When Gerald Veasley's Jazz Base opened five years ago, there were many skeptics who said the weekly jazz series would not last.

Those skeptics believed the local jazz community would not support the Jazz Base.

Well, those skeptics were wrong. The Jazz Base will celebrate it's "5th Anniversary" on Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Reading.

Appropriately, Gerald Veasley and his band, along with special guests vocalist Carol Riddick and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns, will headline the musical celebration.

It's going to be a great night for the "loyal" Jazz Base fans who HAVE supported the club the past five years.

There will be special ticket giveways, free cake and other surprises.

Hope to see you at the Jazz Base Thursday night!
 

There have been numerous inquiries the last few weeks regarding the opening act of the 20th annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest.

The questions are the result of the upcoming tour schedule on Chris Botti's web site that lists Botti performing in Reading on Friday, March 19, 2010.

Well, the answer to those questions is the listing is correct. Yes, the popular trumpeter will headline the opening-night concert.

Botti will kick off the 10-day festival with a performance at the Reading Eagle Theater at the Sovereign Center on Friday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.  It promises to be a special night for this milestone festival.

In addition to Botti, many new and never-seen-before shows are scheduled, along with some legendary names and acts. The festival lineup is nearing completion and the committee feels that the overall star-studded lineup will make the 20th annual fest something very special and maybe the best ever.