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.

EE Marching Band is based in Chicago and got invited to play at the University after someone from Krannert saw them play at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

Merlo said that the EE Marching Band is art as well, a type of performance artwork that is not typically seen. He said playing for the exhibit’s opening reception is a perfect fit.

Diane Schumacher, Director of Marketing and Events at Krannert, said the show is “going to be wild” and that the band will start in the Link Gallery with their instruments. Then they will lead people into the Twentieth Century Gallery where EE Marching Band will perform for about 45 minutes.

“It will be a real experience, something you have never seen before,” she said. “To be honest, you have to get on their Web site to see how alive and almost bizarre they are.”

The band has found a way to market themselves during the show by selling their own brand of goods. A recently trademarked instrument, the Erect-a-bone, will be sold at the show as well.

“(The Erect-a-bones) are little stadium horns, which are played like a trombone, that come in various colors, complete with an official sticker,” Merlo said. “The show is called ‘Branded on Display,’ so it felt appropriate to promote ourselves as well.”

Across campus there have been various flyers describing the band. They claim they are an absurdest performance art, party band and that the experience is similar to a costumed electric circus with a hula-hooping, hard-rocking, funk-bunny space band.

This is not the only venue that the EE Marching Band is playing at in the area. Today, prior to the Krannert show, they will be overtaking the Quad.

“We are going to storm the campus,” Merlo said.

In addition, on Friday they are slated to headline at the Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave., in the midnight slot.

EE Marching Band is one of a kind, and is sure to be an interesting experience. Be sure to check them out at one of their various locations on campus over the next two days.

Merlo said that there is nothing to lose but time. “Students should go because I don’t think they’ll ever see anything like it – rogue space bunnies and music. It is fun, and it’s a spectacle to behold.”