One of the unique things about the string bands is that they have played every genre of music. Been watching the New Years performances every year and this one has a great combination of comedy, cuteness and excitement. I love it.
I'm from Philadelphia. Ferko String Band has always been a family favorite since they had the best sound. But as an African-American, this feels so wrong. File this under "WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?"
My initial reaction to this is disbelief, however it seems to be inspired by Al Jolson, the Jewish entertainer. He did perform in blackface (quite a lot, in a time when it was socially acceptable) however he used his fame to be a vocal proponent of civil rights and publicly spoke out against racism.
I agree it's the type music Al Jolson played. I think it's called ragtime. Trying to think of the name of the performances. Not Vaudeville but a black inspired type.
@OhshiAppledrink It's offensive because the theme is "Bringin Back Those Minstrel Days". In American history a minstrel show was a black performer in black face, and usually makeup to give them full white lips. They would portray their own race as stupid and lazy for the entertainment of white people. That's why this is offensive.
"at a time when black people were banned from starring on the Broadway stage,"[21] he promoted the play by black playwright Garland Anderson,[22] which became the first production with an all-black cast ever produced on Broadway;
I Like All The String Bands It Shows You Entertainment I Give Them A Lot Of Credit It Takes Time Patients And Effort To March In The Streets All These Bands Been Around For Years.Regardless Who You Are They Will Be A Mummers. Thank you Mummers.
One of the unique things about the string bands is that they have played every genre of music. Been watching the New Years performances every year and this one has a great combination of comedy, cuteness and excitement. I love it.
I'm from Philadelphia. Ferko String Band has always been a family favorite since they had the best sound. But as an African-American, this feels so wrong. File this under "WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?"
They played the music, think bigger issue and didn’t see fervor have an blackface and that shouldn’t matter.
My initial reaction to this is disbelief, however it seems to be inspired by Al Jolson, the Jewish entertainer. He did perform in blackface (quite a lot, in a time when it was socially acceptable) however he used his fame to be a vocal proponent of civil rights and publicly spoke out against racism.
I agree it's the type music Al Jolson played. I think it's called ragtime. Trying to think of the name of the performances. Not Vaudeville but a black inspired type.
Someone on here mentioned it. Minstrel.
@OhshiAppledrink It's offensive because the theme is "Bringin Back Those Minstrel Days". In American history a minstrel show was a black performer in black face, and usually makeup to give them full white lips. They would portray their own race as stupid and lazy for the entertainment of white people. That's why this is offensive.
wonderful job!
Around 1:12 on those little musical notes are black with big white lips
"at a time when black people were banned from starring on the Broadway stage,"[21] he promoted the play by black playwright Garland Anderson,[22] which became the first production with an all-black cast ever produced on Broadway;
I would have quit this band because of this theme and its execution.
Wow, that is definitely some heavy rascism there. Jeez
Wow, I always loved ferko But this was just racist and disgraceful to the mummers tradition
How embarrassing.
...Really? No. How about not.
Totally copied Swing Time (1936) with the feet/legs opening up and the head!
This ain't no menstr'al show. WTF! Great music for everyone. Read the title!.
I Like All The String Bands It Shows You Entertainment I Give Them A Lot Of Credit It Takes Time Patients And Effort To March In The Streets All These Bands Been Around For Years.Regardless Who You Are They Will Be A Mummers. Thank you Mummers.