stay up-to-date on all things Musikfest download the free  Musikfest app presented by PNC Bank. The app will allow you to customize your schedule, access an interactive Musikfest map, emergency weather information, shuttle schedules and best park lot locations and more! The app is available to download at the Apple and Google Play app stores.

Information provided to TVL by:
Kelley Andrade, ArtsQuest
Public Relations Coordinator
http://www.artsquest.org/