Order’s Up!

We know the Order of March for the string bands in the 2011 Comcast Mummers Parade!  Representatives of the String Bands met Tuesday night at the Mummers Museum and took part in the selection of positions.  The upshot? Fralinger is going early for the first time in a long time, South Philadelphia, too, Ferko goes up [...]

One to Watch in Pennsylvania

Former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick wants his job back.   Fitzpatrick today announced he is offically running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District.   He was defeated in 2006 by just 1500 votes in the backlash against Republicans by Democratic newcomer Patrick Murphy.  Murphy, an early Barack Obama supporter, won re-election in 2008.  Standing near St. Mary Medical Center, Fitzpatrick [...]

The Life “Aqua”

“Life” is beginning to settle back into a routine now that the 2010 Comcast Mummers Parade is a little farther in the rear view mirror, but the memories of the great moments in the parade and the wonderful participants will always remain strong.   I asked Aqua String Band Captain Ron Iannacone to share his [...]

Haiti

I spoke briefly today to Philadelphia 76er Samuel Dalembert, who is from Haiti.  The worry and concern for his relatives, friends and the people of Haiti was very evident in his face and his words.  He and the Sixers are encouraging people to help in any way they can to save lives and give hope [...]

Singing for an SMA Solution!

In the Allentown area Saturday afternoon, January 9th, swing by the Crocodile Rock Cafe  to hear some great music, meet great people and help speed research for treatments and a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Alexa Dectis will be performing her first concert.  She has cut a CD and like the CD, proceeds from the [...]

Gerlach Wants to Keep His Job

U.S. Representative Jim Gerlach (R-Chester County), who yesterday announced he was withdrawing from the race for the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania Governor, today says he will seek-re-election to Congress.  That has some Republicans disturbed because they either wanted or began lining up behind other candidates when they thought Gerlach was not going to run again. Some [...]

Gerlach Out

Breaking News…Congressman Jim Gerlach, citing the expensiveness of the race, has withdrawn from the Republican nomination for Governor in Pennsylvania.  This leaves the establishment favorite, state Attorney General Tom Corbett and the conservative state representative Sam Rohrer going for the Republican nomination.  We’ll see if Gerlach’s departure…he is a moderate Republican in the Tom Ridge mold…boosts [...]

The People Decide!

The people have chosen their favorite Fancy Brigades and String Bands in the 2010 Comcast Mummers Parade!   With a loud voice they have chosen South Philly Vikings Fancy Brigade and Polish American String Band!   Here is the Order of Finish as determined by thousands of viewers:   The top 10 String Bands:  Number 1 by a [...]

Born to Be Wild Rovers

They came off the line like UC Berkeley toward a Doritos tray.  The members of Wild Rovers Brigade eased with purpose into the judging area at City Hall and celebrated the new year as they celebrated a life.  Rod and Peg McLaughlin and many family members and friends of the late Jerry Murray performed “Grateful for [...]

Nostalgia, New Kids, Apocalypse & Dynasties

Nostalgia ruled the 2010 Comcast Mummers Parade and a changing of the guard proved reassuring for the future of Mummery. The new kids on the block, the first year captains and drill and music directors, showed they are up to taking the baton from the legends who preceeded them.  A view of the battle after Armageddon [...]