Social a.k.a. Night Musik (S Challenge Wildcard)

Yesterday I met a friend in Bethlehem, Pa. and enjoyed a concert at the city's annual "Musikfest". Main Street is closed off for a few blocks, many artists come to perfrorm at the dfferent "platzs" and food and craft vendors abound. The people watching is great too! Suzi and I were mainly there to see the band Scythian perform. They put on a great show in spite of high temperatures and thick humidity. Although I was heading home when I took this shot, the festivities would go on for another hour or so. I always love it when you can do something simple but out of the ordinary, like walk down the middle of a main street with no cars and lots of people around you. And there's always an air of euphoria after a good show. People have come to get away from their troubles for awhile and there is a sense of release when the music lifts your spirits. You can feel that common catharsis in the air, especially after the show. The conversations are happier while smiles and laughter zigzag through the crowds. A group of teens passed by me wearing silly masks, that is all except one. She was teasingly telling the others how silly they were. "We're not silly!" exclaimed one of her companions as the others agreed. The protester of the kinetic group caught sight of me smiling at their antics. "Hi Nice Lady!" he said as he skipped away. They were gone in a flash, but our little exchange was icing on the cake of a great evening.

[Kerri]

Great capture

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Thanks Kerri- it may not look like it, but I meant to take it with the blur. I wanted to catch the movement of walking back to the car.

[Rick Schies]

That looks like it would be a cool event. So close to us but yet I'm not sure I ever heard of it.

[PamSnaps1]

It looks very fun! and I like the way this looks like an impressionistic painting! It adds to the fun of the photo.

[bkb in the city]

Nice shot. This sounds like such a wonderful event. We have something like this except instead of bands the local merchants set up screens in thier windows and show short movies. It is always a fun night

[Mrs. Smith]

This is a great street scene!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@digitalrn Thanks Rick- it's fairly well known in these parts. Bethlehem has several festivals that are quite popular- check out Musikfest on line and also Celtic Classic if you like that style. If you ever decide to go, maybe we could make it a 365 get together. Bethlehem is also supposed to be very pretty at Christmas.
@potsbypam I am honored to be likened to the Impressionists- my favorites!
@bkbinthecity Thanks bkb! That does sound fun- I think the organizers of this event would like that idea!
@mrssmith Thanks Carla- it was really fun!

[alia_801]

Nice shot! It's good to hear a story about crowds that ends well at the moment, with all that's happening in the UK. You really captured the festival lights and atmosphere, and nice to hear you had a fun night :) Great use of a wildcard too :)

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@alia_801 Thank you Alia! Yes, this was a pleasant ending and I've heard of the terrible riots over there. I'm hoping and praying that things will calm down soon and that the violence will stop. There has been some rioting over here as well, but it hasn't been reported- being kept sort of hush hush because the powers that be want everyone to think things are getting better, but they're not. Thanks again! Stay safe!