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<\/p>\nBerks Arts announced today that it is expanding the 35th annual Boscov\u2019s Berks Jazz Fest beyond its traditional March schedule to include the entire month of April, creating a six-week celebration that formally aligns the festival with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) \u2014 a worldwide observance held each April.<\/p>\n
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Traditionally staged during the second half of March, the milestone 35th anniversary Berks Jazz Fest will now run from March 19 through April 30, concluding on International Jazz Day.<\/p>\n
Jazz Appreciation Month was established by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001 to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of jazz throughout April. Each year, JAM encourages people of all ages to explore jazz \u2014 its history, artists, recordings, live performances, and its lasting cultural impact.<\/p>\n
More information about Jazz Appreciation Month can be found at https:\/\/americanhistory.si.edu\/explore\/projects\/smithsonian-jazz\/jazz-appreciation-month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis expansion allows us to build upon the momentum of the Boscov\u2019s Berks Jazz Fest while celebrating jazz on a broader scale throughout the community,\u201d said John Ernesto, Berks Arts consultant and coordinator of the JAM celebration. \u201cBy aligning with Jazz Appreciation Month, we can showcase the richness, diversity, and cultural significance of jazz while creating new and unique opportunities for artists and audiences alike.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expanded Berks Jazz Fest will culminate with a special concert featuring renowned trumpeter Rick Braun, performing the music of the late Chuck Mangione. The concert, Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, will take place at the Miller Center for the Arts on the Reading Area Community College campus.<\/p>\n
Berks Arts is partnering with local organizations, venues, live-music presenters, and educators to develop a dynamic, community-wide series of jazz performances, educational programs, and special events.<\/p>\n
Programming will take place in a wide variety of settings throughout Berks County \u2014 offering audiences multiple ways to experience jazz, from intimate club performances to large-scale concerts.<\/p>\n
Currently, 20 events are scheduled at various venues in April, with additional presenters and artists creating programming to be part of the Jazz Appreciation Month celebration. Berks Arts will announce ongoing updates to the JAM schedule through the Berks Jazz Fest in March.<\/p>\n
The expanded programming will provide additional performance opportunities for local, regional, and national musicians, reinforcing Berks County\u2019s longstanding reputation as a vibrant destination for live jazz.<\/p>\n
The Boscov\u2019s Berks Jazz Fest remains one of the region\u2019s premier music events, attracting artists and audiences from across the country while celebrating the enduring legacy and evolving future of jazz.<\/p>\n
The success and longevity of the fest have been made possible by the unwavering support of the local business community, arts organizations, dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and patrons. Their continued generosity and commitment have helped the fest flourish year after year.<\/p>\n
In turn, the fest has delivered lasting benefits to the community, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape through arts and education, while also generating meaningful economic impact for the region.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u2022\u2022<\/p>\n
A Scottish Festival concert featuring the Reading Choral Society and a selection of other choirs will be held next Sunday at 4 p.m. at Muhlenberg High School, 400 Sharp Ave., Laureldale.<\/p>\n
Under the direction of RCS Music Director Dr. Graham Bier, the concert will feature bagpipes, poetry and song.<\/p>\n
A collection of choirs in Berks County will come together to sing music on the birthday of Robert Burns, known for poetry including \u201cAuld Lang Syne\u201d and \u201cMy Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,\u201d with appearances by Vox Philia, Berks Youth Chorus, Opus One Chamber Choir and the Blue Mountain Heritage Chorus as the Reading Choral Society hosts its continuing 150th anniversary celebrations.<\/p>\n
This will be the first time all these choirs will be together in a concert. Each choir will be singing separately and then together for the commissioned piece by Christopher Hoh, \u201cAuld Lang Syne.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Charles](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768883772_503_RSO-performers.jpg\")
Charles Reid, tenor, and Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano. (Courtesy of Reading Symphony Orchestra)<\/p>\n