Summer 2009

These free annual concerts are held from
7-9 p.m. on Friday evenings in July at the
Volunteer Fireman’s Memorial Bandshell in
City Park, 1261 Hill Rd., Reading.
The series begins July 10 and extends
through July 31, 2009.

This year’s program includes
alternative/funk, Celtic, blues, and Latin artists. 

July 10   Eclectica - Jam Band

               Alternative/Funk

Not just another funk/world/rock/jazz/classical ensemble, Eclectica is a virtuoso groove event. This genre-defying band features bassist Kyle Whalum, son of jazz sax great Kirk Whalum, five-time Grammy winning drummer Roy "Futureman" Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) and "the greatest living exponent of the electric violin" Tracy Silverman.
                                   

July 17  Cathie Ryan

              Celtic  

Irish American Cathie Ryan, with her crystalline vocals and insightful songwriting, is an original and distinctive voice in Celtic music. Since her acclaimed seven year tenure as lead singer of Cherish the Ladies, the Detroit born Ryan has established herself as one of Celtic Music's most popular and enduring singer-songwriters. The Boston Globe recently wrote, "Cathie Ryan is a thrilling traditional vocalist whose honey-pure soprano is equally at home on probing original ballads about a woman's place in the modern world."

Cathie has released 4 critically acclaimed CDs on Shanachie Records: Cathie Ryan, The Music of What Happens, Somewhere Along the Road, and her latest. The Farthest Wave. She is featured on more than forty compilations of Celtic Music.

July 24   The Blues Factor

               Blues     
             

The Blues Factor is: Keith “Van” Van Etten on guitar and vocals, Keith Brobst on Bass and vocals, John Wooddell on Hammond and piano, Brad Van Etten on rhythm guitar and Jimmy Didyoung on drums. The Blues Factor plays everything from down home Delta and Chicago Blues to the Allman Brothers and Hot Texas Blues. Van, Keith, John and Jimmy have been playing and touring the United States for more than 25 years. When you hear songs and stories about people that have bigger problems than you have, it makes you feel better!! You have just experienced The Blues Factor.

July 31  Hector Rosado Y Su Orquesta Ache

              Latin Rhythms

Founded in 2001 by the multi-talented artist and director Hector Rosado, along with Musical Director Wilfredo Manzano, this strictly salsa-classic band consists of 12 top professional musicians from the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley.

Members of this talented ensemble have performed with various artists including: Luigi Texido, Hector Tricoch, Marvin Santiago, Cano Estremera, Jose Alberto (El Canario), the late Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and many other popular artists.

Inspired by their audience’s love of the music motivating them to dance, this exceptional collection of musicians is guaranteed to wear its audience out!