Today we’d like to introduce you to Joann Cebulski.
Hi Joann, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Seed and Feed Abominable is a 51 year Atlanta tradition. We are a wild street marching band that spreads joy through shock, awe, and wonder. We play some tradition marching band music, but more a march of popular and crowd pleasing favorites. You may have seen us at East Atlanta Strut, The Inman Park Parade, The St Patty’s Day Parade or one of the 40-60 gigs we do around the city every year. You can miss us when we are around. It is bold colors, tutus, sparkles, and crazy costume.
The Band was formed out of a small band from an avante gard theater in 1974. It took on a life of it’s own with many iterations of form and costume to become the Band we are today. Even during a global pandemic, we never were disconnected. There was a Zoom Room within a week and a new kind of virtual rehearsal that never let us lose touch. When others were feeling all alone in this time, there was always a friendly band mate to be there at all hours and even fairy bandmothers who helped people in duress or financial need.
Last year we celebrated our 50th Season!!! We have special events, public interviews with Lois Reitez and more, a 50th Season book, and it all culminated at Inman Park 2024 with a big celebration inviting alums throughout the ages.
As people came back to events and groups after the pandemic, we have had a record number of new members of all ages and background. It is a diverse and welcoming group who loves hard and enjoys a good time together. We boast almost 200 members in this amazing all volunteer organization.
I could talk forever because I love this Band. It is full of kind hearts and bold spirits. It is truly a family where you can be you and are embraced hard for it. I am grateful to be The Mouth aka Band Manager. Yes, we do have structure which includes a Council, Appointed Positions, and our own 501C3 Endowment to help the longevity of the Band and gives grants to music educaiton in our Community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With a group this big, we have both. The constant for everyone is the love of the Band. The Pandemic sounds like it would have been challenging, but our Council was up to the task and so were our clients. Within a week, we had a Zoom Room and continued to meet and support each other. We did distanced events like a video box truck for Inman Park and beyond with audio to share riding around the city while our fans could enjoy us from their porches. Our clients continues to support us by requesting videos as performances and supporting our financial needs. Our fairy bandmothers helped support any band members in need during these trying times.
Coming out of the pandemic was a challenge too. We balanced keeping our members and clients safe while trying to get back together in person safely and timely. Worldwide, coming out of the pandemic was a challenge for us all who had experience emotional trauma. Sometimes emotions were high as we all did our best to learn to be around people again and process what we had experienced. This band never gave up and loved everyone back to mental health and the joy we experienced with each other. I would argue we are stronger for it and it has had an effect on a huge membership boost.
The thing that carried us through is our love for this Band and our respect for each other. We have Abominabilities and SOPs that support that every step of the way. If we ever lose our way, it guides us back to each other.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been self employed for years. I do special events, some work in the film industry, and have even written a children’s book. I love to pursue my creative ideas and see where it goes to create success and a livelihood.
I am most proud that I was able to support my Mom after her stroke. I wanted to help he communicate again and to always make sure I could share laughter and joy with her. I was the youngest of the family and my job was to help Mom stay young, travel and have fun. She was a true inspriation.
Weird to say what makes me stand out. Truly, this is about the Band for me. I might be a little quirky and I really work to accept everyone. I love travel and learning about the people I meet.
When the Band was coming out the Pandemic, I felt the call to be their Mouth. In an intuitive way, I felt like I needed to step in to help. It has truly been the best (volunteer) job of my life.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many with my Mom, but loved ice skating with my Dad at the Omni in Atlanta on Sundays.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seedandfeed.org
- Instagram: seedandfeed
- Facebook: Seed & Feed Marching Abominable
- Youtube: @seedandfeed
Image Credits
Please credit Juliett Mansour and Meghan McCloskey for the photos. Others are myself or band members selfies and no credit necessary. If we need to be specific before publishing, I will double check with our photographer and social media person.
