Our Mission
Before passing from this plane in 1880, Emperor Norton, I, revealed to his followers that he was no ordinary mortal man, but instead a manifestation of the absurd and unusual forces of the universe. He offered them the chance to follow him on his crusade to unsettle and disturb that which had become bland and banal. A grand parade ensued and continues on through time and space, bringing in its wake a glorious commotion that encourages all to join in the jubilation and make of this world what they will.
We are the progeny of this bizarre cavalcade. We dance at the edge of reason, sing the song of society's fringe and drum out whatever din you are called to march to. Emperor Norton is not dead; he is waiting to be awakened in each of us.
About Us
Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band is an instrumental ensemble with an eclectic repertoire that combines the rich musical history of the circus and the vagabond peoples of Europe with the raw energy of free jazz and the irreverence and fun of today's vaudeville for a sound that is somehow familiar yet like no other. Accompanying the band is an exuberant confederation of circus performers known as the Madcap Rumpus Society whose members include a rotating cast of aerialists, contortionists, acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers and sideshow freaks.
Spreading our gospel of spontaneous creativity and rampant self-expression, we bring a passion and playfulness to the stage that challenges audiences to not just sit and watch the world around them, but instead rise up and join the show of life, in all its wondrous variety. With our festive and frolicking vibe, you better believe that ENSMB & the Madcap Rumpus Society will have you not just dancing, but oohing and aahing over the musical and acrobatic feats you'll witness, and maybe even wishing that you too could run away and join the circus.