10 Days and a lot happening!
On the eve of this 10 day event in Bethlehem, Pa; I looked through the booklet at everything happening. All the music, arts and things happening. I will be doing the same thing as Sportsfest: Live updates. Music reviews will be posted within a few hours after the show. Video / photos uploaded during the show, when possible. A Valley and Beyond will be covering every aspect: music, arts, vendors and volunteers / staff. This is going to be one HELL of a challenge. I already know things will be left out. It is not possible to cover every band / musician. I want you to know both sides will be presented. Any problems / incidents will be posted. You will see the high and low points each day.
Even though Musikfest is my top priority, I will make every attempt to cover other events in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area also. The weekends are crazy in the area. I am looking forward to the challenge of the next 10 days. I want to give a little idea of how people living in the area feel about Musikfest.
The reaction is mixed. Some people are looking forward to it, others will not be going. I guess it's like any area you live. The longer you are there, the less things impress you. I have been in the Lehigh Valley for 3 years. Last year, Musikfest was new to me. Yeah, I was excited. This year? I am still excited about covering it from different angles.
Back to the local reactions. Some people believe the festival has gone too corporate. They remember how it started: a small festival that highlighted music and arts. "Where there was free music on every corner". Some feel the festival is too expensive. I do agree with the expensive part, to a point. The free music is another story...
I remember my first day at Musikfest last year. I learned real fast to eat before I go. Yes, eating / drinking at Musikfest can get expensive. Show me one fair / festival that is not? Especially for a family. That is where my agreement with people stops.
Yes, there are shows you have to pay for, especially the major bands. The amount of free music (local and national) is very high! Very few shows you have to pay for, even at Artsquest / Musikfest Cafe. The event is completely free! There is no admission charge like some other fairs / festivals. Music variety? Name a genre, seriously. Everything from rock, blues, jazz, world, rap, etc.
Now for the arts. Looking through the booklet, a variety of arts and artists will be there. The one downside here? They are not listed on the daily events calendar. I realize the main focus is music. Placing them on the daily calendar would help bring attention to this area. It seems like arts are a minor aspect.
I have to point this one out: Musikfest is not just a local event. People from around the world visit Bethlehem during the next 10 days to attend. I will try to interview Mark Demko or someone else involved with the planning. One thing I am really curious about. Musikfest is outdoors. How can they get even a ballpark idea about daily and overall attendance? Especially since it is split between the north and south side of Bethlehem.
Time to get ready for a 10 day long adrenalin rush and A Valley and Beyond's greatest challenge so far! I will not let you down. The Lehigh Valley, Pa area is going to be one of THE places to be, in the entire country for the next 10 days!!!!!
Even though Musikfest is my top priority, I will make every attempt to cover other events in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area also. The weekends are crazy in the area. I am looking forward to the challenge of the next 10 days. I want to give a little idea of how people living in the area feel about Musikfest.
The reaction is mixed. Some people are looking forward to it, others will not be going. I guess it's like any area you live. The longer you are there, the less things impress you. I have been in the Lehigh Valley for 3 years. Last year, Musikfest was new to me. Yeah, I was excited. This year? I am still excited about covering it from different angles.
Back to the local reactions. Some people believe the festival has gone too corporate. They remember how it started: a small festival that highlighted music and arts. "Where there was free music on every corner". Some feel the festival is too expensive. I do agree with the expensive part, to a point. The free music is another story...
I remember my first day at Musikfest last year. I learned real fast to eat before I go. Yes, eating / drinking at Musikfest can get expensive. Show me one fair / festival that is not? Especially for a family. That is where my agreement with people stops.
Yes, there are shows you have to pay for, especially the major bands. The amount of free music (local and national) is very high! Very few shows you have to pay for, even at Artsquest / Musikfest Cafe. The event is completely free! There is no admission charge like some other fairs / festivals. Music variety? Name a genre, seriously. Everything from rock, blues, jazz, world, rap, etc.
Now for the arts. Looking through the booklet, a variety of arts and artists will be there. The one downside here? They are not listed on the daily events calendar. I realize the main focus is music. Placing them on the daily calendar would help bring attention to this area. It seems like arts are a minor aspect.
I have to point this one out: Musikfest is not just a local event. People from around the world visit Bethlehem during the next 10 days to attend. I will try to interview Mark Demko or someone else involved with the planning. One thing I am really curious about. Musikfest is outdoors. How can they get even a ballpark idea about daily and overall attendance? Especially since it is split between the north and south side of Bethlehem.
Time to get ready for a 10 day long adrenalin rush and A Valley and Beyond's greatest challenge so far! I will not let you down. The Lehigh Valley, Pa area is going to be one of THE places to be, in the entire country for the next 10 days!!!!!