Tag Archives: LVMAs Rock Showcase

Best of 2016: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

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To close our Best of 2016 video series (a joint LVU-Dustin Schoof production), Dustin and I each shared our favorite overall moment from our individual travels through the music scene in 2016, as well as what we’re looking forward to the most in the New Year. My responses are below. Of course, you can catch Dustin’s over at DustinSchoof.com. Mine is below.

I say something to this effect in the video below, but it bears repeating: Thank you all for being the motivating force behind all of this. When LVU launched in January, I could not have imagined it taking off to the heights it has reached. Now, I am optimistic that we will soar even higher together in the New Year.

Please be safe tonight, and have a happy and successful 2017.

 

#ThanksMusikfest

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As you know from reading Lehigh Valley Underground, this year’s Musikfest was not my first rodeo. However, it was the first go-round for LVU at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival, and we are beyond grateful that A) this thing happens in our backyard and B) we had the opportunity to take part.

We saw and heard some amazing musicians – some good friends of LVU, while others were completely new discoveries for us. We ate good food, we filled our mugs, and we even got to hang in the Sands Steel Stage pit and get some pretty cool photos of X Ambassadors. We got to see this entire community come together to celebrate music, summer, and the Lehigh Valley – and we were fortunate enough to join in.

So, with that, I personally want to thank a few people and organizations for making our first Musikfest as an organization one for the ages.

First, thank you to the team at ArtsQuest who, in addition to being SUPER supportive of LVU, take weeks out of their summer every year to ensure that you and I have a good time in downtown Bethlehem for 10 days. You all were the first folks I met when I came back to the Valley, and I look forward to working with you all for years to come.

Thank you to amazing teammates like Lisa, Ambrose and, of course, our fellow Mega Power Dustin Schoof for covering what I couldn’t. Next year, I promise that I won’t book any vacations before knowing the dates of Musikfest (not that I regret fulfilling my lifelong, bucket list dream of finally seeing my Cubs play at Wrigley Field, because that place is amazing and I WILL be going back – just not from Aug. 4-13, 2017).

Thank you to our partners at the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association for the honor and privilege of introducing Another Day Dawns, Doubting Thoma$, The Cherrybombs, and Social Call at the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase on Aug. 7. This night was easily a highlight of 2016 so far, both for LVU and for me personally. We can’t wait to work more with you to create opportunities, large and small, for everyone on the music scene.

Also, special thanks to Lisa and my wonderful girlfriend, Meg, for volunteering their time to LVU at the event and believing in this hare-brained scheme of mine.

Thank you to all of the musicians, who use their talents to make Musikfest and, as always, the Lehigh Valley’s music scene what it is. Without you, there would be no ‘Fest or LVU, and this place would be a lot less vibrant.

Finally, thank you, the readers, for making last week by far the most successful week in LVU history. We shattered records for page views and unique visitiors during our Musikfest coverage, and it’s because you all care so much about your music scene. We couldn’t do it without your support.

#ThanksMusikfest, for being you. See you in 2017!

LVU Announces Partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association

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Today, Lehigh Valley Underground is thrilled to announce an official partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association (GLVMA).

The GLVMA is a non-profit 501(c)3 arts organization which, according to its official Facebook page, “believes that artistic expression and the creative process are positive and desirable contributions to our diverse culture.” The organization is responsible for many local programs and initiatives, including the annual Lehigh Valley Music Awards, as well as a scholarship program for young students in the arts.

“The Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association and its volunteers continue to work for the betterment of the entire music community in eastern Pennsylvania,” said Gerard Longo, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Lehigh Valley Underground. “This mission is similar to that of Lehigh Valley Underground, and I am ecstatic that our organizations will work together to create more opportunities for all local artists.”

The first instance of this will be at the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, occurring at Musikfest’s Plaza Tropical stage on Sunday, August 7 from 8-11 p.m. Lehigh Valley Underground is an official media sponsor of the event, which will showcase bands including Social Call, The Cherrybombs, Doubting Thoma$, and Another Day Dawns.

Lehigh Valley Underground also plans to participate as a media sponsor in the GLVMA’s Third Annual Arts on the Move event, taking place at South Bethlehem’s Touchstone Theatre on Saturday, November 12 at 6 p.m. The event will feature local artists including Triple G, Project 3², Jordyn Kenzie, and Erin Kelly, as well as an auction of unique musical instruments to benefit the GLVMA’s scholarship fund.