This March marks the momentous celebration of the 35th annual 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The fest is a few hours’ drive from New York City and is presented by the Berks Arts Council.
The Berks Jazz Fest has a multitude of major concerts and local shows featuring smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, blues, R&B, funk, soul and more. The major concerts are ticketed events, but many of the local shows and events are free to the public. Other events include an auction to win great jazz festival prizes, art and jazz educational events, and a free music documentary screening.
Berks Jazz Fest has a warm, friendly, community-oriented vibe, presenting wonderful, exciting concerts to enthusiastic audiences. After the shows, fans may attend “meet and greets" with their favorite artists. In the venue lobbies, there is an array of festival merchandise (e.g. tee shirts, hats), CDs, as well as unique art, clothing, jewelry and other wares.
John Ernesto, Berks Jazz Fest General Manager and Consultant, has been GM for over 30 years and has worked with the festival since its inception in 1991. John Ernesto noted that: “Berks Jazz Fest… has reached… (its) milestone 35th anniversary… thanks to countless supporters—from volunteers to sponsors—who... each year… nurture the fest, allowing it to flourish and ultimately having a major impact on our community culturally and financially. The 35th anniversary celebrates everyone who has been part of the journey.”
Tish Davis, Berks Arts Council Executive Director said that Berks Jazz Fest “will offer our fans the opportunity to have fun and experience the many genres of jazz.”
Gerald Veasley, acclaimed bassist, who has performed and participated in the fest since 1992, serves as overall festival ambassador for the Berks Jazz Fest. In 2025, Gerald Veasley was honored for his dedication and commitment to the Berks Jazz Fest with the prestigious Pagoda Award by the Berks Arts Council.
Gerald Veasley acts as curator, host and music director for numerous concerts, projects and jazz education events. For the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, Gerald Veasley is host of three Unscripted Jams, co-host of the All-Star Jam, appears in shows as headliners with saxophonist Everette Harp and singer Carol Riddick, and is hosting the second weekend brunch concert. Each delightful jam at the Berks Jazz Fest is a one-of-a-kind, entertaining show that invites music fans to be part of the “in-crowd” and experience a rotating group of amazing artists at the top of their game showing off their chops with improvisational flair. Bassist Gerald Veasley is also curator of the Unscripted Jazz Series at South Jazz Club in Philadelphia.
For the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, there is an impressive range of major concerts through Sunday, March 29th with top artists this weekend. There will also be an additional thirty plus concerts during April for JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month).
On Friday March 27th, at 11:30pm, the night is topped off by Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam featuring singer Walter Christopher}}, saxophonists Marion Meadows}} and Jazmin Ghent, pianists Alex Bugnonand Bobby Lyle, violinist/viola player Chelsey Green, guitarist JJ Sansaverino, percussionist Curtis McCain, and drummer Tim Hutson.
On Saturday, March 28th at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, there is a full, jam-packed spectacular schedule from morning to night with great music events and concerts.
On Saturday morning, March 28th at 9:30am in the DoubleTree lobby is registration for the Berks Jazz Fest Live Auction with the chance to win attractive prizes including a package for two for Signature Cruise Experiences’ “Journey of Jazz” Cruise hosted by singer Gregory Porter, bassist Marcus Miller and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, with music director saxophonist Eric Marienthal and various other artists. Other Berks Jazz Fest Live Auction prizes include sets of two tickets the 2027 Berks Jazz Fest, the 2027 Rehoboth Jazz Festival, other jazz festivals, special jazz events and concerts.
Also, on Saturday, March 28th at 10:15am in the DoubleTree Amphitheater at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is a special preview screening of the 2026 documentary Paulette Mcwilliams: In the Corner, From the Dark, to the Light, produced and directed by Angelo Montrone. Montrone is a producer, songwriter, and Founder/CEO of Majestic Music. The 2026 documentary is on the fabulous singer songwriter Paulette McWilliams whose illustrious career spans almost six decades. The documentary includes interviews with artists who singer Paulette McWilliams has worked with including Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Ray Parker Jr., Bette Midler and others. After the film’s screening at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, there will be a Q&A session with singer Paulette McWilliams, film producer and director Angelo Montrone, and renowned bassist Marcus Miller (a longtime friend of McWilliams) who is featured in the film. (Admission is free.)
On Saturday, March 28th at 12noon, it’s going to be an impressive, sensational show at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest when two-time Grammy-nominated producer and pianist Chris “Big Dog” Davis presents his fourth edition of “Celebrating Women in Jazz” in the festival’s host hotel the DoubleTree by Hilton – Reading.
This special Chris “Big Dog” Davis’ “Celebrating Women in Jazz” concert features three extraordinary vocalists.
There is the brilliant and passionate singer Regina Belle who made her recording debut in 1987 and is known for hit songs like “Baby Come to Me” and “Make It Like It Was.” In 1994, Belle won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Peabo Bryson on “A Whole New World,” the enchanting theme song from the animated Disney movie Aladdin; the song appeared on Regina Belle’s third, platinum album Passion. Throughout her career, Belle has received five Grammy nominations and recorded 10 studio albums of R&B, pop music, contemporary jazz, jazz standards, gospel, and Christmas classics.
On March 21st, at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Regina Belle, with her hair inspired by Princess Jasmine's iconic bubble ponytail from the movie Aladdin, sang a beautiful, heartfelt, soulful, passionate rendition of “Under the Moon and Over the Sky;” with Najee playing flute on the ethereal, soaring mystical Latin jazz masterpiece composed by the late legendary Angela Bofill. The song appears on Najee’s album Under the Moon Over the Sky (Blue Horn Creative, 2025) with Regina Belle lending her vocals as guest artist on several tracks.
There also the Grammy-nominated, amazing, versatile, exquisite stylings of vocalist Maysa (Leak) who has been wowing crowds for 35 years. On March 21, Maysa performed a fantastic show at Berks Jazz Fest with gorgeous renditions of jazz classics like “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" and her diva disco medley of tunes like “Ring My Bell." Then after her main concert, Maysa did a surprise guest appearance at Gerald Veasley's Unscripted Jam on March 21 with her lovely interpretation of “Summertime" accompanied by Gerald Veasley on bass, with the band. Maysa's album Milestones (Blue Velvet Soul Records, 2026) is produced by Chris “Big Dog" Davis and features Maysa's fantastic, uplifting, masterful, catchy cover version of “Street Life" with guest guitarist JJ Sanseverino; the song was originally recorded by Randy Crawford and The Crusaders.
There is also the marvelous musicality of powerhouse singer Paulette McWilliams, who was the lead singer for Ask Rufus in the early 1970s before turning it over to good friend Chaka Khan. Paulette McWilliams' vocals have graced the records and live shows of dozens of legendary artists including Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Gino Vanelli, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Marvin Gaye, Marcus Miller, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and many more. The documentary on Paulette McWilliams will be screened on Saturday morning March 28th at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest. McWilliams has recorded a few of her own albums including FunktiFy (Majestic Music, 2026) with members of the late great Luther Vandross' former touring band includingIvan Hampden Jr. (drums, arranging, producing), Nat Adderley Jr. (keyboards), and Phil Hamilton (guitar).
The 2026 Berks Jazz Fest’s “Celebrating Women in Jazz” show produced by pianist Chris “Big Dog” Davis also features two superb instrumentalists who happen to be music educators. The show will be accentuated by the dynamic vibrant violinist, violist and soulful vocalist Dr. Chelsey Green, who leads Chelsey and the Green Project band, performs with luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Maxwell and Ledisi, is Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Grammys’ Recording Academy, and is Professor of Contemporary Strings at Berklee College of Music. Audiences will also be delighted by the young, chart-topping rising star Dr. Jazmin Ghent, who is a contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel saxophonist, a popular international jazz festival act, and music educator to Kto5 students and at international workshops. Ghent has the #1 song on the Smooth Jazz Network chart with the single “Upgrade"— part of her fifth album Dr. Jazz (Jazzy Ghent Enterprises, 2024)produced by Chris “Big Dog" Davis.
On Saturday March 28th afternoon at 2pm in the Doubletree Reading Callowhill Room, innovative guitarist Stanley Jordan will perform a show that pays homage to the music of The Grateful Dead, with bassist Greg Koerner, guitarist, Jesse Hiatt and drummer Kenwood Dennard.
Early evening on Saturday March 28th at 6pm in the Scottish Rite Cathedral is sure to be an incredible, memorable concert experience with renowned, soulful baritone Will Downing—the jazz/R&B/soul vocalist known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul. The opening act includes singer Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley performing a tribute to the music of Nina Simone.
Will Downing, whose rich, smooth, soulful vocals are sometimes compared to the late Luther Vandross, is a premier storyteller of romantic love songs. The singer’s debut album Will Downing (Island Records, 1988) included a cover of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme" that rose to #4 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Will Downing also had a Billboard top 20 R&B hit song with “I Try” a cover of Angela Bofill’s memorable, R&B ballad from his album A Dream Fulfilled (Island Records, 1991). Downing’s 29th album Still in Love (Sophisticated Soul, 2025) is an EP of love songs about various stages of life and features the chart-topping song “Back To Us.”
In addition to being a long-time singer for the past four decades, Downing is a photographer with a self-published coffee table book. Will Downing is also a spokesperson for the American Stroke Association and is considered a celebrity ambassador for the American Heart Associatio. Downing has conducted—a charity bowling event “Strike Against Stroke” to help generate donations to support awareness and education especially in the African American community.
Opening for Will Downing is a special show “I Got Life: A Tribute to Nina Simone” with singer Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley. In the past year, Gerald Veasley and Carol Riddick have been touring around the U.S. with this captivating show as part of Veasley’s Unscripted concert series. The tribute is filled with fresh interpretations of Nina Simone’s beautiful, moving music with powerful themes of “Quest, Passion, Fury, and Hope.” On March 13, 2026 Carole Riddick and Gerald Veasley’s live album (recorded at South Jazz Club in Philadelphia) was released called I Got Life: The Live Experience, The Music of Nina Simone (Unscripted, 2026). One of Veasley’s favorite Nina Simone quotes (that inspired Riddick and Veasley’s 2026 album and tour) is “I feel more alive now than I ever have in my life. I have a chance to live as I’ve dreamed. I got life.”
On Saturday March 28th at 6pm in the Miller Center for the Arts. Berks Sinfonietta will debut “Gershwin Comes live” conducted by David McConnell with pianist Lars Potteiger. The Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band will be the opening act for the concert.
At 7pm on Saturday March 28th will be a show with the sophisticated style of consummate jazz pianist Bobby Lyle. The show is presented by Doc’s Place at The Highlands at Wyomissing.
Then at 8pm on Saturday, March 28th will be a show “Music of Tower of Power and More” with Berks County’s own Dance Hall Docs with special guests Larry Braggs and Tom Bowes who were both former Tower of Power lead singers, playing the music of Tower of Power and more at the DoubleTree.
Later that night on Saturday March 28th at 9:30pm, there will be a great concert at the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom sure to be a festival highlight with the legendary bassist Marcus Miller & Friends featuring saxophonists Eric Marienthal and Ravi Coltrane with vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf. Acclaimed bassist, composer, arranger, and producer Marcus Miller has contributed his signature sounds to the music of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Bill Withers, George Benson, Chaka Kahn, Paulette McWilliams, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Trombone Shorty, Selah Sue, Take 6, Alex Han, and many more.
Miller is a two-time Grammy Award-winner for Best R&B Song for “Power of Love” in 1992 as co-writer with Luther Vandross and for Best Contemporary Jazz Album for Miller’s solo album M² (M-Squared) (Telarc, 2001). Also, Miller has received 16 Grammy nominations, including one for his album Laid Black (Blue Note, 2018) for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Miller also is the recipient of Bass Player magazine’s Lifetime Achievement award, the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement In Jazz (Holland), the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France). In 2013, Marcus Miller had the honor of being appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace. Jazzman Marcus Miller named UNESCO Artist for Peace | UNESCO
The 2026 Berks Jazz Fest concert Marcus Miller & Friends is presented by Signature Cruise Experiences which has a “Journey of Jazz” Cruise in January 2027 to be hosted by Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal.
On Sunday, March 29th at 10:30am in the DoubleTree the brunch event will feature an exciting show with Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted All-Stars including singer Larry Braggs (formerly of the group Tower of Power), saxophonists Everette Harp, Marion Meadows, and Jazmin Ghent, guitarist JJ Sansaverino, pianists Alex Bugnon and Bobby Lyle, percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Curtis McCain and drummer Tim Hutson.
The main sponsor for the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest once again is Boscov's known as “America's largest, family-owned, independent department store" chain, which first opened in Reading in 1914.
Each year, over 20,000 jazz music fans from the U.S., Europe and other places around the world attend the Berks Jazz Fest to enjoy great music and experience the warm community spirit and atmosphere.
Music fans keep informed about the Berks Jazz Fest on the website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and check out podcasts and video interviews with long-time media personalities Diane Dayton and Steve Quirk.
Nearby the Berks Jazz Fest's host hotel the Doubletree by Hilton, Reading, there are restaurants, shops, historic buildings, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts the Reading Public Museum and the iconic, red 1908 Japanese-style Pagoda on Mount Penn which offers panoramic views. The Reading, PA area is surrounded by picturesque countryside with farms. There is also a Berks County Visitor’s Guide.
This 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is the 35th year providing great experiences for thousands of jazz fans and jazz musicians alike who visit from over 40 states and from countries around the world.
In April 2026, the Berks Jazz Fest will be extended for the first time to coincide with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) – created by the Smithsonian. This new BJF35/JAM Celebration includes over 30 events.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History established Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in 2001 to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of jazz throughout the month of April. Each year, JAM encourages people of all ages to explore jazz — its history, legendary and emerging artists, classic recordings, live performances, and its lasting cultural and global impact.
The 2026 BJF35/JAM Celebration will culminate on April 30, 2026 which is International Jazz Day with a special concert at the Miller Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania. The JAM finale fittingly features trumpeter Rick Braun (originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania) playing the music of Chuck Mangione with the Berks Horns (saxophonist Mike Anderson, trumpeter Rob Diener and trombonist John Loos).
Braun pays a perfect tribute to the spirit and feel-good music of one of his inspirations—the late trumpeter Chuck Mangione with hits like “Feels So Good” and “Land of Make Believe” on his album Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione (Brauntosoarus Music/A-Train, 2026) and in this special Miller Center for the Arts show on April 30th, a fitting finale to the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest and April Jazz Appreciation Month.
The Berks Jazz Fest has a multitude of major concerts and local shows featuring smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, blues, R&B, funk, soul and more. The major concerts are ticketed events, but many of the local shows and events are free to the public. Other events include an auction to win great jazz festival prizes, art and jazz educational events, and a free music documentary screening.
Berks Jazz Fest has a warm, friendly, community-oriented vibe, presenting wonderful, exciting concerts to enthusiastic audiences. After the shows, fans may attend “meet and greets" with their favorite artists. In the venue lobbies, there is an array of festival merchandise (e.g. tee shirts, hats), CDs, as well as unique art, clothing, jewelry and other wares.
John Ernesto, Berks Jazz Fest General Manager and Consultant, has been GM for over 30 years and has worked with the festival since its inception in 1991. John Ernesto noted that: “Berks Jazz Fest… has reached… (its) milestone 35th anniversary… thanks to countless supporters—from volunteers to sponsors—who... each year… nurture the fest, allowing it to flourish and ultimately having a major impact on our community culturally and financially. The 35th anniversary celebrates everyone who has been part of the journey.”
Tish Davis, Berks Arts Council Executive Director said that Berks Jazz Fest “will offer our fans the opportunity to have fun and experience the many genres of jazz.”
Gerald Veasley, acclaimed bassist, who has performed and participated in the fest since 1992, serves as overall festival ambassador for the Berks Jazz Fest. In 2025, Gerald Veasley was honored for his dedication and commitment to the Berks Jazz Fest with the prestigious Pagoda Award by the Berks Arts Council.
Gerald Veasley acts as curator, host and music director for numerous concerts, projects and jazz education events. For the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, Gerald Veasley is host of three Unscripted Jams, co-host of the All-Star Jam, appears in shows as headliners with saxophonist Everette Harp and singer Carol Riddick, and is hosting the second weekend brunch concert. Each delightful jam at the Berks Jazz Fest is a one-of-a-kind, entertaining show that invites music fans to be part of the “in-crowd” and experience a rotating group of amazing artists at the top of their game showing off their chops with improvisational flair. Bassist Gerald Veasley is also curator of the Unscripted Jazz Series at South Jazz Club in Philadelphia.
For the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, there is an impressive range of major concerts through Sunday, March 29th with top artists this weekend. There will also be an additional thirty plus concerts during April for JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month).
On Friday March 27th, at 11:30pm, the night is topped off by Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam featuring singer Walter Christopher}}, saxophonists Marion Meadows}} and Jazmin Ghent, pianists Alex Bugnonand Bobby Lyle, violinist/viola player Chelsey Green, guitarist JJ Sansaverino, percussionist Curtis McCain, and drummer Tim Hutson.
On Saturday, March 28th at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, there is a full, jam-packed spectacular schedule from morning to night with great music events and concerts.
On Saturday morning, March 28th at 9:30am in the DoubleTree lobby is registration for the Berks Jazz Fest Live Auction with the chance to win attractive prizes including a package for two for Signature Cruise Experiences’ “Journey of Jazz” Cruise hosted by singer Gregory Porter, bassist Marcus Miller and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, with music director saxophonist Eric Marienthal and various other artists. Other Berks Jazz Fest Live Auction prizes include sets of two tickets the 2027 Berks Jazz Fest, the 2027 Rehoboth Jazz Festival, other jazz festivals, special jazz events and concerts.
Also, on Saturday, March 28th at 10:15am in the DoubleTree Amphitheater at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is a special preview screening of the 2026 documentary Paulette Mcwilliams: In the Corner, From the Dark, to the Light, produced and directed by Angelo Montrone. Montrone is a producer, songwriter, and Founder/CEO of Majestic Music. The 2026 documentary is on the fabulous singer songwriter Paulette McWilliams whose illustrious career spans almost six decades. The documentary includes interviews with artists who singer Paulette McWilliams has worked with including Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Ray Parker Jr., Bette Midler and others. After the film’s screening at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest, there will be a Q&A session with singer Paulette McWilliams, film producer and director Angelo Montrone, and renowned bassist Marcus Miller (a longtime friend of McWilliams) who is featured in the film. (Admission is free.)
On Saturday, March 28th at 12noon, it’s going to be an impressive, sensational show at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest when two-time Grammy-nominated producer and pianist Chris “Big Dog” Davis presents his fourth edition of “Celebrating Women in Jazz” in the festival’s host hotel the DoubleTree by Hilton – Reading.
This special Chris “Big Dog” Davis’ “Celebrating Women in Jazz” concert features three extraordinary vocalists.
There is the brilliant and passionate singer Regina Belle who made her recording debut in 1987 and is known for hit songs like “Baby Come to Me” and “Make It Like It Was.” In 1994, Belle won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Peabo Bryson on “A Whole New World,” the enchanting theme song from the animated Disney movie Aladdin; the song appeared on Regina Belle’s third, platinum album Passion. Throughout her career, Belle has received five Grammy nominations and recorded 10 studio albums of R&B, pop music, contemporary jazz, jazz standards, gospel, and Christmas classics.
On March 21st, at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Regina Belle, with her hair inspired by Princess Jasmine's iconic bubble ponytail from the movie Aladdin, sang a beautiful, heartfelt, soulful, passionate rendition of “Under the Moon and Over the Sky;” with Najee playing flute on the ethereal, soaring mystical Latin jazz masterpiece composed by the late legendary Angela Bofill. The song appears on Najee’s album Under the Moon Over the Sky (Blue Horn Creative, 2025) with Regina Belle lending her vocals as guest artist on several tracks.
There also the Grammy-nominated, amazing, versatile, exquisite stylings of vocalist Maysa (Leak) who has been wowing crowds for 35 years. On March 21, Maysa performed a fantastic show at Berks Jazz Fest with gorgeous renditions of jazz classics like “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" and her diva disco medley of tunes like “Ring My Bell." Then after her main concert, Maysa did a surprise guest appearance at Gerald Veasley's Unscripted Jam on March 21 with her lovely interpretation of “Summertime" accompanied by Gerald Veasley on bass, with the band. Maysa's album Milestones (Blue Velvet Soul Records, 2026) is produced by Chris “Big Dog" Davis and features Maysa's fantastic, uplifting, masterful, catchy cover version of “Street Life" with guest guitarist JJ Sanseverino; the song was originally recorded by Randy Crawford and The Crusaders.
There is also the marvelous musicality of powerhouse singer Paulette McWilliams, who was the lead singer for Ask Rufus in the early 1970s before turning it over to good friend Chaka Khan. Paulette McWilliams' vocals have graced the records and live shows of dozens of legendary artists including Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Gino Vanelli, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Marvin Gaye, Marcus Miller, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and many more. The documentary on Paulette McWilliams will be screened on Saturday morning March 28th at the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest. McWilliams has recorded a few of her own albums including FunktiFy (Majestic Music, 2026) with members of the late great Luther Vandross' former touring band includingIvan Hampden Jr. (drums, arranging, producing), Nat Adderley Jr. (keyboards), and Phil Hamilton (guitar).
The 2026 Berks Jazz Fest’s “Celebrating Women in Jazz” show produced by pianist Chris “Big Dog” Davis also features two superb instrumentalists who happen to be music educators. The show will be accentuated by the dynamic vibrant violinist, violist and soulful vocalist Dr. Chelsey Green, who leads Chelsey and the Green Project band, performs with luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Maxwell and Ledisi, is Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Grammys’ Recording Academy, and is Professor of Contemporary Strings at Berklee College of Music. Audiences will also be delighted by the young, chart-topping rising star Dr. Jazmin Ghent, who is a contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel saxophonist, a popular international jazz festival act, and music educator to Kto5 students and at international workshops. Ghent has the #1 song on the Smooth Jazz Network chart with the single “Upgrade"— part of her fifth album Dr. Jazz (Jazzy Ghent Enterprises, 2024)produced by Chris “Big Dog" Davis.
On Saturday March 28th afternoon at 2pm in the Doubletree Reading Callowhill Room, innovative guitarist Stanley Jordan will perform a show that pays homage to the music of The Grateful Dead, with bassist Greg Koerner, guitarist, Jesse Hiatt and drummer Kenwood Dennard.
Early evening on Saturday March 28th at 6pm in the Scottish Rite Cathedral is sure to be an incredible, memorable concert experience with renowned, soulful baritone Will Downing—the jazz/R&B/soul vocalist known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul. The opening act includes singer Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley performing a tribute to the music of Nina Simone.
Will Downing, whose rich, smooth, soulful vocals are sometimes compared to the late Luther Vandross, is a premier storyteller of romantic love songs. The singer’s debut album Will Downing (Island Records, 1988) included a cover of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme" that rose to #4 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Will Downing also had a Billboard top 20 R&B hit song with “I Try” a cover of Angela Bofill’s memorable, R&B ballad from his album A Dream Fulfilled (Island Records, 1991). Downing’s 29th album Still in Love (Sophisticated Soul, 2025) is an EP of love songs about various stages of life and features the chart-topping song “Back To Us.”
In addition to being a long-time singer for the past four decades, Downing is a photographer with a self-published coffee table book. Will Downing is also a spokesperson for the American Stroke Association and is considered a celebrity ambassador for the American Heart Associatio. Downing has conducted—a charity bowling event “Strike Against Stroke” to help generate donations to support awareness and education especially in the African American community.
Opening for Will Downing is a special show “I Got Life: A Tribute to Nina Simone” with singer Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley. In the past year, Gerald Veasley and Carol Riddick have been touring around the U.S. with this captivating show as part of Veasley’s Unscripted concert series. The tribute is filled with fresh interpretations of Nina Simone’s beautiful, moving music with powerful themes of “Quest, Passion, Fury, and Hope.” On March 13, 2026 Carole Riddick and Gerald Veasley’s live album (recorded at South Jazz Club in Philadelphia) was released called I Got Life: The Live Experience, The Music of Nina Simone (Unscripted, 2026). One of Veasley’s favorite Nina Simone quotes (that inspired Riddick and Veasley’s 2026 album and tour) is “I feel more alive now than I ever have in my life. I have a chance to live as I’ve dreamed. I got life.”
On Saturday March 28th at 6pm in the Miller Center for the Arts. Berks Sinfonietta will debut “Gershwin Comes live” conducted by David McConnell with pianist Lars Potteiger. The Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band will be the opening act for the concert.
At 7pm on Saturday March 28th will be a show with the sophisticated style of consummate jazz pianist Bobby Lyle. The show is presented by Doc’s Place at The Highlands at Wyomissing.
Then at 8pm on Saturday, March 28th will be a show “Music of Tower of Power and More” with Berks County’s own Dance Hall Docs with special guests Larry Braggs and Tom Bowes who were both former Tower of Power lead singers, playing the music of Tower of Power and more at the DoubleTree.
Later that night on Saturday March 28th at 9:30pm, there will be a great concert at the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom sure to be a festival highlight with the legendary bassist Marcus Miller & Friends featuring saxophonists Eric Marienthal and Ravi Coltrane with vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf. Acclaimed bassist, composer, arranger, and producer Marcus Miller has contributed his signature sounds to the music of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Bill Withers, George Benson, Chaka Kahn, Paulette McWilliams, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Trombone Shorty, Selah Sue, Take 6, Alex Han, and many more.
Miller is a two-time Grammy Award-winner for Best R&B Song for “Power of Love” in 1992 as co-writer with Luther Vandross and for Best Contemporary Jazz Album for Miller’s solo album M² (M-Squared) (Telarc, 2001). Also, Miller has received 16 Grammy nominations, including one for his album Laid Black (Blue Note, 2018) for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Miller also is the recipient of Bass Player magazine’s Lifetime Achievement award, the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement In Jazz (Holland), the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France). In 2013, Marcus Miller had the honor of being appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace. Jazzman Marcus Miller named UNESCO Artist for Peace | UNESCO
The 2026 Berks Jazz Fest concert Marcus Miller & Friends is presented by Signature Cruise Experiences which has a “Journey of Jazz” Cruise in January 2027 to be hosted by Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal.
On Sunday, March 29th at 10:30am in the DoubleTree the brunch event will feature an exciting show with Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted All-Stars including singer Larry Braggs (formerly of the group Tower of Power), saxophonists Everette Harp, Marion Meadows, and Jazmin Ghent, guitarist JJ Sansaverino, pianists Alex Bugnon and Bobby Lyle, percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Curtis McCain and drummer Tim Hutson.
The Berks Jazz Fest Experience
In 1991, the renowned pink neon Berks Jazz Fest logo was designed by Mike Anderson (retired co-founder of The Anderson Group) who is saxophonist with The Berks Horns.The main sponsor for the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest once again is Boscov's known as “America's largest, family-owned, independent department store" chain, which first opened in Reading in 1914.
Each year, over 20,000 jazz music fans from the U.S., Europe and other places around the world attend the Berks Jazz Fest to enjoy great music and experience the warm community spirit and atmosphere.
Music fans keep informed about the Berks Jazz Fest on the website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and check out podcasts and video interviews with long-time media personalities Diane Dayton and Steve Quirk.
Nearby the Berks Jazz Fest's host hotel the Doubletree by Hilton, Reading, there are restaurants, shops, historic buildings, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts the Reading Public Museum and the iconic, red 1908 Japanese-style Pagoda on Mount Penn which offers panoramic views. The Reading, PA area is surrounded by picturesque countryside with farms. There is also a Berks County Visitor’s Guide.
This 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is the 35th year providing great experiences for thousands of jazz fans and jazz musicians alike who visit from over 40 states and from countries around the world.
In April 2026, the Berks Jazz Fest will be extended for the first time to coincide with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) – created by the Smithsonian. This new BJF35/JAM Celebration includes over 30 events.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History established Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in 2001 to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of jazz throughout the month of April. Each year, JAM encourages people of all ages to explore jazz — its history, legendary and emerging artists, classic recordings, live performances, and its lasting cultural and global impact.
The 2026 BJF35/JAM Celebration will culminate on April 30, 2026 which is International Jazz Day with a special concert at the Miller Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania. The JAM finale fittingly features trumpeter Rick Braun (originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania) playing the music of Chuck Mangione with the Berks Horns (saxophonist Mike Anderson, trumpeter Rob Diener and trombonist John Loos).
Braun pays a perfect tribute to the spirit and feel-good music of one of his inspirations—the late trumpeter Chuck Mangione with hits like “Feels So Good” and “Land of Make Believe” on his album Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione (Brauntosoarus Music/A-Train, 2026) and in this special Miller Center for the Arts show on April 30th, a fitting finale to the 2026 Berks Jazz Fest and April Jazz Appreciation Month.
