Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA — Thursday, April 30, 2026 — Students at Freedom High School, in a unique partnership with the Bethlehem Area School District and ArtsQuest, have officially finalized their lineup of performers for this year’s Musikfest.
As the largest open-gated music festival in the country, Musikfest serves as a global stage for artistic diversity. From the vibrant Latin rhythms of Plaza Tropical to the intimate acoustic sets at the Martin Guitar Handwerkplatz, the festival balances hundreds of free performances with headlining acts like T.I. with special guest DaBaby and Third Eye Blind. This year, Freedom High School students have taken the reins to curate a selection of emerging artists that reflect the diverse spirit of Bethlehem.
Anthony Winters: A rising talent who transitioned from high school hallways in suburban Philadelphia to the public stage, Winters specializes in a modern Pop sound. Noted for his versatility, he frequently explores Rock and Pop-Rock influences. During student interviews, Winters cited Justin Bieber as a primary inspiration for his performance style and vocal arrangements.
No James: The champion of the 6th Annual F.A.M.E. Contest. This competition allows the Freedom High School student body to vote for their favorite peer-musicians. The winner represents the pinnacle of student talent and the “voice” of the current generation. The band consists of the members Ella Viegas, Leland Naylor, and Lucas Colina. No James specializes in the punk/emo rock genres drawing inspiration from blink-182, Green Day, and Linkin Park.
Ray Pearson: Hailing from Bronx, New York, Pearson is a lyrical rapper who masterfully weaves his Hispanic heritage and urban roots into his tracks. Deeply influenced by the technical precision of Eminem, Pearson brings a storytelling approach to the stage that resonates with fans of classic, wordplay-heavy hip-hop.
The class worked very hard to carefully construct this year’s Musikfest line up to align with the goals and values of ArtsQuest and to be a positive representation of our school and the community of Bethlehem as a whole.
Marketing Musikfest is a unique hands-on educational experience that allows students to apply the programming, budgeting and marketing skills they learn in class to a real-life setting at Musikfest.
For additional information on the Marketing Musikfest program at Freedom High School, please follow us on Instagram: @FHS_AtTheFest
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, and generated a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Information provided to TVL by:
Bryn Keeney
