It is hard to hear the words ‘Mari Gras’ and not immediately think of New Orleans… those two magical words immediately invoke the sight, sounds, and even smells of the world-renowned celebrations that occur annually on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. What many folks may not know, especially those outside of the Philadelphia region, is the intertwined history shared by both Mardi Gras and our beloved Mummers’ Parade.

Mardi Gras’ roots are as a celebration of life just prior to a period of fasting and religious obligation. The very name ‘Mardi Gras’ comes from the French for “Fat Tuesday;” the idea literally being to gorge oneself on all of life’s pleasures before denying oneself those same things for an extended period. In the incarnation of Mardi Gras with which we’re all familiar, this culminates on Shrove Tuesday - the day prior to the Christian tradition known as Ash Wednesday which takes place forty-six days before Easter Sunday and, traditionally, kicks off a period of fasting and abstinence called Lent. So, how does a tangentially religious holiday become forever linked with plumes, sequins, brass bands, and a globally recognized party?

Just like Mummery in Philadelphia, the celebration of Mardi Gars with which we’re all familiar can be traced back to the late 17th-through-early-18th Centuries. There are accounts as early as the 1730s of ‘Shrove Tuesday’ celebrations along the Mississippi Delta which involved music, dance, and masked-costume wearing. The formal organized parade for Mardi Gras in New Orleans was incepted in 1835, and it was at this time that a number of social organizations, called ‘krewes,’ were formed which participated in, organized, and contributed to the Mardi Gras celebrations each year.

Despite its French origins in name, much of the Carnival atmosphere that we associate with Mardi Gras is actually derived from Anglo-Saxon influence, this includes the formation of ‘krewes’ and the word ‘krewe,’ itself, and here’s where our stories really begin to overlap. Philadelphia Mummery can trace its roots back to the late 16th Century and, in its early days was often celebrated on Boxing Day, Second Christmas, or St. Stephen’s Day which take place on December 26th. Similar to Mardi Gras, the early celebrations of Mummery in Philadelphia often featured music, dance, and costume wearing as well as the celebratory shooting of firearms into the air; it is from this that we still have the term “New Years’ Shooters.” Eventually, the Philadelphia area celebrations expanded in scale to run from the day after Christmas through New Year’s Day and included a number of plays, unorganized parades, and the idea of ‘visitation’ in which groups of costumed performers would go house-to-house with plays, skits, or reciting verse soliciting some food or drink from the home which they were visiting. This idea of ‘visitation’ is also present in the Cajun Courier roots of Mardi Gras in which costumed and masked horseback riders would visit homes along with a bandwagon to ask for ingredients in order to make gumbo.

Across both Mummery and Mardi Gras, you will also find connection to Momus, the god of satire, mockery, and poetry in Greek mythology. The very word ‘Mummer’ is derived from Momus, and comedy and social satire have been at the heart of Mummery since the earliest days of its existence. Momus also featured in several of the oldest and longest running krewes associated with Mardi Gras both in New Orleans and in Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston, Texas.

The modern Mardi Gras parade which takes place on Bourbon Street can be traced back to the ‘Mistick Krewe of Comus’ who are attributed with the New Orleans parading tradition which carries on to this day. This Krewe was actually founded by former members of a similar organization which celebrated Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama since the 1830s called the ‘Mobile Cowbellians,’ who had annually celebrated by visiting homes and ‘performing’ including the home of the mayor of Mobile as part of their tradition. The Cowbellians originally celebrated on New Year’s Day, but over time, shifted their celebrations to coincide with Mardi Gras. Aside from just the New Year’s Day connection, however, this ties directly back to Philadelphia Mummery as the founders of the Cowbellians in Mobile, Alabama were originally from the Philadelphia area and, very likely, may have been Mummers, themselves.

Now that we know the history a bit better, we can easily draw a line from the Anglo-Saxon origins of the Mummers in Philadelphia to the early days of the New Year’s celebrations of the Cowbellians in Mobile, AL. The Cowbellians then shifted their celebration to align with Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, and eventually led to the founding of the Comus krewe which helped to define the modern-day Mardi Gras parade.

What’s most important, though, is not who did what first and where, but the fact that we have and can continue to carry on these great traditions such as Mardi Gras and Mummery and not just in cities like Philadelphia, New Orleans, Mobile, and Galveston, but everywhere! These Carnivals, festivals, and parades are all celebrations of life and serve as living pieces of cultural art that allow all of us to spread and share joy, happiness, and camaraderie.

Wherever you find yourself on this Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday / Shrove Tuesday, and however you may be able to do it, celebrate life today and share some good times with those around you (plumes, sequins, brass bands, and string bands optional but strongly encouraged!)

Let the Good Times Roll!

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Niech nadejdą dobre czasy!

Consulted Works:

‘Throw Me Some Culture’ – Errol Laborde
http://myneworleans.com/throw-me-some-culture/

‘Mardi Gras: The Mobile Connection’ – Errol Laborde
https://www.myneworleans.com/mardi-gras-the-mobile-connection/#:~:text=What%20did%20originate%20out%20of,tradition%20of%20masked%20parades%20grew.

Happy February! It is hard to believe we’re already more than a month out from New Years Day, but rest-assured that all of us at PASB are hard at work already on our preparations for 2021. Key among those preparations is our Music Department, and at Polish American, we are fortunate enough to have a living legend within our ranks… our Musical Director Emeritus, Frank Foidl.

Frank was gracious enough to share a bit of his time with us to discuss his storied tenure with PASB, the changes to the parade over the years, and his thoughts on Mummery in-general, and we are thrilled to share Frank’s stories, views, and memories with you for the February edition of our ‘10 Questions’ feature!

Q: Frank, first and foremost, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today.  On the topic of time, you certainly have accrued quite a bit of it not only with Polish American, but with the String Bands, overall.  How long have you been active in the tradition of Mummery and with what organizations?

A: Well, it’s been quite a ride. At the age of 12, my dad took me to Wurlitzer Music School for accordion lessons, with his ultimate motive being me joining him as a mummer. In 1948, I joined the Firefighter’s String Band, captained by Fire Captain George Duffy. Then in 1950, we decided to join my dad’s friend, Jim Durning, a city official, and marched up Broad Street with his band with 100 members, mostly banjos and guitars… lots of noise! Haha!

Well, I could only take so much of that, so in 1952, the sax player in my combo at the time talked me into joining him in Polish American String Band. My career here has been, I feel, the reason for my longevity. To create equal parts more fun and anxiety, I served as Music Director from 1972 to 1985, then again from 1988 to 1994. I was elected into the PASB Hall of Fame in 1982 and into the Mummer’s Association and the String Band Association Halls of Fame in 2003. Through that time, I helped achieve 9 of PASB’s 11 first prizes, and I fully expect number 10 to be coming soon.

So… I guess that totals 68 years with PASB, and 72 years total in String Bands which has been quite a ride. Actually, I’ve just been told that I’m receiving the String Band Association Lifetime Achievement Award at our upcoming banquet this month, which is a total surprise to me. It is an honor, and one which I wish to share with Ray Danielewicz, Sr., my Music Director Mentor who, sadly, we lost last year.

Q: That is absolutely incredible; congratulations on the well-deserved recognition!  What was it that, initially, prompted you to join a String Band, and what motivated you to stay so involved through the years?

A: In my single number ages, I remember my dad taking me to the Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Market Street every year when Polish American would march; I’d fantasize marching with them, hence the accordion lessons. I love playing with and for people and the band gave me that opportunity to do so.

Q: Our readers may not know this, but you currently not only carry the honor of the title Music Director Emeritus for Polish American String Band, but you are also active Assistant Music Director for the band currently.  What was that journey like over the years to your present position, and would you ever consider another stint with the baton, yourself?

A: I was appointed Music Director Emeritus of Polish American String Band in 2017, and my favorite thing about that position is you can’t get voted OUT…a risk the Band must take. I have no desire to serve as Music Director again, but I still get great pleasure assisting the present Music Director. I’ve been trying to do this in the past, but I feel it has worked best in the past 2 years. This journey through the years has been very intensive, there have been many ups and downs. The ups were great, but when a member leaves, the downs often create a negative reaction among remaining members - every string band deals with this issue. Now, in my position, I have the unenviable job of pushing all of the members when it comes time to ‘take up the slack’ so that PASB can continue to build and remain competitive …But we’ve survived in the past and shall continue to do so in the future….

Q: On the subject of 'over-the-years,' what would you say the biggest changes are, both positive and negative, that you have seen over your storied Mum-career with the bands and with the parade in-general?

A: Oh Wow! Where to begin…I feel the caretakers of our fine hobby have, over the years, transformed what was a great parade into a glorified TV show. As an old guy, I don’t agree, but I must admit that the shorter parade route which resulted from these changes is desirable.. Unfortunately, though, the younger generation will not have the opportunity to perceive and feel the building tension, anxiety, and anticipation of marching up Broad Street toward the judging area… of seeing Billy Penn, atop City Hall, get larger and larger as that Judges Stand that you’ve worked for all year gets closer and closer…

To never to feel that emotion again is such a loss to this hobby!

To me, props need to be eliminated or, at least, be built more moderately to bring long-term financial stability to all of the string bands - more like a sport’s team spending cap or limit. Also, one of the most-heard complaints from the people watching the parade in the stands is the obstruction of the bands by the massive props. My history is making the large back pieces which used to be worn by every member in the band. Returning to that would be a return to tradition, a more enjoyable performance, and more financially responsible for the bands. Again, never to feel that emotion again of enduring the march up Broad Street with those backpieces on..! What a shame…

Q: I am sure that your first-place finishes hold a very special place in your heart, but looking through the years, what would you say were your favorite PASB performances in which you took part?

A: This is an easy one! I don’t have a favorite PASB first place finish in which I took part because all 9 were great experiences that can never be reiterated; however, I’ll give you a few memorable moments through the years.

1952 – Cameo: I was so surprised and fortunate to be included in this year’s show since I had just joined the band in May… and this was a GREAT band.

1954 - Mexican Hat Dance: PASB was the first band to dance as part of our routine on Broad Street. We were exhausted by the time we got to the Judges’ Stand, but emotions took over, and we put on an amazing show.

1955 – Can-Can: Again, we danced for 4 minutes, but we loved it.

1961 – Holiday In Scotland: Are you kidding me!? Temperature in the 30’s, and we wore Kilts, but no one complained!

1964 – Jungle Drums: To the old guys, this was Billy Devine’s Theme, and it was as crazy as he was!

1970 – Showtime Internationale: Everyone’s favorite because it took us all over the world, and featured a French Accordion Solo, ahem!

1981 – Toyland Comes Alive: This theme had all the music and characters that the kid’s loved, and an interesting event of mine that I’ll reveal later…..

1981 – Dr. Hi-Tech & His Robot Ramble: Ray Danielewicz only received 5th (tie) prize that year, but in my opinion, his performance was equaled to the Band’s 1 st prize performance, and he carried that recognition and the moniker of Dr. Hi Tech through to his passing last year. God Bless!

1990 – Are You From Dixie: I loved the music, and the flag gimmick at the end of the performance was amazing. We were not too popular among the other bands that year within the Association because, in the judging, we received an almost perfect Music score of 39.5 out of a possible 40 which I don’t think has ever happened! We felt that “First Prize Intuition” all the way up Broad Street, as our new Capt. Stan Magenta spoke those memorable words “And We Won!” ..and we did!! Thanks Stan!

Q: We have spoken quite a bit about the past of Mummery, but where do you believe it is headed in the future?  What do you see as the road ahead?  How do Mummers stay relevant and engaged with the people?

A: This question probably should be asked directly to the present generation, since those of today, not yesterday, created this monster that is our current ‘parade.’ Our governing body, the String Band Association still meets regularly to make changes to the parade, rules, route, judging, and everything else, but I haven’t attended meetings since I left official office in 1994. I can only assume that, today, the louder voices produce the rules, not necessarily with the approval of the “Small Bands”. String Band is very much a world of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots,’ and it is pretty clear to see that the ‘haves’ have had their way with things in recent history.

Without some type of spending cap, I feel the future will only see more-and-more bands, sadly, no longer be able to compete and will fold, resulting in a weaker Association and a lesser Parade. How our hobby has been allowed to practically disappear is beyond me, and that so much of the damage is self-inflicted is worse. It’s not just the bands, either, the audience is getting smaller-and-smaller, too. We see that with a continued gradual decrease of people in attendance on New Year’s Day. Who wants to see a performance through large obstructing, expensive props in the judging area? The only way Mummers can stay relevant and engaged with the people is to return to the ways of the parades of the 50’s through the 80’s and be willing to accept suggestions from past generations. Sadly, I feel that will never happen, and those days are past…sorry, though, old guy talking!!

Q: Headed away from the Mummers for a second, I also understand that you have a few other active musical endeavors as well.  Could you tell us a little bit about those?

A: Absolutely, but probably too many! Before I get into that, I served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, and formed a small dance band aboard Ship in order to skip General Quarters. We played at USO’s during liberty in Europe and South America. After discharge, I received a business degree from Temple University, only to work at a computer for the next 50 years…duh!

I’ve been in about six or more different combos starting back as far as the 50’s, playing Rock, Irish, Polish, Jewish, any-and-everything. For the past 15 years I’ve been very active with the same 5 guys from other Bands playing summers in Ocean City, weddings, Church carnivals and retirement homes. I’ve been engaged in videography for many years, including St. Hubert’s Girls Basketball games, weddings, Barbershop competitions and shows, and in my younger days, Convention Hall Show of Shows and PASB performances.

About 25 years ago as I was videoing one of “Sounds of Liberty” Barbershop performances, the Director talked me into joining that Chorus singing tenor voice, and soon after, formed the Barbershop Quartet “In The Mood”. Today, I am Music Director of the Barbershop “Vintage Harmony Chorus” and conduct about 40 performances a year at Retirement and Rehab Homes, Community Centers, Church Gatherings and Veterans Hospitals & Homes. Oh, and lastly, I recently was appointed “Head Usher” at Calvary Memorial Church in NE Philly. It doesn’t pay great, but I meet good people and am getting close to the big Guy!

Q: What is your favorite memory of Mummery?

A: This is my favorite question since there are enough of them to fill a lifetime. I’ll narrow them down to a few.

1976 – PA Circus: On Broad Street at Methodist Hospital, we did a segment when Ed Tepper held up a large round loop and my job was to jump into it to the other side. Well, I jumped thru too fast and down I went on my right arm, and finished the parade with a broken elbow.

1981 – Toyland: We needed 2 little guys to portray “Raggedy Anne and Andy.” Well, in the hustle of getting dressed, we accidentally reversed our red wigs…judges didn’t notice and we still got first.

1982 – Sorcerers Ball: Drill Guy had me out front of the Band doing a 10 second voodoo dance; I don’t think it went over to well with the Captain. Haha!

1986 – Dr. Hi-Tech: That computer hat was so big and heavy, I had a violent headache for 2 days after, but the Band’s first prize was worth it!

Q: Frank, you have had a long and storied String Band career, what would your advice be for both active members to stay in the hobby and for prospective members who are thinking about getting involved in Mummery?

A: I must ask myself…why am I such an active member staying in this hobby for 72 years? It’s either the water or my disposition! From a kid handling a paper route, a successful marriage of 52 years, four year’s service in the Navy, operating a Notary Pubic service for 60 years, and with my involvement with music in between, I just enjoy being with people. I only talk when I have something to say, however, I listen to everything that others say. I always advise old and new members of our great band to have all the fun you are able to in your younger years. Enjoy the fellowship that our band creates, and be thankful that you can create beautiful music, pleasure, and enjoyment to the audiences from your performances. The only way this is accomplished is by staying healthy, rehearsal, practice, and more rehearsal.

Support is huge, too. This is not an easy requisite, but you must have the blessings from close family members. I recalled that when I got married, I told my bride, “…you marry me, you marry the String Band.” Luckily, she married the String Band, and then I went into the Navy… haha!

Seriously, old and new members must accept the time and expense involved in being part of our great hobby - it must be in the blood. One of my pet peeves is when a member becomes discontented with the direction of their band, and they leave for another band. This disappoints me so much because you’re not only losing a good musician, but a good friend as well. My suggestion is for those members who are not content to run for election and change that direction… be the change you want to see, but that’s the hard road… that takes courage, if you understand my point!

Q: Frank, thank you so much, not only for the time that you have given us today but for all that you have done, all of the blood, sweat, and tears that you have devoted to this tradition, this hobby, and this lifestyle.  You are an innovator, an educator, a terrific musician, an even better man, and a shining example of all of the best parts and all that is right with Polish American, with String Bands, and with Mummery!   Do you have anything that you would like to plug, any final thoughts, or words of wisdom for us?

A: Maybe wisdom is not the word to be used here but mayber there’s bit of common sense that might prevail... The String Band portion of Mummery should be explored by parents of pre-teens and teens. Let’s face it, these kids are all eventually exposed to negatives like drugs, alcohol, etc. in society. Our hobby helps to keep them busy and focused, learning a musical instrument with time-consuming practice. Music has been shown to keep the brain active, therefore enhancing school studies and even making for better, more coordinated athletes. Most of all, though, our hobby bonds us, creating fellowship and the sharing of similar interests. How can a parent not consider this as a requisite?

Even today we have a good number of parents bringing their children and even their children’s friends into the band to guarantee the future of Polish American String Band and of Mummery. I humbly salute them, as I do for my own father for inspiring me to get involved!

In conclusion, I’d like to dedicate this interview to my loved and missed friend from the first day I joined Polish American String Band in May, 1952, John Lawrysh!

God Bless!

In Harmony, Frank

We cannot thank Frank enough for all of his incredible insight from a life lived in Mummery! On behalf of all of Polish American String Band, we extend a massive CONGRATULATIONS on his upcoming Lifetime Achievement Award! It is an incredibly well-deserved honor!

On Sunday, Jan. 26th, PASB held our annual Open House. Founded as a day for the club to showcase our history, talent, tradition, and love of Mummery, we once more had a packed-house as members, families, friends, and guests joined us at our clubhouse on the corner of Salmon and Westmoreland Streets for a fun-filled day.

Entertainment for the day featured the always-amazing 2 Street Strugglers (www.facebook.com/2St.Strugglers/) who brightened the crowd’s day with their toe-tapping, sing-along string band classics. We also hosted The Natterjacks (www.thenatterjacks.com) featuring PASB’s own members, Tim Magenta, John Imperatore, and Kevin Sullivan, alongside Greater Kensington String Band’s Brian McGuire, Josh Matelski, and vocalist/fiddle-player Megan Glans, who kept the crowd rocking with their signature blend of Irish, Celtic, and Rock tunes. There were even special guest appearances to close out the day by PASB’s Music Director, Rob Carroll, and Arranger, Chris D’Amore on saxophone.

With this year’s gorgeous costumes on-display from our 2020 New Year’s Day performance Sea You On Salmon Street, alongside a delectable spread of Polish fare, all attendees appeared to have a great time, and several new guests expressed interest in becoming part of the PASB family! Open House 2020 was a resounding success, and we already cannot wait to host our next event!

Check back often and on our social media sites to find out how YOU can be a part of PASB as well, and as always, thank you for you incredible support!

Happy 2020, everyone! We hope you enjoyed New Year’s Day and this year’s theme, ‘Sea You on Salmon Street,’ as much as we did! Polish American String Band is already hard at work getting ready for 2021, and one of the ways that we hope to make YOU more a part of that process is with this debut of our new ‘10 Questions’ series. Each month, we’ll select a member of PASB or figurehead within the string band or Mummers’ community, and we’ll do a 10-question interview with them to hear their first-hand thoughts on preparation, design, music, fundraising, and all other things related to the ‘Mum-world.’

For our first ‘10 Questions,’ we interviewed PASB’s own Tim Magenta. Tim is not only an immensely talented percussionist with a long history with PASB, but he is also an artist and designer. Tim has designed the suits and many of the sets which PA has used in the past several years in addition to being the primary painter of those sets, and this year is extra special as Tim also designed the suits, props, and painted for two of the Fancy Brigades including the 1st Prize-winning and 1st-Prize-Captain-winning Saturnalians NYB.

Here’s our chat with Tim Magenta:

Q: So, Tim, how does it feel to have been the designer for both the first prize Fancy Brigade and Brigade Captain in your work with the Saturnalians?

A: This is my very first 1st prize designing, and it tells me that I’m on the right track. It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment after all the hours and hours of research, rough drafts, and the final execution.

Q: How long have you been doing designs for the Mummers?

A: My first official costume design was in 2012 for Polish American string band. They wanted me to design their banjo and accordion costume, a Carmen Miranda character, and then I designed some set pieces for a few years before officially becoming Polish American’s Costume designer in 2016.

Q: What got you into it? How did you get your start?

A: In 2016 Polish American was working with Dennis Quaile. He was simultaneously working with the Spartans Fancy Brigade and they needed a scenic painter for their props or, as they call them, “Floats.” I had already started painting Polish American’s props the year prior and he referred my name and work to the Spartans. After a year of painting the Spartans props, they then hired me to design their costumes and set. Thank you, Dennis!

Q: Obviously, you have a tremendous artistic talent, and you’ve made a career out of it. Was this something that you always felt drawn toward? At what age did you decide this was what you wanted to do?

A: I started “doodling” costume designs when I was young, maybe in 2007, I think I was 14. Sitting at my father’s desk with crayola markers, I would make costume designs for Polish American’s upcoming theme. My dad was theme chairman at the time, and he would fill me in on what was being planned. I felt like I was helping him out by giving him and their designer, Bob Finnegan, some ideas!

Q: Now, you’re not only a designer in the Mum-world, but also a pretty accomplished artist. What are some of the highlights of your career so far?

A: I’m still young in my career! Having the opportunities within the art world to travel and have a studio practice in other cities and countries like Berlin, Germany last year is amazing to me. I will always be grateful for these experiences.

Q: As I’m sure most reading this would know, you’re currently a member of PASB. How long have you been with PA?

A: I always answer this question the same, “since I was born”. Because my father was captain when I was born, I feel like I was just born into this band. However, I think I was officially named a member of the Polish American String Band in 2004.

Q: What would you describe your experience with PA like?

A: My experience with PA can be summed up with the word “family.” …Literally, because most of my family is involved with the band in some capacity but also because that is the band culture we all try to live. Every member is like family to me. We laugh together, cry together, fight, and celebrate. At the end of the day, we are all brothers.

Tim , pictured here with his immediate and extended family in PASB.

Q: So, your dad was a former captain of PA, your brother is current captain of PA, any pressure..?

A: ABSOLUTELY NO! My role is within the creative realm of designing shows!

Q: I understand that you just started a teaching job here in Philadelphia; congrats on the new position! What was that experience like starting a new job the day after the Mummers’ Parade?

A: Yes, I just started as an Art Teacher at Father Judge High School. It was strange standing in front of my students talking about political influences for modernism when I was just celebrating the Saturnalian’s 1st prize the night before.

Q: Last question. In a word, what does the tradition of Mummery mean to you?

A: I can only speak for the String Bands and Fancy Brigades, but one word that comes to mind is ‘Artistry.’ What we do really is an art form and we should celebrate it!

Q: Thanks so much for your time, Tim. Anything that you’d like to let the reader’s know in closing? Any gallery shows or upcoming events you’d like to plug?

A: Now that the craziness of ‘Mum-season’ has come and gone, I can focus on my other practice, get back into my studio and make work. I’ve missed it so much. Keep an eye out on my Instagram @tim_magenta for upcoming shows.

Thanks so much to Tim Magenta for taking the time to chat with us and to kick off our new 10 Questions feature! Check back often for all new content coming soon to PolishAmerican.net!

As always, thank YOU so much for your support of Polish American String Band!

This week, all of us at Polish American are not only getting ready for our usual Independence Day festivities with parades throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area as well as in Massachusetts; we are also getting ready to celebrate our 86th Anniversary!

In 1933, our founder, Joseph Jankowski pulled together a like-minded group of Philadelphians who either were Polish or of Polish descent to put together a Mummers’ string band which would take part in Philadelphia’s annual New Year’s Day festivities as well as act as a communal hub for the Polish community in and around the Port Richmond section of the city. Today marks the 86th anniversary of that founding and finds PASB as a thriving organization which remains a cornerstone of our community and holds a storied legacy within the Philadelphia Mummers’ String Band Association.

If you’re interested in learning more about PASB’s story, visit our History page to see more!

As always, we couldn’t celebrate this milestone without the support of our families, friends, fans, and the most supportive community and neighbors we could ask for from the neighborhood of Port Richmond! Thank you all for your continued support!

Yesterday, along with the rest of the country, PASB celebrated Memorial Day, and while the modern incarnation of the holiday is often seen as an unofficial kickoff of the summer season, a variety of services and events throughout the region celebrated the sacrifice of all those for whom the day of remembrance was created.

For those of us at Polish American String Band, this includes our annual memorial services as well as two neighborhood performances.

PASB’s Memorial Day begins with a small, graveside service at the burial site of Polish American String Band’s Founder, Joseph Jankowski. After paying respects to the man who brought this group together back in 1933, the entirety of the PASB membership meets back at their clubhouse in Port Richmond for a Member Memorial Service in which the names of all of the deceased PASB members are read from their Memorial Plaque which is on display within the clubhouse throughout the year. This is followed by a traditional rendition of ‘In Heaven There Is No Beer’ to conclude the services.

Following the PASB services, the band then heads to neighboring Bridesburg to take part in the Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade. Marching through streets thronged with revelers donning their best patriotic garb, the band proceeded through the neighborhood performing a variety of classic Mummers’ tunes alongside patriotic songs and the marches of all of the branches of our Armed Services.

Upon conclusion of the Bridesburg Parade, Polish American returned to their clubhouse and began a march through the neighborhood of Port Richmond to Campbell Square where they are honored to participate in the annual Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony. In addition to performing both the Star Spangled Banner and the Polish National Anthem to open the services, PASB also performed the march of each branch of the Armed Services and God Bless America before proceeding back to the club house to conclude the day with a barbecue for the members of the band and their families.

Like so many of the traditions to which we adhere, Memorial Day is a fundamental part of what makes Polish American the fraternal organization that it is, and we are both honored and proud to carry on these traditions. We also are humbled to reflect upon the sacrifice of so many which grants us the freedom to have these celebrations, both in memorializing those who have been lost as well as extending our eternal gratitude to all those who have served as well as their families who have also made such tremendous sacrifices. Thank you all!

We hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend as well!

..next up, look for Polish American String Band performing at the Mummers’ Museum on Thursday, 5/30 at 8 PM!

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting nicer, and PASB is getting ready for the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. To help you get ready, too, we have some great events coming up within the next few weeks.

First, join Polish American String Band for an evening of string band music under the stars as we perform our annual concert at the Mummers’ Museum on the evening of Thursday, May 30 at 8:00 PM. Weather-permitting, we will be performing on the outdoor stage behind the Museum, but even if Mother Nature is less-than-cooperative, we will still perform but move the show inside. Come out for this great annual tradition to support both Polish American String Band and the Mummers’ Museum who continually and tirelessly work to keep our tradition’s history alive!

Following the Mummers’ Museum performance, what says Spring/Summer better than baseball! Come out to support two of Philadelphia’s most storied institutions: the Philadelphia Mummers’ String Band Association and the Philadelphia Phillies! Join us on Tuesday, June 11th as the Phillies take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, June 11th at 7:05 PM. Discount tickets are available for $30 if you go to www.phillies.com/mummers, and half of all proceeds generated go to Polish American String Band if you use promo code POLISHAMERICAN. Enjoy a discounted night at the ballpark WHILE also supporting your favorite string band… what’s not to love!?

We hope to see you at the Museum and at the ball park, and as always, thank you for all of your support!

Yesterday, the string band world descended upon the streets of South Philadelphia in order to carry on another storied tradition of Mummery - the Serenade!

Like a handshake at the end of a hockey playoff series, swapping jerseys after a World Cup match, or lining up to applaud the winner of The Masters, the Serenade is the ultimate Mummer form of sportsmanship. Every club gets together to celebrate the club which won the parade. This year, those honors went to Quaker City String Band!

It was a fun-filled day with all of the sights and sounds you would expect from a Mummers’ event, and Quaker City, as always, were a gracious host and dignified champion as they packed their club house on the legendary ‘Two Street’ and the surrounding blocks to take in the performances of all of the other bands including your very own Polish American String Band.

The tradition of the Serenade goes back to the days of the storied Show of Shows at Convention Hall in Philadelphia. Over the years, a tradition developed of all of the bands serenading the top 4 finishers following the official on-stage performances. As the tradition of the Show of Shows changed venues and formats over the years, it was eventually decided to host a formal celebration of the first-place finisher at the Mummers’ Museum each year. The first of these Serenades occurred in 1995 for the Hegeman String Band. This trend continued into the early 2000’s at which time it was decided to move the Serenade location from the Museum to the winning band’s clubhouse. Nearly two decades later, this tradition continues.

The Serenade is a phenomenal opportunity for the Mummers community to informally compete with one another, impress one another’s clubs, and show what they’ve been working on in the time since New Year’s Day. It is also a great time for members of clubs to spend time with one another and continue to build and strengthen the bonds of all Mummers with a sea of different colored jackets up and down the street simply having a good time playing the music which we are so passionate about with and for our fellow Mummers and the folks who support us.

Yesterday also saw another great, more recent tradition carried on with the ‘Under 21 Band’ kicking off the festivities. The ‘Under 21 Band’ is comprised of youth members of all of the other clubs who come together to practice and play together for special events such as the serenade. Also, yesterday was the first Serenade to include the all-new Jersey String Band who impressed as they prepare for their first New Year's Parade in 2020!

Always ones for a big surprise, Quaker had one final trick up their sleeve as the day ended with an actual camel parading up ‘Two Street’ as well to officially announce their upcoming Egyptian theme which they are planning for 2020.

From all of us at Polish American String Band, congrats to QCSB on your awesome win this year! We hope all of the clubs have a great 2019, and we can’t wait to see you all lined up in Port Richmond sometime in the near future!

Polish American String Band would like to wish everyone a happy Dyngus Day!!

…so what the heck is Dyngus Day, anyway?

Back in the 14th century (interestingly, around the same time as the advent of Mummery), in the countries that, today, are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, Dyngus Day (or ‘Wet Monday’) came into being. While the origins of the holiday are not fully known and can be traced back to several possible sources, its most cited reason is as a post-Easter celebration of Spring, rebirth, rejuvenation, and a hope for a successful harvest.

Traditionally, Dyngus day was celebrated by all of the boys of a village throwing water onto girls whom they like and citing verses and rhymes that came to be associated with the holiday. Over the years, Dyngus day has changed, now with both sexes equally being given the chance to douse one another, and even more so in modernity as a means of celebrating Polish or Slavic heritage.

Many Polish American communities, particularly our own incredible neighborhood or Port Richmond, have Dyngus Day celebrations focusing on Polish music, food, culture, art, and other cornerstones of Polish heritage. This Dyngus Day, you can find Polish American String Band performing at the Polish Eagle Club on 3157 E. Thomson St. Philadelphia, PA at 7:00 PM as the Polish Eagle hosts an afternoon and evening long Dyngus Day celebration!

Happy Dyngus Day from all of us at Polish American String Band!

Wesołego Śmigusa - Dyngusa!

We made it! Winter is finally in the rear-view mirror and spring is in the air! Bird are chirping, flowers are blooming, tables are being setup, totes are being loaded…

That’s right! It is time for Polish American String Band’s Spring Fling Vendor Event! Join us and a fabulous list of the area’s premier vendors at the Polish American String Band Club House at 2727 E. Westmoreland St. Philadelphia, PA 19134.

We have a great list of vendors participating in this Saturday’s Event! Doors open at 12 PM and the event runs until 4 PM!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Vendors including:

Arbonne Avon Beaded Jewelry CB Jewelry Christmas Creations ColorStreet Nails Damsel in Defense Dot Dot Smile Essential Essence Homemade Empanadas Honey Bees Bath Bombs Jade Fallon Crafts JL "Winks" Creations Joanna's Crafty Creations JT Scrollworks Lularoe Mary K Michelle's Wreaths NYC Designs by Sandy Paparazzi!! Perfectly Posh Premier Designs Pure Romance Riah's Sweets Stateside Vodka Thirty-One Tupperware Vinyl Products - Personalized Glassware Wisp Jewelry

Spring is fast approaching, and it will soon be time to pack those bulky winter coats away for another eight or nine months. What better way to celebrate the new season than with some all new apparel from your favorite string band?

Polish American String Band is proud to launch our new, updated web storefront powered by SquadLocker. Use the ‘Shop’ link in the web page’s navigation bar to find your way to the SquadLocker shop where you can pickup the latest in PASB hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and everything else you could need to represent the Pride of Port Richmond no matter what Mother Nature may throw at you!

Check it out, and if you have any ideas for merchandise you would like, please let us know!

Thank you, as always, for your support!

On Sunday, 1/27, Polish American String Band formally kicked off our 86th year of Mummery with our 2019 Open House. A day spent promoting the organization, appreciating our members and their families, celebrating our community, and seeking to grow both our ranks and our tradition, Sunday was spent at our beautiful clubhouse on the corner of Salmon and Westmoreland Streets with a variety of entertainment, refreshments, and good times!

With a multitude of attendees encompassing current members, family members, neighbors, guests from other string bands and New Year’s Clubs, as well as those brand new to the tradition looking to learn a bit more about how Mummery works, we cannot consider the day anything short of a resounding success.

Throughout the afternoon, entertainment was provided by the fabulous Two Street Strugglers whose signature blend of String Band classics and sing-along favorites were definite crowd-pleasers. We also had an appearance by PASB along with a few of our guests joining us from other bands who sat in on some Mum-classics such as Alabama Jubilee and Golden Slippers.

As is often the case, the day wrapped-up with an impromptu jam session featuring one of our most tenured members, the legendary Ray Malach, on the piano as several other players joined him for some off-the-cuff fun.

Of course, it couldn’t be a proper Polish American party without a taste of home, and once more, we would love to thank John Czerw and the team at Czerw’s Keilbasa (http://kielbasyboys.com/) for donating their always-great product for our event!

We hope all who joined us for our Open House had a great time, and as we kick 2019 off in-earnest, please stay tuned at PolishAmerican.net and PolishAmericanStringBand.com as we announce more great upcoming events.

As always, thank you for your support!

Polish American String Band would like to thank our Officer body of 2018 for their tireless efforts in helping the band succeed and all they have done to support, guide, and lead our organization.

Last evening, following their annual nominations and election process, Polish American String Band is proud to announce their new Officer Board for 2019.

President: Joe Casee Jr.
Vice President: William Murphy
Financial Secretary: Keith Maysonet
Treasurer: Carl Price
Director: Jason Krajewski
Director: Mike Robovitsky
Publicity Director: Kevin Sullivan
Sgt. At Arms: Michael Petrick
Recording Secretary: Steven Hensler
Club Steward: Eric Krajewski

Captain: Nicholas Magenta
Music Director: Rob Carroll
Drill Director: Richard Hagenbuch III

We wish all of our new officers the best of luck in their new positions and can’t wait to see what bright future lies ahead in 2019 and beyond!

New Year’s Day 2019 is now in the history books, and Polish American String Band performed in our 85th Mummers’ Parade. This year’s theme was Best Western; a cowboy theme deep in the heart of the Old West complete with a roving gang of outlaws, the bounty hunters chasing them, a high-stakes bank robbery, and even a shooting gallery full of the town drunks.

A year’s worth of effort culminated in a four and a half minute routine of bright colors, shining sequins, flowing plumes, and fun, upbeat, and energetic music. Under seventh-year Captain, Nick Magenta, third year Drill Director, Rick Hagenbuch, and first-year Music Director, Rob Carrol, Polish American moved up a spot from our 2018 finish to take the tenth prize in this year’s parade. Even more important than the standings, though, New Year’s Day was the culmination of a year’s worth of effort, talent, and dedication! The members of PASB worked incredibly hard throughout the year whether rehearsing music, practicing drill, building, painting, and designing props, and the myriad of other tasks that go into making the show possible.

So now, we begin our 2020 campaign and the process of designing, planning, and perfecting next year’s show. There are some great things on the horizon such as our position selection for the order of march which should take place around late January, the String Band theme submissions which should take place in early February, Mummers Mardi Gras in its new South Philadelphia venue at the end or February, and then right into the heart of parade season which kicks off in earnest around St. Patrick’s Day.

We can’t wait to get started, and if you’d like to join in the fun, yourself, reach out to us to inquire about membership! Come be a part of one of Philadelphia’s greatest traditions!

Check back for updates and new content coming to our website as we begin our journey to 2020!

…and from all of us at Polish American String Band, thank you for your support!

As the sun sets on 2018, and Polish American String Band, along with all of the other string bands and Mummers’ Clubs, completes final preparations to take to Broad Street to ring in the New Year of 2019, we are very often asked about what goes into a string band performance. Recently, our friends over at Quaker City String Band have done a fantastic job of laying out the costs, both financially and in terms of time, which you can find at the linked articles. On this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, though, we at PASB would like to take the time to thank all those behind the scenes who help us to make this crazy hobby happen.

So often, we are asked, “When do you start planning for your New Year’s Day show?” and the answer always comes back “January 2nd.” Often, people believe that we are joking when we say that, but as an organization, it takes every bit of the 364 days available to us to be able to plan, design, build, write, rehearse, finance, and execute a four-and-a-half minute show for New Year’s Day. Throughout that time, there are countless rehearsals, meetings, parades, fundraisers, concerts, drill practices, and a bevy of other events which occupy our members’ time, but behind every single one of those members are folks who sacrifice, inspire, and support us along the way. They are they unsung heroes of Polish American String Band and of Mummery.

Every step along the way, there is an army of spouses, children, significant others, neighbors, family, and friends who help to keep the tradition of Mummery alive in Philadelphia. They may not wear plumes or sequins, they may not play saxophones, banjos, accordions, or other musical instruments; you likely won’t see them on TV on New Year’s Day, and they never seem to look for the unending gratitude they deserve, but they are there, and without them, we would not be.

With the time and the resources that it takes to put together a New Year’s Day performance, there are countless sacrifices made. Missed parties, family functions, weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries… there are many late nights and many early mornings… whether in the heat of summer or the dark of winter, there are plenty of holiday gatherings which are passed-over in exchange for a parade to provide some much-needed additional financing for a club or band. Yet despite these sacrifices, these very same folks are always still there asking, “What more can we do to help?”

None of this happens without the support of those we love and those who love us enough to be willing to make those sacrifices so that we may pursue this tradition, this hobby that we care so much about, and no matter which side of the makeup brush we may be on tomorrow, no matter whether on Broad Street or cheering us on from the stands or at home, every single one of us is every bit the Mummer as one another, and without their help, their support, and their understanding and patience which we can never repay, Mummery would be a memory rather than the ongoing Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition that it still is.

We cannot thank them enough for all that they do for us, and for their love of Mummers!

From the bottom of our sequined hearts, THANK YOU!!

This evening, Polish American String Band sets out on our second Summer Stroll through the streets of the beautiful Port Richmond neighborhood.  Keep your eyes pealed and ears open as we will be parading through the area to the SE of Aramingo and Allegheny Aves between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM!

Polish American String Band's Member Spotlight is where we will proudly share information about the accomplishments and journeys of several of our members on a semi-regular basis going forward.

Polish American String Band would like to wish the best to member and Musical Director, Rob Carroll, as he takes his talents to Key West, FL for the next few days!  When Rob isn't tirelessly working to continually improve Polish American String Band, he is also both a professional musician and a professional Benjamin Franklin impersonator and tour guide.  

Rob, along with several musician friends notably including Philadelphia's own Tim Williams, will be taking the stage at the Hog's Breath Saloon each night this week at 9 PM through Sunday 7/8!  You can enjoy the show as well and take in the incredible tenor saxophone stylings of Rob via the Hog's Breath streaming cameras which can be found at: https://www.hogsbreath.com/keywest/hog-cams/ 

This is the first edition of Polish American String Band's Member Spotlight where we will proudly share information about the accomplishments and journeys of several of our members on a semi-regular basis going forward.  Our first selection is sure to start things off great!

Polish American String Band would like to congratulate and extend our well wishes to an extremely accomplished young member who has just set off on an amazing experience.  Brandon Hillwig, bell player and three year member of Polish American String Band, is not only an accomplished musician when it comes to playing the bells, but he is also an accomplished vocalist as well.  Given his talents, Brandon is also a performing member of the Philadelphia Boys' Choir and has set off on tour with them bound for both Singapore and Vietnam.  A dedicated member, despite having to fly half way around the world on the afternoon of July 4th, Brandon, along with his father, bass fiddle player Chuck, joined Polish American for the Berlin, NJ Fourth of July Parade in the morning prior to setting off for the airport.

Polish American is honored to be able to count such a talented, dedicated, and diverse musician as Brandon among our membership and wishes him and the entirety of the Philadelphia Boys' Choir a safe, successful, and incredible tour!

Today marks the 85th Anniversary of the Polish American String Band!  The club, founded by Joseph Jankowski, formally started on July 3rd, 1933.  For the entirety of their 85-year history, Polish American String Band has called the neighborhood of Port Richmond home.  With very deep roots in their community which began with a foundation in the neighborhood's heavily Polish demographic but have continued to establish themselves as a cultural identity with the families, friends, and neighbors with whom they have shared their home in these past eighty five years, Polish American String Band has become an ingrained part of the culture of Port Richmond and has served as the soundtrack for many of the neighborhood's shining moments in the last near-century.

Later this year, Polish American String Band will officially commemorate their 85th Anniversary with additional details of the event to be released in coming months.

Polish American String Band would like to thank all of their members both past and present for their contributions to the organization; without the undying passion and love for this tradition, this music, and this hobby that their members have fostered, Polish American String Band could not exist today.  Of equal importance, PASB would also like to thank the families of all of those who have called themselves members of the band; their sacrifice of their time, allowing the band to borrow their loved ones, and the incredible contributions that so very many people have selflessly given to support what Polish American does are beyond measure, and have allowed the band to flourish throughout its storied history.  Lastly, PASB would like to offer their most heartfelt thanks to all of those who support the band; without the best fans in Mummery to perform to, there would be no band.

Please join us in wishing a happy 85th Anniversary to Polish American String Band, and here is to 85 more years!!

The Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association has once again partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies for the annual Summer Mummer Celebration!

Join us for DISCOUNTED tickets which help to SUPPORT your favorite string band on Tuesday, August 28th as the red hot Phillies take on their division rivals, the Washington Nationals, for a 7:05p start.

Simply go to www.phillies.com/mummers and use the code: POLISHAMERICAN to get your discounted tickets.  Be sure to select Section 146 when using the interactive seat map if you'd like to sit with your favorite folks at PASB!

Half of all proceeds from ticket sales will support Polish American String Band!   Buy your tickets now so its not one, two, three strikes; you're out!