Lehigh Valley InSite

Indie Rock at Musikfest

Bethlehem’s 10-day-long Musikfest is made up of three essential things:

A. Music - They have around 200 performers from around world and most performances are free.
B. Food - Tons of different types of food. Take a Taco and Aw Shucks are fan favorites.
C. Beer– Grab a Musikfest souvenir mug and drink up.

In my experience, the Musikfest crowd is made up of a few different groups. There are people that go strictly for option A, a group that go strictly for option B and some folks who go strictly for C. I would say most of the crowd goes for a mix of at least two out of the three options. Personally, I go with option D, all of the above.

I have been going to Musikfest for roughly 10 years. This is the first year that the music is actually the driving force behind me attending.

On Monday night, August 3rd, two veteran’s of the summer music festival circuit will be playing: Philly’s own Dr. Dog and from across the pond, Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam. Between the two bands, they have Austin City Limits, Coachella, Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, and Lollapalooza under their belts. 

The only problem is they are playing at the same time. This is very upsetting. I don’t know what to do. Dr. Dog is at Americaplatz from 9 to 11 and Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam are at Plaza Tropical from 9:30 to 11. Looks like I am going to be double dipping.

I'll just give their styles of music and then I'll let the music videos posted below do the rest. Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam have a Blues, Indie and Alternative Rock sound. People say he is Clapton-esque. Dr. Dog are along the lines of Psychedelic Indie Rock. They are influenced by the Beach Boys and Beatles.

Dr. Dog

Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam

Are you going to Musikfest? Who do you plan to see?

Networking never tasted so good!

When I found out that the Women in Nazareth Networking's July luncheon was at Rios, I knew I couldn't miss this one! Since Don doesn't eat red meat, I jump at any chance I get to go to a Brazilian Steak House ... especially one right here in Lehigh Valley.

I arrived a tad late and jumped to the back of the line for the buffet portion of the feast. Having experienced a lunch at Rios once before, I knew not to pile my plate too high, but I couldn't resist taking a little taste of most of the selections. They all looked so good.

The Brazilian Gauchos (the guys that serve the meats, not the short pants of the same name) were already working the crowd by the time I sat down so I know I missed out on some of the 15 or more non-buffet selections. That's OK though ... I still had plenty to eat!

I was thinking everyone would be in a meat coma by the time Denise Smith from the State Theatre spoke but she captured everyone's attention giving us a rundown of the upcoming season, history of the theatre and some great personal stories as well.

Rios Brazilian Steak House is on my list of favorite "different" restaurants and I can't wait to go back. Have you eaten there yet?

Was that a 1915 Oakland I just saw drive by?

Lehigh Valley is well known for its automotive tradition. This weekend that tradition is at its peak with Das Awkscht Fescht (starting Friday and running through Sunday). 

I am far from being a “gearhead”, but this antique auto show is amazing. Nearly 3,000 cars will make their way to Macungie Memorial Park for all or part of the weekend. (Saturday and Sunday, in my opinion, are the best days.)

I like to go early on Sunday morning and watch all the cars be driven in. With a cup of coffee in hand, I'll snag a seat at the stands set up by the car entrance by 7 a.m. for a couple of hours of entertainment.

After that my wife and I tend to wander the festival taking in the various models.  My wife’s favorites are the early Corvettes and the colorful Nash Metropolitans.  My favorites are the big wing cars of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s and the Avanti.

Another interesting aspect of the festival is the antique auto flea market; if you’re looking for parts, manuals, old advertisements and much more, you can find it there or they will tell you where to find it.

Some tips when you go:

1. Wear a hat. Shade is at a premium in the park. 
2. Bring a camera. You’re going to want pictures of some of these babies. 
3. Wear your walking shoes. 
4. Go early. Many of the cars leave between 4 - 4:30 p.m.
5. Stick around for the food and entertainment. The festival gets even better once the cars go. 

Will I see you at Das Awkscht Fescht?

Discovering the truth about the King George Inn

I've heard many things about the historic King George Inn over the years - like how it's expensive, haunted and staffed by rude people - but I wanted to find out for myself what was true and what was bunk. 

 

Here's what happened.

 

Within five minutes of entering the restaurant a little after 5pm on a Friday, I was welcomed and seated at a linen-covered table aside a beautiful stone wall.

 

By the time I unfolded my linen napkin on my lap, a pleasant waitress appeared to take my drink order: a single serving bottle of Korbel Brut. Aside from the Molten Lounge at the Sands, I’ve never been able to get champagne like this while out before, so that was a definite plus in my book.

 

I wasn't that hungry, so I passed on the appetizers (although the baked almond crusted brie cheese sounded good) and ordered the cheese and fresh herb ravioli, which the menu boasted was made in house.

 

When my entree arrived, I immediately smelled the fresh herbs, which was a wonderful new experience for me. The marinara sauce covering my four mammoth raviolis had a distinctly sweet taste to it, which perfectly balanced the peppery taste of the ravioli’s cheese filling.

 

My meal-for-one came to $26.47, so King George Inn is a bit on the pricey side, but I knew that going in and the food/ambiance was worth it. 

 

As for the haunting, I didn’t see anything and, by the time I left, the crowd was loud enough that I couldn’t have heard anything even if there was something paranormal going on.

 

And in my experience, all of the staff, including those serving other patrons around me, were nothing but pleasant.

 

Have you ever been to the King George Inn?

 

Plaza Growers' Market is a Wednesday lunchtime hit

Each and every Wednesday (June through October) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the city of Allentown comes to life with the Plaza Growers' Marketlocated at 9th and Hamilton Streets in front of PPL Plaza. There's live entertainment and plenty of vendors selling fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, baked treats, soaps and much more. Since I work directly across the street from the market, it's an easy jaunt to find a healthy lunch or pick up some fresh groceries.

My favorite vendor is Balasia. Chef Wendy, who runs the stand, used to have a restaurant in Emmaus but is currently offering in-home cooking and catering only. The food Wendy brings to the Market is not only vegan but also organic, which gives me a couple of options to choose from for lunch. I have been stuck on her black bean and tomato sweet and spicy chili served over brown bismati rice. The sweet and spiciness really make the dish! She also has vegan ice cream which I have yet to venture, but doesn't cashew cinnamon sound like an awesome flavor?

Why not sneak out for lunch? You won't be disappointed! Make sure you stop by Wendy's booth and try some of her specialties.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's "Antony and Cleopatra": An impressive performance

English poetry has never been my thing, and aside from "Romeo & Juliet," I really have no interest in William Shakespeare. Don't get me wrong, I respect him and regard him as a great writer, he's just not my style. So how did I end up at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University?

My 24-year-old daughter was coming to town to visit for a week from the "big city" of Philadelphia. We hadn't really had much planned, so when I was offered tickets to see "Antony and Cleopatra"at PSF, I grabbed them.

I can honestly say that we were worried that we got in over our head as we sat in the theater waiting for the show to start. We overheard other audience members talking about Shakespearean concepts and the history of "tragicomdies." Huh?!

Then the lights went out and off we went to Egypt. Kissing, fighting, laughing, crying, comedy, tragedy, romance ... I couldn't believe it, but I found myself falling in love with Shakespeare!

Cleopatra's taunts and longings were perfectly captured by actress Lauren Lovett. She kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know if she really did love Antony more than herself.

Greg Wood, who played Antony, really made me angry (because of his betrayal of Cleopatra), happy (once he returned to Cleopatra) and mesmerized by his overall passion.

The parts were all cast so well. I hated the militant Octavius Caesar and I laughed at Lepidus and Enobarbus.

We had such a great time getting to see the drama unfold before us and feeling every emotion. The performance was a refreshing reminder of how good a trip to the playhouse can be. I definitely recommend going to see "Antony and Cleopatra" while you can (which is till August 2).

This post was written by Lehigh Valley InSite guest blogger Toni Halkais. Thanks to PSF & Lee A. Butz for the above photo.

'09 Bocce Tourney in Chad's backyard

Last Saturday my buddy Chad had his 8th Annual Bocce Ball tournament. This isn’t your run-of-the mill picnic and play Bocce in the backyard deal.

This year there was a field of 44 teams. People come from all over the place for this tourney: Two guys came from Missouri, there was a couple from NYC and another handful from Philly. 

We started the festivities with a selection show Thursday night. It's not quite on the same level as the March Madness Selection Show, but it's just as exciting for us to see where we end up on the bracket.

This is truly a national sporting and eating event here in Lehigh Valley.

Chad hired Sunshine Grill and had a pig roast this year. This was a new addition for '09. It was delicious, probably the best upgrade to the tournament since adding a Port-a-John by the horseshoe pits. Not only was the pig good, but so where all the dips, salads, and giant vat of perogies that were brought to the tourney by some very good cooks.

My partner Zig and I came into the tourney with high expectations; for the past three years, we've managed to finish in the top 4. We started out hot, winning our first 3 games. Then we went cold as fast as we got hot. We lost our next two and were eliminated. We were upset, but that didn’t last long because then I teamed up with Chad and tore through the horseshoe pits.

Congratulations to Frank and Chris on being the 2009 Bocce Ball Champions of The World.

Shopping in Lehigh Valley

It's a good thing I don't work in retail. If I did, I'd receive a bill every week instead of a pay check!

When I'm out and about in Lehigh Valley during the course of my week visiting attractions, restaurants and shops, I often spend more than I make in a day. Let's just say I do my fair share of stimulating the economy.

Last week I had the best excuse to shop, Don's birthday! I knew just where to go ... Main Street Commons in Bethlehem. Earlier this summer I spotted a great gift for Don in The Blue Cactus, a frog-shaped table fan. Not the sort of thing he would buy for himself, but perfect to set by his favorite chair in our screen room.

Main Street Commons, with its beautifully restored facade is a gem in Historic Bethlehem. There you can find really eclectic gifts at shops like The Blue Cactus, The Foo Foo Shop, and Girlfriend's Boutique then stop for something to eat at the Bethlehem BrewWorks or Marco's Pizza followed, of course, by ice cream at Heavenly Hedgehog! Another favorite stop for me is the Franklin Hill Vineyard retail store since I don't get up to the winery in Bangor as often as I'd like.

I know there are lots of really cool shops in Lehigh Valley and I've only named a few. I'll leave you with two questions...what are your favorite shops and what do you think of the fan?

Civic Theatre: a Lehigh Valley hotspot for "indy" drama

Aside from live theater and an acting school with famous alum like Michaela Conlin, who plays Angela on Bones (one of my favorite TV shows), Civic Theatre is also a place where you can see "indy" movies.

Now, I'm not an "indy" film aficionado, but I always watch the trailers for the films that come to Civic in case there's something that might interest me. And that is how I came to see "Cheri", starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates, on Friday night at Civic's 514 Theatre.

Reasonably priced at $8 a person, admission to 514 is handled by the same guy who runs the small concession stand, so patience is a necessity. Since I had just come from dinner, I wasn't hungry for popcorn or candy (although I did notice they were far more affordable than I've seen at the movies in a long time). I just got a bottle of Coke, which was only $2, and went off to find a seat.

Also called the "black box" because the walls, floor and ceiling are all painted black (making it a perfect theater for movie-watching), 514 is fairly small. Several plywood tiers are set up with folding metal chairs that have cushiony seats, which actually aren't bad to sit in for the length of a movie. I wouldn't recommend 514 if you're claustrophobic, otherwise it provides a very intimate setting to enjoy a film.

The movie, a tragic romance with a bit of comic relief mixed in, was truly a beautiful film. However, with all of the "love" scenes, the elderly gent sitting next to me didn't seem to share my sentiment as his wife continued to whisper "I'm sorry I made you come."

So Cheri might not be for everyone (check out the trailer, and decide for yourself), but if you're interested, it's playing at Civic's larger 19th Street Theatre until Thursday.

Gettin' down with Cinderella at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

I took the day off last Friday to take my niece, Jenna, to see Cinderella at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival in Center Valley, Pa. Needless to say, we had an absolute blast!

This classic story was brought to life in anything but a traditional format. Cinderella, or Cindy as she was called for short, was well-portrayed, but in our opinion, the two step sisters (Trivia and Inconsequentia) really made the play with their overpowering personalities.

Dancing was a huge part of the performance. Jenna's favorite part was the Beyonce-like dance moves at the Ball. The three mice, friends of Cindy's, also had some fantastic dance moves that made us laugh. 

The step mother, played by male actor Eddie Seage, also did a phenomenal job and deserves to be commended. You would never have known that he is only a junior at De Sales University. 

The show was designed to bring the kids in the audience up close and personal with the actors. They were allowed to sit on carpeted areas right on the stage. After the show there was an autograph signing session in the lobby that the kids just loved. Some of them even came dressed in Cinderella costumes themselves!

As we were leaving one of the mothers mentioned that she thought the adults had more fun than the kids, which I would have to agree with. Why not take the day off and bring back your childhood memories by going to see Cinderella? You won't be disappointed!