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 l

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

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 Philly 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