Berks Arts Announces Multiple Organizational Changes (Spotlight)

Tish Davis is the new executive director of Berks Arts.

Berks Arts, the organization that programs Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, Reading Blues Fest and other local arts and cultural events, has announced several organizational changes.

On Monday, June 24, at its annual meeting, the Berks Arts Board of Trustees voted to accept the resignation of Justin Heimbecker as executive director and, at the same time, voted to appoint Tish Davis as the new executive director.

Heimbecker submitted his resignation after three years of service.

The board also elected Lee Olsen as president and Jim Landrigan as treasurer. Olsen and Landrigan previously served as president of the Berks Arts board.

Other board members are Brian Bubnis, vice president of programs; Deborah Waters, vice president of administration; Ann Woodward, secretary; and Michael Kuczala, past president.

Olsen, who was currently a board member, said the organizational changes will not impact Berks Arts programming.

“The smooth transition is underway,” Olsen said. “(I) look forward to working with Tish and the staff, the other board members, our loyal volunteers, our sponsors and everyone involved in the organization to continue Berks Arts’ strong commitment to the community.”

Olsen said that commitment includes bringing world-class entertainment to our community for the annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest since 1991.

“The Jazz Festival continues to have a positive impact on our community in many ways,” Olsen said. “The leadership at Berks Arts is committed to ensuring this tradition continues for many years to come.”

Davis, a Reading native, has served as Director of Event Operations for Berks Arts since 2022. She is responsible for leading the operations teams for all Berks Arts events.

Prior to joining the Berks Arts team, Davis worked at RM Palmer Co. for 34 years, 22 of which were spent as a supervisor.

Davis has volunteered at jazz festivals for 23 years, primarily as a stage manager. She has worked as a professional stage manager at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest in Delaware and the Low Country Jazz Fest in Charleston, South Carolina, with The Backline Company (TBC) based in Atlanta.

“As a longtime volunteer and employee of Berks Arts, I am honored and humbled to accept the opportunity to serve as executive director of an organization I love,” Davis said. “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and all members of the Berks Arts team to continue the organization’s rich tradition.”

Amanda Ehst continues with Berks Arts in her role as Community Programs and Office Manager.

The board also announced that John Ernesto, longtime executive director and artistic director of the Berks Jazz Fest, who retired after this year’s festival, will return to serve as a consultant to assist with overall festival planning.

Davis said the entire lineup is set for the upcoming Berks Summer Fest at First Energy Stadium on July 27, the Reading Blues Fest at the DoubleTree from Nov. 22-24 and the annual holiday show featuring Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” tour at the Miller Center for the Arts on Dec. 7.

She also said the scheduling process is underway for the 34th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest to be held April 4-13, 2025.

Concerts

Three new shows have been announced for the Santander venues in Reading town centre:

Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi will bring his 25 Anos tour to the Santander Performing Arts Center on October 8; rappers TI, Fat Joe and Fabolous will perform at the Santander Arena on October 19; and Colombian urban stars Ryan Castro and Blessd will bring their Ay Bendito Ghetto tour to the Santander Arena on November 8.

For tickets and more information, visit santander-arena.com.