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Musikfest

Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience

Weezer performing live at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 2019.

Musikfest is a big American music festival that has been held every year since 1984 in Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley area of eastern Pennsylvania. It is the largest free music festival in the United States where people can enjoy music without needing a ticket to get in. The festival starts on the first Friday in August and ends on the second Sunday after that.

Thousands of visitors come to Bethlehem from all over the nation and the world to enjoy Musikfest. The festival includes hundreds of free music shows with many different kinds of music. Each night, a famous musician performs on the Steel Stage, which used to be called RiverPlace and Kunstplatz. Some shows, including those on the Steel Stage, need paid tickets.

Musikfest has strong ties to the area's German history, and many of the places at the festival have names ending in Platz, which means "place" or "square" in German. One popular spot is the Festplatz, a big area with 300 dining tables where people can eat and listen to music, often from a polka band. Musikfest features music, food, and activities from many different cultures.

The festival is organized by ArtsQuest, a group that works to support arts and culture in the Lehigh Valley and nearby areas. Money from Musikfest helps ArtsQuest and other groups, like the Banana Factory community arts center in South Bethlehem. Musikfest even inspired parts of the music film, Killian & the Comeback Kids.

Musikfest 2026

Musikfest 43 will happen from July 31 to August 9 in 2026.

Musikfest 2026 poster

The official Musikfest 2026 poster was made by painter and illustrator Doug Boehm. This design is special because it marks a big celebration for the United States.

2026 performers

  • July 31, 2026 – To be announced
  • August 1, 2026 – John Mulaney
  • August 2, 2026 – To be announced
  • August 3, 2026 – Train
  • August 4, 2026 – "Weird Al" Yankovic
  • August 5, 2026 – To be announced
  • August 6, 2026 – Bailey Zimmerman
  • August 7, 2026 – Parker McCollum
  • August 8, 2026 – To be announced
  • August 9, 2026 – To be announced

Musikfest 2025

Musikfest 42 happened from August 1 to August 10 in 2025.

The poster for 2025 was made by Mallory Zondag, an artist who works with different materials. This year, the poster used special fabric art for the first time.

Here are some of the musicians who performed:

Musikfest 2024

Musikfest 41 happened from August 1 to August 11. The poster for this year was made by an artist named Lauren Beck. Her artwork shows a night sky with Musikfest below it, showing how music connects people and brings energy to the festival.

Here are some of the performers for each day:

Musikfest 2023

Musikfest turned 40 in 2023, happening from August 3 to August 13.

The poster for that year showed bright colors and happy dancers, celebrating both the festival’s big anniversary and the diverse culture of the Bethlehem area.

Musikfest 2022

Musikfest 39 happened from August 4 to August 14, celebrating music and arts in the community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Fine artist Bart Cooper created a colorful poster for the event. His poster shows a happy father lifting his daughter onto his shoulders at Musikfest, capturing their shared joy from different viewpoints.

Musikfest 2021

After moving online in 2020, Musikfest came back from August 5 to August 15, 2021, celebrating its 38th year with joy and music.

This year, Musikfest paid special tribute to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic using the Poppy flower. The event worked with New Bethany Ministries to create Poppies of Remembrance and Lanterns of Hope, letting people honor loved ones and thank first responders. Attendees lit small candles in paper bags to show respect. Everyone was asked to pause for a moment of silence to remember those we lost.

The poster for the event was made by artist Mandy Martin, showing how Bethlehem has grown over time, with poppies as a key symbol. The festival began on August 5 with a special preview night featuring the artist Darius Rucker. Many talented musicians performed throughout the weeks, bringing fun and entertainment to all who attended.

Musikfest 2020

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Musikfest in 2020 had to change its usual plan. Instead of many shows over 10 days, there were only five live shows and some shows shown online. The festival happened from July 31 to August 9.

2020 performers

  • July 31, 2020 – The Uptown Band
  • August 1, 2020 – The BRUCE Show, a Bruce Springsteen cover band
  • August 7, 2020 – Craig Thatcher Band
  • August 8, 2020 – Hector Rosado Orchestra
  • August 9, 2020 – Danielle Ponder and fireworks

Musikfest 2019

Rock band Weezer playing at Musikfest's mainstage in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in August 2019

In 2019, Musikfest celebrated its 36th year as a fun music event. It took place from August 2 to August 11, featuring many popular bands and artists.

White Reaper playing Musikfest in August 2019

Wind Creek Bethlehem Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

Musikfest 2018

In 2018, Musikfest celebrated its 35th year, taking place from August 3 to 12. A special poster was made by Dan Mugrauer, a tattoo artist from Ambler, PA, and it was used for many festival items like mugs and souvenirs.

To mark the special anniversary, a preview night was held on August 2, the day before the festival officially began. This special night featured a performance by Voodoo Threauxdown with artists like Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.

The festival featured many popular performers on different stages over the ten days. Some of the artists included Styx, Joan Jett, Daughtry, Jim Gaffigan, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Gary Clark Jr., Grouplove, Brantley Gilbert, All Time Low, Dashboard Confessional, and Jason Mraz. There were also many other bands and musicians performing on stages like Air Products Americaplatz, BB&T Jazz Cabaret Stage, Hotel Bethlehem Platz, and PNC Series at Musikfest Cafe.

Musikfest 2017

The 34th Musikfest happened from August 4 to 13 in 2017.

On Saturday, August 5, there was a special 5k run called the 'Musikfest 5K' in downtown Bethlehem during the festival.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

2016 performers

Musikfest 2016, the 33rd yearly music festival, happened from August 5 to 14.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

Pennsylvania Lottery Volksplatz Stage

  • August 12, 2016 – UNRB

2015 performers

Musikfest 2015, the 32nd time this big music party happened, ran from August 7 to 16.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

2014 performers

Musikfest 2014 happened from August 1 to 10.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

Lutron Electronics Chamber Series at Central Moravian Church's Old Chapel

Denis Azabagic, Fairfield Duo, Zig Zag Quartet, Grace Adele Spruiell, and City Winds Trio

National Penn Bank Jazz Cabaret Stage at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Michael Dease, Heather Friedman, The Cook Trio, Barbara Martin & Vince Lewis, Two Cent Jazz Band, Hambone Relay, The Dan Wilkins Group, Nashaz, Blackbird Society Orchestra, The Barrel House Brothers, Hot Club of Philadelphia, Michelle Wiley Quartet, Hot Bijouxx, Brooke DiCaro, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Chickentown, Michael Gallant Trio, and Joe Wagner Trio

Yuengling Summer Concert Series at Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

Before and after Musikfest, there were special summer concerts.

The Platzes and other stages

Aetna Americaplatz: Carolyn Wonderland, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, The Interlopers, Jesse Dee, Atlas Road Crew, Melodime, Sam Hunt, James Supra Blues Band, AJ Smith & The Apollo, Robin McKelle & The Flytones, Wild Child, Scythian, Kevin Gordon, Marla & The Juniper Street Band, Stone Flower, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Keystone: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia, Southern Hospitality, Friar's Point, Igor & The Red Elvises, JD McPherson, Aaron Tracy Band, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Craig Thatcher Band, Mike Mettalia and the Midnight Shift, Todd Wolfe Band, and The Blues Brotherhood

Wells Fargo Festplatz: Jolly Joe Timmer, The Sofa Kings, The Golden Tones, Bud Hundenski and the Corsairs, The Amish Outlaws, The Nerds, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Brian Kirk and the Jirks, John Stevens' Doubleshot, M80, Rubix Kube, The Exceptions, Joyous, The Soul Cruisers, Boogie Wonder Band, John Stanky and the Coalminers, Scott Marshall and Marshall's Highway, Crazy Hearts, The Main Street Cruisers, Desire, The Fabulous Greaseband, The Polskie Swingmasters, The Polka Brothers, The Aardvarks, The Blue Meanies perform The Kinks, The British Invasion Tribute, The Glimmer Twins, Strawberry Fields – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band, Walt Groller Orchestra, Alex Meixner Band, The Uptown Band

Air Products Handwerkplatz: Polynesian Dance Productions and Cast in Bronze

Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz: Lily Mae

Plaza Tropical: Blue Wave Theory, Briar Rabbit, Lines in the Sky, Arc and Stones, Grandpa Rage, The Romantic Era, Cedar Green, Bushmaster

Musikfest 2013

Musikfest 2013, presented by ArtsQuest, took place from August 2 to 11. The festival featured many performances by bands, artists, comedians, and other entertainers. They performed on over 14 stages in Bethlehem's historic downtown, the Sands Casino SteelStacks Plaza, the Artsquest Center, the PNC Plaza, and the Yuengling Musikfest Cafe. This year was special because it marked the 30th anniversary of Musikfest, so there were many special events and concerts to celebrate.

One new event was the "Musikfest Color-Me-Rad 5K", a 5K run where runners were surprised with paint bombs. There was also the First Annual Musikfest Volunteer Photography Exhibition, showing the work of volunteers who take pictures at the festival each year. Other activities included dance performances, late-night stand-up comedy shows, multilingual Catholic masses, Presbyterian worship services, Methodist celebrations, and many vendors and food stalls.

2012 Performers

Musikfest 2012, presented by ArtsQuest, took place from August 3 to 12. The festival featured hundreds of musical performances on 16 stages in Bethlehem's historic downtown, the Sands Casino SteelStacks Center, the PNC Plaza, and the Yuengling Musikfest Cafe. Visitors could enjoy delicious foods, arts and crafts, and many activities for children, including a fireworks show on the final night.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

PNC Series at the Musikfest Cafe, presented by Yuengling

  • August 3, 2012 – Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, The Slicked Up Nines, Glen Tickle and Jim Tews
  • August 4, 2012 – Call Your Mama, Forward Motion, Tyler Rothrock and Tommy Pope
  • August 5, 2012 – Friar's Point, Shelly Clark & Friends
  • August 6, 2012 – Alastair Moock, Tommy Zito
  • August 7, 2012 – Eric Mintel Quartet, Craig Kastelnick & Friends
  • August 8, 2012 – Sarah Ayers Band, Robbi K and The New York All-Stars
  • August 9, 2012 – Valerie Vigoda, Dueling Pianos
  • August 10, 2012 – Avi Wisnia, The Large Flowerheads, Steve Bost and Pat House
  • August 11, 2012 – Sarah King and The Smoke Rings, Mike Dugan & The Blues Mission, Tyler Rothrock and Ryan Hill
  • August 12, 2012 – The Difference, Lucky 7

The Platzes and other stages

14 of Musikfest's stages, including the PNC Series at Musikfest Cafe, present free music, arts, and entertainment for all ages.

TD Bank Community Stage on Air Products Town Square: Butterjive, Doug Hawk Proposition, The Pine Hollows, The StereoFidelics, Trouble City All-Stars, Running Late, The 4 Walls, Revolution I Love you, Scott Pine and the Conifers, MiZ, Andrew Portz Band, Tavern Tan, Kill the Broadcast, Boom Chick, Four the Day, Dan Mills, The Young Wolverines, Lunic, XVSK, They Were Only Satellites, Just Married, The Kalob Griffin Band, Sarah Donner, The Almighty Terribles, and the Great White Caps

Aetna Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks: Musikfest 2012 Opening Ceremonies, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Sena Ehrnhardt, The Burrows, Forward Motion, The Blues Brotherhood, Draw the Line, Homemade Jamz, 2U, The Difference, B-Street, MarchFourth Marching Band, Tusk, The Killdares, Live Wire, The Chris Beard Band, Chris Watson Band, The Aardvarks, Eric Steckel, and the Craig Thatcher Band

Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas: Brittany Ann, Mike Krisukas and Zen for Primates, Paulie Knakk, Blue Jean, Freak Owls, Michael Natrin, Connie Edinger and Tom Marchak, Gina Sicilia, Lucy Stone, Maggie Spike, Heidi Winzinger, Brosky 'n Meyer, Tim Butler, Kwesi Kankam, Connor McInerney, Mike and Ashley Duo, Yancarlos Sanchez, Perry Costello, Emily Mure, Paula Scott Duo, Mree, Dallas Vietty, Lizanno Knott, Ben Falandays, Kenny Ferrier, Jessica Smucker, Sarah Ayers, Carlos Barata, Katie Kelly, The Beautiful Distortion, Mule Dixon, Melissa VanFleet, Alex Radus, John Beacher, Hannah and Maggie, The Color Sound, Billy Bauer, Jon Fadem, AJ Silverberg, Shane Cooley, Larry Murante, XVSK, Just Married, Casey Cattie, Sarah Deardorff, Anthony D'Amato, Joe Ike, and Kwesi Kankam

KNBT Jazz Cabaret Stage at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas: Ben Mauger's Vintage Jazz Band, Kristi Lynn Quartet, Caravan of Thieves, Fusion Jazz Trio, Dan DeChellis Trio, Mike Lorenz Quartet, Dan Wilkins Quintet, The Tribute, Tony Gairo Hot Three, Andrea Carlson Trio, Gas House Gorillas, Andrew Pereira Quartet, Hot Bijouxx, Frank DiBussolo Trio, The Hoppin' John Orchestra, Displaced Peoples, Alex Levin Jazz Trio, Sarah King and The Smoke Rings, and Hot Club Philly

Peeps & Company Banana Island: We Kids Rock, The Cat's Pajamas, Steve Pullara's Cool Beans Band, Dave Fry, Erin Lee, Starfish, Alastair Moock, The Uncle Devin Show, Hector Rosado Drum Workshop, Nina Music, Meg's Melodies, Miss Maggie Sings, Fuzzy Lollipop, 2+1 Math Rocks!, Kira Willey, Uncle Rock, Rolie Polie Guacamole, Robbi K, Stacey Peasley Band, Baze and Silly Friends, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band, The Fuzzy Lemons, and The Deedle Deedle Dees

Chamber Series: Eliot String Quartet, James Nyoraku Schlefer and Nora Nohraku Suggs/The Bamboo 2, How Fair A Sound, The Dolce Ensemble, and Madeline Rose Link

Wells Fargo Festplatz: Jolly Joe Timmer, Lucky 7, Henry & The Versa Js, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Frank Viele and the Manhattan Project, Eddie Forman Orchestra, Polka Country Musicians, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Joe Weber Band, Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push, The Uptown Band featuring Erich Cawalla and Jenifer Kinder, Copper Box, Mike Surratt & The Continentals, UUU, Westallgaier, The Jumpers Orchestra, The Fabulous Greaseband, John Stevens Doubleshot, The Adlers, John Stanky and the Coalminers, Funky Fontana, Joseph Kroboth Band, Bud Hundeski & The Corsairs, HALA Espectacular, La Excelencia, Walt Groller Orchestra, Rob Stonebeck Band, and Alex Meixner Band

Handwerkplatz: Cast in Bronze

Downtown Bethlehem Association Liederplatz: Eric Mintel Quartet, Zen for Primates, Acoustic Roadshow, Roosevelt Dime, Spuyten Duyvil, Miss Tess & The Talkbacks, Lehigh Valley Folk Music Society, Daisy Jug Band, Dina Hall and The Backbeat, Chandler Travis Philharmonic, [Moonshine Society], 3AM (Three Acoustic Musicians—Plus 1), Cunningham and Associates, Bovine Social Club, New Found Road, Tumbling Bones, Billy Bauer Band, BC Combo, The Rosie Burgess Trio, Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyk, Donovan Roberts, The Bucks County Folk Song Society, Hillbilly Souls, Little Buddy, Eric Steckel, Dave Fry, Mike Cross, BOOM, Girls Guns & Glory, and Bob Malone

Downtown Bethlehem Association Main Street: Lindsay Benner, Wacky Chad, Tin Bird Choir, Among Criminals, Runa Pacha, Waitin' on a Train, Caravan of Thieves, Post Junction, Graveyard Lovers, Mama Corn, The Barn Swallows, Kagero, Blue Jersey Band, Hillbilly Shakespeare, The Juice Box, WhiskeyHickon Boys, Phantasmagoria, Double Dutch Empire, The Byways, The Dang-It Bobbys, Freak Owls, Quimby Mountain Band, On The Water, Independence Drive, The Abrams Brothers, The Rosie Burgess Trio, The Wallace Brothers, Gangstagrass, Joe Whyte, and Carter3Productions Presents

The Morning Call Plaza Tropical: The StereoFidelics, Keys N Krates, En Sequencia, SUYA, Irka Mateo, BELEZA!, Hector Rosado y Su Orchestra, 3AM (Three Acoustic Musicians—Plus 1), The Large Flowerheads, Marrakesh Express, John Kadlecik Band, Experience Janis, Irish Stars Parker School of Dance, The Monarch Dance Company, Saucon Valley Music, Born Into Dance, HALA Presents, Lehigh Valley Community Music School, LVPA Music Teacher's Association, School of Rock, Carbon Leaf, Splintered Sunlight, Kendal Conrad, The Scarlet Furies, CB Radio, Pure Country Dancers, Scott Marshall & Marshall's Highway, Connor Christian & Southern Gothic, Caribbean Steel Rhythms, Great White Caps, The Defending Champions, Jimmy & The Parrots, Yellow Dubmarine, The Lesson Center, Mark DeRose and The Way Home, Delta Rae, The Spinto Band, Dave Goddess Group, The Verticolors, Wiretree, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Off The Map, Sabroso Video Showcase, and Alex Torres Band

Pennsylvania Lottery Volksplatz: Tartanic, O'Grady Quinlan Academy, The Mystical Arts of Tibet, Sharon Plessl School of Dance, Rumbafrica, The Red Elvises, Blue Ribbon Cloggers, Caribbean Steel Rhythms, PANA!, The Lou Franco Project, Please Please Me, Incendio, Junior Toots, Start Making Sense, Pavlov's Dawgs, Allegro Dance Company, Seamus Kennedy, MarchFourth Marching Band, Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association, Steppin' Razor, Djembe Jam with Moe Jerant, Joan Soriano Family Band, The Killdares, Valeria Vigoda, Alex Meixner Band, Philly Bloco, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, William Allen High Chorale, Amarach, John Byrne Band, Hudost, Diego's Umbrella, Blind Lights, Lehigh Valley Cloggers, Daisy Jug Band, Burning Bridget Cleary, The Prodigals, The Fighting Jamesons, Bhakti, Art of Rhythm and Dance with Tahya and Grant Smith, Telesma, Antioquia, and Matuto

Vesper Concert Series at Moravian College: Satori, DuoSF, Abaca String Band, Choo Choo Hu, and Hickory Brass

2011 Performers

Musikfest 2011, hosted by ArtsQuest, took place from August 5 to 14. The festival featured about 500 musical performances on 14 stages across Bethlehem's historic downtown. Enjoyable food, children's activities, arts and crafts, and a closing-night fireworks show were also part of the event.

The theme for that year was "The Song Remains...". Artists and events highlighted this theme. The festival expanded to include new stages at SteelStacks on Bethlehem's SouthSide, such as the PNC Plaza and Yuengling Musikfest Cafe. These new venues were called the "South Side" venues.

Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

PNC Performing Arts Series at the Yuengling Musikfest Cafe

The Platzes

Eleven of Musikfest's 14 stages offered free concerts.

Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks: Entrain, Float Parade, Trampled Under Foot, Los Straitjackets, Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun, Mingo Fishtrap, MarchFourth Marching Band, Philly Bloco, Trailer Park Troubadours, CC Coletti, Craig Thatcher Band, Love in Stockholm, Sarah Ayers Band, James Supra Band, Scott Marshall and Marshall's Highway, The Blues Brotherhood, Little Buddy, Friar's Point, Hogmaw, Don Cunningham & His Cabinet, Peripheral Vision, FortyGrand, and The Difference

Banana Island: Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band, Erin Lee & The Up Past Bedtime Band, Uncle Rock, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band, Kira Willey, Yosi & The Superdads, Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band, Shelly Clark & Friends, The Cat's Pajamas, 2 + 1 = Math Rocks, Nina Music, Robbi K, We Kids Rock, BASD Guitar Camp, Mingo Fishtrap, Mike Dugan & The Blues Mission, Chris Bergson Band, Craig Kastelnik, New Tricks, B.D. Lenz, Zen for Primates, Ben Rudnick & Friends, Mustard's Retreat, Bill Warfield Octet, Fusion Jazz Trio, Ten Foot Tall, Eric Mintel Quintet, Alastair Monk, Dan Wilkins Quartet, Lu Mitchell, Ricky Smith & The Crush, Roaring 20s Jazz Orchestra, Tommy Zito, Triple Play, and Synergy Brass

Festplatz: Jimmy Sturr, Walt Groller Orchestra, Eddie Forman Orchestra, John Stanky & The Coalminers, Die Fehrenbacher, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, J&J Quartet, The Adlers, Kickin' Polkas, John Stevens' Doubleshot, Polka Country Musicians, Henry & The Versa J's, Jolly Joe Timmer, Here Come the Mummies, The Fabulous Greaseband, Philadelphia Funk Authority, New York Funk Exchange, Sensational Soul Cruisers, Main Street Cruisers, Rob Stonebeck, Lucky 7, M-80, and Alex Meixner Band

Liederplatz: Jimmy Thackery, Cabinet, Fishtank Ensemble, The Arrogant Worms, Vance Gilbert, Yarn, Eric Steckel, Alexis P. Suter Band, Mustard's Retreat, Jann Klose, RUNA, Amarach, Sweetback Sisters, The Headers, Dave Fry, Rosie Burgess Trio, Donovan Roberts, BC Combo, Parkington Sisters, Connie Edinger Trio, Dina Hall, The Hillbilly Souls, Joshua Popejoy, Barnaby Bright, Matt Zeiner, Lou Franco Project, Acoustic Roadshow, Synergy Brass, Lehigh Valley Folk Music Society, and Godfrey Daniels' Best of Open Mic

Lyrikplatz: Jordan White, Jennie Arnau, Kagero, Quincy Mumford, Mike Dugan, Maura Jensen, Jon Fadem, BC Combo, Brosky 'N Meyer, Donovan Roberts, Brittany Ann, Dina Hall, Billy Bauer, Freak Owls, Lizanne Knott, Alastair Monk, Neptune's Car, Lu Mitchell, Robbi K, Shane Cooley, Mree/Marie, Brenda Kahn, Larry Muarante, Lehigh Valley Idol, and Philly Songwriter's Project with J.D. Malone

Main Street: Float Parade, Quincy Mumford, The Culprits, Tavern Tan, Gangstagrass, Freak Owls, The Abrams Brothers, Zaire, mamarazzi, Rosie Burgess Trio, Vintage Dixieland Jazz Band, Parkington Sisters, The Wallace Brothers, and Synergy Brass

The Morning Call Plaza Tropical: The Dirty Guv'nahs, Sandlot Heroes, Bronze Radio Return, Albert Cummings, Todd Wolfe, Groovitude, The Arrogant Worms, Great White Caps, MarchFourth Marching Band, Tyler Grady & Wailing Waters, Eric Steckel, Geoff Davin, Burning Bridget Cleary, Moonshine Society, Steve Brosky & His Lil' Big Band, Saleros, SUYA, Sabroso Video Showcase, AMLA, The Mango Men, Brian & The Coconuts, Jimmy & The Parrots, School of Rock, She Said Sunday, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, Lehigh Valley Piano Teachers, and Born Into the Arts

Pennsylvania Lottery Volksplatz: Gaelic Storm, Brother Joscephus & the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra, Igor & The Red Elvises, Los Straitjackets, Float Parade, MarchFourth Marching Band, Red Baraat, Diego's Umbrella, Fishtank Ensemble, Start Making Sense, Gagarin Brothers, Trailer Park Troubadours, Kagero, Rosie Burgess Trio, Zen For Primates, Barleyjuice, The Headers, Sweetback Sisters, Daisy Jug Band, Layali El Andalus, Lu Mitchell, Tieweb, The Abrams Brothers, The Alex Meixner Band, Jackie Tice Ensemble, Sharon Plessl Excel Dance, Blue Ribbon Cloggers, Allegro Dance Company, O'Grady Quinlan, and The Lehigh Valley Cloggers

Vesper Concert Series: Robin Spielberg, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Synergy Brass, The Altino Brothers, and The Mendelssohn Trio

2010 Performers

Musikfest 2010, hosted by ArtsQuest, happened from August 6 to 15, 2010. The festival featured about 500 musical shows on 14 stages in Bethlehem's historic downtown area from the 18th century. There were also tasty foods and treats from over 60 sellers, fun activities for kids, art and crafts, and a fireworks show to end the festival. The theme of that year’s festival was Transformation, and a new stage called the Transformation Series Stage was added, located at Moravian College.

Sands RiverPlace Stage

Musikfest Performing Arts Series

Dark Star Orchestra, and The Avett Brothers

PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series

The Music of Simon & Garfunkel Performed by A.J. Swearingen & Jonathan Beedle, Joe Lovano & John Scofield Quartet, Richie Havens, Cherish the Ladies, Dave Mason, and Suzy Bogguss

Amped Up!

Like Musikfest 2009’s Mid-Atlantic Band Competition, Musikfest 2010 had a contest for bands to win spots at Musikfest. This year’s contest was called “Amped Up!” Starting in April 2010 and ending that same month, bands could enter on the festival’s website. Ten bands would be picked from all the entries. Of those ten, the top three with the most votes would get to perform at Musikfest and win some money.

Amped Up! Finalists

Blue Wave Theory, BoomBoxRepairKit, Chewsen, Downtown Harvest, Open Till Midnight, Panic Years, Revolution I Love You, The Atomic Square, The Hide and Seek Effect, and The Ugly Club

  • Bold shows the bands that won the contest.

The Platzes

Eleven of Musikfest’s 14 stages, including the new Transformation stage, had free concerts.

Americaplatz: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Chris Duarte, The Commander Cody Band, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Dwight, Ana Popović, Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles, Wailing Waters, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Grayson Capps & The Stumpknockers, Craig Thatcher Band, Eric Steckel, Westside Winders, The Headers, Mike Dugan and The Blues Mission, The Mike Montrey Band, Meeting in the Aisle – A Tribute to Radiohead, James Supra Blues Band, BC Combo, Start Making Sense – Talking Heads Tribute, The Blues Brotherhood, Friar's Point, She Said Sunday, Lou Franco Project, FortyGrand, The Difference, and Peripheral Vision.

Fowler & Peña Banana Island: Mingo Fishtrap, Lipbone Redding & The Lipbone Orchestra, Missy Raines & The New Hip, Elvis Bossa Nova, Zen For Primates, Craig Kastelnik & Friends, Bill Warfield Octet, Shelly Clark & Friends, The Gas House Gorillas, Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, Babatunde Lea, Eric Mintel Quintet, Dueling Pianos, Big Bang Boom, The Cat's Pajamas, boyintheshade, Dave Fry, Frank Gisaullo Quartet, Kira Willey, The Riffters, The Shalitas, Tommy Zito, Uproar of the 70's, Tony & The Tonics, Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band, Large Flowerheads, Butterjive, Dan DeChillis Trio, Fusion Jazz Trio, Lachi, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band, Yosi & The Superdads, Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band, Hot Peas 'N Butter, Baze & His Silly Friends, Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke, Starfish, Peanut Butter Jellyfish, B.D. Lenz, Uncle Rock, Ernie & Neal, Nina Music, and Guitar Students with BASD.

Chamber Series: Satori, Carpe Diem String Quartet, Denis Azabagic, and Silver & Brass.

SuperGuarantee Festplatz: George Gee Swing Orchestra, The Fabulous Greaseband, Mingo Fishtrap, Sensational Soul Cruisers, Rob Stonebeck Big Band, The Flamin' Caucasians, Spitze!, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Main Street Cruisers, Lucky 7, M-80, CrazyHeart, Kickin' Polkas, John Stevens' Doubleshot, Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men, The Adlers, O.L.B. Part Power, Polka Country Musicians, Walt Groller Orchestra, Henry & The Versa J's, Lenny Gomulka & The Coalminers, The Alex Meixner Band, Joe Weber, Joe Kroboth, Jolly Joe Timmer, Eddie Forman Orchestra, and Lindyhop Swing Dancers.

Handwerkplatz: Cast in Bronze.

Liederplatz: Hoots & Hellmouth, Christine Havrilla, Edie Carey, Pamela Means, The Arrogant Worms, The Guggenheim Grotto, Three Legged Fox, Sweetback Sisters, Eric Steckel, Cabinet, The Bruce Katz Band, Cathie Ryan, The Headers, Todd Wolfe, Tin Bird Choir, Two Man Gentleman Band, Billy Bauer Band, Donovan Roberts, Scott Marshall & Marshall's Highway, Mike Cross, The Rosie Burgess Trio, Lindsay Mac, Dina Hall, Acoustic Roadshow, The Best of Godfrey Daniels' Open Mic Show, The Lehigh Valley Folk Music Society, and The Bucks County Folk Song Society.

Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz: Jennie Arnau, Lachi, Bud Buckley, Mishal Moore, Scott McKenna, Shoulders of Giants, Jacob Vanags, Brosky 'N Meyer, Anna Rose, BC Combo, John Conahan, Lizanne Knott, Ben Arthur (musician), Michael Berkowitz, Dave Fry, Grace McLean, Quincy Mumford, Mr. Chris, Marnee, Daryl Shawn, ilyAIMY, Shannon & Natalie, The Philly Songwriters Showcase, Slate Belt Idol, Wild Flower Cafe Showcase, Barnaby Bright, Sarah Donner, Annie Simoni, Tim Butler, Ashley Lennon Thomas, Brian Mackey, Andrew Portz, Maura Jensen, Olivier Nataf-NO, Chris Bruni, Pat Guadagno, Craig Bickhardt, Ellen Woloshin, Pete Hanks, and Carlos Barata.

Main Street: Overlook, Oso, The Greatest Funeral Ever, Elvis Bossa Nova, My Cousin the Emperor, Andy Suzuki & The Method, Amplify This, The Great Unknown, The Almighty Terribles, Grey Sky Turn, Steve Brosky 'N Jimmy Meyer, Two Man Gentleman Band, Little Buddy, Mark Zaleski, Abrams Brothers, Fellswoop, Loretta Hagen, Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa, Banjo Dan and the Mid-nite Plowboys, Parkington Sisters, The Hillbilly Souls, Joe White, Marnee, The Rosie Burgess Trio, The Wallace Brothers, Wineskin, Hogmaw, Ben Mauger's Dixieland Jazz Band, The Syncopatin' Six, and Audio Dynamikz Presents Vibrations On Main.

The Morning Call Plaza Tropical: LaExcelencia, The Clarks, Splintered Sunlight, Los Straitjackets, The Arrogant Worms, Celtic Cross, Munelly, Jimmy & The Parrots, Papote Jimenez & Lower East Salsa, Luisto Rosario & Orquestra, Willie Colón, Santa Mamba, The Big Dirty, The Insidious Rays, Orchestra Herencia de Sonoros, CHEMBO and Grupo CHAWORD, Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble, ReggaeInfinity, David Cedeno & His Orchestra, Tieweb, Los Pocos Locos, The Hooligans, Davey & The Waverunners, Inner Visions, Freddie Long Band, Pete Francis, The B-Attitudes, b9 Fate, Five Mile Fall, The Mango Men, Ricky Smith & The Crush, School of Rock – Bank Street Band, Sabroso Video Showcase, Traditions of Hanover, Sumer Bleu's Violin Studio, LV Community Music School, The Doug Hawk Proposition, AMLA, SUYA, HALA – Salseros 2010, Lehigh Valley Piano Teachers Association, The Lesson Center, Bethlehem Music Settlement, and Lehigh Valley Community Music School.

Transformation Series: John Scofield & Joe Lovano, Babatunde Lea, Cherish the Ladies, The Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble, and Elaine & Susan Hoffman-Watts.

Vesper Series: Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble, Georgia Guitar Quartet, Innovata, The Altino Brothers, and The Dali Quartet.

Pennsylvania Lottery Volksplatz: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Igor & The Red Elvises, Scythian, Los Straitjackets, Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys, Mama Jama, Enter The Haggis, Diego's Umbrella, Red Baraat, Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra, Spiritual Rez, RubbieBucket, 2U – U2 Tribute, Zen for Primates, Sweetback Sisters, Seamus Kennedy, Philly Bloco, Barleyjuice, Daisy Jug Band, Kagero, River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs, Malinky, Burning Bridget Cleary, Balla Kouyate & World Vision, The Fabulous Shpielkehs, Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa, Satabdi Express, Abrams Brothers, Alex Meixner, The Alex Meixner Band, Rosie Burgess Trio, Great White Caps, Blackwater, Steppin' Razor, Brown Penny, Limpopo International Band, Jamani Drummers, Barynya Balalaika Duo, O'Grady Quinlan Academy, Sharon Plessl School of Dance, Allegro Dance Studio, Monarch Dance Company, Blue Ribbon Cloggers, Lehigh Valley Cloggers, and The Irish Stars.

2009 Performers

Sands RiverPlace Stage

Commodores The Wallflowers and Chris Isaak Yes with special guest Asia David Cook with Green River Ordinance Third Eye Blind with special guest Matt Nathanson The B-52's and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Puddle of Mudd with supporting acts Trapt and Stasis Pat Benatar and Blondie with The Donnas George Thorogood & The Destroyers with special guest Jonny Lang Crosby, Stills & Nash

Independence IT Performing Arts Series

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Gordon Lightfoot, and Rufus Wainright.

PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series

Martin Sexton, Al Stewart, Leon Redbone, Dar Williams, The Broadway Boys, and Simone.

Northampton Community College Mid-Atlantic Band Competition

For the first time in 2009, Musikfest held a web-based contest for bands in the mid-Atlantic area of the United States to win a spot at the festival. Twenty bands were chosen through online voting from the estimated hundreds that entered. From these twenty, four bands were chosen to perform at Musikfest 2009 and win money prizes. One of these four bands would also have their performance filmed and be booked for Musikfest 2010.

The contest for bands has ended, and voting will begin soon.

Northampton Community College Mid-Atlantic Band Competition Winners

These four bands were chosen from the original Top 10 and won the Mid-Atlantic Band Competition.

Dephonic, Jaded Son, Parkwright, and Reilly.

The Gary Bonnett Band was originally one of the four finalists but had to cancel for personal reasons. The band Reilly was given the spot as a finalist.

The Platze

Eleven of Musikfest's 14 stages, located at places throughout the festival area, feature free concerts.

Americaplatz: Sarah Ayers Band, The Craig Thatcher Band, HER & King's Country, Cooper Boone, Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadors, Eric Steckel, Larry Holmes & Marmalade, Rosie Flores, Peripheral Vision, Frog Holler, Dr. Dog, Deb Callahan Band, BC & Company, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Don Cunningham and His Cabinet, Steve Brosky & His Big Lil' Band, Stars of Bethlehem, Friar's Point, Todd Wolfe, Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, The Doughboys, The Difference, Marcia Ball, Mike Dugan & The Blues Mission, Grayson Capps & The Stumpknockers, John Lee Hooker Junior, Scott Marshall & Marshall's Highway, Guitardogs, and The Philadelphia Funk Authority.

Fowler & Peña Banana Island: The Trophy Husbands, The Uptown Band, Steve Pullara, Thaddeus Rex, The McKrells, Alison Brown Quartet, David Fry, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, Nancy Coletti, Magnum, Trombosis, Ray Owen, The Cat's Pajamas, Tommy Zito, The Large Flowerheads, Kira Willey, BASD Guitar Camp, Fusion Jazz Trio, Big City Music Band, Project, Baze & His Silly Friends, Hot Peas 'N Butter, Women's Blues Alliance, Mingo Fishtrap, Two-of-a-Kind, Big Bang Boom, Shelly Clark, Craig Kastelnik, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band, BoyintheShade, Dan DeChellis Trio, Dueling Pianos, Suzi Shelton, Princess Katie & Racer Steve, Brad Litwin, John Németh, Missy Raines & The New Hip, Uncle Rock, Yosi & The Superdads, Marlene Gilley Swingtet, and Lucy Bonilla.

Chamber Series: City Winds Trio, The Mascaro-Newman Duo, Innovata, Gabriel Chamber Ensemble, and The Sybarite Five.

Evolution Music Series: Latin Fiesta: The Evolution of Latin Music, David Leonhardt: The Evolution of Jazz, Brad Litwin: The Evolution of Blues, Barry Hannigan: The Evolution of the Piano, and Dave Fry – Rock Roots: The Evolution of Rock 'n' Roll.

The Morning Call Festplatz: Jolly Joe Timmer, Lenny Gomulka & The Chicago Push, Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men, Jump City Jazz, Walt Groller Orchestra, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Main Street Cruisers, Joe Weber, Polka Family Band, Crazy Heart, Joe Lastovica & The Polka Punch, Jon Stevens' Doubleshot, The Sensational Soul Cruisers, Die Fahrenbacher, The Slicked Up 9's, City Rhythm Orchestra, The Polka Quads, The Fabulous Greaseband, Josef Kroboth, The Steve Meisner Band, Lucky 7, Henry & The Versa J's, UUU, The Flamin' Caucasians, The Adlers, Brave Combo, and Alex Meixner & Bubba Hernandez.

Handwerkplatz: Cast in Bronze

Liederplatz: Scott Paul, Donovan-Roberts, Zen For Primates, Lili Añel, The Headers, The Dan May Band, Webb Wilder & The Beatnicks, Eric Steckel, Lehigh Valley Folk Music Society, Catie Curtis, Digney Fignus, Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours, Andrew Portz, Justin Solonyka, Emerald City, Burning Bridget Cleary, The Tartan Terrors, Seamus Kennedy, Acoustic Roadshow, Project, Lovell sisters, Natural Breakdown, Jack Murray, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Godfrey Daniels, Hoots & Hellmouth, The Chandler Travis Philharmonic, Chris Smither, Philadelphia Songwriters, David Jacobs-Strain, The Youngers, Carrie Rodriguez, Oakhurst, Matt Watroba, Andy Cohen, Robin Greenstein, Peter Siegel, Annie Hills with Jay Ansill & Strings, Bob Carlin & Cheick Hamala Diabaté, Beaucoup Blue, Radio Free Earth, Women in Docs, The Duhks, The Arrogant Worms, Lisa Bodnar Band, Fellswoop, Girls, Guns & Glory, and Chuck Mead.

Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz: Jennie Arnau, Lachi, Bud Buckley, Mishal Moore, Scott McKenna, Shoulders of Giants, Jacob Vanags, Brosky 'N Meyer, Anna Rose, BC Combo, John Conahan, Lizanne Knott, Ben Arthur, Michael Berkowitz, Dave Fry, Grace McLean, Quincy Mumford, Mr. Chris, Marnee, Daryl Shawn, ilyAIMY, Shannon & Natalie, The Philly Songwriters Showcase, Slate Belt Idol, Wild Flower Cafe Showcase, Barnaby Bright, Sarah Donner, Annie Simoni, Tim Butler, Ashley Lennon Thomas, Brian Mackey, Andrew Portz, Maura Jensen, Olivier Nataf-NO, Chris Bruni, Pat Guadagno, Craig Bickhardt, Ellen Woloshin, Pete Hanks, Yancarlos Sanchez, and Carlos Barata.

Plaza Tropical: Ogans, Luisito Rosario & Orquetra, PhillyBloco, Latin Fiesta, Chino Nunez, AMLA Showcase, The Young Werewolves, The Coffin Daggers, Los Straitjackets, HALA Solseros 2009, Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, Bethlehem Music Settlement, Go Trio, Sandlot Heroes, Dephonic, Jaded Son, Paul Green School of Rock Music, Community Music School, Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance, Monarch Dance Company, Talking Heads Tribute: Start Making Sense, Parkwright, Reilly, The Oasis Band, SWiM, Beyond Barriers, Butterjive, KEF, Splintered Sunlight, The Mango Men, Parrot Beach, The Toga Party Band, Jimmy & The Parrots, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts, The Lesson Center, 3D Ritmo de Vida, Santa Mamba, Sergio Rivera & Friends Salsa, SUYA, Frankie Morales & the Mambo of the Times Orchestra, Pablo Mayor & Folklore Urbano, Sabroso Video Showcase, and Hector Rosado y su Orchestra Aché.

Pennsylvania Lottery Volksplatz: George Hrab & the Geologic Orchestra, Brother, Auerhahn Schuhplattler Verein, Li'l Anne & Hot Cayenne, Trouble City All Stars, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Blue Ribbon Cloggers, C'est Si Bon, Jamnazi Africa Band, Daisy Jug Band, The Tartan Terrors, Alô Brasil, Seamus Kennedy, Digney Fignus, Lovell sisters, Zydeco-A-Go-Go, Los Straitjackets, Allegro Dance Company, The Jamani Drummers, Bearfoot, Salsa Celtica, Mingo Fishtrap, Mama Jama, Music From China, Blackwater, Oakhurst, Scythian, O'Grady-Quinlan Academy, Barynya Russian Balalaika, Duo The Doc Marshalls, Spiritual Rez, Tempest, Brownpenny, The Martin Family Band, Super Haki Haki with Dola Kabarry, West Philadelphia Orchestra, The Red Elvises, Lehigh Valley Cloggers, I Paesani, The Afromotive, Witches in Bikinis, Sharon Plessl/Excel Dance Company, Catfish and The Crawdaddies, and The Blues Brotherhood.

Vesper Series: The Colorado Quartet, Bay Street Brassworks, The Ravel Trio, All4One Piano Duo, and Barry Hannigan.

2008 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

Some of the artists who performed included Avril Lavigne, Live and Collective Soul, Kool & the Gang, Boston, Poison, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jethro Tull, Stone Temple Pilots and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lonestar and Diamond Rio, and John Fogerty.

MRK Hostwindow Performing Arts Series

Other performers were Lez Zeppelin, Dennis DeYoung, .38 Special, Phil Vassar, Citizen Cope, and Rosanne Cash.

PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series

The series featured John Gorka, Eileen Ivers, Over the Rhine, Edwin McCain, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and Christian McBride.

The Platze

Americaplatz: Sarah Ayers, Tommy Castro, Collins Brothers Band, Mother Truckers, Matt Jenkins, The Rob Stoneback Big Band, Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours, West Side Winders, The Mayor & His Cabinet, The Craig Thatcher Band, Roomful of Blues, Peripheral Vision, Deb Callahan, Lil' Ed & The Blue Imperials, Leslie, Webb Wilder, Matt Zeiner, The Last Waltz Ensemble, Ryan Shaw, Eric Steckel, Todd Wolfe, Blue Wild Gypsy, and The Sensational Soul Cruisers.

Banana Island: Joe Baione, Zen for Primates, Steve Pullara & The Cool Beans Band, Yosi & The Superdads, BC & The Blues Crew, Geoff Achinson & The Souldiggers, Thaddeus Rex, The Cat's Pajamas, Dan DeChellis, Craig Kastelnik, Ray Owen, The Jimmies, Dave Fry, Tommy Zito, Triple Play, Uproar of 1968, Mister Ray, Moove & Groove, Lauren Musurneci & Joe Musurneci, Kind of Blue, Dueling Pianos, Starfish, David Joel, The Element, Big Jeff & His Mid-Sized Band, Miss Amy, Tim Marchetto, Lao Tizer, Mingo Fishtrap, and Marlene Giley.

Festplatz: Eddie Forman, Jolly Joe Timmer, Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men, Big Tubba Mista, Jump City Jazz, Steve Meisner, Walt Groller, Jimmy Sturr, Josef Kroboth, Polka Family Band, The Farmer's Daughter, Crazy Heart, Lucky 7, Die Mariazeller, Joe Grikman, Lebanon Big Swing Band, City Rhythm Orchestra, Doubleshoot, Fabulous Greaseband, Adam Barthalt, Shama Lama, UUU, The Flamin' Caucasians, Joe Weber, The Adlers, Lyn Marie & The Boxhounds, and Alex Meixner.

Main Street: Religion & Cash, Jackie Tice, Kane & Beatty, Straight Drive, Tavern Tan Band, Not Quite Sure, Beaucoup Blue, The Syncopatin' Six, Mad Sweet Pangs, Scott Marshall, Jackknife Betty, Mount Laurel Bluegrass Band, My Better Half, Russ Rentler, Erick Macek, Marc Silver, Tin Kettle, Jay Smar, Run Mountain, The Big Dirty, Doug Smith, Two Man Gentlemen Band, Wahoo Skiffle Crazies, and Quick Step John.

Liederplatz: Women In Docs, Cadillac Sky, Straight Drive, Ernie Hawkins, Paul & Storm, Chestnut Brass Company, J.B. Kline, Frank Bey & The Swing City Blues Band, Alathea, Emerald City, Kennedy's Kitchen, Sligo Rags, The Lovell Sisters, Jason Spooner, Janis Ian, Toby Walker, Godfrey Daniels, The McKrells, Susan Werner, The Electric Farm, The Philadelphia Songwriters, Tommy Womack, The Doc Marshalls, The Section Quartet, Cathy & Marcy, Radio Free Earth, Dan May, The Daisy Jug Band, The DoughBoys, Jann Klose, Vanida Gai, Craig Bickhardt, Lizanne Knot, and Peter Karp.

Lyrikplatz: Jerry Haines, Lester Hersch, Lisa Bodnar, Sara Cox, Gillian Grassie, Brian Thomas Jackson, Kendra Ross, Tim Miller, Arlon Bennett, Lili Anel, Steve Mahoney, Donovan Roberts, Tim Marchetto, Andrew Portz, David LaFleur, Skip Denenberg, Shawn Z., HelenMaria, Joey Mutis, Jeff Umbehauer, Christy Jefferson, Steve Brosky & Jimmy Meyer, Laura Warshauer, Ken Waldman, Eric Macek, Sarah Donner, George Hrab, Casey Desmond, Phoebe Henry, Ange & Ris, John Conahan, Susie Keynes, Jann Klose, Vanida Gail, and Alfred James.

Plaza Tropical: 3D Ritmo De Vida, Santa Mamba, D'La Kalle, Chino Nunez & Friends, Frankie Morales & The Mambo of the Time Band, AMLA, The Coffin Daggers, The Atomic Mosquitoes, Diamond Head, The Salseros, Beyond Barriers, SWiM, Cubana Tres, Butterjive, Project 222, Splintered Sunlight, The John Frizi Band, Jimmy & The Parrots, 1910 Fruitgum Company, Manuel Quintana, Larry Hoppen, Robbie Dupree, Mama Jama, Sabroso, and Luisito Rosario.

Volksplatz: Sharon Plessel, Zydeco-A-Go-Go, Alex Meixner, Finn's Fury, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Blue Ribbon Cloggers, Resonance Percussion, Terrance Simien, Barynaya Russian Balalaika Duo, The Lovell Sisters, Dixie Power, Entrain, Seamus Kennedy, O'Grady Quinlan School of Irish Dance, The Martin Family Band, Paul Cebar, Post Junction, Tempest, Flamenco Tabla, Ansambl Mastika, The Chicago Afro-Beat Project, Scythian, Kazka, The VooDudes, Red Elvises, Animus, River City Slim, Raposo, and The Blues Brotherhood.

2007 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

Some of the performers included The Black Crowes, Ludacris with special guest Lil Mama, B.B. King with special guest Al Green, Meat Loaf, The Moody Blues, Patti LaBelle, Deep Purple with supporting act John Kay & Steppenwolf, Joe Walsh with special guest JD & the Straight Shot, Big & Rich with supporting act Cowboy Troy, and Stone Sour with supporting act Sydonia.

MRK Hostwindow Performing Arts Series

The MRK Hostwindow Performing Arts Series featured The Yellowjackets, Joan Osborne, Dark Star Orchestra, The Manhattan Transfer, The Yardbirds, and Petula Clark.

PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series

The PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series included Amos Lee, Jonatha Brooke, Tom Rush, Kim Richey, Cornell Gunter's Coasters, and David Bromberg.

Performances by

Other performances were by Bang Camaro, Tea Leaf Green, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, Watermelon Slim & the Workers, Babatundae Lea, Stanton Moore, Entrain, Zydepunks, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Fabulous Greaseband, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Enter the Haggis, Scythian, Brother, Shafatullah Khan, Mingo Fishtrap, GrooveLily, The Arrogant Worms, GO!GO!7188 and literally hundreds more performers of countless different genres.

2006 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

Here are some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 2006 on the Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage:

2005 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

Some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 2005 on the Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage included Donna Summer, Clay Aiken, Seether with supporting acts Crossfade, Halestorm, and Dark New Day, Jo Dee Messina, The Beach Boys, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, REO Speedwagon, Keith Urban, Steve Miller Band, George Clinton, and Parliament-Funkadelic.

2004 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

This stage featured many talented musicians in 2004. Some of the performers included Clay Aiken, Huey Lewis and the News, Peter Frampton, Chingy, Alice Cooper, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. There were also special guests and showcases, like the Radio Disney event with young artists.

Fleet Bank Performing Art Series at Zoellner Arts Center

At this venue, Etta James performed with special guests including The Roots Band, Avalon, and Lucinda Williams.

Vesper Series at the Central Moravian Church

This series included musicians like Todd and Cindy Bauchspies, Robin Spielberg, and Dean Shostak.

Chamber Series at the Moravian Old Chapel

Performers here were the Silver & Brass Quartet, Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, Dean Shostak, Andrea Brachfeld, and The Pennsylvania Guitar Quintet.

2003 Performers

Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage

Some of the musicians who performed at Musikfest in 2003 on the Straub Dodge Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace Stage included:

2002 Performers

MetLife RiverPlace Stage

Some of the performers at Musikfest in 2002 on the MetLife RiverPlace Stage were The Guess Who, Blue Öyster Cult, Kansas, Little River Band, Lifehouse, Dishwalla, Live, Michael Bolton, Peter, Paul and Mary, Shaggy, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Johnny Lang with special guests Craig Thatcher and Mike Dugan. The The Allentown Symphony Orchestra also performed.

Zoellner Arts Center Stage

Performers on the Zoellner Arts Center Stage included Stephen Schwartz, Keiko Matsui, The Broadway Kids, Gerald Albright, Shawn Colvin, and Mickey Hart.

Moravian College Foy Hall Stage

On the Moravian College Foy Hall Stage, artists such as Roger McGuinn, Annie Haslam, Providence, Beauties Witches & Britches, Indigenous, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Al Di Meola, and The Von Trapp Children took the stage.

2001 Performers

PPL RiverPlace Stage on Sand Island

The PPL RiverPlace Stage on Sand Island featured many artists in 2001. Some of the performers were Elvis Crespo with special guest Fulanito, Fuel who performed twice because Sheryl Crow cancelled her show, The Neville Brothers, Indigo Girls, Chicago, Montgomery Gentry, Aaron Carter and The A*Teens, O-Town, and Huey Lewis and the News.

2000 Performers

PPL RiverPlace Stage on Sand Island

The PPL RiverPlace Stage on Sand Island had many popular bands and artists. Some of the performers included Savage Garden with opening act Kina, Wheatus, Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guest Clay Davidson, and Robert Cray.

Other acts included Bowzer's Rock & Roll Party featuring Bowzer, Gary U.S. Bonds, The Tokens, The Chiffons, The Tymes, and Len Barry, along with Sugar Ray, Duran Duran, Foghat, Boyz II Men, Molly Hatchet, and Paul Rodgers.

1999 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1999 on the Kunstplatz Stage included:

1998 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the performers at Musikfest in 1998 on the Kunstplatz Stage included:

Americaplatz Stage

Performers on the Americaplatz Stage included The Chicks, Pulse, and Natraj.

1997 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Here are some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1997 on the Kunstplatz Stage:

1996 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the musicians who performed at Musikfest in 1996 on the Kunstplatz Stage included:

There was also a special night celebrating the music of Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Other performers included:

1995 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1995 on the Kunstplatz Stage included:

1994 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Here are some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1994 on the Kunstplatz Stage:

1993 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

The Kunstplatz Stage featured many talented musicians in 1993. Some of the performers included Brian Hyland with special guests Jan and Dean, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Grover Washington, Jr.. Other artists who performed were Air Supply, Al Martino, 1964 the Tribute, Crystal Gayle, Johnny Rivers, and Gordon Lightfoot.

1992 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1992 on the Kunstplatz Stage included The Kingston Trio, Mary Wilson, Maureen McGovern, Trisha Yearwood, Lou Rawls, America, REO Speedwagon, Tommy James, Neil Sedaka, and Captain & Tennille.

Candlelight Concert Series

The Candlelight Concert Series featured groups such as Calliope, The No Name Gospel Singers, Lenny Pickett, the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra directed by Donald Spieth, Liz Story, Cavani String Quartet, the Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, and Mozart on Fifth.

1991 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the artists who performed in 1991 included:

1990 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

The Kunstplatz Stage at Musikfest in 1990 had many talented performers. Some of the artists included Diane Schuur, The Temptations, and Marie Osmond. Other great musicians like Peter Noone, Spyro Gyra, and Three Dog Night also took the stage that year.

1989 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

The Kunstplatz Stage had many performers, including:

Asa Packer Concert Series at the Packer Memorial Chapel

Performers at the Asa Packer Concert Series included:

Candlelight Concert Series at the Hotel Bethlehem

The Candlelight Concert Series featured:

Chamber Music at Moravian College

Chamber music performances included:

  • Konrad Elser & Renee Morlock, Four Nations Ensemble, Moravian Trombine Choir, Anime with music by Robin Kani, Rebecca Brown, and Francis Rowell, Scott Jackson Riley and Mary Hurlbut, and Dana Muller and Gary Steigerwalt.

Vesper Concert Series at Moravian College

The Vesper Concert Series included the Moravian College Collegium Musicum, The Bethlehem A Capella Singers, Concord Chamber Singers, The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, and Barry Snyder.

Moravian Music Fest at Moravian College

The Moravian Music Fest featured the Moravian College Choir.

The Platzes

Americaplatz had performers such as Alpha Legion Band, Boo Doo, Devonsquare, The Goschenhoppen Cornet Band, The Horseflies, David Roth, David Amram Jazz Quartet, Country Current from the United States Navy Band, Bill Miller, The Shady Groves Band, Robin and Linda Williams, Thom Schuyler, Frank Micael Orchestra, Richard Reiter Jazz Quintet, Reading Community Gospel Choir, Modern String Quartet, D.J. & The C.B. Pickers, The Limits, Bobby "Lips" Levine & His Dixieland All-Stars, Laurie Lewis & Grant Street, and Steamin' Jimmies & the Sugar Cone Horns.

Familienplatz included Greater Lehigh Valley Youth Orchestra, DayBreak, Bob Norman, Allegra, students of Suzuki Institute at Moravian Academy, Shanachians, Roger Latzgo, The Heartbeats, Beltane, Balloons the Clown, Gene Galligan, Saul Broudy & Friends, David Roth, Elaine Silver, Tom Espinola & Lorraine Duisit, Steamin' Jimmies & the Sugar Cone Horns, Guitar Students of Marvin Falcon, Jay Smar, Janci Brothers, Bill Miller, Juggernaut, Mainstreet Brass Quintet, Rod MacDonald, Last Call, United States Air Force Band, Cliff Wright, Moses Rascoe, Fred Warning & the Jazz Elite, Helicon, Seona McDowell, Vital Link, Pennsylvania Youth Theater, Jimmy Lawrence, The Holt Twins and Tony T, Daisy Jug Band, The Three Sillies by Touchstone Theater, Rockroots, and Critton Hollow.

Festplatz featured Mike Surratt & The Continentals of Washington D.C., Musikverein Feuerwehrkapelle Huttenheim, Pennsylvania Alpiners, The Joe Reichel Orchestra, Jolly Joe Timmer, Jimmy Soldridge & The Happy Yanks, Steve Huber & The Happy Austrians, Key-Notes Orchestra, Bob Danner's Little German Band, Jolly Joe & the Bavarians, and The Walt Groller Orchestra.

Kinderplatz had entertainment like Captain Juggle, Clarence the Clown, Melanie Wagner, Mark Reed & Sons, Pan's Fancy, The Mock Turtle Marionette Theater, Al Grout, Joseph Keppel, The Original Hurdy-Gurdy Man, Ray Owen, Jay Smar, Fantasia-Ki, Barbara Pearson, Polly Wally, Jockuler Juggler, Bruce Mitchell, Tom Lohrmann, and Duke & The Brier Patch Puppets.

Liederplatz included Goschenhoppen Cornet Band, Frank DiBussolo Quartet, The Heartbeats, Flor de Cana, Bob Norman, Special Arrangement, Dan Dixon & Mellow Madness, David Roth, Elaine Silver, Lu Mitchell, Timlin & Kane, John Lionarons, Interweave, John Bressler, Vital Link, Rod MacDonald, Riverboat Banjo Band, Xavier Edouard Horemans, Marvin Falcon Ensemble, Janci Brothers, Stephanie Nakasian & Hod O'Brien, Bruce Mitchell, Thom Schuyler, Magpie, Richard Drueding & Tom Gala, Xavier Edouard Horemans with Mo Rolland, Mountain Laurel Bluegrass Band, Kim and Reggie Harris, Tom Yurasits, Municipal Opera Company of Allentown, One Alternative, Steve Brosky Band, Pete Fluck, D.J. & The C.B. Pickers, Daisy Jug Band, and Times Three.

Main Street had performers such as Mike Surratt & The Continentals of Washington D.C, Harley Newman, The Memory Makers Orchestra, Jimmy Soldridge & The Happy Yanks, Juggernaut, The Naturals, Joe Weber Orchestra, Happy Polkateers, and Joe Furst Orchestra.

Street Performers included The Silver & Brass Trombone Quartet, Harley Newmann, Al Grout, Captain Juggle, DayBreak, Mark Bodey, Clarence the Clown, Allegra, Fran Fallon, Jamie Watson, Pan's Fancy, Mark Reed & Sons, Joseph Keppel, Gene Galligan, Ray Owen, Jeff Umbehauer, Special Arrangement, Johnny Romann, Riverboat Banjo Band, The Original Hurdy-Gurdy Man, Mainstreet Brass Quintet, Barbara Martyska, Steve Whitaker, Fantasia-Ki, Tom Yurasits, Bruce Mitchell, Renwick Players Flute Ensemble, Tom Lohrman's Puppets, Jockuler Juggler, Four's Company, Polly Wally, and Duke & The Brier Patch Puppets.

Volksplatz featured The Horseflies, Musikverein Feuerwehrkapelle Huttenheim, Roger Latzgo, Old World Folk Band, Beltane, Shanachians, Flor de Cana, Saul Broudy & Friends, Beirut Band, Tom Espinola & Lorraine Duisit, David Amram Jazz Quartet, Walt Michael & Company, Juggernaut, Timlin & Kane, John Lionarons, Songs from the British Music Hall, Bill Miller, Roy Book Binder, Shady Grove Band, Robin and Linda Williams, Xavier Edouard Horemans, Dave Roper Trio, Hanover Township Society for the Preservation of the Big Band Sound in America, Moses Rascoe, Helicon, Seona McDowell, Mountain Laurel Bluegrass Band, Magpie, Pavlov's Dawgs, Queen Bee & The Blue Hornets, Laurie Lewis & Grant Street, Flamenco Ole, Critton Hollow, Reading Community Gospel Choir, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, D J & The C B Pickers, and The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band.

1988 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the performers at Musikfest in 1988 on the Kunstplatz Stage were:

1987 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Here are some of the artists who performed at Musikfest in 1987:

1986 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the performers at Musikfest in 1986 on the Kunstplatz Stage were:

1985 Performers

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the artists who performed in 1985 included The Association, Blood, Sweat & Tears, John Sebastian, Pete Seeger, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, Allentown Band, Koko Taylor, and Arvell Shaw and The Louis Armstrong Legacy Band.

Liederplatz

Liederplatz featured many performers such as Fresh Vegetables, Daniel Womack, Ray Owen, Johnny Brezovec, John Gorka, Heather and Royston Wood, and many more including Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre and Rainbow Collection. There were also shows like An Evening at a British Music Hall and Happy Boombadears. Other groups included Mountain Laurel, Mike Dugan, Bob Carlin, Mike Craver, and many others such as Dave Fry and Lu Mitchell. The lineup also had Four's Company, Hot House, and the Thompson Family Quintet, along with many more artists and performances.

1984 Performers

The year 1984 was the very first year of the Musikfest festival. It was much smaller back then with fewer musicians and performances compared to today. A lot of people, about 182,000, came to enjoy the music that first year, and the numbers have grown since.

Kunstplatz Stage

Some of the performers included Don McLean, The Louis Armstrong All-Stars with Arvell Shaw, Marty Napoleon, Doc Cheatham, Norris Turney, and Benny Powell, The Rob Stoneback Big Band, Park Frankenfield & The Dixieland All-Stars, Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, a special show by The Beethoven Male Chorus and The Beethoven Ladies Choir, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, The Polish-American String Band of Philadelphia, Johnson Mountain Boys and Skyline, Stadkappelle Berching, The American Legion Band of Bethlehem, and Allentown Band.

Other artists who performed that year were Steve Huber and The Happy Austrians, John Gorka, Mary Faith Rhodes, John Pearse, Claudia Schmidt, Touchstone, along with many more local groups and musicians.

Related articles

Music festival
Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania
Germans
Jethro Tull (band)

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Musikfest, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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