Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band is not so much a band, per se, as a musical force of nature. They are a volcanic eruption of amazing sonic and rhythmic fantasmagoria. The marching band was one of the glories of 19th century; there’s a reason why, in an age of amplifiers and electronics, modern parades still have this 200-year-old concept as their centerpiece. Imagine all the glory of a gorgeously-uniformed precision brass-and-thunder orchestra. Then imagine it marching. Then imagine it being transported inside a Steampunk festival. Then imagine it them being manic music virtuousos and circuspunks, and then imagine them playing a cover of “Sexy Back”, by Justin Timberlake, in an impromptu jam session outside of a hotel. Actually, you don’t have to imagine it – that’s what they did at World’s Fair I:
The description on their website is “Our Circus Band combines the rich musical history of the circus and the vagabond peoples of Europe with the raw energy of avant-garde jazz, burning heat of funk and the irreverent fun of today’s Vaudeville for an experience that is somehow familiar yet like none other. They dance at the edge of reason, sing the song of society’s fringe and drum out whatever din you are called to march to.” But that description barely does them justice. Pretty much every Steampunk music site who’s reviewed them has raved about them, but they’re not just unbelievable Steampunk music, they’re unbelievable music – period. To wit:
“After seeing them, I think it’s fair to say that no ENSMB neophyte will ever understand what they are getting into until it’s happening! They were hands-down the best band of the night, full of energy and life and surprises at every turn…. They were great fun, and quickly had the audience storming the dance floor and jumping around with a variety of crazy dance moves…. I can only say that I’m really sorry I hadn’t gotten around to seeing them earlier, and I hope I get to see them again soon. They’re definitely being added to my ‘must-see local bands’ list.” -www.ConcertManiac.com
Members of ENSMB will be some of the hosts of our events throughout the weekend, likely including our Absinthe Tasting! Look for them throughout the event! Actually, you don’t really need to look for them… we can safely say they’re pretty much impossible to miss, which is good, because you REALLY don’t want to miss this.
Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band is also an Headlining Act at The Goblin Market on Friday evening!