DATE: April 3, 2009
CONTACT: Kim I. Plyler, 610-332-1333, kplyler@fest.org
MUSIKFEST
ANNOUNCES 2009 PNC BANK SERIES ARTISTS
BETHLEHEM, PA—Compelling singer-songwriters, big band music by the daughter of one of music’s legendary artists and a new twist on the sounds of Broadway highlight Musikfest’s 2009 PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series at Moravian College’s Foy Concert Hall, Main and Church streets, Bethlehem, Pa.
On July 31, the PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series kicks off with singer-songwriter Martin Sexton.
Hailed by The New York Times as an artist who “jumps beyond standard fare on the strength of his voice, a blue eyed soul man’s supple instrument,” Sexton began his career in Boston, singing on the streets of Harvard Square. His 1992 collection of self-produced demos, “In the Journey,” was recorded on an 8-track and Sexton managed to sell 20,000 copies of the recording out of his guitar case while busking.
Sexton’s dynamic voice, songs and guitar work have earned him a loyal following over the years. His 2007 recording, “Seeds,” debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, while the CD’s single, “Happy,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s AAA charts.
Al Stewart, who will take the Foy Concert Hall stage on Aug. 1, has more than 20 albums to his credit and is best known for his hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages.” Inspired by Bob Dylan to write his own original work, Stewart began his career in the 1960s by moving to London, where he shared an apartment with Paul Simon in 1965. In those early years, he played in local coffee shops, taverns and pubs and worked with performers such as Yoko Ono, John Martyn and Jimmy Page. Some 40 years later, his unique style of folk music continues to sell out concert halls throughout North America and Europe.
On Aug. 2, the PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series will feature the eclectic sounds of Leon Redbone.
During his 30-plus year career, Redbone has released more than 15 albums and delighted audiences throughout the nation. First appearing on the music scene in the early 1970s, he has carved out a long and distinguished career thanks to his unique voice and thorough knowledge of blues, jazz, urban folk and ragtime. In 1975, Redbone released his Warner Brothers debut, “On the Track,” and the following year he made his network debut, performing “Walkin’ Stick” on Saturday Night Live.
Dar Williams, who will perform Aug. 5, has been engaging audiences with her pop and folk sounds since the early 1990s, when she rose from the Northeast coffeehouse circuit to the national spotlight.
Williams has released seven albums, starting with 1993’s self-released recording, “The Honesty Room,” and performed with artists such as Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ani DiFranco and Shawn Colvin. Her most recent CD, “Promised Land,” was released in fall 2008.
The Broadway Boys, which will appear on the Foy Concert Hall stage on Aug. 6, is a collection of the hottest male voices currently working the New York stage. The group was formed in June 2005 for a one-night-only concert, but decided to remain together and take its show on the road after performing to a packed house.
Through its fusion of Broadway music and pop, the troupe is focused on introducing audiences outside of the theater community to musical genres they may not be familiar with. The group energizes show tunes and classic pop songs through dynamic vocals, redefining arrangements and adding elements of pop, funk, Gospel, jazz and folk.
On Aug. 7, the PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series concludes with a performance by songstress Simone, the daughter of musical icon Nina Simone.
Born Lisa Celeste Stroud, Simone built her career as a vocalist and performer through touring with Spanish artist Raphael, appearing in touring musicals such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and performing in Broadway musicals such as “Rent,” “The Lion King” and “Aida.” In 2001, her performance in “Aida” earned her the National Broadway Theatre Award for “Best Actress in a Musical.”
Simone released her debut CD, “Simone on Simone,” in February 2008. During her Musikfest appearance, she will be backed by a band featuring Lehigh Valley favorites Craig Thatcher on guitar, Craig Kastelnik on piano and Gary Rissmiller on drums.
All PNC Bank Candlelight Concerts begin at 7 p.m.; media sponsor of the series is WDIY Public Radio.
Tickets for all Candlelight Concerts will go on sale 10 a.m. April 20 to ArtsQuest members and 10 a.m. April 24 to the public. They may be ordered by visiting www.fest.org or calling 610-332-FEST (3378). Anyone who would like to become an ArtsQuest member and take advantage of advance ticket sales may join online at www.fest.org or by calling 610-332-FEST (3378).
Musikfest 2009 takes place July 31-Aug. 9 in downtown Bethlehem, Pa. Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 31 and noon-11 p.m. Aug. 1-9. The festival, which is presented by ArtsQuest, features more than 500 musical performances on 14 indoor and outdoor stages throughout Bethlehem’s historic, 18th-century downtown. In addition, it showcases delicious food and desserts by more than 60 vendors, a wide variety of children’s activities, visual arts and crafts, a closing-night fireworks display and more.
For more information on Musikfest, visit www.fest.org or call 610-332- FEST (3378).
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Editor’s Note: High-resolution images of the 2009 PNC Bank Candlelight Concert Series artists are available upon request. If interested, please email mdemko@fest.org.
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: April 3, 2009
CONTACT: Kim I.
Plyler, 610-332-1333, kplyler@fest.org
MUSIKFEST ANNOUNCES 2009 PERFORMING
ARTS SERIES LINEUP
BETHLEHEM, PA—Grammy Award-winning South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Canadian folk artist Gordon Lightfoot and singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright highlight the 2009 Musikfest Performing Arts Series. The concerts, which are presented by MRK Hostwindow, will take place at the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, Pa.
Leading off the Performing Arts Series on July 31 at 8 p.m. will be internationally-acclaimed a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Founded by Joseph Shabalala in the 1960s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been performing traditional isicathamiya music and beautiful harmonies for more than 40 years. In the 1980s, the group developed a worldwide following after appearing on Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album and performing with Simon on his Graceland tour. The group has recorded with some of music’s biggest names, including Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Ben Harper and Mavis Staples, and it has performed worldwide, including for Pope John Paul II, former South African President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II.
Since its inception, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has produced more than 40 recordings and sold more than seven million albums, making it the number-one selling artist in Africa. Its most recent release, “Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu,” captured the 2009 Grammy Award in the Traditional World Music Album category.
On Aug. 2 at 8 p.m., the Zoellner Arts Center will be filled with the sounds of the legendary Gordon Lightfoot.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Lightfoot has been writing songs and performing since the early 1960s. His initial United States’ breakthrough was 1970’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” and it was followed by a string of hits such as “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Over the course of his career, Lightfoot has earned 17 Canadian Juno Awards and received five Grammy Award nominations. His songs have been recorded by some of music’s biggest names, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Sarah McLachlan, Barbra Streisand and Jane’s Addiction.
Lightfoot is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and he is the recipient of the Governor General’s Award, an honor presented to Canadian performers whose extraordinary lifetime achievements have contributed significantly to the enrichment of Canada’s cultural life.
Rufus Wainwright, who will perform Aug. 7, 8 p.m., is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose musical beginnings start at infancy, when his parents - folk artists Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle - used a guitar case as his first crib. Growing up in this family, which also includes his musician sister, Martha, Wainwright formed his own unique sound. From the time of his self-titled debut album in 1998, he has established himself as one of the most important musicians of his generation.
On his six studio albums and two DVDs, Wainwright has experimented with a range of sounds, from simple piano accompaniment to rock instrumentation and full orchestral backing. Critically acclaimed, his dense and layered songs lend themselves well to live performances, often taking on a level of theatrics that range from striking drama to tongue-in-cheek campiness. These standout routines offer the opportunity to witness serene ballads coupled with bombastic Broadway-style melodies.
Media sponsor for Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Rufus Wainwright is WDIY Public Radio, and media sponsor for Gordon Lightfoot is 99.9 The Hawk.
Tickets for all Musikfest Performing Arts Series concerts will go on sale 10 a.m. April 20 to ArtsQuest members and 10 a.m. April 24 to the public. They may be ordered by visiting www.fest.org or calling 610-332-FEST (3378). Anyone who would like to become an ArtsQuest member and take advantage of advance ticket sales may join online at www.fest.org or by calling 610-332-FEST (3378).
Musikfest 2009 takes place July 31-Aug. 9 in downtown Bethlehem. Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 31 and noon-11 p.m. Aug. 1-9. The festival, which is presented by ArtsQuest, features more than 500 musical performances on 14 indoor and outdoor stages throughout Bethlehem’s historic, 18th-century downtown. In addition, it showcases delicious food and desserts by more than 60 vendors, a wide variety of children’s activities, visual arts and crafts, a closing-night fireworks display and more.
For more information on Musikfest, visit www.fest.org or call 610-332- FEST (3378).
-30-
Editor’s Note: High-resolution images of the 2009 Musikfest Performing Arts Series artists are available upon request. If interested, please email mdemko@fest.org.