Westmoreland Jazz Society-Harold Betters

Harold Betters
Thursday March 18, 2010 : 7:30PM
Cost : $10 members $15 nonmembers

"MR. TROMBONE," HAROLD BETTERS, is a remarkable man who has enjoyed a career spanning over four decades and is admired and respected by fellow musicians, friends, and fans nation-wide. A native of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he credits his success to his parents who owned and operated one of the area's hottest jazz spots. He performed at THE ENCORE in Shadyside for so many years, it became known as "The House that Betters Built." His appearances at renowned nightspots are too numerous to mention, but a few include Pittsburgh's HOLIDAY HOUSE, Shaker Heights VIRGINIAN, Cleveland's THEATRICAL GRILL, and THE CABANA CLUB's Nero's Nook in Palo Alto, California. With over a dozen albums and CD's to his credit, Harold can be heard on jazz radio stations and in many area clubs. He continues to be a favorite of sports fans by playing regularly at PITTSBURGH STEELER games. Harold has performed with Louis Armstrong who described his sound as "rich and honest." Other musicians he has worked with include Al Hirt, Slide Hampton, Ramsey Lewis, and Urbie Green. The Harold Betters Quartet toured with Ray Charles and appeared with comedian, Dick Gregory, at New York's Apollo Theater. He has guested on several television shows including "The Tonight Show," "Merv Griffin," and "Mike Douglas," as well as on local TV programs in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and San Francisco. Recognized by the Playboy Jazz Poll as one of the best trombonists in the country, and as "Mr. Versatility" by Downbeat Magazine, he has also been named "Man of the Year in Music" by the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. His formal musical training was received at Ithaca College and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Mr. Betters contributes mastery of his craft to the future by conducting jazz clinics, seminars, and workshops on the campuses of INDIANA, PENN STATE, PITT, and WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY. THE MAN and his horn are legendary - our nation's audiences have been richly blessed to have heard him.