All posts from Jeff Meade
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In on the Ground Floor with Ambler Celtic Strings
The musicians of Ambler Celtic Strings are assembled in the community room of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library branch in Ambler, hemmed in by lime green plastic stacking chairs, and they’re running through the set list for their first gig at Jenkintown’s MacSwiney Club. As it happens with most practices, some of the tunes are a little rough around the edges, needing a few tweaks here and there, but fiddlers Bruce Fenderson and Aine O’Sullivan, […] Read More
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Friendly Sons & Daughters of Saint Patrick Celebrate at 252nd Gala
Members of the Friendly Sons & Daughters of Saint Patrick celebrated in black-tie—and often kilted—style Saturday night, packing the banquet room of the Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne. The organization, founded in 1771, promotes Irish culture and education, and has a philanthropic mission. Among the invitees were special guest speaker John Crowley, executive chairman of Amicus Therapeutics. Crowley is the subject of a book by Geeta Anand, “The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million […] Read More
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Saint Patrick’s Parade and New Grand Marshal are “On the One Road” in Conshohocken
Escorted by Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums in a ceremony Saturday night at Spring Mill Banquet Hall, Frank Burton was officially welcomed as grand marshal of the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Conshohocken. 2022 Grand Marshal Bobby Whitmore passed the title over to Burton, with the honorary sash and walking stick. Jim Gallagher was the ball’s master of ceremonies and parade chairman. Rae Dispaldo was the ball chairman. Father Bill Grogan led the opening […] Read More
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Looking Back at Philly St. Patrick’s Parades Past
These photos were taken over the years by Denise Foley, Gwyneth MacArthur and Jeff Meade. They cover many years of Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade, from 2006 on until 2022 (with a two-year gap for covid). You’ll see dancers, pipers, grand marshals, cute faces on the parade route and on the sidelines–along with some old familiar faces, some of them long gone but still remembered and cherished. We will let the photographs do the talking […] Read More