Sounds reminiscent of Benny Goodman and his Big Band will fill the park, as “When Swing Was King” takes the stage on Sunday, May 29 at the Berks County Heritage Center at 6 p.m. This concert kicks off the County’s Performing Arts in the Parks series that runs Sunday evenings, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
“When Swing Was King” is a Benny Goodman tribute band, led by bandleader Paul Cosentino and the Boilermaker Jazz Band who will bring the energy and delicate swing of the small bands to you, performing some of their best known material. You’ll also hear some of your favorite Goodman Big Band melodies, done small band style. Featured soloist Jennifer McNulty brings selections by Benny’s Gals, including hits by Peggy Lee, Liltin’ Martha Tilton and the Helen’s – Ward and Forrest.
Bring your chairs, blankets and picnic supper to enjoy the concert. There is a nominal parking donation. Refreshments and ice cream will be available in the snack bar. There is no rain date for this concert.
The “Performing Arts in the Parks” features a concert every other Sunday, May 29 through Sept. 4, with the following Sunday reserved for a rain date. Performances are scheduled for the Berks County Heritage Center, the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area amphitheater and the Hamburg Borough Community Park bandshell. Concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
The 2016 lineup includes Magdaliz and her Latin Emsemble Crisol; Shades of Silver; Tom Vollmer and Friends featuring Haley Sheeler; Reading Pops Orchestra featuring soloist Jill Haley; Know Return; The Wyomissing Band, Inc.; and the Martin Sisters Band.
The Performing Arts in the Parks events set for June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21 will be preceded at 4 p.m. by a Kids Summer Series performance. There a nominal parking fee for the Kids Series events.
Any change in concert date due to inclement weather will be announced at www.countyofberks.com/parks or on Facebook, and on WEEU 830AM.
For more information about this series, call 610-374-2944 ext. 2611, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook under “Berks County Parks and Recreation.”