Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast Steel Pixel Studios

In this episode, Elise talks with Florence-Susanne Reppert and Daulton Reppert from Poetry as Promised.
Florence-Susanne Reppert (@schizo_trash_poet) is a neurodivergent, nonbinary poet/photographer from the Lehigh Valley. They run Nowhere as Promised open mic at Nowhere Coffee Co (@nowherecoffeeco), and they are the founder of Poetry as Promised Literary Magazine (@poetryaspromised). They also occasionally Co-host Noble Quills (@noblequills) at Barnes and Noble. You can often find them on instagram talking about books, birds, and their children non-stop.
Daulton Reppert (@daulton_reppert) is poet/writer/musician from Allentown PA. He co-hosts Nowhere as Promised Open mic and is one of the -co-hosts for Unraveled Conversations (@unraveled_influence). When he is not hosting poetry related shows and events, he likes long walks down the hallway with his cat.
Poetry as Promised Magazine is a unique homemade and handmade literary magazine devoted to publishing your poetry, prose, short stories, photography, and visual arts in a way that speaks to the readers. It's Editor/Founder Florence-Susanne Reppert spends their time to compiling the accepted works alongside beautiful pages and stickers as a form of scrapbook art. They pride ourselves on their eye for detail and do everything in their power to deliver a masterpiece the featured poets can be proud of.
You can follow Poetry as Promised on instagram: @poetryaspromisedYou can check out their website at https://poetryaspromisedsu9.wixsite.com/poetryaspromisedmagaIf you're interested in picking up an issue, click HERE!For a full collection of links and others ways to get/stay involved, check out their linktree!
This week's opportunity of the week is for the Nowhere as Promised Open Mic #18. This event will feature Cord Moreski (@cord_moreski) & Andy Morales (@theeandymorales). It will be on Saturday, May 18 from 6-8:30pm. This event is for all ages, but please be advised of occasional adult content or language, as artists are not censored. This is a safe space for everyone interested in poetry and all forms of poetry, art, music and vulnerability in creation are welcome. This is a judgement free zone welcome to all. For more information on this event, keep an eye on the Poetry as Promised instagram page. 

This week, Ben sat down with the band Food Truck.
Food Truck is an indie/alternative trio formed in 2017, based out of Bethlehem, PA. They are comprised of Miles Hiebsch on guitar and vocals, John Mackey on bass and vocals, and Ryan Flynn on drums.
You can follow Food Truck on Instagram at @foodtruck and check out their music through their linktree to find your preferred streaming platform. To keep up with Miles, check out @mileshiebsch or @mileshphoto. To keep up with John, check out @john_mackeyy. To keep up with Ryan, check out @ryanflynnstagram_. Stay connected with Food Truck for more information on when their sophomore album is coming out!
This episode's opportunity of the week is for The Spring Thing concert presented by the avenue. This fun night will include performances by Just Say When, Food Truck and Willowbrook. The door open at 7 and music starts at 7:30. This event has free admission but is 21 and up. DM any of the bands involved for the address! Hope to see you there!
This music at the beginning of this episode is an instrumental of "So Distant" by Food Truck. Recorded/Mixed by Matt Molchany at Shards Recording Studio. Mastered by Matt Poirier at Miner Street Recordings.
The drum fill used throughout the episode is from the song "Below the Sea" by Food Truck. Recorded/Mixed by Matt Molchany at Shards Recording Studio. Mastered by Matt Poirier at Miner Street Recordings.

This week, Ben interviews Danny Moyer (@dannymoyer.artist).
Danny is an artist, teacher, administrator, father, and so much more. He was born in northeast Philadelphia and raised in central Connecticut, but Easton, Pennsylvania is where he has called home for most of the last 25 years. Through his studio practice, he wants to make Art that makes people feel as good as he does when he sees work that he likes.  He likes to use every tool he sees fit to communicate visually with people who are open to seeing how he feels. In addition to being an artist, he has been teaching for the Whitehall-Coplay School District full time, serving as a Drawing teacher, Graphic Design teacher and Director of the Zephyr Art Gallery at Whitehall High School.  He has received awards in Arts Education from Kutztown University, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and the Scholastic Arts and Writing Organization.
To keep up with Danny, you can follow him on instagram at @dannymoyer.artist!
Here is a list of individuals who submitted remarks for the beginning of today's episode. They are listed by order of appearance.Maryann Riker (@maryannriker)Anthony Smith Jr. (@asmithjrnyc)Doug Boehm (@dougboehmart)Giancarlo DeMarchi (@notgiancarlo)Peter Mayes (@wcsdwhs)Kate Hughes (@ih8kate)Todd Frankenfield (@wearemostaliveindreams)DJ Brad Scott (@djbradfscott)Al Johnson (@aljohnsonart)Anthony Marraccini (@connexions_gallery)
This episode’s opportunity of the week is for the ongoing figure drawing sessions every Thursday in the Williams Visual Arts Building. Thank you  to Lafayette College for making this possible. Sessions are from 6-8:45 pm and is free for all, however, tips for the model are gratefully appreciated, but not required. The doors unlock at 5:45 pm, and re-lock at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit their facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499807193546210/

In this very special LVAP: Backstage episode, we went to the Lehigh Valley Music Industry Information Share presented by Icehouse Punk & DIY. While there, we chatted with a few of those in attendance. Follow Ice House Punk & DIY for info on when the next LV Music Industry Information Share will be held!
Here is a list of those interviewed in this episode:
Ryan Susko (@icehouse.punkdiy & @musicgardenpa)
Rachel Ana Dobken (@rachelanadobken)
Jason Reif (@freestone_jason)
Barry Knoblach (@ocean.avenue.musical)
Marlana Faye Ryan of The Normal Colleagues (@thenormalcolleagues & @Lane2go)
John Hoofman (@sonny_dai.feed)
Elflok (@elflokviolin)
Stewart Brodian of WDI (@nickelstew & @wdiyfm)
Rachel Mackow (@rachel.mackow)
Jon Blanco of We're From Antarctica (@werefromantarctica & @jonny_devito)
Jess Meoni (@scrantonpunkco)
Ray Meoni (@diavolobooking)
Cris & Craig of Loaf of Toast (@loafoftoast.lot)
Jason Shanes (@justsaywhenband)
Sol Katana (@solkatana)
Madison Van Duzer (@madisonv137)
Katie (@k8s_art_and_nails)

This week, Elise interviews author and poet Robin Gow.
 Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is a critically acclaimed trans poet from rural Pennsylvania. He is the author of several poetry collections, an essay collection, and Middle-Grade and YA novels. Faer novels include Ode to My First Car, A Million Quiet Revolutions, and Dear Mothman. Fae works as a community educator, calling folks into discussions around queer and disability justice. It lives with it's partner Rain and their menagerie of animals.
 To find more of Robin's work, you can follow them on instagram at @robin_gow_poet, on tiktok, or by checking out their website at https://robingow.com/.
 For more of Robin's upcoming events and readings, you can find a list here.
 For more about Robin and Rain's training click here.
 Our opportunity of the week is the Fine Arts and Curiosities Craft Show and Vendor Market presented by Arkana Antiques and Oddities. This craft show and vendor market is dedicated to showcasing fine art, oddities and the metaphysical. It is going on March 9, 2024 from 10am-4pm. Robin will be there vending and book signing! for more information, check out Arkana's facebook page.

This week, Ben interviews Brandon Dominguez.
Brandon Dominguez is a boundary-pushing contemporary artist navigating the realms of abstract and pop art. At the heart of his creative universe are the iconic characters Brian(the Brain) and Moonie(the Moon), who take center stage in his vivid compositions. Dominguez masterfully employs vibrant colors, crisp lines, and dynamic motion to convey the universal spectrum of human emotions. Influenced by the whimsical charm of rubber hose animation, his work invites viewers on a journey to explore the essence of creativity and the myriad emotions that make us uniquely human. In each piece, Dominguez seeks not only to showcase his artistic prowess but also to unravel the intricacies of what it means to be a creative being.
You can follow Brandon on Instagram @brandondm.art or visit his website at https://www.brandondmart.com/.
You can see Brandon’s work currently on display at ESOArts in Lancaster. Follow them on Instagram at @ESOArts_ or visit their website at https://www.esoartslanc.com/.
Brandon’s work will also be on display soon at Midnight Gallery as part of the exhibition Resilience: Expressions of the Mind, which will be on display soon. Stay tuned for more details by following them on Instagram at @midnightgallerypa or visiting their website at https://www.midnightgallerypa.com/.
Our opportunity of the week is Winter Replay 24’ presented by Marz Meets Venus, going on Saturday, February 24 from 1-8pm at 143 W Linden in Allentown! There will be vintage apparel, tattoos, clothing, art, jewelry, food, and music! For more information, check out the Marz Meets Venus instagram page @marzmeetsvenus.