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Highsmith Archives
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What's Old is What's New; What's New is What's Old
The weeks have been going by now since Greater Overbrook String Band moved from 2nd Street to Upper Darby, Delaware County, and the news is good. This move is not just a move for survival, but it is also a coming home and a realization of the suburbanization that began decades ago. I say coming... more
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The Mummers and Kevin Bacon
What an experience today. I and a few of my colleagues from myphl17 went to The Studio in Northern Liberties and sat in on an exclusive recording session with Michael and Kevin Bacon and members of the All-Star String Band. First, Kevin and Michael were great. Honest, encouraging and supportive of... more
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Summer Mummer News!
Woodland's on the way again! Members of Woodland String Band are appearing in much of this weekend's Rose Festival activities in Portland, Oregon. They'll take part in Bandfest Friday night and in the big parade on Saturday. Woodland's bags were barely unpacked from their 10th yearly adventure to... more
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Harry Kalas and Quaker City
As the Philadelphia region prepares to say a final farewell to Harry Kalas, Harry's passing has hit many Mummers hard. Among them, Quaker City String Band. Quaker will be performing in honor of Harry at the Mike Schmidt, or 3rd Base, entrance to Citizens Bank Park around 5:30 or 6 tomorrow... more
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Lions of Mummerdom
I will always remember Saturday night, April 4, 2009. Many folks gathered at the Mummers Museum at the annual banquet of the Philadelphia New Year's Shooters and Mummers Association. There they were, lions of Mummerdom: Bob Shannon, John Lucas, Rich Porco, John Pignotti and Jerry LaRosa center... more
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Mummers Museum Party
Mummery is fun. Mummery is memory. More than a few Mummers have also told me it's in their blood. Walt Wojcik, of Polish American String Band tells me it was a natural thing for him to do. His father, some uncles and some cousins were Mummers. Says Walt, "Even when I was out of it for 20... more
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Show of Shows Recap
What a Show! The annual Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Show of Shows wowed the crowds in two performances at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. But one of the most, if not the most memorable moment came in the second show when the audience gave Philadelphia Police Detective Albert Ford... more
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Mummers Banquet
The Philadelphia New Years Shooters and Mummers Fancy Division Association Banquet was a festive good time at Swan Caterers in South Philadelphia. We welcomed Phil Anastasi, right hand man to John Lucas, into the Old Timers Hall of Fame. Bud Corry, of Hog Island, entered the regular Fancy of... more
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HOF Inductees/ Show of Shows
The Philadelphia Mummers Fancy Brigade Association has inducted James Bradley into the Fancy Brigade Hall of Fame. Jim's wife, Maryann, and their two young daughters, Bridget and Grace, were on hand to witness his induction at the annual banquet in South Philadelphia. Jim's still a young man but... more
