String Band Sessions

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.