axophonist Gerald Albright is going to be a busy chance to play all different types of music and with Johnson was doing on the bass,” he said. “After the Sman during the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, but people I don’t get to play with all that often. I’m look- show I thought I’d just borrow a bass and fi gured I frank scott award / 3 that’s nothing new for him. And he’s certainly no ing forward to it.” would at least learn a scale. But shortly thereafter it stranger to the fest -- this is his eighth year perform- Albright is no stranger to multi-tasking. He started became an integral part of what I do.” ing at Berks. playing piano when he was about 8 and then added As much as he loves the sax, Albright said the artist profi les / begin The fi ve-time the saxophone a year later. bass gave him entrance to the rhythm section in by tracy rasmussen Grammy nominee “I was a child,” he said. “And I wasn’t really interested ways the saxophone never could. on 6 reading eagle correspondent is hosting his own in the piano. I wanted to be out playing with my friends “The rhythm section is the meat of any show that show, Gerald in the neighborhood. But then my teacher George you do or any record you record,” he said. “I wanted Albright and Friends: The Man and His Music, with Turpeau had an old saxophone that he’d played in the to groove that way. It was a nice contrast fo me 10-day schedule of an all-star lineup, including Rick Braun, Larry Braggs, army and he thought he’d surprise me with it.” because I’ve been playing the saxophone for so long.” events / 10, 11 daughter Selina Albright and the Berks Jazz Fest Albright said he remembers the teacher opening In fact, if you listen to his records, you may also Horns. This show, featuring a hot segment dedicated the case and the instantaneous connection he had hear Albright playing any of the saxes, the fl ute, and to R&B legend James Brown, is slated for Friday, with the instrument. the EWI (electronic wind instrument). He’s also been guitar masters / 16 April 1, at 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. “You could just smell the history in the case,” known to still sit down at the keyboard, too, since However, he’ll begin his stay here this year with Albright said. “And then out popped this silver saxo- songwriting is often easier on that instrument. Guitars and Saxes on Sunday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at phone. You could tell it had stories to tell. He put the “I still play that to structure the music when I’m randy brecker: artist- the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, joining Kirk reed on the mouthpiece and let me play a note.” writing,” he said. Whalum, Peter White, Jeff Golub, Jeff Lorber and Eric The result was hardly indicative of Albright’s future Albright’s history also includes work as a session in-residence / 17 Marienthal. virtuosity on the instrument, but it was enough to musician with artists including Anita Baker, Ray He doesn’t stop there. He’ll be playing all week, hook him on the instrument for life. Parker, Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, Olivia Newton-John, the vista all-stars, with Chuck Loeb & Friends for The BeBop Sessions, “For me it was really more of just a squeak,” he the Temptations and Maurice White. He’s also been Wednesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at Gerald Veas- said. “But the rest is history.” on tour with Les McCann, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, the jazz cruise / 18 ley’s Jazz Base; and in the Berks All-Star Jazz Jam, That history included a trip in 1978 to a Brothers the Winans, Marlena Shaw, Quincy Jones and Whitney Thursday, March 31, at 8 p.m. in the Crowne Plaza Johnson concert during which he found an additional Houston. Reading ballroom. musical calling. fest merchandise / 19 “I’m really happy about that,” Albright said. “I get a “I was just fl oored with the improvisations that Louis ALBRIGHT, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 21ST ANNUAL FESTIVAL GUIDE PUBLISHED BY READING EAGLE ALBRIGHT, FROM PAGE 1 “There’s no limitation to music. I’ll be playing everything He’s recorded more than a dozen CDs, from funk to love ballads to straight-ahead jazz. I like to including the 2010 Grammy-nominated see the different sides of what I do and my passions for Push the Envelope, which came out last year. different types of music.” Albright plays several instruments on his CDs and makes sure to write some of the music, too. Songwriting isn’t easy for him, but he’s usually touched by the result. “I’m not like Stevie Wonder sitting down and writing all those hit tunes,” he said. “I have to be in the mood for writing, but once I get in the mood I can stay in the studio for months. The fascination for me is to take a fragment of something and then broaden it into a four- or fi ve-part melody that becomes a complete composition.” Albright is looking forward to his time at Berks Jazz Fest, where he’ll be playing with lots of his friends including Brian Culbertson, SELINA ALBRIGHT Rick Braun, Larry Braggs, Peter White, Kirk she was four or fi ve years old,” Albright Whalum and Jeff Golub. said, “and thought, ‘Wow, she’s really got “I like to switch around,” Albright said. a gift.’ But it took her a while before she “There’s no limitation to music. I’ll be playing got serious about it. I’m so proud of her, everything from funk to love ballads to and performing with her is going to be a straight-ahead jazz. I like to see the different wonderful thing. I’m in my comfort zone. We sides of what I do and my passions for write music together too, and she’s a great different types of music.” lyricist and I’m good at composing the mu- And he’ll also be performing with his sic. We know each other so well, she can daughter Selina Albright. almost tell what I’m thinking. It’s nice to have “I started listening to her sing when that kind of closeness with your daughter.” albright at the fest... Experience all that Greater Reading has to offer sunday, march 27 ello jazz fans and welcome to the 21st graciously made this year’s festival possible inspire, advocate and Berks Arts Guitars and Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Hannual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest! with their continued support and efforts in promote diversifi ed Council Peter White, Jeff Golub plus special guests Jeff Lorber This festival is full of variety, excitement elevating the arts in Berks County. arts and entertainment receives state arts and Eric Marienthal and artistic energy, and is host to some of I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all forms in the community; funding sup- Sovereign Performing Arts Center • 7 p.m. • $49 the world’s top-ranking jazz musicians. of our corporate sponsors for their tremen- excitement about learn- port through There are many events and experiences dous investments in this outstanding event. ing; social causes that a grant from the wednesday, march 30 to be a part of while you are here in Greater I want to give a big thank you to the Berks address life’s realities and Pennsylvania Council The Bebop Sessions featuring Chuck Loeb, RIck Braun, Reading attending one of the most exciting Arts Council Board of Directors for their lead- economic stimulation. on the Arts, a state jazz festivals in the nation! ership in continuing to strive to create high- If you enjoy the festival, agency funded by the Randy Brecker, Brian Bromberg, Gerald Albright, Ada Rovatti, Commonwealth of We have a number of unique shops, his- quality interactive arts and entertainment please consider showing Pennsylvania and the Philippe Saisse and more toric sites and activities you will want to ex- experiences here in Greater Reading. I also your support by joining National Endowment Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading perience during your stay, from the Pagoda would like to extend a special thank you to for the Arts, a federal the Berks Arts Council. agency. 7 p.m. • $35 atop Mount Penn, which celebrated its 100th the 300+ volunteers of the Berks Jazz Fest, We have membership birthday in 2009, to the GoggleWorks Cen- without whom this festival would not be pos- information available at all thursday, march 31 ter for the Arts, which is one of the largest sible. Your dedication and passion for this of the Jazz Fest venues. Berks All-Star Jazz Jam featuring Rick Braun, Randy Brecker, arts centers of its kind in the United States. event is truly inspiring and appreciated. Have a great time at the Boscov’s Berks Chuck Loeb, Chieli Minucci, Gerald Veasley, Brian Bromberg, There is no shortage of adventures here in The Berks Arts Council is not just the Jazz Fest! Gerald Albright, Euge Groove, Philippe Saisse, Selina Albright, Berks County! Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. We have been Make sure you visit www.PennCorridor. promoting the arts in Berks County since Ada Rovatti, Frank Vignola and more com to view all of the activities and pos- 1969, when a group of local volunteer artists Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom • 8 p.m. • $45 sibilities. Also be sure to stop and shop at and arts patrons decided to create an orga- Boscov’s department stores on your way to nization dedicated to arts advocacy. Chris Cannon friday, april 1 any of the jazz fest concerts. Boscov’s has It is the vision of the Berks Arts Council to Executive Director, Berks Arts Council Gerald Albright and Friends featuring Brian Culbertson Rick Braun, Larry Braggs, Selina Albright and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns Scottish Rite Cathedral • 7 p.m. • $49 WFMZ Channel 69 to broadcast Gerald Veasley’s Sounds of Philly

GERALD VEASLEY NICK COLIONNE WALTER WILL BEASLEY DOWNING CAROL RIDDICK

CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE nce again, every day”. Free People, NARS Cosmecs & More OChannel Veasley’s 69 WFMZ-TV unique con- is teaming up cept for the FULL-SERVICE SALON with Boscov’s show stems Berks Jazz Fest to bring a live, from his great love of the Philly Including extensions by Grace Davies commercial-free concert to its soul music scene. He hand- viewers. picked the musicians for this On Saturday, March 26, show based on their great sen- SEASONAL SPECIALS Channel 69 will broadcast Ger- sibility to the genre. Create your own package for just $120* ald Veasley’s Sounds of Philly, A hometown favorite and featuring Will Downing, Nick Philly native, Veasley said, “I’ve Colionne, Walter Beasley and always loved soul music. I am WELLNESS SERVICES Carol Riddick, from the Crowne always looking for something Plaza Reading ballroom at new and fresh to tackle, but Stress alleviaon & Treatment of certain 10:30 p.m. now and then, it’s also good chronic condions “69 News Berks Edition and to go back and tap into your wfmz.com are proud to support roots.” Photography: Tina dolan www.dolinphotography. com *Exclusions apply Berks Jazz Fest,” said WFMZ-TV Channel 69 is on Comcast marketing manager Vern Ander- Reading’s Channel 9. For Chan- son, “It is big part of our overall nel 69’s complete cable and commitment to Berks County satellite listings, please visit and the community we serve www.wfmz.com/cable. “In my opinion, we have Marty Mellinger to receive an amazing assortment of superb musicians here in Berks County, some 2011 Frank Scott Award of the very best in the country, and we need to BY DANA L. HOFFMAN PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS nurture them. Because he Berks Arts Council presents its annual in the very long run, a 2005 / Doc Mulligan 2008 / Mike Eben Frank Scott Award during the Boscov’s Berks community without the T 2006 / Toni Lynne 2009 / Erwin Chandler Jazz Festival to honor the late jazz legend’s con- arts is a community that tribution to the local jazz heritage. 2007 / Al Seifarth 2010 / Chris Heslop will not survive.” The Jerlyn Foundation is the founder and spon- with Frank Scott on a regular basis,” Mellinger sor of the award. said. “We would have sessions with Frank on sax, This year’s recipient is Marty Mellinger, Dominic Fiore on bass, Joe Danowski on drums, keyboardist/pianist and owner of Cross Keys Al Grey on trombone, and lots of players would Recording, a studio in which he produces and re- come in and jam. cords for both local and international jazz artists. “You can’t fi nd that very easily anymore in He will be presented with the award prior to the this town,” he continued. “The ‘art’ of the jam Ladies of Jazz concert, Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m., session has been pretty well lost. The biggest in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel ballroom. shame about that is that the young players have Mellinger has studied with Edna Golandsky, no place to go to learn how to jam, and as a founder of the Golandsky Institute in New York; result, jazz, with a continually shrinking base of when organizations want live music to make their ranks, though it is tougher than ever for them to the late Dennis Sandole in Philadelphia; Malvina young supporters, is gradually dying away.” fund-raising events a success, but hope the mu- fi nd work.” Leshock of Temple University; and Adele Marcus Last year, Mellinger produced a record with sicians will donate their services for the charity “My most fervent hope is that the Berks of Julliard. He was recruited by Bruce Spring- saxophonist Dave Liebman, 2011 recipient of event. He said that these groups may not realize community will continue to renew its efforts to steen in 1972 to be the original keyboardist for the National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master these events are the “bread and butter” for local promote and support jazz and the local artists the E Street Band, which was being put together Award. Mellinger said the record, Turnaround, musicians. who work so hard to provide it,” he said. “In at the time, but he declined because he was a released on a German label, received the equiva- “Until this community recognizes the need to my opinion, we have an amazing assortment of junior in college. lent of a German Grammy Award for Best New fi nancially support the level of artists we have superb musicians here in Berks County, some Among the local bands he’s played in are Faith, Jazz Recording for 2010. here by paying them well to do what they do, of the very best in the country, and we need to Uncle Drew and Marty and the Mangoes. In addition to jazz, Mellinger also produces jazz and live music will be in a life-and-death nurture them. Because in the very long run, a “I used to run jazz at the Sheraton on Tuesday classical, rock, pop and country records. struggle to survive,” he said. “There are some community without the arts is a community that nights, and that’s when I fi rst started working He said he sees a problem for local musicians great young players coming up through the will not survive.” ABOUT THIS SECTION. . . This section is a product of the Marketing/Promotions Department of ‘Celebrate Jazz’ Reading Eagle Company, publisher of the Reading Eagle. Lisa N. Johnson designed and organized the section. Dana L. Hoffman edited and coordinated the section. Both are of the Marketing/Promotions at annual memorial art show Department. R. Andrew Lepley provided photography. Also contributing to the ach year, the Berks Arts Council hosts an section were Jonathan Widran, Tracy Rasmussen, Jerry Duckett and Eopen juried show, The Frank Scott Memorial Berks Arts Council staff. Art Show: “The Art of Jazz,” in conjunction with the annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. This year’s show takes place through March 28 in the Rolf and Renate Schmidt Gallery in the GoggleWorks WITH A TRADITION Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading. and a Groovy Place to be The 2011 show juror is Valetta. She lives in before, during & after West Chester, studied at Kutztown University z the Jazz Fest Concerts and runs an organization called Regional Center “Jazz’d” by Michelle Byrne Friday, for Women in the arts (RCWA), which promotes z local women in the arts. oil in linen a March 25th @ 11:30AM Saturday, The Premier Jazz Fest Event “The vision of the Berks Arts Council is to pro- j Harold B. Leifer Memorial Kickoff Lunch mote and uplift local art organizations and artists “It’s All That” by Maria Ruoff March 26th @ 12:30PM THE GROOVEMASTERS in the community,” says Executive Director Chris mixed media featuring Cannon. “The Art of Jazz is an excellent example BERKS HIGH BENNIE SIMS & of how the jazz fest supports this effort. I am SCHOOL ALL-STAR CLIFF STARKEY very excited about the show this year and the JAM quality of pieces we have received.” Friday, This unique art show is open to fi ne artists in Wednesday, April 1st all media, and all works must refl ect the theme March 30th Happy Hour 5:30-7:30 “Celebrate Jazz.” Three cash prizes, generously @ 6:00PM THE GROOVEMASTERS provided annually by the Jerlyn Foundation, were Jazz Dinner featuring awarded: $500 for fi rst place for Carole Anne KEN GEHRET’S BENNIE SIMS & Geiser’s “Everyone Feels the Blues,” $200 for BRAZILIANCE second place for Mary Lou Creyts’ “Ol’ Fiddler,” CLIFF STARKEY and $100 for third place for Rich Houck’s “Ar- Reading’s Dining Landmark Berks County’s most famous Restaurant/Bar for over 87 years. chitecture Improv.” Honorable mentions were Off-Street Parking Serving casual to gourmet foods for lunch, dinner & late supper. awarded at the judge’s discretion. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. For reservations call 610-376-8500 Minutes from all venues. The gallery is free of charge and open during to 7 p.m. For more information about this show, Featured on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise • www.peanutbar.com GoggleWorks operating hours, Monday through call 610-898-1930 or e-mail [email protected]. 4 DAYS ONLY... NOW THRU MARCH 23! )TS0OLLACK&URS,EATHERS 2¢ SALE! MUST LIQUIDATE OUR ENTIRE WAREHOUSE STOCK INCLUDING FURS, FURS LEATHERS, FUR-LINED LEATHERS, SHEARLINGS, PRE-OWNS AND MORE! "59!.94().'4(!4)3!,2%!$9 % % 50 - 90OFF !.$'%4!3%#/.$)4%-/&%15!,/2,%33%26!,5% FOR JUST 2¢ MORE! MORE THAN 1500 COATS, JACKETS & VESTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN!

0ENN!VENUE 7EST2EADING   s  s   (OURS-ON &RI s3AT s3UN  -AJORCREDITCARDSANDCASHACCEPTED$UETOTHENATUREOFTHISSALE !LL3ALES!RE&INAL0RIORPURCHASESEXCLUDED Education, outreach remain missions of fest

BY DANA L. HOFFMAN public concert on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts. Earlier that day, e all hear so often today how music pro- the RMF is funding a Homemade Jamz Blues grams are suffering in our schools. Budgets W Band performance for city public and parochial are out of control and often the music program school students as part of their community is among the fi rst to feel the effects. Each year, outreach. the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest reaches out to mu- sicians to host clinics, jams and workshops for The RMF also helps fund workshops and today’s budding jazz musicians. clinics, including GAMUT on March 26. This year, a variety of workshops, clinics, free “The Reading Musical Foundation is proud to concerts and jams are helping to spread the play such an important part in the education good word about jazz, and the importance of live programs offered by Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest,” music as a whole. said Keri M. Shultz, RMF executive director. “RMF has noticed a surge in students participating Prior to the festival, Reading Eagle Voices and Philadelphia saxophone master Larry McKenna “jams” with saxophonist Greg in jazz programs. That is not surprising, given the Reading Musical Foundation, through Project Wilson of Muhlenberg and trumpeter Jeff McNeill of Muhlenberg during the Berks young people’s need for constant interaction. Penske, sponsored a special Berks Jazz Jam on Jazz Jam event held March 9 at the Miller Center for the Arts. Jazz offers this, as listening and reaction is March 9 at the Miller Center for the Arts, featur- crucial for each performer. Berks Jazz Jam, funded by the Reading Musical Foundation and coordinated by ing a special screening of the Clint Eastwood-pro- Mike Eben, is a monthly opportunity for students to play jazz in a live setting, while duced documentary, “Dave Brubeck: In His Own “To quote Wynton Marsalis, ‘Jazz music teaches us the respect, patience and attentive- honing their improvisation skills in a supportive environment. Sweet Way,” created to celebrate the music leg- Berks Jazz Jam is held the second Wednesday of every month. For more informa- end’s 90th birthday back in December. The jam, ness that is required to participate in today’s hosted by Mike Eben, followed the screening and worldwide conversation. It enables us to under- tion, check out www.berksjazzjam.com featured guest musicians Larry McKenna, Tony stand and enjoy the individuality of every person Miceli, Kevin MacConnell and Dan Monaghan. and encourages us to listen to one another with Open to all ages, the Berks Jazz Jam was one in empathy.’ “ SUNDAY, MARCH 27 a monthly series. More information can be found The impact of the RMF is felt not only during • Tim Price “Adventures at berksjazzjam.com. Berks Jazz Fest, but throughout the entire year. in Jazz” Get JazzED, a daylong interactive festival for “Over 80 years old, RMF is a public charity that EDUCATIONAL Noon; Boscov’s East high school bands, is in its third year and has provides fi nancial support for music presenters Auditorium grown to include 11 participating bands. Held in Berks County, music scholarships by audition ACTIVITIES Free admission; no on Saturday, April 2, at Reading High School and in response to fi nancial need, and extensive registration required. this year, the festival will feature guest clinician music outreach, including programs in most of Students only; bring your and renowned trombonist Wycliffe Gordon as Berks County’s public and parochial schools,” horns! well as professional musicians from Reading and Shultz said. “Just last week, RMF awarded 84 Philadelphia, including Robert “Doc” Mulligan, awards totaling over $21,000 to local pre- SUNDAY, MARCH 27 and Kevin Kjos and Scott Lee from Kutztown. In college musicians at its fi rst round of scholarship addition to attending workshops, each band will auditions. College tuition and other high school • Improve…isation: MONDAY, MARCH 28 TUESDAY, MARCH 29 have the opportunity to perform and watch the scholarships will be awarded later this month, Reading Between the Lines • Free community concert: • Free community concert: other bands, and be critiqued positively by the followed by summer camp scholarship awards 1:30 p.m.; Reading Public The Berks High School The Berks High School clinicians. The day will close with a concert per- in May. Museum Auditorium All-Star Jazz Band is All-Star Jazz Band is formed by the guest artists. The daylong fest is “RMF will spend an estimated $100,000 in An interactive workshop on opening for the United opening for the United funded by the Reading Musical Foundation. scholarship awards this year alone. The Founda- jazz improv, presented by States Air Force Rhythm States Air Force Rhythm the quintet Gamut, headed by Chris Heslop, local music educator and BJF tion also supports numerous local music and in Blue Jazz Ensemble, in Blue Jazz Ensemble, Erwin Chandler education committee chairperson, has been education organizations including the Reading featuring special guest featuring special guest Free admission; open to instrumental in the Get JazzED program, and has Symphony Orchestra, Berks Classical Children’s Randy Brecker Ernie Watts musicians of all ages and enjoyed watching its continued success. Chorus, Berks Opera Workshop, Berks Summer instruments 7 p.m. 7 p.m. “To see it grow has been exciting,” he said. “To Band Institute, Yocum Institute for Arts Education Contact Keri Shultz at Boyertown Junior High West Crowne Plaza Reading start from nothing and grow to this -- nine world- and Olivet Boys and Girls Club to name a few.” 610-376-3395 or kshultz@ 380 S. Madison St. Ballroom class musicians and 200-plus kids...and the The Berks Jazz Fest and RMF work hand in readingmusicalfoundation.org Boyertown, PA 19512 teachers learn something, too.” hand every year to ensure music education to reserve your spot. The Reading Musical Foundation plays an in- doesn’t get lost in the shuffl e. strumental role in many of the educational activi- Check out the accompanying list of work- ties offered during the Berks Jazz Fest, including shops, free community concerts and clinics, and THURSDAY, MARCH 31 sponsorship of the Homemade Jamz Blues Band get educated on jazz! • String Training Noon to 2 p.m.; Crowne Plaza Reading BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND In this third year of String Training, Chuck Loeb teams up with fellow ’11 guitarists Chieli Minucci and Frank Vignola to present the interactive guitar workshop/seminar for musicians of all ages and levels that want Alto saxophones: Trumpets: Piano: Amanda Miller (Kutztown) to learn the many facets of guitar playing. Fee: $20 Seth Ebersole (Gov. Mifflin) David Quarmley (Kutztown) Bass: Nicholas Shaw (Muhlenberg) Kelli Hess (Boyertown Jr. Pat Wise (Kutztown) To register: Visit CD Exchange, Stabon Pond Plaza, 360 E. Wyomissing High East) Riley Monasmith (Reading) Drums: Ave., Mohnton; or register online at www.berksjazzfest.com. Matt Lupacckino (Kutztown) Jeremy Sarna (Reading) Tenor saxophones: Paul Esposito (Kutztown) Greg Wilson (Muhlenberg) Trombones: Sean Moran (Tulpehocken) Harry Trexler (Wilson) Vibes: Adam Rabenold (Kutztown) SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Karl Kemmerer (Oley Valley) Vocalist: Melissa Gump (Kutztown) • Steve Smith Drum Clinic Baritone saxophones: Noon to 2 p.m.; Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base, Crowne Plaza Reading Melanie Bickert (Kutztown) Cody Hudzik (Wilson) Nicolas Ercoli (Fleetwood) Hall of Fame drummer Steve Smith is hosting a special clinic. Attendees get a $10 discount on tickets for one of Steve Smith’s Vital Guest Conductor: Chuck Dressler Information: New York Edition shows April 2 at the Base. To register, visit: www.berksjazzfest.com. County Coordinator: Doug Matz, Kutztown Area High School BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST TEAM

• FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT: John Ernesto, general manager; Chris Cannon executive • TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Mark Burford, John Greene, Jr., Joseph Rodriguez Reading Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard by Marriott director; Theodore Bassano, BAC board president • PRODUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT: Reading Buccaneers • HOSPITALITY: Marvanne Kouvaros, Janet Danner, Awilda Goodwin, Rita Miller, Jessica • BERKS ARTS COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Theodore Bassano, president; Craig • EMTs: Janet Koontz, Dale Berta, Pamela Berta, Clifford Tracy, Deb Greusel Chadwick, Connie Sweigart Rosenfeld, vice president of programs; Lisa Tiger, vice president of administration; Carol • GRANTS: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Reading Musical Foundation, County of Berks, • VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Gary Spencer, Karen Haver Zechman secretary; Matthew T. Golden, treasurer; Ralia Vardaxis, past president; Ronald PA Dept. of Tourism • HOUSE MANAGERS: Karen Baxter, David Campbell, Jared Galvin, Steven Wright, Bob Bair; Karen Baxter; Alvin Booth; Margarita Caicedo; David Campbell; Gloria Day; Marilyn Fox; • SPONSOR DEVELOPMENT: Chris Cannon, Steven Wright, Craig Rosenfeld, John Bernard Gerber; Melvyn Jacobson; William G. Koch, CPA; Chris Kraras; Dr. Julia Matthews; Coleman Ernesto, Jim Landrigan Sandra McCarthy; Thomas McMahon; Dr. Robert Metzger; Regina Gouger Miller; Lee Olsen; • HOUSE CAPTAINS & ASSISTANT HOUSE CAPTAINS: Pauline Heckman, Ray Heffner, Rev. Dr. Harry Serio; Josée Vachon; Dawn Valyo • TITLE SPONSOR: Boscov’s David Pepper, David Templin, Mark Shearer, Doug Tothero, Jim Towles, and Gloria Urban • BAC STAFF: Chris Cannon executive director; Steven Wright, Director of Development; • MAJOR SPONSORS: Reading Eagle Company; VF Outlet; Quaker Maid Meats; Penske • JAZZ FEST MARKETING/PUBLICITY: Dana Hoffman, publicity manager; Lisa Johnson, Gary Spencer, production manager; Robert Coleman, controller; Beth Krumholz, artists Truck Leasing; Toyota; LAND Displays; Alcon; FirstEnergy Foundation; Lasting Image Promo- graphic artist tional Products; WFMZ TV/Channel 69; Metro Bank; Sweet Streets Desserts; Vision Audi; services; Karen Haver, PPA Coordinator; Jared Galvin, intern Alvernia University; Adam • LOGO 2011 DESIGN: Original art by Todd Walk Przybylski, intern Albright College Berks County Bar Association; Reading Musical Foundation; JerLyn Foundation; Connors Investor Services, Inc.; National Penn Bank; Bell Tower; Penn National Gaming; VIST Finan- • TICKETING: Megan Nuding, Bernice Colon, Michelle Lamonica, Hope Parkin, Katie Quinn, • FESTIVAL PRODUCTION: Gary Spencer, Karen Haver cial; Reese Advertising; All Star Distributing/Blue Moon; Reading Movies 11 & IMAX; Smooth Hope Waldvogel, Carissa Krenitsky • STAGE MANAGERS: Stan Danner, Mark Rentschler, Bruce Morton, Mitchell Grove, Jazz Cruise 2012; The Jazz Cruise; The Anderson Group; Keystone Instant Printing; Prime • VIP RECEPTION: Heather Soltysik Joanne Philipczak, Lee Reiniger, Steve Haver, Matt Cullen, Dave Kurzweg, Steve Philipczak, Steak & Wine/Crowne Plaza Reading; The Water Guy; Coca-Cola; Reading Phillies; Zeswitz: • MERCHANDISE: Lasting Image, Bob Coleman Michael Anderson, Randy Lockhart, Brett Buckwalter, Roger Levesque A Division of Rayburn Music; Michael’s Classic Limousine; Weidenhammer Systems Corp.; • PRODUCTION CREW: Connie Andrews, Joan Antosy, Pat Antosy, Christopher Bashore, Reading Royals; Capital Wine & Spirits; Fraser Advanced Information Systems; Leisawitz, • MUSIC PROGRAMMING: John Ernesto, Gary Spencer, John Graff Nina Beverly, Wilson Black, Tom Brown, Tony Clayter, Glenn Curtier, Cat Davis, Jimmy Diana, Heller, Abramowitch, Phillips • FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHY: R. Andrew Lepley Susie Ernesto, Dave Gemmell, Gregory Goodwin, Bob Grinnage, Lawrence Hartman, Ray • PROMOTIONAL SPONSORS: Reading Eagle; WFMZ TV/Channel 69 News/Berks • SECURITY COORDINATOR: William Katinowsky, Desmond Kelley Heffner, James Klopp, Debbie Landrigan, Jim Landrigan, Roger Levesque, Randy Lockhart, Edition; Smooth Jazz 92.7; Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising; WEEU 830 AM; WRTI-FM; • TRANSPORTATION: Chuck Koch, Transportation Coordinator; John Graff; Mary Eileen Sherry Lockhart, Joe Malone, Kay Nixon, Walter Nixon, Jeff Oxenford, Ken Perod, Michael Pi- WHUR 96.3FM/Washington (DC); WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM/New York; WDIY-FM; KU Radio Ormsby; Peg Bainbridge; Frank Gutekunst; Randall Miller; Nancy O’Neill; Paul Pawelski; Kevin scitelli, Lee Reiniger, Ty Roberts, MaryBeth Salla, Bill Sandel, George Schmidt, Lisa Schmidt, 88.3 FM; Berks County Living Magazine; Smooth Jazz News; JazzTimes; ijazzglobal.com; McQuaite; Robert Miller; David DeWalt; Ramona Turpin Kyle Smith, Ruby Smith, Lenny Stinson, Art Stricek, Leslie Stricek, Chip Strunk, Gregory smoothjazz.com; Recreation News Media Group; Elmore Magazine; Diane Dayton’s Cool Walker, Lyn Walker, James Winfi eld, Laurie Flowers, Tish Davis, Geoff Miller, Lynn Gemmell, Jazz Cafe; Ken “Spyder” Webb/Internet Radio; Heads Up Records; CD Exchange • WEB SITE/DATABASE: Kevin Lawrence, Patty Mahlon, Dave Kauffman Julia DeVos, Bobby Palko, Debra Stinson, John Becker, Ralph Scott, Ron Nolen, Ty Schaeffer, • HOTEL SPONSORS: Crowne Plaza Reading, The Inn at Reading, The Abraham Lincoln • WORKSHOPS/YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Chris Heslop, Doug Matz, Carl Zeplin, Mike Eben, Michael Butler, Deb Hallacher, Mark Hallacher, Kris Bucher, Scott Rhoads Hotel, Hampton Inn, Country Inn and Suites, Candlewood Suites, Days Inn Wyomissing, Shannon Sunday, Charlie DiCarne, Rick Dietrich/Rayburn Music, Michael Jordan, Doug • PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Karen Haver Comfort Inn Reading, Econo Lodge Wyomissing, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Best Western Pietsch, Andrea Stover Concord Music Group Artists at the Berks Jazz Fest! HUCD3161 HUI-31976-02 PKR-31327-02

Gerald Albright: Jazz and R&B icon Gerald Albright is Stanley Clarke: Winner of this year’s Best Contemporary considered to be one of the most innovative and successful Jazz Album, The Stanley Clarke Band makes a artists of the last twenty-five years. Now his super cool triumphant return as bass guitar’s true innovator. In addition side is back. With its polished soul/jazz vibe, Pushing to exciting new originals, it features a new arrangement The Envelope is a showcase for Albright’s remarkably Norman Brown: Sending My Love intensifies of Return to Forever songs such as Chick Corea’s “No fine balance of songcraft and musicianship, and features an already much-beloved recipe of sound, with ten tracks Mystery.” Hiromi, Ruslan, & Ronald Bruner, Jr. are the special guest appearances by Fred Wesley on trombone, that flow easily from steamy R&B to guitar lashed flights youthful top shelf crew of players accompanying Clarke. Earl Klugh on acoustic guitar and George Duke on acoustic of instrumental fantasy, all the while keeping things right piano. in the pocket. From the first track – the easy breezy, horn laden, “Come Go With Me” – to the sexy groove of the R&B track “I’m Pouring My Heart Out” to the gentle acoustic guitar melody of “One Last Goodbye,” Brown shows off the stylistic diversity that has gained him a loyal following. TEL-32835-2 HUI-32030-02 HUI-32031-02

Al Di Meola: A bona fide guitar hero, perennial poll- Fourplay: Another great combination of straight-ahead winner and virtuoso of the highest order, Al Di Meola has jazz and contemporary jazz music from Fourplay – the also been recognized over the past 30 years as a prolific supergroup of keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East composer and respected artist with over 20 recordings as and drummer Harvey Mason are joined by new member a leader. Following 2008’s triumphant 25-year reunion tour George Duke: Keyboardist/composer/producer George Chuck Loeb on guitar. Let’s Touch The Sky creates by Return To Forever, the trailblazing guitarist gets back to Duke has always been about looking ahead, breaking an opportunity to bring an even newer level of energy and playing his own music on his newest record Pursuit of new ground and seeking ways to reinvent himself and his inspiration into a band that is already known for taking Radical Rhapsody. sound. The scope of his imprint on jazz, funk and pop music chances and pushing the limits of contemporary jazz. over the past forty years is almost impossible to calculate. The album also includes stirring performances by guest Déjà Vu, his newest recording, is an album that revisits vocalists Anita Baker and Ruben Studdard. the synthesizer sound that characterized some of his most memorable recordings from the golden age of funk, soul and jazz. HUI-32029-02 PKR-31006-02 PKR-32580-02

Jeff Lorber: More than three decades after his earliest recordings, keyboardist and composer Jeff Lorber has come full circle. His new recording, Now Is The Peter White: For nearly twenty years, Peter White has Time, delves back into his early catalog and reinvents made the acoustic guitar a dynamic and expressive voice some of the most compelling compositions from the Jeff The Rippingtons: Fans that have followed Russ in the overall sound scape of contemporary jazz. Since Lorber Fusion heyday. As a result, the artist once again Freeman and The Rippingtons for any stretch of time over his first recordings, he has infused pop standards and makes a bold statement in the evolution of jazz. the past quarter century know the versatile award winning his own original material with a sense of innovation and and Grammy nominated guitarist/composer, and producer energy that rivals the abilities of many of his electric guitar has long had a penchant for naming songs and albums counterparts. It all comes to the surface on Good Day, after exotic places (“Aruba,” “Kenya,” “Morocco,” a collection of original songs recorded in his own time and Weekend in Monaco, Sahara, et al). But The Ripps’ way, without any outside influence or interference. latest recording Cote D’Azur – inspired by Freeman’s passion for the French people and the storied region of the French Riviera—is more than simply the latest stamp on Freeman’s well traveled passport.

Available at

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TIM PRICE, RYAN ANSELMI’S SOULFUL TENOR MADNESS McDuff and Groove Holmes. and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at The fi rst recipient of the Philadelphia Jazz Society’s McCoy Tyner College of Music. In 2010, he received a similar honor from George Crowne Plaza Reading Scholarship and a fi nalist in the Thelonious Monk International Piano Washington University and the Miles Davis Award at the Montreal Interna- Assuredly, Tim Price, Ryan Anselmi’s Soulful Competition, DeFrancesco was invited to tour with Miles Davis following tional Jazz Festival. Tenor Madness is 100-percent old-school jazz his high school graduation. His later recordings as a leader, fi rst with Brubeck’s most recent recordings are Indian Summer (2007) and Live and blues, with a heavy dose of soul jazz. Columbia, and later with labels such as Muse and Big Mo, established At The Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-2007 (2008). Tim’s deep roots in organ group jazz point what fellow musician Chris Parker has referred to as “his importance as one of the most virtuosic torch-bearers of contemporary organ jazz.” DANCE HALL DOCS FEATURING VOCALIST BRENT CARTER back to his road time paying his dues playing Friday, March 25, 9 p.m., Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom the chiltin’-circuit with well known jazz organists In recent years, the organist’s recordings have paid homage to many Dance Hall Docs and special guest vocalist through the United States. of his favorite musicians: The Philadelphia Connection: A Tribute to Don Brent Carter will celebrate Tower of Power’s Tim is no stranger to Berks Jazz Fest – he Patterson (2002); Plays Sinatra His Way (2004); Finger Poppin: Celebrat- continuing legacy with a high-energy tribute lives locally but plays globally. ing The Music of Horace Silver (2009) and Never Can Say Goodbye: The concert. Tim teaches at the prestigious New School TIM PRICE Music of Michael Jackson (2010). Brent Carter is a former lead singer of University Jazz Department, as well as New Another major infl uence was Jimmy Smith, whom DeFrancesco paid Tower of Power. For over 40 years, TOP has York Jazz Workshop School Of Music, and Long homage to on his 1999 High Note recording The Champ. In 2000, he been creating their own kind of soul music. Island University- Jazz Dept-Brooklyn Campus. recorded Incredible! with Smith, and he also paired with the B-3 great on Like TOP, the Dance Hall Docs’ rhythm Tim also teaches saxophones and wood- Smith’s fi nal album Legacy, fi nished days before Smith’s death in 2005. section lays down a groove like no other band. winds locally in his home studio in Exeter, Pa., THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET The band’s horn-driven sound is solid. and at Michiko Studios in New York City. He is BRENT CARTER Friday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., Sovereign Performing Arts Center Combine all of that with an outstanding one of the most popular Selmer Saxophone guest lead vocalist in Brent Carter, and you have the makings of a great and Rico Reeds clinicians, and is published Dave Brubeck is a member of that charmed show. by Hal Leonard. He travels the globe with his circle of improvising artists whose popularity The Dance Hall Docs is an 11-piece band playing funk, pop, jazz, R&B music. is commensurate with his musical accomplish- RYAN ANSELMI and soul. The horns are led by Mike Anderson (Berks Jazz Fest Horns) This band is a working unit, playing on a ments. on sax and vocals, John Loos on trombone, Bob Stoyko on trumpet, and regular basis in jazz clubs New York City. The fi rst jazz fi gure ever to make the cover Rob Diener on trumpet and vocals. Ryan Anselmi is originally from Kansas City where he worked with jazz of Time, the 90-year-old Dave Brubeck has for The rhythm section includes Pete Rogosky on guitar, Ron Stabinsky legend Jay McShann (Jay McShann was also known as Hootie, and in nearly half a century been a major fi gure as on keyboards, Paul Gallello on drums, percussion and vocals, and Rob the golden age of jazz McShann featured a young Charlie Parker) before pianist, composer and leader of perhaps the Cochran on bass and vocals. coming East to attend The New School University Jazz program where most widely known and well-traveled quartet in Chandler Mogel is the lead vocalist. Freddy Moreadith, on drums, he met Tim Price as one of his teachers there. The rapport was instant. the history of jazz. DAVE BRUBECK percussion and vocals, is the leader of the band. Ryan is also a part of jazz legend Junior Mance’s Quintet and has toured This was the foursome that was together Brent Carter was lead singer of Tower of Power for nearly six years, Europe recently with Junior and James Moody. from 1958 to 1967, featuring the elegantly fl oating alto saxophone of during which time TOP recorded three albums, Souled Out, Rhythm & The band includes Tim, Ryan and Tom Abbott on tenor saxes, Paul Desmond and driven by the rock-solid bassist Eugene Wright and Business, and Soul Vaccination: Tower of Power Live. When not in the Kim Garey on drums and Brad Whiteley on organ. Tom Abbott, Brad drummer Joe Morello. studio, Carter toured the world with TOP, performing in virtually every Whiteley and Kim Garey are all prominent and highly skilled working jazz The quartet’s “Take Five” (whose haunting, bluesy melody was written corner of the globe to sold-out audiences. musicians. by Desmond) was their crossover breakthrough, leading to gold records A crooning balladeer and a gutsy vocalist, the strength, depth and It is a rare artist that can explore more than one kind of music with featuring a host of exciting pieces in odd time signatures, like “Blue range of Carter’s voice have allowed him to tour with BeBe & CeCe true fl uency and sincerity. Saxophonist Tim Price can, and he proves it Rondo a la Turk.” Winans, B.B. King and Regina Belle, and provide background vocals for with Soulful Tenor Madness – a powerful New York City band with the After graduating from the University of the Pacifi c in 1942, Brubeck Phil Perry, Chris Walker and Malira. best up and coming jazz musicians on today’s scene. was drafted into the army and served overseas in George Patton’s Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge. NORMAN BROWN AND RICHARD ELLIOT JOEY DEFRANCESCO TRIO He played in a band, quickly integrating it and gaining both popularity Friday, March 25, 10 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and deference; his 2004 Telarc solo piano album Private Brubeck Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading Remembers pays loving homage to the music of this era. Make plans to head to the Crowne Plaza Reading Friday, March 25, for the inspired An important force over the past two In 1951, he formed The Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond pairing of two more of contemporary jazz’s decades in the revival of the Hammond B-3 on saxophone. They took up a long residency at San Francisco’s Black guitar and sax greats – Norman Brown and organ as a viable jazz instrument, Joey De- Hawk nightclub and gained great popularity touring college campuses. Richard Elliot. Francesco runs the gamut from soul jazz and In 1954, he was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, the fi rst jazz Hot off his latest CD Sending My Love, bluesy grooves a la Jimmy Smith to hard bop musician to be so honored. Brown will perform many of the popular airplay and more advance modal stylings. In 1959, the Dave Brubeck Quartet released Time Out, which quickly hits that have made him an icon of urban jazz He is the son of Philly-area jazz organist went platinum. The quartet followed its success with several more since 1992’s Just Between Us. Papa John DeFrancesco and the grandson of albums in the same vein, including Time Further Out, Time in Outer Since winning the “Best Pop Instrumental multi-instrumentalist Joe DeFrancesco, who Space and Time Changes. NORMAN BROWN Recording” Grammy for his 2002 date Just worked with the Dorsey Brothers. He began In recent years, Brubeck has received many honorary awards, includ- JOEY DEFRANCESCO Chillin’, the charismatic, multi-talented performer – whose style hearkens sitting in with his dad at age six and by 10 was ing the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy and induction into performing on the weekends and sitting in with jazz musicians like Jack the California Hall of Fame. In 2009, he was a Kennedy Center Honoree BROWN/ELLIOT, CONTINUED ON PAGE 7           

  

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BROWN/ELLIOT, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 born musician quickly made his mark on the New York jazz scene come full circle. His 2010 Heads Up release back to the classic vibes of Wes Montgomery gigging with Stan Getz, Joe Henderson and Horace Silver before joining Now Is the Time delves back into his early and George Benson -- has been in career Corea to form Return To Forever in 1972. catalog and reinvents some of the most overdrive. Taking issue with the narrow perception of the bass as a support compelling compositions from the Jeff Lorber Stay With Me, his 2007 debut CD, became rather than solo instrument, Clarke released a string of solo albums, Fusion heyday. As a result, the artist once again Brown’s fi rst CD to hit the top of Billboard’s beginning with Children Forever in 1973. The watershed recording, makes a bold statement in the evolution of jazz. Contemporary Jazz chart, It also debuted at School Days, came three years later, with a title track that served as the This new incarnation of the group includes No. 1 and spawned the No. 1 Radio & fi rst bona fi de bass anthem. luminaries like bassist Jimmy Haslip (who Records airplay hit “Let’s Take A Ride.” Having solidifi ed his solo career, Clarke moved on to more acclaimed co-produced with Lorber and Bobby Colomby), Sending My Love includes a cover of Kenny pairings, including the Clarke/Duke Project (with keyboardist George saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter Randy ERIC MARIENTHAL Duke), the New Barbarians (with Keith Richards and Ron Wood), Brecker, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home,” which the RICHARD ELLIOT guitarist dedicates to our troops and his eldest appearances on two Paul McCartney albums, Animal Logic (with Police drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. daughter who is serving in Iraq. Joining him on vocals is the legendary drummer Stewart Copeland) and Rite of Strings (with Jean-Luc Ponty Marienthal, a veteran solo recording art- soul/gospel group Sounds of Blackness. and Al Di Meola). ist who fi rst rose to prominence in the Chick With a best-selling discography of over 15 recordings since 1986’s He later began a remarkable career as a fi lm composer, working Corea Elektric Band in the mid-1980s and Initial Approach, thousands of live dates spanning two decades and one on renowned fi lms such as “Boyz N’ The Hood,” “Passenger 57” and Haslip, a founding member of the Grammy- of the largest and most loyal fan bases in contemporary urban jazz, it’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” He made his Heads Up debut in 2010 winning fusion band Yellowjackets, join Lorber incredible to hear Richard Elliot declare of his 2009 Artistry debut Rock with the self-itled The Stanley Clarke Band. live for his show at BJF. Steady: “What I’m doing now, enjoying this upward trend in my career, is Like Marcus, “Victor” is the lone name among bass fans that signals Sonny Emory is best known for his ground- the last great hero of the instrument, Victor Wooten. In 1988, Wooten breaking drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire. seriously the most fun I have ever had.” JIMMY HASLIP RnR, his 2007 dual album with his longtime friend and collaborator, moved to Nashville, where he worked with vocalist Jonell Mosser and He also has performed with a virtual “who’s trumpet great Rick Braun, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz met New Grass Revival banjo ace Béla Fleck. Within a year, Fleck, who” in pop and jazz music, including David Chart; its catchy fi rst single, the title track they co-wrote with guitari Wooten, Wooten’s brother Roy (a.k.a. Futureman) and Howard Levy Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Chris Standring, was also an instant smash, staying at No. 1 on Radio & formed the Flecktones, and were on their way to their fi rst of three Lee Ritenour, and Boz Scaggs. Records Smooth Jazz airplay chart for over two months. GRAMMYs to date. Wooten continued his bass focus, fi rst forming Bass As high-charting, pop-jazz oriented releases Prior to joining forces on their new dual album, both Elliot and Braun Extremes with fretless 6-string savant Steve Bailey, and then releasing like West Side Stories (1994), State of Grace — who performed at the 2009 Berks Jazz Fest with Jonathan Butler the shot heard ’round the bass world: his remarkable 1996 solo debut, (1996) and Midnight (1998) were establishing as part of Jazz Attack -- Elliot scored a major radio hit with the Braun- A Show of Hands. him as one of contemporary jazz’s top artists, produced “People Make The World Go Round” from Metro Blue. Wooten’s recording and/or touring credentials quickly expanded to Lorber also became an in-demand producer, include a range of artists like Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Bruce working with everyone from Albright to Mari- STANLEY CLARKE BAND AND THE VICTOR WOOTEN BAND Hornsby, Prince, Mark O’Connor, Gov’t Mule, Susan Tedeschi, Bill Evans, enthal, Richard Elliot and David Benoit. He SONNY EMORY Saturday, March 26, 2 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Vital Tech Tones (with Scott Henderson and Steve Smith), the Jaco co-produced his critically acclaimed, heavily Calling all bass fans -- Saturday, March 26 Pastorius Word Of Mouth Big Band and India.Arie. His latest CD on eclectic Blue Note debut He Had a Hat with Chris Botti’s producer Bobby is your day! Heads Up is Palmystery (2008). Colomby. His 2008 Peak Records debut Heard That’s fi rst single was a At 2 p.m. in the ballroom at the Crowne bluesy-brass twist on Amy Winehouse’s Grammy winning “Rehab.” Plaza Reading, Berks Jazz Fest proudly JEFF LORBER FUSION FEATURING ERIC MARIENTHAL, presents an incredible double show by two JIMMY HASLIP, SONNY EMORY AND RANDY BRECKER AL JARREAU AND THE GEORGE DUKE TRIO of contemporary jazz’s most infl uential bass Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m., Sovereign Performing Arts Center legends, the Stanley Clarke Band and the Base at Crowne Plaza Reading Berks Jazz Fest is proud to present two Victor Wooten Band. In recent years, contemporary jazz elder Grammy Award-winning jazz/R&B legends, As if Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten statesman, keyboardist and composer Jeff singer extraordinaire Al Jarreau and keyboard- didn’t have enough Grammy Awards to last a Lorber has been part of some high-profi le ist/composer George Duke, together in a STANLEY CLARKE hard-groovin’ lifetime, they joined fellow bass all-star tours. special performance. god Marcus Miller in 2008 to create S.M.V. This year, he leads Jeff Lorber Fusion with While the two have millions of fans worldwide, and record Thunder, a remarkably inventive saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassist Jimmy boast individual recording histories that date all-star trio pairing of low frequencies. Haslip and drummer Sonny Emory. back to the 1960s and 1970s and are two of On their own, Clarke and Wooten have By the late 1970s, Lorber had become a the most infl uential artists in multiple genres, spent the last three decades completely prominent fi gure in the new movement known it’s quite possible that many don’t realize that AL JARREAU Jarreau and Duke fi rst worked together in a redefi ning the potential of the electric bass; as jazz fusion – a marriage of traditional jazz JEFF LORBER they’ve been part of our collective jazz, R&B with elements of rock, R&B, funk and other similar setting in the late 1960s, when the keyboardist joined the singer in and fusion consciousness for so long that we electrifi ed sounds. forming the house band at the popular San Francisco club the Half Note. almost forget that Clarke was jamming with Jeff Lorber Fusion fi rst honed their craft in the Portland, Ore., club Duke also played with Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon in other Bay Return to Forever when Wooten was just 8! scene and rapidly expanded their reach to a national and international Area clubs around the same time. VICTOR WOOTEN Clarke is nothing short of a living legend, audience via a combination of complex harmonies, unconventional time The only vocalist in history ever to win Grammy Awards in jazz, pop and having liberated the bass in much the same way that Louis Armstrong signatures and compelling rhythms. R&B, Jarreau hit another unique milestone in 2007 when he extended his and Charlie Parker liberated their instruments decades earlier. The Philly More than three decades after his earliest recordings, Lorber has JARREAU/DUKE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 #$''#)#$''#)

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JARREAU/DUKE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 GERALD VEASLEY’S SOUNDS OF PHILLY FEATURING WILL DOWNING, front of thousands of people while regularly Grammy streak to four different decades CAROL RIDDICK, NICK COLIONNE AND WALTER BEASLEY touring with legendary crooner Bobby Caldwell, (1970-2000) by winning in the Best Traditional Saturday, March 26, 10 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Andrew Neu is one of today’s most versatile R&B Vocal Performance category for his re- Berks Jazz Fest is rich with tradition. saxophonists. cording of “God Bless The Child” with Jill Scott. One such tradition is the live broadcast of Try Something Neu, his cleverly titled most The multi-talented dynamo followed Givin’ It a concert on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 from the recent album on nuGroove Records, features Up, his fi rst ever dual collaboration album with Crowne Plaza Reading venue. performances by some of contemporary fellow multi-genre superstar George Benson, Gerald Veasley’s The Sounds of Philly all-star jazz’s biggest artists, including Caldwell, Brian with a collection of Love Songs and his fi rst show, spotlighting his love of the Philadelphia Bromberg, Chuck Loeb, Brian Culbertson and ever holiday album, Christmas, in 2008. soul music scene, will be enjoyed by concert- Gerald Veasley. ANDREW NEU Regularly touring with Caldwell, Neu has Early on, Duke experimented with jazz and GEORGE DUKE goers and home viewers alike. fusion by collaborating and performing with “I’ve always loved soul music,” Veasley said. shared the stage with Sir Elton John, Patti Labelle, Mellissa Manchester, Mel Torme, Diane Schurr, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Four Tops, and artists as diverse as Jean Luc-Ponty, Frank Zappa, Cannonball Adderley, “I am always looking for something new and GERALD VEASLEY Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Cobham and Stanley Clarke. fresh to tackle, but now and then, it’s also The Temptations, among others. He has also recorded as a soloist with Duke launched his solo recording career at age 20, and shortly good to go back and tap into your roots.” Sister Sledge, Manhattan Transfer, and jazz legend Buddy DeFranco. thereafter began cutting LPs for the MPS label in the 1970s. When Duke Veasley, a hometown favorite and Philly Fueled by the success of his fi rst album, Inspire (2000), Andrew made a return trip to the heyday of funk on his 2008 recording Dukey native, said he put a lot of thought into choos- released his second CD, In Clear View (2007), produced by bassist Treats, he reminded his fans and the music press of exactly what made ing artists with a great sensibility to that type Brian Bromberg. It features performances by Jeff Lorber, Dave Weckl, the good old stuff so good. of music. Vinnie Colaiuta, Gerald Veasley and the Bright and Tight Horns. DownBeat called it “a wild and crazy album, especially if you’re Walter Beasley had recorded music by some As a longtime member of the Brian Pastor Big Band, he has been nostalgic about the guitar-scratching, double-clutching rhythms of James of these artists, like Blue Magic and the Stylis- featured as a soloist and an arranger. More recently, the Dave Stahl Brown and George Clinton and the bedroom ballads of Stevie Wonder tics. Will Downing also has some soul roots. Band has been showcasing Andrew’s skills. and Aaron Neville.” The Philadephia Enquirer called it simply “a valentine Veasley said he wanted to have them recre- PIECES OF A DREAM WITH SPECIAL GUEST PHIL PERRY WILL DOWNING to funk.” He kept the retro vibe going on his latest CD Déjà vu. ate the music they have an affi nity for, as well Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom as play some things Veasley wants to hear Smooth Jazz 92.7 will host one of its annual GUITAR MASTERS: BUCKY PIZZARELLI, FRANK VIGNOLA, them play. Smooth Jazz 92.7 Days in the Crowne Plaza HOWARD ALDEN, GENE BERTONCINI Guitarist Nick Colionne and Veasley are Reading Ballroom with a show featuring the Saturday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center Center for the Arts kindred spirits of sorts, and Carol Riddick is popular veteran R&B/jazz ensemble Pieces of a one of Veasley’s favorite singers. Frank Vignola has put together a special Dream and famed R&B/jazz vocalist Phil Perry. One of the most inventive bassists of the evening of music for the Berks Jazz Fest, Since being discovered as teenagers in current generation and founder of Gerald featuring the masters of the guitar, including the late ‘70s by the late sax legend Grover Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Read- the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli. Washington Jr., Pieces of a Dream -- pianist ing, Veasley joined Grover Washington Jr.’s While perhaps best known to the current James Lloyd, drummer Curtis Harmon, along band in 1986 and two years later moved on generation of jazz performers and fans as the CAROL RIDDICK with numerous other musicians over the years to the Zawinul Syndicate, led by fusion pioneer PIECES OF A DREAM father of guitar and vocal great John Pizzarelli, -- have evolved into one of the most popular Joe Zawinul, co-founder of Weather Report. John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli has also had an and enduring recording and touring bands in Veasley’s résumé also includes sessions and/ extraordinary career as a jazz guitarist and contemporary jazz. or tour gigs with Special EFX, Pieces of a banjo player. In 2001, Pieces of a Dream signed with BUCKY PIZZARELLI Dream, McCoy Tyner, Gerald Levert, Teddy During his career, Bucky has worked with Heads Up International and celebrated their Pendergrass, Nnenna Freelon, Philip Bailey, the Les Paul, Stephane Grappelli and Benny Good- 25th anniversary with Acquainted with the Dixie Hummingbirds, Phil Perry, labelmate Joe man, and his work in television included stints Night. Their 16th and most recent album is McBride and John Blake. His 18-year discog- with Dick Cavett and Bobby Rosengarden. 2009’s grooving yet ultra-romantic Soul Intent. raphy includes the live recording At The Jazz Acknowledging Django Reinhardt, Freddie About their name: When Lloyd, Harmon Base!, which was recorded at the club in 2004. Green and George Van Eps as his chief infl u- and former Pieces bassist Cedric Napoleon His latest album is Your Move (2008). NICK COLIONNE ences, Pizzarelli’s extensive work as a leader decided to turn pro and go for the big time in The title of Nick Colionne’s 2008 Koch PHIL PERRY includes numerous tributes to musicians of the the late 1970s, they named their band after a Records debut says it all about the charismatic 1930s era. collective vision of music and hope. On some early gigs, they played a Chicago-based guitarist’s sizzling mix of jazz, At last year’s Berks Jazz Fest, Vignola cel- Stanley Turrentine bossa nova number called “Pieces of Dreams” and FRANK VIGNOLA R&B, funk, blues and seductive vocals. ebrating the 100th anniversary of Reinhardt’s the name fi t perfectly. In his hard grooving, supremely soulful world birth with a performance with his band, Frank In 2009, singer Phil Perry was featured at Berks Jazz Fest as part of where he’s always, to quote the title of his hit Vignola’s Hot Club. A monster player, composer Greg Adams’ East Bay Soul, many of whose original lyrics are crafted 2006 album, Keepin’ It Cool, there are truly No and improviser, Vignola plays profi ciently in by the veteran singer/songwriter. One of the fi nest R&B/urban jazz Limits. Since blasting out of “The Big Windy” every genre, from jazz to bluegrass. vocalists in contemporary music, Perry — who launched his career in onto the national contemporary jazz scene in Whether he is featured on a Donald Fagen the early 1970s as a member of the soul group The Montclairs — won 2003, Colionne’s career has perfectly embod- recording, a jam with David Grisman, as Les Soul Tracks’ Male Vocalist of the Year in 2007. His 20-year discography ied the nonstop energy of his breakthrough WALTER BEASLEY Paul’s right-hand man or leading his own groups includes four albums on Shanachie, including his most recent releases single “High Flyin,’ “ which hit No. 2 on the throughout the years, he has proven himself to Ready For Love (2008) and The Gift of Love (2009). be in the elite, creating his own unique sound. Radio & Records airplay chart and was one of the genre’s Top-10 songs of the year. He has toured with everyone from Madonna to HOWARD ALDEN GUITARS & SAXES FEATURING GERALD ALBRIGHT, KIRK WHALUM, Leon Redbone and Ringo Starr, and came into Long one of Philly’s best-kept secrets, Carol Riddick — who began PETER WHITE AND JEFF GOLUB WITH SPECIAL GUESTS JEFF LORBER his own as a leader with his famed Hot Club her career touring with Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff — recently released AND ERIC MARIENTHAL of France tribute, which was hailed in the NY her solo debut album Moments Like This. Over the years, she has been Sunday, March 27, 7 p.m., Sovereign Performing Arts Center Times as one of the top 10 acts in 1988, and featured on albums by Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Norman Brown and The Sovereign Performing Arts Center will play host to the grand- forged the way for the many Django Hot Club Kindred. daddy of all smooth jazz all-star tours, Guitars & Saxes, a popular live groups that followed. Known for his rich baritone vocals and interpretations of R&B and pop After recording a long series of albums classics, Will Downing tells the eternal tale of romance, passion, joy and GUITARS & SAXES, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 for Concord Records, Howard Alden released heartbreak on his latest album Lust, Love and Lies (An Audio Novel). his own Reinhardt tribute album, I Remember Downing’s nearly 20-album career since the late 1980s has been Django, with Anat Cohen and Warren Vache. challenged since 2006, when the singer began suffering from a muscle JAZZ WORSHIPSHIP His extensive credits include four albums with GENE BERTONCINI disorder called polymyositis. He is also a prominent spokesman for the American Stroke Association. at Christ Church UCCC seven-string guitar innovator George Van Eps KUTZTOWN RD. & EUCLID AVE. TEMPLEE and dubbing Sean Penn’s guitar parts as “Emmett Ray” in the 1999 Known for his sensuous melodies and picture perfect urban jazz/R&B Woody Allen fi lm “Sweet and Lowdown.” grooves, saxophonist Walter Beasley has a long and distinguished dual Sunday, April 3 at 10 AM During his storied career, Gene Bertoncini has included playing with career as a recording artist and professor of music at Berklee College featuring ERWIN CHANDLER Benny Goodman, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond, Tony of Music. His latest Shanachie release is Backatcha! Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone and Eydie Gorme, as GAMUT SMOOTH JAZZ 92.7 SUNDAY BRUNCH with Ken Blekicki • Bob Livingood • Gene Bujnovsky • John Rossum well as performing in a long-running duo with bassist Michael Moore and ANDREW NEU and working in the orchestras on “The Merv Griffi n Show” and “The Tonight Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m., Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom The Muhlenberg Middle School Jazz Ensemble Show.” From his appearances with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Brian For Information Call THE ROYAL SCAM’S TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN Pastor Big Band and Philadelphia Orchestra to his live performances in 610-929-2020 • www.ucctemple.org Saturday, March 26, 9 p.m., Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom The Royal Scam is the world’s premier Steely Dan tribute band. Playing more than 40 of Steely Dan’s masterpieces, The Royal Scam has helped to keep the compositions of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the spirit of rock/ Jazz Under jazz, and the enthusiasm of fi ne musicianship Jazz Fest alive in small clubs and concert venues in the NY metropolitan area. Open at 4:30 Mon. thru Sat. Royal Scam is Joe Montini, saxes; Wendi to accommodate your the Stars Gordy, vocals; Gino Amato, keyboards and THE ROYAL SCAM pre-concert dining. An out-of-this-world-class experience synth programming; Carla Culkin, vocals; U on Friday, April 1 from 4 – 6 p.m. Michael Caputo, lead vocals; Phil Long, drums; and Al Egizi, guitar. V Royal Scam has been part of the festival many times, wowing packed 610-374-5733 Join us for a late afternoon party “under houses with their amazing performances of the iconic Steely Dan songs. the stars,” with the stars. It’s a great 146 Tulpehocken Ave., West Reading prelude to one of the many concerts held later that evening as part of the 21st Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Start your weekend in an unmatched environment — right across the street from the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and near major hotels and Downtown Reading. Why not begin your evening here? Listen to the music of the Dave Posmontier Trio while enjoying wine and light refreshments, and the visually stunning images on the dome above. Our Planetarium theatre and large foyer will be set up party-style, with tables (seated and standing), auditorium- style chairs, and plenty of room to mingle. Special Guest “Star” 2010 Grammy Award Nominee Philippe Saisse Internationally famous keyboardist, producer and arranger Philippe Saise will be dropping by to play a few songs with the Dave Posmontier Trio. And with all the musicians in town this week, who knows who else might stop by?

Tickets are $30 each. Registration SUPPORT THE ARTS! form available at Web address below. Questions? Contact JOIN THE lauren.mccarroll@ readingpublicmuseum.org BERKS ARTS COUNCIL or call 610-371-5850 x264.

610-898-1930 500 Museum Road s Reading, PA berksarts.org www.readingpublicmuseum.org/events/jazz_under_the_stars.php artist profi les / major concerts by jonathan widran

GUITARS & SAXES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Jeff Golub has been part of so many G&S tours over the years he for two shows this year. staple of the genre since the mid-1990s. loses count – but it’s just possible that he may be the all-time record RIB is a highly entertaining and versatile 12- Each of this year’s participants, Gerald holder in number of years as a participant! His unique brand of funky, piece ensemble which performs the American Albright, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and Jeff Gol- blues-drenched smooth jazz has long been a mainstay in the genre, but musical art forms of jazz, blues and funk. ub, have performed at Berks numerous times. he always had a blast throwing a few winks to the 1960s and 1970s The band features repertoire from the great In 2009, Albright and Whalum performed a jazz and soul that shaped his musical vision. His latest CD, the explosive, jazz masters, such as Oscar Peterson, Miles dual show and in 2010, White shared a bill with harder-edged Blues For You (2009), explores his fi rst musical love with Davis, Chick Corea, The Yellowjackets, Charlie Mindi Abair. the help of vocalists Marc Cohn, John Waite, Peter Wolf and Billy Squier. Parker and Herbie Hancock. Golub’s recent festival appearances include The ensemble also pays tribute to the Big AL DI MEOLA’S WORLD SINFONIA U.S. AIR FORCE 2009 as part of Soul Summit II and last year Band leaders of the swing era, such as Duke • Sunday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and RHYTHM IN BLUE as part of Jason Miles’ all-star tribute to Grover GERALD ALBRIGHT Washington Jr. The key to the success of the A bona fi de guitar hero, perennial poll-winner Glenn Miller. In addition, their fabulous vocalist Guitars & Saxes tour is the idea of ever-rotating and virtuoso of the highest order, Al Di Meola entertains with musical gems from jazz divas such as Ella Fitzgerald, lineups, which keeps the music fresh each year has also been recognized over the past 30 Sarah Vaughn and Diane Schuur. as the four participants bring their own unique years as a prolifi c composer and respected Trumpeter and fl ugelhorn great Randy Brecker is joining the RIB vibe and musicianship to the new ensemble. artist with over 20 recordings as a leader. ensemble as a special guest. A few years removed from celebrating the Di Meola’s creative output to date is stag- Brecker has been shaping the sound of Jazz, R&B and Rock for more funky soul legacy of the great Memphis soul gering, whether it’s with his current World than four decades. His trumpet and fl ugelhorn performances have label on Sax For Stax, Albright continues to Sinfonia band or past musical endeavors like graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor, pay homage to the music that’s inspired his his electric Tour de Force group with Jan Ham- Bruce Springsteen and Parliament-Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely mer, Anthony Jackson, Steve Gadd and Mingo Dan, David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Horace Silver and Frank Zappa. own nearly quarter-century solo career. AL DI MEOLA His latest release Pushing The Envelope is KIRK WHALUM Lewis; the internationally acclaimed Trio with The Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band will open for the free com- a lively, rewarding set that tracks many special fellow guitar superstars John McLaughlin and munity concert sponsored by Reading Eagle Company and Boscov’s. places in the saxman’s heart — and includes Paco de Lucia; the Rite of Strings trio with Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc U.S. AIR FORCE RHYTHM IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE odes to James Brown, Michael Jackson, Willie Ponty; or the 1970s fusion supergroup Return To Forever with Chick FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST ERNIE WATTS PLUS THE BERKS Bobo and Earl Klugh, as well as touches of Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND world music and a musical prayer for Haiti. While his dazzling technique on both acoustic and electric guitars has afforded him regal status among the hordes of fretboard afi cionados • Tuesday, March 29, 7 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom The titles of his fi nal two GRP albums before who regularly fl ock to his concerts, the depth of Di Meola’s writing along This second community concert, featuring the USAF Rhythm in Blue signing with Peak, Groovology (2002) and with the soulfulness and his inherent lyricism of his expression have won Jazz Ensemble and sponsored by Reading Kickin’ It Up (2004), epitomize his energized, him legions of fans worldwide beyond the six-string set. Eagle Company, will include special guest forward-thinking approach to music. Coming off of 2008’s triumphant 25-year reunion tour by Return To Ernie Watts. Whalum, who previously honored Washing- PETER WHITE Forever, which produced the live two-CD set Returns and the concert Two-time Grammy Award winner Ernie Watts ton with the cleverly titled “Groverworked and DVD Live at Montreux, Di Meola began rehearsing new music with his is one of the most versatile and prolifi c saxo- Underpaid” on his 2000 album Unconditional, New World Sinfonia band in preparation for a coast-to-coast tour. Di Meo- phone players on the music scene. In a diverse never offi cially performed with his hero, but la calls his bandmates in the New World Sinfonia -- Fausto Beccalossi on career that has spanned more than 40 years, both were signed to Sony Music for years. accordian, Peo Afonsi on acoustic guitar, Peter Kaszas on percussion, he has been featured on over 500 recordings After a few years of on-and-off touring with Gumbi Ortiz on percussion, Victor Miranda on bass -- “the best group of by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley BWB alongside former labelmates Rick Braun musicians so far in my career.” to Frank Zappa, always exhibiting his unforget- ERNIE WATTS and Norman Brown — and several projects ex- Di Meola’s ongoing fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation table trademark sound. ploring his fi rst love, gospel music — Whalum combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony After 15 solo records for a variety of labels, large and small, Watts has enjoyed performing the music of two other has been at the heart of his music throughout a celebrated career that started Flying Dolphin Records, a company he runs with his wife Patricia. great R&B infl uences, the late Luther Vandross JEFF GOLUB has earned him critical accolades, three gold albums and more than six Flying Dolphin (distributed by Burnside Distribution Corp.) is a new chap- and songwriter/artist Babyface. million in record sales worldwide. He has been particularly enamored ter for the artist’s creative expression. On his latest album Everything Is Everything, he pays tribute to an- over the past 20 years by the tango music of the late Argentinian com- The Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band will open for the free com- other great performer and personal infl uence, Donny Hathaway. poser Astor Piazzolla, whose compositions he has interpreted over time, munity concert sponsored by Reading Eagle Company and Boscov’s. White, whose most recent release is the Billboard Contemporary Jazz beginning with 1990’s Di Meola Plays Piazzolla and including Heart of Top 10 hit Good Day, has participated regularly over the years in the the Immigrants (1993), Flesh on Flesh (2002) and Diabolic Inventions HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND annual all-star Guitars & Saxes tours, and in 2005 and 2007 was part of and Seduction for Solo Guitar (2007). • Tuesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts Jazz Attack with Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Jonathan Butler. The Homemade Jamz Blues Band is a fresh, young blues band made In 2003, he and Abair launched their fi rst annual holiday tour, and U.S. AIR FORCE RHYTHM IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE up of three siblings: singer and guitarist Ryan Perry, 18; bassist Kyle, with Rick Braun joining them a year later, have created one of the FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST RANDY BRECKER PLUS THE BERKS 16; and drummer Taya, 12. genre’s most popular annual Christmastime events. Since the release of HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND HJBB began in Germany when father Renaud returned from military his debut reveillez-vous in 1990, Peter White’s distinctive R&B, jazz and Monday, March 28, 7 p.m., Boyertown Junior High West service in Korea. Young Ryan found a Stratocaster copy among dad’s pop instrumental albums and staggering 14 No. 1 radio singles have set The always-popular U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble, part both artistic and commercial standards for the genre. of the USAF Heritage of America Band led by MSgt. John Cisar, returns HOMEMADE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

The Abraham Lincoln will be swinging to the sounds of Chris Heslop’s Nasty 9 during this special DID MidDay Jazz Café. Hesse’s N9 will be the centerpiece of this New Orleans-style party — complete with Mardi Gras beads. Great food! Great fun! 21st annual boscov’s thursday, march 31 7:00 p.m. bones of contention featuring doc mulligan, chuck major concerts dressler, rob stoneback plus special guest larry mckenna Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $15 thursday, march 24 Sponsored by The Water Guy 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. tim price, ryan anselmi’s soulful tenor madness berks all-star jazz jam featuring rick braun, randy brecker, Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $15 at the door chuck loeb, chieli minucci, gerald veasley, brian bromberg, gerald albright, euge groove, philippe saisse, selina albright, friday, march 25 lionel cordew, karen briggs, frank vignola and more DAVE BRUBECK 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45 joey defrancesco trio Sponsored by Alcon and Reese Advertising Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $32 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Weidenhammer Systems Corp. ku presents: chris brubeck’s triple play Ursa Minor’s Café at Kutztown University; for ticket info, call 610-683-4092 7:30 p.m. the dave brubeck quartet friday, april 1 Sovereign Performing Arts Center: $49 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by Reading Eagle Company and Boscov’s brian bromberg band with special guest randy brecker 9:00 p.m. Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $32 dance hall docs featuring vocalist brent carter Sponsored by smoothjazz.com The Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom: $20 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by The Anderson Group gerald albright & friends featuring brian culbertson, 10:00 p.m. rick braun, larry braggs, selina albright and the berks jazz norman brown & richard elliot fest horns FOURPLAY BRIAN Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49 BROMBERG Sponsored by Fraser and Keystone Instant Printing Sponsored by VF Outlet 7:30 p.m. saturday, march 26 steve tyrell 2:00 p.m. Miller Center for the Arts: $42 stanley clarke band and the victor wooten band Sponsored by Metro Bank Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by VIST Financial and KU Radio walter trout plus opening act gina sicilia 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. The Inn at Reading Ballroom: $36 jeff lorber fusion featuring jeff lorber, eric marienthal, Sponsored by Land Displays jimmy haslip, sonny emory plus special guest randy brecker 7:30 p.m. Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $38 chieli minucci & special efx with special guests Sponsored by All Star Distributing/Blue Moon karen briggs, lao tizer TROMBONE 7:00 p.m. The Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom: $40 SHORTY JEFF al jarreau and the george duke trio Sponsored by National Penn Bank LORBER plus opening act berks high school all-star jazz chorus 10:00 p.m. Sovereign Performing Arts Center: $49 euge groove Sponsored by Sweet Street Desserts and Berks County Bar Association Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Smooth Jazz 92.7 guitar masters: bucky pizzarelli, frank vignola, Midnight gene bertoncini, howard alden round midnight jam hosted by gerald veasley Miller Center for the Arts: $35 Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $15 at the door Sponsored by Bell Tower Salon and Spa Sponsored by Smooth Jazz 92.7 9:00 p.m. royal scam: tribute to steely dan saturday, april 2 The Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom: $20 2:00 p.m. the rippingtons featuring russ freeman plus opening act Sponsored by Toyota philippe saisse trio NICK 10:00 p.m. COLIONNE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 gerald veasley’s sounds of philly featuring will downing, Sponsored by Quaker Maid Meats nick colionne, walter beasley and carol riddick Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by 69-WFMZ-TV the last big band and the ladies of jazz featuring sharon bailey, toni lynne, suzie ernesto The Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom: $23 sunday, march 27 Sponsored by JerLyn Foundation “In Memory of Frank Scott” 10:00 a.m.: Smooth Jazz 92.7 Sunday Brunch and Breast Cancert Support Services of Berks County andrew neu 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom: $36, includes buffet steve smith & vital information: nyc edition featuring Sponsored by Smooth Jazz 92.7 steve smith, vinny valentino, mark soskin, andy fusco, 2:00 p.m. baron browne pieces of a dream and phil perry Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $38 Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 Sponsored by Penn National Gaming Sponsored by Capital Wine & Spirits 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. fourplay featuring bob james, nathan east, harvey mason, guitars and saxes featuring gerald albright, kirk whalum, chuck loeb peter white, jeff golub plus special guests jeff lorber and Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49 eric marienthal Sponsored by Penske Truck Leasing THE RIPPINGTONS Sovereign Performing Arts Center: $49 FEATURING RUSS FREEMAN 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 and Lasting Image the vista all-stars featuring houston person, 7:30 p.m. wycliffe gordon, ken peplowski, shelly berg, david finck, al di meola world sinfonia ernie adams, dee daniels Miller Center for the Arts: $40 CHUCK Miller Center for the Arts: $40 LOEB NORMAN Sponsored by Reading Movies 11 & IMAX Sponsored by Quaker Maid Meats and The Jazz Cruise BROWN 7:30 p.m. monday, march 28 mark hummels’ blues harmonica blowout featuring 7:00 p.m. lazy lester, jerry portnoy, mark wenner and the blues united states air force rhythm in blue jazz ensemble survivors featuring special guest randy brecker plus the berks high The Inn at Reading Ballroom: $36 school all-star jazz band Sponsored by Reading Phillies Boyertown Junior High West: FREE (ticket required) 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by Reading Eagle Company and Boscov’s the original jazz crusaders featuring joe sample, wilton felder, wayne henderson Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 tuesday, march 29 Sponsored by Zeswitz: A Division of Rayburn Music 7:00 p.m. AL united states air force rhythm in blue jazz ensemble Midnight DI MEOLA featuring special guest ernie watts plus opening act berks round midnight jam hosted by gerald veasley high school all-star jazz band Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $15 at the door Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: FREE (ticket required) Sponsored by Smooth Jazz 92.7 Sponsored by Reading Eagle Company and Boscov’s sunday, april 3 7:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Smooth Jazz 92.7 Sunday Brunch homemade jamz blues band nick colionne, brian simpson & jeff kashiwa Miller Center for the Arts: $15 CHIELI MINUCCI Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $36, includes buffet AND SPECIAL EFX Sponsored by Reading Musical Foundation Sponsored by Smooth Jazz 92.7 WALTER TROUT 11:00 a.m.: Sunday Blues Brunch wednesday, march 30 clarence spady band 7:00 p.m. Inn at Reading Ballroom: $36, includes buffet the bebop sessions featuring chuck loeb, rick braun, Sponsored by WEEU 830 AM randy brecker, brian bromberg, gerald albright, ada rovatti, philippe saisse and more 3:00 p.m. rick braun and the reading pops orchestra Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $35 Sponsored by Prime Steak & Wine Miller Center for the Arts: $40 Sponsored by Connors Investors Services Inc. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. trombone shorty & orleans avenue brian culbertson with special guest kenny lattimore Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $30 Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49 Sponsored by Toyota Sponsored by Vision Audi presented by berks jazz fest festival sponsor * local events sponsors friday, march 25 monday, march 28 7:30 p.m.: Skip Moyer & The Swinging Foxes with Andy Buraz Gracie’s 21st Century Café 11:30 a.m.: Harold B. Leifer Kickoff Lunch 6:30 p.m.: Deanna Reuben & Marty Mellinger 610-323-4004; gracies21stcentury.com The Groovemasters featuring Bennie Sims and Cliff Starkey Dans Restaurant The Peanut Bar Restaurant 610-373-2075; dansrestaurant.com 7:30 p.m.: Seth Mellon 610-376-8500; peanutbar.com The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse tuesday, march 29 610-374-8511; speckledhenpub.com 11:30 a.m.: Jazz Lunch Danny Steuber Combo 11:30 a.m.: Mike Eben’s From The Hip 8 p.m.: Pretzel City Dixieland Jazz Band judy’s...on cherry Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant Evergreen Country Club 610-374-8511; judysoncherry.com 610-779-2000; boscovs.com 610-944-7501; evergreenclub.org 7:30 p.m.: Neil Wright with Roger Harris & Diana Dupre’ 5:30 p.m.: Jill Haley & David Cullen 9 p.m.: The Uptown Band featuring Erich Cawalla & Jenifer Kinder Gracie’s 21st Century Café Bensi Restaurant Italiano Galen Hall Country Club 610-323-4004; gracies21stcentury.com 610-375-3222; bensirestaurants.com 610-678-5424; galenhallgc.com 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Saxophone 6:30 p.m.: Neil Wright & Diana Dupre’ 9:30 p.m.: Bobby Newton Seth Mellon Dans Restaurant Blind Hartman’s Tavern The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse 610-373-2075; dansrestaurant.com 610-370-7180; blindhartmanstavern.com 610-374-8511; speckledhenpub.com 7:30 p.m.: Jimmy Z’s Bone Tom Jazz Band saturday, april 2 9:30 p.m.: John King & Collard Greens Holy Cross United Methodist Church Noon: Pretzel City Dixieland Jazz Band Blind Hartman’s Tavern 610-373-7260; memholycross.org VF Outlet Food Court 610-370-7180; blindhartmanstavern.com wednesday, march 30 vfoutletcenter.com saturday, march 26 11:30 a.m.: Erwin Chandler’s GAMUT Noon: Josh Taylor & Trey LaRue Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant Reading Public Library Main Branch 11 a.m.: Jazz Brunch 610-779-2000; boscovs.com 610-655-6365; reading.lib.pa.us Bev Conklin Combo Noon: DID MidDay Jazz Café 2 p.m.: Exeter Community Band judy’s...on cherry Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site 610-374-8511; judysoncherry.com Chris Heslop’s Nasty 9 The Abraham Lincoln Hotel 610-582-8773 Noon: Reading High School Castleaires and the Reading High 610-372-3700 7:30 p.m.: Bev Conklin School Chamber Singers The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse 6 p.m.: Ken Gehret’s Braziliance Reading Public Library Main Branch 610-374-8511; speckledhenpub.com 610-655-6365; reading.lib.pa.us The Peanut Bar Restaurant 610-376-8500; peanutbar.com 8 p.m.: Braziliance 12:30 p.m.: Berks Student Jazz Jam Berks County YR Club The Peanut Bar Restaurant 7 p.m.: Skip Moyer Quartet featuring Alan Gaumer 610-376-1303; berksyrclub.com 610-376-8500; peanutbar.com Reading Liederkranz 610-373-3982; readingliederkranz.com 8 p.m.: Wave with Roger Harris, John Christopher, 6:30 p.m.: Wilson High Jazz Fest Craig Rankin, Rick Ranaglia John Vanore and the Abstract Truth 7 p.m.: Jazz Dinner Pappy T’s Pub Wilson High School Neil Wright 717-269-7667; pappyts.com 610-670-0180 ext. 5147 Cousin’s Pub 610-562-5202; cousins-pub.com 8 p.m.: D-3 & Company: Soulful Jazz 7:30 p.m.: Jim Meck Klinger’s on Carsonia The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse 7:30 p.m.: Tracy Silverman 610-985-0652; klingersoncarsonia.com Perkins Student Center Penn State Campus 610-374-8511; speckledhenpub.com 8 p.m.: Rockman Blues Band 8 p.m.: Skip Moyer & the Swinging Foxes featuring Amber Rae 610-396-6076; FREE with limited seating Cousins Pub Klinger’s on Carsonia thursday, march 31 610-562-5202; cousins-pub.com 610-985-0652; klingersoncarsonia.com 11:30 a.m.: Jimmy Z’s Bone Tom Jazz Band 9 p.m.: Rob Diener and Anomaly 9:30 p.m.: Uncle Thirsty Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant Canal Street Pub & Restaurant Blind Hartman’s Tavern 610-779-2000; boscovs.com 610-376-4009; canalstreetpub.com 610-370-7180; blindhartmanstavern.com 1 p.m.: Skip Moyer & The Swinging Foxes with Toni Lynne 9:30 p.m.: Lil’ Ragu sunday, march 27 Manor at Market Square Blind Hartman’s Tavern 610-373-0800; manoratms.com 610-370-7180; blindhartmanstavern.com 10 a.m.: Bagels, Bach & Beyond GAMUT 5:30 p.m.: Jill Haley & Mark Oppenlander sunday, april 3 Reading Public Museum Bensi Restaurant Italiano 10 a.m.: Jazz Worship Service 610-371-5850; readingpublicmuseum.org 610-375-3222; bensirestaurants.com St. John’s Jazz Band, Kutztown Middle School Jazz Band 10:30 a.m.: Jazz Worship Service 6 p.m.: Dave Mell Blues Band Duo and special guest jazz guitarist Carl Zeplin St. John’s United Church of Christ, Kutztown Rev. Ed Neiderhiser, trumpet Klinger’s on Carsonia 610-683-8531; stjohns-ucc.org Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 610-985-0652; klingersoncarsonia.com 610-375-3961; readinggrace.org 10 a.m.: Jazz Worship friday, april 1 Erwin Chandler and GAMUT plus Muhlenberg Middle School Noon: Connie Rainis with Randy Sarles & Friend 11:30 a.m.: Skip Moyer & The Swinging Foxes Jazz Band Gracie’s 21st Century Café Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant Christ Church United Church of Christ 610-323-4004; gracies21stcentury.com 610-779-2000; boscovs.com 610-929-2020; ucctemple.org Noon: Green Valley Jazz Brunch 4 p.m.: Jazz Under the Stars 10:40 a.m.: Get Jazzed for Jesus The Uptown Jazzup featuring Erich Cawalla & Jenifer Kinder Dave Postmontier Trio plus special guest Philippe Saisse Sam Powell hotels Green Valley Country Club Reading Public Museum Planetarium St. James Church 610-678-8811; thegreenvalleycountryclub.com 610-371-5850; readingpublicmuseum.org 610-372-2034; stjameswr.org 2 p.m.: By Request 5:30 p.m.: Jazz Happy Hour Noon: Jimmy Z’s Bone Tom Jazz Band Evergreen Country Club The Groovemasters VF Outlet Food Court 610-944-7501; evergreenclub.org The Peanut Bar Restaurant vfoutletcenter.com 3 p.m.: Joyful Jazz 3 featuring Beverly McDevitt and 610-376-8500; peanutbar.com 1 p.m.: Seth Mellon & Andy Roberts Michael Trach 7 p.m.: Tapas & Jazz Gracie’s 21st Century Café St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Neil Wright Band 610-323-4004; gracies21stcentury.com 610-373-3135; stpaulreading.org Green Valley Country Club 4 p.m.: Stephanie Grace 4 p.m.: Vesper Service 610-678-8811; thegreenvalleycountryclub.com Blind Hartman’s Tavern 610-370-7180; blindhartmanstavern.com Maria Damore Quintet featuring Andy Roberts 7 p.m.: Rockman Blues First Baptist Church Canal Street Pub & Restaurant 5 p.m.: Jane Hagness 610-375-2211; firstbaptistreading.org 610-376-4009; canalstreetpub.com Dans Restaurant 610-373-2075; dansrestaurant.com 7 p.m.: Chris Heslop & Friends 7 p.m.: Jazz with Jim Meck Atonement Lutheran Church Cousins Pub 610-375-3512 610-562-5202; cousins-pub.com *cover or music charge may apply

AL JARREAU CLARENCE SPADY BRIAN CULBERTSON STEVE RICK TYRELL BRAUN

GEORGE RICHARD DUKE ELLIOT

THE JAZZ CRUSADERS

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS berksjazzfest.com Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com Sovereign Center Box Office, Seventh and Penn streets, Reading, PA 19602 artist profi les / major concerts by jonathan widran

HOMEMADE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 album is a Celtic-infl uenced work called Green Factor. She also Mulligan, Dressler and Stoneback will be joined by Marty Mellinger, bags and wanted it. A week later, Ryan had appeared in the fi lm “Mona Lisa Smile” with Julia Roberts. keyboards; Keith Mohler, bass; and Dave Lazorcik, drums. composed a short instrumental tune (which Philippe Saisse will be a busy man during this year’s festival. His trio Philadelphia resident and saxophonist Larry McKenna is an instructor he’d play at his school talent show) and was will be opening for The Rippingtons on Saturday, April 2, at the Crowne of jazz theory, harmony, and saxophone at the Community College of playing along to commercials. When the family Plaza Reading Ballroom; and is the musical director for Rick Braun’s Philadelphia. His latest release, It Might As Well Be Spring, is available relocated to Tupelo, the passion stayed with April 3 show with the Reading Pops. from DreamBox Media. him. Returning home, Ryan dove head fi rst into TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE 21ST ANNUAL BERKS ALL-STAR JAZZ JAM the blues. • Wednesday, March 30, 7:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom FEATURING CHUCK LOEB, RICK BRAUN, GERALD VEASLEY, His brother, Kyle eventually joined him, BRIAN BROMBERG, GERALD ALBRIGHT, EUGE GROOVE, It’s rare to fi nd an artist with the virtuosity followed by their sister, Taya. CHIELI MINUCCI, PHILIPPE SAISSE, SELINA ALBRIGHT, to draw the unqualifi ed respect of some of the HJBB was the youngest band ever to HOMEMADE JAMZ KAREN BRIGGS, LIONEL COREDOW, FRANK VIGNOLA AND MORE most iconic legends in jazz and the ability to compete in the International Blues Challenge BLUES BAND • Thursday, March 31, 8 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom deliver a high-energy funk rock show capable (2007), taking second in a fi eld of 157 bands. One of the most highly anticipated shows of any Berks Jazz Fest is Fred Litwin, president of esteemed label NorthernBlues Music, was a of mesmerizing international rock stars — but trombonist/trumpeter Troy “Trombone Shorty” the annual Berks All-Star Jazz Jam, which transforms the Crowne Plaza judge for the event. Litwin called HJBB and announced he was keen to Reading hotel ballroom into a funky, grooving, jamming jazz fusion make them the youngest blues band to sign with a major record label. Andrews is a one of a kind artist who does all that with ease. paradise where fun, spontaneity and improvisations rule for hours. “Mister Fred,” as the Perrys call him, made it happen. True to their Continuing a joyous tradition, all of the participants are headlining or name, the band recorded Pay Me No Mind at home, over three days in A product of New Orleans’ culturally rich Treme neighborhood, Trombone Shorty was a performing in other settings at the festival, typifying the wonderful diver- January 2008. TROMBONE SHORTY bandleader by the age of six. While navigating sity of talent hitting the stage for this annual high-energy extravaganza. Rife with powerful, puissant songs (lyrics by Renaud, music by HJBB) Berks favorite and guitar great Chuck Loeb will be performing as that lyrically and musically epitomize the blues, Pay Me No Mind blends The Big Easy with his band in tow, he was also absorbing lessons from his older brother James, a dynamic musical part of the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay (which includes Bob Chicago and Mississippi juke joint blues, copping the gritty slickness of the James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason) at the Scottish Rite Cathedral; former and the dirty soul of the latter—never betraying its authors’ age. performer known as “Satchmo of the Ghetto.” By the time Trombone Shorty was 12, he had a Ph.D. in the ways of the streets, which you can last year, Loeb took over the guitar chair in the group after Larry Carlton’s departure. Continuing in his tradition of doing more traditional THE BEBOP SESSIONS FEATURING CHUCK LOEB, RICK BRAUN, still hear in his music. Now at 25, Trombone Shorty has grown into a performer who com- jazz oriented shows at Berks to complement his high-energy pop-R&B RANDY BRECKER, BRIAN BROMBERG, GERALD ALBRIGHT, driven performances, trumpeter Rick Braun will be joined by keyboardist ADA ROVATTI, PHILIPPE SAISSE AND MORE mands the stage while emanating an elegance and class gleaned from his successful studies at the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Philippe Saisse and the Reading Pops Orchestra at Miller Center for a • Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at Sunday with the Pops show called Rick Braun’s American Songbook. Crowne Plaza Reading Creative Arts. Shorty has attracted many such legends to his high-profi le fanbase, Gerald Veasley is not only the namesake of one of the Berks Jazz There are several names that come to mind Fest’s most intimate venue, Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base, he is headlining when you think of Berks Jazz Fest, and Chuck and the diverse and notable names he has performed and soloed with include Norah Jones at Jazzfest 2007, Diana Krall at Madison Square two all-star shows this year -- Sounds of Philly (a WFMZ Live Broadcast) Loeb is certainly one of them. and the Round Midnight Jam. Berks’ other favorite Gerald, saxman Ger- Loeb is putting a different spin on his Berks Garden in 2005, and chart-topping rapper Juvenile at VoodooFest 2008. In 2005, he was tapped by Lenny Kravitz to be a featured member of ald Albright, appears in two other exciting settings: as part of Guitars show this year, and is bringing together some & Saxes and as headliner of a special evening at the Scottish Rite big-name talent to pull it off. his horn section for the 63-date Electric Church world tour that in North America supported Aerosmith’s Rockin’ the Joint tour. Cathedral titled “The Man and His Music” with special guests including This year’s show is dubbed The BeBop his vocalist daughter Selina Albright. Sessions, and helping Loeb add some Be to In London in 2006, Trombone Shorty worked with producer Bob Ezrin and U2 at Abbey Road Studios. This association led to a performance Euge Groove is headlining his own show on Friday night, April 1, the Bop will be trumpet greats Rick Braun in the same ballroom, while violin master Karen Briggs will be joining and Randy Brecker, bassist extraordinaire Brian with U2 and Green Day during the New Orleans Superdome’s post- CHUCK LOEB Katrina re-opening spectacular during Monday Night Football. guitarist Chieli Minucci and Special EFX at the Abraham Lincoln earlier Bromberg, sax masters Gerald Albright and Ada the same evening. Rovatti, and keyboardist Philippe Saisse. The seeds of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue’s “SupaFunkRock” sound were sown at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, and More than a jazz guitar player, Loeb is the BRIAN BROMBERG BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST RANDY BRECKER the group has since evolved into a seven-piece touring phenomenon. consummate musician. In a career that spans • Friday, April 1, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base With Mike Ballard on bass, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on four decades, he has proven himself to be a at Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel drums, Dwayne Williams on percussion, Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax, versatile composer, arranger and producer in A nearly annual fi xture at the festival, elec- and Clarence Slaughter on tenor sax, their performances transcend the a wide range of musical styles and contexts. tric and acoustic bassist Brian Bromberg has boundaries of generation and classifi cation. In addition to crafting a fi ne discography of appeared in numerous settings and venues over the years. his own and producing albums for a number of BONES OF CONTENTION This year, Bromberg is performing three other high-profi le artists, his resume also FEATURING DOC MULLIGAN, CHUCK DRESSLER, RICK BRAUN times, including headling his own show with his includes music for commercial jingles and a ROB STONEBACK PLUS SPECIAL GUEST LARRY MCKENNA band and special guest Randy Brecker at the variety of television programs and motion pic- • Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at Jazz Base. tures. Whatever your personal tastes in music, Crowne Plaza Reading media, entertainment or popular culture, chanc- Bromberg is in town to promote his latest Bones of Contention features Doc Mulligan, es are good that you’ve had at least a passing offering, Bromberg Plays Hendrix, which BRIAN BROMBERG Chuck Dressler, Rob Stoneback. Bob “Doc” acquaintance with the work of Chuck Loeb. previously was only available in Japan. Mulligan, the well-respected trombonist, All of Loeb’s friends are well known at Berks The CD is an homage from one virtuoso to arranger, and composer, is the architect of another. Jazz Fest, and they are all performing in other this special project. capacities during this year’s fest, including the Brian’s take on classic Hendrix tunes is Joining Mulligan will be trombone mates nothing short of astounding. He makes the perennial favorite Berks All-Star Jazz Jam on Chuck Dressler and Rob Stoneback. Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at the Crowne songs his own while keeping with the spirit ADA ROVATTI Mulligan’s musical career has spanned 65 and raw emotion of the originals. Plaza Reading ballroom. years. He has played in orchestras and bands Allentown native and Berks favorite Rick Braun will be joining the In addition to a thriving solo recording that have backed Sammy Kaye, Billy Eckstine, BONES OF CONTENTION career, Bromberg has performed with a Reading Pops Orchestra on Sunday, April 3, at the Miller Center for the Al Martino, Jack Jones and Frankie Avalon. Arts. Randy Brecker will perform with Brian Bromberg and his band virtual who’s who of smooth, straight ahead Mulligan’s latest arrangement efforts can be and Latin jazz (Arturo Sandoval, Herbie Han- RANDY BRECKER on Friday, April 1 at Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base in the Crowne Plaza found on the Ronnie Milsap’s CD Just for You. Reading. Brecker also will be a featured guest with Jeff Lorber Fusion, cock, Boney James) and as a producer has Dressler is the former director of bands scored eight top-10 (and two No. 1) smooth jazz hits. Saturday, March 26, and with the U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz at Pottstown High. Dressler’s performance Ensemble on Monday, March 28. Bromberg’s production credits include Chris Botti, Kim Waters, Jeff credits include working with the Tommy Dorsey Kashiwa and Turning Point. Gerald Albright will host his own show, Gerald Albright & Friends, on Orchestra, Harry James Orchestra, Al Grey, Following his Grammy nominated album Downright Upright and Friday, April 1, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, with Braun, Larry Braggs, Dave Stahl, The Manhattan Transfer, The backed by a killer horn section, Bromberg got loose and funky on Selina Albright and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns. Temptations, Perry Como, Natalie Cole, Wayne 2009’s It Is What It Is, which includes his unique spin on the B52’s dance Italian saxophonist Ada Rovatti studied at Berklee College of Music Newton and Johnny Mathis. LARRY MCKENNA classic “Love Shack” and Quincy Jones’ theme from “Sanford and Son.” before launching her career in Paris; she later established herself in Dressler is a member of the Rob Stoneback His most recent recording is Bromberg Plays Hendrix (2010). New York, where she has performed with everyone from Les Paul and Big Band from the Lehigh Valley area and The Next Generation Big Band Trumpeter and fl ugelhorn great Randy Brecker has long been a highly John McLaughlin to Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Victory Bailey, Miroslav from Philadelphia. Stoneback is a well-known big band leader from the sought after performer in jazz, rock and R&B. His expansive recording Vitous and Joanne Brackeen. Her 2006 recording Airbop was nominated Lehigh Valley area is considered one of the best jazz trombonists in the as one of All About Jazz’s Top Ten CDs of the Year. Her most recent business. BROMBERG/BRECKER, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 artist profi les / major concerts by jonathan widran

BROMBERG/BRECKER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Trout lives in California, he spends much of his STEVE TYRELL and performing credits include Stanley Turrentine, Billy Cobham, Bruce life on the road bridging the U.S. and Europe, Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts Springsteen, Lou Reed, Sandip Burman, Charles Mingus, Blood, Sweat where he’s so well-known and respected that Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell & Tears, Horace Silver, Frank Zappa, Parliament-Funkadelic, Chris Parker, the United Kingdom’s BBC Radio One placed is truly a renaissance man. In his four-and-a- Jaco Pastorius, Dire Straits, Todd Rundgren, Blue Öyster Cult, Spyro the Stratocaster master at No. 6 on their list half decades in the music business, he has Gyra and many others. of the top-20 guitarists of all time. Legendary achieved great success as an artist, producer, Brecker played on the fi rst Blood, Sweat & Tears album Child Is BBC disc jockey, Bob Harris in his book “The songwriter, music supervisor, and performer. Father to the Man, and was a charter member of Larry Coryell’s The Whispering Years,” calls Trout: “The world’s With his breakthrough vocal performances Eleventh House. He was also part of The Brecker Brothers, a popular greatest rock guitarist.” in “Father of the Bride” and “Father of the funk and fusion band also featuring his brother, the late saxophonist But the title track of Trout’s new release is GINA SICILIA Bride II,” the multi-talented performer reinvent- Michael Brecker. Brecker’s 2008 album Randy in Brasil earned a also a prayer. “If there’s a place where the truth ed and re-popularized classic pop standards can still be found,’ he sings, “Lord, lead us to the common ground.” Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. for a modern-day audience. With the grit and STEVE TYRELL Trout enjoyed a more earthy kind of inspiration while making Common soul of a lifetime of experiences, producing GERALD ALBRIGHT & FRIENDS Ground, thanks to his supporting cast of drum great Kenny Aronoff (John hits for Grammy-winning Artists ranging from Linda Ronstadt and Aaron FEATURING BRIAN CULBERTSON, RICK BRAUN, LARRY BRAGGS, Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Elton John, etc.), bassist Hutch Hutchinson Neville to Rod Stewart and Diana Ross, Steve himself has sold hundreds SELINA ALBRIGHT AND THE BERKS JAZZ FEST HORNS and pianist Jon Cleary (both of Bonnie Raitt’s band), and famed producer of thousands of albums and gained a passionate following all over the Friday, April 1, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral John Porter, whose credits span from Brit-pop legends the Smiths to world. A week after being part of the Guitars & John Lee Hooker and B.B. King to Santana. His hits “The Way You Look Tonight,” “The Simple Life,” “Crush On Saxes show that opens the 2011 Berks Jazz Trout played in local bands after getting his fi rst guitar, but truly You” and “The Sunny Side of The Street” have launched thousands of Fest, saxophonist Gerald Albright takes center became steeped in blues after moving to Los Angeles in 1973. He weddings and millions of romances. He’s held top positions at Stan- stage for a unique evening titled “The Man and supported legends like John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, Finis dards, Swing, and Big Band outlets with a devoted following at key Adult his Music,” featuring special guests Brian Culb- Tasby, Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulsom, Percy Mayfi eld and Joe Tex, Contemporary Radio. ertson, Rick Braun, Tower of Power lead vocal- assimilating a wide variety of blues. Although Steve tours mainly with his band, he also enjoys playing with ist Larry Braggs, his daughter, Selina Albright, In 1981, Trout joined the remaining members of the formative ‘60s some of the most renowned orchestras in the U.S. and has appeared and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns. blues-rock group Canned Heat. But the real turning point in his career with The Boston Pops, twice with The New York Pops, The Nashville One of the biggest stars of R&B, contem- was his fi ve-year tenure with British blues giant John Mayall’s Bluesbreak- Symphony and The Houston Symphony on several occasions. At the porary and straight-ahead jazz, Gerald Albright ers. GERALD ALBRIGHT request of the Sinatra family and Quincy Jones, Steve was the featured has earned his reputation as a “musician’s The affable Mayall — who has a well-deserved reputation for spring- performer with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at their season-opening musician.” boarding the careers of great guitarists going back to the 1960s ap- concert in which Frank Sinatra was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl During the 1980s, Albright became a highly prenticeships of Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in his group Hall of Fame. requested session musician, playing on albums — drafted Trout in 1984 and paired him with fellow six-string virtuoso Launching his career producing with legendary songwriter Burt Bacha- by a wide variety of artists -- including Anita Coco Montoya. Their twinned attack and Mayall’s leadership provided rach — whom he paid homage to on his 2008 album Back to Bacharach Baker, Ray Parker, Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, the Bluesbreakers a renaissance that took the group and its members — Tyrell has worked behind the scenes with everyone from Ray Charles, Olivia Newton-John, the Temptations and to the apex of the international blues touring circuit. Smokey Robinson and Chris Botti to Dave Koz, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Maurice White. More than just a throwback to the great blues & soul vocalists of the Raitt and Stevie Wonder. His songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Albright also toured extensively with Les 1950s and 1960s, Gina Sicilia uniquely separates herself from the pack Diana Ross, LL Cool J and Elvis Presley, and “How Do You Talk To An McCann, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, the Winans, of current vocalists with a style that is distinctive, magnetic and anything Angel” was a No. 1 pop hit in 1992. Marlena Shaw, Quincy Jones, and Whitney SELINA ALBRIGHT but cliché. Houston, among many others. Now an internationally touring artist, Gina’s ability to evolve as a EUGE GROOVE Albright’s recent albums include the 2008 vocalist and songwriter is boundless. This is only the beginning for Gina Friday, April 1, 10 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Grammy nominated New Beginnings, and Sicilia, as she will undoubtedly continue to make her mark among the For the second year in a row, the irrepress- the 2009 Grammy nominated, Sax for Stax; new generation of musical artists. ibly funky and entertaining saxman Euge both in the category of Best Pop Instrumental Groove will be keeping hundreds of fans up CHIELI MINUCCI & SPECIAL EFX Album. His latest album is Pushing The Enve- ‘round midnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS KAREN BRIGGS AND LAO TIZER lope, which ventures from urban jazz to classic Ballroom. Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom funk and world music. Always innovative as a player, Groove The voice of Tower of Power for the past Celebrating his 25th year of touring as both followed his regular 2009 Shanachie Records seven years, Chicago native Larry Braggs LARRY BRAGGS a solo artist and part of the evolving, world debut Sunday Morning with an exciting interac- has toured Europe, Asia, Indonesia and South music-infl uenced, contemporary jazz group tive album called Groove On This! featuring re- Special EFX, Chieli Minucci recently released recorded versions of his top songs specifi cally Africa and has shared the stage with Al Green, EUGE GROOVE James Brown, Tom Jones, B.B. King, Incognito, Without You, which is also his debut on his own reworked for the Beamz Player interactive Dave Koz and Tony Bennett. independent label, Chieli Music. music system. Gerald Albright’s talented vocalist daughter The collection contains 20 new tracks, in- The album is delivered on data DVD in a format that includes Beamz Selina Albright launched her professional career cluding new arrangements of familiar Special Player music software to allow listeners to play each song on their at 14 with an educational project released in EFX favorites: the featured vocal work of computer and begin interacting with it by pulling in various sounds and longtime band member Philip Hamilton, as Japan by Sony, and later appeared as a back- CHIELI MINUCCI instruments as they see fi t. ing vocalist on two of her dad’s classic albums, well as guest vocalist Will Brock, plus a tribute The DVD includes 10 re-mixed songs in mp3 format and 10 in interac- to Minucci’s late, great partner, percussionist tive format. Groove performed and demonstrated these songs at J&R Live To Love (1997) and Sax For Stax (2008). BERKS JAZZ FEST HORNS She toured with him and Kirk Whalum through- George Jinda, the co-founder of the group who Music World in NYC during their MusicFest in August 2010. out 2009. passed away in 2001. Born 2 Groove, the title of Euge Groove’s 2007 recording for Blue Brian Culbertson joined the lineup as a guest, in addition to his own Exploring more contemporary world jazz- Note Records, was more than simply a clever twist on the popular saxo- show Sunday, April 3. This dynamic keyboardist/instrumentalist consis- fusion sounds than ever, the always eclectic, phonist’s funky stage name. True to the soulful, uplifting spirit of the col- tently tops the charts. multi-talented composer and musician works lection — his fi rst-ever recorded in High Defi nition Audio — it refl ected Since 2002, the Berks Jazz Fest Horns (Mike Anderson on sax, with several renowned outside artists as well, Euge’s belief that everyone comes into this world with unique abilities Rob Diener on trumpet and John Loos on trombone) have been adding including keyboardist Jeff Lorber, NYC guitarist and special gifts. Contemporary jazz listeners obviously like the way he’s another dimension to many of the acts at the Berks Jazz Fest, including Alan Grubner, violinist Karen Briggs (ex-Yanni been doing just that. Gerald Veasley, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Gregg Karukas, Chieli Minuc- group member) and West Coast pianist Lao KAREN BRIGGS Born 2 Groove was not only his fi rst No. 1 album ever on Billboard’s ci & Special EFX, Heads Up Super Band, LA Chillharmonic, Soul Summit Tizer, whom Minucci has collaborated with for Contemporary Jazz Chart, but it debuted in that spot when it was II, Rick Braun and others. over 10 years. Briggs and Tizer join Minucci released in June 2007. The album was in the Top Five for the fi rst 11 and Special EFX for their show at Berks Jazz weeks of release, and its fi rst single, the title track, was a mainstay in WALTER TROUT PLUS OPENING ACT GINA SICILIA Fest. the Top Five for months on Radio & Records’ smooth jazz airplay chart. Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., The Inn at Reading In addition to his work with Special EFX, It was his fastest rising single ever. Walter Trout’’s 20th album is called Common Minucci has scored successes as a composer Even before he was a genre superstar, Euge’s talents, combined with Ground, but for the visionary roots singer, song- and guitarist in many styles. His diverse career years of hard work, took him around the world as a longtime veteran writer and guitarist that’s more than a title. includes playing on the recordings of such member of Tower of Power (1988-92) and sideman for pop icons like It’s where Trout’s compelling music resides major R&B/pop stars as Celine Dion, Jewel, Richard Marx, Joe Cocker and Tina Turner. — in a territory that unites the worlds of blues, The Backstreet Boys, Mark Anthony and Jen- Sunday Morning, Groove’s sixth recording as a leader, teamed him LAO TIZER rock and pure sonic adventurism, where inspi- nifer Lopez, recording numerous smooth jazz yet again with acclaimed producer Paul Brown (George Benson, Luther ration and technique meet to create a unique, radio hits and composing Emmy Award-winning Vandross, Patti Austin). The album was written was written during a four- soulful language. music for television shows and big stage productions such as Dora The month European tour with Turner, whose band he returned to — and had In a sense, the title also describes Walter Explorer and Thomas & Friends Live. a blast with — after many years. Trout’s personal geography. Although Walter WALTER TROUT Briggs is best known to contemporary music audiences as the violin- ist for Yanni, with whom she toured and recorded for 13 years, begin- ROUND MIDNIGHT JAM/GERALD VEASLEY & FRIENDS ning in 1991. She appears on his bestselling live performance music Friday, April 1 and 2, midnight, Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at PresentsPres videos, including Yanni Live at the Acropolis, Yanni Live at Royal Albert Crowne Plaza Reading Hall and Tribute, which was performed at the Taj Mahal and in the Forbid- Everyone who’s ever attended the Berks Jazz Fest knows that — no den City, China. Briggs made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1994, perform- matter how cool the all-star lineups at the formally announced shows ing with pianist Dave Grusin. She has also worked with everyone from are — some of the most exciting and spontaneous moments happen af- Stanley Clarke and Chaka Khan to Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Loggins. ter hours at the intimate Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base club at the Crowne Her most recent solo release is Soulchestral Groove (2009). Plaza Reading. While Tizer was a Best New Jazz Artist nominee in 2002 and his It’s an intimate space that gets crowded quickly, but if you’re one of album Diversify spent many weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz the lucky ones who experiences one of the late night jams, it’s a guaran- chart, his band (also named Tizer) doesn’t see itself strictly as a jazz tee you’ll be talking about it the rest of your time at the Fest. ensemble. Their diverse resume includes opening slots over the years The Round Midnight Jam at Midnight will be led by the club’s name- October 12 to 16, 2011 for Zappa Plays Zappa, Jethro Tull, Isaac Hayes, Al Jarreau, Spyro Gyra, sake, bass great Gerald Veasley, who appears every year at Berks in George Benson, Bruce Hornsby and Robin Thicke. Their latest CD Tizer a variety of settings. It’s anyone’s guess who will show up to play, but For more info please go to Live features Minucci and Briggs. chances are, if they’re in the building, they’ll be picking up their instru- rehobothjazz.com ments sooner or later. TheTh market may be soft, THE RIPPINGTONS FEATURING RUSS FREEMAN ButBu a TIGER on your team PLUS OPENING ACT PHILIPPE SAISSE TRIO Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival Confi rmed Artists: Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom canc make a difference. Smooth Jazz 92.7 presents another Smooth Jazz 92.7 Day with The Fourplay Nick Colionne Home of the Whetherhh you’re selling or buying, it Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman — one of the genre’s great seminal 100% Crab Meat Crab Cakes. can pay to work with Lisa Tiger. She bands whose emergence in the mid-’80s helped give rise to the radio Gerald Albright Jeff Golub Jazz Fest Events knows our communities, knows values, RIPPINGTONS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 knows how to network, and knows how Rick Braun Mindi Abair Friday, March 25 • 10-1 to market. Her clients’ success is her success, and she is committed to it. Peter White Paul Taylor BRIAN BETTS These skills, dedication and 15+ years Saturday, March 26 • 10-1 of experience make Lisa a stand-out, Brian Simpson Marion Meadows award-winning performer who has sold JAGGED SKY many of the area’s most prestigious Sunday, March 27 • 4-6 properties, and currently is the DAVE CULLEN & #1 Century 21 agent in Berks County. New & Used CD’s, DVD’s & Vinyl KELLY MEASHEY When its time to buy or sell, put a Authorized GRADO and SUMIKO dealer Tiger to work for you. Headphones • Cartridges & Turntables Please Go To www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com Friday April 1 • 9:30-12:30 Speaker Refoaming & Repairs MIKE NOECKER For the lineup and to book your cabin Stabon Pond Plaza Hours: Sunday, April 3 • 4-6 Advance Realty 360 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton, PA 19540 JIMMY DIANA Tue. - Wed. 10-6 for the 2012 Smooth Jazz Cruise! Lisa Tiger 610-777-2310 • cdexchangemusic.com Thur. - 10-7 610.779.6585 Rendition Audio: 610.207.6186 Fri. - Sat. 10-5 1456 Friedensburg Rd. • 610-779-9936 Custom hand-made speaker systems 2013 LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON Stony Creek LisaTigerHomes.com artist profi les / major concerts by jonathan widran

RIPPINGTONS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 nizing with a barbershop chorus and a quartet. Suzie and her cousin, For two decades, the quartet has enjoyed consistent artistic and format that eventually became known as guitarist Ed McCartan, formed Relatively Speaking and released a CD commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of “smooth jazz.” titled Relatively Speaking & Friends, which includes bassist Gerald other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of a The band’s most recent recording is Cote Veasley as a special guest. dozen recordings -- six of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s D’Azur, released in February. Modern Art The Last Big Band is a perennial favorite at Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Contemporary Jazz Album charts -- the supergroup has continued to (2009) was nominated for a Grammy Award in Base. Trombonist Jim Zoller and trumpeter Roger Morgan have assem- explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the the “Best Pop Instrumental Album Category.” bled some of the area’s top musicians for this fi rst-rate jazz big band. same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience. The Rippingtons spent the summer of 2006 Lee Southall is the musical director. In 1990, James reunited with his old friend, session drummer, pro- and much of the next two years celebrating ducer, composer and recording artist Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock, STEVE SMITH & VITAL INFORMATION: NYC EDITION with what Freeman jokingly calls “the longest Barbra Streisand, Notorious BIG), during the recording of James’ Grand FEATURING STEVE SMITH, ANDY FUSCO, BARON BROWNE, and greatest 20th Anniversary tour in history.” Piano Canyon album. Also involved in the project were guitarist Lee THE RIPPINGTONS MARK SOSKIN AND VINNY VALENTINO They embarked on the extended journey upon Ritenour (Sergio Mendes) and bassist/vocalist Nathan East (Barry White, Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Gerald Veasley’s Jazz the release of The Rippingtons 20th Anniver- Eric Clapton, Phil Collins). Base at Crowne Plaza Reading sary, the remarkable 2006 CD/DVD package The Grand Piano Canyon sessions marked the genesis of the group For the second time in three years, Steve featuring a retrospective DVD, new music and a that eventually came to be known as Fourplay. Their self-titled debut Smith & Vital Information are performing at medley of their most popular airplay hits since album was released in 1991, and included a blend of jazz, R&B and pop. the Berks Jazz Festival. the release of their debut album Moonlighting The original lineup of James/Ritenour/East/Mason stayed together for When they take the stage at Gerald Vea- in 1986. three successive albums, including Elixir (1994). sley’s Jazz Base, they will have a revamped While the demand for more shows means “NYC Edition” lineup featuring Andy Fusco and THE JAZZ CRUISE NIGHT that Ripps enthusiasts had to wait longer than Mark Soskin. VISTA ALL-STARS FEATURING WYCLIFFE GORDON, HOUSTON usual (2-1/2 years) for the band’s followup, the Currently celebrating their 27th year as a PERSON, KEN PEPLOWSKI, SHELLY BERG, DAVID FINCK, extra time and ongoing slate of live concerts PHILIPPE SAISSE unit since their 1983 self-titled debut, Steve ERNIE ADAMS AND DEE DANIELS allowed Freeman and his explosive new lineup Smith and Vital Information have become a Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts (including powerful new bassist Rico Belled and special guest, returning STEVE SMITH formidable jazz/fusion juggernaut whose Straight-ahead saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa) the extraordinary opportunity to work out the longevity surpasses all of the major fusion groups. jazz fans will get new material on Modern Art and let the songs evolve in front of the audi- The all-star lineup featuring Baron Browne (bass), Vinny Valentino to experience (on ences’ eyes. The album marked the return of Jeff Kashiwa to the fold. (guitar), Mark Soskin (piano), Andy Fusco (saxophone) and Steve Smith land at the Berks The saxman, whose original stint with the band was from 1990-99, is (drums) serves up a wide and dynamic variety of innovative sounds, Jazz Fest) the heart now a full-time touring member again. from slamming funk and syncopated second line grooves to seriously of The Jazz Cruise Over the course of the past 25 years, one of the most fun-fi lled parts swinging,South Indian Carnatic-inspired jams, and sizzling fuzoid romps. 2011 with The of the journey The Rippingtons have taken with their devoted fans has The group’s founder and drummer Steve Smith has a resume that Vista All-Stars — a been Freeman’s unique way of opening them up to his extra-musical pas- stretches from Ahmad Jamal, Zakir Hussain, The Buddy Rich Big Band group of dynamic sions with each recording. With the concept of a rotating collective ap- and Steps Ahead to Andrea Bocelli and Journey. His many years of ac- musicians who are proach under Freeman’s guidance and vision paving the way, The Ripps WYCLIFFE GORDON HOUSTON PERSON colades include Modern Drummer magazine’s “#1 All Around Drummer” mainstays of that — whose fi rst lineup included future contemporary jazz superstars Dave award fi ve years in a row and being voted one of the “Top 25 Drummers annual incredible Koz, Kenny G and David Benoit — dominated the instrumental and urban of All Time” in a recent Modern Drummer reader’s poll. In 2002, Smith musical experience jazz landscape from the late ‘80s on with their often exotically titled hit was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. at sea. recordings, including Kilimanjaro, Tourist in Paradise, Welcome to the St. In addition to his stellar grooving with Vital Information, Baron Browne Wycliffe Gordon James Club, Weekend In Monaco, Live in L.A., Sahara, Brave New World, has ensembled Gary Burton, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Steps Ahead tours the world Live Across America, Let It Ripp!, Topaz and Black Diamond. and Tom Jones. New York City-based alto saxophonist Andy Fusco fi rst performing hard- Songwriter, producer and keyboardist Philippe Saisse has recorded, earned notice for his 1978-1983 stint with the Buddy Rich Big Band and swinging, straight- written and/or produced with such notables as The Rolling Stones, Kirk later toured with Gerry Mulligan and Mel Lewis. Pianist Mark Soskin has ahead jazz for Whalum, Richard Elliott, Rick Braun, Warren Hill, Dave Koz, Paul Brown recorded and performed with numerous legends of jazz — Sonny Rollins, audiences ranging and Marc Antoine, among others. Joe Henderson, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Stanley Turrentine, Herbie from heads of KEN PEPLOSKI SHELLY BERG In 2006, his hit album of pop cover songs, The Body And Soul Mann, John Abercrombie, Gato Barbieri, David “Fathead” Newman, Pete state to elementary Sessions, featured an immensely popular version of Steely Dan’s “Do It Escovedo and Sheila E. His TV performance credits include HBO’s “Sex school students. Again.” And The City.” Gordon received One of the most ubiquitous airplay hits of the year, the song featur- Vinny Valentino, the newest full-time member of Vital Information, has the Jazz Journalists ing the French-born keyboardist’s longtime trio of bassist David Finck shared the stage or recording studio with such jazz greats as Gary Association 2008, and drummer Scooter Warner spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Radio & Bartz, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, John Pattitucci, Richard Bona, Bob 2007, 2006, 2002 Records airplay chart and was No. 1 for fi ve consecutive weeks at www. Moses, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, Jimmy McGriff and his mentor and 2001 Award smoothjazz.com, 20 weeks in R&R’s Top Ten and was the No. 6 most George Benson. for Trombonist of played track in the format for the year. Rather than stick to the vibe that Vital Information’s most recent release is Vitalization, which features the Year, and the broke him through to the mainstream, on his 2009 Koch Records debut guest performances by saxophonist Bill Evans and world class percus- Jazz Journalists At World’s Edge, Saisse goes much deeper and weaves together a rich DAVID FINCK ERNIE ADAMS sionists Pete Lockett, Gilad and Juan Carlos Melian. Association 2000 melodic tapestry of progressive, impressionistic, and global threads. Critics’ Choice Award for Best Trombone. With guests Angelique Kidjo, Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun and Jeff Golub, At FOURPLAY FEATURING BOB JAMES, NATHAN EAST, Perhaps best known for his 30-year World’s Edge plays easy on the ear but deep into the imagination. HARVEY MASON AND CHUCK LOEB association with the late Etta Jones, tenor THE LAST BIG BAND AND THE LADIES OF JAZZ FEATURING Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral saxophonist Houston Person’s passionate SHARON BAILEY, TONI LYNNE, SUZIE ERNESTO Berks Jazz Fest welcomes the new lineup performances and engaging personality have Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m., Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom of the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay, made him one of the most popular The Ladies of Jazz are back! featuring one of the festival’s favorite, frequent- fi gures on The Jazz Cruise. Performing together for the fi rst time since ly appearing artists — guitar great Chuck Loeb. A master of both the clarinet and the in nearly fi ve years, this trio -- Sharon Bailey, Heading into their third decade of making saxophone, Ken Peplowski has been hailed as Toni Lynne and Suzie Ernesto -- will team up multi-faceted recordings that perfectly blend the torch bearer of Benny Goodman. From his DEE DANIELS with The Last Big Band for a special afternoon poppy accessibility, rhythmic R&B and colorful beginnings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra of standards from the great American Song- “real jazz” improvisations, Fourplay recently is- to his current worldwide tour schedule, Ken has played with the very book. The show is supported by the Breast sued a high fallutin’ challenge to their listeners best. In 1980, Ken moved to New York City, and was soon playing Cancer Support Services of Berks County. on their second Heads Up date: Let’s Touch everything from Dixieland to avant-garde jazz. FOURPLAY Lynne is a musical icon in Berks County, The Sky. Peplowski signed with Concord Records under the tutelage of Carl LADIES OF JAZZ performing for more than 40 years with a Following in the formidable footsteps of founding guitarist Lee Riten- Jefferson, the founder and president, and recorded close to 20 albums litany of musicians. She was the recipient of our and Larry Carlton (who departs after 12 years) is cool new co-pilot as a leader. Beginning with The Jazz Cruise 2008, Ken assumed the the 2006 Frank Scott Award, presented by the Berks Arts Council. Loeb, whose expansive acoustic and electric guitar resume includes duties of music director for the cruise and has handled that task with Bailey leads several of her own ensembles. Her most recent CD, It everyone from Stan Getz to Steps Ahead and a lengthy solo catalog. great skill and talent. Never Entered My Mind, was released in 2005 and has been getting Loeb completes the four-man crew that also includes the band’s A veteran of many cruises, pianist Shelly Berg is a familiar name to great reviews. founding members: keyboardist Bob James, bassist/vocalist Nathan guests of The Jazz Cruise. Currently the Dean of Jazz Music at the Before venturing into jazz singing, Ernesto spent many years harmo- East and drummer/percussionist Harvey Mason. VISTA ALL-STARS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Blues and Jazz EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

April 14  7 p.m. May 12 (two shows) Blues night 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. JIMMY THACKERY CANDY DULFER

Music charge at door: $20 Tickets in advance or at door: $36*

*For tickets: Order online at www.geraldveasleysjazzbase.com Or visit: CD Exchange, 360 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton, PA 610-777-2310 Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading, 1741 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA artist profi les / major concerts by jonathan widran

VISTA ALL-STARS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 recordings and compilations. Tribune), his sound has matured and is now even more distinguishable. University of Miami, Berg is also a composer and an arranger thereby In 1960, following the demise of a few Clarence plays with a depth and sensitivity that can’t be taught, effort- bringing a considerable array of talents to the contemporary music short-lived Houston-based groups called The lessly combining blues, jazz, funk, and rock into his own unique sound. scene. Swingsters and the Nite Hawks, Sample, Clarence’s growing fan base continues to spread the word of his Bassist David Finck, also a producer, arranger and songwriter, Felder, Henderson and founding drummer Stix moving guitar play, rough street-edged vocals, songwriting, and live studied with several of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s double bassists Hooper relocated to Los Angeles, Calif. improvisations. After changing their name to “The Jazz before he began college at the prestigious Eastman School of Music RICK BRAUN AND THE READING POPS ORCHESTRA in Rochester, New York. After graduation, he settled in New York City. Crusaders,” the group signed with Pacifi c Jazz Records, where they would remain throughout PLUS SPECIAL GUEST PHILIPPE SAISSE He’d barely unpacked when he left the city to tour with Woody Herman Sunday, April 3, 3 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts and his Thundering Herd. Over the years, David has played with those the 1960s. Employing a two-manned front-line JAZZ CRUSADERS Allentown native Rick Braun is a hometown above-mentioned and many more; his discography lists more than 100 horn section (trombone and tenor saxophone), favorite at Berks Jazz Fest, and audiences recordings including Platinum and Gold selling records with Rod Stewart, the group’s sound was rooted in hard bop, with an emphasis on R&B look forward to his magnetic personality and Natalie Cole, and Elton John. and soul. rousing trumpet skills. Ernie Adams is a high-profi le all-styles drummer, who has performed The group shortened their name to “The Crusaders” in 1971 and This year, his audience will see him as and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Al DiMiola, Joe Williams, Billy Dickens, adopted a jazz-funk style. They also incorporated the electric bass and they’ve never seen him before -- singing and Arturo Sandoval, Steve Cole, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Turrentine, Ahmad electric guitar into their music. Bass guitarist Robert “Pops” Popwell and playing the American Songbook. Jamal, Richie Cole, James Moody, Joe Zawinul, Slide Hampton, Clark guitarist Larry Carlton joined the band, and are featured on the group’s “I’m so excited about this,” Braun said. “This Terry, Orbert Davis, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, etc. albums throughout most of the 1970s. represents a totally new direction for me.” Versatile vocalist Dee Daniels’ international career includes perfor- The height of the group’s commercial success came with 1979’s Braun is joining forces with the Reading mances in 12 African countries, Australia, South America, the United Street Life, which peaked at No. 18 on the pop album charts and the RICK BRAUN Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Willis M. Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, throughout North America, and many title track from the album (featuring vocals by Randy Crawford) hit the Rapp, to bring his unique interpretation to the countries within Europe. She has performed and recorded with many top-10 on the R&B chart and No. 36 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. In American Songbook. Toots Thielemans, Houston Person, Clark Terry, Lionel Hampton, Ed 1975, following the release of their 28th album (their ninth as “The The April 3 show will be the offi cial debut of Thigpen, Monty Alexander, John Clayton, and Jeff Hamilton, Hank Jones, Crusaders”), Henderson left the group to pursue a full-time career as a Braun’s material from his new project, Lucky Bill Charlap and Russell Malone. producer. Hooper left in 1983. In 1991, Sample and Felder recorded Healing The Wounds, which to Be Me, due out in June and named for a Blossom Dearie song. MARK HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT peaked at No. 1 on the Contemporary Jazz Album Chart. Henderson “It feels so right to have it start out at home,” FEATURING LAZY LESTER, JERRY PORTNOY, MARK WENNER revived the “Jazz Crusaders” name in the mid-1990s with a lineup that he said. AND THE BLUES SURVIVORS included Felder and Carlton. Braun will be joined by veteran keyboardist Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., The Inn at Reading SMOOTH JAZZ 92.7 SUNDAY BRUNCH Philippe Saisse, who composed the arrange- WILL RAPP The past decade has seen the emergence NICK COLIONNE & BRIAN SIMPSON ments for Lucky to Be Me. of young harmonica-led blues bands. WITH SPECIAL GUEST JEFF KASHIWA Saisse previously worked with Rod Stewart on his American Song- In California, groups that draw their inspira- Sunday, April 3 / Two Seatings: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., book project. A frequent collaborator of Braun’s, Saisse joins him once tion from the Chicago school but add elements Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom again on piano and vibes on Lucky to Be Me, which was mixed by the of jump blues and rock ‘n’ roll into the mix have One of the most highly anticipated event ev- legendary, Grammy Award-winning Al Schmitt. come up with an exciting new style of West ery year at the Berks Jazz Fest is the Smooth “I’ll be singing and playing trumpet on some amazingly wonderful Coast blues. Jazz 92.7 Sunday Brunch; this year there are standards,” Braun said. “They are not songs commonly heard in the In Oakland, the northern capital of California two brunch shows co-headlined by genre stars, American Songbook approach.” blues, resides the incredibly powerful harmoni- guitarist Nick Colionne and keyboardist Brian Why the change in direction for a man so well known and loved for his ca player and vocalist Mark Hummel, leader MARK HUMMEL Simpson, with special guest Jeff Kashiwa. charismatic trumpet playing? of The Blues Survivors, who has been Superstar saxman Dave Koz, for whom “I’ve always loved this music,” Braun said. “I’ve been singing all my life.” a major force in shaping and defi ning this Simpson has been the longtime musical direc- In fact, he has been a background singer for Rod Stewart and Sade, musical genre. tor, says, “Brian is the consummate musician and while growing up, he was a student and fan of the standards and the Mark Hummel is a road warrior – a true – he can do it all. But it’s his incredibly memo- NICK COLIONNE artists who sang them. blues survivor. Along the way, he has crafted rable and infectious melodies that truly set him Among the songs featured on the upcoming album are “Say It,” his own trademark harmonica sound – a subtle apart.” previously recorded by Frank Sinatra and John Coltrane; and “Once combination of tone, phrasing and attack com- 2010 was a breakthrough year for Simpson, Upon a Summertime,” recorded by Michel Legrand. bined with a strong sense of swing. whose Shanachie Records debut South Beach These songs are dear to Braun, as they remind him of times spent Since 1991, Hummel has been both produc- included a title cut which was one of the fast- with his wife, Christiane. ing and performing at his Blues Harmonica est rising airplay hits of the year. No stranger “It really tells a story directly related to my life,” he said. LAZY LESTER Blowout series. These shows have grown to to huge radio singles, the keyboardist’s fi rst “This is the most singing I’ve ever done,” he said. “It’s been a real leap be a much heralded event and continue to major single, the title track to his album It’s All of faith for me, and a very positive experience all over.” draw sellout crowds wherever they appear. Good (2005) hit No. 1 on the Radio & Records Best known to smooth jazz fans for his chart topping 2006 album The list of participants over the years reads Smooth Jazz Airplay chart and remained in The Body and Soul Sessions, Saisse received a Best Contemporary Jazz BRIAN SIMPSON like is a Who’s Who of Blues harp history: John the Top 5 for four months. His follow-up album Album Grammy nomination for his world music infl uenced 2008 solo Mayall, John Hammond, Norton Buffalo, Char- found him soaring Above The Clouds (2007) project At World’s Edge. His credits as a sideman include David Bowie, lie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Huey Lewis, Simpson has also been a touring keyboard- The Rolling Stones and Al Jarreau. Curtis Salgado, Kim Wilson, Watermelon Slim, ist for pop icons Teena Marie and Janet Jack- Sugar Ray Norcia, Kenny Neal, James Harman, son and has also worked with George Duke, BRIAN CULBERTSON Fingers Taylor, Snooky Pryor, Dave Earl, Rod Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, George Howard, FEATURING KENNY LATTIMORE Piazza, Magic Dick, William Clarke, Rick Estrin, JERRY PORTNOY Billy Cobham and Gerald Albright. Sunday, April 3, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral Paul DeLay, Billy Branch, Lazy Lester, Carey The title of Nick Colionne’s 2008 Koch Re- The 2008 Berks Jazz Fest wrapped with Bell, Little Sonny, Paul Osher, Lee Oskar, cords debut says it all about the charismatic Brian Culbertson launching the tour behind his Cephas and Wiggins, Gary Primich, Paul Chicago-based guitarist’s sizzling mix of jazz, then-upcoming CD Bringing Back The Funk, Rischell and Annie Raines, Carlos Del Junco, R&B, funk, blues and seductive vocals. JEFF KASHIWA an in-your-face, old school-styled groovefest. Sam Myers and many more. Jeff Kashiwa is one of the most diverse and The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Mayall once said of the series: “These in-demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz. Contemporary Jazz chart and spawned the shows are like family gatherings … we all get Kashiwa will be at the fest as part of The Rippingtons featuring Russ No. 1 radio hit “Always Remember.” our own time on stage, but end the night all Freeman show on Saturday, April 2. So he decided to hang around for The hitmaking keyboardist returned to jazz jamming together.” an extra day to join Colionne and Simpson for the Smooth Jazz 92.7 up BJF in 2009 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, For the Berks Jazz Fest show at the Inn at where he and special guest vocalist Kenny MARK WENNER Sunday Brunch at the Crowne Plaza. BRIAN CULBERTSON Reading, Hummel will be joined by harmonica Lattimore will close this year’s festival. greats Jerry Portnoy, who has toured with Mud- After 11 inspired albums that have pas- dy Waters and Eric Clapton; Lazy Lester, whose songs are standards for CLARENCE SPADY BAND sionately surveyed a broad spectrum of musi- blues bands worldwide; and Mark Wenner, founder and harmonica player Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m., Sunday Blues Brunch at Inn at Reading cal styles and prominently featured many of for the famed roots rock group The Nighthawks. The Inn at Reading is playing host this music’s fi nest players, Culbertson decided to year to a Sunday Blues Brunch, featuring the keep conceptualism to a minimum and title THE ORIGINAL JAZZ CRUSADERS FEATURING JOE SAMPLE, dynamic Clarence Spady Band. his 12th album XII (the Roman numeral for 12). WILTON FELDER AND WAYNE HENDERSON Spady is no stranger to the Berks Jazz Fest The 2010 collection was packed with guest Saturday, April 2, 10 p.m., Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom and the fans of Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base. performances from the likes of renowned R&B In April 2010, legendary jazz pianist Joe Sample announced a reunion A W.C. Handy Nominee for Best New Artist singer Avant, Brian McKnight, Faith Evans, tour with trombonist Wayne Henderson and saxophonist Wilton Felder – in 1997, Spady has been an underground Kenny Lattimore and Ray Parker Jr. and KENNY LATTIMORE the fi rst reunion of these founding members of the Jazz Crusaders since marvel since his initial and only worldwide acoustic guitar legend Earl Klugh. 1974. release Nature of the Beast in 1996. He As he started working on the album, Brian thought of yet another way Berks Jazz Fest is pleased to welcome this seminal jazz trio to the received international recognition as one of CLARENCE SPADY to make his fans a part of the creative process in a brilliant extension Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom. Living Blues Magazine’s “Top 40 Blues Artist of the DVD he created in 2009, Live From The Inside — creating a daily Known for their amalgamated jazz, pop and soul sound, the Jazz Under 40,” and received the ‘98 France Blues Trophie for Best Interna- video blog. Crusaders — also known for many of their years as The Crusaders — tional Blues Artist of the Year. His association with GRP began in 2004, when he contributed a have, since 1961, released more than 40 albums, including various live Spady has a strong worldwide fan base that has grown from his head- breathtaking rendition of “If Only For One Night” to GRP’s acclaimed lining performances in Hong Kong, Luther Vandross tribute disc Forever, For Always, For Luther. Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Kenny Lattimore made his self-titled debut on Columbia Records in Canada and the U.S. His most re- 1996, scoring the Top 20 hits “Never Too Busy” and the perennial wed- cent recording is Just Between Us ding song favorite “For You.” The success of the album earned him a on Severn Records (2008). win for Best New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards. Among his career Once described as “the future highlights is Things That Lovers Do, an album of classic soul songs by of the blues” by Bill Dahl (Chicago him and his wife, R&B singer Chante Moore.

COTTAGE PUB & ALEHOUSE JAZZZZ AT THE HENHE MarchMarch25&April 25 & April 1 N 1 Seth Mellon7:30-10:30 & Andy Roberts JAZZ LUNCH Friday, March 25 11:30-2:30 Danny Stuber JAZZ AT THE HEN March 26 JAZZ BRUNCH 7:30-10:30 Saturday, March 26 Jim Meck Duo 11:30-2:30 JAZZ AT THE HEN Bev Conklin Combo April 2 7:30-10:30 Bev Conklin

judysoncherry.com Reserve Now! speckledhenpub.com Guitar Masters promise unforgettable evening of music BY JERRY DUCKETT SPECIAL TO THE READING EAGLE o jazz festival is considered the complete Npackage unless at some point it includes a stage full of world-class guitarists. The 21st annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest has certainly always been a part of that elite group of high-ranking festivals, and this year is no different, with the inclusion of four incredibly talented guitarists performing together on Satur- day, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Miller Center for the Arts. The “Guitar Masters” are Frank Vignola, How- ard Alden, Gene Bertoncini and Bucky Pizzarelli, and they are certainly worthy of the title. Let’s start with the youngest member of the group, John” Bucky” Pizzarelli, who recently turned 85 and is still doing over 100 shows a BUCKY PIZZARELLI FRANK VIGNOLA HOWARD ALDEN GENE BERTONCINI year. He is the father of the popular jazz guitarist During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Vignola John Pizzarelli and upright bassist Martin Piz- toured with the likes of Madonna, Leon Redbone zarelli. Bucky began his professional career with and Ringo Starr, and his Hot Club was hailed by Vaughn Monroe in 1944 and is still going. After The New York Times as one of the top 10 acts Cool Jazz Café goes on the road he left the army in 1952 he became a staff musi- of 1988. It was this tribute that forged the way cian for NBC, playing with Skitch Henderson. In for the many Django Reinhardt Hot Club groups iane Dayton has been “There is such a contagious that followed. 1964, be became a member of the Doc Severin- Dproducing podcasts for positive energy that fl ows from Vignola was only 27 when he signed his fi rst sen band on the “Tonight Show.” berksjazzfest.com with some artists to concertgoers to behind- contract with Concord, followed by Telarc and Bucky has performed at the White House for of Berks Jazz Fest’s biggest the-scenes personnel and back Acoustic Disc, Hyena Records. Since then he two presidents, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, stars for several years. The around again. We hope to cap- has recorded with a limitless number of famous and also played for former First Lady Pat Nixon interviews, available before ture some of that with our video personalities including Queen Latifah, Mark at a private birthday party at her home. the fest, give fans a glimpse blog this year.” O’Connor, Wynton Marsalis and Donald Fagen. of what they can expect. You never know where they Frank Vignola began his career at the age of “I also began a fi ve-year stint with Les Paul This year, Dayton is doing will touch down, so check www. 5, listening to his father’s records and playing in 2000,”said Vignola. “I had heard he needed something new -- she will be berksjazzfest.com regularly and along with all his friends who taught him all the a rhythm guitar player, so I went down to Fat taking Cool Jazz Café on the click on the Diane Dayton - Cool chords. All through his school days, he played Tuesday’s where he was playing, and introduced road during the 21st annual Jazz Café Video Blog to fi nd out along with his infl uences, Django Reinhardt, myself. To my amazement he told me to sit down Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. what’s going on at Berks this Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Les Paul and other and have dinner with him. It was an awesome ex- In addition to her Cool year. famous musicians. perience. We became good friends over 25 years. Cast artist interviews, she will “There is a great camaraderie Frank has become one of the most accom- By the way, I never got the job at that time.” be presenting a video blog during the fest. with everyone at Berks Jazz Fest, I think of plished multidimensional players walking the “I am looking forward to the show on March Catch up with what’s happening during the it like jazz camp,” Dayton said. “This festival planet today. In addition to being a superb player, 26, working with my three guitar heroes, Bucky, 10-day festival as Diane and her crew grab is one of biggest in the country. It is well composer, and improviser, he plays profi ciently Howard Alden and Gene Bertoncini,” Vignola add- moments with artists and attendees, and go produced, with surprises each year, thanks in every genre from jazz to bluegrass, and works ed. “I remember hearing Bucky for the fi rst time behind the scenes. Experience the music, to John Ernesto! Once you have been here, with everyone known in the guitar world. when I was 5. Being on the bandstand with pro- camps, clinics and spontaneous times that you keep coming back; it’s a great vibe all During his growing-up period, he was playing fessionals like this is how you fi nd a love for the make up Berks Jazz Fest! around!” three and four days a week professionally, and instruments and the music. We all live to play.” “This is my 10th year at BJF and I still re- Previous pod casts are on iTunes under his fi rst professional gig was at 13 in San Jose, After recording a long series of albums for member my fi rst interview with members of Cool Jazz Cafe Cool Casts, and artist inter- Calif., at a string convention. He went to high Concord Records, Howard Alden released the band, Fattburger,” said Dayton. “Thanks views from previous festivals are on Dayton’s school for one half-day a week and the other half his own Reinhardt tribute album, I Remember to the previous publicity director Mike Zielin- YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/ at the Cultural Center of Long Island, and gradu- Django, with Anat Cohen and Warren Vache. His ski, for setting that up! user/DianeDayton. ated a half-year early so he could go on the road extensive credits include four albums with seven- with the famous ragtime pianist Max Morath. string guitar innovator George Van Eps and “It was at this point, “said Vignola, “I decided dubbing Sean Penn’s guitar parts as “Emmett not to go to music college, get a place in Man- Ray” in the 1999 Woody Allen fi lm “Sweet and hattan, and look for work. I was very fortunate, Lowdown.” since there was a great demand for rhythm gui- During his storied career, Gene Bertoncini has tar players in the traditional style, and I began to included playing with Benny Goodman, Wayne knock on doors.” Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond, Tony Ben- A Musical Celebration “One of my biggest life experiences was the nett, Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson, as well as day I put on my tuxedo, walked into Michael’s performing in a long-running duo with bassist Michael Moore and working in the orchestras on of Breast Cancer Survival Pub, probably New York’s premier night club, and asked the owner if he wanted to do a tribute “The Merv Griffi n Show” and “The Tonight Show.” to Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli,” Vi- gnola said. “He really fl oored me. To my surprise if you go... he said ‘Yes, I just got a cancellation, you start in The Last Big Band three weeks.’ I guess we worked there about 25 saturday, march 26 weeks that year, 1988, and called our act the Guitar Masters: Frank Vignola, Howard Hot Club of France, the same name the origina- Alden, Gene Bertoncini, Bucky Pizzarelli and the Ladies of Jazz tors used when they started the fi rst-ever string band in 1934.” Miller Center for the Arts • 7:30 p.m. • $35 featuring Sharon Bailey, Toni Lynne & Suzie Ernesto Saturday, April 2 • 2 p.m. The Abraham Lincoln Hotel 100 N. Fifth Street, Reading • 610-372-3700

The Ladies of Jazz are back! Performing together for the fi rst time in nearly fi ve years, the Ladies of Jazz – Sharon Bailey, Toni Lynne and Suzie Ernesto – will team up with The Last Big Band for an afternoon of swinging jazz classics from the great American Songbook. The concert is dedicated to breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Bailey who is making a singing comeback after a two-year battle with the disease. Lee Southall and Jimmy Zoller will conduct The Last Big Band. Joanne Philipczak will be the MC for this special musical journey. Tickets: $23 • Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com • Sovereign Center Box Offi ce, Seventh and Penn streets, Reading • berksjazzfest.com

CONCERT IS BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES SUPPORTED BY OF BERKS COUNTY berksjazzfest.com Join Paul Scott Legendary Randy Brecker and WSJW for live an artist-in-residence at fest festival coverage BY JERRY DUCKETT SPECIAL TO THE READING EAGLE or more than three decades, fi ve-time Grammy winner and leg- or the sixth year, Smooth giving fans more ways to Fendary trumpet and fl ugelhorn master Randy Brecker has been FJazz 92.7 WSJW will have listen. Their smart phone app, shaping the sounds of jazz, R& B, and rock all over the world, a big presence at the Bos- Smooth Jazz 92.7 WSJW, has and his list of recorded music spans from Frank Sinatra to Bruce cov’s Berks Jazz Fest, with in- been downloaded more than Springsteen. terviews and live broadcasts 12,600 times in the past two Brecker has been a regular fi xture at the Berks Jazz Fest year on site. WSJW’s program and months. In addition to the after year, but this year you might call him an artist-in-residence, music director Paul Scott, a app, fans can listen online at since he will performing fi ve different times as a special guest with fi xture at Berks, will be host- www.smoothjazz927.com. some of the world’s elite musicians including: March 26 with Jeff ing his weekday morning These capabilities allow listen- Lorber’s Fusion; March 28, with the world famous United States show, interviewing artists and ers to tune in from around the Air Force Rhythm and Blues Jazz Ensemble for a free community capturing the vibe at major globe, and they do. concert; March 30 with Chuck Loeb and Friends, for the BeBop venues, and emceeing shows According to Scott, Janu- Sessions; March 31 as part of the Berks All-Star Jazz Jam; and for all 10 days. ary numbers show that the April 1 with the Brian Bromberg Band. “John Ernesto does such an U.K. and Australia are in the Brecker just returned from his annual gig on the Norwegian Line amazing job year after year fi fth and sixth spots for lis- Jazz Cruise along with 80 other musicians. compiling a wonderful array tener demographics, behind “I brought a quintet featuring my wife, saxophonist Ada Rovatti, of genres, styles and great Philadelphia, Washington D.C., who will also be with me at Berks,” Brecker said. “The same fam- artists for the festival,” Scott Baltmore and New York City. Kutztown University. I am just happy the festival has been going ily does this one and the smooth jazz cruise every year from Ft. said. “It’s a huge undertaking, This year, WSJW adds a on for so many years.” Lauderdale. I also followed the cruise with a performance at the but the end result is a beauti- whole new dimension to their Brecker born in 1945 in Philadelphia began playing the piano Southwestern Oklahoma State University Jazz Festival in Weather- ful variety in a lineup that coverage, with live stream- at an early age, coached by his father. His ear for R&B and funk ford, Okla.” gives all jazz lovers a little bit ing video of interviews and grew steadily as a result of playing various gigs in and around “I think it’s great to be coming back to Berks,” he added. “I of everything to chose from.” broadcasts, which will avail- Philadelphia, and by listening to his father’s record collection. He have been doing it for many years, and again this year a lot of my For WSJW and Scott, the able via a link on the station’s attended Indiana University, pursuing an education degree, and friends will be back. I am looking forward to seeing and playing touring with their Big Band including a trip to the Middle East spon- party starts long before the Web site. with them. sored by the State Department. festival does, with daily ticket “We’re so excited to be “It’s great, because we get to see each other in one fell swoop, In 1966 he moved to New York and worked with Clark Terry’s and gift certifi cate giveaways such a huge part of this and John Ernesto does such a great job putting it all together. I Big Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, and the Duke during Scott’s morning radio festival and are so looking also will be doing some master classes at Albright College and Pearson Big Band with whom he recorded two albums. show, starting with the fi rst forward to seeing all the fans, It wasn’t long after that when he began to devote more time to Monday of the new year and interviewing all the wonderful brecker at the fest... jazz and joined Blood, Sweat, and Tears, staying with them for a continuing right up until open- artists and just being part year. During that time he played on their 1968 debut, Child is ing night. of a ‘vibe’ that just can’t be saturday, march 26 Father to the Man, then left to join the Howard Silver quintet. Scott said the station has found in any other festival on Jeff Lorber Fusion featuring Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Shortly after, he decided he wanted to record as a leader and been embracing technology, the planet,” Scott said. Jimmy Haslip, Sonny Emory plus special guest Randy Brecker re-issued Score on Blue Note, which also featured his late brother, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker. Smooth Jazz 92.7 broadcast schedule Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading Together, in the fall of 1994, the brothers released the double- SATURDAY, MARCH 26 SATURDAY, APRIL 2 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. • $38 Grammy winning Out of the Loop, and began a series of tours, • Noon to 2 p.m. • Noon to 2 p.m. which took them to Europe, China, Japan and Poland, where they Crowne Plaza Reading; live with Crowne Plaza Reading; The monday, march 28 played to sell-out crowds. Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten Rippingtons, Philippe Saisse United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble In 1995, Brecker began to increase his popularity worldwide • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. interviews featuirng special guest Randy Brecker plus the Berks High with his fi rst solo album in six years with musicians gathered from Sovereign Performing Arts Center; • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. School Al-Star Jazz Band around the world. His fi rst Grammy as a soloist came in 1998 for prior to Al Jarreau and George Duke Into the Sun as Best Contemporary Jazz Performance. Scottish Rite Cathedral; live Boyertown Junior High West • 7 p.m. • FREE with ticket SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Then came the CD Hangin in the City, which swept Europe, and with Fourplay • Noon to 2 p.m. once again increased his popularity overseas with his own band, wednesday, march 30 Crowne Plaza Reading; live with SUNDAY, APRIL 3 but also led him back to the U.S. where he toured extensively as a • Noon to 2 p.m. Chuck Loeb & Friends featuring Chuck Loeb, RIck Braun, Pieces of a Dream, Phil Perry part the Newport Jazz Millennium Celebration tour. Crowne Plaza Reading; live with Randy Brecker, Brian Bromberg, Gerald Albright, Ada Rovatti, • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. When President Barack Obama hosted Chinese President Hu Sovereign Performing Arts Brian Simpson, Nick Colionne Philippe Saisse and more Jintao at the White House recently, the choice of music entertain- Center; live with Guitars & Saxes and Jeff Kashiwa Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading ment for the state dinner was “An Evening of Jazz.” • Miller Center; live with Rick MONDAY, MARCH 28 - Headliners were piano legend Herbie Hancock, two-time 7 p.m. • $35 FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Braun before 3 p.m. show Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, four-time • 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. thursday, march 31 Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves and Chris Botti, who Paul Scott’s morning show live in Scottish Rite Cathedral; live Berks All-Star Jazz Jam featuring Rick Braun, Randy Brecker, headlined the 2010 Berks Jazz Fest. Hancock and company were the Crowne Plaza Reading lobby with Brian Culbertson Chuck Loeb, Chieli Minucci, Gerald Veasley, Brian Bromberg, backed by an all-star ensemble that included Brecker, Antonio Hart on alto sax, James Genus on bass, Peter Martin on piano and Matt Listen and view interviews online at smoothjazz927.com Gerald Albright, Euge Groove, Philippe Saisse, Selina Albright, Wilson on drums. Ada Rovatti and more Brecker expects to release a new album, Ballads with the Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom • 8 p.m. • $45 Danish Radio Orchestra in June on the Half Note label. Veasley will provide live reports During the last several years he has released fi ve other friday, april 1 albums, many of which won Grammys. They are Lex and 34th, to WRTI listeners during the fest Brian Bromberg Band with special guest Randy Brecker Some Skunk Funk recorded in Germany with the WDR Big Band, erald Veasley will be a major Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading re-released Hangin in the City, Randy in Brazil, and Nostalgic Gpart of WRTI’s in-depth cover- 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. • $38 Journey, the Tykocin Site, recorded in Poland in the same area age of the 21st annual Boscov’s where his ancestors were born. Berks Jazz Fest. The Philadelphia-based iconic radio station has teamed up with Veasley, who will provide WRTI jazz listeners with live reports during the 10-day fest. “We’re excited about Gerald join- and the “Jazz with Bob Perkins” ing the WRTI team,” said Maureen programs Monday through Malloy, WRTI jazz program direc- Thursday. tor. “He’s a perfect fi t -- he’s very “My goal is provide WRTI listen- personable and he knows the ers with a behind-the-scenes look Berks Jazz Fest. Gerald’s nightly at the fest, artist interviews, and reports will be a great addition to the latest festival updates,” said our fest coverage. Veasley. “I’m honored to be part Veasley plans to provide two of WRTI’s fest coverage.” reports each night -- 7:30 p.m. WRTI can be heard west to and 9:30 p.m.” Harrisburg and north to Scranton The reports will air on the and Wilkes-Barre; as far south as “Straight Ahead and Jazz with Dover, Del., and at the shore in Jeff Duperon” program on Friday, Atlantic City, N.J. Saturday and Sunday nights; on In Reading, WRTI can be found the “Jazz with Maureen Malloy” at 97.7 FM. NYC STYLEwith WEST READING CHARM 622 Penn Avenue 610.373.4907 West Reading Conveniently located near all major Jazz Fest events... www.winedowncafe.net The Vista All-Stars to give fans SPONSORED BY land version of The Jazz Cruise

BY JERRY DUCKETT SPECIAL TO THE READING EAGLE n Saturday, April 2, fans of straight-ahead jazz will be treated Oto a musical odyssey often experienced at sea, without ever having to leave port. The Vista All-Stars are a mainstay on The Jazz Cruise, a straight- ahead jazz lover’s dream vacation, and are coming to Berks April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts for The Jazz Cruise Night. KEN PEPLOWSKI BUY A TICKET: These top-drawer musicians include the musical director of the group, saxophonist and clarinetist Ken Peplowski, saxophonist WIN A CRUISE! Houston Person, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Shelly Berg, bassist David Finck, drummer Ernie Adams, and jazz vocalist Dee The Jazz Cruise is proud to Daniels. be part of The Vista All-Stars “The Vista All-Stars was really formed about 10 years ago by concert on Saturday, April 2, Anita Berry, and one of her sons, Michael Lazaroff,” Ken Peplowski 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for said. “They originated things and made it a charter on the Norwe- HOUSTON PERSON WYCLIFFE GORDON the Arts, during the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. gian Line. The name Vista All-Stars was always there, but the musi- Many of the others in the group have toured the world and have To celebrate the partnership cians changed over the years. The group performing at the Berks won many different awards. with the fest, Michael Lazaroff, Jazz Festival have all just completed performing on the cruise. SHELLY BERG Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon received the Jazz Journalists As- executive director of Jazz Most of us have all performed together at one time or another in sociation Award for trombonist of the year in 2001, 2002, 2006, Cruises, is offering everyone various bands over the years, and we have all been regulars on 2007 and 2008, and their Critics Choice award for best trombone who purchases a ticket for the cruise. It’s like a full jazz festival on the water.” in 2000. The Vista All-Stars concert a “One of the concepts they had was always to have existing Houston Person and the late Etta James had collaborated for chance to win a FREE CABIN bands included in the cruise, the quartets, quintets, and some 30 years, as a result, making Person one of the most popular for 2 for The Jazz Cruise hand-picked all-star groups, who – for lack of a better word – fi gures on The Jazz Cruise. 2012, the only full-charter could do organized jam sessions,” Peplowski explained. “When Pianist Shelly Berg is currently the Dean of Jazz Music at the traditional jazz cruise. I started playing on the cruise, I started in one of these all-star University of Miami. He is well known to cruise fans not only as a That’s right. Everyone who groups. They have now operated for 10 years, and I have done pianist, but also as a composer and arranger. purchases a ticket for the April ERNIE ADAMS eight, but I recently have resigned as music director after four Bassist David Finck also is a producer, arranger and songwriter, 2 concert will be eligible to win years, simply because it takes too much time, and I have some whose discography lists more than 100 recordings including plati- a very special musical vaca- other projects I want to get started on.” num- and gold-selling records with Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole and tion ($5,000 value). The lucky Peplowski just released a new CD earlier this month, titled In Elton John. winner of the random drawing Search Of, on the Capri label. The album includes guest spots by Ernie Adams is a popular drummer who has recorded and at the concert will board the Shelly Berg, Tom Kennedy and Jeff Hamilton. played with almost every name you can think of, as well as the Holland America m/s Wester- “This is my fi rst time at Berks,” he said. “I’m looking forward to Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. dam and The Jazz Cruise that it. It’s a great lineup. I’m also looking forward to playing with the There can be no Vista All-Stars without a versatile vocalist like sails Jan. 29-Feb. 5, 2012, All-Stars.” Dee Daniels. She has been to 12 African countries, Australia, featuring stops in Aruba, Peplowski talked about his beginnings 30 years ago when he South America, the U.K., China, Japan, Europe and of course, all Curacao and Half Moon Cay. grew up in Cleveland playing with Polish Polka bands. over the U.S. DAVID FINCK “I played right through elementary and high school in their vari- ous bands and orchestras and also continuously jammed with the A great concert! other students, and with my trumpet-playing brother Ted at wed- if you go... dings, dances and almost every weekend,” he said. “That’s how saturday, april 2 A great chance I learned to improvise, fake songs, learn chord changes and for to win a free cruise! lack of a better description, it was like learning to swim by being The Vista All-Stars featuring Houston Person, Wycliffe thrown in the water.” Gordon, Ken Peplowski, Shelly Berg, David Finck, “My fi rst gig I had was when I was 11 or 12 in that polish polka Ernie Adams and Dee Daniels band my brother and I had,” he recalled. “We got paid $40 play- Miller Center for the Arts • 7:30 p.m. • $40 thejazzcruise.com ing in the Garfi eld Heights, Ohio, library. I remember it well be- DEE DANIELS cause, here it was, my fi rst gig, and they spelled my name wrong. Learned to improvise as a result of that band. It was good training. The clarinet improvises much like a New Orleans jazz band.” Next he joined the Tommy Dorsey band under the direction of Mark Your Calendars! Christmas Is Coming! Buddy Morrow. Morrow had heard him at a Cleveland Jazz Festival with the Teddy Wilson trio. Not only did he play lead, but he also was given a feature spot with the rhythm section. Maybe those days of learning to swim have carried over to his jazz cruises, but these days, he is no longer searching for ways to swim in an effort to become the best at his art. The New York Times has called him “magical” and only one of a few clarinetists to fi ll the void left by Benny Goodman. From The A Peter White Christmas Times: “Not only is he an outstanding sax and clarinetist, but an entertainer with warmth and musicianship.” featuring Peplowski moved to NYC in 1980 and began to play with every- one who was anyone of note in the music world. He also recorded close to 20 albums as a leader. Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum Sunday, Dec, 4, 2011 • Miller Center for the Arts Two shows! 3 p.m. and 7 p.m • Tickets $39 Complete ticket information will be announced in June!

Thursday, March 31 1-3 pm Enjoy the toe-tapping jazz hits of yesterday and today at this free concert at Manor at Market Square.

Refreshments served. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by March 25 by calling Nicole or Carly at 610-373-0800.

FREE parking at the Berks Encore parking lot located at 9th and Court Streets.

Sponsored by

Meals • Housekeeping Activities • Transportation No Buy-in All-Inclusive Monthly Rent 803 Penn Street • Reading, PA • www.manoratms.com • 610-373-0800 Regional artist creates another festival logo ach year, the Berks Arts Coun- Ecil selects an artist’s original design to use as a unique logo for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest merchandise. This year’s artist piece was created by East Petersburg-based artist Todd Walk. Walk has been a commercially successful self-taught artist for more than 20 years, working TODD WALK primarily in pastels. He focuses mainly on contemporary pop-art, featuring a variety of subjects. His art stand has also been a festival mainstay for several years, and his “Four Guitars” piece served as last year’s Berks Jazz Fest logo. Walk’s creations Crowne Plaza opens “Prime Steak & Wine” include original festival prints that are popular with restaurant in time to serve festival fans festival-goers. To order prints online, visit www.toddwalkgalleries.com. he Crowne Plaza Reading’s new Wine will serve seafood and have an Trestaurant – Prime Steak & Wine – oyster bar with three or four kinds of opens just in time for the 21st annual oysters. Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. The restaurant is located in the jazz merchandise Tim J. Foster, director of food and former Market Cafe and City Limits beverage, said: “The concept of the area. The hotel breakfast buffet will This year’s offi cial logo for the 21st annual restaurant is like Ruth’s Chris Steak be served in the Prime Steak & Wine Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will appear on a variety House or The Capital Grille, only less area, which will be called the bistro. of souvenir merchandise, which is supplied by formal.” The restaurant changes are Foster also said that Prime Steak & Lasting Image Promotional Products & Apparel. part of a $9 million renovation of the Wine will be open until 1 a.m. during A sample of that merchandise is shown here. rooms, pool and courtyard area, and the Berks Jazz Fest to accommodate These and other items will be available for sale the Goodnites Lounge – Gerald Veas- fans staying at the hotel or attending during the festival at all major venues. ley’s Jazz Base to festival fans. the many concerts scheduled in the In addition to prime cuts of meat ballroom or in Gerald Veasley’s Jazz from New Jersey, Prime Steak & Base. Ernie Adams TH John Allred 11 YEAR THE JAZZ CRUISE IS CLEARLY... Shelly Berg IN ITS MUSIC DIRECTOR Don Braden Carmen Bradford Trio Randy Brecker THE GREATEST JAZZ FESTIVAL AT SEA! Bill Charlap Trio THE WORLD’S ONLY FULL SHIP CHARTER DEDICATED TO “STRAIGHT-AHEAD” JAZZ! Pete Christlieb

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