ALLENTOWN FREAK OUT RETURNS JUNE 24 & 25, 2011

ALLENTOWN FREAK OUT RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN FOR SECOND ANNUAL FEST JUNE 24-25

The Lehigh Valley's first and only fringe festival returns for a second year on June 24 & 25 in downtown Allentown featuring fire performers, burlesque, sideshow, cabaret, film screening, dance, multiple bands, and --new this year--a pageant.

Events kickoff Friday night, June 24, at 9 pm at the Electric Green near 9th and Hamilton. West Philadelphia Orchestra, a funky, raucous jam of Eastern European-style brass and string music, will perform simultaneously with The Burning Hearts Fire & Light Theater.

The fun continues Saturday with the first annual Miss Freak Out Pageant. Ladies may enter free of charge at www.allentownfreakout.com. Judges will ask brief and irreverent questions followed by a display of talent by the contestants. The winner will become a Wink Magazine centerfold and receive a $100 gift certificate to made in Brazil.

Saturday's events include performances by Olde City Sideshow. Abzahrah Middle Eastern dance company, Ten Tiny Dances, The Burning Hearts Fire & Light Theater with DJ Unit 13, Revival Burlesque, a cabaret show by LoveSpinDance, plus Freak Out Flickers film screening, and music by Goodnight Stars, Goodnight Air; Juice Box, the zany This Way to the Egress and more.

"It cheers me to offer such merriment to the good men and womenfolk of Allentown and beyond," says Allen T. Freekoutz, master of ceremonies. "This year's array of entertainers offers something for everyone."

The public is urged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy performances at the outdoor venue. Other free, family-friendly events take place indoors at House of Chen at 732 Hamilton Street and adult-oriented entertainment will be held at Allentown Brew Works' Silk Lounge at 812 Hamilton Street.

All events remain FREE to the public. More info can be found at the event website at www.allentownfreakout.com.

One Year Anniversary of Word Wednesday

From the organizers:

We are excited to announce the one year anniversary of Word Wednesday's. Local artist, Yodi Duane Vaden, and co-hostess, accomplished singer, Kari Holmes along with other valley poets will converge on the Silk Lounge of the Allentown Brew Works.

On August 11, 7:30pm, the Word Wednesday’s ensemble has an exciting evening planned. Many poets from the Wednesday Family will share some of their old and new works, debut new chapbooks, and a few special announces. Everyone’s invited to this open mic. Come join us!

Word Wednesday’s are the second Wednesday of every month. Next Word Wednesday’s is August 11, 7:30pm. The Allentown Brew Works is located at 812 Hamilton Street.

Live Music at Allentown Brew Works on Friday

Details from organizer Joe Trinkle:

July 30 - Silk Lounge at the Allentown Brew Works

$5 cover

Doors @ 8

Ryan James Bradley @ 9:30

The Beings @ 10:30

Drink specials!

Come support live, local music and a rapidly-growing alternative music venue in Allentown! Ahghhh!

Chensters collaborate to bring vintage art to the community

At the Momentum show in December, Chenster Joan Gaydos and Mike Fegley of the Allentown BrewWorks found they had more in common than just great taste in art...each has a special connection with Neuweiler's Brewery.

Joan's father, Frank Wilgruber an art teacher in the ASD for 31 years, created advertising and illustrations for Neuweiler's Brewery in the 1950s. Another of Frank's long term friends and clients was Yocco's. He collaborated with owner Julie Iaccoa and created the "Hot Dog King" image that is still being used today. Many of the signage in the two original stores is his work as well.

With the BrewWorks recent launch of Neuweiler's beer (which is VERY tasty by the way) Mike Fegley jumped at the chance to display 11 of these original illustrations at the Allentown location.

So next time you are enjoying a meal and a refreshing beverage at the Allentown BrewWorks, check out some real vintage art from another Allentown artist of the past.