Aug 13, 2025 By Stephanie Kalina=Metzger 4 min read

It’s that time again-time for funnel cakes, carnival rides and midway games at the Washington County Agricultural Fair.

The much-anticipated annual event will take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds and Expo Center starting Saturday and will wrap up a week later on Aug. 16.

Opening night will feature a demolition derby. Other attractions throughout the week will include a rodeo, harness racing, motocross and more. The family-friendly, fun event will also have livestock and agricultural exhibits, various vendors, and rides from the nearby Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

And no fair is complete without music. Pittsburgh’s beloved, veteran doo-wop group, the Skyliners, will be at the fair on Friday, Aug. 15 to bring a dose of nostalgia and create new memories.

Big shoes to fill

Today’s Skyliners honor a legacy that began with enduring hits like “This I Swear” and “Pennies from Heaven.” One of their top hits, “Since I Don’t Have You,” was inspired by a breakup with a secretary that Skyliner manager Joe Rock was dating. It almost instantly became a hit in 1959 and today is regarded as a quintessential 1950s ballad.

Lead singer John Sarkis pointed out that the heartbreak that morphed into musical gold has been covered by a wide variety of artists, including Guns N’ Roses, Barbra Streisand, Don McLean, Art Garfunkel and Buckaroo Banzai.

In the current Skyliner lineup, Sarkis is joined by Donna Groom, Mark Groom, Jim Gregorakis and Eric Bruce, all of whom work to recreate the classic Skyliners sound.

Sarkis was promoting his own album when he was discovered by a member of the Skyliners.

“A friend of mine, who is also a singer, showed up at the Rivers Casino and brought in a couple of friends from Pittsburgh,” he remembered. “Her friend, Donna Groom, heard my cover of ‘Since I Don’t Have You,’ and later told me that she needed someone to sing with her on occasion.”

Not long afterward, Sarkis received a call from Groom, letting him know that longtime lead singer Jimmy Beaumont had died, and the Skyliners were looking to continue without holding auditions. Sarkis seamlessly stepped in and began performing with the group.

Since its inception almost seven decades ago, the band has been popular all up and down the East Coast.

“There are people who have followed us for years. One of our fans … said that if she closes her eyes, it’s as if Jimmy’s here,” Sarkis said.

Staying true to the sound

According to Sarkis, the Skyliners are able to honor the legacy thanks in part to the deep roots Donna Groom has in the group.

“She was only 18 when she joined the band 43 years ago and learned the original harmonies firsthand,” said Sarkis.

The group initially hit the scene as pioneers who were the first to incorporate large orchestration in its music.

“We may have gotten pigeonholed as a doo-wop group, but the Skyliners were much more than that,” he said.

Sarkis said the Skyliners does perform the occasional cover while trying not to replicate other acts.

“For instance, we do a medley by the Mamas and the Papas since they’re not active,” Sarkis said.

Pittsburgh roots and staying in the spotlight

These days the Skyliners play about 20 shows or so a year. They released a single, “Dancin’ in the Snow” and an album, “A Very Yinzer Christmas,” about three years ago. Their music can also be heard on Spotify, on an oldies channel called Lonely Way Radio.

Sarkis said that Pittsburgh fans are among the group’s most loyal.

“I joke that it’s a drinking town with a sports problem,” he said. “But it’s our core and they treat us well,” He points to a long list of musical legends from the region: Lena Horne, George Benson, Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and others.

What does Sarkis hope fans take from the show at the fair?

“Cherished memories and the knowledge that good music is still being performed and will be passed down through the generations,” he said. “We’ve been going for 60 years. Let’s hope for another 60.”