COUDERSPORT – An award-winning documentary on the 2004 reunion
of Coudersport’s very own rock band, Ollie and the Go Gos, will
make its public debut on Saturday afternoon at the Coudersport
Theatre.
It’s part of a two-phase kickoff for a music scholarship to
memorialize the Rev. Robert B. Merten, an influential clergyman and
musician who died in January.
Celebrated filmmaker Diane Bloom of Chapel Hill, N.C., was
struck by the community spirit and nostalgia that swept the town
when Ollie and the Go Gos came back together – some 37 years after
their breakup – to perform a two-night set in 2004. The reunion
helped Potter County celebrate its bicentennial and raised funds
for the cash-strapped Meals on Wheels program.
Bloom and videographer J. Erik Villesvik, formerly of
Coudersport, joined forces to film the 2004 performances, as well
as interviews with band members and fans. Coudersport native Larry
“Ollie” Herbstritt, who embarked on a successful music career after
the band broke up, assisted with audio production.
The result is the long-awaited “The Return of Ollie and the Go
Gos: A Video Rocumentary.” Saturday’s screening, scheduled for 2
p.m., will likely fill the 275-seat Coudersport Theatre. All
proceeds from the admission fee will be donated to the Robert
Merten Circle of Fifths Music Award.
That’s only appropriate, since the Rev. Merten had a major
influence on the lives of Herbstritt and other band members.
“He was my mentor,” said Herbstritt, whose songwriting career
includes three Number One hits on the pop and country charts, movie
scores, television theme music and other achievements. “I met Bob
at a stage in my life when I had no interest in classical music or
theory, and he opened up a whole new dimension of music to me.”
As a further tribute to Rev. Merten, Herbstritt has summoned
former Ollie and the Go Gos originals Allen Berfield, Dennis
Barnett and Carl Butler for another reunion on Saturday night.
They’ll highlight a six-hour music marathon at the Hotel
Crittenden, also as a fund-raiser for the Merten Music Award.
“Both musically and socially, Bob became our hero,” said
Berfield, rhythm guitarist for the Go Gos. “In fact, throughout his
life he made those around him feel special, as if he could see the
potential in each of us.”
The performance kicks off at 5 p.m. with “God Bless America” by
vocalist John Peet, followed by a variety of classical compositions
that were among Merten’s favorites, performed by pianist Rosemary
Wells.
At about 5:45, Brother Dietze and the Dixie Boys will take the
stage to perform traditional, ragtime and Dixieland selections.
Rev. Merten served as the band’s keyboardist for many years.
Later, Jakob’s Hollow, a local folk trio headed by recording
artist Steve Quelet, will perform several selections, including
songs from Quelet’s latest album, “Flea Circus.”
Ollie and the Go Gos will follow with a far-ranging set,
including classics by the Beatles, Byrds, Rolling Stones, Kinks and
other ’60s groups.
Later, Herbstritt will be joined by other members of his current
rock band, The Rockaholics, to close out the benefit concert with
more rock ‘n roll.
Friends of the late Rev. Merten and the Potter County Fine Arts
Council will present the Robert Merten Circle of Fifths Music Award
annually to a Potter County high school graduate who shows the most
promise studying music.
“Bob Merten’s piano playing for people of all ages, musical
mentoring, and education programs on music are sorely missed,” said
Joe Bailey, president of the Fine Arts Council. “He was such a big
part of our musical and cultural community. Our organization is
eager to honor his memory and help students seeking a career in
music.”
