BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Welcome to LehighValleyNews.com's Fest in Show, a daily offering of some of the can't-miss acts on the stages of Musikfest.
Read us daily during Musikfest for suggestions of the best music — and more.
The music
Christian Porter, 3 p.m. Lagerplatz
Regina Sayles, 1:30 p.m. Main Street, also 7 p.m. Thursday Lyrikplatz
Just a few years ago, Christian Porter and Regina Sayles were two of the Poconos’ fastest-rising performers. Stroudsburg’s Porter had credentials from being the opening act for “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice at Stroudsburg’s Sherman Theater to a 2013 run as a contestant on NBC-TV’s “The Voice.” East Stroudsburg’s Sayles opened for folk icon Ani DiFranco and played as a featured artist on the 2019 Melissa Etheridge Cruise. They briefly joined forces, releasing an album as Porter & Sayes and performing shows such as in 2019 Bethlehem’s Godfrey Daniels. They’re solo artists again: He last year released a new disc, "Collaborations With Myself," and she frequently joins the Craig Thatcher Band. But you can see them both within minutes of each other.
Scythian, 9:30 p.m. Stadtplatz, also 7 p.m. Wednesday, Americaplatz
The Washington, D.C., band is named after Ukrainian nomads, and plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions that comes out closer to folk, bluegrass and Americana.For years, the band has been a favorite of Bethlehem’s Celtic Classic and Musikfest. “Festival favorites,” ArtsQuest Program Director Patrick Brogan said.
Soraia, 7 p.m. Zinzenplatz,
Philadelphia-based alternative rock n' roll /post-grunge group Soraia is fronted by big-sound vocalist ZouZou Mansour. “It’s an alt-rock group, female-fronted,” ArtsQuest’s Brogan said. “Her vocals are powerful and impactful. That’s a show I’m looking forward to across the festival.”
The Accidentals, 7 p.m. Americaplatz
Michigan indie-folk female trio The Accidentals from Michigan have gotten glowing acclaim from National Public Radio and Billboard magazine – and also from those who have heard them in several previous appearances art Musikfest. “The Accidentials are great,” ArtsQuest’s Borgan said. “Every year, people ask me if they’re coming back.
Rubix Cube, 9:15 p.m. Americaplatz
Rubix Cube’s description as a 1980s cover band might not conjure immediate interest, but the New York City group has been a huge Musikfest favorite for years — with its garish Spandex-and-sprayed-hair costumes, it seeks to offer an ’80s experience. “It’s a huge crowd,” ArtsQuest’s Brogan said.
For foodies
The Try Vegan food tuck at Americaplatz offers sandwiches, snacks, smoothies and other delicious bites that vegans will love.
We tried the falafel wrap ($15) made with crispy ground chickpeas, lettuce, red onions, tomato and tantalizing spices.
