Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. September 18, 2026 — ArtsQuest’s Musikfest Café is kicking off 2027 with a lively January lineup packed with ’90s favorites, classic rock, Britpop, acclaimed comedy and meticulously crafted tributes to some of music’s most enduring artists.
The celebration begins just ahead of the new year on December 31 with Saved By The 90s, America’s original and longest running ’90s party band. The interactive concert will move from grunge and alternative rock to pop punk, hip-hop, dance hits and chart-topping pop, giving audiences a soundtrack-ready sendoff to 2026 and an energetic welcome to 2027.
New Musikfest Cafe Highlights
January 2 — Bethlehem Bowie Birthday Bash with haZy cosmic jive: Musikfest Café celebrates David Bowie’s birthday month with a performance honoring the music icon’s singular sound and legacy.
January 8 — THE NERDS: The Ultimate Party Experience: The legendary Jersey Shore band brings nearly four decades of high-energy musicianship, sharp-witted banter and crowd-pleasing entertainment to Bethlehem. THE NERDS have rocked performances at venues including Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center, they have also shared stages with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Hootie & the Blowfish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Train, The Go-Go’s and Maroon 5.
January 9 — Classic Stones Live: The Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Band in the World: Frontman Keith Call and guitarist Bernie Bollendorf lead an eight-piece tribute that recreates the look, sound and raw energy of The Rolling Stones in their legendary prime. From signature riffs and saxophone solos to unforgettable backing vocals, the production delivers a detailed concert experience built around the band’s classic hits.
January 10 — Tim Meadows: Actor, writer and comedian Tim Meadows brings his celebrated comedic voice to Musikfest Café. A 10-season cast member of Saturday Night Live, Meadows is widely known for memorable characters including Leon Phelps, “The Ladies’ Man.” His extensive screen career includes Mean Girls, The Goldbergs, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Dream Scenario, Poker Face and more.
January 16 — THE WANKERS: The Best of Britpop: The Manchester (by way of New Jersey) act revisits Britpop and new wave favorites by Oasis, Coldplay, Blur, Radiohead, The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and many more. Philadelphia-based Smiths and Morrissey tribute UNLOVEABLE joins the bill.
January 22 — Damn the Torpedoes: Tom Petty Concert Experience: Damn the Torpedoes delivers an authentic, electrifying tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, pairing signature riffs and harmonies with fresh, in-the-moment touches that make each performance distinct.
January 23 — Hey Nineteen: Tribute to Steely Dan: This 11-piece ensemble brings the precision, musicianship and groove required to perform Steely Dan’s intricate catalog. Audiences can expect exacting solos, polished vocals and harmonies and a high-energy show.
January 29 and January 30 — GO GO GADJET: Back by popular demand, GO GO GADJET returns to the Musikfest Cafe for TWO unforgettable nights! GO GO GADJET redefines what it means to experience live music. Their unique blend of cutting-edge technology, elite musicianship, and high-energy performances has made them a trendsetter in event entertainment. Grab your Musikfest Mug and join us as we start the new year with an epic, two-day party!
More first-quarter fun is still to come, with additional programming and event details to be announced. Tickets for all listed Musikfest Café shows are available at artsquest.org.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.