Pieces of a Dream

Founded in Philadelphia in 1976, Pieces of a Dream has brought their fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, pop, and blues to Berks many times.

Keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon have kept the dream going after bassist Curtis Harmon left the group in 2001, performing with guests. They started in their teens, managed by Harmon’s father and uncle, and mentored by the late Grover Washington Jr., who produced their first eponymous album in 1981 and also toured with them. The latest of their 25 albums is “Soul Energy” (2021).

Joining them will be pianist Bobby Lyle and saxophonist Carl Cox. Lyle has had a three-decade career as a performer, composer, music director, publisher, and educator. He began his professional career at 16 in Minneapolis, and later moved to Los Angeles, where he began recording with Capitol Jazz thanks to mentor Wayne Henderson, trombonist, and co-founder of the Jazz Crusaders. Lyle’s 18th album is “Ivory Flow” (2021), produced on his own label, New Warrior Music. He was recently inducted into Houston’s Black Music Awards Hall of Fame.

Cox is a touring performer and solo recording artist based in Deptford, N.J., where he also teaches high school music. The University of the Arts alum recently released his debut album, “Thankful” (2021), which comes after many hit singles featured on national radio. He has performed with Maysa, Smokey Robinson, Incognito, Gerald Veasley and many others.