Tag Archives: folk rock

Bethlehem’s 29th Annual Celtic Classic is Underway

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In Bethlehem, the Fall Classic doesn’t happen in October, and it does not involve bats, gloves, and pinstripes. Instead, it occurs as soon as the new season kicks off, and the participants in this event are clad in plaid kilts as far as the eye can see.

Sure, it may not feel too much like fall — in fact, the weather on Friday hearkened us back to an earlier festival — but one thing is unmistakable: this year’s Celtic Classic has arrived.

The Celtic Cultural Alliance’s flagship event is a sure-fire hit every September, featuring, among other things, internationally-renowned musicians, authentic Celtic cuisine, tons of unique vendors and, of course, the annual U.S. Highland Games Championship. It goes all weekend, continuing today and lasting into the night with live music on Sunday.

LVU was on-hand Friday evening to capture some of the early action, both in photos and on Facebook Live. Take a look below, and make sure you stop by this weekend!

Review: John Hufford – Person

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Artist: John Hufford
Album: Person (LISTEN)
Released: 2014
Genre: Indie/Folk Rock

John Hufford is the quintessential indie folk artist: just a guy and his guitar, telling stories of love and life. This is reflected brilliantly on Hufford’s 2014 release, “Person.”

Hufford’s guitar work is mostly minimalist on the five-track effort, opting instead to place emphasis on the stories and imagery brought forth in his lyrics. A song like “This Lethal Edge” is a perfect example, as its picking intro leads the listener to focus on the dangerous love Hufford speaks. “To Know the Deeper You” drives this style home further, as it presents Hufford’s longing curiosity to learn about and relate to the object of his affection.

Another bright spot – in a literal and figurative sense – is album closer “Your Hand is in Mine (Freedom).” This is a distinctly more upbeat tune, perhaps with the intent of capturing the wonderment and liberation of being alongside the one you love.

Track listing:
Hideaway
Fire
This Lethal Edge
To Know the Deeper You
Your Hand is in Mine (Freedom)

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: Aug. 22-28

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Live music in the Lehigh Valley can take on a life of its own in any given week. Take this past Saturday, for example. We thought we’d just innocently head to a ribbon cutting and hear some jazz in Allentown, and it ended up being a Super Saturday triple-header ranging from country rock to hardcore!

With that, know that there’s plenty of adventure in store once again, including our latest…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Fri., Aug. 26 | 8 p.m.
Farewell to Summer
Venue: Spin Me Round Records, 1200 U.S. 22, Phillipsburg, NJ
Admission: FREE
Description: Elijah.the.Fly, Willing Tibet, Chasing Down Sunset, and Houston & the Dirty Rats are featured during this in-store, end-of-summer bash.

Fri., Aug. 26 | 10 p.m.
Carter Lansing
Venue: Stoke Coal Fire Pizza, 1 Lehns Ct., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: As you re-enter PA, grab a slice and listen to the Acoustic Kitty Project frontman.

Sat., Aug. 27 | 1 p.m.
The Stoop w/ Percolator, Seoul Delhi, Stay at Home Dad, Duke Maroon, and more!
Venue: 1953 Township Line Road, Blue Bell
Admission: $5
Description: Eleven performers in all highlight another special day at the Philly-area DIY venue.

Sat., Aug. 27 | 9 p.m.
Steel City Sunrise
Venue: TD Community Stage on the Air Products Townsquare, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: Bethlehem’s original energetic folk rock band returns to SteelStacks.

PHOTOS: Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant at the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39

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Working at PBS39 is certainly an enjoyable gig, and nights like this highlight the experience.

Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant, perhaps best known for their work touring with international sensation Celtic Thunder, came to the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39 on Wednesday night for an intimate benefit performance for the public media station. The duo, engaged to be married next month, played folky originals and Celtic traditionals to the delight of the audience for two hours.

Colm and Laura are no strangers to the Lehigh Valley. Not only did they make a similar tour stop at PBS39 last year, but Colm’s grandparents lived in Bethlehem for a short while. The singer-songwriter noted to those in attendance that Christmas City is an important stop for him on every East Coast tour.

It was a pleasure seeing Colm and Laura again — and meeting Colm’s brother Mark, who handled merch duties and joined the pair onstage for their finale. I hope that we’ll cross paths again soon!

Photos are property of PBS39; thus, the absence of the LVU watermark. By nature of what I do, I just thought I’d share them with you all here, as well.

Bonus Video: Mo7s Performs at The Originals Music Series

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On such an enjoyable night of live music from two of eastern Pennsylvania’s strongest indie duos, we felt it appropriate to capture the essence of what made it great.

Observe, then, our friends Mo7s performing “So Important,” which can be found on the band’s new release, “Gift Horse.” We think you’ll agree that Amy and Dave are as talented as they come.

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