Published August 01. 2023 01:20PM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press
Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Lehigh Valley Local 200 have been working hard the week of July 24-28 to have the Wind Creek Steel Stage ready for Musikfest 2023.
Despite searing temperatures, high humidity and thunderstorms, by the end of the week the temporary outdoor concert venue has taken much of its shape. According to the union’s business rep, Matthew Calleri, it takes about 50-60 union members to prepare the venue for its 11-night run, which will be from Aug. 3 to 13.
This year’s main stage acts will begin with indie trio AJR on opening night and end with rock band Train and include a performance by comedian Gabriel Iglesias.
ArtsQuest production director Mike Liiro says it takes about 16,500 gallons of water to fill the ballast containers that anchor the entire stage. At the same time workers are setting up seats, bleachers, light towers and VIP seating tents.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB On July 25, IATSE Lehigh Valley Local 200 members begin to assemble the Tinkertoy-like components that will become the Wind Creek Steel Stage.
A crib is filled with the base pieces on which the approximately 60 feet tall and 90 feet wide stage will sit.
Workers begin to the process of leveling each leg of the stage.
The initial layer of scaffolding for the stage is nearly completed.
By July 28, the towers that will support the roof and other equipment rise up to the sky with the blast furnaces as a backdrop.
At the same time the stage is being constructed, seating and bleachers are being installed.
An employee of Aqua Duck Water Transport fills the ballast containers with water underneath the stage.
By July 28, the stage roof has been lifted into place.
