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

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

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

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

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

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest is much more than a world renown 10 Day music festival. There is a huge education component that takes place behind the scenes. Meet Chris Heslop and Mike Eben. Both are recipients of the Frank Scott Award recognized for their efforts to promote jazz in Berks County. Chris teaches composing and arranging at the Yocum Institute and Mike is an adjunct professor at Albright College teaching jazz band and jazz history. Mike and Chris both perform in their own band and with other bands. Both are dedicated to sharing the world of jazz music and jazz musicians with students. Serving on the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest education committee they developed a student jazz jam which provides the opportunity to play with and learn from professional musicians. Born during Jazz Fest this jam now takes place monthly at different school districts in Berks County. New programs continue to be developed including a Get Jazzed program for elementary students.

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

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

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

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