One of the coolest parts of being a marketing intern at ArtsQuest this summer has been getting to read through, research, and discover the various performers taking the stage here, especially for Musikfest! I knew this music festival featured a huge lineup, but I didn’t realize just how much variety there is. With many sounds to pick from, there’s something for everyone.
While I was exploring the lineup, I came across several acts that really stood out to me based on their inspiration, sound, or even unique style. Here are a few (of many) free performers that I will be hoping to catch live, and who I think are worth checking out too.
Indie/Rock
Bren
7/31 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage
8/1 – 3:00 PM
The Guardian Life Insurance of America Zinzenplatz
If you like artists like Mitski or Elliott Smith, Bren might be worth adding to your schedule. She is a Philly-based singer/songwriter with a pop sound full of emotion and punk influences. Bren showcases themes of vulnerability and self-doubt in her lyrics, creating songs that feel both personal and relatable.
Listen to her single “Happy Birthday” below:
Alana Mars
8/2 – 12:00 PM
The Guardian Life Insurance of America Zinzenplatz
8/3 – 4:00 PM
Yuengling Lagerplatz
8/3 – 7:00 PM & 8:30pm
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage
Alana Mars’ straightforward and vulnerable songwriting immediately stood out to me, as well as her tender vocals and soft background instrumentals. She’s local to Bethlehem, and her sound is very similar to Lana Del Rey, Florence and the Machine, and Lizzy McAlpine. If those artists are your thing, she’s worth checking out.
Listen to her song “Hold My Tongue” below:
Indigo Lane
8/2 – 2:00 PM
Plaza Tropical
Indigo Lane is a newer band out of Tampa that met through their classes and formed during college. With their sound fitting somewhere between indie alt rock and shoegaze, they plan on continuing to evolve their style. If you like catching bands live while they’re at the beginning of their music journey, this will be a fun set to see!
Listen to their new song below:
Just
8/8 – 6:30 PM
Main Street
This is the only band on the list I’ve seen live, so I can confidently recommend them. I was able to catch Just when they opened for Inhaler in Allentown, and I immediately loved their set. They are heavily influenced by The Strokes and Catfish & the Bottlemen. Just brings energy to the stage and they’re also based right here in Bethlehem, which makes Musikfest the perfect place to see them.
Listen to their top song “Black Dress” below:
Gina Royale
8/4 – 3:00 PM
Lyrikplatz at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
Gina Royale has built a real following with her emotional alt-pop, with her top song earning almost 800,000 streams on Spotify, and she’s even had music featured in a film. With a sound similar to singer/songwriter Birdy, if you’re into powerful vocals paired with honest lyrics and pop instrumentals, you should check her out!
Listen to her hit song “Low” featured in the movie “After Everything” below:
Lexie Valkyrie
7/31 – 6:00 PM
Lyrikplatz at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
7/31 – 8:00 PM
Yuengling Lagerplatz
Lexie Valkyrie writes and performs her music on the ukulele, which immediately caught my attention and sets her apart from a lot of the other acts on this list. She’s the kind of act that’s great for those that gravitate towards artists with a lighter, more pop-leaning sound that mixes with alternative indie styles.
Alt/Rock
MindMaze
8/1 – 12:00 PM
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Zinzenplatz
MindMaze is a Lehigh Valley progressive/power metal band that’s been around since 2012, with a sound built on powerful vocals and guitar work. They’re the kind of band that’s great for those that gravitate towards artists like Iron Maiden and Dream Theater, and they have real festival and touring experience behind them.
Listen to their song “Sign of Life” below:
Coquettish
8/1 – 4:00 PM
Plaza Tropical
Coquettish is a trio from New Jersey that mixes psychedelic rock, grunge, and punk into something raw and gritty. If you like your rock a little slower with plenty of bass and a nostalgic alternative feel, they’re worth checking out.
Listen to their song “Walkin’” below:
The Dracu-Las
8/2 – 3:00 PM
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Zinzenplatz
The Dracu-Las are a Jersey City garage rock band that focuses on harmonizing and combining punk, surf, and 60s influences. It’s the kind of set that’s great for those that enjoy a throwback rock sound.
Listen to their song “Fall Asleep When I’m Dead” below:
Sunrise Cries
8/2 – 4:30 PM
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Zinzenplatz
8/3 – 1:00 PM
Yuengling Lagerplatz
The four members of Sunrise Cries first met at music school and later decided to form a band that combined classic rock, 90’s grunge, funk, and blues into what they call “new classic rock.” After playing more than 100 shows from New York City to Nashville, they gained plenty of performance experience along the way.
Watch one of their live performances in NYC below:
Folk/Americana
Luca Diadul
8/3 – 8:00 PM
Lyrikplatz at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
8/6 – 6:00 PM
Yuengling Lagerplatz
Luca Diadul’s music first began taking shape while he was traveling through Japan, which immediately intrigued me. He blends folk and Americana with a soft vocal style, which is the kind of act that’s great for those that gravitate towards something a little laid-back and more unique than your standard singer/songwriter set.
Listen to his song “Wildfire” below:
Palmyra
8/7 – 6:00 PM
Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Palmyra is a Virginia-based trio that combines both folk and Americana. Their music explores themes like grief and identity, with some soul and post-rock mixed into the sound. If you’re searching for a thoughtful act on the lineup with meaningful lyrics, Palmyra is a great option!
Listen to their song “Arizona” below:
