What does it mean to "beat the band"?

Answer 1

w/lots of energy...
http://bits.westhost.com/idioms/id637.htm

to outdo another...
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/4/messages/1348.html

origin of "to beat the band"...
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bea2.htm

Answer 2

Well, based on Merriam Webster online this is what I found: "to beat the band : in a very energetic or forceful manner " - So for example, if you are talking louder than anything or anyone around you, including a live band, you are speaking pretty loudly and no one is going to be able to ignore you. A live band is pretty loud - whether it's a brass band from the old days or in a parade or even a rock band. If you are talking that way in a place full of people, you might want to consider going into politics or the Stock Market.

Answer 3

It's a grass-roots expression something like "sliced bread."
E.g., This is the best thing since "sliced bread." The meaning here is something wonderful. Sliced bread was never thought of until "modern times." Before that, people had to slice their OWN bread. Or break it, like Christ did. I laughed and cried "to beat the band." To the ultimate degree, that means.