New Years Day is Over!!!

Well I know that I havn't kept up with this site. But from now on I am going to try to. So NYD 2008 is over and everything is said and done. Uptown String Band preformed their routine "Infestation 08" and finished with 8th place. Not exacly what we were shooting for but it all comes down to what the judges like. Now we are waiting to go to the show of shows in Alantic city Feb 23, 2008 . Until then it is back to school and Tuesday night practices. There are many young mums who carry on a full school load, 40 hours of work a week and still are able to find time to participate in Mummery. I being one of those young mummers. I am trying to finish my pre-rec so that I can apply to nursing school. So until I am a nurse is will be tough to carry on. But my will is strong and I have alot of support from family and friends. They say that the greates revenge is to acomplish what others say you cannot do. Kudos to all the young Mums out there who have a lot on their plate and still find the time to participate in this great Philadelphia tradition of mummery.

2007 String Band Line Up

2007 Mummer's Parade String Band Lineup
1-Broomall
2-Duffy
3-Irish American
4-Trilby
5-Greater Overbrook
6-UPTOWN
7-Hegeman
8-Aqua
9-Greater Kensington
10-Polish American
11-Woodland
12-South Philly
13-Quaker City
14-Avalon
15-Fralinger
16-Durning
17-Ferko

Is it REALLY that time of year again?

Yes it is indeed MUM SEASON!!!!

Calling all mums calling all mums. The time has come yet again for early morning practice and late night prop building sessions. Hot glue gun burns, sequins and glitter in your hair and all over your face and feather's stuck to your shirt. Yes it is officially mum season. With only 60 some odd days left until New Year's Day many organizations are hard at work tweaking music and fine tuning the steps to their routine. For many a mum this tradition in Philadelphia is a hobby. But there are alot of men and women that participate in this tradition that give 110% everyday to their organization. Pretty soon the Countdown clocks in stringband club's will reach it's final days an we will officially ring in the NEW YEAR. But before we can do this we have sunday jams after practice and the hat day parade down 2 street * and no i didn't mean 2nd street I mean 2street* and let's not forget the drunken Santa Parade. Then on January 1st 2007 the working class of Philadelphia will rule the streets once again.Each organization will put on 4 and a half minute shows in front of judges and the clubs that put on the best shows will come out victoriously with top prizes. Then after the parade is over and everyones celebration ends it is back to work and back to the drawling board to start on next year's theme.

What an awesome time.

The Under 21 Band at The 2006 Show of Shows

Photo taken By: Paula Harkin's Uptown String Band

This year at the annual Show of Shows, the next generation of Mummers was given the opportunity to shine. More than 50 members of the 17 string bands, ages 4 to 21, combined to form one band, which was featured as the opening of the second half of both shows. Under the direction of two young members of the Woodland String Band, A.J. Ford III and Chuck Graser Jr, the "Kids' Band" performed 3 selections, complete with the youngest mumms struttin' out front. The band rehearsed several times in the weeks preceding the shows, resulting in an inspiring performance that we are proud to feature on this site. Rick Tierno, also of Woodland, organized the youth band that performed at the shows several years ago, and was instrumental in the success of this ambitious undertaking, although he gives all the credit to the "kids."

2005 was a sad year in which we lost many beloved and long-time mummers, among them Jimmy King, George Stewart (Woodland), Dave Reiber (Woodland/Durning-retired), Al Carango (Uptown), Joe Venuto (GOSB), Tom Lafferty (GOSB), and a gentleman from Duffy. As a tribute to these men and all others we have lost through the years, A.J. and Chuck chose to play a spiritual tune, "You'll Never Walk Alone." The song was arranged by Ross Hoffnagle of Hegeman, who passed away suddenly in 2002 at the age of 35. A.J. directed the band while a white rose, one for each mummer we lost, was placed in the spotlight. It was a touching tribute that showed the amount of respect these young men and women have for those who came before them.

We applaud the "Kids' Band," and are proud to harbor such a mature and talented group within our own ranks. We hope that they will make this showcase an annual addition to the Show of Shows. Their performance that day was certainly anything BUT that of "kids," and it was great to see them take pride in it - they set a good example for us adults. It looks like we might just have another generation behind us that is as dedicated to preserving the tradition as we are, so please continue to promote, encourage, and mentor the young members in your bands.

Written By: Amanda "MummChic" Ettinger Uptown String Band

For more fasinating features on mums please take a look at www.stringbandarchives.com

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day


Memorial Day is a day that we the citizens of the United States honor those brave men and women who have served in the Military. This day is commemorated by many ceremonies, parades, parties, fireworks and a lot or other festivities. In the Mummer community we are honored to be included in the different parades held around the country to help celebrate this special day. Last weekend the Uptown String Band was invited to join in on 5 different parades. Despite the hot weather the crowds were out and there wasn't a person watching without a smile on his or her face. Other string bands also participated in different parades. The Uptown String Band also had the privilege of marching in various parades with other String bands as well and it was good to see some of my friends cheering us on at the end. I wanted to say THANK YOU to all the brave men and women who are who have served, who are serving and to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Mummer Community along with myself send are prayers out to you and your families.

Mummers ride for a Cure

This event, as well the Mummers Cancer Fund it benefits, is being run by members of two different string bands. Please come out and support it, whether you "ride" or not! You can stop by the Mummers Museum the morning of the event and drop off a toy or donation, or join us in North Wildwood at 2nd St. Annie's for the after party. Donations for the raffle are also still needed, so if you or your business can contribute something-gift certificates, tickets, whatever-please contact me ASAP. You may contact the two gentlemen listed on the flyer (George Balzer and Matt Gigliotti), or myself, for more information, or to make a donation.

Thanks for your support,
Amanda (Mummchick)
856-308-4132 *new number*
mummergirl98@yahoo.com

Woodland String Band Blood Drive

Hello Mums!

Woodland String Band will be hosting our third annual Red Cross Blood Drive on May 13th from 9am to 2pm at our clubhouse at Third & Snyder. This is a very worthy cause and only takes a few minutes to donate. If you are interested, please email me at publicity@woodlandstringband.com.

Thanks,
Mike Dingler

Please Help Out

A truly shocking experiance

Saturday, April 1st the lights went out in the city of Philadelphia, and it wasn't an April fool's joke.

The String Band serenade started off without a hitch, the bands lined up along 2st to perform for Fralinger String Band, the first place winners in the String Band Division. Band after band performed for Fralinger then continued down the street. After Uptown String Band went by * the band I am in* we decided to put our instruments away and continue to watch the rest of the bands play. Aqua was up followed by Polish American this is when the music really started to ignite the crowds. Polish American finished their tribute and shot off confetti cannons commonly used in the New Year's Day parade. What happened next was a bit shocking.

The streamers and confetti that they shot into the air became entangled in some electrical wire's. None really thought there was any danger so the show continued on with Avalon in the distance. When all of the sudden a transformer on 2nd and Mifflin blew. A white ball of fire erupted from the wires. I thought someone ignited some fire works but that wasn't the case. Not less than 2 minutes later the transformer on 2st where all the confetti was burst and another white ball of fire shot out into the night sky. Next thing I know people were screaming and running cause one of the wires was falling. I turned to head down 2st and felt the wire hit my arm, then I was pushed out of the way by a member of Woodland String Band * Greg* So as everyone filtered out of the street police officers secured the area and the serenade was over because the power turn off. But the party was still going on in the club houses who didn't have any power loss. There were no serious injuries.