SPV’s Got Talent, even if…

South Philly Vikings rule, even if “America’s Got Talent” didn’t  fully appreciate it tonight.  Yes, SPV did not make it to the next round of AGT.  The moment I know was disappointing, if not crushing for some of the members.  They put so much time and energy and hope into it. They worked for it. I saw them work. 

SPV

 I heard them talk about the fantastic dream they were living.  Now, the dream is over in the most obvious sense, but really, it will live for a long time.  I think we should look at this way.  South Philly Vikings got farther than thousands of other people.  While making the journey, they performed beautifully and carried the flag of the Mummers high.  They showed an America unaware of the Mummers what talented, good people Mummers are.  They were real Mummers.  People who look out for and care for each other and while doing so, make many of us smile.  I believe that as the hours and days go by Captain Pete D’Amato and his Fancy Brigade will love what they experienced and they should.  South Philly Vikings Fancy Brigade, that was quite a story.   Thank you.

Vote Vikings!

The South Philly Vikings did Mummery proud tonight on America’s Got Talent.  Excellent, entertaining performance, Pete D’Amato and all the Vikings.  Voting begins at 11pm tonight and lasts for 2 hours.  Phone 1-866-60-AGT-01. Or, if you have ATT, text vote 4801.

Vikings Rule L.A.

The Contenders

As I FB’d earlier in the week, I enthusiastically watched members of the South Philly Vikings in their last Philadelphia rehearsal before they left for Los Angeles.  SPV is  in L.A. and rehearsing for their next appearance on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”  Captain Pete D’Amato says, “The competition is pretty wild. There’s some good stuff.”  What do the Vikings have planned?  I won’t give it away, but I will tell you that you’ve never seen the Vikings do what they are about to do.  With some energy and creativity, SPV will put on a new performance, which is a good move because the judges want to see new things from the contestants.  The brigade also will have more members performing than they had in New York.  The Vikes say thanks to Al Delbuono for working so quickly, so well, and so affordably, on the costuming.   Captain Pete says doing this competition is expensive, but they wanted to do it for the Mummers and now that they are in the top 48, out of thousands of contestants, SPV also really wants to win.  Co-choreographer Maria Lauer is proud of how the members have worked so hard, the hairstylists, electricians, desk workers, and others, now all dancers.  Maria says the ”power and energy” of the Fancy Brigade’s performance is strong.  Watching the rehearsal, I agree.  So, in addition to the Phillies game, tune in “America’s Got Talent” this coming Tuesday night, July 27th, to cheer on the Vikings and to make sure you vote for them.  There will be a phone number given out at that time and I will also post it here.   Go SPV.  Burbank and Hollywood are yours.  Grab it.

Entertaining and Honest, too!

The members of  the Original Trilby String Band have passed the test.  A real world test.  Ever wonder what you would do if you found about $1500.00?  Well, Trilby had to make the call.  As Captain Joe Kaminski tells it, a member of the band (Kyle)  opened the mail box at the Haworth Street clubhouse in Bridesburg and inside was…money.  Lots of money.  Neatly wrapped 20 dollar bills.  $1500.00 worth.  No note.  Nothing else unusual. After a little discussion about who could have left it there (was it an anonymous donation?), and about what to do with the cash, Kaminski took the money to the police.  Turns out it was probably stolen from a nearby bank on Kirkbride Street.  The FBI put out this description of the robber:  “The subject is described as a white female in her 30’s, 5’5” tall, 130 pounds, wearing a military-style camouflage cap with blond hair pulled up inside the cap, sunglasses, a bluish green t-shirt, and khaki shorts.”   So, the robber was either a modern day Robin Hood, or had a change of heart, or just got scared and not wanting to be caught with the cash, stashed it in Trilby’s mail box. Perhaps, she intended to go back and get the loot later.  Whatever the case, the band was briefly in the money.  But, in the end, did the right thing.  Easy come, easy go, right Joe?   Now, we may call the band, “The Honest Original Trilby String Band.”

Happy Campers

As you enjoy your summer, so, too, do some camping friends of mine who got to enjoy MDA Summer Camp in Montgomery County.  The Muscular Dystrophy Association makes the week long camping experiences available thanks to the generous donations of you and so many others.   Firefighters from across the region prepare meals for the kids.   Firefighters from Burlington County were on hand as I visited.  Harley Davidson owners, who raise lots of money through their rides, also come to camp to give the kids rides in a sidecar.  The camp is filled with fun experiences.  There is the big parade in keeping with the theme of the week.  This year it was games and a rainy, misty day did not deter these campers.  The good folks at Lowe’s helped build and paint the floats and suits on site with the kids.  But, the fundamental strength of the camp is that gives young people living with neuromuscular diseases a chance to be in an environment tailor made for them, a week where no explanations are necessary and friends are all around.   The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon unofficially ends the summer. Look for you there on myphl17.

Vikes on a Quest

The mighty South Philly Vikings have conquered another major hurdle in the quest to prove they are the greatest on “America’s Got Talent.”  They live on, having succeeded now in Las Vegas, and are headed to Los Angeles.  Only a few contestants remain.  I’ll keep you posted.  Go South Philly Vikings!