As we roll into the Labor Day weekend, it is a timely reminder that the lineup announcement for the 21st annual Berks Jazz Fest is less than three months away.

Which explains why I'm constantly being asked by fans "how is the fest lineup coming?"

Well, the BJF selection committee is working hard to put together another strong musical lineup for the March 25-April 3 festival. And it is time to give everyone a sneak peak at the lineup.

Several shows/artists have been confirmed, including Fourplay; Jeff Lorber Fusion; Steve Tyrell; Steve Smith & Vital Information: NYC Edition; Al Di Meola's World Sinfonia; Homemade Jamz' Blues Band; Royal Scam's Steely Dan Tribute; Gerald Albright & Friends; An Evening with Guitar Masters: Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden, and Gene Bertoncini; Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry; and the Original Jazz Crusaders with Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Wayne Henderson.

That's just the beginning. Let me know your thoughts.

If you have a band or artists you would like to see perform at the fest, just let me know. Just e-mail comments@berksjazzfest.com or jernesto@readingeagle.com

Look forward to hearing from you.

I get asked many times what style of music do I listen to the most.

Actually, my musically tastes are very diverse. I enjoy listening to all styles of music -- especially jazz and blues.

Most of my CD listening takes place in my car.

Right now on the passenger seat, you will find CDs by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Backatown); Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden (Jasmine); Gerald Albright (Pushing the Envelope); Grant Geissman (Cool Man Cool); Chris Standring (Blue Bolero); and Terrel Stafford (New Beginnings).

Let me ask you -- what's in your CD player?

Let me know.


 

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman made a special stop at Gerald Veasley's Jazz Base Thursday night during its current East Coast tour.

The Rips were in top form at the Jazz Base, showing why the iconic band with its distinctive sound is still going strong after 24 years.

They gave the fans who attended the sold-out shows a great night of music. The fans loved every minute of the performances.

Rips fans will be happy to know that Russ Freeman and the band just finished a new CD which will be released in February to help celebrate the bands 25th anniversary.

Russ said he feels "it's the Rips' best CD ever."

There's a good chance the Rips will be be featured during the 21st annual Berks Jazz Fest -- March 25-April 3, 2011.

If you are planning to attend one of the two Rippingtons concert at Gerald Veasley's Jazz Base on Thursday, August 19, you need to get your tickets NOW!

The first show at 7 p.m. is sold out. Tickets ARE AVAIABLE for the 9:30 p.m. show.

The concerts are part of the Smooth Jazz 92.7 Summer Concert Series.

The Jazz Base shows provides fans a chance to see The Rippingtons feature Russ Freeman up close and personal at the club.

Tickets are $35. You can order online at www.geraldveasleysjazzbase or call CD Exchange at 610-777-2310.

A group from the Berks Jazz Fest celebrated the "Fourth of July" by traveling to the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City to see the legendary jazz group Fourplay perform.

It was our chance to see Chuck Loeb perform with the group, featuring Bob James on piano, Nathan East on bass, and Harvey Mason on drums, for the first time.

The musical fireworks onstage during the 80-minute set made the banzai trip well worth it. It was clear to the packed club that the addition of Chuck, who replaced Larry Carlton recently, has brought a new energy to the band.

The set featured a classy, solo rendition of "America" by Bob James, and a preview of a song from Fourplay's new CD, which will be released in the fall. The crowd went crazy as the band ripped through the Chuck Loeb-written tune titled "Third Degree."

It's not easy following guitar legends Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton, but Chuck Loeb appears more than ready to make his mark with the band.

There's a good chance Fourplay will be one of the featured acts at the 21st annual Berks Jazz Fest.

Dave Koz' musical career is always evolving.

The popular saxophonist now is taking on the challenge of being the bandleader and co-host for the new original series "The Emeril Lagasse Show," which debuts this Sunday at 8 p.m. on the ION network. (Check your local cable listings.)

The one-hour, weekly show will combine Emeril's love of food, entertaining, music and fun as he gives new meaning to the phrase "let the good times roll."

Each show will feature a different theme -- complete with celebrity guests, music and, of course, food.

Koz has assembled a first-rate group of New York-based musicians, including guitarist Jeff Golub, keyboardist Philippe Saisse, drummer Skoota Warner, and bassist Conrad Korsch. Golub and Saisse both have performed many times at the Berks Jazz Fest.

CLICK HERE for backstage photos from "The Emeril Lagasse Show."

The news that Chuck Loeb was joining jazz supergroup Fourplay was music to the hears of his many Berks Jazz Fest friends.

Last week, Fourplay management announced that guitarist Larry Carlton was ending a 12-year stint with the band to pursue other musical challenges. The band quickly announced that Loeb was joining Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason.

It always a great feeling when you see good things happenging to good people. Chuck Loeb is one of the good guys in the business.

When you see Chuck at the Berks Jazz Fest, please take the time to congratulate him and wish him well!

You can see the first Chuck Loeb-version of Fourplay live at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Destin, Florida, on April 18.