Wednesday, August 6, 2008

MUSIKFEST!


Decided to take the kids for a few days to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for their annual Musikfest. http://musikfest.org/ This is a great event in a superb location. Celebrating 25 years in 2008, this all-ages, all-genre, family-friendly, laid-back festivity occupies the streets, river banks and bridges of the historic district in downtown Bethlehem (and is probably my favorite free event on the east coast).

There are 14 different stages/venues featuring Jazz, Blues, Folk, Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae, Celtic, Country, Classical, Rap, Rock...Musikfest has something for everyone. My favorite venue would have to be Leiderplatz, the official 'Acoustic Road Show' http://acousticroadshow.net/roadshow.cfm stage, sponsored by the nearby CW Martin Guitar Co., and located in a courtyard garden just off Main street behind the historic Sun Inn. We spent the entire afternoon there on Tuesday.
My favorite performer there would have to be this high school student named Callie Merz. http://www.myspace.com/calliemerzmusic Her 'Thousand Milion Chances' was heartfelt, original and raw - in a good way. Although she is quite young, she has been performing for several years, mostly children's theater.

Another great performance was by Tim & Jules http://www.myspace.com/timisalive . (Check them out at a previous performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve4X54gUQ38 ). They are an original guitar & bongo duo that had a very soulful, rhythm and blues sound.

Back on the Main Street Stage , Jacknife Betty was MIA, and these guys took their place ...



This being the 25TH Commemorative Anniversary, there was many-a-souvenir for sale. The huge bright green flashing lighted mug that I purchased for $12, was actually the ONLY purchase I made and the bargain of the week! It held over a pint of Yuengling and refills were a mere $5.

This mug came in handy Tuesday evening as we headed to the River Stage to see POISON! Although Brett Michaels & CC DeVille (and the other two?) started back in 1986, my kids – along with the rest of the country- are now fans of theirs after getting to know them via VH1’s Surreal Life & Rock Of Love, of course. Poison rocked the river’s edge for over 2 hours – Unskinny Bop, Mama’s Fallen Angel, Every Rose.., Something to Believe In, Talk Dirty to Me…it was pure big hair heaven! Although Brett’s voice was barely there from the beginning, it was a great show, despite the rain!



The next morning we decided to check out the historic Hotel Bethlehem’s infamous Martin Guitar Suite. The previous nights ‘guests’ (aka famous Poison band member) had checked out very early and the bell hop agreed to let us inside to see the priceless Martin Guitar that hung on the wall for the pickin’ pleasure of it’s guests. But it was gone! Just the holder grip left??? Could it be…? (Someone is gonna have a hefty American Express bill next month.)
Decide to grab breakfast down the street at Bonte Wafflerie & Cafe. Their freshly baked Belgium style waffles w/ giant sugar crystals baked on top were awesome! Reminiscent of those I've had on the streets of Brussels.I will definitely be coming back here again…both for Musikfest 2009 AND these waffles!.

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