Podcasts about berks jazz fest

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Best podcasts about berks jazz fest

Latest podcast episodes about berks jazz fest

Lancaster Connects
A Conversation with The Voice of Lancaster Featuring Diane Dayton: Episode 163

Lancaster Connects

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 56:54


In this episode, we welcome Diane Dayton, a voice-over expert and entrepreneur whose career spans radio, television, and voice training. Diane shares her journey in the media industry, starting as a DJ in the 1980s and evolving into a powerful voice in advertising and presentation. She founded Dayton Communications in 1986 and has lent her voice to commercials and training pieces for notable clients such as Hershey, Pepsi, and Lockheed Martin.Diane's passion lies in helping others discover their unique voice through her voice and presentation training, emphasizing that “Your voice can be an asset!” With over 20 years of experience, she trains salespersons, business leaders, and educators to communicate authentically and effectively, building lasting connections in both personal and professional realms.As the host and producer of the TV show *Behind the Lines*, Diane has interviewed a wide range of guests, covering topics from health and wellness to local events and nonprofit highlights. She has also been an integral part of the Berks Jazz Fest, creating podcasts and live content that showcases jazz artists.In addition to her impressive media career, Diane is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Lancaster Community TV, which broadcasts a diverse range of local programming. Tune in to hear Diane's insights on voice, communication, and the power of storytelling!

There’s No Business Like...
Ep. 77 John Ernesto: Take Care of the Artist, Take Care of the Fans

There’s No Business Like...

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 45:13


Ep. 77 John Ernesto: Take Care of the Artist, Take Care of the Fans To start this episode our hosts discuss the artist they presented that created that surreal moment of “I can't believe this is happening”.  Bryan and John discuss the origin of the Berks Jazz Fest and its subsequent development.  His theory on taking care of the artist and the fans and the rest will take care of itself.  We learn about how the Jazz Fest developed through community partnerships and everyone being on board.  John is retiring as general manager and artistic director of The Berks Jazz Fest, a festival featuring over 100 performances in 10 days. Find more information at  https://www.berksjazzfest.com Follow us on social media and let us know your thoughts and questions - https://linktr.ee/nobusinesslikepod Our theme song is composed by Vic Davi.

Brenda Moss's Podcast
Singer/Songwriter/Producer David P. Stevens breaking thru his talents recognized

Brenda Moss's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 59:15


 Singer/Songwriter/Producer, David P Stevens is finally beginning to break through and become recognized for his unique writing and production abilities. Quickly becoming a recognized name in songwriting, production, and performance, is LA-based, multi-talented, guitarist, David P. Stevens. Reminiscent of one of his biggest influences Babyface, David shows us the full range of his musical prowess and passion in more ways than one. Equipped with the precision and the skills needed to stand out from the crowd, Stevens has shared the stage and studio with prominent artists, such as Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne, Najee, Jaguar Wright, Frank McComb, LaToya London, Lisa McClendon, and many more. As a top-notch performer, Stevens has graced the stage during a variety of popular music festivals, such as Berks Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Jazz Fest, Queen City Summer Fest, Capital Jazz Cruise, Lake Arbor Jazz Fest, and more. David is confidently solidifying his place as a funky, dynamic, and exceptionally creative artist with a unique sound of his own. He continues to garner the positive attention of music aficionados from all over the world! He has done songs placed by Anthony Hamilton, LaToya London, Will Downing, Maysa, Jaguar Wright, Lisa McClendon, Yara Shahidi, Adobe, Shawn Rivera from the group As Yet, Mitchell Jones from the group Commissioned, and many more, we find David building a dynamic multi-genre catalog, that is in line with him becoming the next mega-producer to emerge! Known for his electrifying, high-energy performances, we now find David P. Stevens touring the world and captivating crowds, as he showcases original songs from his 8 explosive albums. Support the showMusic Artist interview

LADYDIVA LIVE RADIO
Singer/Songwriter/Producer David P. Stevens

LADYDIVA LIVE RADIO

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 59:16


Singer/Songwriter/Producer, David P Stevens is finally beginning to break through and become recognized for his unique writing and production abilities. Quickly becoming a recognized name in songwriting, production, and performance, is LA-based, multi-talented, guitarist, David P. Stevens. Reminiscent of one of his biggest influences Babyface, David shows us the full range of his musical prowess and passion in more ways than one. Equipped with the precision and the skills needed to stand out from the crowd, Stevens has shared the stage and studio with prominent artists, such as Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne, Najee, Jaguar Wright, Frank McComb, LaToya London, Lisa McClendon, and many more. As a top-notch performer, Stevens has graced the stage during a variety of popular music festivals, such as Berks Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Jazz Fest, Queen City Summer Fest, Capital Jazz Cruise, Lake Arbor Jazz Fest, and more. David is confidently solidifying his place as a funky, dynamic, and exceptionally creative artist with a unique sound of his own. He continues to garner the positive attention of music aficionados from all over the world! He has done songs placed by Anthony Hamilton, LaToya London, Will Downing, Maysa, Jaguar Wright, Lisa McClendon, Yara Shahidi, Adobe, Shawn Rivera from the group As Yet, Mitchell Jones from the group Commissioned, and many more, we find David building a dynamic multi-genre catalog, that is in line with him becoming the next mega-producer to emerge! Known for his electrifying, high-energy performances, we now find David P. Stevens touring the world and captivating crowds, as he showcases original songs from his 8 explosive albums. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ladydiva-live-radio--2579466/support.

Improv Exchange Podcast
Episode #120: Ragan Whiteside

Improv Exchange Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 41:36


Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre's most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network's Best Artist Award. That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist have become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering eight consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2022. And she's done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson. Her most recent full-length project, 2022's Thrill Ride, is her sixth career album to date and it lives up to its title, demonstrating Whiteside's breathtaking virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves. The project features eight songs, which are largely produced by her longtime collaborators Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin. Other producers include Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the sexy update of Stevie Wonder's “Don't You Worry Bout A Thing,” and James Lloyd of the veteran group Pieces Of A Dream, who contributes “A Toast At Sunset” as writer and keyboardist as well. Her third single from the project, “Full Court Press,” is a smooth and sexy groove co-written by Whiteside with the team of Johnson and Baldwin, who produced, and featured guitarist Phil Hamilton and drummer Rich Harrison, also known as the artist RAH. Whiteside's previous single was the title track, “Thrill Ride,” which was also written and produced by Johnson, Baldwin, and Whiteside, and features guitarist Hamilton and drummer RAH. The single peaked at No. 1 on five radio charts, including the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, Mediabase, the Smooth Jazz Network, Radiowave and Groove Jazz Music. Her previous single from the set, “Off The Cuff,” not only peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart, where it spent 17 weeks, but it also earned her the Jazz Music Awards nomination that she ultimately won. In addition to her projects, Whiteside has been a busy collaborator. Over the last two years, the native New Yorker also charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart for her collaboration with Kim Scott's 2022 remake of Ashford & Simpson's 1978 mega-hit, “I'm Every Woman” along with Althea René, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Whiteside also co-wrote Bob Baldwin's top-charting hit, “B Positive,” with production partners Dennis Johnson and Baldwin. Additionally, she is featured on “This Time Around” with contemporary jazz artist Jarez, from his latest project, J Funk City. In 2022, she appeared on two tracks, “Seven Eight” and “Solo,” on veteran jazz drummer Billy Cobham's new album, Drum'N'Voice Vol. 5. Whiteside has continued to delight fans and critics alike with her engaging, upbeat melodies and exhilarating flute playing. Tunes like “Thrill Ride,” “Off The Cuff,” “JJ's Strut,” “Reminiscing,” “Jam It,” “Early Arrival,” “See You At The Get Down,” and the Billboard No. 1 “Corey's Bop” have burnished her reputation. But while Whiteside has made her mark fusing inspired flute melodies and breathtaking solos with hip upbeat grooves, she gained her musical acumen by training as a classical flutist. Originally from Mount Vernon, New York, Whiteside played drums, piano, and violin in elementary school before a desire to be in the marching band put the flute in her hand at age 8. “They had this thing called Band Day where all the public schools would march in a parade through Mount Vernon. I said, ‘Oh. I need to be in this parade.'” There were no violins in the marching band, so Whiteside was offered the flute. “I did not want to play the flute. And it took me about a week to get a sound out of it,” she says. But once young Whiteside locked onto the instrument, she immediately focused on what kind of music she wanted to play but was steered into a more traditional path. “My parents got me a private teacher. I said to my teacher, ‘Okay, I want to do jazz.' And he was like, ‘No, you're going to play classical,'” Whiteside recalls. “‘I don't want to play classical.' ‘Well, you can play jazz later, but you need to get your foundation in classical music.' Once again, I was being forced into something, but I started playing and I started getting good at it, and I started to like it.” The young flute player got good and got serious. She participated in Mount Vernon High School's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU-influenced marching bands), entered multiple musical competitions – some with cash prizes – and won. Members of the National Association of Negro Musicians mentored her, many of whom held positions as opera singers, orchestrators, music directors, and instrumentalists in classical music at a time when African Americans were still not often included. She also participated in the NAACP's ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) competitions for young people, where she won both regional and national titles in two different years. With these distinctions under her belt, Whiteside went on to the Cleveland Conservatory of Music, where she was one of just six African American students. When she transferred to the highly competitive HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, she discovered she was now the only one. After receiving so much encouragement and mentoring during her high school years, this was a culture shock. “I was on my own, there was no support, there was nobody I could go and talk to,” Whiteside explains. “On top of that, just being in a classical conservatory, it's cutthroat, it's competitive, it's hardcore. A lot is expected of you, and everybody's trying to go after the same five or six openings.” The pressure to perform was intense and her motivation for that life started to wane. During her senior year-end performance, for which she was to play a well-rehearsed, 20-minute flute concerto, Whiteside went blank halfway through. Offered the opportunity to start again, Whiteside realized she was at a turning point and instead walked out. Influenced by such diverse flute masters as jazz-classical player Hubert Laws, the late Latin jazz artist Dave Valentin, and the French classical flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal, Whiteside received rigorous musical training that prepared her to play in the most prestigious symphony orchestras in the world, but after graduation, Whiteside admits she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Back home in Mount Vernon, she attended a show at a local jazz club where keyboardist, producer, and composer Bob Baldwin was headlining. While watching, Whiteside says she had an epiphany: “I was sitting up front and I said, ‘Oh my God. This is what I want to do.' ” After the show, she introduced herself to Baldwin. “I told him, ‘Look I'm a classical musician but I want to make the transition to jazz. Do you have any advice for me? And we talked for a while and he pretty much took me under his wing, right then and there,” Whiteside explains. “And two days later, I went to a studio in Yonkers, and it turned into my first non-classical studio session.” Whiteside performed a Stevie Wonder tune for Baldwin and studio owner Dennis Johnson, who later became her husband. “I played a Stevie Wonder tune, and they're like, ‘Hey, we need some flute on this jingle for [New York smooth jazz station] CD 101.9.' And I did that, and from there Bob taught me how to make that transition from classical to jazz, and Dennis showed me the ins and outs of audio recording and using computers to compose music.” Since then, Johnson and Baldwin have become Whiteside's frequent songwriting collaborators. Whiteside instantly began her successful foray into the contemporary soul-jazz sphere. After launching the Randis Music label in 2007 with her husband Johnson, she collaborated with Johnson and Baldwin again on her 2007 release Class Axe, 2012's Evolve, 2014's Quantum Drive, 2017's Troublemaker, and 2020's five-track EP Five Up Top. She also teamed with popular saxophonist Kim Waters for the 2017 release Early Arrival. She has collaborated on tracks with several artists including Marion Meadows, Patrice Rushen, Tom Brown, Walter Beasley, Melba Moore, Chieli Minucci, Frank McComb, and others. She has also been a popular performer at the Berks Jazz Fest, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival in Spain, and the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. Meanwhile, Whiteside and her husband Dennis Johnson made the jump from New York to Atlanta when it became clear that Atlanta offered a more attractive lifestyle. Further, digital technology has made it easy to produce and distribute music from anywhere. “Atlanta is like a hub,” Whiteside explains. “You can get to so many different places relatively quickly from Atlanta. For the first time, we were able to get to New Orleans, Nashville, Houston, the Carolinas, and all over Florida without having to fly, and every place we went, we experienced new musical influences.” Whiteside has also maintained a career as a tech consultant and her role as a mother of two. In late 2020, Whiteside added another title to her list of accomplishments: Radio personality. Spotted at a show by David Linton, a former label executive and current program director of Atlanta's station, Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Whiteside was offered the opportunity to audition as a host. She now holds down the popular No. 1 Saturday morning show “Saturday with Ragan Whiteside, ” another role she has grown to enjoy. With so many professional balls to juggle, and the concert industry opening back up, Ragan Whiteside can lay claim to life as a contemporary jazz star as one big “Thrill Ride.” In this episode, Ragan shares her background, education, and musical journey. If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to subscribe, follow, rate, and/or review this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, ect. Connect with us on all social media platforms and at www.improvexchange.com

Opus One: OCTAVO
Season 2, Ep.4: Christmas in Paris

Opus One: OCTAVO

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 31:19


On this podcast, we discuss "Christmas in Paris" - the upcoming concert event and food drive (benefitting Helping Harvest). In our first segment, we chat with soprano Mary McCormick-Archutowski about her preparation as one of the five professional soloists. We speak with Jay Worrall, the president of Helping Harvest about the organization and their impact in our community. We also highlight upcoming holiday events in our area (Reading Choral Society, Berks Jazz Fest, Berks Youth Chorus, Yocum Institute, Berks Ballet, Reading Pops, Genesius, Reading Civic Theatre).Hosts: Christopher Hoster, Debbi Silas, Scott TiceProducer: Mikaila Milks Featured Music:En Bateau from 'Petite Suite' by Debussy (OCTAVO's theme)Selections from Oratorio de Noël by Camille Saint-Saëns*Played by Geert Ruelens and Diana Cook For more information about Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir, visit: www.OpusOneChamberChoir.com

Jazz Cruise Conversations
#50: David Sanborn with Alonzo Bodden

Jazz Cruise Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 64:24


In this interview from Blue Note at Sea ’20, saxophonist David Sanborn talks with our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden about his life and music – from his childhood growing up in St. Louis to his time as the first-call sax soloist on pop records to his career playing his unique brand of soul jazz.  He even shares his feelings about the term Smooth Jazz. This episode is sponsored by Berks Jazz Fest.

Jazz Cruise Conversations
#40: Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. & Everette Harp with Eric Marienthal

Jazz Cruise Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2020 47:25


In this conversation taken from the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Everette Harp - three of the most prominent figures in the genre – talk with Eric Marienthal about their affinity for jazz fusion, funk and soul, as well as about their common experiences, as both leaders and sidemen. This episode is sponsored by the Berks Jazz Fest. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest - The Big Three-O! Show #10

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 98:54


This is the final show in the ten-part Big Three-O series and what a journey it's been from show #1 to #10.  We've progressed from pre-Covid 19 days to a time when the entire world seems to be shut off from person to person contact.  How is our Berks Jazz Fest family handling it?  With a smile and a progression towards the brighter days ahead.  In this show finale we'll hear some music that was performed live during livestream home studio concerts and we'll hear from Berks Jazz Fest general manager John Ernesto about plans to offer fabulous concert videos from historic past festival performances. We'll also feature the music of Erich Cawalla, Bennie Sims, Cliff Starkey, Brian Culbertson, Pieces of a Dream and New Foundation.  Mike Anderson will share some memorable BJF concert moments with The Turtle Island String Quartet and Big Three-O show host Dave Kline will have a great chat with Bennie Sims, the 2020 Berks Arts Council / Berks Jazz Fest Frankie Scott Award recipient.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest - The Big Three-O! Show #9

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 60:54


Here's show #9 of 10 in The Big Three-O series and it features Pieces of a Dream, Diane Dayton getting Brian Culbertson to share something new about himself, Mike Anderson with a great musical memory of Bela Fleck performing with Bruce Hornsby, an interview segment between BJF GM John Ernesto and host Dave Kline remembering fest participants such as Frankie Scott, Bennie Simms, Erich Cawalla, Mike Eben, Trading Four, Trey Larue, Josh Taylor, Chris Heslop, Cliff Starkey, Al Leader, Hank Hoffman, Mike Anderson, Rev. Dr. Harry Serio and others.  We close with a set of music by Chuck Loeb.  Enjoy and please share.  

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest - The Big Three-O! Show #8

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 119:39


Historic and unprecedented, COVID 19 has changed many things, including plans for the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest which has now been postponed from 2020 to 2021.  This almost two-hour show features interviews with Berks Arts Council's executive director Meggan Kerber and Berks Jazz Fest's John Ernesto, who talk about COVID 19's effect and their excellent plan to carry on. On the lighter side, you'll enjoy music by Berks County's own Erich Cawalla, plus, we're offering a stellar live parlor concert recording by The Hot Club of Reading, featuring Josh and "Si" Taylor, Chris Heslop and Trey Larue.  Diane Dayton welcomes Curtis Harmon with Pieces of a Dream into her Cool Jazz Cafe, and Mike Anderson serves up a memorable live recording made at the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jazz Jam. Chillax, be at peace, and let the music take you to a stream of consciousness that flows gently.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest - The Big Three-O! Show #7

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 60:48


Boney James & Rick Braun, Mike Anderson with Chris Botti, Diane Dayton with Maysa, Incognito, John Ernesto, some smooth jazz from Alp d'Huez in France, Zaccai Curtis, and Janis Siegel, are all part of this show #7 of 10 in the Big Three-O series.  Enjoy.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #6

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 64:20


Carol Riddick, Pieces of a Dream, Grammy Award winning guitarist David Cullen, Mike Anderson, Gerald Veasley, John Ernesto and others are a part of show #6 of 10.  Come along for the ride!

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #5

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 62:04


Boney James, Diane Dayton, Gerald Albright, John Ernesto, Mike Anderson, Berks Horns, Meggan Kerber and others are all a part of show #5 of 10.  Enjoy!

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #4

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 72:21


This is show #4 in our 10-part series presenting a preview and happy memories of the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest's 30th anniversary.  Listen to Keiko Matsui, Bela Fleck, John Ernesto, Diane Dayton, Mike Anderson, Mindi Abair and many others.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #3

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 63:21


In our third of a ten-part series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest, we present Gerald Veasley, Chuck Loeb, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Boney James, Meggan Kerber, Diane Dayton, Brian Bromberg, Mike Anderson and others.  

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #2

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 59:59


This is the second in a ten part series promoting and celebrating the 30th anniversary of Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest.  Nick Colionne is our special guest in Diane Dayton's Cool Jazz Cafe.

Mountain Folk
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest: The Big Three-O! Show #1

Mountain Folk

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2020 64:26


Show #1 of this commemorative and promotional series for the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest's 30th anniversary in 2020 features Erich Cawalla, Keiko Matsui, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Gerald Veasley, Diane Dayton, Mike Anderson & The Berks Horns with many other special musical guests.  Presented by The Berks Arts Council, with the executive producer of the series, Dave Kline.  Produced on 1/28/20.

big three o show kirk whalum three o boney james keiko matsui gerald veasley berks jazz fest erich cawalla berks arts council
Talking Smooth Jazz
GUITARIST, DAVID P. STEVENS

Talking Smooth Jazz

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2018 57:00


Quickly becoming a recognized name in contemporary jazz, is multi-talented guitarist, writer, producer, performer, David P Stevens.  Having shared the stage with the likes of Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Frank McComb, Jeff Kashiwa, Gerald Veasley, Brian Simpson, James Lloyd, and several more, at festivals such as Berks Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Jazz fest, Queen City Summer Fest, Capitol Jazz Cruise, Lake Arbor Jazz festival and more, David is solidifying his place as that funky dynamic guitarist, with a sound of his own, at the top of the game! David P. Stevens new release called Rogue, featuring Marcus Anderson, Mark Kibble, Deveron Patterson, Varijashree Venugopal, Carol Riddick, and Benjamin Bullock. Follow David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Peter White

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2018 20:39


Peter White is a perennial favorite at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. His Christmas Show has become a tradition for many and whets the audience appetite for more Peter White music during the annual Berks Jazz Fest. Peter says the first music he ever played at the ripe old age of 7 was Christmas music on the piano. His Dad taught him how to play and introduced him to Christmas favorites. Growing up in England in the 60’s it was the Beatles that started him on his guitar journey. A journey that led him to Abbey Road Studio at the age of 20 to record ‘The Year Of The Cat’ with Rod Stewart. That was followed by a tour that brought him to America at age 21 performing with Rod Stewart at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Listening to another English Band, ‘Acoustic Alchemy’, he was inspired to continue writing his own music and pursue a solo career. Peter talks about the power and challenge of collaborative work with other artists and the gratitude he feels when audience members share their own stories of the impact of hearing his music. For Peter playing and writing music is all about listening!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Carl Zeplin & Chris Gallagher

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2018 22:24


Carl Zeplin is a Kutztown Area High School Music Teacher and Chris Gallagher is a member of the Berks County All Star Jazz Band and will be performing at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Chris was one of Carl’s students when he was in middle school. Chris says he learned determination and how to ‘keep moving forward’ from Mr Zeplin. Carl’s favorite age group is the middle school students. He says they don’t put up barriers and are willing to take risks. Both talk about the benefits and opportunities that jazz music has provided in their lives. Tune in and find out how jazz influenced their life path.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring the Cullen Brothers, Matt and Dave! Part 2

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2018 12:32


Matt and Dave Cullen answer the 5-question lightning round that is the hallmark of each Backstage Pass for the 2018 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Some of the musical roots they discussed in part one of the Cullen Brothers Backstage Pass come up again in their responses. Their insights allow a peak into the impact of jazz music and the opportunities that are presented when music is a key part of your life. Tune in to find out their favorite Jazz Fest Memories, their mentors and their legacies. You’ll enjoy this story and the Cullen & Company show on April 12 when Craig Thatcher, Chico Huff, Cliff Starkey and Pete Fluck join Matt and Dave Cullen at the Inn At Reading. Don’t miss it!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring the Cullen Brothers, Matt and Dave! Part 1

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2018 17:29


We have been going backstage but this time we went back home with the Cullen Brothers, Matt and Dave! They reminisce about the favorite rooms in their house and how those settings set the stage for their musical careers. They talk about growing up with 10 kids in a home that was really a garden where musical seeds were planted and all 10 kids had their moment on a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, French horn and drums. This family rivals the VonTrappe Family when it comes to sharing music. As joy and unabashed smiles dance across their faces, they share their memories and admiration for the other’s talents. They talk about the musicians that make up Cullen & Company with excited anticipation that is quite contagious.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Mike Eben

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2018 16:17


An important component of school music programs is the opportunity to introduce students to all types of music including jazz. They are the future consumers of music and will keep it alive! A great interview and a great addition to Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Bennie Sims

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2018 17:48


Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest does not start until the Groovemasters take the stage at The Peanut Bar. This marks the 27th year you will find Bennie Sims at the helm of The Groovemasters. Bennie Sims is a self taught musician who couldn’t read music, but he could hear and ‘feel’ the music. He picked up a guitar and his career was launched! Bennie takes a stroll down memory lane with us sharing stories about the evolution of his career, his mentor, and lots of musicians he has worked with and continues to make music with today. In addition to performing internationally Bennie is a sought-after producer who is also writing his own music and performing. There is a new song in the works right now! Bennie is currently producing Erich Cawalla’s first solo album, “The Great American Songbook” and will also be part of Erich’s quartet on stage with The Reading Pops. Bennie says “It’s breathtaking to be part of the music on stage with an orchestra”. Bennie talks about ‘feeling’ the music in whatever setting he finds himself: as a writer, producer, or part of a quartet or a large orchestra. The Groovemasters only play about 3 or 4 times a year these days. So it’s pretty special when they re-group for the start of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. That’s when these old friends get together and exhale and enjoy some time on the playground. Bennie says it’s like ‘home’. Enjoy this conversation and make your plans now to come home with Bennie Sims at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Raeann Rowlin and Grant Fickes

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2018 11:18


Education is a key component and part of the mission of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Raeann Rowlin is a Commercial Music Major and Grant Fickes is a Mathematics Major at Kutztown University. Both will be performing with the KU Jazz Ensemble at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest at The GoggleWorks. Raeann plays trumpet and has always played jazz music. Grant started playing traditional classical music on the alto sax. Both students were introduced to music in the Fourth Grade. These students personify the impact of the ‘Music In The Schools’ Program. Raeann and Grant have a great deal of passion for Music and Jazz in particular. They discuss their mentors, and talk about what jazz music means to them and how it impacts their life. Look out music fans, here they come!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Levi Landis

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2018 14:55


Levi Landis, Executive Director of The GoggleWorks Center For The Arts has long staged the Juried Art Exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery on the Second Floor. That’s the visual arts component of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. This year The GoggleWorks will showcase the performing arts as well. Levi always asks, “How can we be a resource for the local community. The GoggleWorks is a beautiful space to see events, go to weddings. Now we will bring the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest to our stage.” Levi brings his experience working with music festivals to the mix. He says, “Any time anyone thinks about the arts in the community The GoggleWorks wants to be part of the conversation. And now part of the music!” If you’ve never stopped in to The GoggleWorks, here’s another reason to visit … The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will stage the KU Jazz Ensemble in The GoggleWorks Boscov’s Film Theatre. The performance will start with a student group followed by a faculty group from Kutztown University. It is an intersection of education, arts and music at The GoggleWorks in Downtown Reading.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Marvanne Kouvaros

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2018 12:08


Marvanne Kouvaros wants “everyone to have a smile on their face and a tummy that is full”!   When you go backstage at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest you are bound to find Marvanne Kouvaros.  She was a school teacher and working with RHS Marching Band when she was first invited to volunteer with Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest to help move equipment.  She wasn’t sure she could do it but was told, “Sure you can! You’re a teacher who works with children. Children need to be corralled and so do musicians at times!” That was over 20 years ago.  Today Marvanne Kouvaros is the Head of Hospitality and works closely with Gary Spencer and the production team making sure every venue is staffed and stocked with the proper necessities for each of the musicians. While food is her main concern she has been known to go above and beyond that job description.  If an artist needs something and she can make it happen she does.  Marvanne Kouvaros recalls making special elixirs and even taking musicians on shopping sprees.  At Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, everyone really is one big happy family! 

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
WCR Center for the Arts is a new jazz destination this year. Josh Taylor and Cammie Harris share the story.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2018 12:07


Lots of ‘Firsts’ in this #BackstagePass for the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Cammie Harris, Executive Director of the Women’s Club of Reading Center for the Arts, makes a connection with Josh Taylor, guitarist with The Hot Club Of Reading, to stage a gypsy jazz event at the WCR Center for the Arts. The character and history of the building meshes with the passion and history of gypsy jazz kept alive by the Hot Club Of Reading. Josh Taylor talks about the impact of this music in particular the way Josiah Taylor, his son, has caught the jazz bug and the ripe old age of 16! Cammie is equally passionate about preserving and promoting the WCR Center for the Arts as an intimate venue to celebrate the music in Berks County. Find out what drives their passion in this #BackstagePass.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Jazzin’ Up The Pops!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2018 18:39


Erich Cawalla and Will Rapp discuss how music charted the course of their lives and careers. They discuss their musical journey, mentors and legacy and the ways jazz music influences their performances. Lots of insight is shared in this Backstage Pass. Check it out and save the date … April 8. That’s when Erich Cawalla and his quartet partner with Will Rapp and The Reading Pops for a special Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest performance called ‘Jazzin’ Up The Pops’.

pops backstage pass jazzin boscov berks jazz fest erich cawalla
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass featuring Michael Tozzi

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2018 14:49


Meet the ‘VOICE’ of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest – Michael Tozzi! He shares his jazz journey and talks about how it morphed along with the evolution of commercial radio. Michael is a versatile entrepreneur with many talents that have opened doors along the way. Michael talks about his mentors, his own jazz legacy and some favorite moments from past Berks Jazz Fest events. Enjoy the first story in this Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass Series made possible by the Berks Arts Council.

voice backstage pass tozzi boscov berks jazz fest berks arts council
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
A Tale of Remarkable Collective Talent Backing up the Bands at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2017 16:03


Three talented musicians that got together Because of The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest a performer was looking for a horn section to back him up while in Reading. Mike Anderson said OK and then recruited more players. This first show was so successful word spread and the Berks Horns was born. Musicians know when they come to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest there is a talented trio (more if necessary) to back them up. Yet another bonus of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest All three of these guys started playing an instrument in fourth grade and they talk about how that led them each on a diverse musical journey filled with opportunity Tune in and hear about the side Opportunity for musicians appearing at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Opportunity for these guys to add to their resume… The collective talent is remarkable, sometimes they get the music beforehand and other it all changes on the spot! Discipline, adaptability, improvising… It’s one big package and now you know the story behind the Berks Horns, go check them out on stage.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
This Is How Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Made Its Way To Schuylkill County

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2017 14:14


Meet Dave Clews owner of 12 Volt Dave’s Audio in Pottsville is an audio purist who happens to love Jazz music. Dave heard about this jazz concert at Bldg 24 and decided to check it out. It was a chance meeting with John Ernesto at that concert that started the ball rolling. The Bldg 24 experience made a fan out of Dave Clews. His wheels started spinning. He thought, “Wow only ½ hour away, small venue, great music… Hmmm how can we get this up in Pottsville”? He used his own background staging events in the community and Had a contest in Schuylkill County want to expose Schuylkill county to jazz and the blues. He shares the story of a renovated ski lodge and how The Lodge At Sharp Mountain came to be the place for the first show. This year ‘Greg Hatza and the ORGANization’ will share a taste of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Schuylkill County. Learn more about the stories of Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Making Music is Fun And So Much More for Gerald Veasley

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2017 13:49


Gerald Veasley is a world re-known Bassist and a big part of the fabric of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. His performances always WOW the crowd. Gerald is also instrumental helping to establish and coordinate educational programs and Bass Bootcamps. That’s what most know about Gerald but in this story he shares with Jo Painter some things that are little known. Gerald Veasley shares his musical journey and reveals the motivation behind his life’s work. It all started on his 12th Birthday. His Dad gave him a Bass. At the University of Pennsylvania he got serious and studied Engineering, Political Science and Philosophy. It was an unexpected event during his college years that brought that Bass front and center in his life again. Gerald says he discovered music as a vocation and thought “Wouldn’t it be cool to be somebody who makes that music that helps people sort of get through tough times”. Gerald has fun with music and does it with a much bigger purpose. He shares his intention and his latest endeavor, the ‘Unscripted Jazz Series’ at South Kitchen & Jazz Parlor in Philadelphia. He calls it an opportunity for musicians to play music ‘outside their box’, an adventure for both musician and audience! South Jazz Parlor will be replicated at the DoubleTree this year during Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest and of course the now legendary Midnight Jams will be headed up by Gerald Veasley … Don’t miss it!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscovs Berks Jazz Fest | Meet Keiko Matsui

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2017 13:23


Keiko Matsui talks about her deep connection to her fans and understanding how music connects us spiritually. Keiko Matsui is delightful, humble, playful and spiritual. It all comes through in her music! She recalls her childhood and says her first love was sports, gymnastics and soccer. She says she was very competitive. Keiko’s Mom is a traditional Japanese dance teacher but Keiko showed no interest in dance so her Mom sent her off to piano lessons. Thank You Mom ! Keiko started playing piano at 5 years old. She shares the story of competing as a piano student and thinking that after the competition she would quit and write instead. But she says after that competition she somehow started to receive the melodies instead of writing. 17 albums later she still receives the music. “I stop everything on tour and lock myself in a room and instead of writing I wait for the music to come to me …. And it does”. She draws inspiration from everyday life, her thoughts about life and where we came from and from nature. Her ‘Journey to the Heart’ and ‘Soul Quest’ albums are indicative of a personal search. Her music reflects that, her creation of music is very spiritual. She attributes much of her success to her fans. She says, “My music is a journey to my fan’s heart --- because of you I can come this far”.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
A conversation with Jeff Duperon … his passion for jazz is contagious

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2017 13:26


Jeff Duperon is your Jazz Host Saturday and Sunday evenings on WRTI. He is drawn to public radio because of the community aspect, That connection to the community is important to Jeff Duperon and to WRTI. He says that is why WRTI has been connected with the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest since it began. The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is strongly connected to the community too. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Jeff will be in Reading again this year hosting his show live on WRTI from Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He enjoys interviewing performers and sharing the Fest with listeners through his eyes. Jeff is passionate about bringing a younger audience into the Jazz scene. He notes that “Jazz is the only original artform created in the United States … a heritage going on for over 100 years”. He gets excited as he talks about preserving, presenting and promoting this great American artform. He’s also excited about the new feature at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest this year, the mini replica of South Jazz Parlor in the DoubleTree Hotel on Penn Street. There will be 13 concerts featured there showcasing all different styles of Jazz music.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Matt Cullen Moves From Backstage to Center Stage at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2017 15:12


Matt spent 20 years on the production crew at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He recalls how and why he got involved and how his involvement with the Fest on a volunteer basis led to some pretty cool opportunities. He now heads up his own production team at Bldg 24 during the Fest. Matt is a teacher by day and a drummer by night. He shares the story of picking the drum for his instrument of choice and how he cultivated his craft with the Holy Name Band when he was only in 7th grade. His band … ‘Cullen & Company’ will be performing at the Festival this year. It will be an Evening Of Grateful Dead Music and music from Jazz Is Dead, which features jazz instrumental versions of Grateful Dead music. His brother Dave Cullen will be featured in this particular Cullen & Company Show and he is pretty excited about that.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Hosting Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is like being in the playground for 10 days

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 12:54


Craig Poole General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading in Downtown. The DoubleTree is the main venue this year hosting 26 events. Craig talks about The South Jazz Parlor at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. It will be a full time club that is open the entire length of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest this year. Craig talks about the pre-planning that took place when building the hotel. The appropriate accommodations for staging the Berks Jazz Fest were put in place as the architectural plans were drawn up. Craig was able to draw from his prior experience owning and operating one of the top jazz clubs in Pittsburgh. All of this was put into place due to the economic impact on Reading and Berks County. Craig says, “The Fest puts Reading and Berks County on the map. As a result we have new year-round visitors!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
It's A Musical Life, What's Not To Like!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2017 12:33


Mike Eben has spent over 3 decades teaching music and playing music. It all started in the High School Jazz Band with Hank Hoffman playing Count Basie’s music. That sort of exposure is what can ignite the musical passion and set a career trajectory in music. Mike says you first need to know what it is you want to get into – performing, teaching, or the music business. Mike says it was Doc Mulligan that nudged him to begin arranging and writing music Mike’s group ‘From The Hip’ will be transformed from a 6 piece to a nine piece band, a sort of small Big Band for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Performances this year. You will hear musical arrangements by Mike Eben and his original Jazz Music as well. A big joy is to have a former student, Greg Wilson, join the band with his saxophone. Mike says Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest brings a world of opportunity when world-class musicians converge on Berks County for 10 days. Educational events are built around the Fest as well which provide students the opportunity to rub elbows with professional musicians and learn from them and play with them. That is an invaluable opportunity

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest puts Reading on The Map!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2016 5:32


Rick Fehling has been to the Peter White Christmas for the last 12 to 15 years. He is a perennial audience member. Rick developed appreciation for music from his Mom, a music teacher in the Governor Mifflin School District and was introduced to the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrone in college. Rick says, “Don’t worry About it Being Jazz it’s Just Good Music!” He didn’t recognize artist names the first few years but went to shows anyway and was awestruck listening to Rick Braun and Brian Colbertson. It’s the music and the ever expanding genres that keep him coming back to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest year after year. Come out and see what it’s all about!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Rick Braun Talks about the Importance of Balance in Life and the Gift of Music

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2016 11:09


Rick Braun is a musician, producer, singer and songwriter all wrapped up in one! He takes some time between the Peter White Christmas Shows at the Miller Center in Reading to talk with Jo Painter about ‘coming home’ to perform at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. While Rick moved to the West Coast he still calls this area ‘home’ and always finds family members in the audience. Rick talks about how Chet Baker has inspired him and shares his other influences as well. While the trumpet has always been his musical voice, he is also using his voice as his musical instrument. Rick shares some practicing secrets for both voice and trumpet and shares some other interesting tales as well. You’ll enjoy his conversation.

BlogTalkUSA
Back In The Game with Mena Freeman

BlogTalkUSA

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2016 63:00


Rebrodcast: Featured Guest: David P. Stevens Multi-talented artist, composer, producer, and versatile musician, Stevens grew up playing piano, drums and guitar at the Church of God, developing a dynamic performance style playing gospel music. He spent his teens playing in jazz and gospel bands, and developed sound and stage presence like one of his idols, Norman Brown, when he later emerged as an urban jazz artist. As his fan base grew with his early album releases, Stevens went from playing "any dive bar where they allowed jazz in Philly" to top clubs like North By Northwest, Warm Daddy's and Relish. He and his band also played at various clubs down in Maryland, as well as the Woodrow Wilson Festival and the iconic Blues Alley club in Washington, DC. Stevens has also performed at The Harlem Meer Festival, at The Iridium in NYC with Alex Bugnon, and the Jazz Base in Reading, PA. Over the past two years, he also did a full European tour through Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In addition to playing on the Capital Jazz SuperCruise, he has been part of the All-Star Jam Festival at Berks Jazz Fest the past three years, sharing the stage with such luminaries as Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne and Scott Ambush from Spyro Gyra.“One of the things I'm known for live is bringing a lot of energy to the stage and incorporating many exciting elements, including background singers," Stevens says

BlogTalkUSA
Back In The Game with Mena Freeman

BlogTalkUSA

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2016 63:00


Featured Guest: David P. Stevens Multi-talented artist, composer, producer, and versatile musician, Stevens grew up playing piano, drums and guitar at the Church of God, developing a dynamic performance style playing gospel music. He spent his teens playing in jazz and gospel bands, and developed sound and stage presence like one of his idols, Norman Brown, when he later emerged as an urban jazz artist. As his fan base grew with his early album releases, Stevens went from playing "any dive bar where they allowed jazz in Philly" to top clubs like North By Northwest, Warm Daddy's and Relish. He and his band also played at various clubs down in Maryland, as well as the Woodrow Wilson Festival and the iconic Blues Alley club in Washington, DC. Stevens has also performed at The Harlem Meer Festival, at The Iridium in NYC with Alex Bugnon, and the Jazz Base in Reading, PA. Over the past two years, he also did a full European tour through Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In addition to playing on the Capital Jazz SuperCruise, he has been part of the All-Star Jam Festival at Berks Jazz Fest the past three years, sharing the stage with such luminaries as Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne and Scott Ambush from Spyro Gyra.“One of the things I'm known for live is bringing a lot of energy to the stage and incorporating many exciting elements, including background singers," Stevens says.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Marketing & PR person behind Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is Mike Zielinski.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2016 11:29


Mike Zielinski, Host of Talking Sports & Fitness with Zeke Host on The PEOPLE Chronicles, BCTV show host and talks about how a sports guy got involved as the promoter and marketer for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He didn’t know one jazz artist when he was asked to promote the Festival so he did a lot of homework and met a lot of fascinating people. Mike is most impressed by the artists. He says some people in sports world and the rock world some people are prima donnas. But in the Jazz world he says the artists are amazing, personable and amiable, folks just like you and me. This is highlighted during the Midnight Jams. The artists get together after they have performed at their respective concerts and pout on another show featuring a couple hours of impromptu jazz that is obviously as much fun for the artists as it is for the audience. Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is a genre melting pot featuring straight ahead jazz, blues, contemporary jazz and funk. John knits together a mosaic of jazz genres for the Festival making sure that there are not two concerts at the same time featuring the same genres.

festival jazz zielinski marketing pr boscov people chronicles berks jazz fest
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Dave Cullen Personifies Versatility, Find Out Who He Calls His ‘Zen Master’

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2016 14:36


Dave Cullen, Berks County’s resident Grammy Award Winner, shares a great story of his experience with another Grammy Award Winner from Berks County, Taylor Swift! Dave says her personality is real and down to earth, much like the personalities of the jazz musicians that are in town for the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Dave Cullen is one of the original Groovemasters and will be performing with them at the Inn At Reading on opening night. Dave feels it is important to give back and so he teaches guitar to music business students At Millersville University, to music education majors at West Chester University, and to music therapy majors at Elizabethtown University. Dave Cullen’s plays a wide variety of genres and he has a special Gospel Mass performance scheduled during this year’s Berks Jazz Fest. Dave shares some behind the scenes stories of the music business and offers a piece of advice for his music students.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Kick Off is Tradition at the Peanut Bar in Downtown Reading

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2016 14:56


The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest officially begins at the Peanut Bar . The kick off of the vent always happens at Noon on Friday at The Peanut Bar. Michael Leifer, owner of The Peanut Bar says 26 years ago they were very excited about the event coming to town with Frankie Scott being the opening act because they have always been passionate about making things happen in Downtown Reading. This event has grown tremendously over the years but the opening tradition remains the same and the excitement for this event has not waned. If you want a seat at the kick off you need to make your reservation in January! This tradition has been renamed and is now the Harold Leifer Memorial Jazz Fest Kickoff Lunch. Michael Leifer is excited and honored to have the kick off named for his Dad, Harold, because he was always very positive about the possibilities of Downtown Reading. Due to demand for this event the Groovemasters will not only open the fest at the Peanut Bar they will be back at the end of the week for a second Peanut Bar Show. Listen as Michael shares some of the stories of this event over the years.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Getting from here to there - What a long strange trips it’s been!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2016 12:47


Did you see the schedule for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest? There are about 175 artists coming to town this year. That doesn’t include the bandmates. It takes about a dozen volunteers and three 15-seat passenger vans to get all the artists to the right place at the right time. By the end of the fest, about 10,000 miles will have been racked up on the vehicles and everyone will have made it where they needed to be safe and sound. You can imagine the stories that are shared in the car on the way to the show. Chuck shares the story of how his journey began. Oddly enough it has something to do with The Grateful Dead! The transportation crew is like a team of ninjas. You never see them but they make sure you see the artists at the right place and time. Find out what Bruce Hornsby, The Grateful Dead and the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest have in common. It may just be the reason Chuck has been on the transportation team all these year and now devotes his time to coordinating all the trips.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
What does Jazz mean to Craig Poole.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2016 10:06


You know Craig Poole runs the Doubletree by Hilton in downtown Reading, but did you know he also owned one of top 100 jazz clubs in the world? James Street Jazz Club in Pittsburgh was Craig’s home for 16 years. Craig recalls those memories and likens the scene to Penn Street. The impact of jazz and jazz clubs in an urban neighborhood is the ability to bring everybody in, it’s very eclectic, multi denominational, multi-generational and it’s safe. He says Jazz is something that just ‘happens’. You have to be there to truly enjoy it and see it happen. It brings people together. Craig calls Jazz “the great equalizer… You could be president of company , a professor in college, or somebody that doesn’t have a dime. Jazz brings people together and they are all equal for a period of time… enjoying the same thing, in the same spirit and in the same time”. Hear some of Craig’s stories from the jazz scene and what he is looking forward to at this year’s Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
The story of a volunteer at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2016 10:04


Mark Shearer started volunteering at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 1994. Twenty-one years later he is the Volunteer Coordinator for the entire 10 day festival. Mark says it all started the year he and his wife spent about $800 on tickets the Berks Jazz Fest. He got the invitation to volunteer at the Jazz Fest. He and his wife volunteered for 5 or 6 shows. They loved it and each year they added more shows to their volunteer list. Before you knew it Mark and his wife each became a house captain. The volunteer force is often referenced as an army and Mark is quick to correct that and say it is a ‘Family’ of volunteers. He says volunteers can select the shows where they want to volunteer. The only mandate is one volunteer meeting and 3 shows. So what keeps him at the table in such a large and time consuming capacity? It is the people … not only the family of volunteers but the artists and the concert attendees as well. From the moment they walk in the door to the final curtain, there is a common goal. Make sure everyone has a good time! Tune in and find out how you can join the volunteer family.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Skip Moyer, this year’s Frank Scott Award Winner, shares the story of how it all started.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2016 13:46


Skip Moyer is looking forward to sharing the Frank Scott Award moment with his kids. He played with Frank Scott a lot of times over the years. The award is all about a musician who has made a significant contribution to jazz in Berks County, as well as their active involvement in giving back to the community through music. Skip has been involved with Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest since the beginning and he is still amazed that he is asked to play when all the big names are coming in to town to perform. He can’t imagine why people would choose to see him! Skip graduated from the Navy School of Music where he met a lot of great musicians. “Dennis … from Lehighton … ended up playing with Paul McCartney and the Wings … and Vaughn played bass trombone with the Woody Herman Band for years”. Skip says he got to play with a lot of great musicians in the Navy Band, “especially during peace time ... they are pretty picky about the musicians they choose”. Skip teaches locally. He is really happy this year because he has a student playing bass with the All County Jazz Band. Most years his students were the ones that played bass with the County Jazz Band. Skip says, “Last year was one of the years he didn’t have a student do it ... It’s because people that were actually qualified to play weren’t really interested in doing it. There are so many different kinds of music. Their pursuits were more toward the classical vein”. How do you teach jazz? Skip says, “It starts from how to hold the base, how to pull the string. Then you get into the harmony aspect … I usually teach how to play the blues first”. Skip wanted to play an instrument since he was 10. He bought an Oscar Peterson record but didn’t even own a turntable! He fondly recalls the local hillbilly parks and firemen’s carnivals where all the big names came to play including Bill Monroe, Webb Pierce, Bill Haley, Earl Scruggs and Minnie Pearl. They provided the inspiration and he really wanted to play steel guitar and dobro. His High School teacher urged him to play the Bass instead. That was the beginning of a lifetime making and sharing music.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Up Close and Personal with Jenifer Kinder

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2016 12:59


Jenifer Kinder is connected with the songs she sings even when they are not her own words but cover songs. Jenifer is not only an amazing singer but a songwriter as well and her song, ‘I Can Breathe’, is charting on commercial radio. She wrote this for her Twisted CD. It was re-recorded and released a second time with the Uptown Band, with whom she has been singing for 10 years. Jenifer says “All my songs are true. Everything that I’ve written about has happened”. Writing is how she works though it “As an artist my writing has become more dear to me than my singing”. A dream of hers since she was a little girl has been realized. She is on the radio! Jenifer started ‘working’ on her career when she was 14 years old. She worked with producer Scott Verret recording a lot of studio jingles and commercials for Boscov’s, Tom Masano, Easter Seals and more. Jenifer talks about the work she did developing her career. She says “There is no greater feeling and joy that I get than when performing in my home town”. Jenifer developed and performs tribute concerts to Amy Winehouse and talks about why she picked Amy. “I absolutely fell in love with her voice the first time I heard her”. Jenifer adds, “I wanted to always do a tribute while she was alive… but no one seemed to know who she was … lyrically she is just a phenomenal songwriter. Her music was overshadowed by her life. I wanted to bring her music to life … that she was a singer, musician, storyteller”. Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is almost surreal to her because of all the big names that come to town. She says, “To be among that energy is powerful and brings so many people together from all over the world. It’s amazing”. Jenifer will be singing with Erich Cawalla and the Groovemasters at the Peanut Bar. It is the traditional ‘opening concert’ for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. She will be performing a couple times during the Fest … at a ‘Groovemaster’s Celebration for Alissa B’ and again with the ‘Uptown Band’.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Tim Price started his illustrious musical career in Reading PA and comes full circle with Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2016 14:50


Tim Price is one of the country’s foremost woodwind instrumentalists who graduated from Berklee College of Music. The sax is his instrument of choice. He shares lots of fond musical memories including some from the Grand Hotel at 7th and Franklin St in Reading. Tim still studies music and he says it all started right here in Reading. Tim Price talks about Joe Miller being a big influence on him, “Joe Miller really was one of the saxophone players that played on a major level … a melodic swinging player. He was no nonsense as a human being and helped me as a kid. … I studied clarinet and sax with Joe.” Tim has fond memories of Joe and is grateful for his influence. Tim adds, “Joe was certainly a driving force in giving me a reality of learning how to play … He knew about jazz …. He was aware of the great players …. He was really thrilled when I went to Berklee. Joe would tell you right out …. In music you need a reality check” Tim remembers the musical era in which he grew up. He was able to look at things and the music was always up close and personal. He would watch and think that he could do that. And he did! Tim says, “I saw how an audience related to stuff. I was exposed to a grits and gravy organ group sound”. That is what you will hear when Tim Price plays the blues with Greg Hatza. Time notes, “The organ thing is the best when you are really trying to relate to people. An organ group has a different vernacular than anything else. You can’t fake an organ group” Tim is keeping that vernacular alive, as a teacher, a clinician and a musician. Greg Hatza and the Tim Price Organ Quartet will be featured Sat April 2 at Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café at the Crowne Plaza.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
John Ernesto, GM of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, shares his philosophy for success.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2016 10:19


Let’s begin at the beginning with John Ernesto, the General Manager of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He has been involved since the beginning 26 years ago when The Arts Council and The Visitor’s Bureau and area hotels wanted to put together a Jazz Festival. It was meant to be a cultural art experience to draw people to Berks County during a slower time of year. 4 years later John Ernesto took over and learned along the way. It started as a weekend event, it expanded to a 10 day event to celebrate the 10th Anniversary and that format has continued to this day. The economic impact on Berks County is between 8 and 10 million dollars. Now the challenge is to keep people and artists coming back every year. The enthusiasm doesn’t wane. It has become a real destination for music fans. We try to keep the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festival fresh so artists are brought back in different contexts. The fans come back every year because they trust us. It’s kind of like a jazz cruise on land. The artists mingle with the fans whether at a restaurant or a hotel lobby. Another staple of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is the midnight music jams. Musicians love to join the jam even after already performing multiple shows throughout the day and fans stay up through the wee hours of the morning to enjoy the music. The Jams will be held at Bldg 24 this year. John Ernest attributes the lasting success to this, “A simple philosophy is take care of the artists, take care of the fans, and everything else will take care of itself”. And so John and his team will do that again this year. John adds the biggest challenge is coordinating the artist availability and schedules. Manhattan Transfer, Take 6, Mavis Staples, an All-star cast performing the music of James Brown, Bela Fleck and Chick Corea, and child prodigy pianist Joey Alexander are just some of this year’s highlights.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Education Committee connecting students to jazz music.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2016 9:56


Mike Eben spent his career in music education. He was a Muhlenberg school district music teacher. Now semi-retired he continues to teach part time at Albright College in addition to offering private sax, flute and clarinet lessons. He also serves on the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Education Committee. The committee helps fill some gaps that music budget cuts may present in schools. As a result of the Jazz Fest we now have the All County Jazz Band and the Jazz Vocal Group. The Education Committee has been conducting music workshops every year in conjunction with the Berks Jazz Fest and they have had a varying amount of success. This year they are doing things differently. Mike Eben says there will a full day of events devoted to workshops. Educators will come in and host workshops, profession musicians will be performing and jazz vendors will be setting up shop. This will be all day at the new DoubleTree in downtown Reading on Saturday April 2. There will also be performances by local school groups. Mike Eben says Jazz is the root of many forms of music and provides a student the opportunity to see how chords and scales work which is the basis of all music. What does a music program or workshop opportunity do for a student? Mike Eben says “It changes a student because there has to be that commitment. You can’t be successful in it if you aren’t into it 100%. You have to practice if you want to maintain your chops. You have to listen to it if you want to sound authentic” He adds that most kids playing music in schools aren’t going to go into music but they will carry that music with them wherever they go. Mike and the education committee of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest hope to develop a robust group of jazz music listeners because that will keep the jazz music alive.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Michael Tozzi said “It’s the volunteers that set Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest apart”.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2016 14:32


Michael Tozzi, a Philadelphia radio legend entrenched in the jazz industry and jazz music scene now operates an internet streaming business, Ijazzglobal.com. He programs the music in accordance with listener demand. Musicians and audience, it’s all part of a family for Michael Tozzi. Michael will be hosting 7 or 8 shows featuring an amalgam of great talent both weekends of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest shows at his ijazzglobalcafe at the Crowne Plaza. Michael Tozzi says when he was with Smooth Jazz Radio WJJZ in ’95 one of his assignments was to go up to Reading and cover the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest. He came here not knowing what to expect. When he went back to Philly he said to his bosses, “Do you realize what’s happening in Reading?” Tozzi says “It has grown into an incredible festival, one of the most respected in the world”. So how does Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest impact Michael’s work? Tozzi says Reading is impacting the Greater Philadelphia marketplace. Video and music streaming brings BJF to a broader market”. Tozzi says, “I’ve been to a lot of music fests around the world and none of them compare to Reading. It’s the volunteers that set Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest apart”.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
It’s all about the energy and making everybody happy!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2016 10:08


Gary Spencer is the Production Manager for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He knows what an audience wants and he and his team endeavor to make it happen. Gary started volunteering with the Berks Arts Council in 1994 at Bandshell concerts in City Park. Gary Spencer says “They said they needed volunteers, I went up and knocked on the door. The rest is history. It’s been 22 years now”. Jazz Fest used to be a weekend event, then a 4 day weekend event and in the year 2000 the Jazz Fest ran 10 days. It was supposed to be a one year event in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Jazz Fest. It was so successful it became an annual 10 day event. That’s when Gary got hired to help coordinate and move the project forward. So what does being the Production Manager for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest entail. It is a master juggling act to keep multiple stages, performances, venues, artists, bands, and fans happy at the same time. Gary and his team make it happen seamlessly. If there is a snafu, nobody knows it. According to Gary Spencer that is because, “Everyone has the same goals, to have a successful show, and everyone works together”. The devil is in the details and success means very long days for Gary and his team. Early morning sound checks and stage sets to theatre set-ups, lunch and dinner for the artists, tear-downs at the end of the night all done by teams of 10 to 12 volunteers at each venue. What has Boscov’s done for Gary, “It’s changed my life… Getting instant gratification … from culmination to fruition … with this you see joy in people’s faces and feel that buzz, you hear people having fun… everybody’s happy”.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Igniting musical fire of inspiration for Berks County students.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2016 11:34


The Boscov’s Berks Jaz Fest is all about making a difference in the community. Chris Heslop, composer, sax and clarinet player, educator, performer, chairs the Jazz Fest Education Committee. One of the challenges is getting kids to the Education Workshops. Get JazzEd Day of Education was formed. Chris Heslop says “A lot of schools hold a jazz invitational and competitions. We modeled that format but without the competition component … and made it fully educational”. Get JazzEd Day of Education features 8 clinicians or professional musicians conducting workshops including, ‘efficient practicing’, ‘conducting new pieces’, ‘performing’, ‘improve your playing’ among others. This year’s featured artist is Tom Bones Malone, who Heslop says “has done everything in the music business”. Chris Heslop says the education committee reaches out to educate band directors and teachers about who the clinicians and featured artists are … which drums up enthusiasm for participation in the workshops. By the way, opera has worked its’ way into Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest this year. Chris Heslop is scoring a piece about Mozart’s Librettist who lived in PA for a short time and did some business in Reading, PA. the productions is a collaborative effort between Collaboration between Berks Opera Company and Reading Theatre Project. There will be a one night performance April 8 at the Women’s Club of Reading.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
“Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest – The friendliest festival in the world!”

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2016 12:08


Step into the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest with us! This event creates an opportunity for students, musicians, artists and audience to play a part. Karen Haver, Executive Director Berks Arts Council, notes the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is the flagship event for the Arts Council. She says “It’s the friendliest festival in the world …. It’s a great tribute to our volunteers”. Karen Haver likens the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest to a great big family reunion. The volunteers and staff go the extra mile to treat performers and audience like family. Over the years strong friendships have formed. The Jazz Fest means spreading the art of jazz throughout Berks County. It has a huge economic impact in Berks County, infusing between 5 -6 million dollars in this community. Both visual arts and education are incorporated in the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Education is a big part Berks Arts Council’s mission. The collaboration between the Jazz Fest and local schools, helps form the next generation of jazz musicians. Karen says “It’s interesting to see the growth of musicians as they go through the program. Some students are now working professional musicians and come back to play during Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Haver adds, “You can make a living loving what you do”. The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest ‘Frank Scott Memorial Art Of Jazz Show’ for visual artists is another way the Berks Arts Council creates an opportunity for the whole artistic community to be part of Jazz Fest.

JazzTimes Spins & Riffs
#38: John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington & the Portland Jazz scene

JazzTimes Spins & Riffs

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2015 40:10


Long-time jazz industry exec Don Lucoff sits it to spin some contemporary jazz cuts from guitarist John Scofield’s “Past Present” album and the “Love and Soul” album from drummer Terri Lyne Carrington & the Mosaic Project.  Don, who produces the Biamp PDX Jazz Festival in Portland, riffs with Lee about the Portland jazz scene and how it’s developed over the years into one of the more important regional scenes outside of NYC.  This episode sponsored by the Berks Jazz Fest.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
25 years of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Memories

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2015 16:39


John Ernesto, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Manager and Lisa Johnson, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Graphic Designer share the journey down 25 years of Jazz Fest Memory Lane. Compiling 25 years of photos and stories of the artists that appeared at the fest soon became a months long all consuming project. The 231 page commemorative book showcases all the highlights over the years and preserves many musical memories of all the musicians and players that make the Boscovs Berks Jazz Fest so successful. Some are no longer with us. Others are still coming back. All are Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest treasures. Be sure to get your copy of this commemorative book and take it to the fest next year for autographs. Books can be ordered on line at berksjazzfest.com

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Boscovs Berks Jazz Fest through the lens of Andrew Lepley

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2015 14:58


Meet the invisible videographer Andrew Lepley. For 20 years Andrew has been the official Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest photographer and now videographer. If you've never noticed him at a concert, that is by design. He captures the moment and the music without being intrusive to the performer or the audience. He has a gift for getting the shots that allow you to feel the emotion and the music. Andrew Lepley's photos from over the years are showcased throughout the 25th Anniversary Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Commemorative Book. Now you don't have to miss any shows. Andrew presents his unique audio video overview on www.berksjazzfest.com.

lens berks jazz fest
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Karen Haver, Exec. Dir. Berks Arts Council, spotlights ‘The Art Of Jazz’

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2015 10:50


Karen Haver, Executive Director of the Berks Arts Council, talks about what it takes to stage the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Berks Arts Council has a staff of 3 who work with Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest General Manager, John Ernesto, and 500 volunteers to stage this flagship event for the Council. Karen says the Fest provides the opportunity for a variety of collaborative events. The Berks Arts Council stages ‘The Art of Jazz’, a visual art show and ‘20 Feet From Stardom’ a film about back-up singers, in conjunction with the Jazz Fest which draws about 2/3 of its audience from out of town. Don’t miss the shows at the GoggleWorks, on Washington St in Reading, PA.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Why volunteer at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest? There are so many benefits

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2015 10:48


The jazz bug bit in the late 60’s for Jim Landrigan. A life long fan of jazz music and dedicated volunteer at Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, Jim Landrigan shares the memories created while volunteering. From enjoying music for free to meeting the musicians up close and personal, the experience creates lasting friendships. Owner of Land Displays, Jim takes care of billboards for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. He is always willing to roll up his sleeves and help. You will find Jim and his wife Debbie at a number of concerts volunteering to do whatever needs to be done. Going the extra mile Jim also gives his time and talent serving as President of the Berks Arts Council Board of Directors. Listen to the variety of ways you can volunteer at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, a nationally renowned Jazz Festival that is successful because of the dedicated army of volunteers allowing 90 cents of every dollar donated to go directly to the music!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Jerry Holleran and Toni Lynne Remember Frankie Scott

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2015 16:24


Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest mission: stage a ‘knock your socks off’ 10 day music festival, preserve and promote jazz music and education in the community. This hugely successful Fest is celebrating its’ 25th year. Before the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest there was Frank Scott. The Berks Arts Council in collaboration with Carolyn and Jerry Holleran established the Frank Scott Award to permanently recognize Scott’s musical and community contribution. Each year an honoree is named for their significant contribution to jazz and commitment to promoting music in the Berks County community. Who is Frank Scott? Tune in as Jerry Holleran and Toni Lynne, the 2006 Frank Scott award winner, introduce us to Frank Scott through their memories

fest berks county holleran frank scott boscov berks jazz fest berks arts council
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Paul Scott - Official Master of Ceremonies for Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2015 12:05


Paul Scott is the official Master of Ceremonies for Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest. Paul spent the last 10 years introducing all of the major performers, welcoming them to the stage as the shows begin. He also hosted live broadcasts from Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest on Smooth Jazz 92.7. Tune in to hear some of Paul's memories of favorite concerts and backstage tales.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Go Greater Reading talks Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2015 13:32


Crystal Seitz talks to Karen Meyers Haver about all things Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest! Everyone's talking about it!

berks jazz fest crystal seitz go greater reading
Go Greater Reading!
Karen Meyers Haver is all about Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest!

Go Greater Reading!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2015 13:32


Crystal Seitz talks to Karen Meyers Haver about Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest!

meyers haver berks jazz fest crystal seitz
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Gerald Veasley - the man behind the 6 string bass.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2015 12:45


Gerald Veasley grew up in Philadelphia surrounded by Blues, Soul and Gospel Music. Those influences paved the way to a lifelong celebration of music. An extraordinary talent, Gerald talks about the importance of education and the healing power of music. He continues to compose, perform and teach music at the University of The Arts. Gerald Veasley will grace the stage for a number of concerts at the 25th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

university soul philadelphia arts blues man behind gospel music gerald veasley string bass berks jazz fest
Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Jazz it Up with Will Rapp and the Reading Pops Orchestra

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2015 13:02


Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest puts the Reading Pops Orchestra front and center April 19 with the New York Voices. Will Rapp, former chair of the music department at Kutztown University and conductor of the Reading Pops, says this group of musicians always welcomes new and innovative musical challenges. Will recalls the first time the New York Voices came to Reading to perform with the Pops and shares his excitement as they get ready to welcome them back for an encore performance at the 25th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Mark Burford and Stan Danner take us backstage

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2015 12:26


Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest put Reading on the National Map. Go anywhere in the country and people will talk about the Jazz Fest in Reading. That happens through the dedication of volunteers like Mark and Stan. Meet the Power behind the scenes, literally. Mark brings his professional expertise from a lifelong career with Met-Ed and First Energy to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Stan brings his ‘let’s get it done!’ attitude to volunteering backstage to do whatever needs to be done. Why do they give so much time and energy to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest? For the music! These gentlemen volunteer to keep the music alive in Reading.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Mike Anderson talks about the birth of Berks Horns

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2015 11:42


Mike Anderson talks about his involvement with the Berks Jazz Fest since its inception from creating the neon logo and volunteering backstage to performing on stage. Who knew his first exposure to woodwind instruments in the fourth grade would ultimately lead to an opportunity to form Berks Horns and perform on stage at Berks Jazz Fest. He’s not sure what is the bigger thrill, performing on stage with the likes of Mindi Abair, Jeff Golub, Brian Bromberg, Cheili Minnuci and many more or turning around and seeing his latest logo design for the 25th Anniversary of the Bosco’s Berks Jazz Fest featured prominently on the multiple venue stages. Watch for Berks Horns to be featured in a number of shows at this year’s Fest in April

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Mindi Abair - the Lady with the Sax

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2015 9:29


Mindi Abair shares her experience upon hearing the news of her Grammy nomination and talks about things she learned growing up watching her Dad play sax, her experiences along the way and how the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest feels like home.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Peter White – Telling stories through his music.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2014 9:43


Jo Painter shares her interview with Peter White during his 11th Annual Peter White and Friends Christmas Tour. Peter talks about his inspiration for his new CD - Peter White - Smile. Peter White has been with the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest since 1993 and states that his year “just doesn’t show up right” unless he is part of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Check out the 25th Anniversary of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest April 10-19, 2015!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Uptown Band & Dance Hall Docs - Fabulous Friday Funkathon 4-10-15 - Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest!

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2014 14:50


Uptown Band & Dance Hall Docs together for Fabulous Friday Funkathon April 10, 2015 at Bldg 24. Erich Cawalla and Fred Moreadith talk about performing, managing, practicing and spontaneity. This is why Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is a favorite annual event for musicians.

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass
Meet Reggie Brown of Buncha Funk and Bennie Sims of the Grooovemasters

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Backstage Pass

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2014 13:27


Reggie Brown of Buncha Funk and Bennie Sims with the Grooovemasters sit down for a fun conversation. Their friendship and love of music and the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is immediately evident. You gotta love these two! Check it out and don’t miss their Fabulous Friday Funkathon April 17 at Bldg 24

JazzTimes Spins & Riffs
Episode #13: Bass on Top w/Moffett, McBride & Veasley, plus the Sound of Philadelphia

JazzTimes Spins & Riffs

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2013 32:49


With Rene touring on the West Coast, bassist Gerald Veasley sits in as guest co-host for a show about bass and the Sound of Philadelphia. In this episode taped on location at the Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pa., Lee & Gerald preview new albums from bassists Charnett Moffett and Christian McBride. The two Philly natives then riff on the music of Gamble & Huff, Thom Bell, Grover Washington, Jr and many of their jazz heroes from that city. This episode sponsored by Insight Cuba.

Go Greater Reading!
Berks Jazz Fest and Mike Anderson

Go Greater Reading!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2013 9:56


Crystal talks to Mike about his love and passion around Berks Jazz Fest!

mike anderson berks jazz fest