In order to play at the Independence Ball for the President's Inauguration, the Boulder-based funk band Funkiphino will break a promise the band made to itself six years ago: to never wear a suit when playing at a gig.

"When Jessica and I put this band together six years ago, I vowed that we would not be pigeonholed as one of those cheesy wedding bands that are out there," said Chris Fischer, band co-founder and current keyboardist. "One thing that we will never do is perform where we have to wear tuxes."

Not only didn't they wear tuxedos for performances, they didn't own tuxedos at all.

Fischer said his whole mentality changed when a member from the presidential inaugural committee called the band last month and asked, "you own tuxedos right?"

The band accepted the invitation to play at the ball, and immediately made plans to rent tuxedos.

Most of the band members are native Coloradans. Even those who weren't born in Colorado attended universities within the state.

"We are what Colorado has to offer. It is a testament to what Colorado puts together as far as education system and everything else," said Jessica Flynn, band co-founder and trumpeter.

The core of the band met at CU-Boulder Music School six years ago. Funkiphino grew out of its music school beginnings and picked up other members along its six-year journey.

The ten-piece funk band cites its favorite influences as: Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.

Since its inception the band has played at Avalanche games, Broncos games, and at the Governor's Cup, as well as local clubs.

Despite its high-profile gigs, the band contends that the ball will be its biggest show to date. Not only will this be the largest crowd for the band, but the venue will be the furthest east the band has played.

"I believe the farthest east we have played before this gig is Greeley," said Fischer.

The hometown band acknowledged the large ideological mentality that they will face at the ball.

"There is a comedy aspect that we are a 10 piece funk band, coming out of Boulder to play at a Republican inauguration," said Fischer.

Although the band may not fit the stereotypical description of a band at a Republican inauguration, the band said there are larger forces at work.

"It's a historical event; it is above partisan politics," said Chris.