String Band Sessions

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.