This year, the 33rd year of the Boscov's Berks Jazz Festival, John decided to retire. As of June 1, 2024, John Ernesto will officially retire from his position. John's dedication to the festival has consumed a great deal of his life so when he passes the mantle in June, he will finally get to enjoy some of the things he didn't have time to do while working with Berks Jazz, such as going to the Phillies spring training with his wife and relaxing.
My intent when I connected with
John Ernesto was to interview him. I had prepared questions I wanted to ask. It was supposed to be a formal interview, but the moment we connected, it became a conversation, not an interview. John made me feel like I was speaking to a friend. He was warm and humorous. It was very clear to me that this was his nature with everyone. John’s kind, gentle and fun nature is what I believe contributed to his being able to get the community to unify to make each festival better than the last for over 3 decades. John is humble and very grateful. Not one time during our conversation did he take sole credit for the success of Berks Jazz Festival. He always gave praise to the 300+ volunteers, the Berks Arts board and the community at large.
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Denne historien er fra May - June 2024-utgaven av Smooth Jazz Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Dan Seigal Unity
When my publisher of Smooth Jazz Magazine asked me to do a review, I was initially hesitant as I am in deep preparation and learning with The Second Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninoff...
Bob Holz Night Watch
Renowned jazz fusion composer and drummer Bob Holz brings us his seventh album, “Nightwatch.”
The Building of a Legacy - MARCUS ANDERSON
The musical presence and footprint of jazz fusion artist Marcus Anderson is being felt in places that perhaps only few have reached.
Live with Blak Aaron
The rhythmic sounds of international guitarist Blake Aaron's accompanied by Will Donato's melodic sounds on saxophone under the direction of the musical director and bassist John Dillard and his band mesmerized their Middle C Jazz audiences in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina on August 16, 2024.
NORMAN BROWN It Hits Different
This is what I will be going for rest of my life
Ellis Hamilton Defying the Odds and Energy Unmatched!
Readers, I’m honored to introduce Mr. Ellis Hamilton to you. If you don’t know him or his music yet, you will! I met Ellis on May 20, 2023, at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Why can tell you the exact date? Well, Najee was performing that evening and receiving an award.
John Ernesto The End of an Era @BERKS
I had the pleasure of speaking with John Ernesto, the Artistic Director of the Berks Jazz Festival for over three decades.
Brian Bromberg – The Magic of Moonlight
What a pleasure to have Brian Bromberg back feeling better and with new music.
The 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
Conguero Poncho Sanchez, a west coast legend and mainstay of all things Latin Jazz and Salsa, had the audience in the palms of his hands with freshly recorded new music from an upcoming album featuring arrangements by Francisco Torre.
KAYLA WATERS
Has been able to fuse her faith into her music rather effortlessly. As she prepared for the release of her latest album entitled \"Presence,\" she took time out to speak with Smooth Jazz Magazine about her career, her music, and her Divine inspiration..
