Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Begins Next Chapter

From Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

After 35 years under the stewardship of the Berks Arts Council, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is entering a new era.

Organizers announced on Friday, July 31, that a new management organization — Berks Jazz Fest — has been established to ensure the festival’s continued success and sustainability.

The announcement was made by John Ernesto, who has played an integral role in the Berks Jazz Fest since 1991, and Jim Boscov, CEO of Boscov’s.

The announcement follows the Berks Arts Council’s decision to cease operations after 55 years of serving the Berks County community through arts education, cultural programming, festivals, grants, and advocacy.

Over the last 35 years, the Berks Arts Council helped transform the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest into one of the nation’s premier jazz festivals, attracting internationally acclaimed artists and music fans from across the United States and around the world.

The festival has generated significant economic and cultural benefits for Berks County while earning a national reputation for artistic excellence.

Following Berks Arts Council’s decision to cease operation, Jim Boscov said, “We’re grateful for the stewardship of the Berks Arts Council that transformed the jazz fest into one of the nation’s leading festivals, and we’re honored to provide a new home for this extraordinary community asset.

The Berks Arts Council stewardship established the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest as a nationally recognized event, and we are proud to carry that legacy forward without interruption.”

John Ernesto said, “The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is more than a music festival — it is a cultural institution that has enriched our community for decades. We are committed to preserving its legacy, and we will continue to build on its strong foundation.

This transition ensures that the festival’s mission, identity, and tradition of artistic excellence will not be interrupted, and we remain committed to presenting world-class jazz performances.”

The 36th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will take place April 1-11, 2027, continuing its tradition of bringing internationally renowned performers and music lovers from around the world to Berks County for concerts, special events, and educational programming.

Additional information about the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, including artist announcements, ticket information, and special festival events — including the Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) Celebration, which extends the festival throughout the month of April — will be released in the coming weeks.

About Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Established in 1991, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is recognized as one of America’s premier jazz festivals.

The fest showcases internationally renowned artists while celebrating the rich traditions of jazz through performance, education, and community engagement.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually and has become one of Berks County’s signature cultural events.