Tag Archives: X Ambassadors

PHOTOS: X Ambassadors at Sands Steel Stage

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Friday night featured a high-energy show on the Sands Steel Stage, when alternative rockers X Ambassadors came to rock the opening night of Musikfest.

Supported by opening acts Jukebox the Ghost and Rachel Platten, the Ithaca, New York-based four-piece rocked an opening night crowd of a couple thousand mostly 20- and 30-somethings.

Although we regretfully missed Jukebox the Ghost (we hadn’t arrived to South Side from opening ceremonies in time), LVU arrived just in time for Platten to take the stage. The pop singer excited the younger members of the audience in particular with hit songs like, “Fight Song” and “Stand By You.”

As night fell, X Ambassadors took the stage and delivered a strong and energetic performance that immediately captivated the audience. The band contrasted fun, swinging rock tunes like “Naked” and “Gorgeous” with mellow tunes like “Low Life” just as well as the intense “Jungle.”

A particularly powerful moment came toward the end of the show, right before the band played its biggest hit, “Renegades.” Frontman Sam Harris took time before the song to call upon the audience to unify and evoke positive change in the world, and then encouraged a sing-along to the tune’s catchy, “Hey-hey-hey” chorus.

Musikfest Begins With Great Performances, Ceremonial Honors

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It was 5:30 p.m. Lehigh Valley residents and out-of-town tourists slowly started to arrive from their day jobs to Main Street in Bethlehem. It was time.

Musikfest officially kicked off on Friday evening, marking the start of ten days of food, drink, fun and, of course, great live music in downtown Bethlehem. As I walked down Main Street, there was a palpable energy in the air — the kind that could only be brought on by world-class live music in the summertime.

We kicked things off the same way Hotel Bethlehem Platz did — by taking in tunes from Alex Radus Trio. Radus’ combination of folk, jazz, and more was a smooth and welcome start to the festival.

After enjoying some of Radus’ great originals, I realized that, in a few minutes, Musikfest’s opening ceremonies would be beginning at Festplatz. I took a trip down to the big tent just in time for the National Anthem from East Stroudsburg student Lydia Johnson. That was followed by statements from local dignitaries, including ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert, Rev. Hopeton Clennon, and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez. Honors were also presented to representatives from WFMZ, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, and McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar to recognize the organizations for their years of contributions to Musikfest.

As the spirited opening ceremony gave way to setup for a tribute to the late “Jolly” Joe Timmer, I found myself unable to stick around — but only because I had to get to South Side. After all, a photo pass for the X Ambassadors show on the Sands Steel Stage was waiting for me, and I couldn’t wait to get down there. More on that later…

Musikfest Five-Point Preview: Day 1

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Scott Marshall returns to the Musikfest Cafe Friday night.

You were wondering where your Can’t-Miss Shows were this week, weren’t you?

Admittedly, I wanted to take a few days off before hitting the scene during Musikfest. After all, there’s going to be so much music around these parts for the next ten days, that we’re going to have our hands full covering all of it.

I also must admit that we may not get to EVERY. SINGLE. SHOW. at Musikfest over the course of the next ten days. However, we will try our best to hit as many as possible (and if you want us to get to yours in particular, please let us know).

Either way, we WILL come at you each day of the festival with a brand-new…

Musikfest Five-Point Preview
Day 1 – Aug. 5, 2016

Alex Radus Trio | 5 p.m.
Stage: Hotel Bethlehem Platz (North)
Description: Mixing folk, jazz, Americana, and more, the diverse trio kicks off the second year of the iconic hotel’s official Musikfest stage.

Opening Ceremonies | 6 p.m.
Stage: Festplatz (North)
Description: Ring in a brand-new ‘Fest, back where it all started!

X Ambassadors ft. Rachel Platten & Jukebox the Ghost | 7 p.m.
Stage: Sands Steel Stage (South)
Description: The band that brought you “Renegades” kicks off the main stage action. LVU will have a review on Saturday!

 Scott Marshall & Marshall’s Highway | 8 p.m.
Stage: PNC Series at Musikfest Café (South)
Description: One of the Valley’s most popular acts returns to the scene of its April heroin awareness benefit.

The Rare Occasions | 11 p.m.
Stage: TD Community Stage on Air Products Townsquare (South)
Description: The party continues deep into the night with the Providence-based alt-rockers.

There’s more where that came from! Check in with DustinSchoof.com every morning throughout Musikfest for a full free stage lineup!