Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours 2026!
I’m Steve Quirk.
It’s great to be back with Season 4 of Fusion Flavours at the 35th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest!
The 2026 edition marks a major milestone — the 35th anniversary of the fest, running March 19–29. And in celebration of this landmark year, Berks Arts has expanded the fest into an unprecedented six-week celebration with the addition of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest / Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) events throughout April.
You’ll also hear music from artists appearing at this year’s fest, including Boney James, Brian Culbertson, and Marcus Miller.
Plus, we’ll feature music and conversation with a huge supporter of Berks — the amazing Rick Braun, who will be performing brand-new music from his latest project, Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione.
Rick is bringing the Mangione show to Berks Jazz Fest on Thursday, April 30 — International Jazz Day — closing out the month-long BJF35/JAM Celebration at the Miller Center for the Arts.
For tickets and complete fest information, visit www.berksjazzfest.com
2026 Episodes — new episodes released every weekend through the opening of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz FesT
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 — Season 4, Episode 1
For our first 2026 show, my special guest is my good friend John Ernesto, longtime general manager of the fest. John shares stories from his decades with the fest, reflects on some of the unforgettable performances over the years, and offers his insight into what makes this six-week 35th anniversary celebration so special.
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 — Season 4, Episode 2
This week’s special guest is the one and only Boney James, who has been performing at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest for decades.
Boney has just returned from co-hosting the Smooth Jazz Cruises for two weeks with Marcus Miller — and he’s sounding better than ever.
His debut album, Trust, was released in 1992, and now, 16 albums later, his latest release is Slow Burn. Over the years, he has become a true fan favorite, delivering that sophisticated soul and R&B groove that I absolutely adore.
Boney will be performing on Friday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral.
I’ve known Boney for more than three decades. In fact, I had the pleasure of bringing him on stage in London in the late 1990s when I was Head of Music for Jazz FM. He remains one of my favorite performers — and a great friend.
Click on the link below and enjoy music and conversation with my old buddy, Boney James.
For tickets and more information, visit:
www.berksjazzfest.com
If you’d like to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you:
steve@fusionflavours.com
Enjoy the show!
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 — Season 4, Episode 3
I'm Steve Quirk
It is so wonderful to be back for Season 4 of Fusion Flavours @ Berks 2026.
My guest has been a good friend and one of my favourite soul singers since his debut in 1988.
Over three decades of amazing music and almost 30 albums today we spend some time with...
The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul -- Mr. Will Downing.
Will has been to the BJF on numerous occasions.
Will is performing Saturday, March 28, 6.00 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral performing with special guests Carol Riddick & Gerald Veasley.
We talk about his amazing career with memories from his debut release in 1988.
Talking about his work with Gerald Albright. His collaborations and studio work with Chris “Big Dog” Davis.
Plus a very funny story working with Stevie Wonder which is not to be missed … trust me.
Get your tickets today go to the website for all the BJF Shows.
"Fusion Flavours Is What Feeling Sound Like"
Enjoy The Show"
Steve Quirk xx
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 4
I’m Steve Quirk, and we are counting down the days to the 35th anniversary of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 2026.
I hope you’re enjoying the Fusion Flavours program.
This episode features my old friend — musician, songwriter, and producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis.
I first met Chris back in 2010 in a studio in New York City while returning from the Berks Jazz Fest, and we’ve been good friends ever since.
Chris produced a fantastic Stevie Wonder Tribute at Berks several years ago, and this year he’s bringing an exciting new production to the fest — “Celebrating Women in Jazz.”
This amazing show features Regina Belle, Maysa Leak, Paulette McWilliams, Chelsey Green, and Jazmin Ghent, and it takes place Saturday, March 28 in the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom.
Chris also will be part of the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam on Thursday, March 26, hosted by Gerald Veasley and Eric Marienthal at the DoubleTree.
For tickets and more information, visit www.berksjazzfest.com
Enjoy !
"Fusion Flavours" is what feelings Sound like"
Steve Quirk
UK Host of Fusion Flavours
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 5
As we move closer to the 35th anniversary celebration of the Berks Jazz Fest, it is truly a privilege and an honor to be part of this incredible event and to share my passion and love for these amazing artists.
My guest for this episode began her musical career performing with Stevie Wonder as a member of his backing band Wonderlove. She later became an integral part of Bluey’s internationally acclaimed band Incognito, based in the UK.
This extraordinary artist possesses one of the most soulful voices in music today and has long been a personal favorite of mine — the beautiful and immensely talented Maysa Leak.
Maysa has performed at the Berks Jazz Fest on numerous occasions, and this year she returns not once, but twice:
Saturday, March 21 – Maysa with special guests Mike Phillips and Carl Cox.
Saturday, March 28 – Celebrating Women in Jazz, featuring Regina Belle, Paulette McWilliams, Chelsey Green, and Jazmin Ghent.
Everything you need to know about Berks Jazz Fest 2026 can be found at the website:
www.berksjazzfest.com
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed putting it together — truly a labor of love.
“Fusion Flavours” is what feelings sound like.
Steve Quirk
UK Host of Fusion Flavours
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 6
This special edition of Fusion Flavours is a tribute to the amazing Chuck Loeb.
I first met Chuck in the late ’90s when he toured the UK with Bob James, including a stop in my hometown of Manchester. From that moment on, I realized what a special musician and person he was.
Chuck was also an important part of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest family for many years, making his final fest appearance with Fourplay in 2017.
In this program, we celebrate Chuck through music and conversation with his longtime Fourplay bandmate Nathan East.
Nathan shares memories of recording sessions in New York during the 1980s and stories about his friendship and musical partnership with Chuck.
You’ll also hear some of the wonderful music Chuck contributed to the three albums he recorded with Fourplay.
Plus, there’s a special treat — a recent European soundcheck featuring Nathan East and his son Noah East performing the classic Chuck and Metro tune “Rio Frio.”
A big thank you to my good friend Nathan East for taking the time to share his thoughts and memories of Chuck.
Fusion Flavours — what feelings sound like.
Steve Quirk
UK Host of Fusion Flavours
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 7
With less than a week to go until the 35th anniversary of the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest, the excitement is building.
What once seemed a light-year away is now just days from opening night.
I’ve truly loved bringing you Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 -- and this week’s program is a very special one.
One of the highlights of the fest will be the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, set for Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading.
The concert celebrates the life and music of the late Chuck Loeb, who was a huge supporter of the Berks Jazz Fest and one of the world’s finest guitarists.
I had the pleasure of knowing Chuck for more than 30 years, going back to the 1990s when he toured the UK with Bob James and visited my hometown of Manchester.
Over the years we met many times, sharing interviews and conversations, and of course reconnecting at Berks — which became something of an annual ritual.
Chuck passed away in July 2017 at the age of 61. He was not only an extraordinary musician but also a devoted family man who collaborated with many of the world’s top artists.
Earlier in 2017, before his appearance at Berks with the legendary group Fourplay, I spoke with Chuck about the upcoming show performing with Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and Bob James.
Little did I know that our conversation would be our final interview before his passing.
I feel incredibly blessed to have known Chuck and his family.
I hope you enjoy this conversation along with some of his sophisticated, timeless music which is like fine wine.
Chuck Loeb will always be loved and missed by many. He will forever remain part of the spirit of the Berks Jazz Fest.
“Fusion Flavours” is what feelings sound like.
Steve Quirk
Host of Fusion Flavours
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 8
I’m Steve Quirk.
It’s here — opening weekend of the 35th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.
My special guest on this edition of Fusion Flavours at Berks is my old friend, saxophonist Vincent Ingala.
I’ve known Vincent for many years, and it’s been incredible to watch his career evolve.
We’ll talk about his early days, shaped by his dad’s extensive record collection, and the journey that’s brought him to where he is today.
Plus, hear about his collaborations with artists like Dave Koz, Jonathan Fritzen, Gregg Karukas, Lindsey Webster, Peter White, and Mindi Abair.
Catch Vincent Ingala live at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at the DoubleTree.
For tickets and everything you need for the fest, visit www.berksjazzfest.com
All the Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 programs are archived on the website.
Enjoy…
Fusion Flavours is what feelings sound like.
Steve Quirk
UK Host of Fusion Flavours
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks 2026 - Season 4, Episode 9
I’m Steve Quirk.
The final weekend of the 35th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is here — and it’s supercharged with big shows.
Closing the festival on Sunday, the Reading Pops Orchestra joins David Benoit and Eric Marienthal at the Miller Center for the Arts for a 3:30 p.m. performance you won’t want to miss.
David Benoit has been one of my musical heroes since 1977, when I first heard “Like Is Like a Samba” in the UK — a moment that’s stayed with me ever since.
This week on Fusion Flavours, enjoy 60 minutes of music and conversation with a true master of the piano.
Have a wonderful finale weekend — and make some unforgettable memories.
“Fusion Flavours is what feelings sound like.”
Enjoy,
Steve Quirk
Host, Fusion Flavours