Apr 9, 2006 By The 4 min read

Bigger and better. Those two words sum up plans for the Second Annual Fayette County Jazz Festival, according to event organizer Mark O’Keefe.

“While we were happy with the way the festival went last year, we realized that we had to do some things differently and make some adjustments,’ said O’Keefe, who is executive editor of the Herald-Standard, which is again sponsoring the event. “We’re certain that people will like the changes we’ve made, and we’re looking forward to a great turnout,’ he added.

“The Herald-Standard is pleased to sponsor this event. We like to give back to the community, and we think this is another way of doing that,’ said Val Laub, publisher of the Herald-Standard. “It will definitely be another great day of music, and there should be a lot fun for everyone.’

The festival will be held Saturday, May 20, at the Woodland Zoo’s Herald-Standard Pavilion from 2-9 p.m. The pavilion is located on Route 40 in Wharton Township, about 10 miles east of Uniontown.

The event will be the kickoff for another outstanding series of concerts and various other events at the facility this summer.

“We’re excited about hosting the festival again,’ said Sonny Herring, owner of the Woodland Zoo and the Herald-Standard Pavilion. “We like to try and have different types of music here. We want to have something for everyone.’

Headlining the festival once again will Connellsville’s own legendary jazz trombone player Harold Betters. He had the crowd jumping last year with his own unique jazz style, and his appearance this year should generate even more excitement.

Over the years, Betters has played with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Ramsey Lewis, Lionel Hampton and Urbie Green among many others and performed for many years at Pittsburgh’s Encore Club. Still going strong at the age of 77, he’s booked solid on a yearly basis, mainly throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

Opening the festival will be a group at the opposite end of the spectrum from Betters. That’s the highly touted Albert Gallatin High School Jazz Band, which hosted the Third Annual Jazzfest 2006 this past weekend. The band thrilled the crowd there with its performances of Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good,’ and Sonny Rollins’ “St. Thomas.’

They will be followed at 3 p.m. by the well-known Kendell brothers, bass guitarist Jeremy and saxophone player Jason. Jeremy is also the director of the Albert Gallatin High School Band, while Jason is the director of the school’s jazz band. They will be accompanied by one of the top drummers in the area, Bob Mascia, who is also director of the Brownsville High School Band.

Master of ceremonies for the event will be Tony Mowad, who hosts nightly jazz shows on WDUQ in Pittsburgh.

Also performing at the festival will be two of the top names in Pittsburgh jazz, saxophonist Kenny Blake and drummer Roger Humphries. Rounding out the bill will be Brazilian jazz singer Lilly Abreu & Trio.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. Tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. They will go on sale at the Herald-Standard, Nemacolin Zoo and other local outlets on Friday. More information on ticket sales will be forthcoming.

Refreshments and food will be on sale during the concert. Those attending the festival will be able to come and go as they please. Anyone attending the festival will also be able to tour the nearby Woodland Zoo for $4, which is half the usual price of admission.

Here’s the lineup for the show.

– 2 p.m., Albert Gallatin High School Jazz Band.

– 3 p.m., Kendell Brothers jam session.

– 4:30 p.m., Kenny Blake.

– 5:45 p.m., RH Factor and Roger Humphries.

– 6:45 p.m., Lilly Abreu & Trio.

– 8 p.m., Harold Betters.

For more information, contact O’Keefe at 724-439-7569 or the Woodland Zoo at 724-329-1776.