READING, Pa. – The 35th Berks Jazz Fest includes a special celebration of life ceremony for a longtime volunteer.
Artists, volunteers, friends and family all came together for the special tribute for Stanley Danner.
“I think it’s unprecedented, but he’s been around so long that I think that it’s appropriate,” said Andrea Coleman-Hill, a family member of Danner’s.
Danner spent more than 30 years volunteering at Jazz Fest.
“He inspires people,” said Brad Hafer, Executive VP of Production for 4Wall Entertainment. “Stan, no matter what’s going on, if we’re nine hours in or one hour in, he has the same type of attitude towards getting it done.”
Danner retired in 2023 and died before the start of this year’s Berks Jazz Fest. It’s a loss many say they feel deeply.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking, but I know he’s at peace and he’s not suffering anymore,” said Constance Danner Witherspoon, Stanley’s younger sister.
There were stories shared, pictures showed, military honors and even musical tributes from some of the artists who worked with Stan over the years.
“He would be in his glory,” added Witherspoon. “This is like so amazing for them to do this for him, which shows you that people actually loved this man.”