Apr-Oct 2025: Ritz Barbecue, Found in the 60’s, Allentown Fair, & PAMPS present
We were happy to help present another year of free Sunday car show concerts outside Ritz Barbecue at the Allentown Fairgrounds for 2025, alongside the cruise-in car shows held by the Found in the 60’s car club. Shows until Sept 14 were from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, while the concerts after that date were from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. We offered special concert seating free of charge for PAMPS members at each show (why lug chairs around?). These concerts benefit Canine Partners for Life and MountainView Horse Rescue.
Oct 22, 2025: Lehigh County Agriculture Education Day
PAMPS was proud to participate in the Lehigh County Agriculture Education Day held at the Agri-Plex on Wednesday, October 22, by arranging for talented vocalist Jesus Eduardo to sing the National Anthem at the opening.
For more about this event, in which fourth graders (and Moodonna) learned about farming and related topics, see the Morning Call photo gallery and the Allentown Fair press release.
Aug 27 to Sept 1, 2025: Music Alive at the Red Barn Stage
For the second year in a row, Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society (PAMPS) was proud to present our entertainment stage at the 2025 Great Allentown Fair, all thanks to our generous sponsors and to the efforts of Phil Stahl who organized the performances. The “MUSIC ALIVE AT THE RED BARN STAGE” was near the Red Barn produce stand in the Fairgrounds Farmers Market building. The “Music Alive” name was chosen in honor of the late Carole Gorney, Professor Emeritus at Lehigh University, who coined the phrase when she was PAMPS’ Executive Director.
The stage featured musicians of all ages who took the time to entertain our guests during the 2025 Great Allentown Fair.
The Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society aims to promote Pennsylvania’s abundance of musical talents. You can help fund our activities by donating to PAMPS, using the “Donate” link at the bottom of our Membership page.
“Music Alive at the Red Barn Stage” 2025 schedule:
• Wed Aug 27: Richmond Street Music students (5 PM)
• Thu Aug 28: Rod Miller (1 PM)
• Thu Aug 28: Josh Stott (3 PM)
• Thu Aug 28: Ernie Ernst & Ryan Levan (5 PM)
• Fri Aug 29: Bill Rice (1 PM)
• Fri Aug 29: Phil Stahl (3 PM)
• Fri Aug 29: Kevin Best & Kim Mechlin (5 PM)
• Sat Aug 30: Mike Snyder & Viviane Fusco-Ramirez (1 PM)
• Sat Aug 30: Steve Kemery (3 PM)
• Sat Aug 30: Billy Nelson (5 PM)
• Sun Aug 31: Catfish & Jo (1 PM)
• Sun Aug 31: Shaun Miller (3 PM)
• Sun Aug 31: Dave Miller (5 PM)
• Mon Sept 1: Wyatt Albright (1 PM)
May 2025: Remembering Joe Clark
We were saddened to hear of Joe Clark’s passing on May 7. Throughout his controversial career, Joe was a local music supporter and bold entrepreneur who opened and operated numerous bars, restaurants, and music venues, including Joe’s Cheesesteaks, The Dog House, The Windsor House, DJ Bananas, The Broccoli Garden, The Celery Garden, Café Le Rock, and most notably, Crocodile Rock, whose opening concert featured Julian Lennon, and which attracted many major performers including Blue Oyster Cult, Fall Out Boy, Blake Shelton, Wu-Tang Clan, Leon Russell, The Roots, Twenty One Pilots, Snoop Dogg, and many others.
At Allentown’s Archer Music Hall opening ceremony in March 2025, City Center developer J.B. Reilly wanted to recognize Crocodile Rock and its owner, whose daughter Melissa was at the ceremony. He said Clark told him, “You have to have a music hall and you have to work with Live Nation.” Reilly said he hopes Archer is “one notch up from Crocodile Rock.”
While Joe certainly wasn’t loved by everyone, I can speak from my own experience. In the 1980s I performed in a band many times at the Windsor House and DJ Bananas (which were at the same location), and I don’t remember ever being treated badly or unfairly. Joe even sat in with us on a few songs, and it was fun.
— Dave Follweiler
Thu May 1, 2025: WMUH Presents The Alex Meixner Band
Thursday, May 01, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
The Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S 5th St, Coplay PA 18037
Doors: 5:30 PM
Music: 7:00 PM
Alex Meixner is a internationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times.
Alex leads the Alex Meixner Band which performs approximately 180 times a year across the country for venues ranging from intimate events and clubs to massive festivals. The Alex Meixner Band is a regular headliner at Wurstfest (New Braunfels, TX), German Fest (Milwaukee, WI), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square, NY), and Creative Alliance (Baltimore, MD).
Mar 2025: 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 took 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 joined forces to perform as the Shillelaghs. We at the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society were proud to sponsor them.
For more information about the Allentown St Patrick’s Day parade, see https://www.allentownstpatricksparade.com.
Feb 2025: 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.
Thu Jan 30, 2025: 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 was thrilled to support the launch of The Market Grille, a brand-new eatery that came to the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market on January 30. The 9 AM ribbon cutting was followed by a few hours of music performed by Dave Marchetti, keyboard player with the popular Lehigh Valley based Mel-O-Dee Aces.
Brought to you by the owners of Red Barn Family Produce, this exciting new spot serves up sourdough melts, signature hot dogs, fresh-cut fries, and more—all made with quality ingredients and local flavor.
The Market Grille features seating for around 48 customers at booths, tables with chairs, and an eating counter. It occupies an updated space that previously housed Scotty’s Shore Shack, which closed in November 2024.
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!
Spread the word, stop by for a bite, and support our local entrepreneurs!
For more info, view this WFMZ article.
Fri Dec 20, 2024: 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.
Sat Oct 26, 2024: Halloween Masquerade Ball at the MainGate
$500 award for best costume!
Music supplied by DJ Menace
Doors open at 9 PM
Admission is $5 before 10 PM, $10 from 10 to 11 PM, and $15 after 11 PM
Must be 21 or older
Apr-Oct 2024: Ritz Barbecue, Found in the 60’s, Allentown Fair, & PAMPS present
We’re happy to announce another year of free Sunday car show concerts outside Ritz Barbecue at the Allentown Fairgrounds for 2024. Shows until Sept 8 are from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, while the concerts after that date are from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. We’re offering special concert seating free of charge for PAMPS members at each show. Please join us!
| 2024 schedule | ||||
| April 28th | Flirtin with the Mob | August 11th | Still Kick’n | |
| May 19th | The Large Flowerheads | Sept 8th | The Main Street Cruisers | |
| June 9th | The Mighty Horn Section | Sept 22nd 3-6 | The Castaway Band | |
| June 23rd | Crush | Oct 13th 3-6 | Still Kick’n | |
| July 14th | The Castaway Band | Oct 27th 3-6 | Flirtin with the Mob | |
| July 28th | Flirtin with the Mob |
Sat Oct 12, 2024: Emo Night Karaoke at the MainGate
The Emo Night Karaoke band has a setlist of over 100 pop punk/emo songs to provide the music for your vocal performance. Signups are first come, first serve at the shows, and there are several TVs scrolling the lyrics. Additionally, the band members are on backup vocals to help you out on stage.
Go to https://emonightkaraoke.com for tickets and more information!
Sept-Oct 2024: 2024 Fall in the Fairgrounds Series
Enjoy live music and food trucks from 5:00 to 7:00 every Thursday night from September 12 to October 17 at the Farmerama Stage at the Allentown Fairgrounds! This weekly series is free and open to the public.
See https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events.
9/12: Pentley Holmes
9/19: Stefanie Johnson Trio
10/3: The Audio Files
10/10: Supersonic Godfathers
10/17: TimeWhys
Aug 28 to Sept 1, 2024: Music Alive at the Red Barn Stage in the Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society (PAMPS) was proud to announce our new entertainment stage at the 2024 Great Allentown Fair, all thanks to our generous sponsors. The “MUSIC ALIVE AT THE RED BARN STAGE” was near the Red Barn produce stand in the Fairgrounds Farmers Market building. The “Music Alive” name was chosen in honor of the late Carole Gorney, Professor Emeritus at Lehigh University, who coined the phrase when she was PAMPS’ Executive Director.
The stage featured musicians of all ages who took the time to entertain our guests during the 2024 Great Allentown Fair.
The Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society aims to promote Pennsylvania’s abundance of musical talents. You can help fund our activities by donating to PAMPS, using the “Donate” link at the bottom of our Membership page.
| Wed Aug 28, 5:00-5:40 & 6:00-6:40 | Cindy Barber | Sat Aug 31, 1:00-1:40 & 2:00-2:40 | Steve Kemery & Mike Snyder |
| Thu Aug 29, 1:00-1:40 & 2:00-2:40 | Ryan Levan | Sat Aug 31, 5:00-5:40 & 6:00-6:40 | Billy Nelson (Willie Nelson show) |
| Thu Aug 29, 3:00-3:40 & 4:00-4:40 | Josh Stott | Sun Sep 1, 1:00-1:40 & 2:00-2:40 | Catfish & Jo |
| Thu Aug 29, 5:00-5:40 & 6:00-6:40 | Ernie Ernst Trio | Sun Sep 1, 3:00-3:40 & 4:00-4:40 | Shaun Miller |
| Fri Aug 30, 1:00-1:40 & 2:00-2:40 | Nina’s Quartet | Sun Sep 1, 5:00-5:40 & 6:00-6:40 | Phil Stahl |
| Fri Aug 30, 3:00-3:40 & 4:00-4:40 | Nina’s Quartet | Sun Sep 1, 7:00-10:00 | Jam session |
| Fri Aug 30, 5:00-5:40 & 6:00-6:40 | August Androu with MaRae Figuroa | Sun Sep 1, 7:00-10:00 | Wyatt Albright |
Thu June 6, 2024: Plush at the Maingate Nightclub
Along with Tom Taylor, we co-sponsored a night of rock at the Maingate featuring Plush, along with PVB, Turning the Tide, and Crooked Ways on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Sun Mar 17, 2024: St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser for PA Music Preservation Society & the MacKay Pipe Band
Sunday, March 17th, 2024 1 to 6 PM
Theatre 514, 514 N 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104
$30 per person
Refreshments
Corned Beef Dinner
Music by Dave Marchetti
Nov 2023: Great Beers for Great Causes
In November 2023, Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton released Streets of Easton IPA, dedicated to and named in honor of Jeremy Joseph, founder and leader of the Big Easy Easton Brass band, Easton’s community-based New Orleans style brass band. The BEEB spreads joy and mirth throughout the city with their performances. The name of the beer is the title of one of their signature songs, written by Joseph.
Jeremy and the band held a fundraiser at Two Rivers on Wednesday, November 29, in which the brewery donated $1 for every beer sold on that day to the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society, whose board Jeremy will soon be joining. Over $1000 was raised that evening!
Apr-Oct 2023: Music Alive at the Ritz 2023
From April to October 2023, PAMPS provided exclusive VIP seating with tables and chairs under our tent for the “Music Alive” concert series and car shows at Ritz Barbecue. This seating was free for PAMPS members and $5 for non-members. Great food, great music, and great fun, which benefited Canine Partners for Life and MountainView Horse Rescue.
| April 23rd | Flirtin with the Mob | July 23rd | The SwingTime Dolls | |
| May 7th | Castaway Band | August 13th | Flirtin with the Mob | |
| May 21st | Large Flowerheads | Sept 10th | Girl Crüe (rained out) | |
| June 11th | Relics Vintage Rock | Sept 24th | Castaway Band (rained out) | |
| June 25th | Johnny’s Jukebox | Oct 8th | Johnny’s Jukebox | |
| July 9th | Castaway Band | Oct 22nd | Desire |
Buy a year-long membership in the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society and get discount prices for all our events, including free VIP seating for all the Ritz Barbecue Car Show Concerts for the next year! New memberships are available by clicking here.
Sept-Oct 2023: 2023 Fall at the Fairgrounds Series
In 2023 we enjoyed live music and food trucks from 5:00 to 7:00 every Wednesday night from September 13 until October 18 at the Farmerama Stage at the Allentown Fairgrounds! This weekly series was free and open to the public. https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events.
Aug-Sept 2023: PAMPS sponsored four bands at the 2023 Allentown Fair
The Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society was proud to sponsor, as a gift to the 2023 Great Allentown Fair, four local marching bands over four consecutive days, as part of our Music Alive series.
We are grateful to our other sponsors:
Banko Beverage · B. F. Brown & Company Asphalt Paving · Susan & Joe Clark · Meis Road Solutions & Towing · Service Electric · Signal · WilliamSigns · Yuengling
The MacKay Pipe Band of South Bethlehem, PA was originally founded in the early 1980s in Lansdowne, PA by piper Lee Lightle. The first Pipe Major, Ritch Lipsky, and first Drum Major, Tommy Moore, championed a unique military-style pipe band for civilians. Over 40 years later, MacKay continues to proudly serve as one of the oldest continuously operating military-style bands in eastern Pennsylvania. Under the direction of current Pipe Major Kent Wires and Drum Major Lee Evett, MacKay has performed up and down the East Coast including Washington, DC and Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Kingdom Warrior Band was founded on April 2022. The directors are Joselly Vidal-Toro and his wife Yasmin Cruz, who received support and guidance to establish the band from Norman Torres and Brenda Ithier, members of the Apostolic House of Worship and Restoration. Kingdom Warrior Band has taken two workshops given by Pastor Eddie Rojas and his wife Pastor Giselle, and from Pastor Jose Miguel Perez of “Guerreros de Fe” from Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Jansel Espinal is the captain of the Kingdom Warrior Band, which now has a total of 17 members. Its mission is to bring joy to its listeners, and to help the youth who are in need or facing personal challenges to find their purpose.
The Hobo Band, a popular fixture at Halloween parades in the Lehigh Valley region, has been making merry and mayhem for nearly a quarter century. Little is taken seriously by the 30 members, who range in age from 11 to senior citizens. The members come from all walks of life, and anyone who plays or wants to play an instrument is welcome to join, according to leader and ”grand poobah” Allan Trump. The band began as an offshoot of the Original Hobo Philharmonic Precision Marching Band formed by students at Dieruff High School in 1974 to raise money to buy drums. ”We have a great time,” says flutist Wendy Siegfried, who has played in the band since the seventh grade.
The Big Easy Easton Brass is a community band, open to all ages and skill levels, who bring a New Orleans tradition to the streets of the Lehigh Valley. Anyone can walk along, dance along, sing along, shake a tambourine, blow bubbles, or learn to play an instrument and jump in! Free to join, the band rehearses at the Easton Area Community Center.