New ArtsQuest country music festival to debut at SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Over the years, ArtsQuest has offered music festivals of many genres— and many continue today with blues, reggae, Latin music and the polka of Oktoberfest.

Yet, the genre that has been most popular for ArtsQuest in recent years — country music — has never had its own festival.

Until now.

ArtsQuest has announced a new celebration of country music and culture that will take over the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks for a summer weekend.

CountryFest, a free festival set for Aug. 21-22, “will bring the heart and soul of country music to the Lehigh Valley with two full days of live performances, great food and high-energy fun,” ArtsQuest said in a release.

It said CountryFest “will showcase a dynamic lineup of nationally touring country artists, rising stars and beloved local performers.”

Headlining the first CountryFest will be Clayton Mullen, Luke Borchelt and Peytan Porter.

Also offered will be tribute performances” Kevin Kenny — The Chesney Show and Lainey Nation — a Tribute to Lainey Wilson.

Completing the lineup will be some of the Lehigh Valley’s country acts: Erin Kelly, Whiskey & Roses and Adam and the Armadillos.

There also will be line dance lessons with Aleah Stomp & Shine, which has instructed crowds at area venues, as well as food, activities and local artisans and crafters.

“ArtsQuest’s latest festival celebration, CountryFest, arrives not a day too soon for a genre that has been a mainstay for Lehigh Valley audiences for decades now,” ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said.

“And what better time? Country music is everywhere, attracting fans of all ages and delivering some of the most engaging shows on tour today.

“We can’t wait to see where audiences take this festival in the years to come.”

Headliners, activities, food, more

Mullen has released two albums, with 2024’s “Start at the End” compiling more than 25 million streams.

He has a new EP due out this summer and had released two singles from it: “Love On The Radio” and “First Time Feeling Last.”

Singer-songwriter Borchelt counts among his influences hip-hop and “the soul of country and city,” and says he both blends genres and stays true to his roots.

His debut album “Every Rain” was released in 2024.

Porter’s 2023 debut album “In My Head” leaned pop-country, but her more recent EP “Grown” features songs with a more rootsy spirit, such as “God’s Hotel,” “Speaking of Georgia,” and “Lemonade.”

She says on her website that she has shared the stage with artists including Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Jon Pardi and Brett Eldredge, and made appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Aleah, the personality behind Stomp & Shine, has more than six years of dancing and three years of teaching and is known for high-energy, beginner-friendly instruction.

Festival attendees can buy BBQ favorites from Red Cedar Grill and bacon from Bacon on a Stick; cool off with ice cream from Batch Micro-Creamery; and sip beverages.

Also offered throughout the weekend will be interactive activities such as axe throwing and local artisans and crafters selling handmade goods, country-inspired pieces and one-of-a-kind finds “that celebrate the creativity of the region,” ArtsQuest said.

Festival schedule

The festival’s schedule is:

Friday, Aug. 21:

6–7:15 p.m. — Erin Kelly on Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square

7:30–9 p.m. — Kevin Kenny: The Chesney Show on Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

9-9:40 p.m. — Stomp & Shine (Line Dance Lessons with Whiskey and Roses), Community Stage on Town Square.

9-11 p.m. — Whiskey and Roses, Community Stage on Town Square.

Saturday, Aug. 22:

4–5 p.m. — Luke Borchelt, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

5 p.m. — Clayton Mullen, Community Stage on Town Square.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Peytan Porter, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks.

7:30–9 p.m. — Lainey Nation – A Tribute to Lainey Wilson, Community Stage on Town Square.

9–11 p.m. — Adam and the Armadillos, Community Stage on Town Square.