Extra Action Marching Band

Okay, we went to the most random/cool/weird/fantastic event last night. It was called the extra action marching band--they are from San Francisco. Cynthia had heard of them from her friend Justin, who I have only heard about, but believe to be cool. Ed was excited because there was a marching band involved. For those of you don't know, Ed was the president of the Boston College Marching Band—yes, he was the head geek.

Anyhoo, Kevin, Cynthia, Brad, Ed and Susan really weren't sure what we are we getting ourselves into when we entered what appeared to be a coffee shop. We bought our $10 ticket in and took our seats. I felt a little conformist/normal. As a whole, I was under tatooed and pierced for the crowd. There were some "unalternatives" people there too--actually quite a mix. One man was dressed as a cheerleader. He was weird.

So the pre warm-up act was this guy who strips while riding a pogo stick. Come again you say? No, I really can not make this stuff up!! He did! It was phenom. He would appear later in the show and take a liking to Cynthia.

Then was the warm up act. DC's only side show (some may argue that is debatable). We had a fire-breather, a girl who swallows balloons, a dude who puts a nail up his nose...the us' Oh the balloon swallower also contorts herself through hangers and tennis rackets. I made the mistake of telling people in the car ride home that I too could have contorted myself through a hanger. I am not sure it that is really true.

Anyway, the main act got underway after 9:30---late for a school night, I know! These guys/gals came in full on with the drill team, marching up a storm. The drill team soon stripped down to scantily-clad-outfits for the next and remaining numbers (hence the "extra action" portion of the title). It was great--they played ska-ish/reggae/afro beats/pep band music. After about the 3rd number they went into the audience and made everyone go on stage. After that they just intermingled and played wherever while people danced their hearts out. The drill team did some choreographed dances, but in the absence of that, they would just dance up to people. It was MAD chaos, but so much fun! Of course it became like 1000 degrees in there too. If they ever do come your way, be sure to take advantage. It was totally fun and was a true experience--not that you always felt 100% comfortable--but it is something I will not forget...ever!