Marshall Crenshaw,  Trout Fishing in America, Luke Wade & More Announced for
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Summer Concert Series

Rocker Marshall Crenshaw, family favorites Trout Fishing in America, 2014 The Voice participant Luke Wade and popular funk-soul group Turkuaz are among the initial acts announced for the 2015 Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Summer Concert Series presented by Highmark Blue Shield. The series, which kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, will feature 50 free concerts for the region Thursdays-Saturdays through Sept. 12.

On May 29, the Levitt Pavilion welcomes guitarist Marshall Crenshaw and his band. Best known for his Top 40 hit “Someday, Someway,” Crenshaw first picked up the guitar at age 10. After playing John Lennon in the off-Broadway company of Beatlemania and Buddy Holly in the film La Bamba, he released his self-titled debut album in 1982. Crenshaw’s follow-up release, Whenever You’re On My Mind, received critical acclaim from critics, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard rock charts.

Folk rock duo Trout Fishing in America, which has been delighting audiences for more than 35 years, will take to the Levitt Pavilion stage May 30. Over the years, the pairing of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet has released several acclaimed recordings, earning numerous honors including four GRAMMY nominations. The duo has performed in all 50 states and Canada, and it also presents fun-filled educational workshops for students and families.

In 2014, Texas native Luke Wade released his sophomore album, The River, following that up with an appearance on The Voice, where he made it to the quarterfinals. On Aug. 27, the audience at SteelStacks will have the opportunity to hear this talented singer-songwriter when he performs at the Levitt.

On Sept. 10, the Levitt Pavilion will kick off its final weekend of the year with a scorching performance by Brooklyn-based funk-soul act Turkuaz.  This nine-piece band combines groove-laden beats with twists of pop and funk for a uniquely danceable experience. It will release its new EP, Stereochrome, this spring and is performing across the country including major festivals such as High Sierra Music Festival, All Good Music Festival and Gathering of the Vibes.

“Highmark Blue Shield is proud to continue its tradition of supporting the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Summer Concert Series,” says Highmark Blue Shield Director of Community Affairs Susan Hubley. “This opportunity allows us to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to the people and businesses of the Lehigh Valley for their support of Highmark. As in the past, the Levitt Pavilion concert schedule is full of great names in music. We’re glad to be part of this unique experience that unites the Lehigh Valley community with free music and fun.”

Other highlights of the summer concert series include a June 10 concert by Selwyn Birchwood, a 2015 Blues Music Award nominee for “Best New Artist;” a July 10 show by The Brooklyn Bridge, known for its million-selling hit “The Worst That Could Happen;” and performances by dynamic tribute acts like The Glimmer Twins (Rolling Stones) July 23, The Stranger (Billy Joel) Aug. 28 and Beginnings (Chicago) Sept. 3. On July 4, the outdoor music venue will host the Allentown Band for its annual Fourth of July performance, complete with fireworks to celebrate the birthday of our great nation.

Partners helping to make the free programming at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks possible include Highmark Blue Shield, People First Federal Credit Union, Chevy 21, Lehigh Valley Blues Network, QNB, South Italy Imports, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and WDIY Public Radio.The pavilion is located at 789 E. First St., Bethlehem.

2015 Levitt Pavilion Confirmed Summer Concert Series performers (as of March 19)
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

May
May 24:                       Amy Lynn and the Gunshow (Soul/Rock)
May 28:                       Flaming Harry & the Roadhouse Rockers (Blues)
May 29:                       Marshall Crenshaw Band (Rock)
May 30:                       Trout Fishing in America (Folk Rock)

June
June 5:                        Ted Vigil’s John Denver Tribute (Folk)
June 6:                        Gedeon Luke and the Free People (Rock/Soul)
June 11:                      Selwyn Birchwood (Blues)
June 13:                      Jeff Krick (Elvis Tribute)
June 18:                      Knox Hamilton (Alternative)
June 28:                      Ten Strings and a Goat Skin (Folk/Bluegrass)

July
July 4:                         Allentown Band (Patriotic)
July 5:                         The Aardvarks (Rock)
July 10:                       The Brooklyn Bridge (Oldies)
July 18:                       Wood & Wire (Folk/Americana)
July 23:                       The Glimmer Twins (Rolling Stones Tribute)

August
Aug. 22:                       The Revelers (Cajun/Swamp Pop)
Aug. 27:                       Luke Wade (Pop/Soul)
Aug. 28:                       The Stranger (Billy Joel Tribute)

September
Sept. 3:                        Beginnings (Chicago Tribute)
Sept. 6:                        Jimmy Thackery (Blues)
Sept. 10:                      Turkuaz (Funk)