Bethlehem steel today
Yesterday we left Stafford, Connecticut early so we could drive down to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where we were to be a part of a pilot PBS special that focuses on American guitar music. Strangely enough, Martin Guitars out of Nazareth, PA is one of the major sponsors. Anyway, Dick Boak everybody’s dear friend from Martin asked us to be a part of this first show that would be hosted by his friend and colleague, Craig Thatcher. Now, Dick and Craig have brought their stringed magic to the Fur Peace Ranch a number of times, so it was our pleasure to make the drive for them.
The glory that was Rome...
The steel that built the Golden Gate Bridge was forged in Bethlehem. So many landmarks, so many building… so many lives and families evolved surrounded by the great steel mills of Bethlehem, PA.
The gantries and catwalks live in their own memories
The steel industry in America will probably not be born again. It is a victim of time.
Blast furnaces from the 1800's
…and this is no longer that time here in the good old U S of A.
The latest additions... 1967
One can decry those moments now vanished from the American landscape but that will not bring back those halcyon days. But indeed, the closing of those doors may have shrouded the community in rust for some decades, but life is coming back even though the mills are silent. The communities of Bethlehem and Allentown are filled with the American spirit. Good news for us too since we will be playing tonight at the Musikfest Cafe located in the Steel Stacks right around the corner from the PBS station where we filmed the show. The arts are blossoming in the shadows of the old Bessemer converters.
Makeup. Makeup.
I started the shoot out in makeup. Allison Kocher from the Clementine Salon had the herculean task of making me presentable for the TV cameras.
Her work is cut out for her. Thanks Allison!
After my ‘touch up’ it was out to the studio.
Craig Thatcher... the host with the most
The shoot went well and after we were done, Tim Fallon the President of the local PBS station took us all out to dinner at Mama Nina’s in Bethlehem. Now, I’ve enjoyed Italian food all over the world for decades, but this was absolutely some of the best, bar none! I kid you not!!!!
To eat good is to live good!
Tonight it’s back to the Steel Stacks for our gig at the Musikfest Cafe about which, more shall be revealed.
Onward.
We were at the show in Bethlehem 12/3/13! Loved every minute! Awesome show! Thank you for all the years of great music that has inspired and entertained me.
When I paint I listen to music, you have proven to be the most inspiring and most played when I need that creative energy to take over.
I am impressed Hamneggs.Your powers of observation are off the chart.
Great grab, Hamneggs!
Not only Honorary Degree.
Rock Them All to the Top Jormaaa!
Sorry if this is from left field but…
I was watching the great James Cagney in The Public Enemy and he bumps off his childhood mentor, Putty Nose, while Putty tries to remind him of the old days by playing Hesitation Blues on the piano. Of course Cagney’s timing with his gun is impeccable.
Peace
Love All Ways
So well said !
excellent post jorma………….
Have always enjoyed your writings about your travels, but especially this one about my hometown. Second concert of my life was Jefferson Airplane in Allentown, September 1970. Welcome back.
awesome stuff! and I don’t think you need to be made presentable to the cameras. But that’s show biz. Will this be aired on nationwide public tv? Would love to see it.
Betcha didn’t need much make up – you handsome dog. Bethlehem is surviving from it’s rusty recent woes. I’ll bet many of NYC buildings and bridges came from there. See you in Westhampton Beach.