Monroeville Jazz Fest brings community together

On Sept. 3, area residents enjoyed music, food and nature at the 19th annual Monroeville Jazz Fest.

The Monroeville Foundation hosted the concert outside at the Tall Trees Amphitheater.

“I really enjoy this,” said Ernie Groover, Monroeville Foundation president. “This is a great venue, a great event. We have a good crowd, and I’m expecting even more people. We have a great lineup.”

Groover spent most of the event on his feet, making trips back and forth between the stage and the foundation’s tent. He greeted guests warmly and got them excited for the next act.

Five musical groups performed at the Tall Trees Amphitheater. East End Kids closed their summer season with the opening performance. Hugo Cruz and The Caminos followed with a lively set.

Jevon Rushton Group and Grace Elliot, and Dr. Alton Merrell and Impact also made appearances. Lisa Ferraro and Jazz Up closed the night. Guests sat in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets as they listened.

Some bands were chosen through board member recommendations.

“We have some jazz aficionados,” said Groover.

Vendor booths and food trucks surrounded the venue. State Farm, T-Mobile, Dollar Bank and Ryan Homes had booths where they took people’s information for future consultations.

Margery Pruitt was representing Humana Health. She put an emphasis on the Medicare Advantage plans that Humana offers veterans.

Representatives from Club Pilates were collecting information from attendees interested in beginning their fitness journeys. Those who provided their names and emails received a free month of classes with the gym.

Local artist and baker Karmela Senior brought her creations, edible and otherwise, to sell at her booth. Senior goes to local thrift stores and buys different furniture or accent pieces that she is able to refurbish, redesign and resell. She also makes and sells wreaths.

Senior brought along a selection of cakes and puddings that she sells through her business, Sky’s The Limit, which specializes in soul food and dessert, and offers catering for events.

Cub Scout representatives handed out informational fliers and shared pictures of their members while speaking about troop activities. Cubmaster Kristopher Cattau spoke on the importance of skill building in the outdoors. Scout members learn to problem solve with the resources around them, and to make friends at a young age.

Let’s Taco food truck, Pittsburgh Halal food truck and Chocolate Moonshine Co. were serving their fare to attendees. Guests were also welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Some guests set up their own picnics while sitting in the grass.

In the middle of the festivities, the Monroeville Foundation set up a booth where volunteers sold 50/50 tickets, concessions, and CDs and T-shirts associated with the musicians. Guests had the opportunity to make a $5 donation for a chance to win raffle prizes. The grand prize was an Amazon Fire television.

They also had a sign depicting the foundation’s beneficiaries. It detailed the 27 organizations that the Monroeville Foundation donates to each year.

As the day continued, it began to drizzle. Guests did not let this ruin their time. They continued to listen to music and enjoy the event. After a few sprinkles, the sun returned and the celebration continued in full force.

“This is an opportunity for the foundation to bring people together,” said Groover. “You can’t beat an afternoon like this. We want to thank our sponsors and the board members of Monroeville, because they allow us to use the park. We get to raise a little bit of money, and then we get to give it all away.”

Upcoming events hosted by the foundation include the annual Monroeville Foundation Golf Outing on Sept. 12 and The Great Pumpkin Race on Oct. 23. For more information, visit monroevillefoundation.org.