Andrew Neu Big Band
Sax and woodwinds player Andrew Neu has had an impressive career as a performer, arranger, composer, educator and recording artist. Neu has toured with Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schurr, Norman Brown, and Smokey Robinson and performed and has recorded with an array of artists including Elton John, the Temptations, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philly Pops. As a soloist, he has released four contemporary jazz CDs. More recently, he has been leading his own Big Band, which can be heard on “Catwalk” (2018).
For the Berks Jazz Fest, Neu is bringing his swinging big band to the Miller Center for a special concert that will feature Aubrey Logan, Ilya Serov, and special guest Bobby Lyle.
Iconic jazz pianist David Benoit was scheduled to be part of this performance. Unfortunately, Benoit, who has performed at the fest many times, was forced to pull out for medical reasons. David will be back at the fest in 2024.
Singer/trombone soloist Aubrey Logan has gained much attention with her trombone playing, which ranges from tender to sassy, and her gorgeous voice. (Listen to her rendition of “The Way We Were” on her YouTube channel and you’ll be hooked!) Originally from Washington state, the Berklee grad has been a featured artist with Postmodern Jukebox and the Dave Koz Band. Her three albums -- “Impossible” (2017), “Where the Sunshine Is Expensive” (2019), and “STANDARD” (2021) -- reveal an artist equally adept at jazz, funk, love songs and Calypso.
Trumpeter/singer/guitarist/songwriter Ilya Serov is a chameleon as comfortable with Brazilian bossa as he is with jazz, soul, and R&B. Born in the former Soviet Union in 1986, he studied classical trumpet at the renowned St. Petersburg Conservatory, but preferred American jazz. He immigrated to this country at 21, and has built an already-remarkable career, performing throughout the Los Angeles area and at jazz festivals, including Newport Beach and Catalina JazzTrax. He has worked on jazz cruises and on the film score for “Creed II.” His ninth album, “Just Friends,” features Dave Koz and other award-winning artists, and is dedicated to the great trumpeter Chet Baker. He has been praised as an “old soul,” with an ability to channel icons like Baker and Frank Sinatra.
Playing a Hammond B3, Bobby Lyle will add some funky sounds and greasy grooves when he performs with Neu and the big band.
Date
Berks Arts
Berks Arts is a nonprofit organization based in Reading, Pa. whose mission is to Inspire, Engage, and Unite our community through the arts.