MarchFourth Marching Band is, of course, named for the date they began. It was the last time Fat Tuesday fell on the date eleven years ago in 2003. After throwing their first Mardi Gras party full of romping beats and brass, burlesque and revamped vaudeville, the group of 15-20 members did march forth.
They have always been DIY, parading through small festival circuits with infectious funk, rock, and astounding energy. The players, performers, and audience quickly meld together in jubilee with a quad of saxophonists, trumpets, band-geek drums, and a few guitars. And oh yeah, stilt-walkers! March Fourth is a tiny community of various instrumentalists, dancers, and acrobats; their performance is an epic choreography.
Back home after an extensive tour, this March 4th they rock their 11th anniversary with a Fat Tuesday spectacular at the Crystal Ballroom. There will be an all ages early show, followed by a night spectacle of DJ’s, body painting, beads, and stilt-walker love triangles. There will be lots, and lots of dancing.
Laisser le bon temps rouler, Portland! – Brandy Crowe