Mark your calendar for these great arts events in and around Berks County!
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Berks Arts Council's
Arts Blast!
December 2, 2016
COUNCIL NEWS
Kick off the holiday season this Sunday with Peter White & friends!
DATE: Sunday, December 4
TIMES: Two Shows! 3 & 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Miller Center for the Arts @ RACC | 4 N. 2nd St. | Reading, PA 19601

Ever wonder why Santa Claus has a twinkle in his eye? It’s because he’s thinking about Berks Jazz Fest’s annual holiday concert — A Peter White Christmas featuring Peter White, Rick Braun & Euge Groove. And you should be, too, because the Christmas holidays are just a twinkle in time away. So make your list and check it twice. This holiday concert is more than just nice! Tickets $45.

Tickets are available through the Miller Center Box Office. Visit their website to purchase online.
Enjoy a great meal before or after the show. Make your reservations today!
There's something on the menu for everyone at our great partner restaurants...

Judy's on Cherry
Mediterranean-inspired fine dining
332 Cherry St.
Reading, PA 19602
Open at 4:30 p.m.
610-374-8511

Panevino
Rustic regional Italian cuisine
25 N. 2nd St.
Reading PA 19601
Open at 12 noon
610-376-1101

Cheers American Bistro
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading
Imaginative, seasonal, American cuisine with global accents
701 Penn St.
Reading, PA 19601
Open all day
610-375-8000

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
A Christmas Carol Radio Show presented by Reading Community Players
DATES/TIMES:
Friday, December 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 4 @ 3 p.m.
LOCATION: The Perkins Auditorium Penn State Berks Campus | 1800 Broadcasting Rd. | Reading, PA 19610

The story of a money-grubbing, old miser who pushes all the good from his life until one Christmas Eve when he is redeemed by understanding his past and coming to grips with his future. A classic tale of redemption and forgiveness just in time to warm your hearts for this special time of year. A turn-of-the-Century marvel in a modern day performance. Come enjoy a classic in a new way. Tickets $15. Available at the door.

For more information, visit Reading Comminuty Players
Berks History Center Second Saturday: Imprisonment, Trial & Execution of the Lincoln Conspirators
DATE: Saturday, December 10
TIME: 10 - 11 p.m.
LOCATION: Berks History Center | 940 Centre Ave. | Reading, PA 19601

Uncover the truth at Berks History Center's Second Saturday Program. Enjoy an educational overview of the conspirators who planned and carried out the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln presented by Mark Grim. Admission $5.00 members, $8.00 non-members.

Light Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. Off-street parking available at the Henry Janssen Library, 160 Spring Street, Reading.
THIS WEEK (Friday 12/2/16 - Thursday 12/8/16)
DAILY: Taylor Backes 29th Annual Open House
DATES: Daily through December 23
TIMES:
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 12 noon - 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Taylor Backes Studios | 2nd & Washington Sts. | Boyertown, PA 19512


Featuring hand-blown glass and American fine crafts, glass blowing demonstrations, and refreshments. Call 610-367-4600 for more information. Visit the Taylor Backes website for more information about the studio and artists.
WEEKENDS: The Pennsylvania Dutch A Christmas Carol on the Rhoads Trolley
Take a ride back in time as this delightful family interactive entertainment, with a PA Dutch twist, unfolds in and around charming West Reading. The audience boards the trolley at the Ridgewood Winery on Rt. 724 and is transported back in time to the streets of “Ye Olde West Reading Town”. Scrooge himself plays the surly emcee of this delightfully corny and wonderfully homespun treatment of the Charles Dickens’ classic. Children and adults will love it, giggling between the comedy and the dramatic twists. Performing weekends through December 23rd. Tickets $30 – $43.50. (Current Berks Arts Council members receive a 20% discount on their ticket purchase!)

For information and tickets, visit the Genesius Theatre website.
SATURDAYS: Jingle Arrgh the Way! A Christmas Pirate Adventure
DATES: Saturdays through December 17
TIME: 10 a.m.
LOCATION: Yocum Institute for Arts Education |1100 Belmont Ave. | Wyomissing, PA 19610

The countdown to the holidays is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with Santa himself and….pirates?! Primary Stages at Yocum Institute for Arts Education presents Jingle Arrgh the Way! A Christmas Pirate Adventure. This delightful, family-friendly musical features the characters we know and love from How I Became a Pirate, great songs, and a trip to the North Pole to find You Know Who! Tickets $10 at the door; $8.50 in advance.

For tickets and more information, visit the Yocum Institute for Arts Education website.
SATURDAY: Holiday Open House at The Warehouse Studio
DATE: Saturday, December 3
TIME:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LOCATION: The Warehouse Studio | 700 Lancaster Ave | Reading, PA 19607

Find that special gift. Visit the gift shop, gallery, and studios to find what you're looking for. Visit the walk-in glass ornament workshop. Handmake an embossed eard on a vintage press. Make a holiday craft project and enjoy treats and specials all day. Visit The Warehouse Studio website for more information.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: RCS presents Handel's Messiah
DATES, TIMES, and LOCATIONS

Saturday, December 3 @ 7 p.m.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church | 150 N. Hanover St. | Pottstown, PA 19464
Sunday, December 4 @ 4 p.m.
Berks Catholic High School | 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd | Reading, PA 19611

No holiday season is complete without a performance of Handel's Messiah. Join Reading Choral Society, the Coventry Singers, and the Berks Catholic High School choir, as well as superb soloists and an orchestra directed by RCS's Graham Bier for a sprightly and uplifting rendition of this timeless Christmas classic. Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

For tickets and more information visit the Reading Choral Society website.
SATURDAY: Jason Vieaux, Guitarist, with the RSO
DATE: Saturday, December 3
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Santander Performing Arts Center | 136 N. 6th St. | Reading, PA 19601

Guitarist and Grammy Award winner Jason Vieaux's artistry is highlighted in Dan Visconti's Living Language. Also on the program are works by Brahms, Dvořák, and Vivaldi. Tickets $20 - $80.

Visit Reading Symphony Orchestra website for more information.

Gabrial Chamber Ensemble in Concert
DATE: Sunday, December 4
TIME: 3 p.m.
LOCATION: Jerusalem Lutheran Church | 252 Dock St. | Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble, now celebrating its 27th season in Schuylkill County, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting high quality performances from the chamber music repertoire. Professional guest artists are frequently invited to join the Ensemble in order to offer a wide selection of chamber music masterpieces. GCE delights its audiences with its informative and fun presentations, its quality of performance, and its informality. All concerts are followed by a reception in the lobby, where the audience can meet the GCE members and discuss the evening. This concert will include Corelli's “Chrismas Concerto” in G minor, Op. 6 No. 8, Clara Schumann's Three Romances Op. 22, the Beethoven String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4: Allegro ma non tanto, and Robert Schumann's Piano Quintet in E flat Major, Op. 4. Guest Artists: Barbara Jaffe, violin and Rahel Inniger, piano. Tickets $20 Adult; $15 Senior.

For more information visit the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble website.
SUNDAY: KU Alumni Jazz Band in concert
DATE: Sunday, December 4
TIME: 3 p.m.
LOCATION: St. Paul's Lutheran Church | 117 E Arch St. | Fleetwood, PA 19522

The Kutztown Alumni Jazz Band performs music of the Big Band Era, as well as modern music of the day.

More information on the band can be found on the KU Alumni Jazz Band's website.

NEXT WEEK (Friday 12/9/16 - Thursday 12/15/16)
December 9: A Light to Lighten - Music and Readings of the Season
DATE: Friday, December 9
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Atonement Lutheran Church | 5 Wyomissing Blvd | Wyomissing, PA 19610

Light is essential to life. It illuminates our spirits. Its radiance shines in our hearts. So will Berks Youth Chorus and Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir when they join forces in this concert of music and readings of the season. Musical selections trace the path of light from “Starlight,” “Candlelight” and “Night to Day,” to “Light Breaking Forth.” Tickets $15 General Admission, $10 Students, $25 VIP.

For more information, visit the BYC website.
DECEMBER 10 & 11: Reading Civic Theatre presents The Happy Elf
DATES/TIMES:
Saturday, December 10 @ 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 11 @ 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Santander Performing Arts Center | 136 N. 6th St. | Reading, PA 19601

A new musical comedy by Grammy Award-winning and TONY Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr., The Happy Elf follows Eubie, the happiest elf in the North Pole. More than anything else, Eubie longs to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. Instead, he’s stuck checking the naughty-or-nice lists. Then one Christmas Eve he sees something strange: in the whole town of Bluesville, not a single person has been nice. With a pinch of elfish magic and a magical whoosh, Eubie’s off to Bluesville. But can he turn a whole town of naughty children nice in just one day?

Families will love this festive tale of overcoming adversity, friendship, the power of positivity and believing in yourself! Special meet-the-cast session after the Saturday matinee!

Tickets $10 to $45 + facility fee. Available on Ticketmaster or in person at the Santander Arena box office. Visit the Reading Civic Theatre website for more information about the show including cast list.
DECEMBER 11: A Pops Holiday - Sunday with the Pops
DATE: Sunday, December 11
TIME: 3 p.m.
LOCATION: Miller Center for the Arts | 4 N. Second St. | Reading, PA 19601

The Reading Pops Orchestra with Georgia Lazaridou and the Berks Youth Chorus. Experience the profound sound of this fabulous collaboration in a special family holiday concert. Tickets $29 Adults, $15 Students. $25 for RACC members.

Visit the Reading Pops website for more information.
COMING SOON (Friday 12/16/16 - Thursday 12/29/16)
Reading Philharmonic annual holiday concert
DATE: Friday, December 16
TIME: 7 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: The Reading Philharmonic Orchestra
Holiday Extravaganza
DATE: Saturday, December 17
TIME: 3 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Nutcracker Ballet
DATES/TIMES:
December 17 @ 1 p.m.& 6 p.m.
December 18 @ 2 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Berks Ballet Theatre
CALLS FOR ARTISTS & ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
ARTIST OPPORTUNITY: Christmas at First Energy Stadium
Calling all local bands, choruses, and musicians. Baseballtown wants you to be part of their first winter wonderland this holiday season when the Fightins host "Christmas at FirstEnergy Stadium." No celebration is complete without yuletide favorites, and the Fightins are calling for musical groups to perform at "Christmas at FirstEnergy Stadium." Those interested should contact Todd Hunsicker at THunsicker@Fightins.com for more information.

The event runs six days/week through Friday, December 23. Fans will be able to capture the spirit of the holiday season as they stroll through FirstEnergy Stadium and visit different themed areas featuring sparkling holiday lights and glowing displays.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Frederick H. Gaige Memorial Juried Exhibit
Artists may submit two works of art, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture, in two or three dimensions. Pieces will be accepted on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday, March 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reception and awards will be March 22 at 6 p.m.

If you intend to submit or have question, email Marilyn J. Fox, gallery director.
The mission of Berks Arts Council is to cultivate, promote, and support the arts in our community through collaboration, education, and presentation.


NOTE: Although the Berks Arts Council makes every effort to ensure information listed in the Arts Blast is correct, we recommend that you visit the presenter's website or call the venue to confirm this information.

Berks Arts Council is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; donations and membership fees are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
This message was sent from info@berksarts.org to info@berksarts.org
P.O. Box 854, Reading, PA, 19603


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