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Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Mummer's the Word
by CHRIS KOCHER
[ Excerpt from the print edition of Dirty Linen #141 (May/June 2009) ]
Every New Year's Day in Philadelphia, the Mummers Parade winds its way down Broad Street through the heart of the city. Elaborately dressed, hoisting umbrellas, and dancing to joyful music, these thousands of colorful jesters share an uplifting message: Cast off your cares, put on a smile, and step into the possibilities of a new tomorrow.
Across the Schuylkill River, a new tradition has emerged in recent years: Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams' annual "New Year's Eve Eve" celebration. The World Café concert -- which sells out months in advance -- is a hometown gig for frontman and songwriter Joziah Longo, and that only magnified the band's alchemic energy last year.
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