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29th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
april 5-14 29th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
reading, pennsylvania
By Melanie Maxwell
hen John Ernesto books the talent for the annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, he always incorporates ensembles that are unique to this 10-day musical and educational extravaganza in Reading, Pennsylvania. Of course, he also includes smooth jazz headliners such as Brian Culbertson, who kicks off the fest on April 5; and Boney James, who’s scheduled to perform on April 13. He then weaves together a lineup that also features top blues acts, straight-ahead quartets, local high school and college bands, funk dance parties, orchestras and R&B and military jazz ensembles with the same care and creativity that artisan Amish women stitch pieces of handcrafted fabric into beautiful patchwork quilts in neighboring Lancaster County. For the 29th annual event, Ernesto, the festival’s general manager for the past 25 years, has curated a slate of concerts that pay homage to the greats of jazz, pop and R&B with a variety of brand-new tribute shows. Gerald Veasley, bassist for Grover Washington Jr. for more than a decade, is directing “Remembering Grover at 75!” a tribute to the GRAMMY-winning saxophonist who died from a sudden heart attack after he and his band performed at a taping of “The Early Show” on CBS in New York City in 1999. Washington’s original band members will join Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp and Andy Snitzer onstage for this special show scheduled for April 13. Chris Walker, Al Jarreau’s longtime musical director, is celebrating the amazing works of the six-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist with “We’re In This Love Together: A Tribute to Al Jarreau.” The show, which features special guests Regina Belle, Rick Braun and Eric Marienthal, is scheduled for April 12.
Photo: Marina Chavez
“We’re In This Love Together: A Tribute to Al Jarreau” concert is scheduled for April 12 The Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam is scheduled for April 11 “Remembering Grover at 75!” is scheduled for April 13
