The Ray Allen Trio came into existence in approximately 1963. The names were derived from two of the original three members' names:

Raymond Mest - Piano
James Fegley - Bass violin
James Allen Diehm - Drums

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.

After 1969, as taste and demand for live music became more commercial, the group expanded to four and then five musicians. During this experimental period (1969 - 1976) a number of musicians played "on and off" with the group. They included:

Richard Strunk - Trumpet
Guy Shaeffer - Saxophone
Al Jacobson - Saxophone
"Skip" Edward Reider - Trumpet
Frank Reeser - Drums
Sally Marx - Vocals

John Rozum - Drums
Patricia Pavlik - Vocals
Dr. Bob McGarry - Saxophone / Clarinet
Pat DeAngelis - Horns / Vocals
Kerry Rigg - Saxophone / Vocals
Tony Maniaci - Drums

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:

Ray Mest - Keyboards
Jim Fegley - Electric Bass
Brian Holt - Drums
Mike Anderson - Saxophone
JoAnne Esterly - Vocals

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.

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.

In its more than thirty-five year history, Ray Allen Music has striven to offer quality and dependable live music at a fair price.

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.

Ray Allen Music has performed in multiple events at the Berks Jazz Fest over the past 7 years. Alva Anderson, New York jazz vocalist, has been featured the past 3 years.




Today, Ray Allen Music continues to offer quality and dependable live music including a variety of popular styles for all types of special occasions.

Ray Allen is proud to offer music that is especially suited for dining and cocktail parties and allows you to enjoy good sounds while still being able to converse with your neighbor. For more information, or to request a quote, contact us today.