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The second annual Jazz, Art & Blues (JAB) festival entertained,
enthralled and enlightened scores of listeners at Clarion Memorial Park on
August 11-13th. The event,
sponsored by the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry, was made
possible through additional financial assistance from the Pennsylvania
Partners in the Arts, Clarion Community Bank, S&T Bank and individual
‘gold sponsor’ Gale Owen. Featured
performers featured and eclectic blend of music foundational in authentic
American traditions Friday evening showcased the ‘Tim Bassett Jazz
Orchestra’. The orchestra added originality to big band standards and
garnered well deserved applause from an appreciative audience numbering
nearly 100 fans of all ages. Saturday
brought popular rock and blues band ‘Pork McElhinny & The Fender
Benders’ to the park gazebo and, like Friday’s concert, resulted in a
significant increase in attendees and listeners compared to last years
premier event. On Sunday we
were treated to an afternoon double-header starting with Blues aficionados
‘Big Foot and Fat Head’.
Big Foot and Fat Head, aka Roger Montgomery and Dennis Weiland are
an Erie Based duo who have developed a large local following as a result
of having played at several Clarion County Arts Council (CCAC) receptions,
most notably at the annual juried Coffee mug creation competition.
With their usual grit and aplomb they brought the delta to Clarion
for a foot-tapping, head-bopping grand time.
Second featured band ‘Catro’ shifted gears (and a smooth shift
it was!) by taking us into the ethereal zones of erudite jazz. Keyboard player and front-man, Mark Dewalt, never fails to
amaze audiences with his subtle interpretations of modern day classics,
liberally spiced with band originals.
CCAC’s presence was evident in our innovative ’write to music’
tent where we encouraged fans of all ages to write thoughts, poems,
reflections, etc. inspired by the music.
Resultant creations were posted alongside junior arts council
supervised ‘paint to music’ drawings on a large moveable wall.
Thanks to Kate Hufnagel for overseeing the talented and energetic
junior artists in this endeavor.
Next year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
Good job Chamber!
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CCAC continues to display fine art work for community and visitor
enjoyment at Michelle’s Café (611 Main St).
A wonderful eclectic collaboration of the Dubois, Pa. based Winkler
Gallery artists was exhibited at the café through August and early
September. The
remainder of September is dedicated to art works representative of Clarion
County Arts Council members recent accomplishments.
October will showcase the works of multi-talented artist and
Clarion University art professor, Jim Rose.
In November long-standing art and art education virtuoso, Jean
Hufnagel, will have her work on display at the café.
December is, of course, our annual juried coffee mug exhibition.
Much continued thanks to Michelle’s for their on-going support
for the arts in our area.
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