I returned to Musikfest on Wednesday, August 5, heading right up after work.

My first stop was Plaza Tropical, where Reggaelar People were playing. These guys were fun, funky, and their reggae- inspired tunes made me feel like I was on the beach! They are from the East Coast, and I even got to talk to the one member a bit as I was leaving later. Friendly, fun, enthusiastic and super entertaining!

After that energizing performance I stopped in the Yuengling Lagerplatz to see Sophie Rice, a singer-songwriter from the Lehigh Valley. Her folksy-pop vocals kept the audience captivated, and you could clearly see she belonged on that stage.

Then, it was off to Festplatz, where The Castaway Band was playing. They are a party band from the Lehigh Valley, and they had the whole crowd on their feet! I walked in just as they were playing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” — and if you know me, you know I’m picky about who I like singing Bon Jovi. They passed the test! But seriously, many phones were up recording and lots of happy people were singing and dancing, and that’s what you want to see!

After that it was off to Zinzenplatz to see Lehigh Valley Favorites CPR and Sarah Ayers. Made up of some of the Lehigh Valley’s top talent, they had some killer harmonies! Sarah has always been one of the Lehigh Valley’s top stars, and I could see why after listening.

Next up it was back to Festplatz to see The Wonton Soups. I had wanted to catch these guys for years and I’m glad I finally got the chance to. Their big brass pop was lively, fun, and charismatic. Definitely a crowd favorite! From there, I made a quick stop at Lagerplatz again for Maria Woodford, an acoustic pop country musician. She had a really nice sound; it was bluesy and soulful, and I could have listened to a lot more of her.

After checking in with the North Side Sheriff himself, I ended my Wednesday night back where it began, catching Big Wahu Caribbean Band at Plaza Tropical. Their laid back Caribbean – Calypso sound is pleasant and relaxing, and made me imagine myself sailing off on a yacht. (I DO have a captain’s hat, yacht rock lover that I am…

After that, it was time to head home. I’ve got one more recap coming, highlighting the festival’s final Saturday. Keep an eye out!