John Ernesto’s Inside Look at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
As we ramp up planning for the 33rd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, details surface daily on major concerts and other interesting behind-the-scene news.
Returning to my journalism days working at the Reading Eagle newspaper, I decided to share that information by writing a weekly blogpost -- Berks Jazz Fest Insider.
New blog will be posted twice a week leading up to the fest.
Hope you enjoy. Share with your musical friends.
VOLUME 1: March 7, 2024
Celebrating the Women in Jazz: Jazz to Broadway
The Chris “Big Dog” Davis-produced concert is back.
Building on the success of previous celebrations of female jazz vocalists and instrumentalists, award-winning keyboardist Davis is producing another blockbuster concert featuring vocalists Melba Moore (photo), Maysa, Nicole Henry, and Paulette McWilliams; flutist Althea Rene; and saxophonist Jeanette Harris.
With Tony Award winner Melba Moore part of the all-star ensemble, Davis decided a “Jazz to Broadway” theme would be perfect for the first half of show.
“Each year, we up our game for the Berks Jazz Fest,” said Davis. “This is going to be a very special show – with special performances and a lot of surprises.”
Fans will be treated to Moore singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow;” Maysa singing “Impossible Dream;” Nicole Henry singing “Alfie;” Paulette McWilliams singing “Send in the Clowns;” Harris performing “Walk on By;” Rene performing “Summertime.”
In 1970, Moore won the Tony -- Best Performance/Featured Actress in a Musical -- for her portrayal of Lutiebellie in Purlie.
The first set also will feature performance by Broadway dancer and choreographer Rachael Britton-Hart, a Reading native – and it will close with the entire ensemble performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
After intermission, all artists will return to perform music from their successful careers, including Moore singing the hit “I Got Love” from Purlie.
The grand finale will feature the entire ensemble -- plus a few surprises -- performing “I Am Every Woman.”
This must-see concert is set for Saturday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Brian Bromberg, Gil Parris join ensemble for “Organic Grooves” concert
Saxophonist Andrew Neu and B-3 master Bobby Lyle have put together a killer band for their “Organic Grooves” concert set for Saturday, April 6, 4:00 p.m., at the DoubleTree Small Ballroom.
Bassist Brian Bromberg and guitarist Gil Parris will be part of the ensemble that features Tony Moore on drums, and The Bright & Tight Horns – Peter Neu on trumpet, Chuck Gottlesman on trumpet, Skip Spratt on sax, Olivia Hughart, sax, and Dave Cianci on trombone.
Rick Vito invites Mike Anderson to perform during Reading Blues Fest Day concert
Mike Anderson has performed many times during the Berks Jazz fest as the leader of The Berks Horns, backing major headliners for over 20 years and will be going solo on baritone sax when he performs with iconic blues guitarist Rick Vito’s band on Saturday, April 13, 4:30 p.m., at the DoubleTree Small Ballroom.
Berks locals may remember Vito playing with the “Wright Brothers Electric Band” and graduating from Kutztown State College “way back when.”
Perhaps best known as a member of the legendary supergroup Fleetwood Mac (1987-1991), Rick brought back the roots and blues quality once found in the band’s original Peter Green era. His original songs are featured on their albums, “Behind The Mask,” “The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac” and “The Chain.” He also appears on their “Greatest Hits” release and the live full-length concert DVD, “Tango In The Night.”