Berks Arts: 6th annual Reading Blues Fest set for Nov. 15-19

Berks Arts is pleased to announce that the 6th annual Reading Blues Fest will open on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and run through Sunday, Nov. 19, with most events at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.

Last year’s festival broke attendance records, as fans poured into Reading to celebrate the art of the blues, and this year’s stellar lineup is expected to do the same.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 14 at 9 a.m., for both packages and single performances.

The late Chicago bluesman, Willie Dixon, once said: “The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.”

Jazz, rock, and most American popular music all started with the blues, and that is why Berks Arts, which also presents the renowned Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest each spring, devotes an entire festival to this revered genre.

“Berks Arts is thrilled to present the sixth annual Reading Blues Fest, one of our fastest-growing programs,” said Justin Heimbecker, Berks Arts Executive Director. “The enthusiastic, diverse crowd that converges on the region for these events makes Reading a destination for arts enthusiasts across the country.”

Headliners for this year’s Reading Blues Fest include guitarist/keyboardist/singer Jimmy Vivino; guitar legend Arlen Roth and his band in a “Super Soul Session,” featuring Hammond B3 artist Bruce Katz, vocalist Makamuri and The Berks Horns; singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster (the 2023 winner of the BMA for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year); guitarist/vocalist J.P. Soars Gypsy Blue Revue, featuring vocalist/violinist Anne Harris; slide guitarist/singer/songwriter Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials; and gospel/blues artist Mr. Sipp & The True Believers featuring special guest the Fresh Wind Gospel Ensemble.

“Our programming goal was to present a lineup that represents the musical diversity of the blues genre,” said John Ernesto, Reading Blues Fest artistic director. “Fest fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of traditional, electric, soulful, gospel blues and more.”

The festival will start off with a community concert, “Blues on the Mountain,” presented by Mt. Penn Preservation, at the Reading Liederkranz on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The concert, featuring the Mikey Junior Band and opening act Busker Incognito & THE SHOW, will begin at 6 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 17, there will be a Kickoff Lunch at the Peanut Bar Restaurant in downtown Reading, with The Bluesmasters (also known as The Groovemasters), featuring bassist Bennie Sims, keyboardist Cliff Starkey and saxophonist/vocalist Erich Cawalla. The next evening, the Peanut Bar will also host a Blues Dinner with the Dave Mell Blues Band.

The rest of the concerts will all take place in the DoubleTree, where festivalgoers can relax in the friendly atmosphere of the award-winning hotel while enjoying concerts, blues-themed lunches and brunches, and more.

The festivities will start in the hotel’s Cheers American Bistro with a Welcome Party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday with Kevin Burt, a vocalist, harmonica player and guitarist who has won the International Blues Challenge in all three categories. Burt will also appear with his band – Big Medicine – opening for the Ruthie Foster concert on Saturday night.

In addition to the headliners, there will be concerts in more intimate venues by harmonica master Steve Guyger & The Excellos, the Dave Keller Band, Dave Keyes (the “King of Keys”), and the James Supra Trio featuring Sarah Ayers and Phil Pilorz.

And two special events will be held in the DoubleTree Amphitheater: an RMF Guitar Workshop hosted by Dave Kline and Arlen Roth on Saturday afternoon, and “Meet the Artists” hosted by Michael Cloeren on Sunday morning.

Ticketing levels for the Reading Blues Fest range from an all-inclusive VIP package that includes a two-night stay at the DoubleTree, to tickets for individual concerts. For more information, including a complete schedule and artist bios, visit www.readingbluesfest.com.