Alligator Online

Some bands go out of their way to please the fans.

Take Morningbell. Influenced by the Flaming Lips and Talking Heads, Morningbell knows how to put on an intriguing show.

“We are absolute whores for audience participation,” lead singer Travis Atria explains.

From wearing jackets covered in Christmas lights to throwing Snickers into the crowd to sponsoring “moustache night,” Morningbell promises to bring something different to every show, bassist Eric Atria says.

“I need to bring stuff, bring the music and the lights and what not that’s going to make us better than any other band,” he said. “You need to have something driving you to be the best, otherwise you’re just mediocre.”

Morningbell, who will be performing at Market Street on Saturday with Maxwell Edison and March to May, has even gone so far as to declare February “Jason Sanchez Appreciation Month,” in honor of their biggest fan.

“He’s seen us from the dark days of the very beginning,” Travis said.

The psychedelic pop/rock foursome of brothers Atria, Eric’s wife and keyboardist Stacie Thrushman and drummer Masatoshi Enomoto try to take things lightly on stage, having fun while singing about the afterlife, outer space and robots.

“We always wanted to have a sense of humor in the music or about the band at least,” he says. “But I think we’ve figured out how to have that carry through but still have the music be taken seriously.”

Originally based out of Miami, Morningbell relocated to Gainesville for academic purposes. Enomoto teaches music while Travis is pursuing a masters in journalism, and Thrushman is enrolled in veterinary school, where she has a little more than three years remaining.

“It’s almost a good thing that I’m in school because we’re all forced to stay here and still have the student life for a little bit longer,” Thrushman said.

Eric graduated from law school last semester. The band members don’t have much time to concentrate on music, forcing them to perform once a month.

“We’re going to bring the house,” he said. “Even if you hate the music, I guarantee you we will do something you’ve never seen before,” Travis says. “And you won’t hate the music, but if you do I will personally come to your house, and that’s a threat.”

Doors open at 10 p.m. Cover is $5.