Hosted by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce at 7 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem home of Godfrey Daniels since 1976, a special anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for Godfrey’s 2026-2027 season opening was held Sept. 9.

Cofounded by Lehigh University graduates Dave Fry and Cindy Dinsmore, the folk music venue became the cornerstone of the local arts community in what had once been a doughnut shop. Since its establishment on the South Side, this humble coffeehouse with its intimate listening-room atmosphere, continues enriching the surrounding community and beyond with world-class folk, blues, bluegrass, Americana, jazz, singer-songwriter, and roots music provided by legendary performers and emerging artists.

In his book “Welcome to Godfrey Daniels,” Fry wrote of how he, with tongue-in-cheek, named the establishment after a W.C. Field’s “curse” that sounded “pub-ish.”

“This recognition is an enormous honor,” remarked Godfrey Daniels Managing Director Ramona LaBarre as she expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce as the inspiration for the gathering and to Fry and Dinsmore for their vision and decades of making it a reality.

“Staffed and managed from the beginning 50 years ago by all volunteers, Godfrey’s has grown into a viable touchstone for thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life, near and far,” said LaBarre. Successful enough to be able to pay a small and growing staff, what LaBarre calls “the little folk club that could” continues to be served by volunteers, from the board to hundreds of volunteer staff who have over the years handled setting up for events, ushering, serving snacks and beverages, along with “an indescribable amount of behind-the-scenes tasks that keep it all going.”

LaBarre was thankful for their supporting membership, as well as for the financial assistance and gifts in kind Godfrey’s receives from foundations, government entities and businesses.

“Godfrey Daniels is also blessed to be part of a strong network of community partners,” noted LaBarre. Among the many she listed are WDIY radio, Touchstone Theatre, South Side Arts District, Lehigh University and ArtsQuest.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce and local government provided remarks praising the beloved cultural institution’s enduring legacy including Mayor J. William Reynolds with “The best of who we are comes from rooms like this.”

As one of the longest-running nonprofit music venues in the region, Godfrey Daniels remains committed to its mission of preserving and promoting performing arts with live music, storytelling, and cultural experiences that connect people of all generations.

For more information, visit godfreydaniels.org.