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.
This story is from the May - June 2024 edition of Smooth Jazz Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May - June 2024 edition of Smooth Jazz Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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..
nicole HENRY
Nicole's Show at the Performing Arts Theater in Palos Verdes. It was a beautiful, intimate venue. She had a very close interaction and connection with the audience.
BRIAN SIMPSON SOUL CONNECTION
I searched for words to describe \"soul connection\" and then attempted to define and link that connection to the music I was hearing.
The Queen of Percussion
Sheila E. receives Star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame
NICOLE HENRY
Nicole’s Show at the Performing Arts Theater in Palos Verdes. It was a beautiful, intimate venue. She had a very close interaction and connection with the audience