The first time I saw/heard March Fourth was at the Crystal Ballroom, in Portland, opening for Pink Martini in 2003. I was immediately electrified by their performance. This wasn’t your regular, old, marching band at all. They were much more than that. March Fourth is “a high-energy, eclectic, and mobile unit of good times, taking a Fellini-esque mix of Mardi Gras mayhem, afro beat, Mexican hustle, sultry samba, big band, and gypsy folk to the streets and parks…”, and the band leader plays an electric bass guitar (Yes this is a marching band). I certainly can’t go without mentioning the stiltwalkers, dancers, and fire/flag twirlers that perform with them as well.

I had the opportunity to see them perform again recently at The Oregon Country Fair. They played on stage at the Monkey Palace in the Chela Mela Meadow and they filled that whole meadow with energy to spare. Everyone was up on their feet dancin’. It was great.

Check out some photos here of their performance at the Monkey Palace in the Chela Mela Meadow at The Oregon Country Fair. Granted, some photos are not going to let you experience the sound, excitement, and energy of March Fourth, but you can go to their website here. There I’m sure you could find out how to get your hands on a cd or if you’re lucky enough to be in the PDX area, you may be able to catch them live.