In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Berks Arts has expanded the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest into a six-week regional celebration that will extend through the entire month of April.

The milestone fest will now run from Thursday, March 19, through Thursday, April 30, formally aligning the event with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) — a worldwide observance dedicated each April to honoring the history, artistry, and global impact of jazz.

Following the conclusion of the fest’s core March schedule on March 29, the newly created BJF35/JAM Celebration will take center stage throughout April, featuring 33 additional jazz events at 22 venues across Berks County and the surrounding region.

The expansion significantly broadens the fest’s footprint, creating new performance opportunities for local, regional, and national artists while offering audiences expanded access to live jazz in a variety of settings — from intimate clubs and listening rooms to theaters and larger concert venues.

Major Highlights of the BJF35/JAM Celebration

• Friday, April 3: Jazz on the Avenue presents Mike Eben & Friends: The Birth of the Cool, 7:00 p.m., Yocum Institute for Arts Education

• Tuesday, April 7: Evening of Jazz Percussion featuring legendary vibraphonist Gary Burton, 5:00 p.m., Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

• Wednesday, April 15: KU Presents! Sean Jones with the Kutztown University Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m., Schaeffer Auditorium

• Thursday, April 30/International Jazz Day: Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, 7:30 p.m., Miller Center for the Arts

Current schedule of events is listed below. It continues to grow, with additional performances to be announced as they are confirmed.

April is going to be a jammin’ month for jazz fans!