A look back: Aug. 22, 1979
The Northeastern Pennsylvania String Band was organized last night by John Schweitzer of Tamaqua R.1 and Charles Calise, a Lansford resident, during a session held in the Summit Hill Rod and Gun Club.
Schweitzer played with string bands in New Jersey and feels it’s time the anthracite region had one of its own. Calise called the meeting “a start,” pointing out the task of organizing a successful band will not be easy.
He said the next step is to get regional musicians involved. There is a need for accordion, saxophone and banjo players.
Membership in the nonprofit group is open to any person male or female, from age 13 on, who can play an instrument or who is interested in learning to play one.
