Berks Jazz Festival / Reading (PA), USA
The 21st annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, runs March 25-April 3, and features some of the hottest names in contemporary and traditional jazz, blues, R&B, fusion and more. This has become one of the most important jazz festivals in the country, attracting performers and fans from all over the globe.. With more than 130 events will be hosted at large venues, clubs and restaurants throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania there is something for everyone.
Some of the artist scheduled to perform in this year’s fest include Al Jarreau, George Duke Trio, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and Jeff Golub, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Brubeck, Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten; Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, The Rippingtons, Rick Braun, Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Fourplay; Pieces of a Dream, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Jeff Lorber Fusion, Eric Marienthal, Jimmy Haslip and Randy Brecker.
Ensemble shows are always a treat, and there is no shortage of ensembles this year, including:
-The BeBop Sessions with Chuck Loeb & Friends features Loeb, Brian Bromberg, Randy Brecker, Rick Braun, Philippe Saisse, Gerald Albright, Ada Rovatti and more.
-The Vista All-Stars bring the experience of a jazz cruise to you, with Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, Ken Peplowski, Shelly Berg, Tom Kennedy, Ernie Adams and Dee Daniels.
-The Original Jazz Crusaders, featuring Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Wayne Henderson bring their reunion tour to Reading.
-Brian Bromberg and his band are coming to town for a CD release concert, and will include special guest Randy Brecker in the celebration.
-Gerald Veasley, a Philly native and Berks favorite, is hosting Gerald Veasley’s Sounds of Philly, with Will Downing, Carol Riddick, Nick Colionne and Walter Beasley. Join Gerald ’Round Midnight for -two late-night jams at his namesake club, Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base. This in-the-moment event is a new festival favorite.
-Gerald Albright will present The Man and His Music, with special guests Rick Braun, Larry Braggs, and Selina Albright, plus the Berks Jazz Fest Horns.
