Diane Dayton’s Backstage at Berks
Diane Dayton, longtime radio/television personality, has been reporting on the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest for over 25 years.
Diane’s interviews with major jazz artists have aired on numerous platforms from TV and radio to social media. During the fest, Diane hosts the Backstage at Berks segments before major concerts at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading and the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Giving fans a special preview just before the concert starts, Diane interviews artists backstage, which are shown on video screens in the venue. Before the fest, Diane produces a Backstage at Berks podcast featuring interviews with headline artists performing at the fest.
Diane also serves as Executive Director of LCTV 66, producing programs for the Lancaster community.
Episode 8: Backstage at Berks with Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui tells Diane Dayton about her Berks Jazz Fest performance with the Reading Pops Orchestra on Sunday, April 7, at the Miller Center for the Arts.
The show is the world premiere of the Euphoria Orchestra Version -- and her fourth time performing with the Reading Pops.
Keiko has a bond with her fans, in fact one of the songs she will be performing was inspired by a fan.
Keiko shares what makes her happy on stage and off -- and what she feels is her purpose and mission in this life.
Episode 7: Backstage at Berks with Andrew Neu
Andrew Neu tells Diane Dayton that the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is his favorite seek of the year.
And Andrew will be busy throughout the 10-day fest.
Andrew's schedule features Organic Grooves with Bobby Lyle & The Bright and Tight Horns on Saturday, April 6 at 4:00 p.m., at the DoubleTree Small Ballroom; performing with Keiko Matsui and the Reading Pops Orchestra on Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Miller Center; and performing with Brian Bromberg & Friends on Sunday, April 14 at the Jazz Brunch at the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom.
Andrew also shares what makes him happy; his love of the music business; and his relationship with the audience when performing.
Episode 6: Backstage at Berks with Gerald Veasley
Diane Dayton catches up with Gerald Veasley, the amazing electric bassist, and Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest host.
Gerald, who will be busy during the fest, provides details on several shows including the Unscripted Jams, Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, Remembering Grover Washington Jr. show, and Unscripted: Jammin' for Nico.
Gerald also shares what makes him happy personally and professionally, plus a preview of upcoming Unscripted Jazz Series show at SOUTH Jazz Kitchen in Philadelphia.
Episode 5: Backstage at Berks with Gail Jhonson
Keyboardist Gail Jhonson returns to the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest with Jazz in Pink, the all-female, all-star band for the Sunday Jazz Brunch show hosted by Michael Tozzi on April 7 at DoubleTree Grand Ballroom.
Gail shares with Diane Dayton that she is working on a third Jazz in Pink album -- and her doctorate in music education.
Episode 4: Backstage at Berks with Brian Bromberg
Bassist Brian Bromberg is back at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in full force!
Brian took the time to catch up with Diane Dayton to discuss his very busy fest schedule, which concludes with his Brian Bromberg & Friends performance during the Sunday Jazz Brunch on April 14.
Before the brunch concert, Brian’s schedule includes special guest appearances with other headliners; participating in jams; and being part of getJazzed events.
Bromberg is among the few artists to have a solid foundation in traditional jazz -- yet enjoy success in contemporary jazz.
From breaking the barriers of how the bass is supposed to be played, to cutting edge bass design, to being recognized as a world-class producer, songwriter and session musician, Bromberg continues to push the boundaries of upright and electric bass performance. Bromberg recently released his latest CD project – The Magic of Moonlight.
Episode 3: Backstage at Berks with Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson is bringing a dynamic new show to the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest for what promises to be another high-energy performance on Sunday, April 14, 4:00 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Brian provides Diane Dayton a sneak peek of the of the new production and much more, including what makes him happy as a musician and personally.
Episode 2: Backstage at Berks with Maysa
Maysa shares thoughts about her new single and the spiritual aspect of the project. Maysa will be performing twice at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest -- with Incognito on Saturday, April 6, 9:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom and with Chris "Big Dog" Davis and his "Celebrating the Women in Jazz” show on Saturday, April 13, 6:00 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Maysa also shares with Diane what makes her happy!
Episode 1: Backstage at Berks with Greg Adams
To kick off the 2024 Berks Jazz Fest podcast series, Diane Dayton catches up with Greg Adams to discuss his East Bay Soul concert set for Friday, April 5, 3:00 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Adams is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. As a founding member of Tower of Power, legendary for his arrangements that made the TOP horn section a sought entity all its own. In a career that has spanned five decades, Adams has made his mark on a broad stretch of today’s musical landscape that includes jazz, pop, rock, R&B, soul, and funk.
With the release of “THE REAL,” the genre chameleon trumpeter, arranger uses his natural skills to deliver a recording that features nine original songs with powerful horns, lush strings, sweet soul vocals and an all-star rhythm section.