The WCR Center for the Arts Receives $10,425 Grant from The Neag Foundation

from The WCR Center for the Arts

Photo courtesy of micheile henderson on Unsplash

A grant in the amount of $10,425 has been graciously awarded from the Neag Foundation to the WCR Center for the Arts for its 2024-25 Musical Performance Program. The grant is meant to substantially assist the following six performances:

• Winter Arts Camp: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Nov. 26, the WCR Center for the Arts partnered with Barrio Allegría, Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Reading Recreation, and Children and Youth Services to host this children’s arts camp.
• Bonnie Raitt Birthday Celebration: At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, WCR Center for the Arts 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: At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, the WCR Center for the Arts hosted performances by the Quarantined Quartet from NYC and the Gourmet Gypsy Jazz Band (Dave Kline, Josh Taylor, Chris Heslop, Ken Gehret, and Trey LaRue). A workshop for all instruments and a jam session were also added to the event.
• WCR 20th Anniversary Celebration with the Philadelphia Orchestra (PO), Music From “Inside Out,” and Presentation of PO Documentary: To celebrate the 20th season of both the WCR Center for the Arts and the Philadelphia Orchestra (PO) in 2025, a quintet of PO members will perform before the presentation of a Q&A about the documentary and performance. The WCR Center for the Arts 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: The WCR Center for the Arts will host a performance for the Annual Berks Jazz Fest in April 2025, featuring David Cullen and Samite (Ugandan folk musician). Hot Club with Special Guest: A night of sizzling hot jazz with our local musical treasure- Hot Club! This performance will include a very special guest.

Located at 140 N. 5th 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 now serves as a unique performance and exhibition venue, fostering artistic exploration and community engagement.

The WCR’s initiatives, including arts education for low- to moderate-income families and partnerships with local nonprofits, have created valuable opportunities for the Greater Reading community. The beautiful performance hall is known for its exceptional acoustics, which draws artists and audiences from around the world, contributing to Reading’s cultural and economic revitalization.

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

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

For more information, visit the WCR Center for the Arts at www.wcrcenter.org/ or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheWCRCenterForTheArts; Instagram at www.instagram.com/wcrcenter/; or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/wcrcenter/.

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Source: bctv