Mummers in the News

Mummers By Frank Conforti

After searching high and low for news of the Mummers, we have found String Band Archives' on going articles by Frank Conforti to be most informative. Frank's articles are geared toward Mummers but supply insight and information all will enjoy reading. Past articles can be found at String Band Archives .

Frank Conforti started parading at the age of 6, a juvenile in a Comic Brigade from his neighborhood in South Philadelphia. The brigade was part of Liberty Clowns Comic Club's lineup. Frank stayed with the Comics up till his time in the military, then, he paraded with a Fancy Brigade for about two years, before parading with the Oregon Fancy Club.

Frank started writing a Mummers Column in the South Philadelphia Review in 1970, and his column ran until 1996, keep in mind, he received no salary. Frank was approached by WPVI TV6, who then had the television contract with the Mummers, and from 1974 till 1979, he served as the on air color commentator for their New Year's Day telecasts, plus any and all other mummer related programs, He helped in writing and producing.

In 1980, when WCAUTV10 was awarded the television contract for the mummers, they also included Frank, and he performed the same tasks that he did at WPVITV6. When KYWTV3 took over the television rights for the mummers in 1986, they did not include Frank. He was paid for tasks at both TV Stations (TV6 & TV10). Currently, his column appears on line, also in MummerTime Magazine, stringbandarchives.com and now on MummersonNationalTV.com.

Ladies & Gentlemen:

I have between yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday) a number of emails, phone calls not only from Mummers, but from their fans. I have to be honest, as I was expecting some cuts coming from the mayor's budget, but not like the one that has been proposed. As we look at the status of the current prize money, no increase has occurred in many years, the TV money just about holds it's own. The Mummers have co-operated with every request to make both the pace and the timing of the parade, as we understood the city's situation concerning their financial situation. Now, we face a greater challenge in keeping this tradition alive, and I for one, will do what I can, as I have always done, keep that street beat sound of the Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades going. No matter, you as mummers must face this current challenge, and whether you parade as an individual or a member of a club, brigade or string band, do so with same mummer pride that has been the heart and soul of this tradition.

Also, please refrain from making any statements or comments to the media that reflects a negative attitude on your part. Also, these so call mummer grapevines, only spread rumors, they can and will give all mummers a bad reputation.

Also, the Mummers Museum is also in the same situation, you can as mummers, become a museum member, if you are already, that's great, if you are not, call them at 215-336-3050.

---Frank Conforti---

(Continue to Frank's most recent article Updated on 12/19/09.)