14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Jazz is a uniquely American art form and, in 2001, the Smithsonian Museum declared April to be a month to celebrate the heritage and history of jazz by encouraging all ages to attend concerts and learn about the music that is revered worldwide. In response, Berks Arts, local venues, educators and the Experience Reading & Berks County visitors bureau have collaborated to extend the Berks Jazz Fest to a full six weeks, concluding on April 30, o cially known as International Jazz Day. at’s when trumpeter and Pennsylvania native Rick Braun performs music from his new tribute album, Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, at Miller Center for the Arts. Braun will play his renditions of favorites by the late, Grammy Award-winning musician, including “Feels So Good” and “Land of Make Believe.” ere are many more reasons to extend a visit to Berks County. e city of Reading, known for its inviting storefronts, historic architecture and distinctive points of interest, will pulse with live jazz music. roughout April, there are performances at multiple local bars, clubs and restaurants, such as Mike’s Tavern, a neighborhood spot established in 1934, with friendly bartenders and an expansive selection of cra beer. Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar is another beloved landmark, famous for live music, its Maryland crabcakes and the broiled salmon salad, which will also host jazz events in March during the festival and in April. Heather Zimmerman, president and CEO of Experience Reading & Berks County, calls it a “Berks County institution.” “It’s over 100 years old,” she said. “There are peanuts on the table, and you can throw the shells on the floor. It feels like Reading’s version of ‘Cheers’ (the bar in Boston that inspired the NBC sitcom) and it’s a staple in the area for special occasions or grabbing a beer with friends. I highly recommend it.” Zimmerman also recommends the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading in close proximity to the Peanut Bar. It’s where many of the unique concerts, such as Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam and the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam are staged in the ballrooms. And in the hotel’s Bistro, the Cheers Jazz Party, hosted by Al “DJ Act” Taylor, is presented on multiple dates with di erent special guests. “ e DoubleTree is a full-service property with a bar, a restaurant and massive banquet space,” Zimmerman said. “It’s the agship property for Berks, plus, they host many of the festival jazz performances at the hotel. I can’t speak highly enough about it. ey have a heated indoor pool, and it’s a great spot.” Reading is best known by its Reading (pronounced Redding) Railroad, immortalized as one of four railroad properties on the original Monopoly game board. Visitors can dine at the Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brew Pub, another live music spot that is housed in the former passenger rail station, which pays tribute to its historical beginnings with its original terra cotta walls, terrazzo floor and arched windows. “The Franklin Station Brew Pub is a beautiful building with great architecture and a fabulous restaurant and bar,” Zimmerman said. “That’s where we had our reception when we unveiled our new slogan and logo, which has the icons we are known for.” The logo depicts images of the train, the historic Japanese Pagoda building on the top of Mount Penn and a hawk, re ecting the area’s outdoor resources. The slogan representing Berks County is “Every Stop Has a Story” and the story for April is all about connecting with others through the many forms of jazz music, from contemporary and traditional to swing. “I’ve gone to the Jazz Fest over the years,” recalled Zimmerman, a Berks County native who started her career in the hospitality industry. “ e atmosphere is perfect and it’s well run. It’s amazing how much it’s grown. People seem to unwind and enjoy it. I do, as well.” continued from page 13 Jimmie for live music, its Maryland crabcakes salad, which will also during the festival Zimmerman, Experience calls it a “Berks “It’s said. table, (Left to right) Gerald Veasley, Brian Culbertson, Chris Botti Photo: Daniel Ray Photo: Richard Carey / Rundown Studio
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