Musikfest, the massive music festival that takes place in Bethlehem each summer, has been around for more than three decades. But in many ways, this year’s 32nd installment, set for Aug. 7-16, is filled with firsts.
For example, the festival kicks off with a preview night Aug. 6, complete with a Sands Steel Stage main stage performance by two-time GRAMMY winners Duran Duran, the first time there’s been a preview night with a major headliner since the festival’s inception in 1984. Then, factor in 550 performances by 348 performers on 16 stages – all tops on the list when it comes to numbers of artists and shows – and you have the makings of a historic festival.
“After more than 30 years, it’s hard to believe, but this festival continues to grow,” says Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, the nonprofit that presents Musikfest. “We’re always looking at ways we can add new elements or programming to the event to keep it fresh and different, and we’ve had incredible support from our community, from the city itself to the more than 1,700 volunteers and 150 corporate partners who lend a hand. There’s no way this festival would be possible without everyone’s help, including the many people who come out to attend the event.”
Fans looking for the big names at the festival will want to check out performances at the Sands Steel Stage include the Flaming Lips Aug. 7, Culture Club Aug. 8, O.A.R. Aug. 9, Reba Aug. 11, ZZ Top Aug. 12, 3 Doors Down and Collective Soul Aug. 13, Darius Rucker Aug. 14, Snoop Dogg Aug. 15 and Alice in Chains Aug. 16. And in another first, the festival will welcome Jerry Seinfeld Aug. 10 for its initial headlining comedy show.
For those who may be unfamiliar with Musikfest, one of the festival’s defining characteristics is its unique setup, with stages spread throughout the city’s historic district and SteelStacks arts campus. Many venues are called “platzes,” a nod to the city’s Germanic heritage, and together they showcase the world of music, with everything from rock to reggae and classical to country.
In addition to the headlining acts, guests can check out free performances by artists ranging from Kristian Bush of Sugarland and Cracker, known for hits like “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl,” to indie rock sensations Bronze Radio Return and acclaimed New Orleans trumpet player Glen David Andrews. New this year is the “Hotel Bethlehem Platz” in front of city landmark the Hotel Bethlehem, where artists such as hot jazz/dance orchestra Blackbird Society Orchestra, jazz-swing group Hot Bijouxx and gypsy jazz act Hot Club of Philadelphia will perform.
“This year’s lineup may very well be our most diverse ever,” says ArtsQuest Vice President of Programming Patrick Brogan. “In addition to all of the amazing local acts, we have artists coming from 23 different states and seven countries. On any given evening, you can walk the festival grounds and hear probably eight or 10 different styles of music, hopefully discovering a few surprises or new favorite acts along the way.”
With all the great, live music, it’s hard to believe, but there’s a lot more at this festival than awesome musical acts. Also on the grounds are 60 food vendors, 40 artisans and a diverse array of family programming including talented street performers and a special children’s venue called Kinderplatz, packed with rides, free craft activities and another first for the ‘fest this year – a zip line.
Thanks to longtime festival supporter Air Products, festival attendees can also enjoy dynamic artists in residence like Australia’s Polyglot Theatre and Headphone Disco. Polyglot Theatre’s “Ants” show, which will take place Aug. 7-10, features super-sized ants in an interactive performance that engages children and adults, while Headphone Disco, which is at the festival Aug. 11-16, invites attendees to wear sets of headphones provided by Headphone Disco and dance the night away. What makes these shows unique, however, is that only the people wearing the headphones can actually hear the music that Headphone Disco’s DJs are playing.
Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a “first-time fester,” Musikfest features something for everyone over the course of its 10-day run. Eat, drink and be merry while listening to the sounds of hundreds of artists from across the country and around the globe. Make sure to look around too, as you’ll notice close to a million people enjoying it all as well.
For complete details on Musikfest 2015, visit www.musikfest.org or follow Musikfest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via www.facebook.com/musikfest or @musikfest.