There was an alternative to Musikfest in the Rose Garden on Wednesday evening, August 7. At least 67 people gathered to hear the Vince Pettinelli Orchestra, in spite of the threat of rain. Things got off to a great start with a vigorous and somewhat up-tempo "In the Mood". Other big band classics were "Come Fly With Me", "When I Fall in Love", "My Way", and "Fly Me to the Moon". The 18-piece orchestra (with male and female vocalists) exhibited a special drive on the faster numbers, including a number of newer selections, with quite a few appeciated solos.

It is curious that the Vince Pettinelli Orchestra, and the capable Dave Neith Orchestra, are not invited to perform at Musikfest. Perhaps it is because they are local, and local people can see and hear them here. But shouldn't out-of-towners also enjoy our local talent? And isn't this how Musikfest began? And wouldn't having more local people perform at Musikfest support and encourage our local talent? Is Musikfest becoming less and less about Bethlehem?

William Scheirer

In Musikfest's 30th year, I found myself torn between Musikfest in our Historic Bethlehem and SteelStacks, not in a controversial sense, but in a good way. Visiting the festival in the historic environs of Bethlehem's north side Central Business District is like wearing those favorite timeworn jeans. Most Musikfest memories were formulated for me in this area, where its origins are well engrained in our community. Yet, the excitement of traversing the former Bethlehem Steel plant lands at SteelStacks draw me to a part of Bethlehem's past that has become crucial to the city's future. It feels like a new pair of sneakers. What an enviable position to be in for both Musikfest and Bethlehem.

Dana Grubb