Group text label is supported in following format.

// {0} is grouped value, {1} is count in group
$grid["groupingView"]["groupText"] = array("<b>{0} – {1} Item(s)</b>");

You can set text color using css (thanks for firebug css inspector)

.jqgroup b {
color: #FF0000;
}

Only {0} and {1} is supported for now in core lib (jqGrid)

http://www.trirand.com/jqgridwiki/doku.php?id=wiki:grouping&s%5B%5D=grouptext

groupText – Defines the grouping header text for the group level that will be displayed in the grid. By default if defined the value if {0} which means that the group value name will be displayed. It is possible to specify another value {1} which meant the the total cont of this group will be displayed too. It is possible to set here any valid html content.

Thanks for the reply, but it doesn't quite answer my question.

I need to know how you arrive at {0} and/or how can I reference other information pertaining to a different row. For instance, the row just below the group heading. Or add a sql select within that command. I need to add the QTY of bartenders I need which is in another table.

Thanks again.