Music marches on in Porterville

Somewhere up in heaven, Frank “Buck” Shaffer is smiling.

That’s because music was flowing down Main Street all day Saturday during the Fabulous Music Jam II, an all-day music festival at the plaza at Centennial Park in downtown Porterville.

And because one of the last wishes of his life was made real.

The celebration of sound took place in conjunction with the unveiling of the Buck Shaffer Community Clock, a monument in honor of the late Frank “Buck” Shaffer, Porterville’s musical icon and former Porterville High School band director.

Starting with the Monache High School jazz band and ending with the Kenny Nordin and High Sierra band, more than a dozen bands, soloists and other acts entertained the crowd throughout the day.

Enjoying the music Saturday morning were Jim and Rachel Smith. The couple said they have lived in the area for 30 years.

“When we came to Porterville, we were amazed at how big band was here in this area and how many activities there were,” Rachel Smith said. “We were so impressed with Buck Shaffer. He was so patriotic. We no longer have a child, or a grandchild, in the band, but we’re still here supporting band.”

The Smiths said they planned on staying for a while and returning later to enjoy more music.

Virginia Garcia sat at one of the picnic areas also enjoying the music, and a funnel cake, one of many food and dessert treats offered at the event.

City Councilman Pedro “Pete” Martinez talked to the crowd between bands, frequently talking about Shaffer.

“You can see the effect Buck Shaffer had,” Martinez said. “We go to Sacramento and other areas, and they all know that we are the ones with Buck Shaffer. The effect he had on people’s lives goes way beyond our area. The number of people who attribute their success to Buck Shaffer is ongoing.”

Also enjoying the concert were Judy Hayes and her sister Christy Mattox, who traveled from Victorville to watch Jerika Hayes play piano with the Fabulous Studio Band and to enjoy the festivities in general, they said.

“The weather is perfect. We plan on returning and listening to some of the evening music, too,” Hayes said. “This is very nice. It’s much bigger than the first musical jam they had.”

As the bands and vocalists continued to entertain, each one had something to say about Shaffer.

Teen Idol finalist Vanessa Martinez belted out a few numbers from the 1950’s “Misty” to a newer version of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” before taking the microphone and dedicating “Fly Me to the Moon” to Shaffer.

As the evening progressed people came and went, ate, shopped or browsed at a number of merchant booths — and enjoyed music.
By evening, a little rain surprised several people as Latin Friends prepared to perform, but the raindrops quickly dissipated.

“We worked hard all year long with this vision that Buck Shaffer had,” City Councilman Felipe Martinez, also a member of the Time Marches On Committee, said. “I’m sure Buck Shaffer is watching from the heavens above and as this rain started, he said, ‘Stop it. We’re not done yet.’”

Overall, the members of the Porterville High Class of 1975 Time Marches On Committee, whose members spearheaded the event, were thrilled at the success of the festival.

“Porterville is a community that gives and gives,” Felipe Martinez said. “It’s an amazing feat to come together and do this. There is no better way to have Veterans Homecoming Week than having all the people have a homecoming gathering here.”

A musician parent, Kate Brackley, who was in the audience, echoed Martinez’ thoughts.

“Buck would have been so happy,” Brackley said. “It has been fun to see the different schools together. Everyone is here for one purpose, to honor Buck Shaffer by playing music.”

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047, or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.