The Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society (PAMPS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to support traditional and emerging Pennsylvania musicians, promote and preserve Pennsylvania’s musical heritage and ongoing musical contributions, and support youth music activity and education.
Recent news
St Patrick’s Day events
Two of the Lehigh Valley’s up-and-coming musical talents agreed to perform as an Irish cultural band, the Shillelaghs, for the 2025 St Patrick’s Day parades in both Bethlehem, which they did on Saturday, March 15, and in Allentown, which will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 on Sunday, March 23. Devin Wachter is a graduate student at Moravian College who is a Lehigh Valley musician and audio engineer. Primarily a bass player, Devin is a multi-instrumentalist who performs, writes, and produces music. Liam Brogan is a guitarist and singer from Quakertown. Specializing in folk and punk, he’s had recent success with his band Fireswamp, performing his original music throughout the Lehigh Valley. Both musicians have performed in several area bands, and the two will be joining forces to perform as the Shillelaghs. We at the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society are proud to sponsor them.
For more information about the Allentown St Patrick’s Day parade, see https://www.allentownstpatricksparade.com.
2025 Events
Nov 16-23: Cruise with Mike Mittman and Real Oldies 1470
Don’t go cruisin’ for a bruisin’ … cruise in style this November with our friend (and PAMPS board member) Mike Mittman and Real Oldies 1470! Seven days of pure bliss (November 16-23, 2025) aboard the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas, with stops at Port Canaveral and the Bahamas. Best of all, the ship departs from Cape Liberty, NJ, making travel easier than ever. Click here for more information!
Farewell to our former treasurer Tom Dunn
Thomas E. Dunn, 81, of Phoebe Miller Personal Care, Allentown, PA, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest Hospice. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Diane L. Dunn in July of 2024.
Tom was born in Sioux Falls, SD and was a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School ’61, University of Scranton ’65 and earned a bachelor of Laws from La Salle University. He was a U.S. Army Veteran 1966-68, serving in Germany.
He was employed in the business sector by a number of companies including the National Transportation Safety Board, Buckeye Pipeline, Kelly Ford, AARP and Prudential.
Tom was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and served as treasurer for the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society during its early years. He was an avid golfer. He and Diane loved to travel to beach towns and the Poconos. He also enjoyed getting together in Williamsburg, VA with some classmates from University of Scranton every Christmas season.
Jan 30: The Market Grille Grand Opening at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Due to our collaboration with the Allentown Fair and Red Barn Family Produce in 2024 when we sponsored the Red Barn Stage performance venue, the Pennsylvania Music Society is thrilled to support the launch of The Market Grille, a brand-new eatery coming to the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market on January 30!
Brought to you by the owners of Red Barn Family Produce, this exciting new spot will serve up sourdough melts, signature hot dogs, fresh-cut fries, and more—all made with quality ingredients and local flavor.
The Market Grille will feature seating for around 48 customers at booths, tables with chairs, and an eating counter. It will occupy an updated space that previously housed Scotty’s Shore Shack, which closed in November.
Why this matters: Supporting small businesses strengthens our local economy and community. Let’s rally behind Bubba Swartley and Cori Citro as they bring this delicious new venture to life!
Attend the ribbon cutting on January 30th at 9 AM, to be followed by a few hours of music performed by Dave Marchetti, keyboard player with the popular Lehigh Valley based Mel-O-Dee Aces.
Spread the word, stop by for a bite, and support our local entrepreneurs!
For more info, view this WFMZ article.
Recent Events
Fri Dec 20: PAMPS Awards Event 2024 at the MainGate
The “Music Alive at the Red Barn Stage” and the PA Music Preservation Society sponsored performances at the Farmerama Stage during the 2024 Great Allentown Fair gave our performers a chance to showcase their talents. We were honored to have young music talent as well as seasoned performers present these well-rounded events for the enjoyment of our community. Our awards event on Dec 20 will give us a chance to honor the people who made this year’s events possible.
Bring your own food, and we’ll supply the music.
Featuring
5:30-6:30 The Smoke Mitote Group
6:30-7:00 Awards Presentations
7:00-10:00 The Main Street Cruisers
Doors open at 5 PM
Admission is $15
Snacks provided when you reserve a 10-seat table for $150.
For tickets, click here or use the camera on your mobile device to scan the PQ code.
Also coming to the MainGate:
Sat Dec 14: Latin Night