Mark your calendar for these great arts events in and around Berks County!
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Berks Arts Council's
Arts Blast!
September 22, 2017
COUNCIL NEWS
Robert Cray, Jonny Lang, Kenny Neal, Samantha Fish headline Reading Blues Fest
You cannot get enough of the Blues. It is a musical genre that grabs your heart and soul and simply will not let go.

The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest has staged numerous blues concerts over the years that have captivated audiences. Here is the great news: The same people who bring you the Jazz Fest – Berks Arts Council and general manager John Ernesto — are presenting the inaugural Reading Blues Fest this October 6 thru 8.

Kenny Neal plus Samantha Fish will headline opening night on Friday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom. One of the strongest modern proponents of Baton Rouge swamp blues, Neal is a second-generation southern Louisiana bluesman who is cognizant of the region’s venerable Blues tradition and imaginative enough to steer it in fresh directions. His dad, harpist Raful Neal, was a Baton Rouge blues mainstay whose pals included Buddy Guy and Slim Harpo. At age 13, Neal was playing in his father’s band, and at 17, landed a job playing bass for Buddy Guy. [Read full story]

For ticket information, please visit the Reading Blues Fest website.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
RSO opens season with Gems, Jewels & Masterpieces
DATE: Saturday, October 14
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Santander Performing Arts Center | 136 N. Sixth St. | Reading, PA 19601

The Reading Symphony Orchestra opens its 2017-18 season with three classical masterworks, including Beethoven’s powerful and intensely dramatic Leonore Overture No. 3 and Tchaikovsky’s striking Symphony No. 5. Soloist Julie Albers joins the orchestra for Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Praised by the Providence Journal for her “sweet tone and tender phrasing,” Ms. Albers takes on this richly introspective and elegiac work that was composed in reaction to World War I.

Visit the RSO website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Remember, Berks Arts Council members receive a 10% discount on ticket purchases! (Discount does not apply to season tickets.)
THIS WEEK (Friday 9/22/17 - Thursday 9/28/17)
FRIDAY: Ranky Tanky in Concert
DATE: Friday, September 22
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Miller Center for the Arts | 4 North 2nd St. | Reading, PA 19601

These South Carolina natives have come together to revive a Heartland of American Music born in their own backyards. “Gullah” comes from West African language and means “a people blessed by God.” “Ranky Tanky” translates loosely as “Work It,” or “Get Funky!” In this spirit this Charleston, SC based quintet performs timeless music of Gullah culture born in the southeastern Sea Island region of the United States. From playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies, the musical roots of Charleston, SC are “rank” and fertile ground from which these contemporary artists are grateful to have grown. Tickets: $27 Adult / $15 Student / $22 Miller Center Member.

Visit the Miller Center for the Arts website for more information.
SUNDAY: Ukulele Jam at the Half Moon Cafe
DATE: Sunday, September 24 (Every fourth Sunday of the month)
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Clay on Main | 313 Main St. | Oley, PA 19547

Join ukulele players of all ages and talents for an afternoon of folk, rock, tin pan alley, and more at the Half Moon Cafe. Singers, guitar, banjos, mandolins, and percussion folks are also invited. $5.00 suggested donation.

Call Clay on Main at 610-987-0273 for more information.
SUNDAY: Organ Recital presented by the Fall Festival of the Arts
DATE: Sunday, September 24
TIME: 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Christ Episcopal Church | 435 Court St. | Reading, PA 19601

Organists from local churches will perform on the magnificent organ at Christ Church. Organists include Karen Eddinger, Steven Katzenmoyer, David McConnell, Jacqueline Wilson, James Wilson, Michael Baal, and Adlai Binger. Meet these talented organists at a reception following the recital. Free-will donation.

Visit the Fall Festival of the Arts website for more information.
WEDNESDAY: Albright's Got Chops
DATE: Wednesday, September 27
TIME: 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Albright College's Sylvan Pond | 1621 N. 13th St. | Reading, PA 19604

Come and enjoy an outdoor Concert at the Pond by the Albright Angels, The Mane Men, Albright Jazz Band, and the Reading Samba School. This is the sixth annual series and is presented by Albright's radio station WXAC. CLICK HERE for more information. Sorry - no rain date.
NEXT WEEK (Friday 9/29/17 - Thursday 10/5/17)
SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 8: Fight or Flight - New Plays on Fear
DATES/TIMES:
Friday, September 29 @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 30 @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 1 @ 2 p.m.
Friday, October 6 @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 7 @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 8 @ 2 p.m.
LOCATION: WCR Center for the Arts | 140 N. 5th St. | Reading, PA 19601

Fight or Flight: New Plays on Fear attempts to explore how fear creeps into our lives, sometimes without our even recognizing it. Directed by Vicki Haller Graff & George Hatza, with music composed by Chris Heslop, this presentation will showcase original plays by Charlie Adams, Elizabeth Clark, Matt Fotis, George Hatza, Joel Richard Gori, Sue Lange, Santo Marabella, and David Nice. Tickets $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information, contact Reading Theater Project at 484-706-9719 or at their website.
SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1: The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell
DATES/TIMES:
Friday, September 29 @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 30 @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 1 @ 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Wachovia Theatre at Albright College | 1621 N. 13th St. | Reading, PA 19604

Flamboyant Lucille, fiercely traditional Doris, and nurturing Ida have been best friends for over 20 years. Three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husband's graves, their bond threatens to unravel when one of them begins to balk at their husbands’ grave sites, and another seems headed for romantic involvement. What follows is a hilarious, poignant and ultimately human view of love, friendship, loyalty and moving forward.

For prices and tickets, call the Albright Center for the Arts box office at 610-921-7547 or visit the Albright website.
SEPTEMBER 30: Fall Festival of the Arts presents David Lutz
DATE: Saturday, September 30
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Trinity Lutheran Church | 527 Washington St. | Reading, PA 19601

Berks County native David Lutz is a professor emeritus of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he conducts classes in German Art Song and in Vocal Accompanying. He has conducted Master Classes all over the world and spent this past May concertizing and teaching in Shanghai, China. Sit in as Mr. Lutz works with singers on vocal technique, diction, and song interpretation.

Visit the Fall Festival website for more information.
OCTOBER 1: Thirty-sixth annual Heritage Festival
DATE: Sunday, October 1
TIME: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Berks County Heritage Center | 1102 Red Bridge Rd. | Reading, PA 19605

In today's hectic, fast-paced world, we often overlook our past and the rich transportation history of Berks County. Come and recapture your past at this festival dedicated to celebrating our area's history and transportation heritage through demonstrations, exhibitions, music, lectures, walks, and arts & crafts. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the many performances throughout the day. A variety of refreshments will be available both days. Free admission; $5.00 parking donation.

For more information, visit the Berks County Parks and Recreation website.
OCTOBER 1: Reading Pops presents the concert version of Carousel
DATE: Sunday, October 1
TIME: 3 p.m.
LOCATION: Miller Center for the Arts | 4 N. 2nd St. | Reading, PA 19601

The Reading Pops Orchestra collaborates with the Brickhouse Theatre Company to produce a memorable concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel. Enjoy classic songs "You'll Never Walk Alone", "If I Loved You", and "June Is Bustin' Out All Over." Tickets: $32 Adult / $15 Student / $27 Miller Center Member.

For more information, visit the Miller Center's website or call 610- 607-6270.
COMING SOON (Friday 10/6/17 - Thursday 10/19/17)
Unleashing Your Inner Opera Fan: The Magic Flute
DATE: Friday, October 6
TIME: 7 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Berks Opera Company
Annual Arts Festival Reading at the GoggleWorks
DATES:
Saturday, October 7
Sunday, October 8
TIME: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: The GoggleWorks
Songs of Freedom directed by David Himes
DATE: Saturday, October 7
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Fall Festival of the Arts

Maz Jobrani - Author and Comedian
DATE: Saturday, October 7
TIME: 7 :30 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Miller Center for the Arts
Funkfest with Uptown Band & Groovemasters
DATES: Monday, October 9
TIMES: 6 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Reading Musical Foundation
Mel Brooks' musical Young Frankenstein
DATES: Friday, October 13 - Sunday, October 28
TIMES: For the complete schedule, visit the Genesius' website
PRESENTED BY: Genesius Theatre
The Aletheia Trio in concert
DATE: Friday, October 13
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Friends of Chamber Music
Sustainable House Tour
DATE: Sunday, October 15 ($10 registration due by Monday, October 9)
TIME: 2 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Fall Festival of the Arts
On Screen/In Person: Oil and Water
DATE: Wednesday, October 18
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: Miller Center for the Arts
ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR ENTRIES - Scenes of the the Schuylkill
The 14th annual Scenes of the Schuylkill is a juried art show and sale that celebrates the beauty of the Schuylkill River region through art. The exhibit is hosted by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area every fall in partnership with Montgomery County Community College. The exhibit runs from November 2 - December 17. Artwork is due October 30, 12 - 7 p.m. CLICK HERE for the prospectus.
CALL FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS for Christmas at FirstEnergy Stadium
America's Classic Ballpark will turn into a winter wonderland this holiday season when the Fightin Phils host Christmas at FirstEnergy Stadium. The event will run from "Black Friday," November 24 through Saturday, December 23. Local bands, choruses, and musicians will play yuletide favorites on the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Stage. The Fightins are calling all local choirs, bands, orchestras, and other musical groups to schedule to perform. Those interested can contact Todd Hunsicker at THunsicker@fightins.com for more information. All performers receive FREE tickets for the holiday event.
This message was sent from info@berksarts.org to info@berksarts.org
P.O. Box 854, Reading, PA, 19603


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