Duffy String Band opens 2018 with bittersweet Mummers tear-jerker

On New Year's Day, we welcomed in 2018 with the usual pomp and celebration here in the United States and around the world. In my hometown of Philadelphia, PA welcoming in the New Year means one thing above all others. That would be the annual Mummers Parade. For the uninitiated, the Mummers Parade is one … Continue reading Duffy String Band opens 2018 with bittersweet Mummers tear-jerker

The good old days

Do you know that weird sensation of connection to your roots that you often feel when you see an old family member, friend, lover, teammate, or co-worker for the first time in years, maybe even decades?Depending on the circumstances of your meet, it sometimes doesn't hit you until later. But almost always we go through … Continue reading The good old days

A third story on American Street?

I grew up in a traditional, small South Philly rowhouse in the 2300 block of south American Street. Our block was one of the few in our working-class rowhouse neighborhood that had houses on only one side of the street. Our houses were situated on the east side of the block, between Wolf and Ritner Streets. … Continue reading A third story on American Street?