
To mark the 20th annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest, the Berks
Arts Council asked Mike Anderson to design a special logo to
commemorate the milestone festival.
Anderson created the festival's traditional neon-style logo,
which has been used since the fest started in 1991. He also
has been involved in
coordination, preparation and
typographical direction of many of the other merchandise
graphics used each year for the fest.
Anderson is the general partner of The Anderson Group,
Sinking Spring, Pa., and public relations/marketing director
for the Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pa.
Anderson has been a volunteer member of the festival
production team, serving as stage manager, for many years.
In recent years, he has moved from backstage to onstage,
coordinating and performing as the saxophonist with the
Berks Jazz Fest Horns, along with Rob Diener (trumpet) and John
Loos (trombone).
The Berks Jazz Fest Horns have backed up many major acts
during the festival, including Gregg Karukas, Chuck Loeb,
Jeff Kashiwa, Gerald Veasley, Heads Up All-Stars, and Chieli
Minucci and Special EFX.
"Twenty years is an important milestone in the festival's
history," said Anderson. "The Anderson Group has been a part
of the marketing and branding efforts in one way or another
since day one -- and we felt strongly about contributing
this year's signature graphic."
Reminiscent of the functional, simple geometric design and
san serif typography of the Bauhaus movement of the early
20th century, this year's logo has an even deeper symbolism.
Anderson said: "The first major concert back in 1991
featured world-famous trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, an
impressive way to kick off the festival. He's back this year
to help celebrate our 20th anniversary. The festival also
will feature other notable trumpet players who have
performed here over the years, including Rick Braun, Chris
Botti, and Randy Brecker. That's why I wanted to include a
highly stylized trumpet in some way."
"Simple is always best," added Anderson. "I strive to design
memorable logos that work well in variety of media, in a
variety of sizes."
The Anderson-designed logo will appear on special
merchandise items commemorating the anniversary.
Anderson earned a BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown
University and a MFA in Advertising Design from Syracuse
University. He has served as an instructor of classes in
Typography, Graphic Design and advertising at Kutztown
University.


Each year, the Berks Arts Council selects an
artist’s original design to use as a unique logo for VF
Outlet Berks Jazz Fest merchandise.
This year’s artist piece was created by
Morgantown artist Todd Walk.
His “Four Guitars” piece represents the
subtle guitar influence present in this year’s festival,
with performances honoring Les Paul, with Bucky Pizzarelli,
Howard Alden, and Frank DiBussolo’s Guitar Summit; Frank
Vignola’s Hot Club, celebrating 100 years of Django
Reinhardt; blues guitarist Robert Cray; legendary guitarist
Pat Martino; and Guitarzzz, featuring Chuck Loeb, Chieli
Minucci and Paul Jackson, Jr., among many others.
Walk has been a commercially successful self-taught artist
for the past 20 years, working primarily in pastels. He
focuses mainly on contemporary pop-art, featuring a variety
of subjects. “The ‘Four Guitars’ piece is by far the most
successful piece I’ve ever done” said Walk. “The color and
style worked perfectly. I was going through a musical
series, and this idea just sort of came to me.”
His art stand has also been a festival mainstay for several
years. Walk’s creations include original festival prints
that are popular with festival-goers. Prints of his original
painting and logo will be available for sale during the
festival March 19 to 28 at the Crown Plaza Reading location.
To order prints online, visit www.toddwalkgalleries.com. Click here to order merchandise with this logo.
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