February 2021 Volunteer Spotlight
Each month, our volunteer committee decides on volunteers to spotlight! In February 2021, we wanted to highlight a volunteer who has been a strong part of our leadership at events for a long time: Luanna LaBriola!
Q: What inspired you to begin volunteering?
A: I relocated to Bethlehem in 1987 due to my job with Guardian. I was looking for ways to meet people, get involved in the community and learn about the Valley. The HR Director told me about ArtsQuest and as they say the rest is history. Not only did I begin volunteering but also started the volunteer program at Guardian for Musikfest, which I am proud to say was very successful.
Q: In all your years of being a House Manager and Site Supervisor, what are some of the craziest stories you can share from the shifts you’ve volunteered?
A: There are so many, some funny and some scary. On Main Street I experienced a group of college students all dressed up in crazy costumes parading down then taking over “puberty platz” as Main Street was lovingly called. Only to find out it was a sorority initiation. I came to expect that from then on each year.
When Banana Island had some rides for children, I will never forget when the Ferris Wheel got stuck with children in the top car. Immediately the site was overrun with firemen, police and ArtsQuest staff. Happy to say it lasted only a few minutes and everyone was safe.
Although not a crazy story, my fondest memory was being on Main Street year after year and watching the 11 o’clock sweep. So impressive watching the police clear the site. It signified to me the end of another successful night at Musikfest.
Q: Do you volunteer anywhere else besides ArtsQuest?
A: Not currently. ArtsQuest has been my home throughout the past 30+ years: Musikfest Council, Site Design Committee, Chair of Volunteer Committee, Chair of Special Events committee, Ambassador Program, Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt, Levitt, Octoberfest, Souper Bowl etc. I just love the ArtsQuest organization and all that it stands for. We really are a family.
Q: When you’re not volunteering for ArtsQuest, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love to travel especially internationally. My favorite trip of all times was Africa. It was life changing. I love to read, build LEGOS, photography, and dollhouse miniatures. I have 18 dollhouses! Spending time with friends is something I hope will become easier in the next few months.
Q: If you could pick any act for Musikfest, Levitt, or the Musikfest Café, who would you pick and why?
A: I would love for Fitz and the Tantrums, Bruno Mars or Adam Lambert to play the Main Stage at Musikfest. They all have big followings and put on fabulous shows. Il Divo is another group that would reach a wide diverse audience.
Levitt does so well with Oldie groups and I really enjoy watching the audience as they travel down memory lane. A return of Choir, Choir, Choir due to the participation of the audience.
Lastly for Levitt or Cafe, A Queen cover band. My favorite group!
Q: What form has entertainment has gotten you through the past crazy year? Are you binge-watching any TV shows, finding any new bands to listen to?
A: Zoom calls with friends, and Netflix. I have binged watched numerous shows: Queen’s Gambit, Virgin River, Bridgerton, What/if, Dead to Me, Tiny Pretty Things, Tiger King to name just a few. Haven’t found any new bands which is why I cannot wait for Levitt. Many of my favorite groups came from seeing them on the Levitt stage.
