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Back in 1991, when the first Berks Jazz Fest took place over a weekend in March, the jazz clubs that used to line Penn Street were long gone. But Reading’s landmark Peanut Bar, founded by Jimmie Kramer in 1933 at 332 Penn St., had the perfect vibe for a kickoff luncheon at noon on Friday.It was the place where newspaper reporters, actors, lawyers, and business owners rubbed elbows at the bar, snacking on peanuts and throwing shells all over the floor. So that year, the lunchtime crowd heard Berks County’s beloved saxophonist, the late Frankie Scott, and his band bringing jazz back to downtown Reading. And this concert has become an annual Berks Jazz Fest tradition.
Since 1994, another local band, the Groovemasters, has taken over what is now the Harold B. Leifer Memorial Luncheon (honoring Jimmie’s son-in-law, whose son Michael Leifer is the third-generation owner and manager).
Bassist/vocalist Bennie Sims, pianist/vocalist Cliff Starkey, saxophonist/vocalist Erich Cawalla, and vocalist Lauren Haymore will return to launch this year’s festival at 11:30 AM on Friday, April 4th.
Sims is a performer, recording artist, writer, producer, and music director who has worked with many artists, including Al Jarreau, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, and Pieces of a Dream.
Starkey, a performer, and respected educator, has worked with The Three Degrees, Pieces of a Dream, and many others, and was part of the house band on “Emeril Live.”
Cawalla, founder of the popular Uptown Band, has released the solo albums “222 South” and “The Great American Songbook” (both produced by Sims). Sims and Starkey have been winners of the prestigious Frank Scott Award.
$15.00 Cover Charge at the Door
www.peanutbar.com
www.erichcawalla.com
Call 610-376-8500 for reservations which are always limited.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Peanut Bar Restaurant, 334 Penn St, Reading, PA 19602-1010, United States,Reading, Pennsylvania
