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TechnographEnvironmental Encroachment Marching Band takes over UI campus
Band of 'rogue space bunnies' opens Krannert's 'Branding on Display'
By Missy Smith
Posted: 1/29/07 Section: Diversions
Imagine the blending of various instruments - a beat so unique it is hard to miss, each instrument perfectly complimenting the others, and a sound that penetrates your soul. It's not a typical band; it can't be because it has an ambiance of something completely unique that is incomparable to anything in the world.
There is a picture that comes to mind, of a string quartet or an orchestra. The reality is much more abstract because the band performing is not only a marching band, but a marching band dressed in costumes. The seemingly never-ending procession of fifteen people dressed in different variations of bunny costumes pass by and the audience can't help but stare and wonder what is going on.
This is not a hallucination or a dream because the members of the Environmental Encroachment Marching Band continue their performance with various forms of theatrics in addition to being "rogue space bunnies." Prancing through the Krannert Art Museum, 500 W. Peabody Dr., today from 6-8 p.m., this band is anything but normal.
According to their official MySpace Web site, the EE Marching Band "creates an environment for people to be childlike, play music, be curious, and to be free. They seek to provide somewhat of a playground for the mind."
Dan Merlo, the Creative Director of the EE Marching Band, brags about their unique sound and act they put on.
"We infiltrate public spaces and break down the barriers between the audience and the performers," Merlo said. "They will never see this performance again, and it is just fun."
Along with the various costumes, the EE Marching Band uses theatrics, such as real and shadow puppets, projections and live sound.
The EE Marching Band is just one of two bands that will be participating in the opening of Krannert's brand new exhibit, "Branded on Display."
The exhibit will include art pieces that reflect society's dependence on brand names to define people and how readily these brands can be seen in everyday life. The exhibit will run through April 1.
There is a picture that comes to mind, of a string quartet or an orchestra. The reality is much more abstract because the band performing is not only a marching band, but a marching band dressed in costumes. The seemingly never-ending procession of fifteen people dressed in different variations of bunny costumes pass by and the audience can't help but stare and wonder what is going on.
This is not a hallucination or a dream because the members of the Environmental Encroachment Marching Band continue their performance with various forms of theatrics in addition to being "rogue space bunnies." Prancing through the Krannert Art Museum, 500 W. Peabody Dr., today from 6-8 p.m., this band is anything but normal.
According to their official MySpace Web site, the EE Marching Band "creates an environment for people to be childlike, play music, be curious, and to be free. They seek to provide somewhat of a playground for the mind."
Dan Merlo, the Creative Director of the EE Marching Band, brags about their unique sound and act they put on.
"We infiltrate public spaces and break down the barriers between the audience and the performers," Merlo said. "They will never see this performance again, and it is just fun."
Along with the various costumes, the EE Marching Band uses theatrics, such as real and shadow puppets, projections and live sound.
The EE Marching Band is just one of two bands that will be participating in the opening of Krannert's brand new exhibit, "Branded on Display."
The exhibit will include art pieces that reflect society's dependence on brand names to define people and how readily these brands can be seen in everyday life. The exhibit will run through April 1.
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