Published: May 09, 2008 02:02 pm            

Jazz series trumpets 10th year

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

As the Jazz Along the River series enters its 10th season, public support has surpassed even the expectations of its architect.

The five-concert series kicks off with a performance by Frank Filia from 6 to 9 p.m. May 23 at St. Mary’s Pavilion, Fifth and Power streets in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

“When you begin something new, you never imagine that it could reach this level of success and continue to grow after 10 years,” said Monsignor Raymond Balta, church pastor and organizer of the series.

The series of concerts has grown into an event that has become as much a social gathering as it is a musical performance, Balta said.

The sounds of an energetic jazz act will fill the pavilion on the fourth Friday of each month through September.

The remaining lineup brings Lou Stein’s All That Jazz on June 27, Harold Betters on July 25, Jazz in Your Face Sextet on Aug. 22 and Jim/Jimmies Session Band on Sept. 26.

Filia, as lead vocalist, has enlisted the help of John Pencola on keyboard, Bill Scileny on trombone, Doug Williams on drums, Mark Perna on base fiddle and Don Aliquo on saxophone to dazzle the series-opening crowd.

“All the credit goes to Monsignor Balta, who is a true innovator,” Filia said. “This entire city loves polkas, including myself, but he is the Renaissance man who took a chance on presenting a different sound for people’s enjoyment, and it has paid off.”

Ethnic foods such as haluski, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa and sauerkraut, hot dogs, hamburgers and gobs will be available for purchase beginning at 5.

Admission is free for each performance, and the shows will go on rain or shine.



Concerts

What: Jazz Along the River.

Where: St. Mary’s Pavilion, Fifth and Power streets in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Schedule: May 23, Frank Filia; June 27, Lou Stein’s All That Jazz; July 25, Harold Betters; Aug. 22, Jazz in Your Face Sextet; Sept. 26, Jim/Jimmies Session Band.

Admission: Free.

        

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