Berks Arts is excited to announce the artist lineup and schedule for the 8th annual Reading Blues Fest set for Nov. 19-23.

The excitement is based on the star-studded lineup that features many of the biggest names in traditional and contemporary blues who will be performing.

After two outstanding community, mid-week presentations at the Reading Liederkranz and WCR Center for the Arts, all Reading Blues Fest concerts will be presented at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, the official host of the fest.

Berks Arts programming goal was to open and close the fest with two of the hottest blues shows touring this year. It accomplished that goal.

On opening night at the DoubleTree, fans will be treated to the Devon Allman Blues Summit featuring Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, Sierra Hall, and the Devon Allman Project (Devon’s band).

Together, this remarkable ensemble presents an epic evening that spans the spectrum of blues -- from its gritty roots, through its evolution, and into its vibrant future. It is a unique opportunity for Reading Blues Fest fans to experience the raw energy and profound emotion of Allman’s project, where extraordinary talent meets the timeless magic of blues and soul.

The Sunday fest finale features The Three Kings, a dynamic tribute concert honoring blues legends B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, brought to life by three amazing contemporary blues guitarists -- Albert Castiglia, D.K. Harrell, and Chris Cain.

Sandwiching in between on Saturday, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a non-stop day of varying styles of the blues genre that kicks off with a special concert -- Ma Rainey’s Living Tradition of the Blues.

Rainey, known as the "Mother of the Blues," significantly shaped the blues genre by blending vaudeville and authentic Southern blues traditions. She was a trailblazer, popularizing blues music through her powerful vocals, stage presence, and storytelling, influencing generations of musicians.

An outstanding ensemble of Beareather Reddy, vocals; Charlie Apicella, guitar/banjo; Avery Sharp, bass; and Steve Johns, drums, will take the audience on Rainey’s amazing musical journey.

The Ma Rainey presentation will be followed by full-length concerts featuring Dana Fuchs Band, John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band, and The Duke Robillard Band.
On Friday and Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m., Mikey Junior Band will host a blues jam that promises to rock the Cheers American Bistro. Mikey already has started inviting fest headliners to join the jams to create some memorable music for the fans.

Reading Blues Fest tickets go on sale Monday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m., at www.readingbluesfest.com

This year, fans can choose from four money-saving ticket options – the all-event Silver Package ($225) and individual daily tickets for Friday ($79), Saturday ($125), and Sunday ($79).

Also, the DoubleTree is offering a special Reading Blues Fest package – two-night (Friday and Saturday) for $158 a night.

To make reservations:
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/...

“The entire Reading Blues Fest team has collaborated to create an amazing lineup of some of the biggest names in blues,” said Tish Davis, Berks Arts Executive Director. “In addition to the major grand ballroom concerts, a full schedule of music in the Cheers American Bistro will be a great addition to the overall blues fest experience for our loyal fans.”

READING BLUES FEST LINEUP

Wednesday, November 19
6:00 p.m.: Reading Liederkranz
Dave Kline Productions presents
NOLA BLUE SHOWCASE: WOMEN IN BLUES featuring ALEXIS P SUTER and THE BC COMBO featuring BEV CONKLIN

Thursday, November 20
5:30 p.m.: WCR Center for the Arts
RMF presents GUITAR-A-RAMA
WORKSHOP (5:45 p.m.); BUSKER INCOGNITO & THE SHOW (6:15 p.m.); THE TRAVELLIN’ BROTHERS (7:30 p.m.); JAM FINALE (9:00 p.m.)

Friday, November 21
11:30 a.m.: Peanut Bar Restaurant
THE BLUESMASTERS featuring BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY, ERICH CAWALLA
5:00 p.m.: Cheers American Bistro/Welcome Party
MIKEY JUNIOR BAND
8:00 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
DEVON ALLMAN’S BLUES SUMMIT featuring JIMMY HALL, LARRY McCRAY, SIERRA GREEN, and the DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT
10:00 p.m.: Cheers American Bistro
BLUES JAM hosted by MIKEY JUNIOR BAND

Saturday, November 22
10:00 a.m.: DoubleTree Penske Amphitheater
COFFEE TALK: MEET THE ARTISTS hosted by KEITH MOONEY
11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.: Cheers American Bistro
BUSKER INCOGNITO TRIO featuring DAVE KLINE, JOHN KING, CHUCK STEINLE
1:00 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
MA RAINEY’S LIVING TRADITION OF THE BLUES featuring BEAREATHER REDDY, CHARLIE APICELLA, AVERY SHARPE, STEVE JOHNS
3:00 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
DANA FUCHS BAND
5:30 p.m.: DoubleTree Penske Amphitheater
Special Documentary Film Screening
FRANK BEY: ALL MY DUES ARE PAID hosted by NOLA BLUE
7:30 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
THE DUKE ROBILLARD BAND plus JOHN PRIMER & THE REAL DEAL BLUES BAND
10:00 p.m.: Cheers American Bistro
BLUES JAM hosted by MIKEY JUNIOR BAND

Sunday, March 23
10:00 a.m.: DoubleTree Penske Amphitheater
COFFEE TALK: MEET THE ARTISTS hosted by MICHAEL CLOEREN
1:00 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
KEVIN BURT
3:00 p.m.: DoubleTree Grand Ballroom
The Music of B.B., Albert and Freddie King
THE THREE KINGS: ALBERT CASTIGLIA, D.K. HARRELL, CHRIS CAIN

For complete Reading Blues Fest information, check out www.readingbluesfest.com