The Reading Pops Orchestra has been a major part of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest since its performance with the Paquito D’Rivera in 1999.
For its 24th fest appearance, the Reading Pops, led by conductor Will Rapp, will collaborate with two acclaimed jazz artists -- pianist David Benoit and saxophonist Eric Marienthal.
The Pops performance resume during the fest includes Chuck Mangione, New York Voices, The Four Freshmen, Jim Brickman, Andrew Neu, Ramsey Lewis, John Pizzarelli, Nelson Rangell, Jane Monheit, Rick Braun, Keiko Matsui, and the Brubeck Brothers.
Benoit and Marienthal also have performed with the Pops.
For nearly five decades, pianist/composer/ arranger David Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of contemporary jazz.
But, like an actor who has been known primarily for one role, he wanted to show other dimensions of his artistry, influenced by Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach, Dave Grusin, and Leonard Bernstein.
Benoit was bitten by the jazz bug after watching a Charlie Brown TV special and listening to the music of Vince Guaraldi in 1965.
In 2000, after the death of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, Benoit released a memorial album titled Here's to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!
An earlier cover of Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy,” recorded in 1985 for the album This Side Up, enjoyed notable radio airplay and helped to launch the smooth jazz genre.
Benoit has arranged, conducted, and performed music for many pop and jazz artist, including Russ Freeman and the Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Kenny Rankin, Faith Hill, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Pack, David Sanborn, the Walt Disney Organization and Brian McKnight.
He also paid homage to one of his chief influences, Leonard Bernstein, by playing, arranging, and performing on The Songs of West Side Story, an all-star project produced by David Pack.
Benoit has performed at the White House for three U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Sr.
Eric Marienthal, a two-time Grammy winner, is a well-regarded for his work in the jazz, jazz fusion, and contemporary jazz genres.
He also has performed as special guest with orchestras and big bands around the world.
Marienthal began his professional career in 1980 with New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt. He later gained significant recognition as a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, where he recorded six albums, two of which won Grammy Awards. He currently holds the lead alto chair in Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.
Throughout his extensive career, he has performed with a diverse range of high-profile artists, including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, David Lee Roth, Patti LaBelle, and Olivia Newton-John.
Every summer since 1999,Marienthal has organized a fundraising concert for the High Hopes Head Injury Program, an organization assisting people with traumatic head injuries, raising over $3,000,000 to date.
