ArtsQuest has announced that its annual blues festival will return to the SteelStacks campus this summer with a patriotic theme to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Reimagined for one year as “Blast Furnace Blues: Stars, Stripes & Steel,” the festival will take place Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. The event, presented by Highmark Blue Shield, will be held at the former Bethlehem Steel site, where historic blast furnaces serve as the backdrop for the performances.
“Stars, Stripes & Steel is a special one-year twist on Blast Furnace Blues,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest chief programming officer. “We’ve packed it with artists who truly represent the depth and energy of the genre — from rising stars to seasoned legends.”
The 2026 lineup features Grammy-nominated artist Jontavious Willis as the Friday night headliner. Willis, known for blending Delta, Piedmont, and Gospel blues, was famously dubbed “Wonderboy” by blues legend Taj Mahal.
Saturday’s headliner is Larry McCray, a powerhouse guitarist and singer who has shared stages with B.B. King and the Allman Brothers. McCray is currently touring behind his latest album, “Heartbreak City,” produced by Joe Bonamassa.
The festival schedule also includes:
- Friday: Performances by Lehigh Valley’s own The BC Combo, Danielia Cotton, and Scott Tournet.
- Saturday: Sets by Irish blues star Grainne Duffy, fiery vocalist Dana Fuchs, Shane Guerrette, and the Moga Family Band.
In addition to the music, the festival will host local food vendors including Nick’s BBQ and Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Truck.
Friday Schedule
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | The BC Combo | 5 – 6 p.m. |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | Danielia Cotton | 6 – 7:15 p.m. |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | Jontavious Willis | 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | Scott Tournet | 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. |
Saturday schedule
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | Shane Guerrette | 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | The Moga Family Band | 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | Gráinne Duffy | 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | Dana Fuchs | 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | Larry McCray | 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | Amani Burnham | 9:00 – 11:00 p.m |