Samantha Fish- Paper Doll World Tour
July 2, 2025 7:30PM
Musikfest Café
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, how is everybody doing? I miss you when I am not there. Tonight was BEYOND, BEYOND INCREDIBLE. To quote the incomparable, Samantha Fish, the show was F*CKING BONKERS. It was a percussion bomb; she was rocking and rocking. But, let’s take a moment to talk about how incredible the Musikfest Café. My friend and I arrived, and we were seated as always by the thoughtful Musikfest Café volunteers. We ordered drinks, and some appetizers. The food is great, and it gives you an entire experience. If you want dinner and a show, that is what happens. You can order dinner, appetizers, they even have dessert. You can order drinks (drink responsibly ALWAYS, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.) I have never had a problem with anything at Musikfest Café, and the staff, the volunteers, and then outside of course The Bethlehem Police Department is always efficient and making sure the crowd gets out.
I love Musikfest Café because you can leave a concert, and walk right downstairs or outside, and you may find another band. If you want to see an excellent band, check out Jazz Jam at ArtsQuest. SO MANY TALENTED MUSICIANS.
Tonight’s show was special for me because I lost a dear friend of mine who also loved Samantha Fish’s music. She was the reason; I started listening to her. We walk the path every year before she left us, and she would tell me to “always catch and find our music vibes for Musikfest.” I will miss her, and everything I learned from her over the years. Her own love of music, and capturing what some of us couldn’t even in words, she caught in beautiful photographs.
I will say this, Samantha Fish, you HAVE excellent taste in music. The show opened with Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos… WHEW!!!! *FANS MYSELF EXCESSIVELY* The music WAS DEEP. It was grimy and I fell in love. They paid tribute to the Blues, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT WITHOUT the BLUES, Rock N Roll, and many other music genres would not exist today. They also sang a song by Slim Harpo, if you KNOW, you know that Slim Harpo was a prominent figure in the “swamp blues genre.” He had a distinctive style, and the song they picked was, “I’m A King Bee.” If you have never listened to Slim Harpo, Robert Johnson, Koko Taylor, Bessie Smith, B.B. King, Ma Rainey, MR. JOHN LEE HOOKER, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Mamie Smith, Willie Dixon, Elmore James, Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, Jimmy Reed, Albert King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, Lead Belly, Son House, T-Bone Walker, Mississippi John Hurt, Slim Harpo again, Taj Mahal, Blind Boy Fuller, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Tommy Johnson, Otis Spann, Big Joe Turner, Albert Collins, and so many more talented artists who didn’t get all the recognition, and FLOWERS they should get.
Artists that created with words, and instruments, and stories. And while many praises Stevie Nicks as being “witchy” and for bringing certain creativity when it comes to words, and somewhat magic-related topics. Robert Johnson wrote “Crossroads” which would also be known as “Cross Road Blues.” It was released in May of 1937 so, give RESPECT where it is due. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins sang, “I Put a Spell on You,” Muddy Waters, “Got My Mojo Working.” That one could have a few meanings. Johnny Winter had a song called, “Black Cat Bone.” I could go on and on, and on.
I do love Fleetwood Mac, I grew up listening to them. My mom had quite a vinyl collection. Everything from Stevie Wonder, Muddy Waters, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, you name it, she listens to it.
It was so refreshing to see Anthony Rosano and his incredible band just break everything down, and play with so much passion. I fell madly in love with the music, and the band. (I loved the Hamsa on the drum too. I LOVED IT SO MUCH!)
Samantha Fish, and her band came out to a ROARING APPLAUSE, a standing ovation. One of many all night. She just absolutely ROCKED. Her guitar playing, her voice is pure magic. Her band was on FIRE. Samantha Fish is grimy with her playing, and you feel every word she sings in the marrow of your bones. It just seeps in. You want to just take in every second. She was interactive with the audience, and Anthony had us start his last song in order to get Samantha Fish onstage, but nobody wanted his band to leave either.
Samantha Fish also paid homage to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins by singing, “I Put A Spell on You.” I think Screamin’ Jay Hawkins would approve. A tip of the magical hat. She also sang, “Paper Doll,” “I’m Done Runnin’,” “Bulletproof,” “Fortune Teller,” and more. She returned for an encore of “one more song” to an INCREDIBLY ENTHUSIAC LOVING CROWD.
We had an elevator adventure to which a gentleman advised me and my amazing friend Paula that this has been “such a fun elevator ride.” Music is healing. There isn’t else like concerts, and the feeling of talking to everyone around you, having fun, listening to music you all love, and just letting go of the day. If you have not seen Samantha Fish, and her incredible band, GO NOW, AND GO SEE SAMANTHA FISH.
Thank you, Musikfest Café, as always, and thank you to our awesome section. We had an excellent section. Everybody had a blast. It’s been a while since I have been to such a VIBRANT, lively concert where everyone just wanted to participate, sing along, and clap, feel the music. It was beautiful, and then as we were leaving, we made more friends, and walked outside, and I did a LOOK AT THE MOON!!!
Always find those music vibes. Always find that love and happiness in life.
Make sure to check out all the amazing events happening at ArtsQuest, Levitt Pavillion, and don’t forget, ReggaeFest 2025 is this Saturday. Music all day. It’s going to be incredible.
https://www.musikfest.org/lineup/venues/musikfest-cafe/
