Bacon Brothers Join “Save the Mummers” Cause

Philadelphia natives Michael and Kevin Bacon were raised with the Mummers.

“We have such fond memories of growing up in Philadelphia and, as musicians, one of our most treasured memories is the Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day,” says Michael Bacon.

Now an award-winning and accomplished musician, Michael first heard that there was a possibility that the 110-year-old Mummers parade might be cancelled in 2009 due to city budget shortfalls.

“We didn’t want to see such an influential musical tradition in Philly disappear,” he said, so he immediately called his brother Kevin, noted star of screen and stage and the other half of the Bacon Brothers Band. Together they agreed that they wanted to help in whatever way they could to save one of the great cultural icons of Philadelphia.

“I remember being lifted onto my Father’s shoulders on New Year’s Day to see the string bands and the Fancy’s marching up Broad Street. I figured every town in every state must have their own Mummers. It wasn’t until I left Philadelphia as a teenager that I came to realize that this was an event unique in the world,” said Kevin.

The Bacon Brothers have become even bigger fans of the Mummers this year. In June, they re-recorded their song “New Years Day” with over two dozen Mummers in a special arrangement by Mummers musician Herbie Smith. Grammy nominee Bunny Sigler joined them on the recording. Michael and Kevin not only donated their time at the recording session, they are donating 5,000 copies of the song on a special DVD that includes footage of the recording as well as archival footage of the Mummers in action. Details about the sale of the DVD will be released soon.

“My dream is that our collaboration on this song will help perpetuate this tradition and turn our little song into a big hit,” said Michael. “Maybe some day people all over the country won’t have to ask “what’s a Mummer?” but instead will be singing along with ‘New Year’s Day’ “

More importantly, the Bacon Brothers are headlining a benefit concert at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia on Saturday, December 5. The proceeds of the concert will go to Save the Mummers, and bands participating in the concert will be donating their appearance time. More details about the concert will be announced on this site as they are available, so make sure to sign up for our Save The Mummers updates. To order tickets for the concert, click here.