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 both competitive and entertaining, each and every year. Some recent honors include receiving the first annual "Most Creative String Band" award in recognition of our 2008 Mummers Parade theme, "Durning's Off Their Rockers," as well as the honor of being the first-ever Mummers group to perform in the Raleigh (NC) Christmas Parade this past November. Durning has also 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.
Who 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 the chance to meet great people and make new friends, all while participating in an area tradition that is over 100 years old. Unlike many String Bands, 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 (except the first Tuesday of each month) in the Oaklyn VFW on Manor Ave. in Oaklyn, NJ.
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.
What a FABULOUS performance. I was cracking up, looked like everyone had so much fun. The "walker crew" was so creative, y'all did a GREAT job! Congratulations!
thanks for bulletin about the 2008 performance - which i did not get to see on basic cable - due to late start - anyway - i am so glad you posted this pn your page - it was a fantastic performance and a great theme- very very nice - it was kinf of hard to see thru my tears - thanks so very much - im sure i will watch it again without crying - ill try anyway - hoping to see ya all in person for 09 - Linda
I Just want to say that you guys did a very awsome job on New Years Day. No Matter what you are the best string band out there. You are always #1 in my eyes. Keep up the great work
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