CREST HAVEN – George and Jean Magnavita have shared much during 58 wedded years. The couple, proudly sporting red shirts, shared another honor on Sept. 25, their 58th wedding anniversary. That’s when freeholders designated the Cape May County String Band, which Magnavita founded in 1986, as the county’s official string band.
The honor was shared with many similarly red-shirted band members who joined the Magnavitas to share their moment in the spotlight.
Standing next to the anniversary couple was Peter Gilson, a band member, who, like the other members, is a familiar face to area nursing homes, parades and other festive events. Gilson told the board, on behalf of band members, “No award was more meaningful” than the one just bestowed by them.
According to its website, Cape May County String Band is a non-profit organization. The band began with five musicians. It now has about 30 members, and is always open to volunteer musicians.
The band’s performances feature traditional string band music heard at the Philadelphia Mummers’ Parade on New Year’s Day. To band members, “Golden Oldies” pre-date the songs of the 1970s by at least 30 years. Several of its members are past or present members of Philadelphia string bands, including Woodland and Broomall.
The ages of members range from pre-teen to octogenarian. The band performs concerts at various locations in Cape May County, but they do not march in parades. They rehearse at the 4-H Building in Court House on Wednesday evenings.
Those who are interested in playing should know the band welcomes saxophone, clarinet, banjo, guitar, and accordion players of all experience levels. Even those who are just beginning can learn from some very talented and experienced members.
Wildwood Crest – Several of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks have created quite a bit of controversy over the last few weeks. But surprisingly, his pick to become the next director of the FBI hasn’t experienced as much…
