As a blues singer, songwriter and record producer, B.B. King once said, “Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.”
Blues fans new and old can enjoy some of said “tonic” during the Reading Blues Festival Nov. 22 to 24.
The What
Now in its third year, the Reading Blues Fest is a project of the Berks Arts Council. And while the event hasn’t been around for long, it has made a big impact on our county, providing the local community and surrounding areas with a variety of shows to enjoy before the holiday season begins. Both national and local artists are featured over the three-day event.
The When
During the festival, events typically kick off as early as 10am; the final concert is at 3:30pm on Nov. 24.
The Who
Attendees will receive a special treat, as this year’s festival features a diverse group of artists, including The Nick Moss Band, with Dennis Gruenling and The Berks Horns; Albert Castiglia; Christone “Kingfish” Ingram; Vanessa Collier; Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers; Victor Wainwright & The Train; The Deanna Bogart Band; Toronzo Cannon; Rick Estrin & The Nightcats; John Primer; and Rob Paparozzi & The Ed Palermo Big Band with special guest Robben Ford.
Local artists include The Bluesmasters, featuring Bennie Sims, Cliff Starkey and Erich Cawalia; Dave Hinkel & The Crew; John King Dance Band; Airshow; James Supra & Sarah Ayers Quartet; Dave Mell Blues Band; and Drew & The Blue.
The Where
While most of this event takes place throughout the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, numerous local event partners will be hosting blues artists in their establishments on Friday and Saturday, including Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar Restaurant, Judy’s on Cherry, Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse, Gracie’s 21st Century Café, Cheers Lounge at the DoubleTree; Mimmo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Goodnites at the Crowne Plaza Reading, and more.
The Why
Proceeds from the Fest support a more vibrant arts community and help the Berks Arts Council promote their mission “to cultivate, promote, and support the arts in the community through collaboration, education and presentation.”
The Cost
There are two options for tickets. Attendees can purchase a VIP All-Event ticket for $180 (limited quantity available) — which includes preferred theater-style seating for all the major concerts at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Grand Ballroom, a VIP lanyard, a 50 percent discount coupon for festival merchandise, a subscription to Blues Music Magazine, and a Reading Blues Fest goodie bag — or a single all-day ticket, which costs $59 for Friday, $89 for Saturday, or $69 for Sunday. Individual concert tickets are not for sale. ν
Two Blues Film Screenings will be featured in the DoubleTree Amphitheater during the weekend:
Saturday at 10am
Horn from the Heart: The Paul Butterfield Story.
The film will be followed by a concert celebrating the music of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at 2pm in the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom, played by Rob Paparozzi & The Ed Palermo Big Band, featuring special guest Robben Ford.
Sunday at 10am
Satan and Adam
Hosted by Michael Cloreon.
