Due to the weekend weather forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms, Berks Arts has announced that the inaugural Berks Summer Fest at FirstEnergy Stadium, which was scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24, has been postponed until Sept. 22 and 23.
The family-friendly weekend of music, food and fun, presented by Berks Arts and the Reading Fightin Phils, was to have featured three concerts on the ballfield, and three by local and regional bands on the plaza stage. All Berks Summer Fest events are free.
Headliners Richie Cannata & The Billy Joel All-Star Band; country singer Timmy Brown; The Royal Scam, performing the music Steely Dan; and Edgardo Cintron Inca Band, celebrating the music of Santana, have confirmed that will be back to perform in September.
“We are sorry that Mother Nature is not cooperating this weekend, as we were excited to host the Berks Arts Summer Fest at FirstEnergy Stadium,” said R-Phils general manager Scott Hunsicker. “However, we are very excited this community event has been rescheduled for September. The weather is usually beautiful in September, and we can’t wait to host this terrific, free family event at America’s Classic Ballpark.”
The forecasted rain will create numerous challenges getting the mobile stage unit and production equipment on and off the field without damaging the playing surface in the middle of the Reading Phils season.
Berks Summer Fest is the result of a reimagining of the Bandshell Concert Series in City Park, which began as a Berks Arts event in 1991 and ran each summer until 2022. Using the popular First Energy Stadium as a venue will allow for seating for 4,000, and access to food from the stands in the concourse. Children can enjoy special games and activities on Saturday afternoon.
“While outdoor events are always vulnerable to challenges with weather, we are grateful for the flexibility of the Reading Phils, the performing artists, sponsors, volunteers — everyone who is committed to rescheduling this new, exciting event,” said Justin Heimbecker, Berks Arts executive director. “We look forward to a beautiful weekend in September.”
Major concerts will take place on the Supportive Concepts Main Stage at home plate, and more concerts and two post-concert parties will be scheduled on the Commercial Roofing Stage in the Tompkins Plaza.
Berks Summer Fest is sponsored in part by Supportive Concepts for Families, Inc.
“It’s unfortunate that Mother Nature chose to provide an obstacle for our celebration, however, our partnership with Berks Arts and their mission is unwavering,” said Jim Settembrino, Chief Development Officer Supportive Concepts for Families. “We join them in looking forward to the new date in September to celebrate the arts in this great community.”
For more information about Berks Summer Fest, visit www.berksarts.com/summerfest.
