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Durning String Band

I am here for Friends and Networking

About Me


LOOK FOR US AS WE CELEBRATE THE YOUNG AT HEART
IN THE 2008 MUMMERS PARADE WITH OUR THEME:
DURNING'S "OFF OUR ROCKERS!"

DURNING STRING BAND HISTORY: Founded in 1935 by James A. Durning, the band first marched in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade in 1936 with the theme Musical Troubadours. In 1944, the band was renamed as the "James V. Durning String Band," in honor of its founder's son, who was listed as Missing-in-Action during the war.
Durning is proud of its history and consistently works to be competitive each and every year. Durning has played for Pope John Paul and President Gerald Ford, and has performed in the Miss America Beauty Pageant Parade in Atlantic City, NJ, the Strawberry Festival in Buchanan, West Virginia, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the Kalikfest in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as various engagements throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania. It is with great pride that the members of Durning strive to continue this great tradition of Mummery.
In 1988, Durning merged with the Garden State String Band of Gloucester City, NJ. Together, we've continued producing award-winning performances each and every New Years Day. Our heritage includes many second- and third-generation family members who carry on the Durning tradition year after year. The Durning String Band is a non-profit organization.
Additional information is available on the official DSB Web site .

My Interests

Durning String Band
Philadelphia Mummers Parade
Mummers Museum
Philadelphia Mummers Association
String Band Archives
Prize History of the String Bands
MummerTime Magazine
Mummers Artist
Mummer Grapevine
Mummers on National TV

Mummers, string bands, Philadelphia Mummers Parade, New Years Day, Philadelphia String Band Association, Show of Shows, Philadelphia, South Philly, Broad Street, Two Street, South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, North Wildwood, Atlantic City, marching bands, drum corp, music, drill, showmanship, entertainment, parades, concerts, weddings, serenades, parties, musicians, dancers, marshals, membership, organization, competition, prizes, fundraising, charity, nonprofit, friendships, camaraderie, family, heritage, dedication, performance, rehearsals, hobby, tradition, props, costumes, suits, artists, set design, instruments, saxophone, banjo, string bass, accordian, percussion, glockenspiel, captain, strutting, the mummers strut, golden slippers, clubs, sequins, feathers, backpieces, umbrellas, fancies, comics, wenches, fancy brigades, West Chester University, String Band Weekend

I'd like to meet:

LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING NEW HOBBY? The Durning String Band is always looking to attract new members. We are a fun-filled organization that offers its members individual development, teamwork, plus the chance to meet great people and make new friends. Our membership includes both men and women from a wide variety of talent levels, age groups, and areas of expertise. Instruments needed are saxophone, banjo, accordian, upright bass, percussion, and glockenspiel; however, even a person who does not play a string band instrument can become a valuable member of our organization as a dancer, marshal, prop builder, painter, designer, etc. Year-round participation of all members in our performances, rehearsals, and club activities is not only encouraged, but is essential for making the Durning String Band a success!

REHEARSALS are held on Tuesday nights** at 8:00pm at our BARRINGTON practice space ("the Hut") on E. Gloucester Pike, Barrington, NJ ("The Hut" is the large blue building across from Edmund Scientific ... see blog for map). **During "mum season" some additional rehearsals will be required on Sunday mornings at 10:00am. Please contact us for a current rehearsal schedule.

WANT TO HIRE THE BAND? Let the Durning String Band bring the excitement of the Mummers parade to your next party or event. We'll have your guests out of their seats and on their feet in no time! We can customize a package that fits both your taste and budget, for any occasion or event: weddings, serenades, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, parades, concerts, corporate events, award banquets, conventions, community events, grand openings ... you name it!

For information on hiring the band or becoming a member, contact Captain Jerry LaRosa, Jr. (business agent) via phone: 267-243-3889 or via email .

Music:

Mummers music, from old-time string band favorites like Golden Slippers and Four Leaf Clover to our New Years Day routine!

Movies:

Durning String Band's 2007 Mummers Parade Performance: "Swingin' South of the Border"

Television:


Heroes:

The Durning String Band would like to thank
our friend and 2008 Raleigh Christmas Parade sponsor
Mr. Dan "Scrap Iron Man" Rockett,

our 2008 Mummers Parade costumers
Jubillee Productions

and our friends at Temple University Athletics

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CORPORATE SPONSOR? Please email us for more information.

My Blog

NICKs in Northeast Philly

Come on out to NICK's (2212 Cottman Avenue, Northeast Philadelphia) for entertainment provided by Zoot Suit, featuring the multi-talented Rob Carroll (DSB's 2008 music arranger!)Friday, November 16th ...
Posted by Durning String Band on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:15:00 PST

DSB named Official String Band for Temple Athletics!

The Durning String Band has had the honor of being named the official string band for Temple University Athletics!Come gear up for the game at TEMPLE UNIVERSITY'S PEP RALLY (for the TEMPLE OWLS vs. PE...
Posted by Durning String Band on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:47:00 PST

IT’S MUMTIME! Sunday Rehearsals Begin

DSB Members, and anyone interested in helping out as a marshal or building props:In addition to our usual Tuesday evening rehearsals, Sunday rehearsals will begin on November 4th, and will continue we...
Posted by Durning String Band on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:58:00 PST

DSB Members Only: Raleigh North Carolina Trip

OCTOBER 16TH IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA TRIPTrip dates are Friday, November 16th  Sunday, November 18th and features the Greater Raleigh Christmas Parade and two short concerts. Several p...
Posted by Durning String Band on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:30:00 PST

DSB Rehearsals

MEMBERS: With MUM SEASON in high gear, all rehearsals from this point through New Years will be held in our BARRINGTON practice space ("the Hut") on E. Gloucester Pike, Barrington, NJ ("The Hut" is th...
Posted by Durning String Band on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:15:00 PST

Deepest Sympathy

All of DSB's hearts go out to our former member Lorraine (Allen) Ryan, and her husband Glenn, at the passing of their daughter Celina Joy Ryan on August 25, 2007. Celina was only 5 weeks old. Relative...
Posted by Durning String Band on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 05:56:00 PST

DSB to Perform at Temple vs. Navy Football Game

As announced on WIP by our friend Anthony Gargano:The Durning String Band will be performing pre-game festivities at Lincoln Financial Field for the Temple vs. Navy Football Game on Friday, August the...
Posted by Durning String Band on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 03:25:00 PST

news and updates

There was a great turnout at the Mummers Museum to hear the "sweet, sweet sounds of Durning" last Thursday night. The weather held up, the crowd strutted the night away, and we even beat the record fo...
Posted by Durning String Band on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:48:00 PST

2008 Theme Change!

If you haven't heard, DSB has submitted a brand new theme for the 2008 parade. What's new?? OLD!!! "Durning's Golden Years" will be based upon honoring the spunk and energy today's senior citizens exh...
Posted by Durning String Band on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:45:00 PST

Penns Grove Elks

Durning's participation with the Penns Grove Elks Lodge in the June 2nd Wildwood parade helped to earn them 7 awards, several of which were for the best in the STATE (including a 1st place string band...
Posted by Durning String Band on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 03:19:00 PST