April is the first full month of spring, and as Robin Williams correctly stated, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’” Here in Berks, we certainly know how to get that party started!
Although it has been underway for a few days already, the annual party that we know as the Berks Jazz Fest is still going strong, with performances yet to come by big names like Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Keiko Matsui and Philly’s own Gerald Veasley. Once again this year, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum gets into the act with a Friday afternoon performance on April 4 featuring a guest appearance by another famous Gerald, saxophonist Gerald Albright. He’ll be sitting in for a few songs with our house band in a concert that runs from 4:30-6:30pm, just prior to the big “BWB” show at the Scottish Rite across the street.
Of course, Berks Countians love music across all genres, and the Santander Performing Arts Center will play host to a variety of shows this month that cater to nearly every taste. If rock music is your thing, check out One Night of Queen on April 10 as Gary Mullen and The Works perform some of the best known rock anthems of all time. Classics like We Will Rock You and Bohemian Rhapsody will take the audience back in time a few decades when big hair was the rage and Queen ruled the charts.
The music of Queen was turned into a smash Broadway musical some years back, and before the Performing Arts Center even has a chance to cool down from all the rock and roll, the Reading Symphony Orchestra rolls in with a pops concert that also marries varied musical stylings. Pairing the American musical theatre and the symphony orchestra, Bravo Broadway! will match Broadway performers with the RSO on Saturday night, April 12, so lovers of classical, pops and show tunes will all find something to celebrate.
Not to be outdone by its more glamorous sibling, off-Broadway is coming to Reading this month as well. On April 22, the long-running off-Broadway hit Menopause the Musical arrives at the Performing Arts Center, bringing its hilarious celebration of women and “the change” to town. This musical parody is set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s and has entertained millions over its 10-year run. Some of the most recognizable tunes from these decades have been reworked with new lyrics to fit the theme of the show, and the end result promises to be sheer fun and entertainment.
So whether you’re dancing in the aisles to jazz, rock, show tunes, or classics, Berks County has the perfect soundtrack for whatever party you’re throwing. With all of the swinging choices available to you this month, those icy winter blues should be a distant memory in no time. Party on, Berks!
