Alrighty gentlemen and dudes, have at it: Mummers Day Parade video

[CameronCat]

Yeah, ya' live around Philly ya' get used to the Mummers. For those outwith the area (or the concept) it's all about glitz, feathers, sequins and over-the-topness. Pick a theme, then overdo it. It's public fun for a day, although the clubs work at it all year.

Our international company here is reminded that what you're seeing are theatrical costumes, with many normal items and protocols either ignored or exaggerated --it's not any attempt at reality or authenticity. (But then again I didn't see any white hose in there, either. )

The string bands are kind of the top class, (there are many others) and are judged on their show, their look and theme and their music. As a piece of theater, most of the bands do pretty well. In this case, Fralinger came fifth out of 17 bands, eight points out of first place.

Remember that most of these guys are South Philly blue-collar types--longshoremen, refinery workers, etc (and they're damn proud of that, too.) As a choreographer friend of mine said, "If you think herding cats is tough, try teaching truck drivers to dance." They actually looked decent in the video. Not great, not dancers, but decent to OK to kind'a good.

I don't know the music rules exactly, but only certain instruments are allowed in the string band. Note the lack of "band brass" and bowed strings (the bass may be an exception.) Understand too that a lot of these guys play by ear and don't read music. Getting the musicians to learn the music, and to learn to change key to play with the bagpipe(s) is quite a coup for the music director.

The Mummers are always fun; the parade has changed a lot in the last 30 years or so with many new rules and now cash awards to the top groups. It used to be just a bunch of loosely organized drunks parading on New Year's Day but is now a Totally Official city event. ( = A highly organized bunch of drunks parading...)

It's the kind of event you should see in person at least once. For some, that's quite enough.

[Spartan Tartan]

They're good musicians, and there is a lot of work in that performance. I can appreciate that.

***. It is hard enuff to play that well, it is another thing all together when moving that much. Sure the outfits are over the top, but it IS a parade

[auld argonian]

Hey...seriously...it's a serious hobby for these guys. Excuse to get out, do some sax, strum on the ole banjo, maybe get a few brews...

Think about it: leave a bunch of guys to their own devices and they'll probably end up declaring war on somebody. Better they should dress up and play musical instruments.

....it worked for Kiss.

Best

AA

[Kilted Magyar]

Yes, one should see and hear it once in your lifetime. It's an incredible party. Check out this link for info on the Mummers and their tradition.

www.suncoastmummers.com/mummers_history.htm

[thescot]

I only made it to 1:32.

1:23 was all I could take. I may have to poke my eyes out.

[Chainsaw02]

It was fun to watch...once. I did enjoy it.
Larry Dirr

[Silent Raven]

haha i watched the whole thing! my question is where can i get a giant feathered back piece and a glittery kilt?!? and i saw that some of the 'tartans' weren't straight, could be a new trend starting up!

[Lyle1]

I liked it, and I have a low tolerance for string bands. I did think it was rather subdued, though, for the New Years Day parade; usually there are a lot more feathers. When I lived in the Philly area, I had some friends who belonged to string bands, and they worked their butts off. They are already working on the 2013 parade!

[Nighthawk]

They're good musicians, and there is a lot of work in that performance. I can appreciate that.

Me, too, but... With all the work they put in... couldn't they have gotten kilts to wear? Those costumes looked terrible to me!

[McClef]

Seeing that, how could anybody criticise Brigadoon ever again!