Date Archives: April 2015

Swing into Spring in Reading, PA

Reading, PA will be alive and kicking on April 10 through 19, 2015 at the 25^th Annual Boscov's Jazz Fest.  Jazz, bebop, blues, funk, fusion, gospel, and big band fans worldwide will return to Reading, PA--some for the 25^th time--for 10 consecutive, music-filled nights of unique concert experiences to indulge their passion.

The 25^th Berks Jazz Fest, one of the premier jazz events in the world, requires the help of more than 400 volunteers.  The 2014 Jazz Fest drew more than 50,000 music aficionados to the Reading community adding $5 million back into the economy.

John Ernesto, 22-year festival General Manager, commented, "Our goal is to put together a festival that the entire Berks County community can be proud of.  We've put together a very diverse lineup of artists exploring the many styles of jazz – straight ahead, contemporary, blues, and gospel."

Reading, PA thrives because of the efforts of such community organizations as the Berks Arts Council and its partners.  If being a part of a community like Reading is something that interests you, attend the 25^th Annual Berks Jazz Fest.

History of Reading's Berks Jazz Fest

The Berks Arts Council organized the first Berks Jazz Fest in 1991 as a way to support arts in their community.  Wynton Marsalis, respected trumpet legend, opened the first festival along with a musical lineup of 20 or more in Reading. 

Over the next 25 years, the festival has evolved into 50 major ticketed concerts and more than 125 free musical performances including all types of jazz, in concert and performing arts venues, restaurants, bars, and churches.

Rev. Harry L. Serio, a Berks Jazz Festival founder, commented, "When we started, we never expected to grow into this type of world renowned festival, with people even coming from overseas to experience it…The artists that come really enjoy hanging out in Berks County — they like the venues.  Some of them actually build their tours around it."

Originally, Reading's VF Outlets worked in cooperation with festival organizers to bring people to the area during a slow retail season.  However, with Reading, PA's rich history in jazz including performances by Duke Ellington, Count Base, John Philip Sousa, and several big band greats, it is no surprise how the festival has grown.

Reading's 25^th Jazz Fest Anniversary

Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Orchestra will wow Reading crowds at this year's opening events beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Santander Performing Arts Center. Crowne Plaza will be spotlighted on April 10 at 10:00 p.m. with an Opening Night Party with special appearances by saxophonist Boney James and Gerald Veasley's Midnight Jam.

The 2015 edition includes performances by headliners:  Jeffrey Osborne, Elliott Yamin, Fourplay, Will Downing, the Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 Band, Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, Dianne Reeves and Soul of Jazz.

Living in Reading, PA

If the idea of living in Reading, PA gets you "all jazzed up," contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty to start your Reading, PA home search today.

National Aquarium Considered Best in Baltimore

Living in Baltimore's Inner Harbor neighborhood affords its residents (and visitors) with a wealth of things to do like touring the National Aquarium.  Baltimore's number one tourist attraction, the aquarium draws an annual attendance of approximately 1.5 million people and is considered by many as one of the best aquariums in the country. 

USA Today 10 Best Attractions in Baltimore

USA Today named the National Aquarium as one of the 10 Best Attractions in Baltimore. Packed with over 17,000 animals and award-winning exhibits, the design of the aquarium allows you to get up-close encounters at some of its "live" exhibits.  The aquarium's structure revolves around an open pool filled with stingrays and fish.  Explore a tropical rainforest replica at the top of the aquarium.  You will feel like you are swimming with sharks as you walk through a doughnut shaped shark tank.

Don't forget to say hello to the sea lions outside of the aquarium on your way to the National Aquarium's dolphin show at the Marine Mammal Pavilion.  Be sure to arrive early or you might get a little wet during the show.

National Aquarium Receives Reviews

USA Today is not the only group to notice the quality of the experience at the National Aquarium. "Blacktip Reef," the heart of the National Aquarium, is a beautiful replica of Indo-Pacific reefs, complete with coral that won the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Award for Significant Achievement in Exhibit Design. You will feel like you are scuba diving under the sea when you walk through this exhibit and get nose-to-nose with a shark and many other aquatic animals.

The National Aquarium was named one of the best aquariums in the United States by the Travel Channel in 2012 and the #1 aquarium in the United States by Coastal Living magazine in 2011.

Planning Your Visit to the National Aquarium

As of one Baltimore's most popular things to do, get ready for crowds.  It is best to visit on a weekday, but if you need to visit on the weekend or on a holiday, plan to arrive before 11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. The aquarium does limit the number of visitors each hour, but it can still get crowded.

If you are visiting with small children, please be aware strollers are not permitted in the aquarium.  Carriers will be provided.  Large crowds, escalators, and people movers make navigating the National Aquarium with a stroller nearly impossible.

Ticket prices range from $22 to $35. However, the experience you will get in return for your investment cannot be beat. Also, if you come later in the day, admission prices drop significantly.

Making a Day of a Visit to Inner Harbor

After touring the National Aquarium, the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore is ready to welcome you with even more activities, dining options, and attractions. Whether you grab dinner at one of the area's many restaurants, take a cruise on the Bay, head to the 27th floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center or visit the Maritime Museum, you can easily spend your entire day exploring Inner Harbor.

Calling Baltimore Home

Why limit yourself to just one day in Baltimore? If moving to Baltimore is part of your future, contact one of Homesale Realty's real estate offices to find homes for sale in Baltimore.