History of the Scharr-Ello Music Room:


The Scharr-Ello Music Room at the Mary C. O'Keefe Center was conceived in 2004 when a local band, Figment, decided to put on several shows at the Mary C. O'Keefe Center's Auditorium as a benefit for the Center. The relationship between the boys and the Mary C. grew into a full sponsorship of the future music room at the center, which was named after the grandparents of band members Travis and Alex Scharr, Ruth and Orwin Scharr and the grandfather of band member Brad Dale, Joseph Ello. In late Summer 2004, the musicians, Travis Scharr, Alex Scharr, Daniel Lorrain and Bradley Dale, assumed the name of The Un'Beatle'bles and played two sold-out Beatles tribute fundraisers. They also played a concert featuring original material to a nearly sold-out audience. With the help of the community, the total money raised that summer topped the $10,000 mark.

Although Figment has since disbanded, the boys continue to raise money and support the center in their own ways. In 2005, the First Annual Ocean Springs Music Festival was put on as a group effort between the Scharr and Dale families and many other local people. The Un'Beatle'bles also reappeared for the festival thanks to Jamie Favors and Clay Bates who, along with Travis and Alex Scharr, put on another successful Beatles show. The Festival was sponsored by Peavey Electronics of Meridian, MS, and despite weather issues, was considered a success.

The Second Annual Ocean Springs Music Festival was held on August 5th, 2006 and brought in close to 1,000 people to downtown Ocean Springs over the weekend. The River Company, the current group which Travis and Alex Scharr, Bradley Dale, and Jamie Favors all are members of, performed two shows in December 2006 as the Un'Beatle'bles to celebrate how the fundraising had kicked off in association with the opening and dedication of the Scharr-Ello Music Studio.

Joseph Ello, the grandfather of Bradley Dale and the Ello namesake in the Scharr-Ello Studio was the guest of honor for the dedication on December 29th, 2006 and performed the ribbon cutting duties. Dr. Ello has since passed, but his legacy will live on through the Scharr-Ello Music Studio and Foundation for many years to come.

Between the original concerts, the Music Festivals, and several sponsorships, fundraisers, and grants, over $50,000 has been raised for the Music Room. For up-to-date information on the progress of the studio at the Mary C., click here or on the "Studio" link on the sidebar.