The Spartans are here!

The Spartans Fancy Brigade is here and already cleaning up. Literally.   The newest Fancy Brigade went out this weekend and cleaned up the ball field complex at EOM.   Nice job, Spartans.  Adults and younger ones were on hand.

The Spartans NYB is the newest Mummers Fancy Brigade.  They are and want to be very community minded, so they took it to the streets, painting and sweeping and bagging.

The Spartans are a family-oriented club and hope to attract members who think that way, too.  Congratulations to Jerry and all the members and good luck as you prepare for New Year’s.

Members of the Spartans NYB already doing their part in South Philadelphia!

2013 Show of Shows

The wows kept coming this afternoon at the annual Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Show of Shows. Thousands of fans clapped, cheered and strutted with the Captains and the 16 bands of the String Band Association. The show began with Polish American and Captain Nick Magenta heralding what was to come with their theme, “A Rio Good Time.” Trilby and Uptown followed. Then Greater Overbrook and Duffy. Greater Kensington, Broomall and Durning finished out the first half. Captains and members of the bands paused at intermission to talk with the crowd and be photographed with the fans. Lots of interaction in the people business that is the Mummers.
The 2nd half started with a rousing performance by Aqua and Captain Ron Iannacone. The imaginative Hegeman followed. Then Avalon, Ferko, South Philadelphia, Woodland, Quaker City, and 1st Prize Fralinger. Then came the Captains in a finale capping the 3 hour show. This may have been the last Show of Shows in Boardwalk Hall. Next year the show could be in North Wildwood or Philadelphia.
Congratulations to Hall of Fame inductees Dan Marakowski, of Fralinger, Dan Spencer, of Ferko, Mark Danielewicz, of Polish American, and Joe Volkert, of Quaker City String Band.

2014 “Order of Enjoyment”

The Philadelphia Mummers String Bands tonight have selected the order in which they will march in the 2014 SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade!

The new rules for selecting the order mean that the bands that marched in the 1 through 5 positions in 2013, would automatically not be in that first group of 5 in 2014.  Those bands, Greater Overbrook, Durning, Trilby, Broomall and South Philadelphia, selected first and drew from balls that were numbered 6 through 17.

After they picked, the other bands then selected from the remaining unchosen positions 1 through 17.  They selected in the order of the 2013 prize finish, so Fralinger, for example, was the first pick in this group, or the 6th overall to pick.  There was no trading or purchasing of positions. Here is how it ended, the 2014 Order of March, or as I say:

 

The “Order of Enjoyment”

1. Woodland

2. Fralinger

3. Polish American

4. Avalon

5. Ferko

6. Uptown

7. Trilby

8. South Philadelphia

9. Greater Overbrook

10. Aqua

11. Hegeman

12. Quaker City

13. Pennsport

14. Broomall

15. Durning

16. Greater Kensington

17. Duffy

Now, let the theme selection, planning, budgeting and fundraising begin!

Big Changes

Big changes have come on the power block of 2 Street in South Philadelphia.  Fralinger and Quaker City, two of the most successful string bands of all time, have voted to replace key members in leadership positions.  Fralinger has a new Captain and Quaker City has a new Music Director.

Fralinger Captain Thomas D’Amore lost a close election to Scott Wray.  Admirers of this band and folks who know Scott wish him all the best.  However, this is also a head turner to many since Thomas has won First Prize Captain 3 of the last 4 years and the band has won First Prize in 2 of the last 4 years.  Thomas has not only excelled as a Captain on Broad Street, but has been professional in his public role as Captain and giving of his time to charitable causes.

Fran Rothwein is no longer Music Director of Quaker City String Band.   QC has selected Michael Spanky Brown for the role.  Spanky is another talented and hard working member of Quaker.  Fran has served as MD for nearly 20 years in one of the most successful periods of the band’s history.  He is a flat-out good guy, and talented, too.  Quaker also recently gave him an award for coming back from illness.

Well-meaning Mummers everywhere should recognize the quality and contributions of Thomas D’Amore and Fran Rothwein, and we should all hope that in whatever capacity they choose and Mummery allows, that we will see and hear more of them.

2013 Viewers’ Choice Awards Finalists

VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS!

All Mummers are invited to SugarHouse Casino Wednesday night, Jan. 23rd for the PHL17 2013 SugarHouse Casino Viewers’ Choice Awards presentations. The festivities begin at 7pm. However, we can now reveal the FINALISTS in the Fancy Brigade and String Band categories as chosen by the viewers. Thousands of votes were cast by viewers of the parade and here are the finalists.

The top 3 finalists in ALPHABETICAL order, not necessarily final order are:

In the Fancy Brigades,

 

 

 

 

Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars,  Saturnalian NYA,

 

and South Philly Vikings.

 

 

And in the String Bands, again in alphabetical order, the top 3 finalists are:

Fralinger, Quaker City, and South Philadelphia String Band.

Congratulations to those six and congratulations to other clubs who finished a close 4th and 5th with the viewers. More will be said about that next week as well.

 

The Bells of Joe Trinacria

It is always special when someone has done something well for a long time.  Mummery by nature respects tenure and accomplishment.  Joe Trinacria hits every note in the above description.

On New Year’s Day, 2013, Mr. Trinacria marked 50 years since he first marched with a String Band.  He is a legendary glockenspiel, or bells, player.  “The bells mean everything to the string band sound. It’s the signature sound,” says Joe. He adds, “When people heard the bells, they knew a string band was coming.”

A half a century of Mummers history flows through this Hall of Famer and former Captain of Uptown String Band.  One of Joe’s fondest memories is taking 3rd prize Captain in 1980 with Uptown. It was a Hawaiian theme.

His Mummers life is a travelogue of performances and parades. Often, his view was from deeper within the bands, where the percussion is often positioned.  He could see much of the show, but it was from the opposite view of fans.  He strutted briefly with Liberty Clowns in the early 1960′s, but would go on to explore string band sounds with Durning, Aqua, Joseph A. Ferko and Harrowgate. His spent 17 years with Uptown String Band, 9 years with Woodland and most recently has been with Greater Kensington String Band.

Funny thing about the bells for Joe is that playing them was more or less accidental. He had gone out to buy a Christmas present for his nephew and wound up liking the “toy”.

From there a love affair with the bells began.  Joe does not read music.  He has a great ear and can bring out the life that is in the instrument.  His is not a “slap-hammer” style.  He tells me, “I know dynamics.”

Joe Trinacria is now 80 years of age and looks back at New Year’s Day from his home in Bensalem and sees great memories. He is one of the living historians of Mummery. He has untold stories of half a century of parading and living the Mummer tradition. Now, however, Joe looks forward with some uncertainty. Health issues make him concerned that more parades for him could be difficult.  But, doctors tell him playing the bells and strutting up Broad have done wonders for him. So, Joe, please keep playing and chart a course up Broad to see us “on the street” in 2014.  We’ll know you’re coming, when we hear the bells.

To the Winners!

The 2013 SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade launched the new year, Philadelphia-style! Thousands of strutters celebrating the new year and writing another chapter in the history of the Mummers tradition.

A salute to the Murray Comic Club for another big win and to Murray’s winning Captain Dennis Pellegrino.

The Goodtimers Comic Club scored in the comic brigade category with Rabble Rousers NYB and their theme, “Scrapitalism.” B. Love Strutters and Jesters take 2^nd and 3^rd. Last year’s winners, Two Street Stompers finish a strong 4^th.

Congratulations to Jackie Bam Bam of Golden Sunrise. The Alice Cooper of Mummery takes 1^st Prize for his “Black Magic” in the Handsome Costume category of the Fancies.  John Lucas builds a great suit.

Hog Island takes first prize among the Fancy Clubs.

Golden Sunrise’s Matt Glovacz with that awesome engine and box car takes 1^st Prize Fancy Captain.  The Hog’s “Polynesian Volcano Dancer” with Bryanne Hornung takes 1^st in the King Clown category ,“Flight of the Monarch” with Bill Chischnijak wins King Jockey, and “Guardian of the Crown” with Jesse, Tabitha and Shannon win Handsome Trim.

Bryson wins! Congrats Pop, and a tip of the bonnet to Bryson Captain Eddie “Gootch” Bryson for winning 1^st  Prize Captain in the Wench Brigade Division. Bryson NYB takes 1^st Prize among the wenches for their “Fight Like A Lady” theme in beautiful pink and white. Great job, great cause, heart-felt.

JHJ Saints finish a good 2^nd; George Stewart’s Pirates a strong third.

In the String Band Division, Fralinger overcame the fire and last year’s un-Fralinger like finish in results and came “Back From the Dead” to win 1^st Prize with their haunting, zombie like theme.  However, it was close. Just 6-tenths of a point separates Fralinger and number 2 Quaker City String Band, who delivered a textbook performance that will have fans of each club debating for years. Woodland performed as Champions and finished a strong 3^rd this year. 

South Philadelphia comes in 4^th; Ferko 5^th.  Hegeman with its exquisite 1960’s London love story finishes 6^th. Avalon-7^th; Aqua-8^th; Polish American 9^th and Uptown 10^th. Rounding out the field are Pennsport, Duffy, Broomall, Durning, Greater Kensington,Greater Overbrook and Trilby.  Congratulations to Felicia Kaminski and Anthony Mulzet on their engagement!

Congratulations to Fralinger Captain Thomas D’Amore for winning 1^st prize Captain again. Jack Hee takes 2^nd prize again. Wonderful entrance, Jack, from the elephant.  Denny Palandro takes 3^rd. Great performance by Ryan Radcliffe lifts him to 4^th. Charlie Roetz takes 5^th, followed by Charlie Nicholas, John Baron, new Captain Nick Magenta, and Ron Iannacone who completes the top ten.

Congratulations to South Philly Vikings and to new Captain, Gerald Roccia for finishing 1^st in the Fancy Brigade Finale and 1^st among Captains with their performance of “RU Game.” Downtowners take 2^nd and Saturnalian 3^rd. Avenuers are 4^th and Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars are 5^th.  Bob Fitzmaurice takes 2^nd in the Captain’s category; Frank DeVito ,3^rd.

Enjoy the moment!

The 2013 SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade “Order of Enjoyment”

The most wonderful time of the year continues with the 2013 SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade.  Some 10,000 Mummers will strut. They will be spread across 5 major divisions and about 40 “mother” clubs.  Below is the Order of March, or as I say, the Order of Enjoyment.

Comic Division

1. 
2. Landi  Captain Lorraine Cross    Lorraine is doing “Does Anyone Have Some Mustard?”

2. Murray* Captain Dennis Pellegrino   Dennis is doing “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave”

3. Goodtimers Captain Angelo Molinaro   Angelo is doing “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Mummer”

Wench Brigade Division

1. Bryson “Fight Like A Girl”  Captain Eddie “Gootch” Bryson
2. Riverfront “Mummers Can-Can for 25 More” Captain Tom Kelhower
3. Pirates “Pirate Wrecking Crew 2013” Captain George Stewart
4. Oregon “Struttin on the Moon” Captain Jim Paley
5. O’Malley* “Jammin’ Up Broad” Captain Ed Smith
6. Saints “American Made Wenches” Captain Mike McQuilkin
7. Cara Liom “The Night of the Strutting Dead” Captain Bill Conway
8. Froggy Carr “Fifty Shades of Green” Captain Joe Renzi

Fancy Division

1.Hog Island*  Captain Kenny Medeiros**

Kenny is doing “Flying Down to Rio.”

2.Golden Sunrise Captain Matt Glovacz

             Matt is doing “Hobo Express.”

String Band Division

1. Greater Overbrook “Headin’ For The Hills” Captain Bill Razzano
2. Durning “What’s Hop-pening” Captain Joseph Pomante
3. Trilby “Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Mum” Captain Joseph Kaminski
4. Peter A. Broomall “Just What The Doctor Ordered” Captain Peter J.  Broomall, Sr.
5. South Philadelphia “Barnyard Moosical” Captain Denny Palandro
6. Hegeman “Just Imagine…” Captain John Baron
7. Woodland* “A Knight You Won’t Forget” Captain Tom Robison
8. Aqua “Bummin’ & Mummin’ on Broadway” Captain Ron Iannacone
9. Uptown “Keystone Kops and Kapers” Captain Ryan Radcliffe
10. Polish American “A RIO Good Time” Captain Nick Magenta
11. Avalon “Big Top on Broad” Captain Jack Hee
12. Ferko  “Ferko’s Bringin’ Back Those Minstrel Days” Captain Anthony Celenza
13. Greater Kensington “G.K. Rides Again” Captain Mike Kavchok
14. Quaker City “Pow Wow” Captain Charlie Roetz
15. Pennsport “Mummies in DeNile” Captain Charlie Nicholas
16. Duffy “Duffy Takes The Cake” Captain Ted Kudrick
17. Fralinger “Back From The Dead” Captain Thomas D’Amore

 Fancy Brigade Finale (inside PA Convention Center)

1. Golden Crown  “Apocalypse: Activate Thunderdome” Captain Rob Runowski
2. Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars “Super Heroes! Super Villains! Super Thrills!” Capt. Michael Adams
3. Jokers  “Midnight Masquerade” Captain John Lynch Jr.
4. Satin Slipper “Cyborgs” – Rise of the Machine Captain Tom “Terk” Gindville
5. Downtowners  “The Planets….Gods of the Sun” Captain Frank DeVito
6. Saturnalian  “The Mayan Prophecy: Mystery of the Crystal Skulls” Captain Jack Hatty
7. South Philly Vikings*  “R U Game” Captain Gerald Roccia
8. 2^nd Street Shooters “Vikings: Legend of the Dragon Claws” Captain Dave Brutnitsky
9. Clevemore “Alien Rising…Battle for the power of the Frozen Planet” Captain Ralph Tursi
10. Avenuers “Gathering of Nations: Spirit of the Eagle” Captain Bob Fitzmaurice

*Signifies 2012 division champion

**City of Phila had reported different order

Soup Day Success

The annual Soup Day, or Hat Day, or Kazoo Day, among other names, has been highly successful along Two Street.  Members of Mummers Clubs rehearsed in the morning or worked in the clubs or warehouses. Some attended Mass at St. Peter’s. Then, in the afternoon, as the hours progressed a very family-oriented event occurred inside the Mummers Museum: the first annual Soup Day Soup Contest.

Congratulations to Donna Howlett, of the JHJ Saints who took first prize with her soup, a sausage and spinach delight.  Froggy Carr finished a close second with a cream crab corn chowder. Satin Slipper was a close third with its navy bean soup.  Here are the Howlett’s. They now own the inaugural Golden Ladle Trophy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsport String Band was among the early serenaders moving down 2nd Street and Third St. in South Philadelphia as

the daylight began to fade.

Wench Brigades and Fancy Brigades and other String Bands added to the festive atmosphere.

Members of Froggy Carr reminisced and anticipated parade day.  I enjoyed meeting Katie and Patrick Molony , who’s father, Tom,  left us this year.  The Frogs dedicate the upcoming parade to Tom Molony.

I was invited inside Avalon String Band’s clubhouse for their annual family Christmas Party. It was packed. What a wonderful collection of families.  I also presided over the induction of ten gentlemen into the Avalon String Band Hall of Fame.  Congratulations to the following men and their families: Matt Bochanski, the late Tom Cavanaugh, Marv Goodwin, Jim Kimrey, Frank McGugan, Kevin O’Brien, Bill Rinnier, Lex Rogers, Joe Urzillo, Sr., and Mike Vitanza.

Up and down Mummers Row there were good times and a hint of the fun day ahead on New Year’s Day. Dot Thompson, Franny Callan and Delores Macklin enjoyed the day.  Dot and Delores were soup judges, too.

The Parade is a Go!

The 2013 SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade is officially on track!  Mayor Michael Nutter, Congressman Bob Brady, Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis, Mummers Division representatives and others today announced the joyful event at a news conference outside the Philadelphia Visitors Center at LOVE Park.  The 113th annual parade* is, of course, scheduled for New Year’s Day with the Comics leading off as usual from Broad and Washington.  Mayor Nutter praised the uniqueness of the parade and how no one will ever get anything like it anywhere in the world.

Congressman Brady talked about the importance of these Philadelphia traditions continuing.  The Philadelphia Traditions Fund also presented the mayor with a check for $100,000 to defray costs of the parade.  Each year, the Fund helps support about 10 major parades and festivals in the city and a few smaller ones.   Also on hand today were several children who had won the Mummers drawing competition.  The city has made some adjustments to the bleachers this year. There will be more bleachers, especially at the main “A” Stand judging area at 16th and JFK.  More bathrooms and food vendors, too.  But, the most comfortable place to witness the parade will be in your family room, watching on PHL17.   PHL17.com will also stream the parade for Mummers fans, especially those in the Armed Forces.   PHL17 reports viewers watched the e2012 parade online in all 50 states and 85 nations.

*This is the 113th official parade, though really 2 parades in the first half of the 20th Century did not take place.  But, for simplicity and because some Mummers still strutted in their neighborhoods in those 2 years, folks still count from 1901.