PHOTOS: Lehigh Valley Underground First Friday Concert Series, September 2017
Labor Day Weekend got off to an incredible start.
Labor Day Weekend got off to an incredible start.
We’ve been hanging a lot around Bethlehem lately, and we found ourselves ready to branch back out and find adventure on Friday night. Fortunately, there was plenty going on this brisk and refreshing evening, and our travels found us at Bangor’s Broadway Pub.
It’s going to be a big weekend out there. As you can see below, five of our six Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week happen between Friday and Sunday.
We’re going to be busy and need some extra caffeine, but it will be a ton of fun! Let’s go!
Artist: Neil Grover
Song: Whoa
Released: Aug. 14, 2017
Genre: Pop/Rock
I was excited to go to the South Side of Musikfest on Wednesday night. Many of the performers that I’ve been looking forward to covering were making their ‘Fest debuts playing inside of the Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz. This came at a perfect time as, after five days of walking around the North Side of the festival, I was ready to give my legs a break.
We have another beautiful day on tap as we creep slowly toward the second weekend of Musikfest. This was another day where it was hard to narrow our list down to five acts. Trust us when we tell you, there is a lot worth seeing and hearing tonight.
In addition to old favorites who perform at Musikfest every year, the festival boasts a healthy offering of first-time performers each year. Whether they are local, or they come to us from afar, ‘Festgoers have a guaranteed opportunity to discover something new for ten days in August in downtown Bethlehem.
We reached out to a few ‘Fest rookies to get their thoughts on their upcoming debut at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival. They are…
Neil Grover, local singer-songwriter, performing Wednesday, August 9 at 7 p.m. at Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz, and Thursday, August 10 at 8 p.m. at Yuengling Lagerplatz (amid the Festplatz site).
Kara Hartzell, singer-songwriter and bassist for Alex Mery & The Townsmen, performing at Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works on Friday, August 4 at 9 p.m. (unofficial Musikfest performance); Wednesday, August 9 at 9 p.m. at Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz (w/ Alex Mery & The Townsmen); and Thursday, August 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Provident Bank Main Street Stage.

Jim Rea of Springfield, MO-based bluegrass quintet, The HillBenders, performing Monday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Americaplatz, and Tuesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at Volksplatz.
Zach Russack, Hackettstown, NJ-based singer-songwriter, performing a full-band set Thursday, August 10 at 3:30 p.m. on the Provident Bank Main Street Stage, and a solo set at Red Stag Pub Liederplatz on Sunday, August 13 at 2 p.m.
The Balcony Show, the widely-syndicated internet radio show that will make its WLVU debut on Wednesdays beginning in June, is hosting its first Showcase of the summer at Bangor’s Broadway Pub on Friday, June 30.
I got into the car immediately after work in Bethlehem on Thursday and made a beeline to Lititz, about 15 minutes north of downtown Lancaster, which is playing host to the Ninth Annual Launch Music Conference and Festival. My timing could not have been better. Read more
Before we move forward, take a look (and a listen) back at the season so far. This week, we re-visit the great live, in-studio performances we’ve hosted so far this spring on The Quinn Spinn. Enjoy the talents of our local music scene, and treat yourself to some international Stupid News with The Quinn as a bonus feature!
Sponsored by The Valley Ledger and Tuk Law Offices.