{"id":141865,"date":"2025-04-22T21:39:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T01:39:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=141865"},"modified":"2025-04-22T21:39:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T01:39:24","slug":"this-allentown-festival-is-heating-up-bbq-battles-a-new-footprint-live-blues-legends-craft-beverages-await-at-blues-brews-barbecue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=141865","title":{"rendered":"This Allentown Festival Is Heating Up &#8211; BBQ Battles, A New Footprint, Live Blues Legends &#038; Craft Beverages Await at Blues, Brews &#038; Barbecue!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>ALLENTOWN, PA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 April 22, 2025 &#8211; The unmistakable aroma of smoked meats, the soul-stirring sound of blues, and the buzz of downtown excitement return this summer as the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, in proud partnership with the Allentown Chamber of Commerce and the City of Allentown, announces the 17th Annual Blues, Brews &amp; Barbecue Festival coming Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12\u20138 PM.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45.png\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-0\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-141867\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45-300x375.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-45.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a foodie, music lover, craft enthusiast, or just craving a perfect Saturday,\u00a0<strong>Blues, Brews &amp; Barbecue 2025<\/strong>\u00a0is where you want to be. This\u00a0<strong>FREE<\/strong>, family-friendly event is back bigger, louder, and smokier than ever with a reimagined layout featuring\u00a0<strong>four stages<\/strong>\u00a0(including one in the new Moxy Allentown Courtyard), a full day of world-class entertainment, food, and art activations right in the heart of the Queen City.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Headlining<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>this year\u2019s festival is<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Parker Barrow<\/strong>, the blazing Southern blues-rock band led by real-life couple Megan Kane and Dylan Turner. Their breakout album\u00a0<em>Jukebox Gypsies<\/em>\u00a0wowed critics, with\u00a0<em>Rock &amp; Blues Muse<\/em>\u00a0hailing their sound as \u201cgenuine and true.\u201d Expect powerhouse vocals, sizzling guitars, and a live show with charisma and grit.<\/p>\n<p>Joining Parker Barrow as our\u00a0<strong>opener is Shane Guerrette<\/strong>, the retro soul-rocker with millions of streams and many tours under his wing, known for electrifying performances that nod to legends while forging his own path.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The full lineup<\/strong>\u00a0includes a diverse mix of national talent and hometown heroes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Co. Spirals<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Surf, psych, and twang from Lehigh Valley\u2019s rising alt-blues scene<\/li>\n<li><strong>Audio Files (Blues Set)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Local band bringing homegrown blues energy and soulful sounds to the stage<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dirty Mae<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A genre-bending, theatrical ride through blues, folk, and Americana<\/li>\n<li><strong>James Supra Band<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Lehigh Valley blues royalty known for explosive harmonica-fueled performances<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mississippi Pig Farmers<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Blues storytelling from a lifetime of gigs and grit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regina Bonelli<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A powerhouse blues singer and keyboardist with soulful storytelling<\/li>\n<li><strong>Steve Johnson<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Colorado man&#8217;s rock show and Lehigh Valley musical marvel<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Blues Reincarnation Project<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Youthful energy, global roots, and guitar mastery<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Groove Merchants<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 High-octane funk and soul fusion from festival circuit favorites<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tavern Tan<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u201cLive American Music\u201d from dive bar legends and roots-rock masters<\/li>\n<li>More to be announced!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>4 STAGES | AMAZING BBQ | REFRESHING DRINKS | UNFORGETTABLE ENERGY!\u00a0<\/strong>Our music will not be the only thing that will have you singing. Prepare your taste buds for BBQ heaven! The All-New BBQ Tasting Contest, presented by Friends of Allentown Parks, pits top pitmasters like Atomic Hogs, Grumpy\u2019s, Granny Jz\u2019s, Taste Smokers, Grill N\u2019 Chill Spot, and Lenwood BBQ against each other in a smoky showdown for Queen City bragging rights.<\/p>\n<p>Wash the delicious barbecue down with refreshing sips. New this year: local craft brews, wine, and spirits from top names like\u00a0<strong>Bru Daddy\u2019s<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Allentown Brew Works<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Hijinx<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Bovino\u2019s Brewery<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>County Seats<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Franklin Hill<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Social Still<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Hardball Cider<\/strong>, and more.\u00a0<strong>Sip and savor<\/strong>\u00a0your way through the afternoon!<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Festivalgoers will l.o.v.e the\u00a0<strong>A True L.O.V.E. Story Zone,\u00a0<\/strong>a creative explosion of live painting, chalk murals, interactive art, artisan vendors, and kids&#8217; activities in partnership with Inkwell.<\/p>\n<p>Bring the whole family for a full day of free fun, hands-on interactive activation, local businesses, and music with delicious food to match; a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday in Downtown Allentown. Following a full festival day, check out the renowned bluegrass band, The Mountain Grass Unit, at 8:00 p.m. at Archer Music Hall, along with many other afterparties scattered throughout Hamilton Street.<\/p>\n<p>Let the music move you, the barbecue tempt you, and the brews refresh you. Let Downtown Allentown remind you what it feels like to fall in love with your city all over again.<\/p>\n<p><strong>EVENT DETAILS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>When: Saturday, June 14, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Time: 12 Noon \u2013 8 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Where: Downtown Allentown (Hamilton Street, 8th St. \u2013 12th St.)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>FREE Admission<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>More info:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gikvzbabb.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001qaY1QCHZdF8kr52F_I2bBImYO1xTkYGRoyMCIhpIK0_2RxxQfCH7WCgM3xmxjlG7eqrOZJvKfyHIlu5QE1iEoVDsnoY74XfT13nnbL3X14uEp4LD4VJGlEo-NHf4MtSGuTl8ep_pu1IvbgWOYnR8Oe51gDwcdiE4nk592K0BXD32jP3zyJQuw-PI4dm_BOhg&amp;c=lTQriaRoCwZ-q8YPoB0Si7hKthRLi6DkxBQQ2JePxGEHszFJ_JE4Og==&amp;ch=vL5ts0JB6LXcuVjTwudb8LgZEuGU2lwXsSX8BBCwgju7CzNnkjLxzA==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>\u00a0https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/16RyS52HwS\/\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gikvzbabb.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001qaY1QCHZdF8kr52F_I2bBImYO1xTkYGRoyMCIhpIK0_2RxxQfCH7WCgM3xmxjlG7sY0XIlLwoVgLz8J2blUsdaqgNNb1jZJZt3f9dl8i9v4k567F2IUEtyzpX5nF_j5zUAuVCdI2ChK6kQ4s3fmIfnzYjzPapT7b&amp;c=lTQriaRoCwZ-q8YPoB0Si7hKthRLi6DkxBQQ2JePxGEHszFJ_JE4Og==&amp;ch=vL5ts0JB6LXcuVjTwudb8LgZEuGU2lwXsSX8BBCwgju7CzNnkjLxzA==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>BluesBrewsandBarbecue.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>WANT TO GET INVOLVED?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re seeking vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to help bring the magic to life!<\/p>\n<p>Contact\u00a0<strong>Brittney Ciardi<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenting Partner:<\/strong>\u00a0City of Allentown and Lehigh County<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stage Sponsors:<\/strong>\u00a0The Hamilton at Grand Plaza (&amp; Kid Zone Sponsor), Moxy Allentown Hotel<\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Stage Entertainment Sponsor:<\/strong>\u00a0Archer Music Hall<\/p>\n<p><strong>BBQ Contest Sponsor:<\/strong>\u00a0Friends of Allentown Parks<\/p>\n<p><strong>Entertainment Sponsor:<\/strong>\u00a0ArtsQuest<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bronze Sponsor:<\/strong>\u00a0QNB Bank<\/p>\n<p><strong>Volunteer T-Shirt Sponsor:<\/strong>\u00a0City Center Group<\/p>\n<p><strong>Community Supporter Sponsors:<\/strong>\u00a0Alvin H. Butz Corp., Lehigh Valley Phantoms, St. Luke\u2019s University Health Network, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Video Sponsor: ASR Media<\/p>\n<p><strong>Media Partners:<\/strong>\u00a0Astound and Countess Communications<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>About the Chamber:<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce\u2019s mission is to serve as the voice for business by continuously improving the economic climate and creating growth opportunities for the Greater Lehigh Valley region. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money-saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives, public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises.\u00a0With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000 individuals, The Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in the top ten nationwide.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Information provided to TVL by:<br \/>\nAllentown Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ALLENTOWN, PA\u00a0\u2013 April 22, 2025 &#8211; The unmistakable aroma of smoked meats, the soul-stirring sound of blues, and the buzz of downtown excitement return this summer as the Downtown Allentown &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=141865\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">This Allentown Festival Is Heating Up &#8211; BBQ Battles, A New Footprint, Live Blues Legends &#038; Craft Beverages Await at Blues, Brews &#038; Barbecue!<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":141866,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5717,69,482],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bethlehem","category-in-the-valley","category-press-release-2"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blues-brews-bbqs-25.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141865"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=141865"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141865\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/141866"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=141865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=141865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=141865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}