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.