Sep 25, 2005 By Carol Kekela 5 min read

The first Fayette County Jazz Festival Saturday brought out the jazz enthusiasts, although not very many. Billed as one of the finest line-ups of jazz troupes assembled in the local area, six groups provided a myriad of sounds and tones, amidst a perfect mountain setting at the Herald-Standard Pavilion at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington.

The event, ” …And all that Jazz Festival 2005,’ sponsored by the Herald-Standard, had a two-fold purpose. It not only brought great sounds to the mountaintop, but also raised much-needed funds for Hurricane Katrina victims, in conjunction with efforts of the Bartolotta’s Giant Eagle, Blaney Farms and the Herald-Standard.

Although a much larger crowd was anticipated, the festival helped serve as a springboard for future jazz festivals.

Taking the stage first was a popular group, Five Guys Named Moe, followed by the Pittsburgh popular Kenny Blake, with Marie Sargent on vocals.

Belting out a number of toe-tapping jazz tunes, Blake was then joined by the smooth and mellow voice of Sargent as they slid from Brother, Brother and Doobie Brothers’ tunes to “Blue Skies.”

Sunny, dry skies and a slight breeze provided the perfect setting for the festival, that pleased organizers, although attendance in the early afternoon was a bit disappointing, the early evening performance saw a decent surge of people.

“We had a decent influx of people coming through around 5 o’clock,’ said Jill Herring, owner of the Woodland Zoo and Herald-Standard Pavilion. “And the people who have been here since the beginning are still here and having a great time.’

The concept of a jazz festival began just six weeks ago.

“I think the shortness of planning the event (about five weeks) and not getting the word out to other areas such as Pittsburgh and Greensburg probably had an impact on attendance,’ said Rich DePaulis of Pittsburgh, the producer.

DePaulis is owner of General Talent Associates, who has produced many shows throughout the nation, including Florida, Texas, at casinos in Atlantic City and Michigan.

He has been responsible for musical festivals and leading talent all over the local area, including Linden Hall in Dawson, Pittsburgh and Westmoreland County.

“We provided talent for the oldies fest here and also the country festival,’ DePaulis said.

Adam Poling, manager of the Herald-Standard Pavilion, said the general response of the people attending has been satisfying.

“The music talent here today is superb,’ he said. “Everyone seems pleased.’

L & J Catering provided Cajun cuisine while complimentary cheese and crackers were offered.

Mark O’Keefe, Herald-Standard executive editor, and probably Fayette County’s No. 1 jazz fan, served as emcee.

“This is a good beginning,’ said O’Keefe. “I think the talent here is all superb.’

Peter Hook of Uniontown, a proclaimed jazz aficionado, was thrilled with the music of Kenny Blake.

“I think this is great,’ said Hook. “But, I am surprised at the lack of people (attending),’ he said.

Hook thought the popular jazz names of Blake and Roger Humphries and, of course, Connellsville native Harold Betters, would have brought more to the mountainside, and especially since tickets were only $12.

“In Pittsburgh, to see these groups would cost at least $40 to $50,’ Hook said.

Bob Quairiere of Dunbar and Shirley Rutherford of Vanderbilt were visiting the Herald-Standard Pavilion for the first time.

“This is excellent,’ said Quairiere. “The music is great.’

Rutherford added that the setting could not have been more perfect. “The scenery is just beautiful,’ she said.

A Uniontown man, identified only as John, follows jazz groups everywhere. He was enjoying the whole music experience.

“I do love jazz,’ he said. “I travel around a lot to see jazz performers and this made it perfect. The venue and the surroundings have been great, although I think it is unfortunate that not too many people came here to see this.’

The early evening promised to bring about the four more groups, including the popular Bobby Reed Jazz Quartet with Susan Lee as singer.

Reed has been providing keyboard music for the past 35 or more years. Starting as a teen, he continues to please the crowds.

Lee, who rejoined Reed on vocals, said she is always pleased to play before the local audience.

“We played together several years ago, and got back together about a year ago,’ Coughenour said. “I especially enjoy playing before the local crowds.’

Humphries would perform next followed with Salsamba preceding the concluding act of Betters, a legendary jazz trombone player.

Nine hours of jazz music may be a jazz fan’s utopia. Some were there to hear a few groups, while others planned to spend the entire day.

“It’s just beautiful up here,’ said another jazz enthusiast from Perryopolis. “You get more than great music, you get a whole atmosphere. The scenery is just gorgeous.’

The jazz festival was only one of many endeavors in the works for Sonny and Jill Herring, owners of Woodland Zoo and the Herald-Standard Pavilion.

“It think it got off on a good start,” said Sonny Herring. “A little more promotion in and around the Pittsburgh area probably would have helped bring in attendance, but overall we are pleased.’

The Herrings have several upcoming events scheduled, including the Oct. 2 “Angels for Alexandra,’ a benefit festival for Alexandra Schaney, a cancer victim.

A car show, bike show, food, vendors and performances from eight country groups including Tom Armstrong and ReLucktanT Rednecks, Crazy Cowboys, Ruff Creek, Jaggerbush, Happy Endings, Kry Up, The Klick and Unbridled, will be featured throughout the day starting at noon.

The annual German Oktoberfest has been scheduled for two days this year on Oct. 8 and 9.