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Press Release

DATE: Feb. 26, 2008
CONTACT: Kim I. Plyler (610) 332-1300, Ext. 333 (kplyler@fest.org)

EARTH, WIND & FIRE JAMS AT MUSIKFEST AUG. 6

BETHLEHEM, PA—The funky, soulful sounds of six-time Grammy Award winner Earth, Wind & Fire will fill the Musikfest RiverPlace venue Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m., as part of the festival’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Founded by Maurice White in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has produced 11 number-one songs during its 40-year career, including hits such as “Thinking of You,” “Shining Star,” “September” and “Got to Get You Into My Life.” From 1975-79, the group had six consecutive double platinum albums, helping it become Columbia Records’ top-selling band.

In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was recognized for its musical achievements by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2003 it was included in The Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Its Musikfest 2008 concert will be its second at the festival, having first performed at the event in August 2003.

Media sponsor for the Earth, Wind & Fire show is 100.7 WLEV. Tickets for the concert are $24-$44. They will go on sale in April, with members of the new ArtsQuest membership program having the first opportunity to purchase tickets. On-sale dates are 10 a.m. April 14-16 to ArtsQuest members, 10 a.m. April 17 to Musikfest sponsors and their employees and 10 a.m. April 18 to the public.

Tickets may be ordered by visiting www.fest.org or calling 610-332-FEST (3378). To become an ArtsQuest member, please visit www.fest.org or call 610-332-FEST (3378).
Musikfest, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2008, will take place Aug. 1-10 in Bethlehem, Pa. The festival, presented by ArtsQuest, features more than 500 musical performances on 14 indoor and outdoor stages throughout the city’s historic downtown. In addition, the event showcases a wide variety of food, children’s activities, visual arts and crafts and a closing-night fireworks spectacular.

For more information on Musikfest, visit www.fest.org or call 610-332-FEST (3378).

MUSIKFEST ANNOUNCES PERFORMING ARTS SERIES ACTS

Styx founding member Dennis DeYoung, Grammy Award winner Rosanne Cash and all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band LEZ ZEPPELIN are the first three acts announced for the 2008 Musikfest Performing Arts Series. All concerts will take place at 8 p.m. at the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem.

On Aug. 1, the Zoellner Arts Center will rock with the thunderous sounds of LEZ ZEPPELIN. Since forming in 2004, this tribute has earned unanimous critical acclaim as one of the most exciting live acts around. The first female rock act to pay homage to Led Zeppelin, it has been called “the most powerful all-female band in history” by Spin Magazine.

Comprised of Sarah McLellan on vocals, Steph Paynes on electric and acoustic guitar, Lisa Brigantino on bass, keyboards and mandolin, and Helen Destroy on drums, LEZ ZEPPELIN delivers Led Zeppelin’s blistering arrangements and monstrous sounds note-for-note at sold-out shows around the world. In addition to playing Zeppelin classics, the quartet also performs its own material. The group’s Musikfest date is part of a tour that also has it performing at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee in June.

On Aug. 2, fans of Styx won’t want to miss “Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx,” showcasing the talents of legendary singer/songwriter/record producer DeYoung and his five-piece band.
As a member of Styx, which sold more than 35 million albums and performed sold-out concerts around the globe, DeYoung wrote and sang several of the band’s biggest hits. His evening at Musikfest will feature him performing many of Styx’s classics, including “Lady,” “Babe,” “Best of Times,” “Come Sail Away” and “Rockin’ the Paradise.” DeYoung’s 2008 Musikfest concert will be his second at the festival, having first performed at the event in 2005.

On Aug. 9, singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash will bring her “Black Cadillac” multimedia show to the Musikfest Performing Arts Series. Featuring music interspersed with video and narration, the show is based on 2006’s highly acclaimed “Black Cadillac” album, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album.”

During her 30-year career, Cash has produced 11 number-one singles and 14 albums. She signed with Columbia Records in the late 1970s and released her U.S. debut, “Right or Wrong,” in 1979. In 1985, Cash earned a Grammy Award for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” for her single, “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” and in 1988 she was honored with Billboard’s Top Singles Artist Award. Cash last performed at Musikfest in 2004.

Tickets for LEZ ZEPPELIN are $20, tickets for Dennis DeYoung are $47 and tickets for Rosanne Cash are $37. They will go on sale 10 a.m. April 14-16 to ArtsQuest members, 10 a.m. April 17 to Musikfest sponsors and their employees and 10 a.m. April 18 to the public. Tickets may be ordered by visiting www.fest.org or calling 610-332-FEST (3378). To become an ArtsQuest member, please visit www.artsquest.org or call 610-332-FEST (3378).

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