Jazz Fest
Star-Studded Lineup for 2022 Fest April 1st – 10th
T
he 31st annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will begin its fourth decade with 10 days of celebration of jazz in all its manifestations, from blues to big band, from bebop to contemporary, from fusion to Latin.
The festival, presented by Berks Arts, will open with the traditional Harold B. Leifer Memorial Luncheon at the Peanut Bar Restaurant in downtown Reading, with The Groovemasters, featuring bassist Bennie Sims, keyboardist Cliff Starkey and saxophonist/ vocalist Erich Cawalla. Opening night will feature the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with trumpeter/composer/director Wynton Marsalis at the Santander Performing Arts Center. Marsalis, who was a headliner at the inaugural Berks Jazz Fest, returned with the JALCO for the 20th and 25th anniversary festivals, and last performed in Reading in May 2021 with the JALCO Septet in one of the first live concerts in the area after Covid-19. His performance on April 1st is sure to be one of the fest highlights. Fest general manager John Ernesto said several special presentations – a staple of the annual fest — are planned for 2022, including “Celebrating the Women in Jazz,” featuring 28
Avenues Spring 2022
iconic vocalists Patti Austin and Maysa, on Saturday, April 9th, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading grand ballroom.
Austin will appear as part of the Chris “Big Dog” Davis-produced celebration of women in jazz concert, where she will share the stage with the amazing Maysa Leak. Both are known worldwide for their brilliant vocals, and both have careers that include national awards, top hits, and international touring. Appearing with them will be vocalists Selina Albright (Gerald’s daughter) and Lindsey Webster; saxophonist Jessy J; violinist Karen Briggs; flutist Althea Rene; and multi-instrumentalist Marcia Miget.
“When we approached Chris about producing the project, he simply said: ‘Love the idea. Let’s do it,’” Ernesto said. “Chris has done an amazing job producing special themed concerts for the fest. This year’s tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder was a huge hit with our fans. I have no doubt that the ‘Celebrating Women in Jazz’ concert will be a memorable music experience.” Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will also make his Berks Jazz Fest debut with his band on April 9 at the Miller Center for the Arts bringing his signature rock-style shredding to the tiny instrument. The Japanese American, Hawaiian-born musician has explored a variety of musical styles, and his latest album, “Jake and Friends,” pairs him with an array of legendary
