Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band

HONK! Fest this weekend Oct. 11 & 12!!!

2008-10-09T04:15:48Z

HONK! Fest is coming this weekend, and we couldn't be more excited!!!

we've believed in the spirit of HONK! since it's beginning, and it keeps getting bigger and crazier ever year. This year boasts 24 of the best radical/activist street, marching and brass bands of every flavor from all over the country, as well as many other surprises...and we are proud to be a part of the mayhem! all weekend music will be pouring out of every crevice in Davis Sq, so come down and join the party.

You can expect to see the Madcap Rumpus Society in full effect, as well as a slew of guest musicians making appearances. it's all free and it's all awesome, so clear your calendar and just plan to spend your weekend in Davis Sq. ;)

In particular, we'd love to have our friends & fans join us in the fun on Sunday for the HONK! Parade: Reclaiming the Streets for Bands, Bikes & Feet! If you come prepared to make some noise and show your love & support of ENSMB, preferably with signs and banners ;), then you can take to the street with us and march in the parade. Shoot us an email or comment for more details!

The full schedule can be found here, and the specifics of when we're appearing are below

Sat. Oct 11
4-5 PM 7 Hills Park (behind the Holland St. T station)
8-9 PM Davis Sq. Plaza (beside Starbucks)

Sun. Oct 12
Noon-2 PM HONK! Parade
ALL the bands plus tons of other performers and lunatics will parade from Davis Sq. to Harvard Sq. down Mass Ave.

8 PM-Midnight HONK! Fest Finale Concert at the VFW Dilboy in Davis Sq.
this will be one joyous orgy of horns and drums and love and dancing!

Don't miss out on all the fun! Bring your family, your friends, your internet crush and any strangers you pass on the way!

"Hell" performed by ENSMB featuring Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys

2008-10-08T16:10:39Z

We've got a recording of our very special performance of the Squirrel Nuts Zippers' classic, "Hell", which we performed with the assistance of the talented Mr. Walter Sickert at the Casualty Menagerie a few weeks back.

Not only is it today's Sepiachord Song of the Day, but you can also listen to it on our myspace page, or, because we love you, you can download it RIGHT NOW!

how can you not love it? ENSMB sings!

what are you waiting for? go tell your friends!

See us TONIGHT!!! Rick Berlin CD Release in Porter Sq!

2008-10-03T19:23:26Z

We're really excited to be a part of Rick Berlin's eclectic CD release show tonight! It's certain to be a jam packed night of entertainment. ENSMB goes on around 10:00, but you're going to want to catch all of the amazing performances. See the full details below!

PROSPECT HALL • 1803 MASS AVE. CAMBRIDGE MA 02140
Tickets are $10 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com • $15 at the door
7 pm door 8 pm show

Point B Entertainment and RicK Berlin proudly present
RICK BERLIN'S TORN POCKET
An OLD STAG CD release
of music and curiosities (snake oil included)

FEATURING RICK BERLIN on PIANO accompanied by
THE OLD STAG STRING QUARTET
(meredith cooper, joe simcox, katie franich + marnie given-hall)
CONDUCTOR/ARRANGER BRENDAN COONEY
piano JANE MANGINI
THE OLD STAG SINGERS - SAND MACHINE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 3
PROSPECT HALL • 1803 MASS AVE. CAMBRIDGE MA 02140
Tickets are $10 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com • $15 at the door
7 pm door 8 pm show

with
THE LOW ANTHEM
THE BOSTON HOOP TROOP
EMPEROR NORTON'S STATIONARY MARCHING BAND
THE CELLO CHIX
LEON SCHELHASE (harpsichord)
THE SCREAM ALONG WITH BILLY SHOW
(bill, paul hough + sue goldberg)

Don't let the weather stop you!

2008-09-26T18:04:10Z

A silly little thing like inclement weather should NOT keep you away from the awesomeness happening tonight & tomorrow!

Come see ENSMB and a kick ass contingent of the Madcap Rumpus Society (including dilletante, moominmolly, harm_city_heart, klingonlandlady, serrin and many more!), and a veritable menagerie of other performers!

Get the full story HERE

9/26 & 9/27 lots of chances to see us this weekend!

2008-09-23T21:55:50Z

If you've been dying to get your ENSMB fix, then this weekend is for you! We're giving you not 1, not 2, not even 3...but 4 chances to see us on Friday & Saturday Sept. 26 & 27!!! There's no reason to miss out, so read on and clear your calendar because this weekend is going to be a wild ride!

Friday Sept. 26 AND Saturday Sept. 27
The Casualty Menagerie at the Lily Pad!
This is a TWO NIGHT extravaganza that you will not want to miss!
Events like this only happen a scant few times in one's life, so embrace the adventure and come to see us!

Our good friends the Army of Broken Toys are releasing their latest EP and we're celebrating it with all of the circus power we can muster. Along with them, you will also see the most quirky and talented cabaret burlesque duo the West Coast has to offer, Vermillion Lies. Currently on tour with Amanda Palmer (but making a stop off to join us!), these two entertaining sisters are guaranteed to charm and titillate, so don't miss this rare East Coast appearance. Of course we're not ones to stop at your average three band bill, so you can expect to see the Madcap Rumpus Society in full force, as well the ever disturbing Odd Child Uprising, the always saucy Burlesque Poetess, and a host of other performers and miscreants.

And since anything worth doing once is worth doing twice, you can see this line up on BOTH Friday AND Saturday night! People will be talking about this whirlwind of wonder for a long time to come, so get in on the action and join the menagerie!!!

Friday Sept. 26 & Saturday Sept 27
Casualty Menagerie CD Release Circus Sideshow
at the Lily Pad
Inman Square, Cambridge
Doors 7:30 PM
Show begins 8:00 PM
$10 ALL AGES (thought this is NOT a "family" show!)

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! This weekend also holds…

Sat. Sept. 27 HONK! Fest Fund raiser in Harvard Square!
FREE to ALL!!!
11 AM ENSMB
NOON Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band
1 PM What Cheer? Brigade

If you're not hip to it yet, you better get familiar with it soon! HONK! Fest is coming to Davis Square and we're raising money this weekend to help get bands from all over the country here to rock out with us. Come out to catch us and TWO other HONK! Bands as we party in the Pit (by the main entrance to the T) at Harvard Sq. and pass the hat to raise money.

And last, but certainly not least!

Sat. Sept. 27 What the Fluff? Fluff Festival in Union Sq.

Do you know and love the deliciousness that is marshmallow Fluff? Did you know it was created in 1917 in Union Sq? Did you know that every year they celebrate it's splendor? Well they do! And this year we're headlining the festival!!!

The day will be filled Fluff related ridiculousness and to top it all off…ENSMB! Best dessert ever!!!

Saturday Sept. 27 What the Fluff?
4-7 PM FREE to ALL in Union Sq. Somerville
ENSMB performs on the main stage at 5:45 PM

FOUR shows in TWO action packed days! Be sure to come up to say hi, and while you're there get yourself one of our new CDs and T-shirts!!

i <3 our band

2008-09-22T14:33:58Z

EDIT: Now with Pictures!!!

yesterday's show at RiverSing ended up being WAY more fun (and way higher profile) than we had anticipated. :D (which isn't to say we didn't think it would be fun, just not as much fun as it turned out to be)

first off, it was an absolutely gorgeous day for playing outside.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

We started playing in Harvard Sq with a strong contingent of the MRS is attendance.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

the crowd was huge and consisted of probably a 100-200 people. some people were just passing by, but the majority of folks gathered around and were very receptive to our show. it's great to see kids at our shows, and there always seems to be a pretty even split between kids covering there ears and kids dancing.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

there were a lot of pictures being taken, and several video cameras dodging around and through our group (so hopefully we'll get our hands on some of that footage).

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

after about 30-40 minutes of this, we moved into position in front of the crowd poised to take to the streets for our parade. we had about 20-30 puppeteers and flag bearers, as well as the MRS, in front of us as we plunged out on to JFK and toward Memorial Drive. one of the most awesome things about parades in the street is stopping traffic as we rock out, and again there seems to be an even split between pissed off people and folk grooving along with us.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

i got a few glimpses behind us and was astounded to see hundreds of folks filling the street! Mem. Drive was shut down as it is on Sundays, so we got to really spread out and fill up the road with music and revelers as we made our was to the foot bridge.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

we were told that once we got to the bridge, we would take to a very narrow stage and we should cram on as much of it as we could and play a bit before the main event of the big group sing. i guess i thought it was going to be at the end of the bridge, but once we got there we were told we should play up onto the middle of the bridge. things got a little confusing at this point, as very helpful stage manager type folks herded us along as we played all the while.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

before we knew it, we were filing onto this narrow platform in front of a huge choir riser, which took up almost the entirety of the apex of the bridge and was flanked by two ginormous puppets manned by about 7 people a piece. still playing the song we started when we took to the bridge, we now faced an very pretty expanse of the Charles River, a stunning sun set and about 400-500(+?) people lounging on the Cambridge-side bank of the river! um, whaa!?!

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

it was a really heady experience to suddenly be the focal point of this huge event. i mean, i suppose we had been once we started the parade, but we were really only exposed to just those people around us. now everyone in attendance basically gathered around and were paying attention to us! i'm just thankful that we had chosen a really solid tune (Bubamara) to start as we took to the bridge *whew*

as that wrapped, we filed off the stage and had about an hour of down time as the main event happened. the RiverSing itself consists of a 100+ choir surround by a brigade of very large puppets singing a repertoire of well known spirituals and folk tunes. programs with lyrics are handed out to the crowd and all are encouraged to sing along. as they neared the end of their show, we were told we'd start playing behind the stage and then lead a procession off the bridge.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

we got into position and waited for them to finish their last tune. after they were done, we were ready to start our song, but then they ushered us back onto the stage in front of the choir! *eep* despite the fact that the band was spread thin and pretty far apart from each other, we had no choice but to launch into the tune we had selected. it turned out to be a pretty good choice, and FTR playing Mesecina overlooking a moonlit river rulez! people clapped and stomped along and there we were doing our thing, and then we finished to roaring applause.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

still a little stunned by the enormity of the event, we were ushered off stage and launched into Bella Ciao (and definitely an even more rambunctious version than usual) to lead the procession off the bridge. once off it, we took over a piece of lawn and kept on rockin' out. the crowd that gathered around us there were absolutely rapid for us. it's been a while since we've had a crowd going quite this bonkers for us, and this up close and personal. it was a nice cool night, we were in the dark on the grass and surrounded by people dancing, clapping and hollering along with us. we were collectively running strongly into the red at this point, so we ended with Flight of the Winged Serpent and Wish and were left pretty spent.

we had a lot of enthusiastic people come up to chat with us afterward, and many of them were surprised to hear we are local and are jazzed about seeing us again. the band dissipated as the fatigued (and rightly so!) players headed for home, including one who had two of his kids in tow throughout this entire day and the brand new member of our drumline that joined us for the first time (he was the Tech Dir for MITM and is made of much awesome). a handful of us decided to head back to Harvard Sq for food, and since we still had our instruments out this lead to a wicked fun freely improvised junk, drums & sax jam the whole way back to Harvard Sq. much to the delight and dismay of people spending a quiet evening along the river. It was really the perfect end to a phenomenal gig.

Originally uploaded by yayrabies

The Revels rock for having us, and the people in this band just full out rock! :) we love when we're surprised by our gigs, and we love it when they're unexpectedly awesome in so many ways. ENSMB FTW! Hurray for the beginning of Fall!!!

ENSMB Now Available on CD!!!

2008-09-19T03:47:46Z

One of the most common questions that we get at shows is "do you guys have anything on CD?" and now we can answer YES!!!

At long last we've collected some recordings so that you can take the splendor of ENSMB anywhere you go. :) Allow me to present to you ENSMB Live & Rough! We've gathered together our favorite songs recorded at various shows over the past year, and we've put them all on one album just for you.

We will have these $10 CDs for sale everywhere ENSMB makes an appearance, so come up and get one for your very own. Don't fret if for some unfortunate reason you can't make it to a show, you can buy as many as you want online here; ENSMB Live & Rough

Tell you friends! Buy one for your mom! Get your copy today!

ENSMB kicks off Fall with a hootenany!

2008-09-17T16:33:42Z

Come see ENSMB party down this weekend outside in Harvard Sq. as we perform as part of this year's RiverSing

We'll be playing this SUNDAY 9/21 in Winthrop Park (in front of Grendel's Den) at 5 PM. then at 5:45 we will lead our merry band of tricksters and rambunctious revelers out of the square and down along the river, spreading joy and noise in our wake.

Come celebrate the first day of Autumn with ENSMB! be ready to dance, shout and be generally nutty! :D

Salon Gone Wrong! This FRIDAY night!

2008-08-28T18:30:10Z

Come see the debut performance our new junk percussion project...
Bummer & Lazarus!!!!

SALON GONE WRONG:: an evening of poetry & delinquency
brought to you by the burlesque poetess

myspace events page (viewable to public)

article on Boston.com which sadly doesn't mention us :-/ but does give a good description of what to expect

Friday, August 29th, 2008. 8pm. doors @7:30
at the Amazing Firehouse

You are cordially invited to the party you always thought was going on after you went to bed. The 'salon gone wrong' is a celebration of the poetical in everything not usually classified as such. This vaudevillian variety show of crooners, cabaret, comedy, jazz and sideshow acts will features faces you know, and those you soon shall. Writers include rising voices from the poetry community as well as published authors TBA. The evening will be sure to have a lot of finger and garter snapping, smelling salts & flasks being passed about.

$10 pre-sale tix, limited time/amout
available via paypal
address requests to:
burlesque.poetess@gmail.com

august 29th, 8pm (doors @7:30)
@the amazing firehouse
160 hollis st, framingham, MA
www.amazingthings.org
beginning w.o.s.
$15, $14 for students & seniors
508-405-ARTS (2787)

venue directions

---

the evening includes...

*musical guests:

Robby Roadsteamer (music. awesome.)
www.roadsteamer.com

The Outfielders (experimental thrash jazz, improv)
featuring members of Rev. Glasseye, Humanwine, Viva Viva
www.myspace.com/theoutfielders

Calycadenia (Lainey of the Steamy Bohemians' macabre Jane Austenesque songstylings)
www.myspace.com/calycadenia

Walter Sickert & The ARmy of Broken Toys
www.myspace.com/armyoftoys
www.armyoftoys.com

Bummer & Lazarus
(junk percussion (and drums & bass) extravaganza feat. members of ENSMB)
www.ensmb.com
www.myspace.com/ensmb

...appearing as music support for...
Odd Child Uprising (punk circus sideshow troupe extraordinaire)
www.myspace.com/oddchilduprising

*writers:

your comedienne hostess, jojo lazar, the burlesque poetess.

Boston's very own Betty Boopalike, salacious stage presence
sharing her underthings and the poetry that happens to pop out of it...

www.myspace.com/burlesquepoetess

select readings from Edrie (One of the broken toys)
www.myspace.com/edrie

Michelle Olney, The Lunchlady Poet of Brandeis University

author Joshua Dunton

poetry from Nimue, squid woman

Billy Swift, the poet offering his readers oysters & wine...

kamikaze hula hooper, ashling

stay tuned for surprises surprises!
mystery guests TBA, audience inclusion/molestation, and more!

Parade Saturday (8/23)!

2008-08-22T18:41:47Z

A quick heads-up -- Emperor Norton will be in a parade this Saturday afternoon:

We'll be marching at 3pm from Copley Square to the North End, ending at 5pm with a rally (for the Sacco and Vanzetti Society) at the Paul Revere Mall at 416 Hanover Street.

3rd Annual Sacco and Vanzetti Memorial March
FREE!
Saturday, August 23
3-5 PM

Outdoor Circus FUN at the Summer Revels SAT & SUN!

2008-06-20T19:49:56Z

Summer is firmly upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to get outside and party in the streets with ENSMB! This weekend you can catch us in not one, but TWO parades and performances!!!

We are proud to be a part of this year's Revels SummersDay taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Fort Point Channel (In front of the Children's Museum). It's a FREE family-friendly outdoor festival featuring art, music and circus for everyone!!!

As for our part in the festivities, we're leading the Moon Procession at 5 PM, which will be made up of the members of Circa di Luna, a special one-time troupe coming together specifically for this weekend (featuring many members of the Madcap Rumpus Society)!

The Moon Procession will begin at the corner of Dorchester Ave. and the Congress Street Bridge and will head over the bridge and through the main festival area. After an introduction from Mayor Manino, we'll parade back over the bridge and around the channel where we'll take up some space and rock out until about 7 PM. here's a map of the event

There will be music and puppets and dancing and circus and reverly a plenty!!! So come outside and spend TWO lovely summer evenings with ENSMB and the Madcap Rumpus Society!

REVELS SummersDay
Fort Point Channel (In front of Children's Museum)
FREE!
SAT & SUN June 21 & 22
5-7 PM

Tickets for Mischief in the Machine ON SALE NOW!

2008-05-19T16:32:33Z

the biggest craziest thing we've ever attempted! get you tickets NOW before they are gone!

Mischief in the Machine: a Circus Folktale
May 30, 31 & June 1

"Through our signature blend of live music, theater & circus arts, Mischief in the Machine tells a tale of the re-emergence of hope in a dilapidated world where everyday life has been crushed under an oppressive regime of silence. The story follows a haphazard hero who uses playfulness and absurdity to rally a misfit resistance.

Mischief in the Machine is an adult theatrical-style circus performance, which includes acrobatics, aerial performance, dance, and an all-original musical score composed and performed by Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band.

Due to mature themes and imagery, Mischief in the Machine is recommend for ages 16+."

BU Dance Theater
915 Commonwealth Avenue
Entrance on Buick Street

General Admission: $25
Students/Seniors/Artists/Performers: $20
Tickets on sale now!
tickets@ensmb.com
Call 617.358.2500

We're still getting the finer points of our ticketing worked out, so Please Please PLEASE be certain to indicate which show (FRI SAT or SUN) you are purchasing tickets for.

MITM Tickets - $25 General Admission

MITM Tickets - $20 Student/Seniors/Artists/Performers

Folly Day 2008! what an experience!

2008-05-05T20:09:03Z

We made a trip to NYC on Apr. 26-27 and words can't quite capture the marching band insanity that was Folly Day! so we bring you pictures and video! it was a glorious day roaming around Prospect Park (usually lost) and playing music. highlights included playing Happy Birthday & Sesame Street to a little girl's bday party, leading an entourage into the forrest on a narrow trail, marching into a fence, climbing over said fence (while playing!) much to the confusion of joggers on the running path on the other side, and, of course, the rumble!

Folly Day - RMO Advances
Originally uploaded by LarimdaME

This is a great shot of one of the most fun moments of the day. As each band wandered around the park playing, when you encountered another band you were supposed to "borrow" some of their members. what this turned into was a marching band show down. in this picture we have just exited a tunnel, and from the hill above RMO came down the path at us. what followed was a blazing free for all as we battled song for song. they had a bigger band, more drummers and choreographed dancers, yet we fought valiantly and refused to concede. the pinnacle of this 'contest' was when they played their crowd pleasing standard Push It, complete with dance routine, and they perhaps expected us to give in. ;) But no! We retorted with our version of Sexy Back, and several of them nearly peed their pants.

convergence
Originally uploaded by threadseven

and lest we not forget one of the most astounishing parts of the whole event, The Super Secret Attack Band, which must be seen to be believed! Watch as they mount their final assault on the Allied forces of ENSMB, RMO & HMB

Attack of the Top Secret Attack Band!

..

here are a few of the pics we took on flickr

what an awesome day! thanks so much NYC crew for inviting us down!!!

-ENSMB

Three chances to see us this weekend!

2008-05-02T19:42:00Z

Greetings! there's never a dull moment under the reign of Emperor Norton, so come out and get in on the calamity!

Sat. May 3
Wake Up the Earth Festival in JP

ALL FREE

Parade 11 AM we're marching in the parade that kicks off the festival

we still need more revelers to help bolster our parade presence. please get in touch if you want to dance and march alongside us...or just meet us at the monument on Center St in JP at 10:30 for the start of the parade. bring a colored flag to wave, a can to beat or silly hat to brandish!

Stage performance 4:30 PM we play the festival closing set on the Sun stage

The Sun stage can be found at the corner of Minton and Lamartine. If you think of the 'front' of the festival as the Stony brook T stop, then this stage is at the 'back'. It will be tough to miss as it will be the giant hydraulic stage with a freestanding aerial performance rig next to it. ;)

Sun. May 4 7:30 PM
$5 suggested donation
Somerville Open Studios Music Festival

in conjunction with Boston Jazz Week
The Nave Gallery
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church
155 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville

We're excited to close out the week long festivities of Boston Jazz Week and the weekend extravaganza that is Somerville Open Studios...all in one show! The Nave gallery performance space is an acoustically beautiful room that we'll fill with our signature clamor. ;) They are billing us as an evening of jazz & circus, and we aim to deliver just that. We're playing TWO full sets, so don't miss out on this special ENSMB treat!

Also, this weekend we'll be handing out flyers for our upcoming theatrical circus debut, Mischief in the Machine running May 30 - June 1. Be sure to come get some info from us, because you're going to want to jump on tickets as soon as they are available.

Don't forget to bring your friends and come up to say HI!

-ENSMB

Thank you for being a part of our fund raiser and supporting our cause!

2008-04-14T15:56:08Z

Our huge auction and fund raiser was such a tremendous event that I'm just now recovering, and sitting down to document how it went.

We really can't fully explain how wonderful it was to have so many people; fans, friends and strangers alike, come to show their support, cheer us on and give their money to help our cause. All of the band and the performers had a fabulous time mingling and frolicking throughout the night, and it was very nice to spend some time chatting with the people that came to see us perform and believe in what we're doing. We're still tallying the exact numbers, but we're estimating that we made about $4500! wow! that really is so close to the goal we had for this, and we're so gratefully to have made that much.

There's so many people that helped make this possible and I know if i tried to thank everyone individually here, i'd most certainly miss some. if only because there was so much happening, i'm not even sure who did what.

Heaping truck loads of gratitude and respect go to bbbsg who did a monumental amount of work in making this happen. while i handled the performance aspects and did a few odds and ends, she did nearly everything else. To list everything little thing she did would be a huge task, so you can just be certain that most of what you saw there was because she made it happen.

A few more heaping truckloads of thanks go to zzbottom and library_sexy of Paulo Adams Auction Services. Without them, we probably would have made about $100 on this auction. They helped tremendously and gave so much of their time and attention to this. They are incredibly efficient and well organized, as well as being wonderful to work with. They truly were fundamental in making this thing a success.

Individual baskets of of acknowledgment and thanks go out to everyone that volunteered their time before and at the auction to help us out in every way possible. There was such a flurry of work going on leading up to this and so many of you helped make that happen. As i said, I can't name you all, but please know that I sincerely appreciate everything that you did, even if i didn't necessarily see you doing it

Pretty pretty boxes filled with appreciation go out to each and every one of you that donated to our fantastic collection of auction items. it is you that actually brought us the money that we made, and we absolutely can not express enough how much it means to us that you gave of yourselves, your work and your talents to come to our aid.

One last special thank you goes out to DJ Ethyl Cannes, a.k.a. daft, for valiantly providing an excellent selection of music throughout the night. we couldn't have asked for a more perfect accompaniment to our event and I personally loved the atmosphere that her sonic selections created for the night. (for the curious, her playlist can be found here)

The silent auction was filled with an amazing array of items from music lessons to jewelry to amazing food and much more. i still can't believe that so many talented and successful artists and artisans contributed their wares freely to help us raise some much needed money. It is truly flattering and a great honor to be shown that kind of love from other artists. In the whirlwind of activity, I didn't get around to see everything that was up for auction, but I was particularly delighted at the ENSMB original hand crafted storage tin (complete with chocolates!), and the custom made chocolate truffles by Truffleupagus which consisted of flavors inspired by ENSMB. if we're inspiring anything that delicious, then we're definitely doing something right. ;)

After the silent auction closed, we moved on to the live auction where there was intense bidding over some hot items, again i didn't catch everything, but the home brewing class, the cupcake of the month club (one dozen every month for a year!), and a home prepared gourmet meal by Tarts & Carafes seemed to be in high demand, and for good reason!

The items gone and people's money spent, it was time for full on entertainment! It's been quite sometime since we've taken the stage for a crowd that is there solely to see us. We love being a part of great events and sharing the stage with other fabulous bands, but there's definitely something very confidence boosting and heartwarming about performing for an audience entirely of fans and friends. All the love in the room fueled the band to new heights of exuberance, and we were delighted to have a great array of circus performers with us that night. not only did we have many familiar faces, but we also had several people that have been trying for over a year to play with us, as well as people that traveled far to take part in this performance. Mark Alexander of Mortal Beasts & Deities deserves special note for making the longest trek, traveling over three hours, and making the most costume changes (i think it was 4, but i may have missed one or two).

I'm always amazed at what goes on in front of us on stage (pirates in boxes! contortion on broken glass! beguiling belly dancing!) It was a really invigorating set to play filled with some gifted performances. Throughout the night as the band and performers flitted and frolicked around the room, i could see in people's faces and movements that they were into what we were doing, yet so many seemed to be holding back. we played the last song in our set, but then we decided that everyone deserved one final tune. After asking the crowd if they did in fact want another song, I said it was contingent on them dancing and giving back some of the jubilation that we had been giving them. As we launched into the last song, i was fully unprepared at the bacchanal like revelry that ensued! people danced, jumped and ran around like crazy people. despite having to dodge flailing bodies and dancing stilters in close quarters while playing, it was an absolutely ecstatic feeling to have everyone there in a great swirling mass. this is really why we do what we do.

after all that, i still feel like i missed so much of the amazingness that occurred. Thank You Thank You THANK YOU!!! please know that everyone that participated in whatever way, did their part to help us lay the foundation for our group to become a beautifully rambunctious and joyous force in Boston and the world!

You can read an article written by the interviewer who talked to so many of you that night here at the Somerville Journal blog.

Here's a video interview taken at the event. (just listen to that music provided by daft!)

and finally here are some pictures of just some of the insanity that occurred
photos by qwrrty
photos by moominmolly
photos by magickcat

[ENSMB] Video from Burlesque Expo

2008-03-26T14:47:36Z

In case you missed us at the Sideshow Ball on Sunday, here's Mad Squirrel March featuring a straight jacket escape from CT circus punks, Odd Child Uprising.

and here's us debuting a brand new tune!

Those Grimy Little Stars

Tonight! ENSMB at the Boston Burlesque expo!

2008-03-23T16:07:35Z

Boston Burlesque Expo & Vintage Fashion Fair
8 PM Newcomer's Showcase
9 PM ENSMB
Followed by the Sideshow Ball

Hyatt Regency Cambridge
575 Memorial Dr.,
Cambridge, MA

We're thrilled to be a part of The Great Boston Burlesque Exposition & Vintage Fashion Fair this year. Come see us Sunday night when we play in between The Newcomer's Showcase and the Sideshow Ball!

www.myspace.com/burlesque_expo

A crazy couple of weeks! See us MAR 23 MAR 30 APR 3!

2008-03-17T02:57:04Z

ENSMB has a flurry of upcoming events, and each one is going to be crazier than the last! Don't forget that you can always check our myspace page, or our website calendar for up-to-date info.

Sunday, March 23rd
Boston Burlesque Expo & Vintage Fashion Fair
8 PM Newcomer's Showcase
9 PM ENSMB
10 PM the Sideshow Ball
Hyatt Regency Cambridge
575 Memorial Dr.,
Cambridge, MA
Get Tickets here! Hurry 'cause there aren't many left!!!
-------------------
Sunday, March 30th
The Boston Babydolls present...
THE DOLLHOUSE
with Special guests...
Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band!
The Paradise Lounge
969 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02134
Tickets: $10 Doors at 8 PM 18+>
9 PM ENSMB 10 PM Boston Babydolls
-------------------
and if you come out to nothing else this month, please come to this!
we really need your love and support!!!
Thursday April 3rd
ENSMB Benefit Auction & Fund Raiser
7 PM at the DILBOY VFW HALL
371 Summer St, Davis Sq.
Somerville, MA
Tickets $20
Tickets@ENSMB.com
or by clicking here

Donations can be made by contacting
Auction@ENSMB.com

We can't wait to see you! Tell everyone and bring along your friends!

Photos from the Carnal Carnival!

2008-03-11T16:27:47Z

In case you missed the splendor that was the Carnal Carnival, or if you were there and want to relive the memories check out the pictures we've posted to our myspace page. Many thanks to Jim Leonard for the photos!

and to complete the experience of feeling like you were there, listen to this recording of Flight of the Winged Serpent from this show, while you look at the pictures! :)

Updated auction info for April 3rd!

2008-03-10T03:56:59Z

please repost this far and wide, and tell everyone you know!

Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band & the Madcap Rumpus Society
Benefit Auction & Fundraiser
Thursday April 3rd!

Come One Come All!!!

Immerse yourself in carnivalesque calamity!
Associate with acrobats! Converse with contortionists!
Dine with dancers! Fraternize with freaks!
Be prepared to part with your money in the name a good cause!!!
We'll honk and holler for you and
you'll help us bring our circus mayhem to the Greater Boston area!

A full evening of entertainment has been planned including
Silent & Live Auctions, Dinner generously catered by
Whole Foods,
Custom Truffles inspired by ENSMB & MRS from Truffleupagus,
Cash Bar, Chair Massage from Major Massage,
Sepia-hued party music from DJ Ethyl Cannes,
Circus Performances throughout the night, a Full Set by ENSMB,
and a chance to Win the Band for your own party or event!

Thursday April 3rd 2008
7 PM at the DILBOY VFW HALL
371 Summer St, Somerville, MA
Tickets $20 Tickets@ENSMB.com
or by clicking here

Donations can be made by contacting
Auction@ENSMB.com

Just a few of the amazing things up for auction include:

- Work from local artists and artisans, knit goods, and culinary delights
- Red Sox v. Yankees tickets!
- Cupcake of the Month Club (12 cupcakes a month, for 12 months), from Three Sassy Bakers
- Massage Certificates from Abi Harper and Matt Major of Major Massage
- Tickets to Theater At First's spring show, Much Ado About Nothing
- Clockwork Pendant from Silver & Indigo
- Glasswork from Danielle Sucher and Dave Turner, jacks of all trades
- Personal aerial silks lesson tailored to your skill level, from Liz Manicatide of The Silkworms
- Web design or consulting services from Catya Belfer-Shevett
- Brew Your Own Beer Lesson, from Ry Strohm-Herman & Meg Grady-Troia
- Accordion lessons from Emilian!
- Apparel from No Sweat, sweat shop-free clothing
- Trombone lessons and your very own trombone, from ENSMB's own Sara Honeywell!
- Dinner for two from Tarts and Carafes. You know you want it.
- Tickets to the New Philharmonia Orchestra
- Tickets to the Boston Chamber Music Society

Whether you are a fan of the band or a newcomer to our unique brand of entertainment,
if you enjoy supporting your local arts community this is a night not to be missed!!!

Follow this link to learn more about ENSMB & the Madcap Rumpus Society.

This is a limited ticket invitation! Tickets can be purchased for $20/person for the full evening of festivities by emailing tickets@ensmb.com.
Please join us at DILBOY VFW HALL at 7:00pm to kick this event into high gear.

We are raising money to fund the first of what will be many large scale theatrical style circus performances. Production is well underway with a cast of 25+ performers creating an inspiring story with an original score by ENSMB. While our talent level is high, our finances are stretched. Through this auction our goal is to raise the money needed to jump start our organization, make a uniquely creative spectacle and bring more splendor to the cultural landscape of Greater Boston.

Additionally, we are still seeking donations of goods and services to add to our ever increasing selection of auction items. If you or anyone you know or are affiliated with (bands, theaters, small businesses, restaurants, community groups, etc.) are interested in helping us out by contributing, please do not hesitate to contact us at Auction@ENSMB.com. Furthermore, if you'd like to make a direct monetary donation, we would gratefully accept those as well, so please contact us for more information.

ENSMB Benefit auction April 3rd!

2008-03-05T17:39:37Z

Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band & Madcap Rumpus Society
Benefit Auction.

Please come out to help us make our crazy circus dreams a reality!

Come One Come All!!!

Thursday April 3rd 2008
7 PM at the Dilboy VFW Hall
371 Summer St, Somerville, MA
Tickets $20
Tickets@ENSMB.com
Donations can be made by contacting
Auction@ENSMB.com

We are raising money to fund the first of what will be many large scale theatrical style circus performances. Production is well underway with a cast of 25+ performers creating an inspiring story with an original score by ENSMB. While our talent level is high, our finances are stretched. Through this auction our goal is to raise the money needed to jump start our organization, make a uniquely creative spectacle and bring more splendor to the cultural landscape of Greater Boston.

This is a limited ticket invitation. Tickets can be purchased for $20/person for the full evening of festivities by emailing Tickets@ENSMB.com. Whether you are a fan of the band or a newcomer to our unique brand of entertainment, if you enjoy supporting your local arts community this is a night not to be missed. Please join us at DILBOY VFW HALL at 7:00 PM to kick this event into high gear.

Additionally, we are still seeking donations of goods and services to add to our ever increasing selection of auction items. If you or anyone you know or are affiliated with (bands, theaters, small businesses, restaurants, community groups, etc.) are interested in helping us out by contributing, we'll take whatever you're interested in giving! Please do not hesitate to contact us at Auction@ENSMB.com. Furthermore, if you'd like to make a direct monetary donation, we would gratefully accept those as well, so please contact us for more information.

Carnal Carnival this SAT!!! new songs on myspace!

2008-02-28T05:09:18Z

We cannot contain our excitement for the Carnal Carnival this Sat! it is going to be a spectacular event in the truest sense of the word. and it is SOLD OUT! after initially selling out, the venue opened up more seating, it sold out AGAIN and so they made available standing room tickets...and those sold out!

for those of you that got your tickets, we're looking forward to blowing your minds and rocking your socks this weekend. for those of you that didn't get tickets (post to craigslist and see what you can find!), we'll miss seeing your lovely faces, but as a consolation, go check out our brand new full length songs up on our myspace page.

Carnal Carnival Tickets going fast! Get yours NOW!

2008-02-17T21:39:50Z

We're just two weeks away from the Carnal Carnival on Sat. March 1st and the tickets are disappearing quickly! You absolutely DO NOT want to miss the chance to see ENSMB and the Army of Broken Toys along with a horde of crazed circus performers, so get your tickets right away. Trust us, you don't want to get to Framingham only to find out that you can't get in. Save yourself that pain, and buy your tickets right away. call the ticket line at 508-405-ARTS (2787). be sure to specify you're there to see ENSMB!

All helpful info and details about the show can be found at www.ensmb.com/carnalcarnival.html

Tell your friends! Tell your family! Tell your neighbors! Tell a stranger on the train! Tell everyone on the intarnetz!

The Carnal Carnival
Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys
ENSMB feat. The Madcap Rumpus Society

Advanced Tickets Strongly Suggested
$15 (Stu/Sen $14)
508-405-ARTS (2787)
Mention ENSMB by name!

Saturday March 1st
Doors at 7:30 Show at 8
ALL AGES
The Amazing Firehouse
160 Hollis St
Framingham, MA 01702
Visit the event homepage!

Come to the Carnal Carnival! SAT 3/1

2008-02-04T23:09:04Z

Come One Come All!!!

To an evening of sensual delights and sensory stimulation!
An event guaranteed to shock & awe, terrify and titillate!
An extravaganza like no other you've ever seen nor are likely to ever see again!
We present to you with the utmost enthusiasm....

The Carnal Carnival!!!

Featuring Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys

with special guests Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band

Saturday March 1st 8pm
The Amazing Firehouse

$15 Advanced Tickets Strongly Suggested
email: tickets@ENSMB.com

It is with great honor and frilly wiggly delight that Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys brings you the Carnal Carnival sponsored by The Amazing Things Art Center at their wonderfully decadent Firehouse Theatre in Framingham. At this ALL AGES carnival of carnality you can expect to see a burlesque poetess, belly dancers, snake charmers, fire breathing mutants, hula-hoopers, contortionists, jugglers, sideshow freaks, acrobats, and the brazenly boisterous Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band!

We are so very excited to be a part of this lively and lascivious event and we ardently hope that each and every one of you can be there to share in the experience with us! This is going to be a non-stop cavalcade of craziness with over 30 performers of every imaginable variety! You WILL NOT want to miss this, so get your tickets now! For the benefit of the band, we also strongly encourage you to get your tickets though us by emailing tickets@ENSMB.com. We're kicking off the party, so be sure to get there early to catch every wonderfully chaotic moment!!!

love & circus!
-ENSMB

The Carnal Carnival
Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys
ENSMB feat. The Madcap Rumpus Society

tickets@ENSMB.com
Advanced Tickets Strongly Suggested
$15 (Stu/Sen $14, Members $12)

Saturday March 1st
Doors at 7:30 Show at 8
ALL AGES
The Amazing Firehouse
160 Hollis St
Framingham, MA 01702
http://www.amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=840

Other featured performers include

The Madcap Rumpus Society - Lovable Circus Freaks
Diva Jutta – Circus Barker
Oddchild Uprising – Circus Sideshow Troop
Beth Biller – Belly Dancing Astrophysicist
Badriya al-Badi'a, Raqs Sharqi and Gothic Belly Dance
jojo lazar - Burlesque Poetess
Zehara Nachash - Tejedora Belly Dancer & Snake Charmer

Upcoming ENSMB shows! Mark your calendars!

2008-01-23T22:18:03Z

The band has been hard at work perfecting our particular blend of style and insanity, and at last, we're happy to announce two upcoming shows that have us bouncing just thinking about them.

Saturday March 1st - Once in a Lifetime Extravaganza!
with Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys

We're huge fans of these delightfully inscrutable performers, and we're scheming to help them create a spectacle unlike any you've ever experienced! Expect carnal carnival acts, belly dancers, fire breathing mutants, hula-hoopers, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, and of course, the brazenly boisterous ENSMB!

Get your tickets right away because if you miss this event, you may never forgive yourself. ;D More info on the show can be found here.

Sunday March 30th - ENSMB & the Boston Babydolls at the Paradise Lounge.

We are once again ecstatic to be sharing the stage with the lovely ladies of the Boston Babydolls! It guarantees to be an evening of unbridled sexiness beginning with the undulating euphoria of ENSMB and finishing with the signature sassiness of the beautiful Babydolls.

Mark your calendars now! These shows will be sure to entice and entertain, so don't miss out on your chance to experience the exhibitionism of ENSMB!!!