During this past MusikFest, I managed to make my way to the new SteelStacks site on the historic Bethlehem Steel property. Flanked by the hulking blast furnaces as a backdrop and with the addition of the new Artsquest Center and PBS 39 studios, this impressive facility is an example of intelligent re-purposing of brownfield space. Walk ways and seating areas are interspersed throughout.
On Wednesday August, 10, 2011, I was fortunate to catch Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham performing with his band Don Cunningham & His Cabinet. Showcasing popular classic rock they really shine when they get into the Bruce Springsteen tunes.
Following his set at the Levitt Pavillion, I then ventured over to the Arts Quest Center and the Air products Town Square to catch Trouble City All Stars, a young and supremely talented roots-rock reggae band.
Finally I returned to the Levitt Pavillion for the bluesy funk of Mingo Fishtrap. Grooving to Mingo Fishtrap, the lively crowd were on their feet and dancing the entire set. It was a perfect end to my introduction to SteelStacks.
All photos in this slideshow by Deb Boylan
For more information about the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks check out : http://www.artsquest.org/steelstacks/
For information on Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham please visit his official website : http://www.doncunningham.org/
Trouble City All Stars: http://www.troublecityallstars.com/
Mingo Fishtrap: http://www.mingofishtrap.com/
We spent 2 nights at the Steel Stacks area – thought it would not be as good as Musikfest has been in the past but we LOVED it!! I think I will be spending lots of time at this new area!
Deb, I absolutely loved it there as well. Spent the bulk of my time at MusikFest up North mainly because the acts I wanted to see were all in FestPlaz and Volksplatz, but I am so happy I made a trip down there. Expect to see a LOT of me at Steel Stacks!