jazz appreciation month

Berks Arts is expanding the 35th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest beyond its traditional March schedule to include the entire month of April, creating a six-week celebration that formally aligns with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) — a worldwide observance held each April.

Traditionally staged during the second half of March, the milestone 35th anniversary Berks Jazz Fest will now run from Thursday, March 19, through Thursday, April 30, 2026, concluding on International Jazz Day.

what is jam?

Affectionally called “JAM”, Jazz Appreciation Month was established by the National Museum of American History in 2001 to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of jazz throughout the month of April.

The goal of JAM each is year is to inspire people of all ages to engage with jazz—explore its history, attend live performances, listen to recordings, read about jazz legends, and experience the joy of this important and timeless art form.

Learn More

Berks Arts partnered with local organizations, venues, live-music presenters, and educators to develop a dynamic, community-wide series of jazz performances, educational programs, and special events.

A wide variety of settings throughout Berks County — offering audiences multiple ways to experience jazz, from intimate club performances to large-scale concerts.

The expanded programming will provide additional performance opportunities for local, regional, and national musicians, reinforcing Berks County’s long-standing reputation as a vibrant destination for live jazz.

Now in its 35th year, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest remains one of the region’s premier music events — attracting artists and audiences from across the country while celebrating the enduring legacy and evolving future of jazz.

The success and longevity of the fest have been made possible by the unwavering support of the local business community, arts organizations, dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and patrons. Their continued generosity and commitment have helped the fest flourish year after year.

In turn, the fest has delivered lasting benefits to the community, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape through arts and education, while also generating meaningful economic impact for the region.

BERKS JAZZ FEST

✳︎

JAM

✳︎

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

✳︎

BERKS JAZZ FEST ✳︎ JAM ✳︎ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ✳︎