Berks Jazz Fest Celebrates 35th Anniversary
The Berks Jazz Fest is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a 10-day lineup of entertainment from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 29, delivering a mix of veteran favorites and…
The Berks Jazz Fest is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a 10-day lineup of entertainment from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 29, delivering a mix of veteran favorites and fresh talent. A closing performance will feature David Benoit, Eric Marienthal, and the Reading Pops Orchestra at the Miller Center for the Arts.
Berks Jazz Fest ticket sales begin on Saturday, Dec. 6, through Ticketmaster. Complete event information is available on the Berks Jazz Fest website.
Opening night at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Friday, March 20, will spotlight pianist and trombonist Brian Culbertson. That same evening, the Yellowjackets — featuring keyboardist Russell Ferrante, saxophonist Bob Mintzer, drummer Will Kennedy, and bassist Dane Alderson — will perform in the Miller Center. Flutist and saxophonist Najee will also perform that evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom.
On Saturday, March 21, performances will feature the following:
- A double-header will highlight Pieces of a Dream and Four80East with Jeff Kashiwa at the DoubleTree.
- Trumpet master Chris Botti and his all-star ensemble of guest artists will play at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
- Multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala will entertain at the DoubleTree Callowhill Ballroom.
- Vocalist Maysa with special guests saxophonists Mike Phillips and Carl Cox will be at the DoubleTree.
Guests from the public will be able to enjoy the first-ever Jazz Brunch on Sunday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m., hosted by Michael Tozzi, with BPM: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Michael Paulo, and The Berks Horns at the DoubleTree. The following Sunday, the brunch will feature Gerald Veasley's Unscripted All-Stars.
The festival's second weekend will include entertainers such as:
- Saxophonist Boney James will perform the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Friday, March 27.
- Spyro Gyra (celebrating 50 years) will be featured at the Miller Center on Friday, March 27.
- R&B vocalist Eric Benet will perform at the DoubleTree on Friday, March 27.
- Guitarist Stanley Jordan will play music by The Grateful Dead (with Kenwood Dennard, Greg Koerner, and Jesse Hiatt) at the DoubleTree on Saturday, March 28.
- Jazz and soul singer Will Downing will be at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Saturday, March 28, with Carol Riddick and Gerald Veasley opening with their tribute to Nina Simone — “I Got Life.”
- Berks County's Dance Hall Docs with special guests Larry Braggs and Tom Bowes, both former Tower of Power lead singers, will play the music of TOP and more at the DoubleTree on Saturday, March 28.
- Berks Sinfonietta, led by David McConnell, will perform “Gershwin Comes Alive,” featuring pianist Lars Potteiger performing “Rhapsody in Blue,” in the Miller Center on Saturday, March 28. The Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band will open for this special presentation.
- Marcus Miller & Friends will feature Eric Marienthal and Warren Wolf will headline at the DoubleTree on Saturday, March 28.
