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The Ray Allen Trio came into existence in approximately 1963. The names were derived from two of the original three members' names:
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This trio primarily played for private affairs, but the group did play
publicly one year at the Plaza Madrid Restaurant, located for few years
in the Washington Towers Apartments in Reading and for one year in Wernersville
at Galen Hall Lodge, playing on a weekly basis. While variety music was
the normal faire, the trio, using Oscar Peterson and Errol Garner as "role
models," definitely took on a jazz feel, according to Ray. |
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Richard Strunk - Trumpet |
John Rozum - Drums |
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Work at dinner dances, weddings, and other affairs increased until a new group formed and stayed together for ten years (1976 - 1986). This "Ray Allen Band" consisted of five musicians:
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It enjoyed a quite successful ten years. Eventually Jim Fegley retired as his other business increased, and he was replaced by Thomas Downing (five years); JoAnne Esterly was replaced by Connie Mae Kurtz (two-and-one-half years); and Mike Anderson was replaced by Dave Shultz. Downing was then replaced by Craig Schollenberger (Saxie's son) and Kurtz by Susan Fessler. "Ray Allen" (Ray Mest) finally decided to give up the band at the end of 1991. |
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Shortly after this, Ray Allen Music began offering services as a solo keyboardist
using electronic sequencing and live piano. Hundreds of orchestral sequences
have been completed. In the spring of 1993, vocalist Kelli Fusaro joined followed by Palmyra's Tricia Scott. Today Ray Allen Music is pleased to offer solo keyboard or piano performances
as well as duo and trio performances. |
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Public response has
indicated a successful completion of those goals and the group has enjoyed
favorable reviews throughout Reading & Berks County. They have performed
live concerts at Albright College where Raymond Mest is professor emeritus of Mathematics.
Ray was a featured performer at several concerts given at the Wyomissing
Institute of Fine Arts (1986); Reading Museum and the Riverfront
Music Festival. One particularly memorable engagement was an invitation
for the Ray Allen Trio to perform at the Officers Club at West Point Military
Academy in 1972. 