With the decline in Pennsylvania\u2019s rich European cultural heritage, the disappearance of the social clubs that once brought pride to our cultural roots, and most recently the reports that one of the last radio stations in the area that caters to Polka fans is planning on straying from this programming, there is something new coming to the all but forgotten heritage of the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society, a newly formed non-profit organization, has plans to preserve this rich heritage. Its mission is to promote Pennsylvania’s musical heritage and historic culture that is all too quickly fading away and being forgotten about.\u00a0 Organizers intend on doing this through festivals, dances, and other events. These events will be open to all ages of the general public, with the idea of bringing this important common bond to new folks to enjoy and keep alive for generations to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome say that this can\u2019t be done, with the older folks passing on and the younger generation\u2019s lack of interest in their heritage and the culture of their European ancestors.\u00a0 Our plan is to prove these naysayers wrong,\u201d says Society Founder & President, Mark Merkel. \u201cPennsylvania is rich in the cultural heritage that our European ancestors brought with them from Germany, Ireland, & Poland, just to name a few, music being a big part of that heritage.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t just about the music; it\u2019s about the cultural roots, the food, the dancing, & other activities.\u00a0 We can either let it disappear forever or try to preserve it through the types of events we\u2019re planning for both young & old to experience & enjoy,\u201d says Merkel.<\/p>\n
The Society\u2019s first event, SPRINGFEST, is set for Sunday May 17th<\/sup>, 2015 from 2:00PM to 8:00pm at The Allentown Fairgrounds\u2019 Maingate Nightclub, tapping into the old Lehigh Valley tradition of Sunday<\/span> being Polka day.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s based on the traditional German festival celebrating the arrival of spring, Maifest. Grammy nominee & Lehigh Valley native Alex Meixner is the featured performer with special guest appearances we\u2019re keeping under wraps for now,\u201d Merkel added.\u00a0 Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, 12 & under are free.<\/p>\n SPRINGFEST organizers are currently seeking other non-profit organizations to serve as food and craft vendors as well as cultural education exhibitors.\u00a0 Our experience is these non-profit organizations such as churches can provide quality food prepared from recipes handed down through the generations at a reasonable price.\u00a0 According to Merkel, \u201cWe\u2019re also looking for organizations to help arrange for a maypole dance exhibition or contest.\u00a0 It all promises to be a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n In the next few weeks the Society also plans on announcing a second and much larger event being planned for November.<\/p>\n For more information on Pennsylvania\u2019s Music Preservation Society and SPRINGFEST, visit our website at http:\/\/pamusicsociety.org<\/a> or call (610)756-7757<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advanced ticket sales are available at the Maingate Ticket Outlet located in the Fairgrounds Hotel which is adjacent to the Maingate Tuesday<\/span> through Saturday<\/span> noon until 8:00PM<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information Provided By: Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society<\/p>\n pamusicsociety@gmail.com<\/p>\n
\nMark Merkel – President<\/p>\n