NORTH WILDWOOD – The annual Mummers String Band Saturday that will place Sept. 7 will include a special program dedicated to Cozy Morley, the performer who brought such joy to so many. Morley, widely known as the “Bob Hope of the Jersey Shore,” passed away last week.
It is fitting that Morley’s Tribute take place on Mummers String Band Saturday, since he was a Mummer himself, first a member of Fralinger String Band and later, Quaker City String Band.
Many a North Wildwood resident, as well as visitors from Philadelphia and all along the Jersey shore, remember enjoying his song-and-joke vaudeville act at his Club Avalon. Today, Club Avalon is gone, and Westy’s Irish Pub stands on the spot, Olde New Jersey and Spruce avenues, where outside is a life-size statue of Morley holding his microphone as though in the middle of a song.
The Cozy Morley Tribute will begin at 3 p.m. in front of Westy’s Pub. Bobby Morley, Cozy’s wife, along with other family members will attend. North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey and former Mayor Aldo Palumbo will also be there. Morley’s friends and fellow performers like Carmen Dee will also come to share stories of Morley’s musical talent and sense of humor.
The public is invited to share their memories at that time. They are also welcome to bring flowers, photos, or memorabilia to place at Morley’s statue.
Before the Tribute, an impromptu jam session will take place at approximately 2 p.m.
Immediately following the Tribute, Duffy String Band and the Philadelphia Mummers Chorus will perform, among other tunes, Morley’s signature song, “On the Way to Cape May.”
The Mummers Strut Contest will follow at approximately 4 p.m. All are invited to join in the fun and enter to win. Then the parade, featuring the top nine String Bands from this year’s New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia, will march down Olde New Jersey Avenue.
Mummers String Band Saturday is sponsored by the City of North Wildwood and the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association. Westy’s Irish Pub is hosting the Commemoration.
For more information call Joe Q at 609-374-0562.
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