Dance and Sing to the Oldies at the Patrician Society's Annual Concert Fundraiser

For the last nine years, the , a nonprofit organization that operates Norristown’s largest emergency food cupboard, has hosted an annual benefit concert to raise funds and allow the busy charity to continue serving over 1,300 families in our area.

It's that time once again, as the annual spring music event is set for Friday, May 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. in at 714 DeKalb St.

The annual concert is the brainchild of John Kelley, a longtime supporter, volunteer and friend of the Patrician Society, who not only came up with the idea for the musical fundraising event, but enlisted the help of his old friend, Bob Siegfried, who has been a working musician (in addition to his day job) for over 30 years.

The pieces for the concert fit together seamlessly.

Contributing to various bands as a rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Siegfried and his school chum, Nick Wengrin, participated annually in private music gatherings, known within their circle of friends as "Hootenannys.” These get-togethers began with just a few fellow music devotees, but grew exponentially to include family and friends, so a larger venue became imperative. 

When Kelley mentioned his idea to host a concert-style fundraiser to benefit the Patrician Society, Siegfried responded easily, “Let’s put on a show!”

In it’s earliest incarnation, space for the Patrician Society’s benefit concert was donated by a church in Bryn Mawr. Beginning simply with just three musicians, the band, like the event, grew in size over the next seven or eight years until it became “a 17-piece orchestra” playing a blend of folk and country music that included the voices of Siegfried’s daughters—a real family affair.

‘This year, though, we’re doing something a little different,” said Patrician Society Executive Director Joe Maccolini, “and we think it’s going to be great.”

The nine previous spring music fundraisers were a great success, but 2011 brings a new and exciting undertaking. Not only is “the old band back together,” but they’ll be playing hits and familiar favorites from the '50s, '60s and '70s.

“Of course there will be dancing," said Maccolini. "It’s good, old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll!”

Cornerstones of past benefit concerts, Siegfried and Wengrin will be joined by a new musical line-up featuring Stu Eckman on drums, Al Harington on “absolutely wicked” lead guitar, and Dale Wilson on rhythm and steel guitars. 

The set list will include songs made famous by Bill Haley, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Bobby Darin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, The Drifters, Chubby Checker, The Crests, Danny and The Juniors, Richie Havens, Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Johnny Horton, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Linda Rondstadt, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Seger and more.

The Patrician Society’s 10th annual benefit concert is a family-friendly engagement and suggests a tax-deductible donation of $25 from attendees. Maccolini suggests that you purchase tickets soon, as seating is limited to 300 on a first-come, first-served basis.

To purchase tickets, please mail donations to: Patrician Society, 21 E. Chestnut St., Norristown, PA 19401. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, telephone number and email address. Or contact the Patrician Society by phone at 610-272-6316 or by email at info@patriciansociety.org.

Free parking for the concert will be available in St. Patrick‘s Church lot at DeKalb and Oak streets.

Get concert updates on the Patrician Society Facebook page!