November 2016 – This weekend I was honored to emcee a charity concert on Long Island benefiting the Katie McBride Foundation. Katie’s Koncert drew a sold-out crowd of 600 to Saint Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on November 12th. The crowd rocked out to Simon Townshend of The Who, accompanied by the phenomenal classic rock band The Legendary Murphys.
The Who’s Simon Townshend and the Legendary Murphys play at Katie’s Koncert
The Katie McBride Foundation was established in 2010 to honor the memory of Katie McBride, who died at age 11 of a rare childhood cancer. As of November 2016, the foundation has donated $100,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides support services to families such as the McBrides as their loved ones endure treatment. The Foundation also donates money to individuals and families in need.
Simon Townshend, younger brother of Pete Townshend, has been touring the world with The Who, performing for crowds up to 80,000. But he made a special trip to Long Island from London just to participate in this fundraiser. A heartfelt thank you to Simon for making the time to support this worthy cause. He was absolutely awesome, doing classic Who songs with the Murphys, who had the whole crowd going wild.
Simon Townshend
Another special treat was a performance by the Pipes & Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society, led by Bandmaster Kevin McDonough, Pipe Major Andy McEvoy and Drum Major Kevin McCarthy. Katie’s dad Mike McBride is retired NYPD and a new member of this world-renowned pipe band. As always, the performance was stirring and inspirational. The night began with music by the talented Jim (Wolfie) McGrath.
Between ticket sales and raffles, the fundraiser was a huge success. A big thanks to Mike & Jeanne McBride for inviting me to emcee this event for a second year. They are great people, it’s a wonderful cause, and we all had a fantastic time supporting the foundation and remembering Katie, who was surely smiling down on all of us from Heaven.
Check Presentation from Katie McBride Foundation
Patti Ann Browne with Simon Townshend
Patti Ann Browne with Kevin McCarthy, drum major of the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums
The Who’s Simon Townshend with Legendary Murphys