Berks Summer Fest brings free concert series to FirstEnergy Stadium

May 2—For more than three decades, the bandshell at Reading's City Park has played host to a free summer concert series.

That will no longer be the case.

At a press conference inside FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday morning, officials from Berks Arts announced a new event will be taking its place. This June, the stadium will play host to the inaugural Berks Summer Fest.

The two-day, free event will feature seven acts on a pair of stages. It will take place June 23-24.

"This new festival is a celebration of the arts and our community," said Justin Heimbecker, executive director of Berks Arts.

By switching from the bandshell concert series, which ran for 32 years, to one at the stadium, the musical event can be reimagined, Heimbecker said. He said Berks Summer Fest will be a weekend of family fun that will hopefully continue to grow and develop long into the future.

"We're looking forward to a great weekend," he said.

Scott Hunsicker, general manager of the Reading Fightin Phils who call FirstEnergy Stadium home, said hosting a music festival at the venue makes a ton of sense. The Phils feature live music at nearly all of their home games, he said, making the stadium one of the busiest music venues in the county.

"It kind of was a no-brainer," he said of hearing the proposal for the music festival.

Hunsicker, who said he's a huge fan of live music, said he was thrilled to be able to help bring to life an event that will entertain grandparents, parents and kids.

"It's very exciting to continue to marry music to this venue," he said.

John Ernesto, artistic director at Berks Arts, unveiled the lineup for Berks Summer Fest:

—June 23 at 5:30 p.m. — Sound Judgement will play on the Plaza Stage.

—June 23 at 7 p.m. — Richie Cannata & The Billy Joel All-Star Band will play on the Main Stage.

—June 23 at 9:15 p.m. — Scotti Mann will play on the Plaza Stage.

—June 24 at 12:30 p.m. — Stephanie Grace will play on the Plaza Stage.

—June 24 at 2 p.m. — Timmy Brown will play on the Main Stage.

—June 24 at 4 p.m. — Edgardo Cintron Inca Band will play on the Plaza Stage.

—June 24 at 7 p.m. — The Royal Scan & TRS Horns will play on the Main Stage.

—June 24 at 9:15 p.m. — Scotti Mann will play on the Plaza Stage.

"It's going to be a great weekend," Ernesto said.

For more information, visit berksarts.org/summerfest.