ArtsQuest on Monday announced Grupo Niche as the eighth headliner for Musikfest 2026, bringing the acclaimed Colombian salsa orchestra to Bethlehem for the festival’s preview night.
The group is set to perform July 30 on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza, kicking off the 43rd annual Musikfest ahead of its official 10-day run from July 31 through Aug. 9.
MEGA 101.7 is presenting the concert as a media partner. ArtsQuest Members can access tickets starting Tuesday, Feb. 10, with general public sales beginning Friday, Feb. 13, through ArtsQuest.org.
Formed in 1979, Grupo Niche has established itself as one of Latin music’s most enduring acts over the past four decades. The orchestra achieved its biggest commercial success with “Cielo de Tambores,” produced by Jairo Varela in 1990. The album featured songs including “Una Aventura,” “Busca por Dentro,” “Se parecido tanto a ti,” “Sin Sentimiento,” “Cali Ají,” and “Debiera Olvidarla,” which gained widespread popularity throughout Latin America.
The group’s accolades include nominations at both the Latin Grammy Awards and Grammy Awards in 2016, wins at both ceremonies in 2020, additional Latin Grammy wins in 2023, and Grammy nominations in 2026.
Last year’s Musikfest drew 1,449,000 attendees across more than 500 free performances on 16 stages located throughout Bethlehem’s north and south sides, according to ArtsQuest, its nonprofit parent.