Large and small acts included in 27th annual Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest, set for March 31-April 9 The 27th annual Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest promises to be bigger and better than ever, with musical events scheduled prior to and following the main festival performances. Tickets are still available for most of the 50 concerts to be held at venues in and around Reading. According to John Ernesto, the festival's general manager, this year's event includes seven Berks Jazz Fest Nights prior to the official opening of the festival, as well as a post-fest event with Kurt Elling on April 19 at Kutztown University's Schaeffer Auitorium. The Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest is considered one of the most diverse of its kind in the country as it includes many genres of music into its jazz theme. In addition to headliner acts by saxophonist Gerald Albright; guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Butler; and Patti Austin, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist, the jazz festival includes a range of free performances by local and regional musicians. After three years of booking attempts, festival organizers were successful this year in securing funk band Snarky Puppy, a two-time Grammy winner. lovewestreading.org 23http://www.lovewestreading.org