About Us

For over 40 years, Godfrey Daniels has been considered one of the best listening rooms around, where people come to appreciate live music, and to celebrate a rare place where both the artist and the audience rise to the occasion. This wonderful reputation makes it possible to see some great acts that one ordinarily could only see on larger concert stages, as well as catching emerging stars on their way.

Thanks to our Members, Volunteers, and the Artists as well, we continue to evolve as a community resource, with our successful monthly jams, open mikes, story circles and youth outreach.

History

On March 17, 1976, Dave Fry and Cindy Dinsmore opened the doors of their new coffeehouse, called “Godfrey Daniels” after the euphemistic expletive favored by W. C. Fields. The performers that night, who included Dave Fry, the Shimersville Sheiks, Mary Faith Rhoads and other local musicians, played to a small, but enthusiastic, audience. Friends pitched in to help run the shows and send out flyers, and even though most of the money taken in at the door went to the performers, Godfrey’s somehow managed to stay afloat. Over the years, Godfrey’s has grown from a little-known haven for lovers of live folk music to an internationally acclaimed club on the “folk circuit.” In 1978 Godfrey Daniels became a nonprofit corporation, and today, as in the early days, most of the money you spend on admission still goes to the performers. The big financial difference now is a result of Godfrey’s very successful membership program, begun in 1984, and generous gifts from businesses, charitable foundations, and individuals.

Vision

The vision of Godfrey Daniels is to present the finest of folk music and performing arts through the “Godfrey’s Experience”; that is, the presentation of the folk arts in a comfortable and spontaneous environment, accessible to all ages and backgrounds. We seek to provide this rich experience by creating an intimate link among the musicians, audience members, and volunteers, an experience rarely found in our society today. Godfrey Daniels stands out by providing professional yet non-intimidating performance conditions; encouraging aspiring regional talent, and further developing the fabric of our local musical arts community. We value the heritage of folk music, linking our past to our future. We are a vital part of the cultural fabric of the South Side Bethlehem and greater Lehigh Valley communities.

Mission

Godfrey Daniels exists to create and nurture the appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music and performing arts by providing an intimate environment where professional artists, amateur performers and audience members will be enriched by the unique experience of live performance.

Board of Directors

Dina Hall – President
Brian McCloskey – Vice President

Thomas Hyclak – Treasurer

William T. George – Associate Treasurer
Bernie Toseland – Secretary

Ramona LaBarre – Managing Director

Jeff Huff, Jodi Duckett, Holly Edwards

Dave Fry, Terry Mutchler – Emeritus

Cindy Dinsmore – Ex Officio

Live From Godfrey Daniels on WDIY

Dina Hall and Dave Fry share short sets of archived shows from Godfrey’s 44-year history along with album cuts from Godfrey’s artists past, present, and future. It is a mix of live and pre-recorded music, with occasional interviews, and commentary on upcoming shows. The program features songwriters, acoustic bands, instrumental masters, blues and bluegrass groups, and more, all recorded in the unique atmosphere of Godfrey’s intimate listening room.

NIVA National Independent Venue Association

NIVA’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States.

These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry.

Godfrey Daniels has a decades-long reputation of inclusion among our volunteers and our community of artists. We have always strived to represent cultural diversity in our artistic programming. Our core values reflect a policy of non-discrimination – regardless of race, gender identity, sexual identity, or other attributes that might lead to marginalization.

Our historic venue is a solid fixture on Bethlehem’s south side – an urban community rising out of the roots of a blue collar steel town – and our dedication to the heritage of folk music links our past to our future. But we do not rely on our past alone, and that is why Godfrey Daniels pledges to grow in ways that represent the community in which we live. And we continue to denounce racism and hatred, choosing only kindness and peace.

Become a Member

Consider supporting Godfrey’s as a Member. Your membership gift, along with those of other good friends, enables us to continue to provide the Greater Lehigh Valley region with some of the finest live music in the country.

Check out the different levels of Membership, and choose the one that suits you best.