We are proud to announce our first “official” indoor 2-day multi-band event:

Berks JAMFest 2010

November 5th & 6th at The Silo Nightclub

Not to be confused with world renowned Berks Jazz Fest, Berks JAMFest will be a two-day [non-camping] event with the top musical jamband acts - bluegrass, rock, reggae, and electronica – that have been the powerhouse shows at The Brass Lantern and other Pennsylvania venues over recent years.

But, that’s not all.

+VIBES always tries to step it up a notch, so we’re also bringing in two headlining national touring acts that have graced some of the biggest stages and festivals across the nation and beyond. 

Berks JAMFest will feature two floors of alternating non-stop music at The Silo Nightclub, festival-style with music from 6pm until 2am on Friday and then 1pm until 2am on Saturday.   All concert-goers must vacate the building and parking area by 2:30am each night and all non-Reading residents are advised to stay in one of the 50 hotels within 25 miles of the venue.  

 
We also encourage all concert-goers to have a designated [sober] driver or use one of our fine taxi services!

The Recipe

  And +VIBES didn’t forget about our local business & arts scene!  There will be vendors on both floors with art & sculpture, clothing & jewelry, and much more.  Our friends at Dragonfly Studio & Glass will also be tattooing and piercing on the premises [liability waiver must be signed].  Food vendors are also in the process of being worked out to ensure that everyone can eat and relax and enjoy the entire day of the best music around.

   Friday night the event will kick off at 6pm, just in time for you to grab some dinner and hit the dance floor for artists including HogMaw, Flux Capacitor, and CopperTonic then headlining the evening, and returning to Reading after many years away is The Recipe. 

Hailing from the musically rich Mid-Atlantic region, The Recipe sprung onto the scene in 1995 with their debut CD, “LOVE MARBLE HOE DOWN”, introducing listeners to a fresh mix of insightful songwriting and superb musicianship.  What came next was a non-stop touring schedule resulting in a fan base that is the envy of bands everywhere.  The band’s high-energy live shows have fortified their stature considerably on the national club and festival circuit.   Sometime during the early winter of 1995 in Morgantown, West Virginia, singer-songwriter Joe Prichard started to break into the local music scene with a louder voice. 

After several years of honing his craft in the bars and coffee shops of North Central West Virginia his remarkable ability to combine the organic presence of Appalachian roots music with a solid pop-rock swagger, has for over a decade since captivated all who have listened.  This is evident by the history of his band, The Recipe, and it’s endless survival throughout member changes and other horrific adversities over the last ten years.  At the center of this groups survival has always been it’s creator, Joe Prichard.  After years of reproving one thing is for certain, his songs have always been the main ingredient. 

From the very beginning, The Recipe’s high-energy live shows and good-time vibe have motivated their fans to get up and dance, making the shows part concert and part family reunion.  It is this “high-energy, good-time vibe” that attracted +VIBES and we are sure that you will agree!

Saturday the doors re-open at 1pm with artists including the Good Lovin’ Jamband, JAH WORKS, Natural Breakdown, and our good friends Quagmire Swim Team return to the stage for a rare show and a whole day of mind-blowing music again.  The icing on the cake is the headliner (and +VIBES favorite) RAQ performing two full sets.

RAQ

Self-described as high performance rock and roll, RAQ has been going strong since its 2001 inception.  With their unique sound, featuring complex song structure coupled with quirky-yet-accessible lyrics and a healthy dose of full-band improvisation, RAQ delivers a strong presence to their loyal fans nationwide.

Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, the band began with the name “Shadraq”, but shortened the name to RAQ before cutting their debut album Shed Tech. The bands unique sound developed while playing to ardent fans in local Burlington clubs.

Over the past several years, RAQ has taken the stage at festivals such as Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Langerado, Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, Summer Camp, Gathering of the Vibes, Adirondack Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Camp Bisco and aboard the floating festival, Jam Cruise.

One of the reasons behind RAQ’s highly successful tour past is due to their compositions being grounded in solid song structures, but still being malleable enough to go in infinite directions in the live setting.  This keeps the quartet’s devout following and first time listeners yearning for more as the audience is taken along on the collective journey.  Their extensive repertoire of original compositions and eclectic selection of covers give the band the freedom to create a unique set list for every show.

RAQ has never disappointed and this evening will be no different.  You are all in for a treat.

Here’s all the information:

Berks JAMFest 2010

November 5th & 6th

at The Silo Nightclub
     2017 Bernville Road
     Reading, PA 19601
     610.372.7373
     (5 minutes OUTSIDE the city)

THIS SHOW IS 21+.

$25 early-bird 2-day pass (limited) – BEST DEAL!
$35 presale 2-day pass (limited)
$45 day-of-show 2-day pass (if available)

$20 Friday ONLY pass
$30 Saturday ONLY pass

TICKETS ON SALE NOW <– Click here

  
There will be NO CAMPING for this event and all patrons must leave the venue by 2:15am and the parking lot by 2:30am.

Concert-goers are advised to stay at one of the over 50 hotels within 25 mile of the venue (www.hotels.com).

There is a Quality Inn – Airport (2.5 star) attached to the venue and a Holiday Inn (Airport) Express (3.5 star) less than a mile away that shuttles to the venue.

The venue is located right off all major highways that link up to Harrisburg, Allentown, York, Lancaster, Philadelphia, New York City, & Baltimore – it is less than a 2 hour drive from all the listed cities above. There is also the Reading Regional Airport less than a mile away for those who choose to fly!

EARLY BIRD TICKET SALES WILL END AT 12:01am ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th.

ALL ONLINE TICKET SALES WILL END AT 12:01am ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5th.

This event is supported by:  Tri State Indie, Old Goat Graphics, ROOTS Glassware, Dragonfly Studio & Glass, and Paisley Moon

*****************************************************************************************

A pair (2 tickets) of FREE 2-DAY PASSES will be given away each month (Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1)  – picked at random.

Simply email info@plusvibes.com and put the words “Spread +VIBES” in the SUBJECT line and put YOUR NAME as the BODY of the email.  Note:  by entering this contest you are putting your email in our mailing list database and you will receive future information on future dates, contests, and otherwise.  ONE entry per email addresss!!     Winners will be contacted via email on the first of each month.  GOOD LUCK!

This round brings funk & neo-soul band CopperTonic, hailing from Philadelphia, and fronted by the beautiful and soul-ful Michelle Sarah.

The Canadian born singer/songwriter delivers a taste of something fresh.  Michelle began performing at a young age, and traveled internationally with several projects big and small, while developing a unique and powerful sound that she has now proven unafraid to use.

“I’m so thankful to be gifted with a voice, but I’d say a lot of my personal journey has really been about hearing my inner voice. It’s been a rewarding time of finding out exactly what I have to say as an artist,” says Sarah.

Fronting the keyboards and vibraphone (aka vibes) is Michael Cain, from St. Paul, MN, who has had a colorful musical past including an Irish pipe band, rock bands, opera choruses, jazz ensembles, wind orchestras and in venues across the US and Europe.  Citing musical influences from Duke Ellington, Pat Benetar, and Thelonius Monk to the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cain admits,  ”It was a musical buffet in my house, and I was always hungry”.

He studied music performance at the University of Wisconsin (B.S.) and University of the Arts (M.M.) and he has experience composing and arranging for ensembles of all shapes and sizes.

“CopperTonic, for me, is the perfect storm: lush harmonies, a blistering horn section, a killing rhythm section and hands down one of the most talented singers that I have ever heard. It’s a privilege to have a part in this project,” Cain sums up.

The two met in 2008 and CopperTonic was born.  The two collaborated on writing songs and melodies and with the addition of Stan Davis on guitar, Steve Lyons on bass, Carlin “The Docta” on drums, Koofreh Umeron on trumpet, Jarred Antonacci on trombone, and Mark Allen on sax, they found the full funk-soul sound they were searching for and began headlining venues in the tri state area  (PA, NJ, NY).

They are currently on the roster for two remaining summer festivals this year at Snipes Farm – Ab’n'Jax All BetterFest and Stir Fry Music Revival with notables such as Keller Williams and Garaj Mahal.

PlusVibes Productions is proud to introduce CopperTonic to Reading, Pennsylvania on Thursday, August 19th at 9:30pm at the Brass Lantern.

Come and see what has been described as a musical mix of Chicago, the Funky Meters, and Lauryn Hill.    Intrigued? 

WE SURE ARE.

Here’s all the information:

WOW Thursday Concert Series

August Edition

with

CopperTonic

at The Brass Lantern

THURSDAY, August 19th, 2010

9:30pm – 1am

21+only
NON-smoking show

$5 at the door

The Brass Lantern offers:

 - Well lit parking lots on both sides
 - Music room, Bar room, Game room
 - Great drinks.  Great Staff.  THE BEST live music
 - TACO THURSDAY special 6pm – 9pm (A.Y.C.E. for $5.99)
 - BRAND NEW menu (available to view here)
 - Kitchen closes at 10pm

The shows will be held on one Thursday each month at the renowned small jam band venue, the Brass Lantern, starting around 9:30pm and going until at least 1am with a cover charge varying depending on the band.

The first official edition will be held on THURSDAY, JULY 22nd with

KUNG FU

 
Jambase.com writes about the recently formed band:

“Some of today’s most innovative musical minds – who have played with the likes of John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Bros., The Breakfast and RAQ – will be pushing the boundaries of improvisation each week…”

Calling themselves Kung Fu, this new super group consists of Tim Palmieri (The Breakfast/guitar), Todd Stoops (RAQ/keys), Kris Jensen (Dickie Betts/Jaimoe/sax), David Livolsi (Jazz Is Dead/Scofield/bass) and Adrian Tramontano (The Breakfast/drums).

“Everyone is a monster,” says Palmieri, who is a regular in the New Haven, CT music scene. “This music is going to be funky, mature and powerful.”

“It’s lethal funk,” explains Palmieri. “It’s music smart and strong enough to defend one’s self, or art’s self. I love this music.”

They are on the lineup at some big festivals this year such as the 20th Annual Chaffee Gathering, Gathering of the Vibes, and Camp Barefoot.

Here’s a link to a Kung Fu show for you to stream or download:
                      http://www.archive.org/details/KungFu2010-01-18

Here’s all the information:

WOW Thursdays Concert Series

with

KUNG FU

Thursday, July 22nd @ The Brass Lantern

9:30pm - 1am
21+ only / NO SMOKING
Doors:  6pm

$8 at the door

 
The Brass Lantern offers:

 - Well lit parking lots on both sides
 - Music room, Bar room, Game room
 - Great drinks.  Great Staff.  THE BEST live music
 - TACO THURSDAY special 6pm – 9pm (A.Y.C.E. for $5.99)
 - BRAND NEW menu (available to view here)
 - Kitchen closes at 9pm

Upcoming WOW Thursday Concert Series

 
August Edition – Thursday, August 19th with CopperTonic
September Edition – Thursday, September 16th with Zach Deputy

Every third Friday until 2010 (or beyond) PlusVibes Productions is especially proud to establish a consistent monthly spotlight on Grateful Dead music once again in Reading, at the Brass Lantern.

It’s been some years since the likes of Grateful Dead cover bands such as Living Earth, Double Dose, and Solar Circus (just to name a few) frequented the Reading area in small clubs like the Brass Lantern, Mr. Charlie’s, The Strand, and Top of the ROC (all but the Brass have long since closed).  With all of those bands dissipating over the years it has been extremely difficult to find a solid replacement until now. 

The Good Lovin’ Jam Band has filled the shoes of its predecessors in providing a complete show for Grateful Dead fans,  starting off with a set by Pangea Acoustic, a set by Neo Trio, and ending with combination of both openers to form the Good Lovin’ Jam Band for two full sets.

It’s a 4-set night of magical music in tribute to a band that’s influenced the ears of happy-hippie listeners since the 1960′s – the Grateful Dead.  We’re sure that all Deadheads will be satisfied in the right on performance that the Good Lovin’ Jam Band provides each and every show.

Take a listen or download the GLJB show from August here.

Here’s all the information:

The Good Lovin’ JamBand

    every third Friday at the Brass Lantern

featuring Pangea Acoustic & Neo Trio

Doors at 9pm
Music until 2am
21+ only

The Brass Lantern offers:
 - $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 pitchers
 - $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, & other shots
 - Wings, Burgers, Nachos, Patty Melts, Salads, & more
 - Kitchen open until 9:45pm!
 - Friendly service & great overall vibe

Being billed as “Three’s Company“, including a hilarious poster design created by Tony and Allen Jackson of T-Bone and Aljaxx Illustration and Design, mimicking the classic TV series theme.  The Jacksons were also recently approved by national music act, Ween, to produce a poster for their Baltimore, Maryland show.  

The shows will feature individual sets by each DJ, with a showcase battle at the end of the evening.  The entire evening will also feature two projectors with spectacular visuals controlled by engineer, and York, Pennsylvania native, Justin, also known as VjcA. 

DJ Gregg Nyce has been spinning records since the age of 15, starting off spinning hip hop & reggae at local parties in the Reading area gaining a loyal fanbase and eventually gaining enough reputation to be officially “booked” by venues.   

In 1999 he moved to Philadelphia and quickly established himself, including a Saturday spot spinning hip hop and reggae on Drexel University radio 91.7 WKDU, then transitioning in the club music on Fridays in popular clubs such as Club Eden Roc, Club Glam, Transit, and Shampoo.  He also branched out as far as the New York City scene, with stints in clubs such as Manhattan’s Club M1-5, Delancey, and The Knitting Factory.  Most recently Nyce went global, when he headlined two nights in Amsterdam, Holland at the famed Club De Duivel in April of 2009. 

The Gregg Nyce sound has evolved into an eclectic mix that encompasses all genres from Hip Hop to R&B to Reggae to House to Electro to Classics.  His eclectic show is a perfect pairing with sounds of DJ Evolution. 

Starting his musical identity with a large collection of L.P.’s and 12-inch singles passed on from his father in his teen years, DJ Evolution first began “mixing” using the simple start-stop technique when experimenting as a teenager.  He recognized the potential of adding non-musical snippets, such a movie voices, nature sounds, recorded conversations, and speeches to the music tracks and he began to produce the makings of an overall show. 

It was not until the age of 17, when he bought his first set of Technics, that he was truly able to accurately (and mechanically) express the musical art that was flowing through his creative veins.  DJ Evolution spent many years after that with his headphones on in his bedroom studio, practicing the basic skills of beat matching, seamless mixing, and track selection, but more importantly, he was incessantly collecting more and more records. 

It was this collection that formed his extremely eclectic identity.  DJ Evolution spins ANY and EVERY genre of music – no exaggeration.  Hip hop, reggae, Motown, soul, techno, hard rock, funk rock, alternative rock, pop, even country (Johnny Cash is most definitely in his repertoire) – these are some of the major genres he covers and he’s bound to mix and match, and maybe even create his own genre on any given night. 

He’s been the hardest working DJ in the area with spotlights in Allentown, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and more locally in Reading spots such as the Northeast Taproom, Blind Hartman’s Tavern, and The Brass Lantern. 

One thing you can guarantee at any DJ Evolution show is that you will be embarking on a musical journey from beginning to end and he keeps your attention on the dance floor, and, more often than not, you will sporadically hear familiar banter from people in the crowd saying, “I LOVE this song”. 

The trifecta of two DJs and a visual engineer makes each show one that stimulates all the senses.  We hope that you can come and experience the stimulation for yourself. 

Here’s all the information: 

Three’s Company

   every second Friday of every month 

with Live Art & Visuals by VjcA

 at Trooper Thorn’s
(outside on the deck) 

ALL SUMMER LONG

RAIN OR SHINE (covered dance area)

$5 at the door

Lights provided by PlusVibes Productions.

  - May 14, 2010 
 - June 11, 2010
 - July 9, 2010
 - August 13, 2010
 - September 10, 2010

Trooper Thorn’s offers a unique Irish-pub style atmosphere and dinner menu, with two floors of indoor seating, and an outside deck with a bar and a covered stage & dance area.

The second year also brings the addition of a second night of live music, with the festivities to begin on Friday evening (7/30) with two very solid bands, and did we mention, a Grammy Award wnner to fill in the gaps (and from what the rumor is, to sit in with BOTH bands to make the first evening, an epic night of improvisational jams and dueling solos).

The camping music & arts festival returns to Blue Falls Grove, a family fun picnic & camping site for over 26 years, complete with an Olympic size swimming pool (additional discounted cost), fishing (license required), over one mile of creek front, volleyball, basketball, hiking, and horseshoes.  It is adjacent to 3,000 acres of watershed and a 1,000 acre lake for fishing and it has become famous recently as the site of the “birthday party episode” of  the “John & Kate Plus 8” reality television series.

Gates will open at 5pm on Friday, July 30th with Grateful Dead tribute band, the Good Lovin’ Jamband kicking off the music at 6:30pm.  Grammy-winning guitarist David Cullen, a Berks County native, will be providing the “tweener” set before premier Pennsylvania bluegrass band Cabinet hits the stage to headline the first evening at 8:30pm.  There will also be an acoustic campfire jam with the members of Cabinet immediately following their set on the main stage.

Gates will re-open at noon on Saturday, July 31st with events for children and adults of all ages.  Scheduled events are juggling & hula hooping workshops, tie-dying & pottery workshops, piercing & tattooing seminars, glassblowing, fire performances, live painting in the art village, disc golf, Chinese auction, raffles, as well as dozens of kids activities in their own pavilion.  This is all happening while non-stop premier live music is going on from 1pm until 10:30pm with artists including Mike Miz, Flux Capacitor, Fellswoop, George Crow & Cody Chelius, Dakini, Estaban & Friends, and headlining the event is breakout gospel, funk, organic groove jamband, Natural Breakdown.

In only its second year, the Jammin’ For The Animals festival is leading the way in captivating the small, hassle-free festival scene with the caliber of music one would normally see at a larger festival.  Combine the top notch music with workshops, kids events, raffles, and a variety of vendors of all kinds with proceeds benefitting a great cause in the Humane Society of Berks County, and what you get is a great festival with a great vibe – something +VIBES is proud to be a part of.   

PlusVibes Productions will be providing the light show for the festival, as well as greeting you at the front gate and patrolling the grounds as the VIBES PATROL.  Our good friends at Scarlet Sound will be providing the crisp sound.

This event is an ALL-AGES, rain or shine, family-friendly (please be kind to the people AND the environment) event.    Friendly pets are also welcomed (leashed only).

A limited number of advance tickets are available for $30 for the weekend through CHRIS at PlusVibes Productions, at the Brass Lantern, and at the additional ticket outlets listed on the MySpaceand Facebook pages.  

Tickets will be available at the gate for $40.   NO DAY PASSES are available.  We highly recommend you take advantage of the discount and guarantee your ticket (we’re expecting a big crowd) by purchasing your ticket now.

Children under 10 are admitted free with adult.  Camping is available for an additional $5 per person (to be paid at front gate).

For more information or any additional quesitons, email info@plusvibes.com.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.    BRING A FRIEND!

They started by launching a brand new (pub style) menu with the return of some “Lantern favorites,” such as fresh cut sweet potato french fries and their famous quesadillas, as well as the introduction of some new special items, such as a grilled portobello mushroom burger and .  They have also topped the city-wide wing flavor list with an astounding 21 flavors available (and growing) and just to stand out in the crowd a little more they are serving a “Baker’s Dozen” when you order them from the regular menu. 

The entire menu, which is also available for take-out, can be viewed here.

The Brass Lantern combines this great new menu with the best food and drink specials in town, including an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT wing special every Wednesday for just $6.99 (with the purchase of a beverage) and a TACO SPECIAL [beef, chicken, or beans on a hard or soft shell] every Thursday for just $1.25 per taco (with the purchase of a beverage).

With the menu now expanded to entice more patronage, +VIBES is now working in full force to provide the ‘best of the best’ live music all summer long including expanding some monthly residencies that have proved to be exponentially growing (and also starting some new residencies), bringing back some favorites as well as bringing in some of the hottest new acts on the circuit, and then bringing in a few acts that you mave have thought would never come to the Brass Lantern.  

 
If you’re looking for some “WOW” factor, well this year will be the year for the Brass Lantern. 

This is just a preliminary announcement, so keep posted to www.plusvibes.com for all future show announcements. 

You can find the entire current +VIBES event schedule here.

You can also find us on Facebook.

As reported in a previous blog entitled, “End of an Era: The Brass Lantern To Change Ownership,” the venue was scheduled to be sold to a local sports bar owner on April 30th.

Well, that deal has fallen through and, while some people may think this is a good thing, it is unfortunately not.  Though technically back on the market (serious inquiries should contact them immediately), the Brass Lantern is still suffering from the issues discussed in the March blog and now is in serious danger of closing its doors forever, especially as the summer “slow” season approaches.

So the events planned as their “final” performances may continue to be billed as such, because the future of the Brass Lantern as a live music venue is now up in the air.  +VIBES encourages everyone to patronize this landmark live music venue and tell a friend (to tell a friend) that the Brass Lantern needs their help to keep its doors open.

The “final” performances will begin on Tuesday, April 20th, with NINE FINGER SALOON performing an early show as part of the “FINAL Taco Tuesday” at the Brass Lantern.  9FS is a musical tribute to the works of Jerry Garcia, with all the members being no strangers to that stage.  The music is schedule to start around 9pm.

Thursday, April 22nd is “Customer Appreciation Day” at the Brass Lantern with FREE homemade appetizers from 5pm until 7pm, and $1.25 Miller Light drafts until midnight and West Chester’s high energy dance band, BODEGA.  These youngsters have graced the stage at the Brass Lantern many times in their still-rising career, gaining the attention of any conscious music lover in the building.  They are raw talented musicians, and they continue to build a loyal following with every show.  They hit the stage around 9:30pm (with no cover until they start!). 

FROG HOLLER is having their CD Re Release Party on Friday, April 23rd at the Brass Lantern.  They have completely remastered and re-packaged “Couldn’t Get Along”, which was the Berks County band’s debut album released in 1998 on the ZoBird label.  It was a year or so later when they established a lasting friendship with the Brass Lantern and from that point until now they have undoubtedly provided the highest attended shows there ever.  We expect this evening to be like “old times” where it’s standing room only and the place is full of fans singing along to every word.  This show starts at 10pm, but we suggest you come early to get your spot!

A semi-reunion show is shaping up for Saturday, April 24th, with some of the members of ALCHEMY coming together to open up for QUAGMIRE SWIM TEAM.  We couldn’t (possibly) say goodbye to the Brass Lantern without hosting two bands that have been with +VIBES since its very beginning.  This night will be one to remember as all sort of surprises are expected, but one thing is for sure, the Brass Lantern will be full of dancing friends and family.

Not sure how to top all that, so we’d like to think of Thursday, April 29th’s show as the “cherry on top”.  What was billed as the “Final Show at the Brass Lantern” before the new ownership has now become possibly the last chance you will have to see Reading-reggae favorite, JAH WORKS at the Brass Lantern.  This Baltimore-based band had no idea what they were in store for when they arrived for their first show at the Brass Lantern in 2008.  They immediately became part of the +VIBES and Brass Lantern family by putting on one of the best reggae parties ever at the venue.  They somehow topped those shows two more times, increasing the attendance and gaining new fans each time, while remaining very humble and grateful for the opportunities.  This show is slated to start at 9pm and will be standing room only, so come early and spend an evening with some positive vibrations.

Stay posted to www.plusvibes.comand www.thebrasslanternlive.com for more news regarding the future of the Brass Lantern.

In summary:

TUESDAY, 4/20 – Nine Finger Saloon – 8:45pm

THURSDAY, 4/22 – Bodega – 9:30pm

FRIDAY, 4/23 – Frog Holler – 10pm

SATURDAY, 4/24 – Quagmire Swim Team w/members of Alchemy – 10pm

THURSDAY, 4/29 – Jah Works – 9pm

On Friday, March 19th, the very first day of events of Berks Jazz Fest, the Brass Lantern will feature its very first Grammy award winner on its stage in David Cullen, appearing with the Good Lovin’ Jamband, a Berks County bred Grateful Dead tribute band.

David Cullen is a world-reknown Classical guitarist and has won a Grammy Award for BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING.  He has performed with Will Ackerman, Samite, Michael Manring, Victor Wooten, The JacoBig Band and with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the Hartt School of Music.

David has performed throughout North America for Classical Guitar Societies, Jazz Festivals, and Performing Arts Series.   He has released 9 CDs for the acoustic guitar label Solid Air Records and his recordings have been featured on NPR stations across America.

In honor of all that is jazz, David and the Good Lovin’ Jamband, whose drummer is David’s brother (Matty), will be performing a very special set in tribute to “Jazz Is Dead” in which the classic tunes of the Grateful Dead are performed all instrumental with a heavy jazz edge.

David has been known to play Grateful Dead tunes at local solo acoustic shows for many years in the Berks County area, and the combination of the full band with David leading on Classical guitar is mind-blowing.  It will be a historic event for the Brass Lantern and PlusVibes Productions is extremely excited for this event!

On Saturday, March 20th, the Brass Lantern will be hosting Reading-native and another jazz-guitarist,  Josh Taylor with his trio.  Josh is a seasoned guitar veteran and is versed in many styles including jazz, blues, rock , bossa nova, Latin, and flamenco.  He has played at various Berks County venues over the years, including gigs at Bixler’s Lodge, The Brass Lantern, The Inn at Reading Cabana Bar, and Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza, and he has been involved with Berks Jazz Fest for many years – a time when his expertise can shine, and he can capture an audience on his very first note.

Josh is joined onstage by local stand-up bassist, Trey LaRue who is the full time bassist in The Kingpins, a self proclaimed “tortured, mean rockabilly” band also based in Berks County, and drummer John Fundyga, who plays in various projects including local veterans, John King’s Dance Band and the Ukrainian Club House Jazz Band.

We expect both nights to be fantastic nights with great crowds, so we recommend you get there early.  We’ll have the fireplace stoked and the mood set to “jazz lounge” at the Brass Lantern for these and all shows during the Berks Jazz Fest celebration.

WE’VE JUST ADDED ANOTHER JAZZ FEST EVENT.  The Dirk Quinn Band will be coming back, fresh off their latest tour, on THURSDAY, March 25th at 9pm.

Here’s all the information:

Berks Jazz Fest 2010

March 19th – 28th

Good Lovin’ Jamband @ The Brass Lantern

with very special guest, and Grammy-award winner,

David Cullen

Friday, March 19th, 2010

9pm – 2am
21+ only

$7 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

the Josh Taylor Trio @ The Brass Lantern

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

9pm – 1am
21+ only

$6 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

the Dirk Quinn Band @ The Brass Lantern

THURSDAY, March 25th, 2010

9pm – 1am
21+ only

$5 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

The Brass Lantern offers:
- $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 pitchers
- $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, Kettle, Stoli & other shots
- Wings, Burgers, Nachos, Patty Melts, Salads, & more
- Kitchen open until 11pm on weekends!
- Friendly service & great overall vibe

It is important to note at this time that, although the 2-13-09 show was the first official +VIBES event, company founder and Reading native, Chris Kratz had been booking live music acts two to three times a week at the Brass Lantern (and for a few years FOUR times a week) since 2003.

The first official event featured an established Baltimore reggae band, Jah Works, at the Brass Lantern.  It was billed as a “Company Kick-Off” and despite the typical unlucky Friday-the-13th undertones, the night was overwhelmingly successful and the 150-plus people that were in attendance that evening were treated to a great night of friends and music, and the +VIBES name was introduced to the community.

Well, it’s now almost one year later, and with over 100 booked shows and  five sponsored (summer) festivals in 2009, +VIBES has quickly established itself as the premier production company in the area, bringing the BEST live original music from around the WORLD to Reading, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.

On Saturday, February 13th, 2010, +VIBES celebrates its 1-year anniversary (to the exact date) and we are EXTREMELY proud to be hosting the Marco Benevento Trio with two full sets at the Brass Lantern.

The Marco Benevento Trio features seasoned musicians Marco Benevento (The Benvento/Russo Duo, Garage a Trois, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on keys, “Diamond” Dave Dreiwitz (Ween, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on bass, and Andrew Barr (The Slip, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on drums.

Benevento is supporting his latest studio album, Me Not Me, featuring interpretations of songs by artists including My Morning Jacket, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin, and Deerhoof, among others.  The ten-track collection arrived within a year of the release of Benevento’s critically acclaimed debut studio effort, Invisible Baby, and its release coincided with formation of his own label, The Royal Potato Family.

When asked about the “cover” songs on the latest album, Benevento explains,

“When I first started touring with the trio, in addition to my own material, there was a great opportunity for me to perform tunes from other artists that I’d always wanted to play, both a combination of older rock songs and modern tunes that are part of our current culture…”

NPR Music says, “After more than a decade of jamming, improvising and experimenting with sound, Benevento has discovered his own way into music by combining the thrust of rock, the questing of jazz and the experimental ecstasy of jam…”

Jambase.com reviewed the latest album and said, “Benevento’s finest hour to date…a totally absorbing yet surprisingly accessible mosaic that represents the past, present and future in eye‐opening ways.”

Like its predecessor, Benevento was joined on the studio sessions by bassist Reed Mathis, and drummers Matt Chamberlain and Andrew Barr.  The band recorded Me Not Me at Chroma Sound in Seattle during days off on a West Coast tour earlier this year, and engineer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony & The Johnsons, Phish) mixed the sessions in Brooklyn.

On Saturday, February 13th, the Brass Lantern is about to prove (once again) that they are a musical landmark in the city of Reading and in the Berks County area, by hosting three of the most talented musicians ever to be on their stage at the same time (in regards to individual instrument expertise, world-wide recognition and touring, and being in proven full-time bands).

We are very proud to announce a very special opening set by Tom Hamilton (Brothers Past, American Babies).

This very intimate show will be standing room only, with a limited amount of tickets being sold.   We advise all potential concert-goers to purchase their tickets online to ensure they gain entry to this phenomenal event.

Please note that this is a TICKETED event, and the venue will not open its doors to potential concert-goers until 8pm!

Here’s all the information:

+VIBES Productions 1 Year Anniversary Party

with 2 full sets by the

Marco Benevento Trio

featuring Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, and Andrew Barr

opening set by Tommy Hamilton

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

at the Brass Lantern
1350 N. 12th Street
Reading, PA  19604
610/372-9311 (no ticket sales by phone)

21+ ONLY
(must have VALID identification)
NON-smoking show
STANDING ROOM ONLY

Doors open at 8pm!
- NO early entry -

$12 pre sale
$15 at the door

The Brass Lantern offers:
- 2 large parking lots on both sides of the building
- a large fireplace
- $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 domestic pitchers
- $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, & other shots
- Kitchen open until 11pm!
- Friendly service & great overall vibe