After pandemic closed it last year, annual music  fest ready for high notes

By Greg Ellison

(May 6, 2021) Returning after a hiatus in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, a scaled-back version of the Berlin Jazz & Blues Wine & Brews Festival will take place on Main Street this Friday through Sunday.

Initially launched by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce in 2008 as the Jazz & Blues Bash, the event was renamed in 2019, with this years’ iteration, tagged the Jazz & Blues, Art & Booths because of health safety adaptations.

Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who helps promote the shindig, said the Berlin Chamber of Commerce focused on producing a safer version of the annual event.

“We’re really happy to bring life back to downtown Berlin, especially when it involves art and live music,” she said. “I’m looking forward to see what they have planned.”

Berlin Chamber officials worked with local restaurants and live-music venues to flesh out details for this year’s gathering.

In a change from past festivals, organizers said safety concerns left them unable to  sponsor outside food and beverage vendors or stage live music outdoors.

Despite the limitations, live jazz and blues performers are scheduled to appear on stage at a number of indoor venues over the three-day festival.

On Saturday, a one-day art show and sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will bring retailers and artists to display offerings in 10 x 10 tented booths on Main Street and several adjoining side streets.

Organizers have requested restaurants and food establishments to expand outdoor seating into closed roadways, while adhering to CDC and Worcester Health Department health-safety protocols.

Under the amended guidelines, patrons are restricted to consuming food and drinks in designated seating areas provided by eateries, with consumption of alcoholic beverages not allowed off premises.

Tasting, pairing and educational opportunities will be offered by food and beverage retailers over the weekend event.

Attendees are asked to follow all CDC guidance in terms of wearing masks, hand washing, and social distance protocols.

In terms of live music, Friday kicks off with Honey Shine at the Globe Gastro Theater from 8-11 p.m., while Dave Sax in the City plays from 7-9 p.m. at Sisters Wine Bar.

The lineup on Saturday is more extensive, with Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes onstage at the Globe Gastro Theater from 1-4 p.m., Zander Jett at the Atlantic Hotel from 1-5 p.m., Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos at Burley Oak Brewery from 5-8 p.m. and the Beach Bandits Blues Duo from 7-9 p.m. at Sisters Wine Bar.

Additionally, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bryan Russo will be busking blues on rotating street corners, followed by a performance at Boxcar on Main from 5-8 p.m.

The musical cavalcade finishes on Sunday when Dark Gold Jazz play from 3-6 p.m. at the Globe Gastro Theater.

For more information, contact the Berlin Chamber of Commerce at 410-641-4775 or email chamberinfo@ berlinchamber.org. Event updates and more information can also be found on the Berlin Jazz and Blue Bash event page on Facebook or visit www.berlinchamber.org.