A featured attraction at the 2003 World Chicken Festival was Tony Marconi, a modern day organ grinder.  You'll also find him strolling downtown London and offering a large selection of bright and happy music produced from his authentic hand-cranked European street organ.

At the turn-of-the-century organ grinders were found in many communities of our growing country. Often of Italian heritage, they cheerfully plied their unique trade through the streets of cities and towns as well as fairs and festivals.

Prior to radio or television, few homes had the recently invented phonograph and even fewer a parlor piano.  The organ grinder found his niche by offering a few minutes of bouncy tunes to local neighborhoods. One could often find youngsters following him like a pied piper and dancing to his toe-tapping melodies.

Recapturing that golden age, and with the help of a bit of modern technology, Tony Marconi plays tunes that evoke warm memories in many people. His bouncy brand of happy melodies that will be hard to miss. Just listen for the music. 

Watch and listen as Tony Marconi offers an engaging succession of old-time popular music played on the authentic European street organ. Polkas, marches, children's favorites, waltzes, tangos and so much more. That's the music Tony marconi offers as he strolls throughout the World Chicken Festival, September 26 and 27. Tony, a modern day organ grinder, promises to be a delightful addition to the annual festivities.

Now, tell the truth. When was the last time you heard an organ grinder! If it's been too long (or more probably, never) your chance to watch and listen to the bouncy melodies created by an authentic hand-turned street organ is on its way.  Click on one of the links below to sample a few of Tony Marconi's fun selections.

SNIP-IT ONE      SNIP-IT TWO       SNIP-IT THREE