Star-Studded Lineup for 2022 Fest April 1st – 10th

Jazz Fest

Star-Studded Lineup for 2022 Fest April 1st – 10th

The 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 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

musicians, including Willie Nelson, Moon Taxi, Bette Midler, Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Buffett and more.

Each Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m., fans can keep on partying with Gerald Veasley Jams in the DoubleTree small ballroom. And during the weekdays, the music will play on with special free community concerts and regional bands in more intimate venues. “We are looking forward to having the fest return to its traditional spring schedule,” said Justin Heimbecker, Berks Arts executive director. “Having presented the twice postponed 30th anniversary fest last August, it is a quick-turnaround, but the entire Berks Jazz Fest team is ready to go again.

“With a strong, diverse lineup of artists, appealing to a cross section of music fans, we are anticipating a successful fest.”

Berks Jazz Fest Lineup

BERKS JAZZ FEST PREVIEW CONCERTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

7:30 p.m. - The Grand Reopening Tour SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Santander Performing Arts Center Ticket: $44.50 (Reserved Seating)

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

7:00 p.m. - Jazz on the Avenue: A Night of Brazilian Jazz MINAS presents BEATLES IN BOSA NOVA featuring ORLANDO HADDAD, PATRICIA KING with special guests ANDREW NEU, JOHN SWANA, plus JIM STAGER, TOM COHEN Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Tickets, Info: www.yocuminstitute.org or call (610) 376-1576

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

7:00 p.m. - CD Release Concert ERICH CAWALLA: THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK featuring 26-PIECE BIG BAND & STRINGS, with special opening act, THE GOVERNOR MIFFLIN HIGH SCHOOL STATESMEN JAZZ ENSEMBLE Governor Mifflin Senior High School Auditorium Tickets $15 in advance / $20 at door) Info: www.erichcawalla.com or call 610-781-8312

30TH ANNUAL BERKS JAZZFEST MAJOR CONCERT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

11:30 a.m. - Harold B. Leifer Memorial Luncheon THE GROOVEMASTERS featuring BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY, ERICH CAWALLA Peanut Bar Restaurant For Reservations, call 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com

7:00 p.m. - Opening Night Celebration JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA with WYNTON MARSALIS Santander Performing Arts Center Tickets: $79, $69, $59 (Reserved Seating)

7:00 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents ERIC DARIUS featuring REBECCA JADE Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

7:30 p.m. - XPN Welcomes SELWYN BIRCHWOOD DoubleTree by Hilton Tickets: $39 (Reserved Seating) 9:30 p.m. - Cheers Lounge Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE 9:30 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents PETER WHITE & VINCENT INGALA with special guest MINDI ABAIR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

11:30 p.m. - GERALD VEASLEY’S JAM featuring ERIC DARIUS, JEFF KASHIWA, BRIAN BROMBERG, JJ SANSAVERINO, CHIELI MINUCCI, BOBBY LYLE, ANDREW NEU, ROB DEBOER, TONY GRACE, KAREN BRIGGS, DONALD ROBINSON, RICHARD WALLER and more DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $35 (General Admission)

jazz fest

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

1:00 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents NAJEE with special guests BOBBY LYLE, CHRIS WALKER DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

3:30 p.m. - Afternoon Jazz Party Al “DJ ACT” TAYLOR - featuring performance by SEAN U DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE

4:30 p.m. - GK Soul/Jazz Party GREGG KARUKAS’ HAMMOND B3 ORGAN GROUP featuring BRAD COLLINS, DEREN BLESSMAN, THE BERKS HORNS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom

6:00 p.m. - Jazz on the Avenue presents A Night of Gypsy Jazz JASON ANICK & HENRY ACKER QUARTET and THE HOT CLUB OF READING featuring JOSH TAYLOR, CHRIS HESLOP, KEN GEHRET, TRY LARUE, JOSIAH TAYLOR Yocum Institute for Arts Education / West Lawn Info, Tickets: www. yocuminstitute.org

7:00 p.m. - WDIY 88.1 FM presents An Evening With GREGORY PORTER Santander Performing Arts Center Tickets: $79, $69, $59 (Reserved Seating)

7:00 p.m. - The Music of Steely Dan READING POPS ORCHESTRA & THE ROYAL SCAM Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 9:30 p.m. - XPN Welcomes BELA FLECK: MY BLUEGRASS HEART featuring MICHAEL CLEVELAND, SIERRA HULL, JUSTIN MOSES, MARK SCHATZ, BRYAN SUTTON DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

9:30 p.m. - Cheers Lounge Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE

11:30 p.m. - GERALD VEASLEY’S JAM featuring ERIC DARIUS, JEFF KASHIWA, BRIAN BROMBERG, JJ SANSAVERINO, CHIELI MINUCCI, BOBBY LYLE, ANDREW NEU, ROB DEBOER, TONY GRACE, KAREN BRIGGS, DONALD ROBINSON, RICHARD WALLER and more DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $35 (General Admission)

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

10:00 a.m - Jazz Brunch hosted by Michael Tozzi (10:00 a.m. doors, buffet / 11:30 a.m. show) SPECIAL EFX ALL-STARS featuring CHIELI MINUCCI, ELLIOTT YAMIN, LAO TIZER, NELSON RANGELL, KAREN BRIGGS, GERALD VEASLEY, JOEL ROSENBLATT, CURTIS MCCAIN DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 includes buffet (Reserved Seating)

2:30 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents FOUR80EAST with special guests JEFF KASHIWA, JJ SANSAVERINO DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $49 (General Admission) 6:00 p.m. - A Night With BRIAN CULBERTSON featuring MARCUS ANDERSON Santander Performing Arts Center Tickets: $69, $59, $49 (Reserved Seating)

MONDAY, APRIL 4

7:00 p.m. - Get JazzED / Reading Musical Foundation Night RMF PROJECT PENSKE JAZZ JAM hosted by MIKE EBEN, ALBERT RIVERA, GERALD VEASLEY, BRIAN BROMBERG, BOBBY LYLE, ANDREW NEU DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: Donation at the door

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

7:00 p.m. - Night of Classy Jazz Vocals BOBBY LYLE & THE LADIES OF SONG featuring TONI LYNNE, ANNETTE HINES, GRETCHEN PATTI and more DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $20 (General Admission)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

7:00 p.m. - Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month THE LAST BIG BAND featuring special guests LARRY McKENNA, ANDREW NEU DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $20 (General Admission)

7:00 p.m. - MEBC / Get JazzED Night SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE featuring ETIENNE CHARLES, DAVID SANCHEZ, WARREN WOLF, CHRIS POTTER, KENDRICK SCOTT, EDWARD SIMON, ANEESA STRINGS, GRETCHEN PARLATO, MARTIN LUTHER McCOY Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

7:00 p.m. - CHUCK LOEB MEMORIAL ALL-STAR JAZZ JAM RICK BRAUN, GERALD VEASLEY, KEIKO MATSUI, BRIAN BROMBERG, ERIC MARIENTHAL, EVERETTE HARP, ANDY SNITZER, CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS, BOBBY LYLE, ADAM HAWLEY, CURTIS MCCCAIN plus a special performance by PATTI AUSTIN DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

9:30 p.m. - Post-Jam Party / CD Release Concert AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR featuring performance by CAROL ALBERT DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

6:00 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT featuring ERIC MARIENTHAL, RICK BRAUN, KEIKO MATSUI, BRIAN BROMBERG, EVERETTE HARP, ADAM HAWLEY, LINDSEY WEBSTER, THE BERKS HORNS Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

7:00 p.m. - WDIY 88.1 FM presents Reading Blues Fest Night CRIAG THATCHER & MIKE GULDIN GUITAR SUMMIT featuring BILL SHARROW, BILLY WEAR, TIM HOOPER, PETER FLUCK DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

7:00 p.m. - WDIY 88.1 FM presents B3 Organ Master JOEY DEFRANCESCO TRIO featuring LUCAS BROWN, ANWAR MARSHALL Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 9:30 p.m. - Cheers Lounge Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE

9:30 p.m. - ijazzglobal.com presents BONEY JAMES DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

11:30 p.m. - GERALD VEASLEY’S JAM KAREN BRIGGS, JACKIEM JOYNER, ANDREW NEU, JESSY J, ALTHEA RENE, TONY EXUM JR., CAROL ALBERT, CURTIS McCAIN, DONALD ROBINSON, RICHARD WALLER and more DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $35 (General Admission)

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

BERKS JAZZ FEST AUCTION 9:30 a.m. registration; 10:30 a.m. auction DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Lobby Tickets: FREE

1:00 p.m. - WHUR 96.3 FM presents CELEBRATING WOMEN IN JAZZ hosted and produced by CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS featuring PATTI AUSTIN, MAYSA, LINDSEY WEBSTER, SELINA ALBRIGHT, JESSY J, KAREN BRIGGS, ALTHEA RENE, MARCIA MIGET DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

3:30 p.m. - Afternoon Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR featuring performance by TONY EXUM JR. DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE 4:00 p.m. - WDIY 88.1 FM presents Reading Blues Fest Day JOHN NEMETH DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Small Ballroom / Jazz Cruises Stage Tickets: $39 (General Admission)

6:00 p.m. - Jazz Cruise Night DAVID SANBORN & FRIENDS featuring special guests RANDY BRECKER, JOEY DEFRANCESCO, BILLY KILSON Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

7:00 p.m. - WDIY 88.1 FM presents Ukulele Virtuoso JAKE SHIMABUKURO Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

9:30 p.m. - Cheers Lounge Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Lounge Tickets: FREE

9:30 p.m. - WHUR 96.3 FM presents NORMAN BROWN DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets $59 (Reserved Seating)

jazz fest

Midnight - GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM KAREN BRIGGS, ANDY SNITZER, JACKIEM JOYNER, ANDREW NEU, JESSY J, ALTHEA RENE, TONY EXUM JR., CAROL ALBERT, CURTIS McCAIN, DONALD ROBINSON, RICHARD WALLER and more Club ECP at the DoubleTree / Small Ballroom Tickets: $35 (General Admission)

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Sunday Brunch hosted by Michael Tozzi & Gerald Veasley 10:00 a.m. doors, buffet / 11:30 a.m. show NICK COLIONNE’S FRIENDS: A SALUTE TO NICO! featuring KIM WATERS, CHIELI MINUCCI, ADAM HAWLEY, MAYSA, GERALD VEASLEY, ADAM HAWLEY, BRIAN SIMPSON, JACKIEM JOYNER, LAYLA WATERS, JJ SANSAVERINO, THE BERKS HORNS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 includes buffet (Reserved Seating) 3:00 p.m. - A Contemporary Sax Retrospective INSPIRATIONS! EVERETTE HARP & ANDY SNITZER Miller Center for the Arts/Reading Area Community College (RACC) Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 6:00 p.m. - Fest Finale RICK BRAUN & GERALD ALBRIGHT with special guest JEFF LORBER Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating)

BERKS JAZZ FEST LOCAL EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, April 1 / 11:30 a.m. Harold B. Leifer Memorial Kickoff Lunch THE GROOVEMASTERS featuring BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY, ERICH CAWALLA The Peanut Bar Restaurant 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com

Friday, April 1 / 4:30 p.m. Jazz Dinner DAVE HINKEL & FRIENDS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Friday, April 1 / 5:00 p.m. The City of Reading presents FIRST FRIDAY DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY featuring OMAR’S HAT and THE TRIBE Penn Street between 4th and 5th Streets https://www.facebook.com/ FirstFridayDowntownRDG/ *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Friday, April 1 / 7:00-10:00 p.m. A Night of Jazz Guitar DAVID CULLEN Beer Wall on Penn / West Reading www.thebeerwall.com 610-743-5744 *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Friday, April 1 / 8:00 p.m. (Doors 7:00 p.m.) Funky Friday at Radisson REGGIE BROWN & BUNCHAFUNK Radisson Hotel Reading / Wyomissing Tickets: $15 at door Call 610-823-4086 to reserved seating. Friday, April 1 / 9:30 p.m. Cheers Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Saturday, April 2 / 11:30 a.m. Jazz Lunch DAVE HINKEL & FRIENDS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Sunday, April 3 / Noon-3:00 p.m. A Gypsy Jazz Brunch Affair JOSH TAYLOR’S HOT JAZZ TRIO Beer Wall on Penn / West Reading 610-743-5744 www.thebeerwall.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Saturday, April 2 / 3:30 p.m. Cheers Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR featuring performance by SEAN U DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Saturday, April 2 / 6:00-9:00 p.m. An Evening of Jazz Fusion THE INNER URGE Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Saturday, April 2 / 9:30 p.m. Cheers Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Tuesday, April 5 / 6:00 p.m. Jazz Dinner ERICH CAWALLA & THE UPTOWN BAND The Peanut Bar Restaurant 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com

Tuesday, April 5 / 8:30 p.m. Jazz at Nitro CULLEN & COMPANY featuring MATT CULLEN, DAVID CULLEN, CLIFF STARKEY Nitro Bar / West Reading Motor Club www.nitrobar.com 610-741-6521

Wednesday, April 6 / 6:00-9:00 p.m. A Jazz Piano Happy Hour ALEX KAUFFMAN Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Wednesday, April 6 / 8:30 p.m. Jazz at Nitro DIRK QUINN BAND Nitro Bar / West Reading Motor Club www.nitrobar.com 610-741-6521

Thursday, April 7 / 6:30 p.m. Jazz Dinner ERICH CAWALLA & CLIFF STARKEY Mimmo’s Restaurant www.mimmos.org 610-373-2800

Thursday, April 7/ 8:00-11:00 p.m. A Modern Jazz Showcase SADIK AKDOGAN JAZZ TRIO Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Thursday, April 7 / 8:30 p.m. Jazz at Nitro NON-ZERO GUITAR TRIO Nitro Bar / West Reading Motor Club www.nitrobar.com 610-741-6521

Thursday, April 8 / 9:30 p.m. AL “DJ ACT” featuring CD release concert by CAROL ALBERT DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000 Friday, April 8 / 4:30 p.m. Jazz Dinner DAVE HINKEL & FRIENDS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Friday, April 8 / 5:30 p.m. Jazz Dinner THE GROOVEMASTERS featuring BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY The Peanut Bar Restaurant 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com

Friday, April 8 / 7:00-10:00 p.m. An Evening with The Honeybeez THE HONEYBEEZ ARE … ANGIE EZELL & LARS POTTEIGER Beer Wall on Penn / West Reading 610-743-5744 www.thebeerwall.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Friday, April 8 / 8:00-11:00 p.m. A Funked-up Jazz Feature BRYAN TUK & THE TMF ORGAN TRIO Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Friday, April 8 / 9:30 p.m. Cheers Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Saturday, April 9 / 11:30 a.m. Jazz Lunch DAVE HINKEL & FRIENDS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000 Saturday, April 9 / 8:00-11:00 p.m. An Avant-Garde Jazz Showcase AL SMITH 4TET Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Saturday, April 9 / 9:30 p.m. Cheers Jazz Party AL “DJ ACT” TAYLOR DoubleTree by Hilton Reading / Cheers Bistro 610-375-8000

Sunday, April 10 / Noon-2:30 p.m. Sofrito Pop-up & Latin Jazz Brunch DE TIERRA CALIENTE Reading Distilling Guild / Reading 484-222-3601 www.rdgspirits.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Sunday, April 10 / Noon-2:30 p.m. Yermo: A Beats & Bass Brunch JON L. SMITH TRIO featuring Jon L. Smith (bass), Simon Martinez (guitar) and Lionel Foster (drums) Beer Wall on Penn / West Reading 610-743-5744 www.thebeerwall.com *Powered by Pollen Consolidated

Sunday, April 10 / 3:20 p.m. pre-concert discussion / 4:00 p.m. concert Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration presented by AFM’s Musicians Performance Trust Fund JOHN ROZUM 17-PIECE JAZZ ENSEMBLE: TRIBUTE TO BUDDY RICH Yocum Institute for Arts Education / Schumo Theater Limited Seating / call 610-3761500 to reserve free tickets

This schedule was posted as of February 22,2022. Visit www.berksjazzfest.com for the most up-to-date schedule.