Upcoming Events
Garden City Grooves VI – FREE Opening Night Kickoff
MNGWA, HRISTO
@ Studio Robazzo
Garden City Grooves is taking over Victoria once again with three jam-packed days of an astonishingly diverse array of groove and rhythm to get the capital city jumping once again; and we're getting kicked off on Night 1 with a very special, completely FREE party to get us started in style! Vancouver's groove-juggernaut MGNWA is coming across the Georgia Straight to lay down the funky-fresh sounds that define this incredible band. While the musical spirit of MGNWA is rooted in South American cumbia, their Vancouver home has allowed MGNWA ample opportunity to absorb influences from far and wide, blending hip-hop, dub, psychedelic rock and even surf rock into their ultra-unique sonic stew. Their undeniable talent and energy has helped get them on the radar of Latin music fans worldwide, and with members from across Europe, Mexico and Canada, the band is seemingly limitless in the variety of sounds it can build.
Joining MGNWA for our kickoff party is legendary west-coast selector, HRISTO. A man of indefatigable taste and knowledge, Hristo comes armed with a mind-boggling arsenal of rare and interesting records from around the world of music. You may never know what exactly a visit from Hristo is going to yield, but you can be guaranteed, it's going to be impossible not to dance.
Garden City Grooves VI Night 2
@ White Eagle Polish Hall Night 2 of Garden City Grooves is going to be one of the most sonically diverse and relentlessly groovy nights Victoria is going to see in quite some time. One of the crown jewels of Pacific Northwest music scene, TRUE LOVES, make their Victoria debut! The seeds of this incredible band were planted at a 3-man jam session in Seattle in 2014 and the ensuing years have seen True Loves grow into a 8-piece behemoth and a true musical force. The bands live performances are the stuff of legend, garnering them millions of views on YouTube and appearances at festivals around North America. The band is its own block party, building temporary temples of rhythm for true groove-seekers to come get down and commune with the groove gods.Coming up from California to join this party is BANG DATA, one of the Bay Area's hottest acts, making their Canadian debut! Like their home state, the band is built on Latin traditions but deeply hybrid in expression. Singer/emcee Deuce Eclipse and producer/instrumentalist Caipo build sonic worlds with their talent and deep knowledge of cumbia, hip-hop and rock. The band may be best known for their self-titled track “Bang Data” featured in the iconic fourth season of the hit show Breaking Bad. Bang Data's phenomenal energy and stage show have earned them spots on stage with the likes of Ozomatli, Panteon Rococo and Zion-I – to name but a few. Getting things started for this Friday night part is some of Victoria's finest hip-hop courtesy of the homie BRAINIAC. BRAINiac will be performing his phenomenal raps backed by his 4-piece band – pretty much a guarantee of hip-hop greatness. If you're not on the BRAINiac train yet, you better get on before he blows up. Don't sleep on this incredible night!
***This show is ALL AGES with beverage service for those 19+ with ID***
TRUE LOVES AND MNGWA IN CUMBERLAND BC!
@ The Waverley Hotel Cumberland BC Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society is proud to present a mixture of northern soul (True Loves) and Afro-cumbia (MNGWA) on Saturday, November 23 at The Waverley Hotel. Both of these bands are playing on Victoria's 6th Garden City Grooves concert series and we are excited to bring them up to the Comox Valley for an evening of world class music.One of the crown jewels of Pacific Northwest music scene, the seeds of this incredible band were planted at a 3-man jam session in Seattle in 2014 and the ensuing years have seen True Loves grow into a 8-piece behemoth and a true musical force. The bands live performances are the stuff of legend, garnering them millions of views on YouTube and appearances at festivals around North America. The band is its own block party, building temporary temples of rhythm for true groove-seekers to come get down and commune with the groove gods.
Vancouver's groove-juggernaut MNGWA is coming across the Georgia Straight to lay down the funky-fresh sounds that define this incredible band. While the musical spirit of MNGWA is rooted in South American cumbia, their Vancouver home has allowed MNGWA ample opportunity to abMNGWAsorb influences from far and wide, blending hip-hop, dub, psychedelic rock and even surf rock into their ultra-unique sonic stew. Their undeniable talent and energy has helped get them on the radar of Latin music fans worldwide, and with members from across Europe, Mexico and Canada, the band is seemingly limitless in the variety of sounds it can build.
Garden City Grooves VI Night 3
@ Victoria Event Centre We are proud to heat up Night 3 of Garden City Grooves in true Victoria style as we welcome back our dear friends THE NEW GROOVEMENT! One of our city's most beloved bands, The New Groovement has been relentlessly busy since their last appearance on our stage – with some choice member changes and additions and an acclaimed release (“Tired of Waiting”), the band has been gaining insane amounts of momentum. Funkier, jazzier, groovier than ever, The New Groovement has never wavered in their position as one of the most reliably rhythmic bands on the west coast. We are proud to welcome them back as they close another chapter in their extensive history, as this will be singer Stevie Wise's last show with the band. Except some serious emotions on stage as the band blows it out one last time with the powerhouse vocalist and prepares to head into a new phase!The stage will already be plenty heated up by the time New Groovement gets on it as we've got psychedelic junk-funk colossus APEX BREAKS coming in hard to get things going for this Saturday night get-down. It didn't take long for Apex Breaks to make a name as one of the funkiest and forward-thinking groove bands Victoria has seen in quite some time. Their set at this years Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival opening for Cherry Poppin' Daddies was marked by many as one of the highlights of the festival. The engagement between the band and the audience is almost as captivating as the interplay between the members themselves. Apex Breaks takes the stage determined to play serious funk music while having as much as they possibly can while doing it. Joining the party is guest Richie Digs, one of the city's most knowledgeable and versatile DJ s, who will be working the 1s and 2s, getting the night warmed up and holding it down between sets. Don't miss this Saturday night party. Come help us close down Garden City Grooves VI with a bang!
***This show is ALL AGES with a beverage service for those 19+ with ID***
Many people know the band Vic Ruggiero is the lead vocalist of (The Slackers) but many people don't know that Ruggiero has maintained an active and healthy touring career for well over a decade. For example his brand new project Reggae Workers of The World with Jesse Wagner of The Aggrolites and Nico Leonard of the Badasonics has toured all over Europe in the short time they've been together. Vic Ruggiero finds time to be part of projects like these in addition to his solo and collaborative shows such as this one with Jory Kinjo.
Vic Ruggiero will be playing with Jory Kinjo who has been busy throughout his 20 year musical career. Starting in 1999 Kinjo began his career playing with a Calgary based soul band called Mocking Shadows who did 3 tours with the legendary B.B. King. His band Mocking Shadows also performed with such other artists as the Tragically Hip, ZZ Top and Buddy Guy.
Then fast-forward 8 years later Kinjo played bass with Canada's ska legends The Planet Smashers and then two years later created his own band which he is known most called "JK and The Relays."
Shortly after that he formed another band with his three brothers called The Kinjo Bros. They toured extensively and were invited to perform in Okinawa, Japan at the Naha Matsuri Festival which was broadcast live on TV and Radio in southern Japan.
When one takes into account the talent and experience of both of these ska/soul legends we are in for nothing less than an unforgettable concert!
ALBOROSIE & THE SHENGEN CLAN w/Arise Roots in Victoria! - Canadian debut!!
@ Distrikt After ten long years in the making, Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society is proud to announce the confirmation of Alborosie & Shengen Clan to Victoria for the first time on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Distrikt. This will be the band’s first ever Canadian appearance. Tickets on sale Fri. Nov 22 at 9am. (*Note this is the new date for the show originally scheduled to take place on Fri. Nov 15th at Upstairs Cabaret)______________________________________________________
Alborosie is a shining example of a person that defied the odds with sheer determination, heart and raw talent. Born in Marala, Sicily, Alberto D'Ascola is a versatile musician that plays guitar, drums and keyboards in addition to being a world renowned singer and living legend.
He was first a part of a successful Italian reggae band called “Reggae National Tickets” in the early 90s. After almost ten years with that band his love for reggae and desire to be closer to the Rasta culture, brought Alborosie to the Island of Jamaica, in 2001.
While in Jamaica despite being first tagged with the name “Borosie,” (a name with a negative connotation) D’Ascola used the skills and experience he built prior to his arrival to work as a sound engineer with artists such as Ky-mani Marley and Wyclef. In tandem working with those artists, Alborosie launched his solo career. Long after moving to Jamaica Alborosie said in an interview, “I never came here to be popular. I never wanted to top the charts or be a billionaire. I don’t care about that. I just wanted to be close to the music that I loved and that I couldn’t find in Italy.”
Alborosie’s first solo album Soul Pirate in 2008 received international acclaim and rose to the top ten on the reggae Billboard charts. The anthem “Kingston Town” off that album is still the most popular song Alborosie has to this day. Since Soul Pirate, Alborosie has gone on to international stardom in the reggae world working with numerous living legends such as Chronixx, Sizzla, Protoje, Gentleman and The Wailers.
In fact his recent release in 2018 called Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets the Wailers United was one of the singer's best-received albums to date, featuring collaborations with J Boog, Jah Cure and of course members of the Wailers. The album rose to the Top Ten of Billboard’s reggae charts.
The confirmation of Alborosie with his band “the Shengen Clan” in Victoria BC is a special milestone for Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society and for reggae fans throughout Western Canada.
Supporting Alborosie & The Shengen Clan is LA's roots reggae party rockers ARISE ROOTS. This will be only Arise Roots' second Canadian appearance after their first Canadian debut at Victoria's 16th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival supporting New Zealand's House of Shem. Anyone that has had the opportunity to see ARISE ROOTS know they're a root reggae fan's paradise.
ALBOROSIE & THE SHENGEN CLAN w/Arise Roots and Tank Gyal in Vancouver! Canadian debut!
@ Rickshaw Theatre Vancouver BC After ten years in the making, Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society is proud to announce the confirmation of Alborosie & Shengen Clan to Vancouver for the first time on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at Rickshaw Theatre. This will be the band’s first ever Canadian appearance.Tickets on sale here on Friday, November 22 at 9am.
Alborosie is a shining example of a person that defied the odds with sheer determination, heart and raw talent. Born in Marala, Sicily, Alberto D'Ascola is a versatile musician that plays guitar, drums and keyboards in addition to being a world renowned singer and living legend.
He was first a part of a successful Italian reggae band called “Reggae National Tickets” in the early 90s. After almost ten years with that band his love for reggae and desire to be closer to the Rasta culture, brought Alborosie to the Island of Jamaica, in 2001.
While in Jamaica despite being first tagged with the name “Borosie,” (a name with a negative connotation) D’Ascola used the skills and experience he built prior to his arrival to work as a sound engineer with artists such as Ky-mani Marley and Wyclef. In tandem working with those artists, Alborosie launched his solo career. Long after moving to Jamaica Alborosie said in an interview, “I never came here to be popular. I never wanted to top the charts or be a billionaire. I don’t care about that. I just wanted to be close to the music that I loved and that I couldn’t find in Italy.”
Alborosie’s first solo album Soul Pirate in 2008 received international acclaim and rose to the top ten on the reggae Billboard charts. The anthem “Kingston Town” off that album is still the most popular song Alborosie has to this day. Since Soul Pirate, Alborosie has gone on to international stardom in the reggae world working with numerous living legends such as Chronixx, Sizzla, Protoje, Gentleman and The Wailers.
In fact his recent release in 2018 called Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets the Wailers United was one of the singer's best-received albums to date, featuring collaborations with J Boog, Jah Cure and of course members of the Wailers. The album rose to the Top Ten of Billboard’s reggae charts.
The confirmation of Alborosie with his band “the Shengen Clan” in Victoria BC is a special milestone for Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society and for reggae fans throughout Western Canada.
Supporting Alborosie & The Shengen Clan is LA's roots reggae party rockers ARISE ROOTS. This will be only Arise Roots' second Canadian appearance after their first Canadian debut at Victoria's 16th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival supporting New Zealand's House of Shem. Anyone that has had the opportunity to see ARISE ROOTS know they're a root reggae fan's paradise.
The Toasters and Mustard Plug - Double Headliner show! Early Show!
@ Distrikt To all our true SKA lovers far and wide! We've heard your calls and we've got an incredible double-headliner bill to help blast away the last little bit of the cold and get you warmed to your core! Two of the most legendary ska bands the United States has ever produced, THE TOASTERS and MUSTARD PLUG both return to Victoria for what promises to be a truly unforgettable show.It's been 12 long years since New York ska icons The Toasters landed in Victoria and we are beyond stoked to welcome them back as they celebrate four decades of skankin' success. Noted as “America's first two-tone band,” The Toasters have been at the vanguard of the American ska movement since the very beginning. Long established as one of the most influential bands in the genre, they've won fans the world over, staying consistently relevant with their unique blend of ska - incorporating reggae, punk, jazz and soul. From their humble roots on Lower East Side NY roots to an endless bounty of shows around the globe (Now numbering over 4000), the band has repeatedly defied critics, and nay, gravity itself! After four decades, The Toasters are as strong as ever and are coming to lay down a career-spanning set that celebrates everything this legendary band has built along the way.
Joining The Toasters for this very special night are dear old friends, MUSTARD PLUG! No slouches on the ska scene themselves, Mustard Plug has been delivering the goods for more than 25 years now. The last time they appeared in Victoria, Mustard Plug rocked the main stage at Ship Point during Victoria's 16th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival in 2015. Albums like “Evildoers Beware” and “Pray For Mojo” are classics among ska devotees, not to mention their crowd-funded 2014 album “Can't Contain It,” a true ode to the community that's helped them maintain their position as elder statesmen of the ska scene. Staying true to the DIY ethics of the bands that inspired them (Including their bill mates, The Toasters!), Mustard Plug has remained beloved by skankers wherever they go and it is undeniable that the band surpassed any expectations placed on them, staking their claim in the pantheon of modern Ska. Please, for your own sake, DO NOT miss this incredible double-bill of legendary, serious ska sounds.
