Berks Jazz Fest

08/28/2026

BOSCOV'S BERKS JAZZ FEST MEMO: BJF INSIDER NEWSLETTER
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Dear Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Subscriber:
As you may know, Berks Arts recently announced that it will cease operations after 55 years of serving our community.
While this brings an important chapter to a close, we are grateful for everything Berks Arts has built and for the incredible legacy it leaves behind.
Most importantly, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will continue!
A newly established BERKS JAZZ FEST organization is taking the lead, and we are excited to carry this beloved tradition forward.
Our commitment to presenting world-class jazz and providing an exceptional festival experience remains stronger than ever.
STAY CONNECTED WITH BJF INSIDER NEWSLETTER
Due to federal regulations, Berks Arts is unable to transfer its existing database to the new management organization.
As a result, we need you to create a new account if you would like to continue receiving the latest Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest news, ticket information, exclusive updates, special offers, and more.
You’ll receive a new monthly newsletter -- BJF Insider -- beginning in September, which will become a weekly publication in January as we get closer to the fest.
Getting started is easy:
1. Visit www.berksjazzfest.com/bjfinsider
2. Click the link to create your new online account.
3. That’s it! Once your account is created, we’ll keep you up to date on everything happening with the 36th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, April 1–11, 2027.
GET EARLY ACCESS TO FEST TICKETS?
Become an Arts Advocate Member and be eligible for the special member presale when tickets go on sale:
Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Online and in person at Santander Arena
General public ticket sales begin:
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Online and in person at Santander Arena
To learn more about Arts Advocate Membership and its benefits, visit:
www.berksjazzfest.com/artsadvocatemembership
We are excited to begin this new chapter while preserving the traditions, musical excellence, and sense of community that have made the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest a destination for jazz lovers from around the world.
We can’t wait to see you in April!
With appreciation,
John Ernesto
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
General Manager/Artistic Director
610-698-0563/cell
[email protected]
Berks Jazz Fest
P.O. Box 5936
Wyomissing, PA 19610

08/28/2026

BOSCOV'S BERKS JAZZ FEST MEMO: ARTS ADVOCATE MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
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Dear Arts Advocate Member:
For many years, your generosity and commitment have helped make the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest one of the nation’s premier jazz festivals.
We are sincerely grateful for your continued support and for the important role you have played in the fest’s success.
As you may know, Berks Arts recently announced that it will cease operations after 55 years of serving our community.
While this brings an important chapter to a close, we are grateful for everything Berks Arts has built and for the incredible legacy it leaves behind.
Most importantly, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will continue.
A newly established BERKS JAZZ FEST organization is taking the lead, and we are excited to carry this beloved tradition forward.
And there is important news for you.
Your Arts Advocate Membership remains active and will continue to be honored by the new organization.
PLEASE CREATE YOUR NEW ARTS ADVOCATE MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT
Due to federal regulations, Berks Arts is unable to transfer its existing Arts Advocate database to the new management team.
This means that, if you would like to continue your ARTS ADVOCATE MEMBERSHIP and its benefits, you will need to create a new account.
It only takes a few moments:
1. Visit www.berksjazzfest.com/artsadvocatemembership
2. Review the various membership levels and their associated benefits.
3. Create your new online account.
4. That’s it! Your new account will ensure that you continue to receive your membership benefits, ticket information, and exclusive Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest updates and offers.
5. Berks Jazz Fest, LLC is wholly owned by Our City Reading, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and is disregarded as separate from OCR for federal income-tax purposes. Contributions to BJF are treated as contributions to OCR and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. OCR EIN: 23-3080065
As we prepare for the 36th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, April 1–11, 2027, we are excited to begin this new chapter while preserving the traditions, musical excellence, and sense of community that have made the fest a destination for jazz lovers from around the world.
On behalf of the entire Berks Jazz Fest team, thank you for your generosity, your loyalty, and your belief in this remarkable tradition.
Your support has helped make the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest what it is today.
We hope you’ll be part of what comes next!
With appreciation,
John Ernesto
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
General Manager/Artistic Director
610-698-0563/cell
[email protected]
Berks Jazz Fest
P.O. Box 5936
Wyomissing, PA 19610

Arts Advocate Membership For more than three decades, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest has brought world-class music, unforgettable performances, and a shared passion for the arts to our community.Now, as we enter an exciting new era of festival management, your support matters more than ever.Ticket sales...

08/25/2026

Mathis Picard Trio
Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM
First Listen 6:30- 7:00 PM with Pop's House Youth Jazz Ensemble
Mt. Gretna Playhouse
200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
Tickets: $20, $28, $35 (Open Seating with section)

Mathis Picard - Piano
Charlie Taylor - Acoustic Bass
Joe Dyson - Drums

Mathis Picard — a pianist, composer, and producer whose music carries the soul of France, Madagascar, and the heart of New York City. A Juilliard alumnus mentored by the great Kenny Barron, Mathis is an ASCAP Next Generation of Songwriters Recipient and a Montreux Jazz Foundation member, whose album Heat Of The Moment earned a glowing 5-star review from The Times. He has shared the stage with legends like Wynton Marsalis, Ron Carter, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Few artists blend classical elegance and jazz spirit with such warmth and imagination — and he's just getting started. For tickets: www.gretnamusic.org

Also, on Friday, August 28, at 12 PM and 7 PM , Mathis, along with heart meditation specialist Leslie Bures will host Well-Being Concerts at the Mount Gretna Playhouse. $20 per ticket. This is an immersive experience that blends live music with mindfulness. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or meditation pillow—they will also be provided on site—to settle in on stage near Mathis and Leslie. Chairs on stage and seating in the hall are also available. Created in partnership with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. Register at www.gretnamusic.org

08/22/2026

Mindi Abair's "I Can't Wait for Christmas" Concert Set for Saturday, December 5 at Miller Center!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
https://millercenter.racc.edu/mindi-abairs-i-cant-wait...
The holiday concert everyone will be talking about is coming to Reading.
Get ready for Mindi's "I Can't Wait For Christmas Tour" — an unforgettable night of Christmas favorites, incredible musicians, and holiday magic that will leave you smiling all season long!
Amazing lineup for the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest holiday show:
⭐ Mindi Abair
⭐ Rebecca Jade
⭐ Andréa Lisa
⭐ Xavier Gordon
⭐ Arthur Thompson
⭐ Darryl Williams
Expect powerhouse performances, joyful surprises, unforgettable collaborations, and all the holiday spirit you can handle!
🍷 Upgrade your evening with the exclusive Wine & Jazz Tasting Experience hosted by Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra.
Sip premium wines, learn to taste like a sommelier, and enjoy live music perfectly paired with every pour.
Whether you're celebrating with friends, family, or making it a holiday date night, this is more than a concert — it's a Christmas experience you won't forget.
Grab you tickets today and celebrate the season with one of the hottest holiday shows of the year!
Special thanks to DJ LAND for sponsoring the holiday concert.

08/18/2026

CALLING ALL STUDENT JAZZ MUSICIANS!
JAM WITH THE NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND AT GRETNA!
Inviting you to a very special "rescheduled" evening at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse on Thursday, September 3.
Here's how the night unfolds:.
• 7:30 PM: New Jazz Underground takes the stage for a 90-minute set.
• A short break – then we start a 1-hour jam session with New Jazz Underground and want you to join in!
About New Jazz Underground
These three Juilliard-trained musicians -- saxophonist Abdias Armenteros (25), bassist Sebastian Rios (27), and drummer TJ Reddick (25) -- are redefining what jazz sounds like today.
Blending Jazz traditions with hip-hop, pop, and Afro-Latino rhythms, they've racked up 100k+ YouTube subscribers and collaborated with Jon Batiste and Emmet Cohen.
Their debut studio album, Hoodies, released a few weeks ago, marks an exciting milestone in their journey — a bold statement of where jazz is headed next.
YOUR TICKETS ARE FREE!
If you decide to jam with us, you get as many complimentary tickets as you need.
Bring your friends and family — the more, the merrier!
ONE QUICK THING
Please reply to [email protected] by August 31 if you plan to be part of the jam session.
We want to make sure the night runs smoothly for everyone. Include your age, instrument, grade, and school.
Don't want to jam onstage but still want to attend the concert? Tickets for ages 18 and under are discounted to $5 and $5 for the adult who brings them.
Buy tickets online at www.gretnamusic.org
We can't wait to hear you play -- or have you in the audience to hear one of the hottest young jazz trios.
Hope to see you on Thursday, September 3!
The Gretna Music Team
Mount Gretna Playhouse
200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mount Gretna, PA

08/15/2026

Mindi Abair's "I Can't Wait for Christmas" Concert Set for Saturday, December 5 at Miller Center!
Tickets Go On Sale Monday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m.
https://millercenter.racc.edu/mindi-abairs-i-cant-wait...
The holiday concert everyone will be talking about is coming to Reading.
Get ready for Mindi's "I Can't Wait For Christmas Tour" — an unforgettable night of Christmas favorites, incredible musicians, and holiday magic that will leave you smiling all season long!
Amazing lineup for the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest holiday show:
⭐ Mindi Abair
⭐ Rebecca Jade
⭐ Andréa Lisa
⭐ Xavier Gordon
⭐ Arthur Thompson
⭐ Darryl Williams
Expect powerhouse performances, joyful surprises, unforgettable collaborations, and all the holiday spirit you can handle!
🍷 Upgrade your evening with the exclusive Wine & Jazz Tasting Experience hosted by Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra.
Sip premium wines, learn to taste like a sommelier, and enjoy live music perfectly paired with every pour.
Whether you're celebrating with friends, family, or making it a holiday date night, this is more than a concert — it's a Christmas experience you won't forget.
Grab you tickets today and celebrate the season with one of the hottest holiday shows of the year!
Special thanks to DJ LAND for sponsoring the holiday concert.

08/09/2026

Gerald Veasley is hosting a special group of Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest fans for the Journey of Jazz Cruise 2027.
The Signature Cruise Experiences musical journey includes an overnight stay in New Orleans hosted by Wynton Marsalis.
Join the sun, fun, and music! Special BERKS pricing!
Sign up now!

08/04/2026

Suzie and I are looking forward to seeing Michael Mayo Saturday night at Gretna Music.
Hope to see some of our jazz friends there.