Atlanta's Seed and Feed Marching Band Brings Colorful Musical Mayhem

The 50-year-old volunteer group has no rules and welcomes all skill levels to join the joyful chaos.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 9:07pm

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For over half a century, the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable has been brightening up Atlanta with their colorful and chaotic style, playing in parades and popping up at bars across the city. The band is made up entirely of volunteers and doesn't even require its members to play instruments, welcoming all ages and skill levels to join in the fun.

Why it matters

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable represents a unique, grassroots musical tradition in Atlanta that has endured for decades, bringing joy and community to the city through its inclusive, no-rules approach to marching band performance.

The details

The band has no requirements to join - people have learned instruments after joining, and the only requirement is to "show up and be joyful." The band has developed its own lingo over the years, with members taking on roles like the "Mouth" (manager), "Broom" (director), "Incorrigibles" (children), and "Despicables" (dancers, bouncers, caretakers). In addition to parades, the band also enjoys "blitzes" where they spontaneously show up at businesses to perform.

  • The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable has been performing in Atlanta since 1974.

The players

Joann Cebulski

The band's "Mouth" or manager, who has been with the band for 15 years despite not playing an instrument.

Karen Parker

The "Broom" or director of the band, who joined after giving birth to her daughter and has been with the band for 18 years.

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What they’re saying

“There are no requirements to be in the band. People have learned instruments once they came in. They say they haven't played in 40 years, and then they'll get a band member that'll help them, you know: show up and be joyful. That is really it.”

— Joann Cebulski, Band Manager (cbsnews.com)

“It looked like so much fun. Just joyful. I had a young child at home, and I was ready to get out and do something that was mine, so my husband agreed to stay and look after her while I came and got back into music.”

— Karen Parker, Band Director (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable plans to continue its colorful performances at parades and events throughout Atlanta, welcoming new members of all skill levels to join the joyful chaos.

The takeaway

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable is a shining example of how a grassroots, community-driven musical group can thrive for decades by embracing an inclusive, no-rules approach that celebrates the pure joy of making music together.