WEST READING, Pa. – It starts with the sound. As instruments warm up, you can feel it, Jazz Fest is back.
At the West Reading Motor Club, Friday night’s show featured the Sadik Akdogan Quartet.
“We’re going to do some jazz standards… we’ve got a sax player, bass player, guitarist… and I play drums,” said drummer Sadik Akdogan.
For him, this stage is personal. He’s a Berks County native who grew up attending Jazz Fest as a kid.
“My dad would take me to Jazz Fest gigs… and I always wanted to do what the drummer did,” he said.
Now, he’s the one on stage. And it’s not just happening here.
Over in Wyomissing, inside Sly Fox, another crowd is getting ready for a night of live music.
“Oh absolutely… we’ve sold over 120 seats so far… and we usually leave some open for walk-ins,” said Danielle Altavilla, general manager.
In a sign of just how big this festival has become, the event brings in visitors and boosts local businesses.
“Friday, Saturday nights are our biggest nights… and we always have a good crowd drawn by the shows,” said Anthony Calbaresi, general manager of the West Reading Motor Club.
It’s a high note for local businesses, and a chance for people to experience jazz up close.
“We’re going to be doing a jazz brunch on Sunday. David Cullen’s going to be here… and then we also have another show tomorrow night, as well as next Friday and Saturday,” Calbaresi added.
Jazz Fest events will continue throughout the week across Berks County.