The Secret Art Space

by theelvee_w2oe3m

Hidden in a shadowy alley in Bethlehem is a spot dubbed the Secret Art Space.  Secret, indeed.  I walked around for quite a while in monsoon-like rain until I found it which only occurred due to seeing other people coming out and going in the space.  I first heard about it from LV Transplant and decided to hit it up on a Friday night.  I had an idea of what it looked like and what it’d be like drawn up in my head but was surprised when I entered.

The Secret Art Space is mainly host to a rag-tag band of teens and 20-somethings that host a variety of shoegaze/punk/etc. underground shows.  Upon entering I expected to find a basement full of people and pretty serious show going on but I found pretty much the opposite.  After finally finding the fabled green door on Vine Street I ducked through a black curtain and down into what seems to be an unfinished basement of someone’s house.  About 30-40 people were down there, either standing around watching the blisteringly ear-piercing bands or sitting on couches that were most likely procured curbside.

It was very subdued…Christmas lights provided luminence around the area and tables were set up with some DIY merch for the bands that were playing.  How they pull this place off I have no idea, considering it is extremely loud and the neighbors must get testy.  In fact, they cancelled all shows in November and are only doing weekend shows from now on.  It’s also an all-ages sober space, so if you want to drink you’ve gotta do so before heading to the show.  Check out some pics below to get a feel for it and I also included the latest email from the show peeps for the upcoming shows/art/whatever.





Secret Art Space Newsletter Update

MOVIE MANIA!!!!!!!!!!!!! hosted by Handsome Scott Jones, we’re kicking off our monthly movie night, starting nov 14th. sunday matinee!!!! more info coming soon.

THE FIRST 1ST… FINALLY! monthly art openings the first friday of the month in conjunction with southside bethlehem’s  monthly first friday event, beginning nov 5th.

*****all shows are at the secret artspace, doors 7:00 bands 7:30. $6-8 donation. SAS is an all ages sober space.*******

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friday, nov 5th
1ST FIRST: THE DEBUT OF SAS’ FIRST FRIDAY ART SHOW SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
featured artist: eric de jesus – projection, bigfoots, whimsy and hex farm punk apocalypse. check out his work at:
http://www.easysubculture.com/
music by we have heaven
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saturday, nov 6th
eric gillmeyer says it will be “grind related”- more details soon….
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saturday, nov 13th
**this show  is  an $8 donation**
kayo dot (ny)
http://www.myspace.com/kayodot
newspeak
http://www.myspace.com/newspeakensemble
more tba
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sunday, nov 14th
MOVIE NIGHT!!!!!!
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friday, nov 19th
Relapse Records Showcase Invades Bethlehem With:

HERO DESTROYED – Relapse Records, Heavy Like Coalesece/Human Remains/Burnt By The Sun.
www.myspace.com/herodestroyed

IRON THRONES – (ex-members of Veil Of Maya) Winner of the Scion “No Label Needed” contest. AKA Scion gave them a bunch of money to record their own record.
www.myspace.com/ironthrone

FIGHT AMP – Best Heavy Band Of Philadelphia Area, on tour with Helmet right now!
www.myspace.com/fightamp

MOSE GIGANTICUS – Relapse Records, this band is like your head being in a Federico Fellini film at full volume. Zombi/Goblin/Dario Argento.
www.myspace.com/mosegiganticus
– – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

saturday, nov 20th
mcrad (philly)
ninjessa (LV)
sex.rock.nightmare (nyc)
slums (LV)
+ 1tba

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7 comments

Tweets that mention The Secret Art Space | The El Vee -- Topsy.com November 2, 2010 - 6:16 am

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by LehighValleyNewbie, The El Vee. The El Vee said: Ever heard of the Secret Artspace? Read about it over at The El Vee https://www.theelvee.com/?p=588 […]

Reply
Silagh January 28, 2011 - 3:28 pm

This space is the kind of energy that will keep Bethlehem’s artistic spirit alive and growing. Kudos to those who organize ands support it.

Reply
bozmo band March 15, 2011 - 3:48 pm

Do you know how to contact this place? We’ve been trying to play here!!

-Bozmo

Reply
The El Vee March 16, 2011 - 7:31 am

Check your email, sent you the info.

Reply
Aspagia to Play Bethlehem | The El Vee September 11, 2012 - 10:19 am

[…] will be touring with Broadcaster and wrapping up with their last date on September 21st at the Secret Art Space in […]

Reply
Justin April 29, 2013 - 4:08 pm

Would love it if you could also email me their contact information, please.

My band would love to play a show here. Awesome venue.

Reply
Bethlehem’s Secret Art Space To Close | The El Vee July 8, 2013 - 10:31 pm

[…] Secret Art Space, a DIY music and art venue located in SouthSide Bethlehem, will host its last shows later this […]

Reply

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