Born out of the spirit and energy of Burning Man, the MarchFourth Marching Band, upon returning home from the desert, came together in Portland, Oregon, as a group of artists and eclectic personalities of the local scene. Many band members are not full-time artists; most are part-time musicians and full-time professionals who happen to love performing and playing music.

Named for the date of their first gig, played on the fourth of March, 2003 (Fat Tuesday), the group marched forth to the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. In celebration of Mardi Gras, they fittingly played mostly New Orleans-style band standards. These days the band has evolved into writing their own style of music, incorporating classic Yiddish Klezmer-style tunes and marching band standards into the mix. It’s also entirely possible they’ll even break into a rendition of Madonna’s “Holiday.” In a video posted to YouTube, the band (on that particular day) was made up of almost 50 members, including fire dancers, stilt-walkers, trombone players, trumpet players, singers and numerous other artists marching down the street of a funky Portland neighborhood. It was clear in the video that every member, whether they play regularly with the group or not, was having a whole lot of fun.

Now typically made up of about 25-plus members, the MarchFourth Marching Band (called “M4” by fans) writes their own music, sews their own costumes and creates whatever performance style moves them – they’ve been known to dance their way through a stage floor. Their latest album, “Rise Up,” released October 13, clearly demonstrates the DIY mentality the band is so passionate about. The group recently purchased an old bus on Ebay, and has lovingly outfitted it with Wi-Fi, couches and even a kitchenette. Never meant to be a touring group, M4 now encourages their fans and show attendees to practice their own radical self-expression (see their retrofitted bus as an example).

On November 6, the Marching Band will bring their block-party-style show to the Crystal Bay Club (775-833-6333 for ticket information). Suffice it to say, you should be ready for anything since spontaneity is their specialty. Even if they don’t inspire you to create your own musical act, it never hurts to get out, see a new band and dance like you don’t have a care in the world.

Remember when you were a kid and you didn’t know any better than to let loose and let your limbs flail? Expect to feel like that again at MarchFourth’s show. Kids can and should let loose at M4 shows since just about every event is family-friendly. This group’s energy is clearly not bound to one particular audience and nor should it be. As they were born out of the spirit of Burning Man, the MarchFourth Marching Band has integrated that creativity into every show, every rehearsal and every audience. So get out there and dance along with a marching band that is unlike any you’ve ever seen at a halftime show. For more information, check out MarchFourth’s website at marchfourthmarchingband.com