MarchFourth is a genre-breaking force of nature in the world of entertainment. Carrying nearly twenty musicians, dancers, and artisans around the country for a show that defies categorization and implores free-spirited joy-inducing, foot-stomping, booty-shaking, soul-stirring ambience sets the band apart from any other touring band. Able to catch the attention of any, the cast of characters recently used their position to an advantage of power.

Following the new laws in North Carolina against the LGBTQ community, and the recent concert cancellations that some headlining acts chose to respond with, members of MarchFourth decided to respond to the situation in a different way. After a late night drunken conversation about the matter, the band unanimously decided to go forward with both their North Carolina shows, in Durham at Motorco and headlining the LEAF Festival outside of Asheville, in full drag. 

Over the weekend, they chose to perform in dresses, makeup, wigs, and all, both to poke fun at the state’s governor and to stand in solidarity with those who are being persecuted for who they are. While performing this way in the North Carolina towns was certainly a risky move, they were pleased to be overwhelmingly supported by their fans. Their sets, some of their best ever, included a brassy version of Prince‘s “Purple Rain” and “Hot Stepper” from their upcoming album.

Purple Rain

Hot Stepper

“It was pretty surreal going on after Juan de Marcos and the Afro Cuban All Stars, them in suits and gowns,” trumpeter Paul Theodore Chandler told us about his experience at LEAF Fest. “And then it’s us getting on but with all the dudes in gowns and makeup. F***ing awesome.”

Here are some stunning photos from their LEAF Festival performance, courtesy of Sandlin Gaither Photography:

On May 25th, MarchFourth is launching a Kickstarter for their fourth studio album, Magic Number, which was recorded at The Parlor Recording Studio in New Orleans, LA, produced by Galactic’s Ben Ellman and featuring Stanton Moore and Trombone Shorty. Depending on your pledge, you’ll be able to pre-order the album through the program when it goes live later this month. Needless to say, this record is going to be off the charts!

Catch MarchFourth later this month when they swing through Summer Camp for a late night Sunday set that promises a multi-faceted, indelible experience, as well as various guerilla parades throughout the weekend! They’ll be sure to keep it fresh all the way through!