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.
The Story of Godfrey Daniels
A long time ago, there was a greasy little donut shop on the South Side of Bethlehem. Its owners had abandoned it for bigger and better things. But, to Dave Fry and Cindy Dinsmore, it glowed with the radiance of the dream they shared. On March 17, 1976 (after hours of cleaning, painting, and scraping “donut goop” off the floors and walls), Dave and Cindy 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.
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.
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.
Dina Hall – President, Brian McCloskey – Vice President, Bernie Toseland – Secretary, Diane Hillman – Treasurer, Andrew Bollinger, Jeff Huff, Fred Bonsall, Lloyd Steffen, Alex Radus, Thomas Hyclak, Dave Fry – Emeritus, Terry Mutchler – Emeritus, Cindy Dinsmore – Ex Officio, Ramona LaBarre – Managing Director
Dina Hall, Dave Fry, and Kris Kehr share short sets of archived shows from Godfrey’s 40 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.
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.
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.
Please join the many generous folks who send us their financial support. Remember Godfrey Daniels in your year-end giving. Thank you.
