Reading venues announce upcoming shows [Spotlight]

The Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading have announced the following 2025 events:

• Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, Santander Arena, May 30 at 7 p.m.

• Forrest Frank: Child of God Tour Part 2, Santander Arena, April 4 at 7 p.m.

• NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience, SPAC, April 30, 7:30 p.m.

• Beth Hart, SPAC, April 19, 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Music

Fever will present a Candlelight concert featuring “The Nutcracker” and more on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. Second St., Reading.

Attendees will be immersed in the magic of Christmas with timeless carols like “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” along with beloved holiday soundtracks and selections from “The Nutcracker.”

The venue will be beautifully illuminated by thousands of candles and adorned with festive decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

This experience allows guests to immerse themselves in classical music and celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

Candlelight is a series of original concerts created by Fever with the aim of democratizing access to classical music. This innovative format offers a unique live music experience through a diverse range of programs that cater to all tastes, performed by local musicians in iconic venues, with both the space and performers illuminated by thousands of candles.

Candlelight invites a broader audience, many of whom may have never considered attending a classical music concert. It also connects with the most iconic pieces by great composers, as well as hits by renowned contemporary artists, all interpreted in a fresh and different way.

Grants

WCR Center for the Arts has been awarded the Neag Foundation grant of $10,425 to support its 2024-25 musical performance program. The grant is meant to substantially assist six programs.

The WCR will use the grant for its 2024-2025 performing arts season, specifically the following six performances:

• Winter Arts Camp: On Nov. 25-26, WCR Center partnered with Barrio Allegra, Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Reading Recreation and Children and Youth Services hosted this children’s arts camp.

• Bonnie Raitt Birthday Celebration: In October, WCR Center hosted a live musical performance of songs by Bonnie Raitt performed by Maria Damore, Ken Bagenstose and Suzie Ernesto. A small reception (birthday celebration style) along with a video recording of the event celebrated Bonnie Raitt’s 75th year around the sun!

• Guitar-A-Rama: On Nov. 23, WCR hosted performances by the Quarantined Quartet from NYC and the Gourmet Gypsy Jazz Band (Dave Kline, Josh Taylor, Chris Heslop, Ken Gehret, Trey LaRue). A workshop for all instruments and a jam session also added to the event.

• WCR 20th anniversary celebration with the Philadelphia Orchestra, music from the movie “Inside Out” and presentation of PO documentary: To celebrate the 20th season of both the WCR Center for the Arts and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2025, a quintet of PO members will perform followed by a Q&A about the documentary and performance. The WCR Center will also host a meet-and-greet reception after the event. Additionally, 13 members of the Youth Chamber Orchestra will play side-by-side with PO members.

• Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 2025: WCR will host a performance in April 2025 featuring David Cullen and Samite (Ugandan folk musician).

• Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 2025: Hot Club with special guest: A night of sizzling hot jazz with local musical treasure Hot Club and a special guest.

Located at 140 N. Fifth St. in Reading’s historic Callowhill District, the WCR Center for the Arts has transformed its 19th century building into a vibrant community hub. The WCR serves as a unique performance and exhibition venue, fostering artistic exploration and community engagement.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this significant funding for our 20th anniversary season,” said Jayne Rhoads, president of the WCR board of directors. “The support from the Neag Foundation allows us to continue to present quality programs and events for Reading in our historic building.”

The Neag Foundation serves as a force for positive change in the arts and making positive differences in the world. The WCR Center’s dedication to a positive arts experience in our community has made it a deserving recipient of this award.

Source: Berkshire mont