About
Since 1986, Mayfair has been the Lehigh Valley’s premier outdoor arts and crafts, music, and food festival.
For five days in May, Mayfair transforms Allentown’s scenic Cedar Beach Park into a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells— dancers, storytellers, art exhibits, local and national musical acts, hands-on crafts demonstrations, and culinary delights. All of these and more are what make Mayfair an irresistible annual event.
Mark your calendar for May 24th – 28th, 2012 for the NEW IMPROVED Mayfair Festival of the Arts!
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STAFF
Arlene Daily – Executive Director
Chuck Kalan – Music and Entertainment Programming
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
• Michael Hill – President & Acting Treasurer – PP&L Corporation (retired)
• Debbie Schur – Vice President – Boshart Industries
• Richard Button – 2nd Vice President
• Jane Heimbecker – Secretary – HALO Branded Solutions
Board Members
• Manuel Balserio – Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
• Deb Held – PPL Corporation
• Tom Gorr – Crayola
• Tara Craig - City of Allentown
•Tom Smith – City of Allentown (retired)
ExOfficio Board Member
•Pete Schweyer – Allentown City Council President; Chief of Staff to Representative Jennifer L. Mann
Performer Information
Chuck Kalan has joined the Mayfair team as the performance programmer. You can learn more about him here.
Musicians and Performers: To inquire about performing at Mayfair, please email information and/or EPKs to: programming@mayfairfestival.org
New Executive Director
A new year ushers in new leadership for Mayfair Inc. The nonprofit organization that produces Mayfair Festival of the Arts has appointed Allentown resident Arlene Daily as their new Executive Director.
Daily comes to Mayfair with two decades of experience in non-profit executive leadership, marketing and community relations. Daily most recently served as Managing Director of Civic Theatre of Allentown, with previous experience at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Planned Parenthood of North East PA, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As a hobby, Daily is a local jewelry artist who has exhibited at Mayfair.
“I have every confidence that Arlene’s expertise in managing nonprofit organizations will serve us well as we enter our 26th year. She has proven herself to be an effective arts administrator and that is just the leadership we need,” said Michael Hill, President of Mayfair’s Board of Directors. “The Board could not be more pleased with this appointment.”
Having just celebrated its 25th anniversary, Mayfair is taking a fresh look at the direction of the festival. It plans to increase the number and the quality of the artists exhibiting in the Artist Market. It is also improving the layout of the festival, creating an Artist Esplanade at the very busy Ott Street entrance. This will replace the commercial vendors once located there and allow more creative display opportunities for artists.
“I am honored to take the helm of an organization with such strong potential,” exclaimed Daily. “The arts help us process what is happening in our lives. They help us find new ways to see things. And an arts festival, specifically, is a wonderful community builder. It brings people together. It celebrates local artists and brings new art experiences into the area. I can’t imagine a more rewarding job than that.”
Artist Applications
Update: We are continuing to accept artist applications for the 2012 festival. Submit yours today!
One thing matters for Mayfair 2012: making it possible for You to Sell More!
Mayfair is charging ahead to re-establish our festival as the premier location to purchase the finest in art and quality crafts.
Our first step is to increase the number of artists and to maintain the highest levels of quality in the products for sale – more artists bring more customers.
Additionally, we will be dramatically ramping up our marketing for the festival. One of the cornerstones of our strategy is to promote the quality of the artists and craftsmen who will be at Mayfair 2012.
To attract additional artists, we are adding these features for Mayfair 2012.
Artist Esplanade: A shaded well-drained area with a paved walkway at the busiest entrance to the festival, near the major entertainment stage that previously had commercial home improvement vendors, will be reserved for the artist. The Esplanade provides the regular 10 foot space plus a five foot buffer between artists, creating a “corner location”, and making displays outside the tent possible. Spaces are limited. One third of the festival-goers will pass by these booths first!!
Emerging Artist Program: Artist Market space will be made available at no cost to ten full-time art students. Emerging artists must provide a vita with their application.
Jury Awards: Artists will be selected by a team of jurors of artists and craftsmen. Three prizes will be awarded, based on judging at the festival. The top prize will be a complimentary Esplanade space for Mayfair 2013. Second prize will be a complimentary space in the 2013 Artist Market. third prize will be a $50 gift certificate.
Application Discounts: Discounts are offered for early applications. Application Deadlines begin December 1st – please see application for details.
2012 Artist Market Application
Mayfair Map
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Performer Spotlight: Sinister Realm
Sinister Realm on Friday May 27th at 10:00PM on the MasterClass Stage.
*What’s the origin of that name?
The origin of our name comes from horror and fantasy movies.
Have you changed the band’s name before?
No
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Traditional Heavy Metal
Who are your major influences? Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath w/ Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, CandleMass, Black Sabbath w/ Ozzy & Rainbow w/ Dio
*How long have you all known each other?
3 Years
How did you meet?
Performing live in other bands and social networking.
*Where have you performed?
We performed all over Pa. and NJ. We are planning a tour this summer,
That will go from Pittsburg,Indianapolis, IN, Kenosha, WI, Chicago, IL & Clevland OH
What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
We love to play anywhere people want to hear some great heavy metal!! We love every venue, unless they don’t pay!!
Do you have any upcoming shows?
Sinister Realm Tour dates:
MORE DATES TBA
April 21 – The Silo – Reading, Pa.
April 22 – Lupo’s – Allentown, Pa.
April 23 – Freddies Tavern – Bristol, Pa.
May 1 – Legendary Dobbs South Street Philadelphia, Pa
May 18 – Sweeny’s Saloon – Philly
May 27 – Mayfair A Festival of the Arts- Allentown, Pa. 10pm
SINISTER REALM & PALE DIVINE
MARCH OF THE DAMNED TOUR 2011
June 15 – Bloomfield, Pa. Howlers Coyote Cafe’ Little Italy district of Pittsburgh
June 16 – Indianapolis, IN The Melody Inn
June 17 – Kenosha, WI Days of The DOOMED Fest
June 18 – Chicago, IL – CONFIRMED more info – TBA
June 19 – Clevland, OH – CONFIRMED more info – TBA
June – 26 – Dingbatz Clifton, NJ
July – 2 – Musikfest Cafe’ Artsquest Center at SteelStacks Bethlehem, Pa – Opening for KIX
July 30 – Jabberjaws – Allentown, Pa.
Sept- 17 – West Chester Music Fest - West Chester, Pa.
*Who writes your songs?
John Gaffney
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Horror themes and mystical topics.
Do you think these topics will change over time?
Yes
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Our music has evolved greatly since we first started performing together. The more you play and practice you will evolve, and we do both weekly!! Sinister Realm has evolved into a well respected metal band known all over the world thanks to the music and the internet.
*What are you most looking forward to at Mayfair?
We are looking forward to having a great performence for our fans and friends. We are also looking forward to being a part of this great community event representing Allentown and Mayfair!! And making many new friends and fans!!!
Performer Spotlight: Freak Owls
Check out Freak Owls on Saturday May 28th from 6:30 – 7:30PM on the MasterClass Stage
*What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
I wanted something interesting and memorable, and I liked the way that every time I told someone the name they thought I said “Freak Outs”, which sounds like a 50′s doo-wop band fronted by Iggy Pop.
Plus, I like owls. Not to eat, though…too tough.
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Indie-Pop, Electro-Folk. It’s always hard to narrow down particular influences, but some of the artists/albums I’m listening to at the moment include “The Lady Killer” by Cee-Lo Green, “Weathervanes” by Freelance Whales, Local Natives, Tennis, and the new Radiohead album, but the one album i’ve been listening to for 2 years straight is Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago”…an absolutely perfect group of songs.*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
I’ve known Bruce (bassist) for about 4 years, and was previously in another band with, and Cody and I met a few years ago while playing in yet another band. So many bands, so little time.
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We’ve performed all over the states, and will be heading across the pond this summer for the UK’s Limetree Festival. Festival’s are sometimes the best gigs to play because of the huge diversity of other bands and audiences.
We’ll be touring this August, supporting the upcoming EP, “Orchestrates”, due out in June.
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I [Josh Ricchio] created Freak Owls in the summer of 2009 while on tour with the now-defunct Brooklyn band, “Pela”. The song topics really revolve, and evolve, around the mood and backdrops of wherever I am at any given moment. What does that mean? I don’t know either.*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Our live show is a completely different beast than the recorded songs.
Even though we’re only three people, the combination of voices, violins, guitar and bass makes it sound gigantic, yet still sweet and brittle at times. We like to work it.*What are you most looking forward to at Mayfair?
Playing in front of a new audience! We love meeting new fans and seeing new places. The atmosphere of Mayfair seems very conducive to our style. See you there!
Performer Spotlight: Scott McKenna
*What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
Scott McKenna is my first name. It didn’t take much to figure out what I’d call myself J.
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
I always say that I hope my music is hard to put a genre on. Sometime you could say rock, sometimes pop, sometimes Christian. A mix of it all really.
My biggest influences in music would definitely be Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer. All the singer/songwriters are the ones I really enjoy listening to.
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
My violinist Nyke Van Wyk and I have been performing for over 8 years together. The rest of the band is made up of good friends, and talented musicians I’ve known for awhile.
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve been fortunate enough to perform all over the nation at festivals, colleges, high schools, churches, youth groups, and other types of venues.
I don’t have a favorite, or least favorite venue. To me, it’s all about the people who are there. I could have the best show ever in someone’s living room if the people there were into the music, and having a great time. I could also perform at Madison Square Garden and not enjoy myself if no one was paying attention. Get what I’m saying?
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all my own songs. The band members usually put their own feel and parts into their instruments, but the main core of the songs I typically write myself.
I try to write songs that are positive, and have a good outlook. God has done amazing things in my life, and I like to bring those things to the attention of others. I want my music to be able to be enjoyed by any age audience, and no one in particular.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
I would hope the music has evolved into more mature song writing, and musical inspiration. What started out as a fun idea to play music, I’d hope has turned into a professional sound with some unique approaches.
*What are you most looking forward to at Mayfair?
I’ve always marked off Mayfair as one of the best shows of the year. Mayfair has built a reputation of quality music, and great crowds. People have always been very attentive and excited each time we’ve performed, and I’m looking forward to the same this year.
Performer Spotlight: Only Human
Check out Only Human on Friday May 27th @ 2:00PM on the Kids Stage as part of Discovery Day featuring Healthy Food For Thought!
*What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
This line up has always used only Human as our name. After all, we are only human.
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Pop/positive rock. Beatles, Chet Akins, and positive rock bands
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
From 6 months to 4 years depending on which members.
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We love Karen’s Place in Doylestown.
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I Kevin Mackie and Les Reis are the current song writers of the band.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Yes
*What are you most looking forward to at Mayfair?
This is mine and the bands first time, so surprise us! lol I have played Musik Fest before
Mayfair 25th Birthday Bash!
To celebrate Mayfair turning 25 please join us on Saturday May 28th from 12:30 – 2:30PM for Mayfair’s 25th Birthday Bash! Events such as a cake decorating contest, magicians, face painting, balloon animals, and more to celebrate! Bring a gently used or new book to benefit St. Luke’s Reading Rocks program and receive a piece of the Mayfair Birthday Cake! Check back as more details of this celebration are added.
Reading Rocks is a joint program of St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network and the Lehigh University Department of Athletics. We describe Reading Rocks as a reading mentorship program. Now in its third year, the program is conducted at Donegan Elementary School in South Bethlehem (1210 East Fourth Street) and is open to students in all grades-kindergarten through fifth grade. Donegan’s enrollment numbers fluctuate quite a bit because there is such a transient population that attends the school. Currently overall school enrollment is 423. 170 is an approximate number of student participants. The goal of the program is to improve the literacy rate among students at the school, many of which are low income and bilingual. In fact, 80 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. When we started the program, 44 percent of students were performing below grade level. We continue to make great strides in reducing that number. Research shows a direction corrlation between literacy at a young age and general health. Students not reading at grade level by grade 3 are likely to live, at best, in poverty and at worst, incarcerated. The program uses fun incentives to encourage reading at home and also sponsors weekly after-school sessions in which the students work with volunteers who serve as reading mentors and role models. The overwhelming majority of these volunteer mentors are Lehigh student athletes. Many of the Donegan students don’t have a collection of – if any – books at home so the more that we can do to put books in their hands, the better!
Since it was so tremendously successful in Bethlehem, St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown Campus is now instituting it in Allentown. Mayfair Festival of the Arts is proud to help them kick off the program in Allentown. The more books we can accumulate to begin this wonderful program, the better. Feel free to bring more than one book.
For more information on the Mayfair Cake Decorating Contest please click here.
Mayfair introduces “Days of Dance”
To celebrate our 25th Anniversary Mayfair has put together a showcase of area dance studios called “Days of Dance”. This showcase will take place on Saturday May 28th and Sunday May 29th from Noon – 7:00PM at the Inspiration Zone.
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