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Murals, Live Music and two great nonprofit organizations – that’s what April’s First Friday is all about. Join us the evening of April 2nd as we celebrate and unveil 2 new murals on the Urban Arts Trail at Café the Lodge’s gorgeous courtyard and Victory House of Lehigh Valley located at Fillmore Street and the Greenway. The event will kick off at 6pm with a live performance from The Wonton Soups, followed by a brief presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:30pm for the murals. Then take a tour of the Urban Arts Trail, with musician Neil Grover tickling the ivories of our Public Piano at Fillmore and Third Streets, and Lorenzo Bubba, of Dear Anna playing acoustic at the Harmony Pavilion on the Greenway. Live Music, Public Art & Delicious Food & Shopping Deals await! We can’t wait to celebrate with you April 2nd!Each year, the SouthSide Arts District works tirelessly to create opportunities for local artists to transform our streetscape into their canvas. Over the last four years the SouthSide Arts District has added Murals, Bike Racks, and a Public Piano to the downtown. All make up a 2.75 mile path called the Urban Arts Trail. Visitors can go online at https://southsideartsdistrict.com/urban-arts-trail/ to follow the trail at home, or walk the path with their phone, to learn about each piece and its story.
The murals we’re adding to the trail on April 2nd are incredibly dynamic. One created by Devyn Briggs, a celebrated Banana Factory Artist and the other by Maltas Con Leche, a Latino Family of Artists, who’s youngest member is only 11 years old. Each will be installed conveniently near each other, on the back of Victory House Lehigh Valley and Café the Lodge’s courtyard. Devyn’s mural “Rebuilding and Remembering,” will be installed on the back wall of Victory House of Lehigh Valley. “The piece celebrates the families that have joined our community after Hurricane Maria. It is also about growing up in two cultures, and the strength that comes from being rooted in family, community, and culture,” said Devyn when asked what the work represented to her. The mural is striking with an image of a child, with deep vibrant eyes between two worlds. Maltas Con Leche’s mural is of a winged girl, embarking on adventure and the pleasures of life. “This image brings to life (with respect to) the SouthSide community, culture and spirit. We wanted to show diversity, and what we have in common. In the Valley – that’s food and our scenery.” Maltas Con Leche’s mural will be seen within the courtyard of Café the Lodge.
The celebration will also give both Victory House of Lehigh Valley and Café the Lodge the chance to speak about their amazing organizations. Each First Friday, it’s the SouthSide Arts District’s mission to introduce the public to a nonprofit partner and encourage our guests to give back to our community. Victory House of Lehigh Valley has been providing shelter and transitional services to homeless men, many of them veterans, for over 35 years. Café the Lodge is not only a delicious restaurant, but provides housing and vocational opportunities for adults with mental health diagnoses. Please consider donating to both of these great institutions, providing remarkable services for members of our community. Donations can be made here:
Café the Lodge:
https://www.rhd.org/program/cafe-the-lodge/
Victory of House of Lehigh Valley
https://www.victoryhouselv.org/donate/
Come hungry and ready to dine at Café the Lodge on their famous Reuben Sandwich, and walk a guided tour to three works on the Urban Arts Trail. Be prepared with your pop up chair - each location will be accompanied by musicians Neil Grover and Lorenzo Bubba. Or sit tight at Café the Lodge and enjoy the sounds of The Wonton Soups from 6pm – 8pm. We ask that all guests please wear their masks and stay 6 feet apart to ensure everyone can enjoy the performances safely. Happy First Friday and Spring Bethlehem!
If you have any questions please reach out to Missy Hartney, our Downtown Manager at [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cafe the Lodge, 427 E 4th St, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States