On this episode, Ben interviews all five members of Dear Misty.

After decades of genre-spanning songcraft, Eric Kuntz takes up a palette of atmospheric dream pop and shoegaze, bringing to it his characteristic focus on structure, melody, and lyricism. To expand the ideas and bring them to life, he assembled a band of brothers with childhood friend Chris Dean on lead guitar, longtime bandmate Wes Checkeye on drums, and friends Nate Shorb on bass and Doug Liedig on synthesizers. Their debut collection of songs wrestles with the tension between nostalgia and childhood trauma, and owning one’s place in the present moments of adulthood.

You can keep up with the band on Instagram, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube.

Dear Misty's self-titled debut album will be released everywhere on May 1, 2026.

The album release show will be at 7PM on Saturday, May 2, at National Sokols (located at 613 Hillside Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18015). They will be joined that night by Joy Overdrive and Felt Rite. Admission to the show is $10, and it is open to all ages. Copies of the album on CD and Vinyl will be available for purchase at the show, along with bags of a specialty coffee blend, and tee shirts! For more information about the show, check out this post!

Welcome to Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast SEASON 5!

Kicking off this season, Ben, Elisabeth, and Elise briefly catch up about what they have been up to, some of their favorite most recent arts events, and chat a little about what to expect for this season. Then we transition into our first interview with the incredible Dylan Collazo, which was recorded live at Inkwell in Allentown.

Dylan Collazo, born in Allentown, is a self-taught contemporary artist painting visual narratives that delve into the human psyche using relevant cultural and historical references, and symbolism in his style of portraiture. He uses his art to tie the human experience to the individual experience and vice versa, using his own complex journey as the anchor and foundation for the images, scenery, and symbolism found in the work.

You can keep with with Dylan by following him on Instagram at @the.collazo or by checking out his website.

Currently, Dylan's solo exhibition "When Eye Faced Myself, I Drew Blood" is on display at Inkwell, located at 125 Hamilton St Storefront, Allentown, PA 18101. He also has work on display at SNKR BOX in Easton, Jones on 9th in Allentown, and Lehigh University Art Galleries in Bethlehem.

Interested in learning what arts events are going on in the valley? Keep an eye on the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast Instagram, where we frequently share details of local events on our story! Additionally, you can follow LV Artist Meetup and Connected by Craft to keep up with ongoing artist meetups. Interested in the LV music scene? Pick up a copy of The Bethl'mite zine at the Compact Disc Center, Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakes, or The Ice House!

In this unique episode, Ben explores the world of The Fellowship of Love with William H. Travis. The main interview portion of this episode was recorded at Elmwood Park in Bethlehem, and the live-music recording as well as supplemental interviews with friends and collaborators were recorded on July 27, 2025, live at the Compact Disc Center for the very first "Ruby" vinyl release show.

William H. Travis (AKA Travis Hobbie) is a singer/songwriter from the Lehigh Valley. Travis is a local singer/songwriter who has performed in and around the Lehigh Valley, in both solo shows and in groups. Most recently, he has been performing alongside Alex Luquet, Rebecca Nunes, John Morgan Kimock, and Justin Mazer. Currently, he is in the process of rolling out his newest album, "Ruby" on vinyl.

You can find William H. Travis on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, his website, YouTube, and (begrudgingly) on Spotify & Apple Music.

To purchase the Ruby Vinyl online, visit Square of Opposition Records' website! And keep up with Chris Reject/Square of Opposition Records/LVAC on Instagram!

The next "Ruby" vinyl release show will be at Apport Used Books in Emmaus on Saturday, September 13, at 7pm. William H. Travis will be joined by Chelsea Smarr and Super Infinity! There is a suggested donation of $10 for those attending the concert. Additionally, there will be a limited edition version of "Ruby" along with posters and art by Miki Tamura.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help make this episode a reality! There are so many people who lended their thoughts, wonderful voices, and ideas on how to make this episode what it is. Some of those individuals include: @_wyattpaul_, @mozzle_liam, @_kellyeah, @leahmccann45, @veggie_benji, @mamphibian, @johngalm, @jberkjj, @dearmisty, @lavalampbebop, @pantaloop and so many more!

And thank you to Colin Hart for helping to capture, edit, and mix the live-music recording at the Compact Disc Center! This episode truly came to life through the weaving of the live show with the interviews, and it couldn't have been done without him!

Lastly, shoutout to Nathan Allebach, host of the show "What's Really Good," who interviewed William H. Travis and provided boundless information to build this interview and episode off of! You can listed to that episode here if you would like to learn more!