The Santander Performing Arts Center is one of the venues I frequent locally. It's absolutely…read moregorgeous! The architecture and design details are breathtaking, especially the ornate ceiling work and vintage theater charm. Every time I walk in, I'm reminded why I love live shows so much. The acoustics here are usually fantastic, making it a great place for concerts, comedy shows, and everything in between. I've been to many events here over the years and always enjoy the experience. I usually sit toward the front right side of the venue, where the view is clear and unobstructed by the structure it really feels like there isn't a bad seat in the house. There are several bars and snack stands throughout the venue, plus a small area for merch tables, so everything you need is within easy reach. Tickets are generally very reasonably priced for the quality of the experience. Parking is probably the only minor consideration there's on-street parking as well as multiple garages nearby, but you'll want to plan for a short walk. Overall, it's a beautiful, historic theater that delivers great shows and great vibes every single time. Highly recommend catching a performance here if you get the chance!

The Santander is a beautiful venue. The acoustics and ambience are on point. I would go here to see…read morea show anytime. We had dinner on The Mezz and I would not recommend that. The food was just ok - very difficult to manage plates etc. Supposed to have wine with our ticket, but they were out of white wine entirely. So , go for the show, skip the dinner!

I love art! I have never heard of this place until looking up free things to do in the reading…read morearea. We walked in and the lady behind the retail/customer service desk told us about the building and where to walk since it was our first time visiting, she was very lovely! The first floor had their showing for their art show and the rest of the floors is their classrooms and displayed all their students art pieces. It is an absolutely beautiful building and all of the art is amazing. Some pieces you are able to buy which I find very cool!

Combination artist studio, gallery and gift shop in a former manufacturing site of Willson goggles…read moreand other work protection equipment. Parking is available via Stone Alley just past Washington on 3rd. Entrance has a steep slope that someone in a wheelchair might need help to negotiate.

We went to ser Phil Wickham here. The place, like any other arenas during a concert or any sporting…read moreevent is loud but the flow of traffic is good. There are enough security people and ushers to assist you so you shouldn't have any issues. There are food and drinks throughout the arena though you'll need a credit or debit card to make a purchase. It is definitely a good place to see an event.

Visited the Santander Arena this past weekend for an old school hip hop concert. I didn't even know…read morethe arena existed prior to my friend suggested this concert. After this show, I doubt I'd see another show here. The area is conveniently located across from a hotel, which is great if you're traveling to Reading, PA like we were from another city or state. Unfortunately I cannot review the parking situation, because with took a Lyft there. But it seemed like everyone parked away from the arena. All of the staff was extremely friendly. From the attendant that helped us find our seats to the nice lady who sold us the $15 deuce-deuce can I'd Trulys. It's really sad how ridiculous these arena prices arena! The seats at the Santander were horrible. Of course because it's a concert, everybody was dancing and having a great time, but the seats were wobbling and moving more than we were. I felt like I was going to end up in the floor! The sound system wasn't the best either. Most times, the music was completely overpowering the artist. For these two reasons, I doubt I'll be back. But the concert was great!

RSO is 100 years old this year, and check out the cool logo by Chip Kidd, who grew up in Reading…read moreand who is best known for designing the cover of Jurassic Park. You don't see many people under 50 at such events, and it is too bad, because they do major works with which most people of any age would be familiar -- probably because of movie scores and childhood music lessons. One of Reading's best organizations! It is amazing that it is still here and going so strong. The setting of the Sovereign Performing Arts Center (formerly the Rajah) just makes it better. You don't *have* to dress up, but why not enjoy a little formality? They let you take your drink in too, nice.

Enjoyed the Symphony on New Years Eve with the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. We loved it! The…read moresound was beautiful and sitting in the balcony section we had a perfect view. Will be going again!

Berks Sinfonietta is a unique community chamber orchestra based in Berks County, PA. The orchestra…read morecurrently presents between six and eight concerts annually, and has been doing so since 2014 (currently celebrating their 10th Season starting in August, 2023). As community support grows through increased ticket sales and through greater support from individuals and area businesses, the concert schedule will expand accordingly. I should probably mention that Berks Sinfonietta is a 501(c)(3) organization and that means donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by state and federal tax regulations. The orchestra is unique because it is made up of residents of Berks County and it focuses on diverse programming that includes compositions by women composers, composers from minority communities and contemporary composers that are often overlooked by more mainstream orchestras. Tickets are extremely affordable with special consideration given to children and to student IDs! Information about the current concert schedule is posted on the orchestra's website. Concert tickets are also available through their website. Life is about creating memorable experiences, and live music provides that in abundance! If you're looking for a great live music experience, grab a couple tickets and catch the next concert with a friend! If you're new to classical music, Berks Sinfonietta is a great place to get into it without breaking the bank!

The Sinfonietta has been playing on a little different level all year -- subtle but noticeable…read more Consistently high musicianship throughout each program. And the programs are always interesting and reflect thought. Good stuff.

Came to the Santander Performing Arts Center to see Fourplay at the Berks Jazz Festival. This place…read moreis an older venue that needs serious renovations. The upper balcony seats are not suitable for anyone with any type of physical disabilities that would prohibit walking up numerous stairs or up steep inclines and declines. They had a bar area and merch for sale in the lobby area. The seating we had was on the lower level (a great relief from the upper level seating we had last year which was brutal to say the least. The steep incline was not optimal for those with issues walking). Our seats were good with an excellent view of the performers. The accoutics were okay for such an older venue. It was also a quick 10 minute walk from the Double Tree hotel we were staying at, although they did provide a courtesy shuttle to the venue for registered guests. All in all a great evening of jazz.

This place is a combination of 3 stores packed into one! First you have the most awesome indigenous…read moreinstruments/percussion/drum selections. 2nd you have the metaphysical crystals and stones etc.. Finally it's a therapeutic experience just walking around and browsing the unique multicultural items for sale. Ask the owner to play one of their huge crystal bowls, the healing sound frequencies from these beauties Will penetrate your very soul with healing vibes! When here, don't forget to visit the metaphysical shop directly behind this shop called Celtic myth and moon light. That's another great place I visit when I'm here! Just ask the owner and they'll direct you to where it is behind them!

I've seen the owner in action, both in drumming workshops for my school as well as out at local…read moreconventions. I came in looking for some black tourmaline jewelry for my sister since it blocks all negativity and she definitely has too much of that in her life! The girl at the desk showed me the two pendants they had available. Plus when I asked them if they had some sort of cord for it, she offered me satin or leather. (I went with the leather just because my sister will be wearing this daily. But still good to know you have options!) Then she boxed it up while I looked around the rest of the store. The only thing I didn't like was that she told me the cord was in a small plastic bag inside the box, and when I went to check the length of cord (to make sure it was long enough), I noticed it wasn't in a bag, and of course she tried to correct herself. I just don't understand why you would lie about something like that...it wasn't a deal breaker, but just thought I'd mention it.