String Band Sessions

Season 2 of String Band Sessions Podcast continues with the third Philadelphia String Band Association "Hall of Famers" episode. Host Jim Donio doubles down with not one, but two 2026 inductees from the Durning String Band...Captain Joe "Asti" Pomante and Past President Joe Forster. They share memories of their respective Mummers journeys to Durning String Band, including the history behind the late-1980s merger between the Durning and Garden State String Bands. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Season 2 of String Band Sessions Podcast continues with a new "The Hall of Famers" episode as host Jim Donio speaks with this year's inductees into the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Hall of Fame. Next up is John Evans who has been a member of seven string bands during his lifelong Mummers career, including almost three decades at his current home the Joseph A. Ferko String Band. John shares some great stories about his grandfather Harry Lawson (who captained the original Avalon String Band) and a special mentor Henry Kunzig, Sr. (longtime Captain of the Duffy String Band).

Season 2 of String Band Sessions Podcast continues with a new series entitled "The Hall of Famers" where host Jim Donio speaks with this year's inductees into the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Hall of Fame. First up is Chris Farr who has successfully arranged musical scores for many bands over his Mummers career, with an enviable 1st prize-winning record.

Season 2 of String Band Sessions podcast continues with host Jim Donio’s coverage and commentary at the 2027 String Band Theme Submission Event on February 28. Watch for new episodes coming soon and check out all of Season 1 on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Season 2 of String Band Sessions is officially underway! Host Jim Donio is joined by Sam Regalbuto, President of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about New Year’s Day 2026 and what fans can expect from the upcoming String Band Spectacular.

Host Jim Donio brings the String Band Sessions podcast to the Quaker City String Band for a behind-the-scenes look at "The Joker's Funhouse." Presentation Director Matt Farrell, Music Director Michael "Spanky" Brown, and Captain Jimmy Good (who will be leading the group for the 13th year) let us in on the colorful characters, obstacles and opportunities the mischievous Joker will try to take advantage of to keep control of his new funhouse attraction. A spirited musical score provides the soundtrack as we see whether the Joker's world is turned upside down.

Host Jim Donio travels to Gloucester City, NJ for the String Band Sessions podcast visit with the Durning String Band. He chats with Presentation Director Steve Palys, Music Director Rich Burr, and Captain Joe Pomante (who will be leading the group for the 17th year and also celebrating his upcoming induction into the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Hall of Fame). They give us a behind-the scenes -- literally -- look at their "Be Our Guest" theme. Their production presents a different perspective on the beloved characters, storylines and tunes from the Disney favorite Beauty And The Beast.

Host Jim Donio and the String Band Sessions podcast went far north...of Philadelphia that is...to spend some time with the Uptown String Band and view the coming attractions for their "From Script to Screen" theme. Assistant Drill Master Ryan Radcliffe, Music Director Thor McLaughlin and Captain Kade Radcliffe reel us in to show how their Hollywood-centric production will unveil exactly what's involved in bringing a story to film. Movie-related songs we all know provide the soundtrack for what they hope will be a scene-stealing, award-winning performance on New Year's Day.

Host Jim Donio and the String Band Sessions podcast have come to the South Philadelphia String Band to learn about their "BeWISHED" presentation for New Year's Day. Presentation Director Jim Browne, Music Director Lou Palena and reigning 1st Prize String Band Captain Denny Palandro (about to mark his 19th year in front of the group) share some exciting background details about how they have created what they describe as "an Aladdin spin-off," complete with classic Arabian melodies, not to mention lots of surprises and humor, all wishfully guided by the blue guy himself...the iconic Genie!

Host Jim Donio brings the String Band Sessions podcast to the Polish American String Band for a sneak preview of their "Log Jammin" presentation for this coming New Year's Day 2026. Presentation Director Rick Hagenbuch III, Music Director Chris D'Amore and Captain Nick Magenta (celebrating his 13th year in front of the group) take us behind-the-scenes of their action-packed, fun-filled journey to the Great Northwest. These happy-go-lucky lumberjacks promise a unique visual production with costuming and sets unlike anything Polish American has done before!

Host Jim Donio travels to New Jersey for the next stop on the String Band Sessions podcast roadshow for a visit with the Jersey String Band and a trip back in time for their "Nifty Fifties Jukebox Jamboree." Captain Pat Walton, his brother Presentation Director Alex Walton, and Music Director Ryan Erikson share details about their nostalgic production bringing us on series of experiences during a fun-filled day in the 1950s complete with classic sights and sounds. At age 16, Ryan is the youngest Music Director in all of string bands this year -- a talented young man and an encouraging sign for the future of our beloved Parade.

Host Jim Donio brings String Band Sessions podcast to the Woodland String Band to find out what we'll be experiencing from their jazzy "A Taste of Bourbon" show. We hear from Presentation Director Steve Bujnowski, Music Director A.J. Ford III and Captain George Balzer IV about how the Band's 100th Anniversary will be celebrated in traditional New Orleans style as we take in a variety of the Big Easy's musical, cultural and culinary delights.

Host Jim Donio takes String Band Sessions podcast out and about to see what the Greater Kensington String Band is planning for their 2026 theme "Adventurers Beware!" Presentation Director Matt Krohn, Music Director Matt Deininger and Captain Shawn Blubaugh share some details about how the jungle-focused journey will unfold. As the lead explorer, Captain Shawn will attempt to make his way past a series of challenging encounters -- some fun and some not so much -- to achieve his ultimate goal.

Host Jim Donio's next stop for String Band Sessions podcast moves from land to sea for a preview of the Fralinger String Band's "Making Waves" production. He speaks with Presentation Director Bob Theil, Music Director Dave Zagorski and Captain Brad Bowen about their atmospheric oceanic spectacle. Bowen's King Neptune will guide us through a dramatic, theatrical blend of underwater sights and sounds, but with a few lighthearted moments splashed in for good measure.

Host Jim Donio is taking the String Band Sessions show on the road as he visits all 14 bands in the next three weeks to get a backstage preview of their productions for New Year's Day 2026. Next up is the Joseph A. Ferko String Band with their theme "Soul Station," a nostalgic look back at the popular Disco and Soul music of the 1970s all set in a train yard. Jim chats with Music Director Matt Gibson, Presentation Director Byron Friend, and Captain Scott Ratzke, Jr. about their approach to this combo theme.

Host Jim Donio takes the String Band Sessions roadshow to the Duffy String Band for a behind-the-scenes look at "Music Store Galore." He gets a preview from Music Director Tony Ovecka, Presentation Director Sharon Crowe, and Captain Jake Kudrick about their production that will literally bring music to life...animated instruments, sheet music and more! Duffy has the distinction of the youngest marching String Band Captain in 19-year-old Jake -- who will take on the role of the shopkeeper --as well as who is likely the oldest marching musician in string bands this year...John "Uncle Jack" Christy, who will strum his banjo on New Year's Day at 88 years young!

Host Jim Donio's next stop on the String Band Sessions roadshow is a visit with the Avalon String Band. He speaks with Music Director Joe Urzillo, Presentation Director Jeff Crompton, and Captain Bobby Gagliardi about their bakery production "Confection Perfection." All of our favorite cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, cupcakes, and more are brought to delicious life...with genre-bending melodies and of course some Philly flavor mixed in for good measure. Avalon is making sure we know that "nothing says lovin' like something from the oven."

Host Jim Donio is on the road again with String Band Sessions at the Hegeman String Band to get a glimpse into their 2026 theme "Viva Las Hegeman." Captain Kelliann Gallagher and President Ryan Echols let us in on what we can expect to see and hear as they show us how much fun a trip to Vegas can be from casinos, showgirls, magicians, and more with classic Vegas tunes blended with contemporary pop hits. We also meet the youngest Hegeman musicians -- 11-year-olds Eve and Penny -- who remind us that fostering a new generation of Mummers ensures the 125-year tradition continues for a long time.

Host Jim Donio is taking the String Band Sessions show on the road as he visits all 14 bands in the next three weeks to get a backstage preview of their productions for New Year's Day 2026. First up is the Aqua String Band with their theme "Shamrock Shenanigans," a whimsical celebration of all things Irish. Jim chats with Music Director Andrew Maminski, Presentation Director Ed Maminski, and Captain Austin Tilley about their roles and challenges leading up to the big day when they all hope the luck of the Irish will be with them.

Our final guest in the "Moms of Mums" series, where Jim Donio chats with the mothers of String Band captains, is Colleen Kudrick, whose son Jake is Captain of the Duffy String Band. Among the String Bands, Colleen is the only mother who is also a musician marching behind her son as Captain. Colleen shares the heartbreaking, and ultimately heartwarming, story of the sudden loss of her husband, Duffy's former Captain Ted Kudrick, in October 2017, which led to Jake becoming the youngest string band captain in history at age 11 in the 2018 Mummers Parade.

Our next guest in our new "Moms of Mums" series, where Jim Donio chats with the mothers of String Band captains, is Paula Tilley whose son Austin is Captain of the Aqua String Band. Paula was actually the inspiration for this series after she posted photos of Austin on Facebook with the caption..."I just love watching you do what you love!" Of course, we had to explore how much a mother's support and encouragement means to their children as String Band leaders.

Our next String Band Sessions podcast series is entitled "Moms of Mums," where Jim Donio will be chatting with the mothers of string band captains. The love, support and pride that mothers give to their families is like no other. When it comes to the Mummers, you may find a mom who enthusiastically cheers from the sidelines or at home, takes care of everyone with food and drink, pushes props as a marshall, makes costumes and sets, or is a marcher or musician herself. Our first guest is Joann Walton, whose oldest son Pat is Captain of the Jersey String Band. Joann also has quite a few other members of her family in the group and delights in celebrating all of them. 

Episode 14 of String Band Sessions podcast is a Special Episode that answers the question..."How Are the String Bands Judged?" Host Jim Donio speaks with Judging Committee Chairman Louis Speziale, who delivers a master class in the current judging process, as well as reliving his experience in real-time following the 2025 Parade that resulted in an unprecedented tie for 1st Prize between the Quaker City String Band and the South Philadelphia String Band. Lou also shares some of his memories about his life as a Mummer, including reminiscences about his father, the late, great Bill Speziale, who was the longtime award-winning captain of the Joseph A. Ferko String Band.

Episode 13 of String Band Sessions podcast continues our series "Putting It Together" as host Jim Donio chats with experts about how they contribute their unique talents to help the bands complete their productions. In this episode, masterful arranger John Wernega shares his musical journey as a veritable "one man band." We learn about his early string band career as a member of the Broomall String Band and the Polish-American String Band, and how he came to weave together the song scores that help define and complete the productions. We hear about some of his favorite scores and his partnerships with the Fralinger String Band, the Quaker City String Band and the Ferko String Band, where he is also currently a member.

Episode 12 of String Band Sessions podcast continues our new series "Putting It Together" as host Jim Donio chats with experts about how they contribute their unique talents to help the bands complete their productions. In this episode, costume and set designer David Rigler shares his professional background and experience bringing his visions to life for many Mummers groups. We get to see glimpses of his work, including Hegeman String Band's 2013 "Just Imagine" and Aqua String Band's 2018 "Lights Out", as well as hearing about his partnerships with Uptown String Band, Fralinger String Band, South Philadelphia String Band, and Woodland String Band, among others.

Episode 11 of String Band Sessions podcast begins our new series "Putting It Together" as host Jim Donio will chat with experts from make-up & masks, costume & set design, music arranging, and costuming about how they contribute their unique talents to help the bands complete their productions. In this episode, make-up and mask maestro Jim LoSasso shares his 40+ year journey of literally changing the face of Mummery. His stroll down memory lane includes glimpses back at Greater Kensington String Band's 1983 Just Clownin' Around and Hegeman String Band's 1984 Dante's Dancing Inferno; plus Quaker City String Band's 1985 The Scarecrow's Hay Day and Polish-American String Band's 1986 Dr. Hi-Tech and His Robot Ramble, which both won 1st Prize. LoSasso is still going strong as he continues working with numerous groups as they prepare for January 1, 2026.

In Episode 10 of our String Band Sessions podcast, Jim Donio brings us interviews and highlights from the New Year's in North Wildwood Parade on September 6. He chats with fans, a member of Durning String Band, iconic costumer James May, and young future Mummer Jaxon McKelvie, whose dad Ryan is a member of the South Philadelphia String Band. We end with the Fralinger String Band playing their 1984 1st Prize-winning "The Jokers Are Wild" theme to honor former member Pete Cammarota who performed in that routine 41 years ago, and who was in the audience.

This is the last episode our "Concept to Creation” series. Jim Donio discusses band background and history and plans for 2026 with South Philadelphia String Band Presentation Director and Theme Chairman Jim Browne, and Theme Co-Chairman Jay Nestor, who give us a preview of their Aladdin spinoff “Cave of Wonders” and Joseph A. Ferko String Band Music Director Matt Gibson, and Theme Coordinator Justin Fayette, who share how they’ll combine trains with 70s Disco, Funk and Soul music in their “Soul Station” production. Check out our previous episodes and watch for a new series of one-on-one interviews next month.

This episode of the String Band Sessions podcast continues our "Concept to Creation” series. Jim Donio speaks with Durning String Band Vice President & Theme Chairman Gary Pisarek and Presentation Director Steve Palys about their version of a Beauty & the Beast “Be Our Guest” theme; and with 2025 co-reigning champion Quaker City String Band Executive Vice President and Theme Chairman Chris Roetz about their “Fun House” production. Check out our previous episodes and watch for new episodes on Fridays.

This episode of the String Band Sessions podcast continues our "Concept to Creation” series. Jim Donio speaks with Polish-American String Band Captain Nick Magenta and his brother Tim (who designed the costumes) about their lumberjack theme; and with Fralinger String Band Music Director Dave Zagorski and Presentation Director Bob Thiel about their undersea production. Check out our previous episodes and watch for new episodes every Friday.

This episode of the String Band Sessions podcast continues our "Concept to Creation” series. Jim Donio speaks with Uptown String Band’s President Thor McLaughlin about their history and their upcoming Hollywood production; and with Jersey String Band brothers, Captain Pat Walton and Alex Walton, about their history and their upcoming 1950s theme. Check out our previous episodes and watch for new episodes every Friday.

This episode of the String Band Sessions podcast continues our "Concept to Creation” series. Jim Donio speaks with Greater Kensington String Band’s President Mike Kavchok, and Drill Master Matt Krohn, about their jungle presentation; and Woodland String Band’s Musical Director AJ Ford, III about their 100th Anniversary New Orleans Mardi Gras production. Check out our previous episodes and watch for new episodes every Friday. Share with your friends and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

This episode of the String Band Sessions podcast is the next in our series "Concept to Creation” where host Jim Donio chats with band leaders to discover how they are bringing their themes for the 2026 Mummers Parade to life. This week we meet Hegeman String Band Captain Kelliann Gallagher and President Ryan Echols to hear about their Las Vegas casino theme; and Avalon String Band’s Theme Chairman & Drill Master Jeff Crompton previewing their bakery theme. Check out our previous episodes and watch for new episodes every Friday. Share with your Facebook friends and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

The next episode of the String Band Sessions podcast is the first in our new series "Concept to Creation." Host Jim Donio will be interviewing representatives from all 14 String Bands to go behind-the-scenes and get a preview of their progress on planning and developing their concepts for the 2026 Mummers Parade. This week we chat with Duffy String Band Captain Jake Kudrick about their music store theme, and Aqua String Band's Drill Master & Production Manager Ed Maminski and Assistant Production Manager Brennan Flaherty about their Irish highlands of enchantment theme. Watch for future episodes in the weeks ahead, share with your friends and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Association’s new “String Band Sessions” Podcast. Our host Jim Donio, who will be returning to the broadcast booth for the 2026 Mummers Parade, spent the day at last Saturday’s Luau Palooza at Seaport Pier in North Wildwood interviewing band captains, members, fans, friends, and family for this special episode. Upcoming episodes this Summer will preview bands’ behind-the-scenes planning for New Year’s Day 2026!

Welcome to the debut episode of String Band Sessions, the official podcast of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band tradition! 🎭🎷We’re kicking things off with a major announcement: Jim Donio is returning to the broadcast booth as a color commentator for the 2026 Mummers Parade, marking the historic 125th anniversary of the parade — and the 250th anniversary of the nation.Jim brings a rare, all-encompassing perspective to the parade. As a former marcher with Hegeman String Band, costume designer, and TV commentator for the 1985, 1986, and 1987 parades, his deep knowledge of String Bands is unmatched. 🔔 Be sure to subscribe to stay updated as we release new episodes throughout the year, featuring stories, interviews, and inside looks at all things String Bands.