ZanaFest Promises Music and Fun

Richard D. Zana taught music in the Ambridge Area School District for 38 years, influencing generations of musicians as band director, choral director and founder of the highly-acclaimed Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum program.

Zana retired in 2000 and passed away in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

This weekend, a three-day festival in his memory will take place at The Venue at Harmony Ridge, the former Ambridge Country Club. Greg Paul, who runs Harmony Ridge with his wife Ricki, came up with the idea of a music festival lovingly dubbed ZanaFest.

“Todd Tusick and I had the idea for the Richard Zana Music Festival in his honor, and a rather large volunteer committee of former students was quickly formed, and ZanaFest was born,” Greg Paul said.

Now in its third year, the money raised by ZanaFest helps to fund music scholarships through the Beaver County Foundation. So far, five scholarships have been awarded to college-bound music majors from Beaver and Allegheny counties.

“We think it is a fitting legacy for a man who devoted his career to excellence in music education," Paul said.

Paul has been playing guitar since he was 6 and now leads the Friday night house band at Harmony Ridge. Zana was Paul's instructor all through elementary school and again when he reached the ninth grade.

“I was always involved in all the ensembles and special projects that he put together. Even in elementary school, his choral groups were awesome," he said. "By fourth and fifth grade we were singing complex harmonies and performing for many prestigious events.

"Our elementary chorus performed for the State Legislature in Harrisburg several times," Paul added. "He always made music fun.”

ZanaFest activities include performances by numerous musical groups including the Ambridge Steel Drum Band, Corned Beef and Curry, and the Renaissance Rhythm Chorus. There will also be a Young Talent competition with the winners performing on stage and a karaoke contest with cash prizes.

“He always got the best from us and made hard work fun," Paul said. "He instilled a love for music in me that I have carried throughout my life.”

Gates will be open 5 p.m. until midnight on Friday, 11 a.m. until midnight on Saturday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday. The complete schedule in available at Zanafest.org.