The Berks Arts Council is proud to announce the headliners for the 20th anniversary Ashley for the Arts Bandshell Concert Series. This free summer concert series is held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday evenings beginning July 16, at the Volunteer Fireman’s Memorial Bandshell in City Park, 1261 Hill Rd., Reading. This season’s line-up extends through August 6, and includes Chicago blues, New Orleans roots & southern rock, bluegrass & new grass, and 50’s & 60’s doo-wop. “We’ve got another terrific line-up of nationally recognized bands for our 20th anniversary of this acclaimed event and a lot going on,” notes Connie Leinbach, BAC Executive Director. “Ashley Furniture came through to help us underwrite the concerts, and the Bandshell itself will have been renovated and spruced up by the City. We’re looking forward to another great summer of concerts in City Park.”
On August 6, back by popular demand is doo-wop group Kenny Vance and The Planotones. Kenny Vance, Johnny Gale, Kurt "Frenchy" Yahjian, Jimmy Bense, keyboardist Chip Degaard, and drummer Tony Gallino redefine oldies with vocal authority and freshness. Their material is influenced by the music of the 50's and 60's, but they consistently bring a unique and musically sophisticated point of view. http://www.planotones.com/
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to City Park to experience great music in a natural setting. Food will be available for purchase from Mezcal’s Mexican Restaurant, Thai Cuisine and Stephan’s Concessions. Listen to WEEU 830 AM Stereo each week for weather-related schedule changes. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in City Park.
The Berks Arts Council offers special thanks to the 2010 Bandshell Concert Series sponsors: Ashley for the Arts, County of Berks, City of Reading, CTCE Credit Union, Discovery Credit Union, Riverfront Credit Union, The Reading Eagle Company/WEEU, Land Displays, the Abraham Lincoln Hotel/Wyndham Reading, Crowne Plaza Reading, The Inn at Reading, Goggleworks Center for the Arts, The Peanut Bar, The Pike Café, and Freymoyer’s Hotel and Restaurant.
The Berks Arts Council presents the Berks Jazz Fest, the Bandshell Concert Series, Greater Reading Film Festival, the Pagoda Awards, the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Re-Granting Program, and provides art exhibition and marketing opportunities for member artists. Visit them at www.berksarts.org.
