Blast Furnace Blues Festival will return to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus. This decade-long free event will feature two days of live music for the community to enjoy while honoring this great American genre’s history.

Schedule:

Nate Myers and the Aces
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 2:00 PM, Free.
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
ArtsQuest Center
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

"Nate Myers and the Aces have been established in Central PA for over 20 years. They are professional, flexible, and easy to work with. Lead by vocalist Nate Myers and his harmonica, the band creates a loose, casual atmosphere in which everyone can relax and have a good time! Whether the audience prefers to sit back and listen or get up and “shake that thang,” there is something for everyone. Nate Myers is an excellent musician, songwriter, and performer – the consummate entertainer who keeps the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance. The wide variety of styles, energy and sincerity in his music allows him to fit into nearly any musical genre. On a typical evening, audiences can hear influences from many forms of American music – blues, funk, hip hop, rockabilly, country and improvisation. Nate Myers & the Aces take all these styles they love and weave them into a tapestry of their own..

Nate Myers has been billed with and on occasion, shared the stage with many national and regional artists such as Styx, Cheap Trick, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Kim Simmons/Savoy Brown, Kansas, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, G Love & Special Sauce, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Big Jack Johnson, Jason Ricci, Steve Guyger, Dennis Gruenling, E.G. Kight, The Nighthawks, Charlie Sayles, Bruce Katz, Billy Price, Carey Bell, Ben Andrews, Robin Trower, Rod Piazza, Luther Allison, E.C. Scott, Chris Thomas King, Michael Burks, Paul Rishell & Little Annie and many others.

The band can perform material appropriate for a family-friendly show, as well as a late night bar room crowd. Nate Myers is able to perform a full night of all original music, cover songs, or a combination of both.”

Sierra Green and the Giants
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 3:00 PM, Free.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
645 E. First Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

Emerging as a vibrant musical force from the bustling streets of New Orleans, Sierra Green embodies a fusion of timeless soul with an irresistible contemporary allure, evoking the depth and grit of the genre's raw essence. Revered as the "Queen of Frenchmen Street," Sierra's roots delve deep into the rich musical soil of the city's 7th Ward—a historic breeding ground that nurtured legends such as Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and Allen Toussaint. Sierra's musical destiny is woven into the tapestry of this storied neighborhood, where her voice resonated in the church choir from the tender age of eight.

Sierra's artistic odyssey mirrors the resilience and profound soulfulness of her surroundings. Originating from humble beginnings, she captivated audiences along the iconic Frenchmen Street, eventually securing residencies in New Orleans' most esteemed clubs. Here, she meticulously curated her band, The Giants, handpicking the city’s finest musicians to refine her distinctive sound and command the stage with an undeniable presence.

A transformative moment unfolded in Fall 2023 when Sierra, alongside The Giants, collaborated in the studio with the esteemed David Torkanowsky, a musical luminary synonymous with New Orleans. The outcome was a five-song collection showcasing Sierra's artistry, revitalizing classics like The Meter's "Break in the Road" and infusing her unique essence into David Shaw's "Promised Land." Tracks such as "One Thing" and "He Called Me Baby" resonate with emotional depth and unfiltered passion, marking Sierra's trajectory—a burgeoning artist leaving an indelible imprint on the soul music landscape.

Further expanding her horizons, Sierra journeyed to Nashville, collaborating with producer and guitarist J.D. Simo, celebrated for his work with icons like Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, and Jack White. These recording sessions promise to elevate her forthcoming debut album, infusing her captivating vocals with sultry guitar, potent horns, and infectious basslines—a nod to the legends of Detroit and Memphis as she forges her own path among contemporary torchbearers.

Sierra stands poised and primed, where each moment behind the microphone holds the promise of an unforgettable evening—an embodiment of soulful melodies and magnetic performances that leave audiences moved, captivated, and inspired. Sierra Green isn't merely crafting music; she’s etching her legacy in the revered annals of musical history.

The SlideWinder Blues
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 4:30 PM, Free
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
ArtsQuest Center
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

The SlideWinder Blues Band hits hard with its own brand of Texas and Chicago driven contemporary blues. For those times when the 1,4,5 just isn’t enough, the bands red blooded live shows are full of vigor and offer a sonic pallet indicative of the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans. Hailing from Doylestown, PA, SlideWinder is comprised of members Paul Boddy, Glenn Hale, Chuck Hearne and Dave Hollingsworth.

The Skyla Burell Band
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 5:30 PM, Free.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
645 E. First Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

Skyla Burrell and her band are known for their unique blend of contemporary, traditional, and blues rock, which has earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim worldwide. The band was founded in 2002 by partners in life and music, guitarist/singer Skyla Burrell and guitarist Mark Tomlinson who both share songwriting credits. Onstage and on record they play 100% original material. For BROKEN 45's, their 6th album, Skyla and the band bring their passionate and high energy style to 15 all new original tracks.

Skyla Burrell was born and raised in Southern California and now calls Central Pennsylvania home. She joined her first working band at the age of 15 and has not looked back since. Skyla's musical journey began in her Grandmother's living room on the piano and guitar and she was writing songs by grade school. Known for her expressive, impassioned vocals and guitar style, as noted by the press, Skyla has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working women in blues.

Co-founding guitarist Mark Tomlinson began his career as a drummer, backing up John Lee ******, Big Time Sarah, Bo Diddley and others before switching to guitar. Skyla and Mark formed a band with one goal in mind, to play all original material. Their five previous albums- Working Girl Blues (2004), Living Day to Day (2006), Tough Luck (2007), Real Love (2011), Blues Scars (2014)- have received regional, national, and international airplay, and earned them a devoted following. Skyla Burrell's music has been featured in several TV shows and a movie, cementing their status as one of the most exciting and relevant blues bands on the scene. The band's latest release, Broken 45's, showcases their songwriting prowess and commitment to authenticity.

Eddie Davis & Blues Anatomy, featuring Sister Blue
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 6:30 PM
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
ArtsQuest Center
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

Eddie Davis & Blues Anatomy, comprised of five talented musicians, all Philadelphia area natives, bring superb musicianship & a genuine love of the Blues to every performance. Playing at festivals, night clubs, private parties, corporate & special events, Eddie Davis & Blues Anatomy perform exciting, classic Blues that always pleases the audience and stirs a feeling in their soul.

Eddie Davis, Singer/Songwriter, known for his soulful, dynamic style & warm personality, has been performing and recording Blues for many years. Eddie is a recording artist, published songwriter, record producer and has performed locally and nationally with the best musicians anywhere. Eddie was chosen, specifically, by the record company to be the singer on the acclaimed blues album, Re-Discovering Lonnie Johnson. Other acclaimed blues songs and albums by Eddie are, Blues Diamonds, “Blues Is My Business and Business Is Good,” plus “Crazy Kinda Way” and “Good News, Still Singin’ The Blues,” both written by Eddie Davis, to name a few. As a side note, Eddie also had success writing, “Doin’ The Zombie,” recorded by Chubby Checker and “Mia Amore,” recorded by Major Harris. As a singer, who always loved the Blues, singing with Blues Anatomy is a dream come true.

Sister Blue, Singer/Drummer/Guitarist, is a Philly native with powerful vocals, stinging guitar leads, plus a killer drummer! Sister Blue sings and plays blues and soul classics and has had the honor to grace the stage with and play on the same bill as, blues greats, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Robert Cray, Coco Montoya, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Taj Mahal, Pinetop Perkins and many, many more. “A Belter of the Blues” is how the Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine described Sister Blue in their “Local Angle” feature. The “Chestnut Hill Local” exclaimed, “she bellows, belabors and blasts the blues as if it’s exploding from a howitzer. There are no pretty bows on her songs, just a barbed wire of passion hot enough to burn up the furniture in the room.” Northeast Times- “When Sister Blue got the Blues-It’s All Good!”

Mark Furman, Blues Guitarist/Vocalist, played thousands of shows in the tri-state area with several popular blues bands. Mark has performed at great venues, i.e., Penn’s Landing, The Keswick Theater, Sellersville Theater, and The Colonial Theater, to name a few. Mark has opened for blues greats, such as, Robert Cray, Chris Duarte, Coco Montoya, Duke Robillard, Buckwheat Zydeco and many others. With his mastery of Blues Guitar and his “take no prisoners” attitude, Mark Furman is a force to be reckoned with amongst blues guitarists and a great guy to boot.

Rick Prince, Bassist, is not called “The Prince of Basses” for nothing. Rick is one of the most in-demand Blues bass players in the tri-state region. As a songwriter, producer, arranger and “in-house” session player for a number of recording studios, Rick’s musical background & experience is most impressive. When you want that solid bottom you bring in Rick Prince on bass, he’ll give you that & plenty more. The Ray Charles quote, “Simplicity Is Genius” is the perfect way to explain the bass playing of Rick Prince.

Marky B, Harmonica Player (Blues Harp), has played, toured & recorded with an array of local, regional & national acts including Buddy Guy, Sister Blue and Sonny Rhodes. Marky B is a skilled player adept in both diatonic & chromatic harmonicas, specializing in Blues, R&B and American roots music. Marky B is an in-demand session player and has performed various styles of music on soundtracks & jingles for TV & radio. This musician plays with such feeling, warmth & soul you want to listen to him play all night long.

Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 7:30 PM
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
645 E. First Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

Both on stage and in private life, these two internationally acclaimed artists share incredible chemistry! Their first introduction (lasting only a few seconds) in the crowded lobby of the historic Orpheum Theatre during the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee left a lasting impression on both of them. It was not until a year later, at a recording session during 2019 IBC that their professional acquaintance blossomed into a love affair, culminating in marriage in August of 2019! Since that time, renowned Canadian Blues-Rocker Paul DesLauriers and acclaimed American Soul-Blues singer Annika Chambers have unified their artistic destiny, much to the joy of everyone who's had the pleasure of hearing and seeing them together!

Houston, Texas native ANNIKA CHAMBERS, like most great American singers, began singing as a child in the Southern Baptist church. Though Gospel music is her mother tongue, it is in the Blues that she found her true voice, and what a voice it is!! She is the 2022 Blues Music Award Winner for Soul-Blues Female Artist of the Year. After winning her first Blues Music Award for Soul-Blues Female Artist of the Year in 2019, she gave us her third release entitled “Kiss My Sass” on the VizzTone Label Group. It debuted at #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart and won the 2020 Living Blues Award for Best Southern Soul album. Annika performs regularly at top Blues festivals across North and South America as well as Europe.

Deeply rooted in the blues-rock idiom, guitarist-singer Paul DesLauriers is the winner of the Maple Blues Awards (Canada's national Blues Award program) for Entertainer of the Year (2016, 2017), Electric Act of the Year (2016), Guitarist of the Year (2013, 2019) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2013). In 2016 he took 2nd Place at the 32nd International Blues Challenge held by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennesee. His most recent recording « Bounce » (Bros/Vizztone) debuted at #1 on Canada's Roots Music Report and held the top Spot for several weeks. In November 2019, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Joh Lord of Deep Purple fame's Concerto for Group & Orchestra, the Paul DesLauriers Band were invited perform the piece at Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, Canada along with Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and L’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec under the direction of Paul Mann.Paul DesLauriers’ international touring schedule includes regular performances at top Blues Festivals in North America and Europe including the Montreal International Blues Festival, Ottawa Blues Fest, Edmonton Blues Fest, Calgary Blues Fest, Big Blues Bender Las Vegas NV USA, White Mountain Boogie n’Blues NH USA, Heritage Music Blues Fest Wheeling WV USA, Passion Blues Cognac and Cahors Blues Festivals in France, the Sierre Blues Festival, Switzerland, and Grölsch Blues Festival Shöppingen Germany to name a few.

Jump, Jive, and Wail
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Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 9:00 PM, Free.
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
ArtsQuest Center
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

The band was formed in 2012 and plays a variety of what we call house rockin' music, including swing, retro-swing, jump blues, blues, New Orleans second line music, classic r &b, roots r & r, Dixieland, & jazz, among others. The band has played at the Wawa 4th of July Welcome America in Philadelphia, 1st Energy Stadium in Reading, Rehoboth Beach Summer Concert Series, various casinos, parks, colleges, & private affairs. The band features the sizzling Demetria Joyce Bailey on vocals, & the red-hot Molten Brass horns. The band has a CD out called "Let The Good Times Roll".

Free.