May 25, 2007 3 min read

On Monday, June 4, the Storey Square Summer Concert Series begins in conjunction with a Farmer’s Market, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The combined event will be held every Monday evening during June, July and August.

Kicking off the entertainment for the first series is “Mr. Trombone, Harold Betters.

A Connellsville native, Betters has enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades and is admired and respect by fellow musicians, friends and fans nationwide, according to Judy Vrabel, executive director of the Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority, which is sponsoring the concert series.

In a press release, Vrabel said Betters credits his success to his parents who owned and operated one of the area’ hottest jazz spots.

Betters performed at The Encore in Shadyside for so many years that it became know as “The House that Betters Built.” His appearances at renowned nightspots are too numerous to list, but a few include Pittsburgh’s Holiday House, Shaker Heights’ Virginian, Cleveland’s Theatrical Grill and the Cabana Club’s Nero’s Nook in Palo Alto, Calif.

With more than a dozen albums and CDs to his credit, Betters can be heard on jazz radio stations and many area clubs.

He continues to be a favorite of sports fans by playing regularly at Pittsburgh Steeler games.

He has had guest appearances on several television shows, including “The Tonight Show” and “Merv Griffith,” as well as on local TV programs in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and San Francisco.

Vrabel said Betters has been recognized as one of the best trombonists in the country and was named “Man of the Year in Music” by the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.

His formal musical training was received at Ithaca College and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

“The man and his horn are legendary. Our nation’s audiences have been richly blessed to have heard him,” Vrabel said.

Visitors are asked to bring their lawn chairs and come to downtown Uniontown at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, to hear Harold Betters play. Dinner will be available for purchase.

A first for downtown Uniontown is the evening Farmer’s Market held in conjunction with the Storey Square Summer Concert Series.

Set up will be on Main Street with many vendors selling their foods.

Featured at the market will be the following vendors: highland beef; honey and bee products; wild Alaska salmon; vegetables; a variety of smoked meats, including turkey breast, beef jerky and hot dogs; mustard and wing sauces; candles; jewelry; baked goods; silver jewelry; children’s wooden toys; and several informative booths.

The Farmer’s Market will continue every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. throughout June, July and August.

For additional information or to become a vendor, call Vrabel , executive director of the Downtown Uniontown Business District Authority at 724-430-2926.