rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:06:09

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I know that not many here are very familiar with the Mummers tradition in the Philadelphia area, so I thought it was high time that I start posting links to some fantastic examples of what's going on with this long standing tradition.

As you can see, banjos are only a part of the overall package, but the banjo is the premier instrument that most people think of when you say "String Band" in Philly. Things have evolved to where they are now greatly outnumbered, but 100 years ago, most bands were made up primarily of banjos and mandolins. Thus the term "string band".........ENJOY!!

PS......Ferko is my odds on favorite to win the 2011 competition this coming New Year's Day ;)

youtube.com/watch?v=wod5P-JZdNE

Dogface - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:33:32

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Dunno that I've ever seen anyone marching with an upright string bass before. !

Banjov1 - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:48:27

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I love these Mummer bands. I wish Philly had this parade in the fall or spring though. The one time I was up there on New Year's day, we had planned to go see the parade, but it was too cold and we decided not to go, (that was also before I was playing the banjo).

One of these days I'll get up there and check it out. From all the videos I've watched, It looks fantastic!

T

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  14:59:03

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My old alma mater of the 1980's today..........Quaker City String Band

I love their version of Saints.

youtube.com/watch?v=3urPVdoM_-4

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/10/2010 15:02:35

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  15:08:28

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Quaker City warming up for Broad Street NYD 2009 - Scarecrow/Barnyard theme

youtube.com/watch?v=8784v748ohs

and on NYD 2010 - Theme: The Mums from LaMancha

youtube.com/watch?v=HechPOY_92I

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  15:12:13

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.....and their actual performance for the judges

youtube.com/watch?v=c6T5G0xmd_...1&index=3

Dogface - Posted - 09/10/2010:  19:35:42

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I guess I just don't get it. Does nothing for me..but then I never liked Philly at all.

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  19:54:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by Dogface

I guess I just don't get it. Does nothing for me..but then I never liked Philly at all.

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Not an uncommon sentiment, especially from folks outside the area. When people ask what it's about, the answer or explanation most often offered up is quite simply "I dunno, it's in your blood". More or less, I take that explanation to mean that it takes being from here and growing up with it to understand it or to have it grow on you.

It's actually a tradition that came over with the immigrants from Europe with much more meager, neighborhood oriented roots. What it has grown into in Philly is off the charts compared to the original tradition. I can go on and on about the entire history of the thing, but that would only suit those with an interest in it. Otherwise, the best way I can describe it is just being our own local Mardi Gras type thingamajigee.

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/10/2010 19:58:48

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/10/2010:  20:13:51

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Speaking of Mardi Gras, it has always been one of my favorite themes used in Mum competitions.

Quaker City's presentation for 2004.............

youtube.com/watch?v=BSVmOd78No...&index=13

................followed by Ferko for 2009.

youtube.com/watch?v=Y1oe7CTDFtI

aroblin - Posted - 09/11/2010:  04:08:38

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Thanks for posting, rudykizuty.

I really enjoyed it.

Andrew

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/11/2010:  06:05:38

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You're welcome, Andrew. I'll post more as I find the time.

Thanks.

Anthony

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/12/2010:  08:47:10

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A few more Mardi Gras themes.....1995 Trilby String Band....a few friends in the band I'm with now were with this one........

youtube.com/watch?v=BmQzcdWZb9o

....1995 Fralinger String Band..........

youtube.com/watch?v=NIFljzSwtRI

PS with some prop maladies in BOTH presentations that cost each band dearly in points awarded by the judges

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/12/2010 08:50:17

Compass56 - Posted - 09/12/2010:  18:17:55

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I watched the Fralinger video. Are they really playing? Some of it sounded canned to me.

Tony L.

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/13/2010:  02:32:42

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HI Tony,

Yes, they're most definitely playing. The coverage is shot live at City Hall where the parade is judged and the only thing electronic going on is the tv station picking up the action with their microphones and cameras. The area is lit as well since the parade lasts into darkness.

A band that does anything to electronically enhance their sound, such as using amplifiers or electric instruments are disqualified from the competition. I've seen some of the rules get pushed to their limit over the years. But that's one rule that no one has ever dared go near.

=Anthony=

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/13/2010 02:47:34

Compass56 - Posted - 09/13/2010:  03:01:58

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Anthony, I am very impressed. Those arrangements are complex, and the bands pulled off the arrangements super-clean! And all of that was done outside, in the cold, and in costumes with choreography. God bless 'em.

Tony

JedZeppelin - Posted - 09/13/2010:  03:09:47

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quote:

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Originally posted by rudykizuty

quote:

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Originally posted by Dogface

I guess I just don't get it. Does nothing for me..but then I never liked Philly at all.

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Not an uncommon sentiment, especially from folks outside the area......

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I was born in Norristown..... and I don't get it either.

Compass56 - Posted - 09/13/2010:  03:12:21

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It's fun and it's impressive--If there's something to get other than that, please explain it to me.

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/13/2010:  03:34:31

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Yes, it's most definitely a fun thing to be a part of. And for some, it's entertaining. As you can tell from the crowd responses, there are many in that category who really look forward to it every year. Just think of it as a very fancy marching band competition.

Jed, I hear ya. But while I wouldn't go so far as calling Norristown "the sticks", it isn't exactly "Two Street" either. I know people that close who are Mets and Cowboys fans!! Go figure.

PS Tony, Fralinger is the reigning best in the business. They've won the championship the last 8 years in a row. That's unprecedented and is twice as long a streak as the old record.

=Anthony=

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/13/2010 03:39:26

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/16/2010:  03:12:26

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Another favorite....the Uptown String Band playing "June Night" in concert.

youtube.com/watch?v=MOw7VW0ijt4

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/16/2010:  03:17:24

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This was just recorded last Thursday evening.....Greater Overbrook String Band under the direction of yours truly.

youtube.com/watch?v=GlWe_2qpMBg

yellowdog - Posted - 09/16/2010:  08:11:00

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Hi Anthony

I've finally found a Mummer, (you), who might help me locate a tune that I remember the mummers bands playing on TV in the 1950's. I've searched years for it including looking at mummers youtube videos. The song has the phrase, "Hello, Hello, Hello" repeated frequently in it and it was frequently included in their New Year's Day parades. Can you tell me anything about this tune or where I might find it?

Thanks,

Frank Geiger

Compass56 - Posted - 09/16/2010:  09:23:24

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Oh my goodness! I thought you knew every tune Frank! Seriously, your tune knowledge is impressive.

Tony

yellowdog - Posted - 09/16/2010:  18:55:38

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Here are few more comments on the 1950's mummer bands as I remember them from our old black and white TV. Unlike the mummers bands in these videos the '50's mummers music was very simple and almost always included "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover, "Just Because" (Just Because You Think You're So Pretty), "Bye, Bye Blues", "Baby Face", "Sin To Tell A Lie" and other well-worn four string banjo standards. And as has already been mentioned most of the mummer's instruments were four string banjos. Their sound was almost identical to what one hears today in jam sessions at four string banjo conventions. Seeing and hearing those old mummers parades on TV as a struggling tenor banjo beginner of age 12 was not only inspiring but reassuring, because I had never seen more than one or two four string players on TV. I also had never seen another living tenor banjo player! (And wouldn't for another 15 or 16 years!) The mummers didn't convince me that I wasn't crazy with my four string banjo/old music mania but they did convince me that I wasn't alone with it and that I should be living in Philadelphia.

Frank

pgroff - Posted - 09/17/2010:  01:03:53

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Hi Frank,

Is this the song you are remembering?


il.youtube.com/watch?v=vh-qGMk...e=related

see also:

mudcat.org/thread_pf.cfm?threadid=47393

Paul

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/17/2010:  03:46:50

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Paul, Frank,
When I saw the question, the tune in the YouTube video is exactly where my mind went. So yes, that is most definitely the one. Unfortunately, there's not much I have to offer in the way of information regarding this tune, other than the fact that I personally have never played it. I'm with my 3rd string band now, and it's not been in the book of any I've been associated with.

Frank,
Your recollection of the Mummers' string band evolution is spot on. Back in the day, there were a LOT more banjos, along with mandolins and guitars. But, with the annual parade being a competition, more and more saxophones have worked their way into the lineup to create a more impressive and powerful sound.

In our free time at parties and such (like tonight!!....woot woot!!) many Mums still jam to the classic old time Mum standards, a list of tunes pretty much familiar to everyone here....."Bye Bye Blues", "Happy Days Are Here Again", "When You're Smiling", "Baby Face", "When The Saints Go Marching In", "Alabama Jubilee", "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover" and the mother of all Mum tunes, "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers" .......

and yes, we've shortened some of the titles......Happy Days, Saints, Jubilee, Four Leaf Clover and "The Boot"......or "Golden Boot".

=Anthony=

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/17/2010 04:21:13

yellowdog - Posted - 09/17/2010:  06:49:54

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Thanks, Paul and Anthony. That's the tune! I have been remembering and searching for it for years so I am indebted to you. I have heard it sung before so there are words and I will continue my search for them and also any background information about the song - who wrote it and why, etc. If I can find the words I'll be sure to add it as an introduction to some of the shows for seniors that I do. It is a simple little tune but is very catchy and uplifting - enough to haunt me for years! - Great Mummer's tune!

Gratefully yours,
Frank

banjofanatico - Posted - 09/17/2010:  16:39:09

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I didn't realize they did that in Philadelphia - I need to get over there. Nice rendition of "Hello, My Baby"


David

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/17/2010:  21:41:37

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Thanks, David.

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/12/2010:  04:47:08

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Well, it's Mum season and I'm back to scavenging through the videos. Here's one of Quaker City String Band in 2002....first prize in the String Band category for the fourth straight year. They have a great banjo section which is featured at 2:00 into the video and again at 3:27.

youtube.com/watch?v=phNWMPp-wH8

Compass56 - Posted - 12/12/2010:  06:30:29

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Incredible!

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/18/2010:  08:26:48

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Fralinger in 2002.....terrific dynamics in this set.......exit number is very sweet...."Some Day My Prince Will Come"

youtube.com/watch?v=29oy058yyVM

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/18/2010 08:27:20

Compass56 - Posted - 12/19/2010:  02:46:56

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Yes, yes, and yes! This mum stuff is too great.

Tony L.

Bjorn Koch - Posted - 12/23/2010:  10:19:02

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Tenor Player,
Love the accordian and banjo together. Playing presently with an accordian and mandolin player and it produces a nice mix. Sometimes in these mummers bands the brass becomes to dominating. I feel they are sometimes substitutes for lack of good and solid melodi players on the banjo. Love the sound of some mummers bands however.

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/23/2010:  10:51:49

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There's no brass allowed. They're all saxophones, which is a reed instrument. The dominance of the saxophone in modern Mum bands came by way of evolution. They obviously create a more powerful sound. And power wins. It is, after all, a competition.

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/23/2010 10:52:46

stevengaub - Posted - 12/24/2010:  09:53:10

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Takes me back. I was stationed in south phillie in the 80's. Never got to the parade but saw it on the tube. I was into Appellation Lap dulcimer.

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/24/2010:  15:12:02

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Steven, when you say stationed....at the Navy yard?

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/30/2010:  07:49:41

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Interesting article about the unique setup of a Mummers String Band....

philly.com/inquirer/front_page...viewAll=y

aroblin - Posted - 12/31/2010:  02:47:54

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Thanks, Anthony. That's an interesting article.

Andrew

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/31/2010:  06:55:38

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Sure thing, Andrew.

Had our final rehearsal last evening. The big day is tomorrow. The jitters have arrived. LOL

= Anthony =

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Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/31/2010 06:56:21

rudykizuty - Posted - 01/02/2011:  21:11:11

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Yesterday was the 111th Annual Philadelphia Mummers parade. Yesterday surpassed all other years in most fun I ever had on Broad Street. Here is link to my group's performance.

youtube.com/watch?v=P2IO5IQ17BQ

I start out in the center of the band, but wind up on the far right from "Good Old Summertime" onward.

= Anthony =

rudykizuty - Posted - 01/02/2011:  21:15:52

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AND, the winner was that old gang of mine, the Quaker City String Band.....we marched next to last and all we heard up the street was that they were going to win it, hands down. They sure did. Congratulations to the guys at Quaker City on bringing the trophy home to where it belongs.

youtube.com/watch?v=tlm8Kz3g9j0

= Anthony =

rudykizuty - Posted - 01/05/2011:  15:33:26

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Another video of the champs....I do believe this to be the greatest banjo reveal ever on Broad Street....and the playing was most excellent....both in the water game prop and up in the front of the band.....

youtube.com/watch?v=5PG3PIxqab...U&index=1

and their exit number....

youtube.com/watch?v=I3gYoe7xXEw

mummer1966 - Posted - 02/19/2011:  20:04:58

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quote:

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Originally posted by rudykizuty

I know that not many here are very familiar with the Mummers tradition in the Philadelphia area, so I thought it was high time that I start posting links to some fantastic examples of what's going on with this long standing tradition.

As you can see, banjos are only a part of the overall package, but the banjo is the premier instrument that most people think of when you say "String Band" in Philly. Things have evolved to where they are now greatly outnumbered, but 100 years ago, most bands were made up primarily of banjos and mandolins. Thus the term "string band".........ENJOY!!

PS......Ferko is my odds on favorite to win the 2011 competition this coming New Year's Day ;)

youtube.com/watch?v=wod5P-JZdNE

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HEY RUDY, HOPE TO FINALLY MEET YOU AT THE SHOWS.
I WISH YOU WERE RIGHT ABOUT THIS, BUT QCSB BEAT US FAIR AND SQUARE!

JOHN

mummer1966 - Posted - 02/19/2011:  20:07:01

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quote:

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Originally posted by yellowdog

Hi Anthony

I've finally found a Mummer, (you), who might help me locate a tune that I remember the mummers bands playing on TV in the 1950's. I've searched years for it including looking at mummers youtube videos. The song has the phrase, "Hello, Hello, Hello" repeated frequently in it and it was frequently included in their New Year's Day parades. Can you tell me anything about this tune or where I might find it?

Thanks,

Frank Geiger

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FRANK
THIS IS FERKO STRING BAND PLAYING AND SINGING HELLO IN 1947. I WILL POST A MODERN VERSION WHEN I FIND IT.
I HAVE A COPY OF THE SHEET MUSIC I BOUGHT ON EBAY.

youtube.com/watch?v=cbHWs2rjYVQ

rudykizuty - Posted - 02/20/2011:  04:41:35

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John, Thanks for sharing the 1947 Ferko number. That's a new one I hadn't seen before.

rudykizuty - Posted - 02/28/2011:  03:01:51

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Some of my favorite clips from this year's Philadelphia Mummers String Band Show of Shows, which took place this past Saturday. What a blast we had. Good music and good times with friends from bands all over the PMSBA. Good crowds for the shows this year too.

Quaker City starts off their performance in the practice pit with a beautifully penned and played rendition of "Smile":

youtube.com/watch?v=a-nO-0TKUTk

The top 4 bands each year serenade the remaining bands in the West Hall setup area after their performance for the paying crowd in East Hall. Joseph A. Ferko String Band after each of their performances:

youtube.com/watch?v=CuLNft9p-ys

youtube.com/watch?v=hCg1jy8lUZs

rudykizuty - Posted - 02/28/2011:  03:05:33

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Johnny Evans.....was a pleasure to finally catch up with you and chat at this year's shows. I thought you might enjoy this clip. Brian Reed penned this one for Greater Kensington. I love that kid and am so glad to have him with us in GOSB.

Ladies and Gents....12th Street Rag performed by the Greater Kensington String Band, a rendition arranged by my friends, Mr. Brian Reed.

youtube.com/watch?v=50CWXrcLCrk

rudykizuty - Posted - 02/28/2011:  03:06:04

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quote:

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Originally posted by rudykizuty

Johnny Evans.....was a pleasure to finally catch up with you and chat at this year's shows. I thought you might enjoy this clip. Brian Reed penned this one for Greater Kensington. I love that kid and am so glad to have him with us in GOSB.

Ladies and Gents....12th Street Rag performed by the Greater Kensington String Band, a rendition arranged by my friend, Mr. Brian Reed.

youtube.com/watch?v=50CWXrcLCrk

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rudykizuty - Posted - 02/28/2011:  03:14:27

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Another serenade provided by my old alma mater.......Quaker City.....loved seeing them bring home this year's championship. My wife and I can be seen dancing and enjoying ourselves on the far left somewhere around 4:15 next to Big Bob Shannon.

youtube.com/watch?v=WNM6Cy7VJN8