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
Nyke Van Wyk & Bret Alexander, 5:30 p.m. Hotel Bethlehem Platz
The duo of Bret Alexander, a founding member of 1990s northeastern Pennsylvania hitmakers The Badlees, and violinist Nyke Van Wyk, who joined The Badleees after its reunion in the late 2000s, carry that band’s sensibilities – after all, Alexander wrote its biggest hit, “Fear of Falling” – but broaden its sound. The duo still play in The Badlees (the group recently released its first new album in 20 years).
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, 7:30 p.m. Stadtplatz
Country blues band Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band's half-dozen albums hit the Top 5 on the Blues Albums chart, starting with 2008’s “The Whole Fam Damnily.” Last year, its disc “Dance Songs For Hard Times” was nominated for the Blues Music Awards’ Blues Rock Album of the Year – the second time it has had a disc nominated. It also in 2021 was nominated for Best Blues Rock Artist. “I’m so excited for this show,” ArtsQuest Programming Director Patrick Brogan said. He’s particularly excited to have the band at Musikfest: ArtsQuest has had Peyton in smaller lineups, but never in its full lineup. “We have tried to book this at blues festivals, at Musikfest, here at SteelStacks over the years, and we’ve never had the show play here,” Brogan said. “So we’re excited to have it at Musikfest for the first time.”
Nappy Roots, 9:30 p.m. Americaplatz
In the early 2000s, alternative Southern rap group Nappy Roots was at the top of the hip-hop charts: It had 2002’s best selling hip-hop album, “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz,” with the multi-platinum disc featuring the songs "Awnaw" and "Po' Folks," both Top 15 Rap chart hits. It also had the 2008 hit “Good Day,” and three more Top 20 Rap chart albums. “They’re a larger investment on the free stages this year,” Brogan said.
Earth to Mars – Bruno Mars Tribute, 8:30 p.m. Festplatz
The five-man Earth to Mars – Bruno Mars Tribute is made up of Los Angeles studio musicians that plays Mars’s hits, such as “Just The Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Leave the Door Open.” Says Brogan: “The Bruno Mars tribute is actually a great show. Great band, great show. I don’t want to highlight a lot of tribute shows, but that one, the band is just fantastic.”
For foodies
The Korean chicken tacos ($15) from Grumpy's BBQ Worldy Que at Americaplatz serves one of our favorite eats at Musikfest — so far!
The scrumptious tortillas are filled with delicious chicken (marinated in ginger, soy and chili sauce) cabbage slaw and topped off with kimchi sauce and spicy mayo.
The food stand also serves Big Tex brisket and Nashville chicken sandwiches, loaded nachos, pulled pork tacos and fries.
