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35TH ANNUAL
BOSCOV’S Berks Jazz fest

march 19 - 29, 2026

July 27, 2026 IMPORTANT Press Release

After 55 years of serving the Berks County community through arts education, cultural programming, festivals, grants, and advocacy, Berks Arts Council has made the difficult decision to cease operations.

Since its founding, Berks Arts Council has worked to enrich the quality of life in our community by supporting artists, connecting residents to cultural experiences, and fostering creativity throughout Berks County. The organization has proudly presented and supported countless performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and community events—including beloved traditions that have brought people together across generations.

"This decision was not made lightly," said Tish Davis, Executive Director. "We are deeply grateful to the artists, volunteers, donors, sponsors, board members, staff, and community partners who have supported our mission over the past 55 years. Their dedication has helped create a lasting impact on the cultural vibrancy of Berks County."

While the organization is closing its doors, its legacy will live on through the thousands of individuals whose lives have been enriched by the arts, the partnerships built throughout the community, and the cultural traditions that will continue to inspire future generations.

Berks Arts Council extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been part of its journey over the past five and a half decades.

For more information on future Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festivals please contact: John Ernesto at johnernesto@comcast.net .

 

For additional information, please contact:

Tish Davis
Executive Director
Berks Arts Council
P.O. Box 12763

Reading, PA 19612

jazz appreciation month

In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Berks Arts has expanded the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest into a six-week regional celebration that will extend through the entire month of April, formally aligning the event with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) — a worldwide observance dedicated each April to honoring the history, artistry, and global impact of jazz.

Following the conclusion of the fest’s core March schedule, the newly created BJF35/JAM Celebration will take center stage throughout April, featuring over 40 additional jazz events across Berks County and the surrounding region, ending on April 30 - International Jazz Day - with Rick Braun’s tribute to Chuck Mangione.

check out the full jam schedule:

Learn more

Part 1

JAM-Rick Braun Special Pt1.Steve Quirk Fusion Flavours

Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours

To preview Rick Braun’s upcoming concert on Thursday, April 30 at the Miller Center for the Arts, Steve Quirk, host of Fusion Flavours, has produced a compelling two-part conversation that offers fans a deeper look into Rick’s remarkable career and latest project.

PART ONE explores Rick’s early musical influences, including Herb Alpert, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker. It also highlights his extensive session work with iconic artists such as Sade, Natalie Cole, Tom Petty, War, Glenn Frey, and Jack Mack & The Heart Attack. The segment also dives into Rick’s own catalog, spotlighting some of his personal favorites.

PART TWO turns its focus to Rick’s latest release, "Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione," offering a track-by-track journey through this tribute to Mangione.

Part 2

JAM-Rick Braun Special Pt2.Steve Quirk Fusion Flavours

ABOUT

The annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is presented by Berks Arts, a nonprofit organization located in Reading, PA. Berks Jazz Fest brings world-renowned jazz musicians to Berks County with dozens of concerts at various venues in the Greater Reading area. Additionally, dozens of free live music events featuring local and regional musicians occur in area clubs and restaurants throughout the festival.

Since 1991, jazz enthusiasts have flocked to the Berks Jazz Fest to enjoy over 130 free and ticketed musical events spanning the entire spectrum of Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, R&B, and more.

The festival provides performance opportunities for emerging and established artists alike and showcases incredible and diverse talent to fans from all over the world.

Learn more

4 MAJOR VENUES

10 DAYS

40 MAJOR CONCERTS

100 MUSICIANS

20,000 TICKETHOLDERS

ONE BERKS JAZZ FEST

march 19 - 29, 2026

Latest News

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Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione / Jazz Appreciation Month
Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione / Jazz Appreciation Month
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Berks Arts is the non-profit beneficiary for the month of April
Berks Arts is the non-profit beneficiary for the month of April
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Celebration of Life service
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Eric Marienthal: Surrounded by Greatness
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  • “We have been closely involved with the Berks Jazz Fest for 10 years and have been attending for 30 years. We believe in the event not just as great entertainment but as a gateway for people from all over the east coast to learn about Berks County, its people and its culture. The Jazz Fest enhances local business and helps entice new companies and new people to consider Berks County as a good place to make their home. We are proud to be supporters of this and all the work that Berks Arts is engaged in.”

    -Sandy Solmon & Doug Messinger, Sweet Street Desserts

  • “Berks Arts has the ‘secret formula’ that has allowed them to grow over the past thirty years . Whether It is the Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, or any other art festival, they are committed and passionate about the success of all sponsors and fans.”

    -Craig Poole, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading

  • “We've been proud sponsors of the Jazz Fest for many years. I love helping to bring music to the community. Long live the Fests!”

    -Jim Blickle, Performance Toyota

  • “The camaraderie between the jazz aficionados attending the shows, as well as, the volunteers & staff is always such a great experience for me. The opportunity to hear new music and interact with some of the musicians is also wonderful! I love the positive energy this festival brings to the city of Reading.”

    — Ann Marie M. , Volunteer

  • “Supporting the arts enables us to attend top-notch exhibits, performances, and events to enrich our lives without having to travel long distances. For us it is a win-win!”

    -Jerry and Carolyn Holleran, Jerlyn Foundation

  • “We are truly privileged to have such world class artists and top-notch programs in Berks that are inspiring, affordable and available for every age group.”

    -Trish Shermot, Visions Federal Credit Union

  • “Whether it’s the Jazz Fest, Blues Fest or any number of other event, we witness Berks Arts produce events with a passion to provide a transformative experience and with a purpose to create a fantastic escape through the arts. Year after year, concert after concert, show after show, they create a wonderment that keeps guests coming back to support the arts, our hotel and this region. As a proud sponsor, we are thrilled to hear attendees say “See you next time” because of the dedication to the experience provided by Berks Arts.”

    -Dan Hoch, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading

  • “Berks Jazz Fest brings millions of dollars into Berks County. It's a great way to give back to the community. Also, it's fun and you get to hear lots of great music and meet nice people.”

    — Neal S., Volunteer

  • “Being a sponsor of Berks Arts festivals over the years has been enlightening to partner with such an influential, community-focused organization. The experience has allowed the organizations and the people within the Inperium Constellation great opportunities to learn more about the Arts and also assist with giving back to the community, all while continuing to pursue our missions and visions collaboratively.”

    -Leslie Smith, Inperium Affiliation Architects

  • “Berks County Living is a proud supporter of Berks Arts and the festivals, concerts and arts exposure opportunities it brings to residents and visitors in the Greater Reading area.”

    -Robyn Jones, Berks County Living

  • “Berks Arts’ ability to bring amazing talent and national performers to the Berks Jazz Fest year after year is remarkable. We are repeatedly blown away by the quality of the music and the comraderie of the spectators. You should anticipate dancing in the aisles! Each performance is well worth the price of admission.”

    ~Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys

  • “Fraser would like to take the opportunity thank Berks Arts for being a great partner for over 20 years. We are grateful for the services Berks Arts offers to our wonderful community through Jazz Fest and other events.”

    -Tom Lodato, Fraser Advanced Information Systems