Erick Macek

Erick Macek – hviezda z USA, ktorá dobyla aj Hollywood a bude na sobotnajšej scéne FestDobréBohunice - FestDobre Bohunice

Najlepší spevák Los Angeles – Erick Macek (USA) headlinerom sobotnajšieho programu FestDobréBohunice - FestDobre Bohunice

Najlepší spevák Los Angeles – Erick Macek (USA) headlinerom sobotnajšieho programu FestDobréBohunice - FestDobre Bohunice

Erick Macek comes home to his hometown in Bethlehem to perform. 69 News WFMZ - 69 News WFMZ

Erick Macek performs live on the 10! in Philadelphia. - NBC

Erick Macek performs live on the 10! in Philadelphia. - NBC

Millersville University interviews celebrity alumni, Erick Macek. - Lauren Bollinger

Millersville University interviews celebrity alumni, Erick Macek. - Lauren Bollinger

Millersville University interviews celebrity alumni, Erick Macek. - Lauren Bollinger

Millersville University interviews celebrity alumni, Erick Macek. - Lauren Bollinger

PARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Erick Macek at the Grey Goose Blue Door on January 20, 2013 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Grey Goose) - Getty Images for Grey Goose

Musician Erick Macek drinks Tim Hortons cafe & bake shop coffee at the Fender Music lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/Invision for Fender/AP Images) - Yahoo! News

LOS ANGELES, Ca - When former Lancaster County resident Erick Macek moved to California in 2005, it wasn't for the sunshine.

The musician had been playing the Lancaster County area extensively, recording a CD titled "Living Dream" and even picking up an award at the American Model and Talent Convention in Florida.

But things weren't moving fast enough for Macek.

In 2005, he said, "I'm doing good so far. But I think I can go further. I'm willing to go the distance."

And he literally did, packing his bags and moving to California's Huntington Beach area, away from the comforts of family, friends and a fanbase.

He took a job as a graphic design artist, happy to utilize what he learned at Millersville University (Class of 2002). He also performed at a lot of open-mic events and such gatherings as Sundance Film Festival and SouthXSouthwest Festival.

Then just three weeks ago, Macek was honored with a Los Angeles Music Award for Best Male Pop Vocal of 2007 at a live ceremony.

For the uninitiated, who may be wondering what kind of artist wins a LAMA, consider the following names: No Doubt, the Black-Eyed Peas and Cindi Alexander.

"When I got a call from LAMA, I was pretty ecstatic," Macek said during a phone interview. "Then I went to the actual award presentation in L.A. and was blown away because artists from all over the world were there.

"I couldn't believe I was part of this huge event," the 27-year-old said. "And I actually had some fans at the show."

Macek, who has been playing music since the age of 5, threads together jazz, funk, folk, pop and soul, with a clever elegance and verve. Vocally, he's been compared to John Mayer and Jack Johnson.

"I just think I sound like me," Macek said. "But I think the comparisons are flattering."

Born in Bethlehem, Macek was only a child when his father taught him to play the accordion of all things. He also grew up bilingual, thanks to his parents, Anna and William, who arrived in America more than 37 years ago.

"I come from a strict Slovak background," he said. "I was raised with polkas and waltzes as my first major influence. So throughout my childhood I was thrown multiple instruments and told 'figure it out' as there became a need for it in our family band."

Macek said he became a sort of a "guinea pig," being able to pick up and figure out any instrument his father threw his way. By age 6, he played the accordion, harmonica, recorder, keyboard, sang and danced.

Then he became a teen and felt peer pressure from other students, which meant good-bye accordion and hello soccer field.

It wasn't until he entered college that he began to study guitar. That's when the music bug bit him, and he embarked on a solo career.

Then Macek hit the West Coast, where he said the weather's great, the traffic's unbelievable and there's a deep need for Slovakian restaurants that serve good, old fashioned halusky.

"But you need to be out here where record executives hang out and get in their way, because California is basically their hunting field," he said. "Every level of the industry is out here, and they do want to find the next big thing."

Still he said, he misses Pennsylvania, and hopes to come back soon to perform at his old haunts like The Chameleon Club.

"Home's called home for a reason," Macek said. "That's where your security is, friends and family.

"California can be a funny place, because everyone is so used to show business," he said. "If Tom Cruise walks down the street, people are like, 'Oh, that's cool.'

"And you have to be willing to perform anywhere because there's lots of traffic. People like driving their cars, and public transit is an afterthought," Macek said. "So, people don't like to drive too far to see you — they like their entertainment convenient. You should see all the miles I've been putting on my Ford hatchback because of that. You have to be willing to perform in people's neighborhoods — and that can be anywhere."

He said he would like to go back to the studio to record a follow-up CD, but that he's currently a little short on funds.

"But I'll get back in," he said.

"I just need someone out here who will believe in me, back me up. And I think that can happen, especially after the great year I've had." - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

LOS ANGELES, Ca - When former Lancaster County resident Erick Macek moved to California in 2005, it wasn't for the sunshine.

The musician had been playing the Lancaster County area extensively, recording a CD titled "Living Dream" and even picking up an award at the American Model and Talent Convention in Florida.

But things weren't moving fast enough for Macek.

In 2005, he said, "I'm doing good so far. But I think I can go further. I'm willing to go the distance."

And he literally did, packing his bags and moving to California's Huntington Beach area, away from the comforts of family, friends and a fanbase.

He took a job as a graphic design artist, happy to utilize what he learned at Millersville University (Class of 2002). He also performed at a lot of open-mic events and such gatherings as Sundance Film Festival and SouthXSouthwest Festival.

Then just three weeks ago, Macek was honored with a Los Angeles Music Award for Best Male Pop Vocal of 2007 at a live ceremony.

For the uninitiated, who may be wondering what kind of artist wins a LAMA, consider the following names: No Doubt, the Black-Eyed Peas and Cindi Alexander.

"When I got a call from LAMA, I was pretty ecstatic," Macek said during a phone interview. "Then I went to the actual award presentation in L.A. and was blown away because artists from all over the world were there.

"I couldn't believe I was part of this huge event," the 27-year-old said. "And I actually had some fans at the show."

Macek, who has been playing music since the age of 5, threads together jazz, funk, folk, pop and soul, with a clever elegance and verve. Vocally, he's been compared to John Mayer and Jack Johnson.

"I just think I sound like me," Macek said. "But I think the comparisons are flattering."

Born in Bethlehem, Macek was only a child when his father taught him to play the accordion of all things. He also grew up bilingual, thanks to his parents, Anna and William, who arrived in America more than 37 years ago.

"I come from a strict Slovak background," he said. "I was raised with polkas and waltzes as my first major influence. So throughout my childhood I was thrown multiple instruments and told 'figure it out' as there became a need for it in our family band."

Macek said he became a sort of a "guinea pig," being able to pick up and figure out any instrument his father threw his way. By age 6, he played the accordion, harmonica, recorder, keyboard, sang and danced.

Then he became a teen and felt peer pressure from other students, which meant good-bye accordion and hello soccer field.

It wasn't until he entered college that he began to study guitar. That's when the music bug bit him, and he embarked on a solo career.

Then Macek hit the West Coast, where he said the weather's great, the traffic's unbelievable and there's a deep need for Slovakian restaurants that serve good, old fashioned halusky.

"But you need to be out here where record executives hang out and get in their way, because California is basically their hunting field," he said. "Every level of the industry is out here, and they do want to find the next big thing."

Still he said, he misses Pennsylvania, and hopes to come back soon to perform at his old haunts like The Chameleon Club.

"Home's called home for a reason," Macek said. "That's where your security is, friends and family.

"California can be a funny place, because everyone is so used to show business," he said. "If Tom Cruise walks down the street, people are like, 'Oh, that's cool.'

"And you have to be willing to perform anywhere because there's lots of traffic. People like driving their cars, and public transit is an afterthought," Macek said. "So, people don't like to drive too far to see you — they like their entertainment convenient. You should see all the miles I've been putting on my Ford hatchback because of that. You have to be willing to perform in people's neighborhoods — and that can be anywhere."

He said he would like to go back to the studio to record a follow-up CD, but that he's currently a little short on funds.

"But I'll get back in," he said.

"I just need someone out here who will believe in me, back me up. And I think that can happen, especially after the great year I've had." - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

Erick Macek is a sporty dude. He’s the kind of guy you want to call by his last name, even when you barely know him.

Like, “Macek, yo, what’s up, dude?”

Or, “Yo, Macek, where the BBQ at?”

“It’s like a sports thing. I’ve been going by my last name almost all my life,” he says with a chuckle. “Even my mom calls me Macek sometimes like a joke.”

Fittingly, Macek’s music is sporty, too. The 25-year-old cooks up the kind of summery acoustic jams you might expect to hear blasting from the lifeguard tower at the local pool. It’s music to grill burgers to, a jammy, folky, Jack Johnson-y joint party that makes your neck do that funky chicken thing.

His foray into music began five or six years ago when, as a sporty college student, Macek was inspired by an embarrassingly predictable source, as far as sporty college music goes. “I don’t totally want to admit to it, but the whole Dave Matthews thing – he was a big influence of mine way early on,” he says with a guilty smirk. “Just seeing him play guitar, I pretty much was just like, ‘Oh, I gotta be like Dave Matthews.’”

His earliest demos (available at www.myspace.com/macek) have DMB’s fingerprints all over them. But over time, Macek learned to embrace a wider variety of influences – from forefathers like Paul Simon to young bucks like Jason Mraz – and adopted an approach that focuses more on the finer points of songwriting and less on the art of “creating a vibe.”

“Everything I hear and everything I listen to influences me. I mean, to a certain degree, you can say that Wu-Tang is an influence,” he jokes. “A lot of people say, when they see me live, ‘I hear John Mayer.’ And that’s fine.

“The thing that makes me feel good is when people can relate to the songwriting. The way that I write songs, a lot of the tunes are melodic-heavy. You catch that riff, and it kind of gets in your head,” he adds. “I want people to really grasp what I’m talking about and make their own story out of it. Everything I write about is part of my life that I’m willing to share with everybody. And people a lot of times come up to me and have been able to relate to something.”

Macek is currently putting the finishing touches on his next batch of songs at Nico Recording Company in Lancaster, home to such venerable mainstays as Altercana and Slimfit. The forthcoming album, which will be released sometime this month and celebrated officially at a CD release party in August, will show a more complex side of Macek’s songwriting, while at the same time will maintain the upbeat pool-party vibe that makes his music charming.

“The new stuff in general is a lot more mature. I think a lot of it just comes with age. It taps into a deeper side of myself,” he explains. “I’m experimenting with different sounds, and the musicians I have on here all have different vibes, and it’s great. To piece it together, it’s like one huge piece of artwork.”

While Macek’s been enjoying a modest following throughout the region over the past few years, he’ll soon be packing his bags and heading off to California to build a new life. And yes, he’s aware that it sounds like a cliché: “Young singer-songwriter heads to Hollywood in hopes for a shot at the big-time.”

But still, sometimes you just need a fresh start. “I’m trying not to be that kid that’s going out there with stars in his eyes, even though you can always get suckered into that. I’m not going there with a tip jar and saying, ‘Yo, I play music! Hire me!’” Macek says. “I sure as hell don’t have any money to head out there with, so it’s definitely a big risk to me.”

I guess you never know unless you try. - Jeff Royer

Band/Artist: Erick Macek
Location: Southern California
Website: www.erickmacek.com and www.myspace.com/macek
Most Current Album: Living Dream
Recommended If You Like: Dave Matthews, James Taylor, John Mayer and Jack Johnson.

BIO:
Macek has performed at such venues as the Performing Arts Center in South Carolina and Orlando, the Sundance Festival in Utah and South by Southwest in Texas. As well as performing in Southern California on a regular basis. Macek still never settles on one particular style, as he incorporates an array of different musical styles ranging from jazz and funk to folk, pop and soul. Macek's catchy riffs, heartfelt lyrics and exhilarating stage presence has caught the ears of some faithful fans, colleges, radio stations and also lead to sponsorships with clothing line, Blankstyle, SoCal Cross as well as Sam Ash Music. Furthermore, musicians such as G Love & Special Sauce have taken a good listen to the artist. Erick Macek continues to explore, experiment and raise expectations on himself to break away, find and produce his own style. Check out some more at www.erickmacek.com and “Help support the music”.

1. Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley… Bethlehem, Pa, but brought up in an Eastern European household as Slovak was my first language. I’m still fluent in the language too.

2. At about age 5, I picked up my first instrument, which was the accordion… no, seriously.

3. I was a wild child as I cracked my head open about 4 times, but only had stitches twice, this is excluding injuries from the neck down.

4. Played Professional volleyball in London and Junior Olympics in the US, even though I competed in soccer and hockey all my life.

5. Never picked up the guitar until my freshman year of college. And my first part of a song that I learned was Stone Temple Pilot’s song Plush.

6. I once had a dog that looked like Benji… so we named him Benji.

7. My favorite movie of all time is Swingers.

8. My musical influences range from Dave Matthews, G-Love and Jack Johnson to the Roots, Beastie Boys, Q-tip to Elle Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and Paul Simon, just to name a few.

9. I get made fun of because I sometimes put ranch dressing on just about anything… including pizza.

10. While visiting Slovakia, I once found a dead snake and thought it would be funny to scare my grandma with it… she was scared but wasn’t so funny!



11. Celebrity crushes: Charlize Theron, Jessica Simpson, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amy Smart, Angelina Jolie and so many more.

12. I’m a sucker for pretty eyes and a smile, but my favorite physical feature on a lady is legs. Hi Stacey Keibler, call me.

13. My favorite drink is Maker’s Mark on the rocks! (Whiskey)

14. People say I look like Jude Law.

15. In 2005, I won the prestigious award of “Overall Singer” at a competition in Orlando, Florida called AMTC.

16. The first time I ever got drunk, I was drinking Labatt’s Blue. Final beer count: 3.

17. I know how to Polka Dance!

18. I don’t have a middle name.

19. Met, hung out and/or performed with a variety of people who own a copy of my album “Living Dream” from Dave Matthews, Adam Kowalczyk, G-Love, Rufus Wainwright, Mike Doughty, Stewart Copeland (Police), to Kevin Smith, Timothy Hutton, Al Gore and more. Oh, and the talented writer Geoff D owns the album and gave it a rave review not to mention this opportunity. Thanks dude I owe you!

20. I just realized recently that I’m a hopeless romantic and have a Type A personality. (Google it) - Entertainment World

Singer/Songwriter Erick Macek took some time to autograph acoustic guitars at the Gibson Guitar Lounge at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Macek incorporates an array of different musical styles ranging from jazz and fun to folk, pop and soul into his catchy riffs and heartfelt lyrics. Find out what this artist is all about by catching his upcoming Los Angeles shows at the Mint and the Pig 'n' Whistle in March or check out Macek's latest release, Living Dream. - Music Connection

You can’t help but root for Erick Macek. he’s like that guy on “American Idol” you hope sticks around for another week. Never content to stir up the same old brew, Macek’s caffeine-infused performances are part of reemerging genre of coffeehouse crooners, full of open-mic banter and free refills on kitsch.
His sound is part James Blunt, part James Taylor, with a squeeze of preppy vagabond and youthful optimism. He’s got the whole Jude Law look thing going on, his intimate performances more “I Heart Huckabees” than “Alfie.”
Will this singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania make the big time? That’s anyone’s guess; lucky for you, he’s still playing acoustic shows at Costa Mesa watering holes and hawking his album “Living Dream” out of his Ford Focus.
The Daily Pilot recently sat down with Macek to talk about his chances and discuss the ever-changing music business. Here are some excerpts from that conversation:

Q: What was it like playing at the Sundance Film Festival?
A: The exposure that I received from the festival was immense, and just to be in the presence of artists that I look up to and are influenced by such as Dave Matthews, Mike Doughty, Stewart Copeland, Rufus Wainwright and Matisyahu was a blessing.

Q: Why did you decide to move to California?
A: The weather and opportunity. It was either New York City or the LA area, but there was something about the OC. It’s like a central hub for Southern California.

Q: Did anything about Orange County surprise you?
A: The women and the cost of a Pabst Blue Ribbon [laughs]. Seriously, I guess I’m surprised by the amount of opportunity there is out here.

Q: Do you ever feel like there’s too much opportunity in Southern California, like there’s so many things going on, no single opportunity opens that magical door for you?
A: Absolutely. So Cal has so much to offer, so when I have a show, so does Coldplay and the Angels are playing at home and the Ducks and there is a movie premiere. It never ends. The competition is incredible. At this point in my career, I almost feel that I have to make shows convenient for everyone. I’ve met so many people out here, but never in my life have I met so many people that don’t follow through with what they say. there are so many excuses that I’ve become numb to most of them.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about promoting yourself as a musician?
A: It’s very hard to promote to the convenience of the public. I’m not one to shove things in people’s faces; it’s uncomfortable. So the constant challenge of trying to get your name out there without turning people away instantaneously is a challenge. Another form of promotion is the simplicity of your personality. No one wants to promote…people that are hard to handle.

Q: How important are sites like MySpace to promoting yourself as an artist?
A: MySpace has been nothing but good news for me. So many more people have heard of me or my music because of these sites. It’s a constant struggle to try to promote yourself, and these sites are all helpful in doing so.

Q: How is the concept of “word –of-mouth” changing in the music community?
A: I think it’s the same concept, but it just works on two totally different levels. New music is always sought-after, and the word-of-mouth is by far the greatest form of promotion. Think about how bands got discovered or even how you’ve found out about some bands — live performances, free music, downloads.
I remember when I studied in college all the Dave Matthews downloads and the Napster craze. I found bands like Dispatch, Guster, O.A.R., Slightly Stoopid all because of word-of-mouth and free music.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been given by someone in the music business?
A: Marty Wheeler of BMG/Sony always tells me that all it takes is that “one hit song.” As always, I think it’s easier said than done. Every song I write is a hit song [laughs], at least in my mind.
For me, I really try not to concentrate on the hype. I’m an honest singer-songwriter who writes what’s on my mind or in my heart. Eventually, I believe, a hit song will come out of me. Dan Keen from ASCAP [Assn. of Composers, Songwriters, Lyricists and Music Publishers] once told me, “I think you’ll write a hit song by about your 70th song.”

Q: The cost of producing music and promoting yourself has been dropping with the increasing popularity of the Internet. How has this changed music?
A: Nowadays, everyone has access to creating their own demo. With that music we clutter the Internet. Good news: We have a lot more music to listen to. Bad news: It’s getting harder to find great music.
It used to be that the music industry would come find you. If you wrote that hit song or if you were marketable, they would take a chance on some new talent. It’s harder for the industry to do that these days. Now you see powerhouses combining, like BMG and Sony. Now, demos are so easy to make, - Dave Brooks (Daily Pilot/LA Times)

Name: Erick Macek
Occupation: Singer/ songwriter. Check out my website www.erickmacek.com. My new CD is out and waiting to get into Diva hands!
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA but now I'm living in Huntington Beach, CA.

Diva Minds Want to Know...

1. Where do you like to flirt?
I like flirting at my shows ... but I guess in general, I'm a very flirtatious individual, however, I'm terrible at "breaking the ice" ... that's why I love women who aren't afraid to "break the ice" and approach me ... I'll take care of the rest!

2. Where's your favorite table for two?
Hmm, I LOVE FOOD! But my Slovak ethnicity drew me to a place called "Old World" out here in HB. Ethnic foods like goulash, potato pancakes, brats, saurkraut and mashed potatoes. Plus they have good ethnic beers on tap! (Topvar) However, depending on budget, I found a great website (www.letseatoc.com) that breaks it down by area or cuisine.

3. Where should we stay when we visit (besides your place)?
I'll pretend I didn't read what's in parenthesis ... but seriously, depending on your budget, you can stay at a HB hostel for about $21-$41/day to a Best Western ranging $99-$309/day or treat yourself to a resort style hotel at the Hyatt Regency Beach Resort & Spa ranging $250 and above. All of these are walking distance to the beach! Another great site to check out is www.surfcityusa.com.

4. What quality do you find irresistible in a woman?
hmm...I'm a sucker for pretty eyes and nice smiles...I like women that are confident (not cocky) but I admire independence... I guess girls that are just down to earth, funny,easy going and lay back... in one word "elegant" ... so Charlize Theron, if you're reading this ... "hi"

5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon? Just roll over?
The beach sometimes, but other times my friends and I do an occasional "Sunday Funday" where we'll head downtown by the pier and drink cocktails and barhop on various patios all day/night ... Anybody wanna join us???

6. What do you love most about your city (besides our arrival)?
Weather! People talk about how we don't have 4 seasons out here ... I say "yeah" I love it! I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I'm used to 4 seasons ... however, now I have beautiful weather year round and I can have my 4 seasons within driving distance (lol).

7. What should we bring when we visit your town? What should we leave with?
Credit cards and credit cards.

8. What do we absolutely have to see while we're there?
That's easy ... One of my performances! (how 'bout that for a plug!) On the other hand, if you have time, take a drive up/down the PCH (Hwy 1) ... there are areas where the view is just breath-taking!

9. Any areas of town we should avoid?
Ugh! All the highways between 3pm-7pm on the weekdays!

10. Any local secrets you want to share?
Honestly, I'm still fairly new to the area, but I know the weather is fabulous and the unemployment is less than 3% ... not really secrets ... I guess if ya want secrets, come to one of my shows ... I tend to let a couple slip up on stage ... makes it more fun/personal! - Tango Diva

"Partygoers stopped shopping long enough to hear rising star Erick Macek on the guitar - judging by his swooning fans and undeniably catchy tunes, this guy is definitely one to watch." - Riviera Magazine

Here's a fellow with one hell of a voice and some masterful music flowing graciously behind it. "On the Other Side of the Road" is the opening track and just the tip of the iceberg for this gentleman's talent. Featuring pristine emotion driven lyrics bellowed out in the utmost fashion. The musical arrangement is up tempo and has all sorts of bells and whistles (well more like piano and guitar) not to mention some fantasic percussion. Doing a one eighty on you he presents us with the violin, bongo, and acoustic guitar filled "No One Said It Was Easy." his soft vocals protrude brilliantly and get a slight assistance via a seductive female voice on the chorus. Talk about one amazing, relaxing tune. "This Time" is a fun and uplifting jam that will have your flood pumping feet tapping and singing along with the simple lyrics that are ever so friendly. One of the nicest self released albums I've heard lately. He's well on his way to giving some heavy hitters such as Howie Day or John Mayer a run for the money. - Entertainment World-Geoff Dellinger

Name: Erick Macek
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Occupation: Musician (Original Artist). Check out my website Erick Macek.com and my myspace page. My new album is due out at the end of August.
Marital Status: Single

1. Where do you like to flirt?
I tend to be a very outgoing person, so I like to talk. In that respect, I like to flirt anywhere life takes me. So, from grocery stores, beaches, restaurants, bars, even church. I don't think there should be a time and place to be yourself, or in this case … flirt!

2. What are your favorite places to eat and drink?
Well, it depends what type of atmosphere you're looking for. Here's my breakdown. Lehigh Pizza is well known locally and was voted one of the best pizza places in the area. So, you can get your pizza and 40oz fix there. Also, 3rd street Chicken and Ribs is a great place for the quick and easy.

Bringing it up a notch, Bethlehem Brew works (upstairs) and Steel Garden (downstairs) are great local places to eat and drink. FYI – Steel Garden has over 100 Belgian Beers on their menu. For a little bit more of a fun atmosphere, Starters Pub is a great place to go. The complex was built in what used to be the Johnson Machinery Shop of Bethlehem Steel.

If cozy is what you're looking for then head over to McCarthy's Tea Room in Donegal Square, right off Main Street. Great food and atmosphere. Also, there a great chef there. Tell Kelly I said hello.

And for dessert, you have to head over to The Cup for some ice cream. it's right down the street from my high school. For the latest and greatest, here is a great website to check out what Bethlehem has to offer.

3. Where should we stay when we visit?
Almost without hesitation, I'd recommend the Historic Bethlehem. It's right on main street and close to a lot of great sights and shops.

4. What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?
Honesty and respect come to mind right off the bat. I'm a man that was brought up in a strict European (Slovak) upbringing. So, even with the modern culture, I'm all about common courtesy.

However, back to some qualities … I really get turned on by attractive women that aren't afraid to get down n' dirty. And by that, I mean, physical activities like hiking, fishing, camping, ice skating and so on. Getting your fingernails dirty can be hot ladies!

In regards to physical qualities, definitely eyes! However, I melt for tall girls, so I'm also a big fan of great legs :)

5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon?
Living in California, but being from Pennsylvania, I've morphed into such a laid back character, so outside of traveling, I love to lay on the beach, enjoy the weather by having breakfast or lunch outside. Honestly, I love good company, so I'm very carpe diem. If I'm free on a Sunday afternoon … let's do something!

6. What do you love most about your hometown (besides our arrival)?
I love my hometown of Bethlehem. I have a lot of great memories and met a lot of great people, include people from my high school at Liberty. But, not living there anymore, I have a great appreciation for the history of my hometown. It was a huge steel mill town that created a lot of jobs for people during the WWII era. Being Slovak, I love the history and culture that Bethlehem has provided in bringing people together.

On the FUN side of life, I LOVE Musikfest!!! Every year in August, Bethlehem holds a music and arts festival that brings people together from all around the world. I love it because a lot of my old friends come back in town just for Musikfest. It's great because I love hanging out at the polka tent, making my way to the beer garden, eating a gyro, catching an up and coming act, then seeing a national act and still having time to hit the bars after the festival ends for the day! PLUS, I'll be performing at Musikfest this year on August 7!

7. What should we bring when we visit? What should we leave with?
We totally have all four seasons here, so pack accordingly. It tends to be very humid and hot during the summer season and below freezing in the winter season, so my suggestion is to overpack! As far as what to leave with… You have to leave with a Musikfest Beer Mug because year after year, you can reuse them. So, in essence, they become a memorabilia piece.

8. What do we absolutely have to see while we're there?
Well, there is a lot of history, so there are museums that you can make a quick stop at, so 3rd street in Bethlehem would be a great place to visit. Also, the public library is a nice landmark to watch a sunset and at night, you can see our famous "Star of Bethlehem." There is Main Street that you should definitely take a walk through.

9. Any areas of town we should avoid?
Honestly, there's really not much to avoid. I guess dark alleys and look both ways before you cross.

10. Any local secrets you want to share?
A few little secrets I want to share. Moravian College and Lehigh University are the two coll - Tango Diva

Name: Erick Macek
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Occupation: Musician (Original Artist). Check out my website Erick Macek.com and my myspace page. My new album is due out at the end of August.
Marital Status: Single

1. Where do you like to flirt?
I tend to be a very outgoing person, so I like to talk. In that respect, I like to flirt anywhere life takes me. So, from grocery stores, beaches, restaurants, bars, even church. I don't think there should be a time and place to be yourself, or in this case … flirt!

2. What are your favorite places to eat and drink?
Well, it depends what type of atmosphere you're looking for. Here's my breakdown. Lehigh Pizza is well known locally and was voted one of the best pizza places in the area. So, you can get your pizza and 40oz fix there. Also, 3rd street Chicken and Ribs is a great place for the quick and easy.

Bringing it up a notch, Bethlehem Brew works (upstairs) and Steel Garden (downstairs) are great local places to eat and drink. FYI – Steel Garden has over 100 Belgian Beers on their menu. For a little bit more of a fun atmosphere, Starters Pub is a great place to go. The complex was built in what used to be the Johnson Machinery Shop of Bethlehem Steel.

If cozy is what you're looking for then head over to McCarthy's Tea Room in Donegal Square, right off Main Street. Great food and atmosphere. Also, there a great chef there. Tell Kelly I said hello.

And for dessert, you have to head over to The Cup for some ice cream. it's right down the street from my high school. For the latest and greatest, here is a great website to check out what Bethlehem has to offer.

3. Where should we stay when we visit?
Almost without hesitation, I'd recommend the Historic Bethlehem. It's right on main street and close to a lot of great sights and shops.

4. What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?
Honesty and respect come to mind right off the bat. I'm a man that was brought up in a strict European (Slovak) upbringing. So, even with the modern culture, I'm all about common courtesy.

However, back to some qualities … I really get turned on by attractive women that aren't afraid to get down n' dirty. And by that, I mean, physical activities like hiking, fishing, camping, ice skating and so on. Getting your fingernails dirty can be hot ladies!

In regards to physical qualities, definitely eyes! However, I melt for tall girls, so I'm also a big fan of great legs :)

5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon?
Living in California, but being from Pennsylvania, I've morphed into such a laid back character, so outside of traveling, I love to lay on the beach, enjoy the weather by having breakfast or lunch outside. Honestly, I love good company, so I'm very carpe diem. If I'm free on a Sunday afternoon … let's do something!

6. What do you love most about your hometown (besides our arrival)?
I love my hometown of Bethlehem. I have a lot of great memories and met a lot of great people, include people from my high school at Liberty. But, not living there anymore, I have a great appreciation for the history of my hometown. It was a huge steel mill town that created a lot of jobs for people during the WWII era. Being Slovak, I love the history and culture that Bethlehem has provided in bringing people together.

On the FUN side of life, I LOVE Musikfest!!! Every year in August, Bethlehem holds a music and arts festival that brings people together from all around the world. I love it because a lot of my old friends come back in town just for Musikfest. It's great because I love hanging out at the polka tent, making my way to the beer garden, eating a gyro, catching an up and coming act, then seeing a national act and still having time to hit the bars after the festival ends for the day! PLUS, I'll be performing at Musikfest this year on August 7!

7. What should we bring when we visit? What should we leave with?
We totally have all four seasons here, so pack accordingly. It tends to be very humid and hot during the summer season and below freezing in the winter season, so my suggestion is to overpack! As far as what to leave with… You have to leave with a Musikfest Beer Mug because year after year, you can reuse them. So, in essence, they become a memorabilia piece.

8. What do we absolutely have to see while we're there?
Well, there is a lot of history, so there are museums that you can make a quick stop at, so 3rd street in Bethlehem would be a great place to visit. Also, the public library is a nice landmark to watch a sunset and at night, you can see our famous "Star of Bethlehem." There is Main Street that you should definitely take a walk through.

9. Any areas of town we should avoid?
Honestly, there's really not much to avoid. I guess dark alleys and look both ways before you cross.

10. Any local secrets you want to share?
A few little secrets I want to share. Moravian College and Lehigh University are the two coll - Tango Diva