Forward! Marching Band is a community-based, democratic, music-making collective. Founded in Madison, WI in 2011, Forward! was forged in the crucible of epic protests surrounding the new Governor's regressive agenda. For weeks we marched around the capitol in the snow & rain, gaining members & experience. Since that time Forward! Marching Band has dedicated itself to maintaining that unique fighting spirit of the Wisconsin protest movement.

We believe in using music to fuel social change, have fun & build community. We play tunes from the catalogs of folk, rock, klezmer, polka, labor, Balkan, New Orleans & Romany music. Our band consists of a diverse range of ages, musicianship & abilities, running the gamut from traditional instruments such as snare drum & trumpet, to home-brewed xylophones & washboards. We love costumes & spectacle! Forward! brings lively tunes to political protests, marches, rallies, parades & community events.

Latest News

Mardi Gras at the Fountain, Tuesday February 12, 7:30 pm till ??? If you're an event organizer, a community group, a protest planner or a musician interested in Forward!, please contact us. You can message us on Facebook or e-mail us at info@forwardmarchband.org.