Busker Incognito’s Blues & Boogie Weekend to be presented
by the Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
9/10/26
Following up on the impressive success of the monthly Busker Incognito Blues & Boogie Music Jam Nights series in Cheers Bistro at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Reading, PA, and taking over where the now-discontinued Reading BluesFest left off, the Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is announcing that it will be stepping in to rescue the former blues festival in Reading by presenting a new, re-imagined and re-energized blues and boogie music festival weekend in Berks County starting this November.
Busker Incognito’s Blues & Boogie Weekend will make its debut on November 19, 20, 21 & 22, (Wednesday through Sunday), at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Reading, 701 Penn Street, Reading, PA
At one of our recent monthly Busker Incognito Blues & Boogie Nights at Cheers Bistro, New York-based bluesman and former bandleader and lead guitarist for the James Cotton Blues Band, Slam Allen, was quoted as quipping,
“It’ll be a Novemba to Rememba!”
MUSICAL ARTISTS
Mud Morganfield Band, (son of Muddy Waters); Alexis P. Suter Band; John Nemeth; Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice; Benny Turner;
Katie Henry; Slam Allen, (Director and lead guitarist for the James Cotton Blues Band); BC Blue featuring Bev Conklin; Busker Incognito & the SHOW, (the house host band).
LODGING
If you’d like to stay at the hotel during the fest, here’s the link for a special fest discount room rate.
OPPORTUNITIES
Fest Volunteer Opportunities: Contact yobusker@buskerincognitobluesboogie.com
Fest Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact yobusker@buskerincognitobluesboogie.com
Fest Vendor Opportunities: Contact yobusker@buskerincognitobluesboogie.com
For More Information, Artist Interview Opportunities, Photo and Video asset access…Contact yobusker@buskerincognitobluesboogie.com
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“This new weekend music festival will continue the great and welcoming vibe that has been started during the monthly blues and boogie jam nights at the hotel”, says Festival Founder and Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Executive Director Dave Kline. “We’re creating a familial atmosphere for the weekend by putting together a fun, immersive collection of blues and boogie musicians, and combining their talent with the wonderful hospitality and great food of the DoubleTree Hotel as we create a central hub and home for the music, musicians and fans here in Berks County”, Kline continues, “Protected against weather, the fest venue, lineup and amenities present a perfect opportunity for a pre-holiday, long weekend get-away at a fantastic price point; a place to come, make and share many happy moments and memories that everyone can afford. We also feel that continuing a festival covering these particular genres of music will be very good for the local economy of downtown Reading and Berks County as we keep the flame of visionaries like Albert Boscov and his family alive and progressing. I’m especially stoked and pleased with the leadership team for the festival. Having community leaders of this caliber involved assures that we’re setting up a solid foundation to support this festival and all that it represents far into the future”.
Sallie Bengston, Founder & Owner, Nola Blue Records and MoMojo Records, says, “My first introduction to the blues came more than thirty years ago in my hometown of Reading. At the time, I could never have imagined that this music would one day become my life’s passion and my career as a record label owner. Bringing our artists home to Reading is very significant to me, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped make this event possible. A special thank you goes to Dave Klinefor his endless energy and unwavering commitment to keeping the blues flame burning brightly in Reading; to John Ernesto for generously sharing his event production and organizational expertise; and to The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel for their valued support of this "Novemba to Rememba!"”
Chris Shellhammer, President of Reading Hospitality &DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading said, “The Blues and Boogie Weekend fits perfectly into our vision of making the DoubleTree Reading a hub for community experiences that bring people together through entertainment, information and connection,” said Chris Shellhammer, president of DoubleTree Reading."
Heather Zimmerman, President & CEO and Experience Reading & Berks County, (Berks County Visitors Bureau) says, “Busker Incognito’s Blues & Boogie Weekend is the perfect example of how the arts can drive tourism, generate economic impact and enhance Reading’s appeal as a destination. Visitors come for the live music, but their spending benefits hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. We are so thrilled this happens right here in Reading, PA”.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Heather Adams: Executive Director & Managing Editor, BCTV
Sallie Bengtson: Founder & Owner, Nola Blue Records and MoMojo Records
Judith Engle Boscov: Director of Elevations Event Planning and Design, Doubletree by Hilton Reading
John Ernesto: General Manager/Artistic Director, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest; Event Consultant
Carlos Gomez – General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Kathy Hills: Vice President of Sales and Hotel Management, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Jim Intili: Director of Catering Sales, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Dave Kline: Founder/Executive Director Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave Kline Productions, Smoking Bishop Records, Mountain Laurel Records, New Classic Music, Busker Incognito Enterprises/Branding
Mike Santerelli: Founder and President of SANCO, sound and lights, stage logistics
Christopher Shellhammer: President of Reading Hospitality and DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Melissa Zane: Marketing, DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Heather Zimmerman: President & CEO, Experience Reading & Berks County, (Berks County Visitors Bureau)