Blues Barbershop

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

When Jerone Wedig was 12 years old, he learned to cut his own hair. When he was 16, one of his friends' mothers asked if he would cut her son's hair. Jerone had the gift of knowing not only how to cut hair, but how to style and shape his work. He had a talent for art and knew he wanted to be an artist.

As Jerone studied art and sculpture, he noted that art played a part in barbering. Composition, geometry and balance are all key elements of fine art and also of hair cutting. "Hair cutting is not just a job," Jerone says. "It's a craft, an art and a science."

It seemed natural that Jerone would someday enter the business. His shop, Blues Barbershop, in the Main Street Plaza in downtown St. George, has gained a loyal following of people who hunger for the old fashioned barbershop. I also discovered that barbering runs in the family. I saw an old photograph on the wall showing Jerone's grandfather cutting hair in Burma during World War II.

Jerone loves his work and gains great satisfaction from providing a much needed service. He is also a very talented musician and a renowned guitarist. He was hooked on blues at an early age and loved listening to Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis. That explains the microphone, sound equipment and performing stool in the corner of his shop. When he's not cutting hair, he's playing and entertaining customers. He also performs regularly as a soloist and also with his trio. Jerone recently performed in a two-night concert in New York City and he fills regular gigs around Southern Utah.

Jerone started his Blues Barbershop in Seattle when he was in his early 20s. He moved to St. George seven years ago and has been in his present location for just two years. Jerone says it's been a great move.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.