Founded in 2010, we perform mainly for anti-imperialist causes, but are also available for birthday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, shopping mall ribbon-cuttings, corporate functions, and traveling flea circuses. We are eternally recruiting new members. Our aim is to continually demand the immediate elimination of all EVIL!

Born out of the Occupy Wall Street movement, The Brass Balagan was organized in 2010 as an affinity group to support community organized protests with well-played street music. Since then, we have continued to demand the immediate elimination of all evil wherever we play. Our mission is to support those in the streets and in our communities who seek social, economic and environmental justice and liberation by providing our tight, energizing sound and political theater. We see spirited music and performance art as necessary instruments for solidarity and systemic change. In dark and fearful times such as these, our artistic contributions are needed now as much as ever.

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As the Yiddish in our name suggests, we will bring the ruckus to HONK, with our signature red jumpsuits and pizzazz. Our unique Balagan sound is a refreshing change of pace amidst the many bands in the festival. Our color guard, known as the Ruby Rabble Rousers or R3, will bring their best dance moves and bold political messaging. Since we are a band of many ages, there are also often some pretty cute kids in jumpsuits. We always help play for the folks at the ICE detention center Sunday night, for us one of HONK’s high points. And if all of this isn’t enticing enough, we hope to be joined by a traveling flea circus this year.

Over the last year or so we played at rallies and marches against Trump’s immigration and environmental policies, against a pipeline for fracked gas, and in support of Black Lives Matter, Migrant Justice, a teachers’ strike, Gay Pride, and May Day. We also played fundraisers for an anti-poverty organization, parent-child center for low-income and immigrant families, and a school with the most diverse student population in the state. Our most recent events include a Purim Party and Anti-Imperialist Easter celebration.

* Within our band, we welcome a variety of ages and skill levels, and of course diversity of race, sexual preference, gender identity and ability.
* We include youth who want to participate as they see fit. Involvement is based on their comfort level, whether it is percussion, bearing flags, or marching along with the band.
* As a community band, we are constantly recruiting for new members and maintain an open invitation for anyone to play with us and/or become members.
* We maintain a safe space for all and mentor new participants into membership.
* Since we play at actions supporting migrant rights, racial justice, LGBTQIA communities, the environment, and so forth, our new membership largely comes through our relationships with community members affiliated with these groups.

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