The other string bands opted out of the parade. In addition to the lonely string band, the parade featured a 90-minute march by Comic, Fancy and Fancy Brigade performers, along with a stiltwaker dressed like Uncle Sam, the Catto Brass Band and a youth drum drill team from Kingsessing. Two spokesmen for the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association said most of the bands refused to participate because of money and because many musicians couldn't take off from their regular jobs. Traditionally, the Summer Mummers Parade is held in the evening. This year's event was scheduled in the afternoon to accommodate Republican visitors.
String bands have their own musicians that play their club's own musicial arrangements.
Kelly Marie Mahon, who led 32 musicians along Market Street as captain of the Irish-American String Band, had no comment on the controversy. If you experience any problems with the Daily News Web site, please let us know. Include the date and time of the problem and a brief description.