PEPPERPOT'S SUMMER BASHMENT WITH GAPPY RANKS, KYPRIOS, BOBBY HUSTLE, TANK GYAL & BLESSED COAST SOUND!!

@ Club 9ONE9 Join us for our Pepperpot Summer Bashment to celebrate the coming of summer with the self-proclaimed Grandson of Reggae GAPPY RANKS and guests KYPRIOS, BOBBY HUSTLE TANK GYAL & BLESSED COAST SOUND.

Early bird tickets on sale on-line now on ticketweb.ca! In store tickets available Friday, May 24th at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Complex, Ditch, Strathcona Hotel & ticketweb.ca!

Listen to Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio Saturdays 6-7pm on CFUV 101.9FM or CFUV.UVIC.CA

GAPPY RANKS breaks new ground with his wicked party dancehall while often using riddims from the ol school in the mix. Gappy Ranks has become one of the best up and coming dancehall reggae artists in the UK and North American scenes. He has appeared and is scheduled to perform at various major festivals throughout the world including Summer Jam In Germany, Glastonbury Music Festival and Sierra World Music Festival In California.

Gappy Ranks has also Wore the hat as producer on a number of projects though his independent record label Hot Coffee Music & has produced for recording artists such as Gyptian (whom he has a hit single with), Chino, Busy Signal, Delly Ranx, Bugle, Khago, Bramma, Laden, Bobby Hustle, JBoog, Chucky Star, & many more including Reddman Uk who Gappy Ranks signed To his Hot Coffee Music Label In 2011.

KYPRIOS

The classic definition of the term MC is one that has the ability to grip a mic and control the crowd, and Kyprios has more than earned this title. He is a commanding presence on stage – able to hold the crowd in silent rapture as he drops an introspective piece that draws heavily from spoken word, only to suddenly flip it and incite a sea of thrusting hands with a rapid fire set of punchline-laden lyrical flows. Able to deliver a seamless blend of rapping, singing and harmonizing, the North Vancouver, BC native’s larynx is a potent stash of varied lyrical weapons.

BOBBY HUSTLE

Bobby Hustle expresses this balance through reggae music in a style all his own. Exposed to a diverse range of music during his childhood, Bobby was taking saxophone lessons in primary school and it wasn’t long before he picked up a guitar and began emulating his favorite singers. With polished lyrics and a natural sense for melody, Bobby delivers the perspective of a young hustler, constantly on the move yet still enjoying every moment on his way to success. Already having toured the states with Konshens, Protoje and Gappy Ranks respectively, Bobby’s music is taking the streets, clubs and radio waves by storm. Reaching charts worldwide with tunes like “Weed Like Mine” and “Seventh Time Rise”, Bobby is moving forward and climbing the ranks of the industry.


TANK GYAL

Tank Gyal has become known as the "top shotta" of the dancehall scene in Vancouver. She's held down the most successful consistently running dancehall night called "Ting" at the Astoria for many years. Not a stranger to Victoria Tank Gyal will keep things warm in between sets for Gappy Ranks, Bobby Hustle, Kyprios and Blessed Coast Sound!

ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2013: J BOOG & HOT RAIN BLESS THE ISLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME!

@ Club 9ONE9 Sunday, April 7th at Club 9ONE9 Victoria BC Ska Society & Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio are excited to present ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2013 featuring Hawaii/Compton, Cali Reggae Legend J BOOG & HOT RAIN for the first time to the Island!

If you haven't heard of J BOOG you're in for a big (nice) surprise. His band's rhythm section is solid and the vocal harmonies are some of the best in North America. They remind you of roots reggae bands like Culture or The Itals or Israel Vibration. But through his close connections with Gramps Morgan and the Morgan Heritage Family whom he recorded with at Tuff Gong Records in Jamaica, the music is contemporary and high energy at the same time.

J BOOG's collaborations with performers such as Taurus Riley, Richie Spice and the Morgan Heritage Family have catapulted his name to the top of reggae and dancehall circles all over the world.

And other guests of honour on this show include: BLACK TUSK SOUND ft. CHATATTAK & BLACKWOOD KINGS... Read on!

MISTA CHATMAN (aka ChatAttak)

From the mountainsides of eastern WA to the sandy beaches of Jamaica (and many places in between), Reggae music ambassador MISTA CHATMAN remains livicated to entertaining the masses with his booming, ragga styled mic chatting. And for the past few years he has performed in many festivals, shows and reggae parties in places like BC, NYC, SF and JA, both solo and alongside artists such as Delhi2Dublin, Kytami, Subatomic Sound System, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Non Stop Bhangra, and others. He has also shared the stage with many reggae greats such as Collie Buddz, Mad Professor, Barrington Levy, Marlon Asher, and Yellowman. While his live appearances have been his main vehicle for spreading his musical message over the past few years, he also has begun to focus on more recording projects and has collaborated with the likes of Canada's Delhi2Dublin, Kytami, SF dubstep producer El Diablo, Brooklyn-based glitch producer Rx, Slit Jockey Record's El Carnicero, Jamaican artist God Head, BC-based producer The Phonograff, and Vienna's Electro Dance outfit The Kung Fu Divas. He has also begun work on a forthcoming Dancehall Pop EP coming in 2013 with the first single "Mash it Up Again" released in February. And recently, he has started working longside the Black Tusk Sound in which he goes by the name of CHATATTAK.

BLACK TUSK SOUND

Black Tusk Sound is Whistler's first original “dubplate” sound owned and operated by DJ Scovie. DJ Scovie grew up in Toronto and very quickly became a huge fan of reggae music. Influenced mainly by Bob Marley and the early dancehall style of the 90‘s. During this time he was exposed to the competitive style of “Sound Clashing”, influences such as Stone Love, David Rodigan, Killamanjaro, King Turbo, and many others. After moving to BC in 1999 he soon acted on his passion and started DJ’ing the local circuit. DJ Scovie has played throughout the West Coast: Pemberton, BC to Berkeley, CA and holds a weekly residence: “Sound System Wednesday” in Whistler BC. DJ Scovie was selected for the opening of Ky-Mani Marley’s World Tour, Gramps Morgan’s B-Day Bash, Jr. Reid & The One Blood Band’s Tour, Burning Spear, and notably Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Whistler’s 2010 Olympic Jam. DJ Scovie was the Official DJ of the 2010 Jamaican Olympic Bobsleigh Team.

DJ Scovie has been producing and engineering custom made songs known as "dubplates" from some of the world's top reggae artists. DJ Scovie has worked and played with Grammy Award Winning Artists: Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Luciano, Capleton and many more. The sound system scene is generally regarded as an important part of the reggae music industry. Black Tusk Sound has been producing singles since 2001 and has built a very unique and original "Sound" representing Whistler, Pemberton, and all of British Columbia, Canada.

BLACKWOOD KINGS

Just over a year into their evolution, they're one of the more unique bands to pop up in the Victoria scene. Building upon a foundation of Jamaican genres such as ska, reggae, and dub, Blackwood Kings also incorporate influences from styles as diverse as punk, progressive rock, funk, hip-hop, and metal. Named after the street corner where the band rehearses, this is a group ready to make some waves. Ska Society fans may remember them from their last appearance at Swan's Nightclub with Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath and Paapa Wastik from Ghana.

Listen to Pepperpot – Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio every Saturday 6-7pm on CFUV 101.9FM or CFUV.UVIC.CA to hear music from J BOOG & Hot Rain!

RUDEFEST IN VICTORIA! - ALL AGES (Beverage Garden for 19rs+ w.ID)

@ Velox Rugby Club Victoria BC Ska Society & UVIC Ska/Reggae Club in affiliation with the UVSS is proud to announce the first annual "Rudefest." Rudefest is an all-ages mayhem-fueled dance party dedicated to the spirit of Funk, Ska, Dancehall, Dub, Salsa, Punk, Afrobeat, Folk and of course Electric Sex Reggae.

Rocky Mountain Rebel Music (Victoria)

It’s taken 4 years for the 9-piece ska-funk-reggae mash-up known as Rocky Mountain Rebel Music to get to where they are today, and they have been busy. The numbers don’t lie, with over 100 live performances, 5 Canadian tours and 2 albums, RMRM has put in the ground work to establish a live show worth talking about and a crew of committed fans that keep coming back.

RMRM have been voted “Victoria’s Favorite Band” by Monday Magazine as well as The Zone FM's band of the month. Also their versatility in sound has given them the opportunity to share the stage with popular acts such as Ky-Mani Marley, Gramps Morgan, The Aggrolites, John Brown’s Body, Kyprios, and The Black Seeds. Legendary ska label Stomp Records also jumped at the chance to include their single “Man Down” on their “All-Skanadian Vol.4” compilation disc.

Lastly, RMRM has also proved to be a sought-after artist for Western Canada's Festival Circuit, appearing at Shambhala, VIC Fest, Calgary Reggae Fest, Kealoha, and of course The Victoria Ska Fest. Let's go ahead and add Rudefest to that list.

facebook.com/rockymountainrebelmusic

Giraffe Aftermath (Vancouver)

Building on the traditions of reggae and dub music, Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath use hip-hop rhythms and a psychedelic approach to create a unique blend of lively, dance-able music.
Formed in 2006 by Steve Hackenbruch and Luke de Villiers, this songwriting/production duo remains the core of the band's music. Joined on stage by Paul Steffes and a revolving cast of peripheral players, Giraffe Aftermath throw down a foundation of groove and airtight vocal harmonies.

They are also set to take on the west coast of the United States for a Spring Tour, so Rudefest is an opportunity to show them how much they're loved here before they make the journey south.

www.facebook.com/giraffeaftermath

Dope Soda (Nanaimo/Victoria)

Thirsty for music that is both dangerous and danceable, refreshing as a mojito and as eye-opening as a whiskey sour? A cocktail party mix of reggae, punk rock, jazz, hip-hop, and ska? This is Dope Soda.

Dope Soda formed in late 2011, a fresh concoction of six of the top jazz, rock, and Jamaican-music-inspired musicians from Vancouver Island, with membership in acts such as Current Swell, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Bananafish Dance Orchestra, The Kiltlifters, and Kings Without.

The band is led by a three-piece horn section with roots in the highly-regarded Vancouver Island University Jazz Department, buoyed by a funky rhythm section that serves up sips of bubbling Hammonds and Wurlitzers, shots of distorted guitar, and heavy bass... in your face.

Dope Soda jumps back and forth between reggae jams, punk rock assaults, happy ska romps, and hiphop throwdowns--a thirst quencher for audiences who need good rhymes and good times.
So: tip back a cold one, tip back a bold one, tip back a Dope Soda and uplift your rocking, rolling soul.

facebook.com/dopesoda

Sweet Leaf (Victoria)

These cats describe their music as influenced by Ska, Jazz, Reggae, Funk, and party rock. “It’s tough to categorize us,” says vocalist, Chris Jones. With songs that include African beats on the way, Sweet Leaf incorporates a variety of styles. Though many of their songs have a strong ska feel, “You don’t have to be a hardcore ska fan to like us” says Chris.

The band was formed in November of 2011 after Chris responded to an add on Craigslist. Chris was even able to bring up the first e-mail between himself and the band. “these guys put out an add for a ska vocalist and guitarist,” says Chris, and that’s how it all started.

One of the newer bands in Victoria's scene, we're stoked to have 'em on board. Put your dancin' shoes on.

https://www.facebook.com/sweetleafmusic

Jake McFadden (Victoria)

https://www.facebook.com/JakeMcFaddenVic

There also may be some surprises. Stay tuned!

This event is proudly brought to you by The Victoria Ska Society and the UVic Ska and Reggae Club.

St. Paddy's Day Tour & CD Release

@ Lucky Bar The Victoria BC Ska Society presents

Join us Friday March. 8th for The Real Mckenzies St. Paddy's Day Tour and CD release of "Westwinds". Joining them are Vancouver's East End Radicals and Victoria's own garage rock n' roll The Stockers.

The Real Mckenzies are baaaack… Westwinds is packed to the brim with roaring, rollicking and epic tales that shanghai the listener on a thirteen song, sea-tossed journey through the wild and wonderful world of The Real McKenzies. Recorded over several months at Crabapple Downs by the phenomenal Steve Loree, Westwinds is a sonic shot of deliciousness delivered straight to your ear holes. From the unapologetic raised middle figure salute of “Fool’s Road” to the hook-laden tongue-in-cheek “My Luck Is So Bad” to one of the most poignant and blood-pumping renditions of “Barrett’s Privateers (Stan Rogers)” that you’ll ever hear, this killer album is set to become an instant classic in the collections of both new and diehard fans alike. Much like a fine single malt scotch, The Real McKenzies only get better with age .

The East End Radicials recent album "Carry On" captures the passion, intensity and fury of their phenomenal live show experience all wrapped up in this sonically astounding 12 song full length recorded Studio DRX in their hometown of Montreal. Carry On has a distinct classic punk rock flavor for all tastes whether it be fisting pumping anthems like “Call to Arms” and “Carry On”, songs about political corruption like “Firebombs”, Celtic barnstormers like “Shipped Away” or “Last of the Free”, or the quintessential DIY spirit of “Up and Over” and “Where We Stand”.

The Stocker's Victoria's own fueled by booze, cigarettes, hot rods, hot yoga, motorcycles, and rock and roll fire off the night! Get there early as this show will tear you a new asshole! Advance tickets in stores soon and now available on ticketweb.ca . Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street. Doors at 10pm.

The Real Mckenzies
https://www.facebook.com/therealmckenzies
http://www.realmckenzies.com/

East End Radicials
http://www.eastendradicals.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eastendradicals

The Stockers
https://www.facebook.com/TheStockers

Buy your tickets online http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3366414

Sponsored by BC Smoke Shop
https://www.bcsmokeshop.ca/

Fat Daddy's
http://www.fatdaddys.ca/

CFUV
http://cfuv.uvic.ca/cms/

THE SLACKERS RETURN TO VANCOUVER AT KOREAN HALL (ALL AGES SHOW!)

@ Korean Community Centre/Hall Early bird tickets on sale now on ticketweb.ca, Highlife Records, Beatstreet Records, Redcat and Zulu Records in Vancouver.

The Slackers - Brooklyn's ska/reggae kings return to Vancouver to do an all ages show (with licensed beverage garden) at the Hungarian Hall. This will be the first all ages show since their epic appearance at The Rickshaw Theatre in 2009. The Slackers have become a ska/reggae institution throughout the world and in the 13 years that they've been coming to Vancouver, the ska/reggae massive always is happy to greet them with open arms. No matter what age you are you can come and enjoy this long-awaited all ages extravaganza.

Joining them will be Vancouver's Heads Hang Heavy that play a mixture of reggae, hip hop, funk, rock and ska!

THE SLACKERS VISIT NANAIMO FOR THE 1ST TIME WITH BANANAFISH DANCE ORCHESTRA!

@ The Queens The Slackers have been no strangers to the Island over the past 13 years playing in Victoria dating back to the spring of 2000 at the Victoria Ska Festival and at other events throughout the years. But the band has never played anywhere else on the Island but Victoria.

But that is all going to change on Friday, March 1st, 2013 when Victoria BC Ska Society brings the Slackers to Nanaimo for the first time. They'll be joined by Nanaimo's own Bananafish Dance Orchestra. This will be a late Friday night show at The Queen's!

The Slackers have spreading their gospel of "Jamaican Rock N Roll" for 21 years now. While they have been influenced, and even personally taught by Jamaican ska/reggae originators, like the Skatalites and the Upsetters (Original backing band for the Wailers) they play it with a decidedly American accent. Basically, this band is equally appreciative of old blues, country, 60s soul, rock, and Rnb as it is of reggae, rocksteady, dub, and Ska. It is as if the Rolling Stones or the Yardbirds had grown up on Bob Marley as well as Muddy Waters.

Smashing the stereotypes of "ska" as happy,uptempo, and shallow music, the Slackers play with an aggressive edge and their songs veer in themes from the personal to the political. Back in 1996, the NY Times declared the Slackers to be part of "the sound of New York", a mantle they haven't given up since. Ten years later, Alternative Nation stated that their music is "protest music made for dim, sweaty basements, The Slackers would sound at home supporting Rancid as well as some grizzled New Orleans electric blues trio." The LA Weekly wrote about, "their unfettered energy, unerring skankability, and playful anger."

THE SLACKERS RETURN TO VICTORIA!

@ Club 9ONE9 It's been a couple of years since Brooklyn, New York's The Slackers came to Victoria and celebrated their 20th Anniversary. They're back again (alive after Hurricane Sandy) with their impressive catalog of music from the late 90s to present day. Be excited for the first vinyl pressing of "The Question" in 12 years and expect more music to be unfolded that has been stacked in their music vault in good ol Slackers fashion to be unleashed live and unexpected at this show!

Performing alongside The Slackers will be Victoria's own legendary reggae/punk/ska outfit Hillside Hooligans and Canada's best west coast rocksteady, reggae ska vinyl selectors The Truth Soundsystem!

THE WAILERS & guest ROGER STEFFENS present the Survival Tour of 1979 (Performance and Key Note Address) - SOLD OUT

@ Club 9ONE9 Friday, February 22nd, 2013 Victoria BC Ska Society and Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio is proud to bring Victoria the band that has been carrying the Bob Marley torch since his untimely death in 1981. The Wailers are a reggae staple for any fan.

The history of the band during Marley’s lifetime is well known. Just to recap, their music has sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. In England alone, they’ve notched up over twenty chart hits, including seven Top 10 entries. This was no accident. Apart from Marley, the Wailers have performed with international acts such as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, as well as reggae legends Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Burning Spear. Their most recent collaborators include Kenny Chesney, Eve, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. They’ve also completed innumerable tours over the years, playing to an estimated 24 million people across the globe, including groundbreaking performances in Africa and the Far East.

The anchor of the band is Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who in addition to being Marley’s most trusted lieutenant, played on countless other classic reggae hits throughout the seventies. The authenticity he brings to the Wailers’ sound is indisputable and yet today’s line-up combines old school know-how with lead vocals from one of Jamaica’s most exciting new singers.

Joining The Wailers will be Roger Steffens - one of the world's greatest reggae historians. This man has six rooms of his home in Los Angeles dedicated to archives, which include the world's largest collection of Bob Marley material. He will be giving a key-note address about the Survival Tour of 1979. Afterwards the band will perform the Survival album in its entirety.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA returns home with special guests High Society!

@ Club 9ONE9 Thursday, February 7th - Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present another homecoming of Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra with special funk/soul guests from East Vancouver High Society & singer songwriter Jesse LeBourdais. The show will be a festive affair full of danceable folk, ska, funk, punk and soul!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel & ticketweb.ca!

THE PONDEROSAS VICTORIA DEBUT WITH THE NEW GROOVEMENT (VBCSS Membership Event)

@  The Hidden Gem This Victoria BC Ska Society membership event will be our first event of 2013. Those that have current VBCSS Memberships will be admitted into this show.

THE PONDEROSAS (VANCOUVER)

The Ponderosas mix soul, reggae, funk & R&B using a solid rhythm section with beautiful vocal harmonies, brass and percussion. The eight-piece band features the vocal harmonies of singer/songwriters Janette King and Kristie McCracken. The Ponderosas merge diverse cultural backgrounds, individual interests and different musical paths into a sound that is instantly recognizable amid the flurry of sonic flavours in today’s music.

While singing, Janette and Kristie play keyboards and guitar, and are joined by a rhythm section including Ian Cardona on drum kit, Chris Couto on congas/percussion/vocals, Dave Taylor on lead guitar, Jason Smith on bass. The band takes that powerful sound and then kicks it up a level with Kevin Tang on trombone and Lucas Teodoro da Silva on trumpet/vocals.

Ponderosas members regularly collaborate with a diverse group of musicians including Richard Brown, Omar Khan, Natural Flavas, The Boom Booms, Kutapira, Miami Device, Rude City Riot and 11 Hour Orchestra. Members of the band have recorded on albums in genres as diverse as marching band music, salsa, jazz, ska and hip hop.

THE NEW GROOVEMENT (formerly Victoria Dreamteam) - (VICTORIA)

The New Groovement is a high-energy funk band with all the elements to get you dancing! Formerly known as Victoria Dream Team, this 11-member band is taking Victoria by storm. The band is truly local, and is stacked with talented musicians from Camosun College, UVic Music School, Vancouver Island University and others (most of whom were born or raised on Vancouver Island). Known for their massive shows and great parties, they've headlined Fernfest and played numerous venues around Victoria.

The New Groovement employs their trademark formula of infectious grooves, punchy horns, sweet vocals, clever rhymes and tight percussion to get party people moving. The music has been described as James Brown meets Jamiroquai with a dash of soul and a generous helping of hip hop.


DOPE SODA (NANAIMO)

Thirsty for music that is both dangerous and danceable, refreshing as a mojito and as eye-opening as a whiskey sour. A cocktail party mix of reggae, punk rock, jazz, hiphop, and ska. This is Dope Soda.
Dope Soda formed in late 2011, a fresh concoction of six of the top jazz, rock, and Jamaican-music-inspired musicians from Vancouver Island, with membership in acts such as Current Swell, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Bananafish Dance Orchestra, The Kiltlifters, and Kings Without.

UNITY FOR AFRICA TOUR w/PAAPA WASTIK & AFRICAN FOUNDATION BAND (Ghana, Africa) w/GISTO featuring NATURAL FLAVAS @ The Shark Club in Vancouver!

@ Shark Club Saturday, November 24 @ The Shark Club (180 West Georgia) Victoria BC Ska Society is happy to bring conscious dancehall and roots reggae to Vancouver!

Tickets $13 adv. available shortly at Highlife, Redcat, Zulu & ticketweb.ca

PAAPA WASTIK & AFRICAN FOUNDATION BAND
(Cape Coast, Ghana)

Hailing from Cape Coast, Ghana (Africa) Paapa Wastik has had a rich history growing up with music all around him since he was a small child. During his teen years he found Rasta and went on in the early 2000s to create a brand new musical sub genre in Ghana known as "Roots-Life Music", a fusion of reggae, soca, soul, highlife and African classical/traditional music. In 2003 Paapa Wastik was invited to perform at the annual "Panafest", an internationally acclaimed Pan-African Festival. Within the same year the international reggae production group "Greenlion Sounds" teamed up with Paapa Wastik to produce some songs, which was featured on "Greenlion in Ghana" CD mix. Making progressive steps in his talent and music mission, Paapa Wastik crossed over to the United States where he established an independent record label, Asaase Music Foundation.

For the past ten years Paapa Wastik has been traveling in between Ghana, Africa, Jamaica and the United States producing and performing alongside various artists some of which include: Anthony B, Lutan Fyah, Capleton, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Warrior King and many more.

Notable appearances include Paapa Wastik's headlining appearance at the Northwest Reggae Festival in Eugene, Oregon and another unforgettable appearance at Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival at Market Square alongside Mexico's Los Rastrillos, Jamaica's The Itals, The Drastics and the now defunct Arbutus Trio.

Now Paapa Wastik and the African Foundation Band have a new album called "Unity for Africa" His appearance after a five year absence from Canada is in support of this album.


GISTO (also part of Waasabi Collective)

Gisto was the man without a plan and just followed his heart straight to Jamaica as he felt feeling an increasing urge to connect with the music and culture on the Island. Almost upon arrival he met Dre, Zee who was a respected producer in Jamaica. Dre. Zee introduced him to other producers such as Clifton "the specialist" who produced albums for Tony Braxton and Rihanna. His introduction to these producers also led Gisto to meet Lutan Fyah and record some tracks with him while he was in Jamaica. When you take Gisto's already multi-talents that he had as an artist in his own right playing with Waasabi Collective and then you mix it with his passion for dancehall and reggae music you'll get a solid mix. Watch for Gisto's upcoming release that he has been working on for awhile.


NATURAL FLAVAS

NATURAL FLAVAS is an original band while also working as a backing band for touring artists. Under their own name Natural Flavas produces original reggae that parallels the current Jamaican scene while remaining uniquely Canadian. They’ve gained quite a reputation locally , opening for Toots & The Maytals , Inner Circle , The Easy Star All-Stars and emerging Jamaican stars Rootz Underground on their first appearance in Western Canada. As a backing band Natural Flavas have sealed their connection to the roots of reggae over the past few years, backing Jamaican legend Ken Boothe , Tosh1 - youngest son of original Wailer Peter Tosh, and Canadian reggae star Steele. Band Leader/ Singer/ Guitarist , Patrick “Dr.Watson” Quine , has also had the pleasure of playing bass for Jamaican stars Alton Ellis and Half Pint as well as a “who’s who” of artists from Canada’s large Caribbean community. Some of Vancouver’s finest - Allan “Double Down” Ollivierre (Keys) , Jonny “Jon Boops” Holisko (Drums) and J.C. “Coop” Thompson (Bass) round out the core of a line up that ranges from 4-8 people depending on the size of the stage. The future looks bright for Natural Flavas, who are set to release their first full length album ! As we say “No artificial additives - 100% Natural Flavas.” !!

PAAPA WASTIK & AFRICAN FOUNDATION BAND (Ghana Africa), GIRAFFE AFTERMATH & BLACKWOOD KINGS CELEBRATE AFRICAN UNITY TOUR!

@ Swans Nightclub Tickets $12 early bird/VBCSS members/ $14.50 regular adv. available Thursday, November 1st at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Ditch Records, BC Smoke Shop, Complex & ticketweb.ca!

Listen to Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio every Saturday from 6-7pm on CFUV 101.9FM or CFUV.UVIC.CA to hear the music from these artists and for chances to win tickets!

Friday, November 23 @ Swan's Nightclub (downstairs from Swan's Pub) - Pepperpot Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio and Victoria BC Ska Society are teaming up Victoria a likkle bit of conscious dancehall, roots reggae and ska all on one show (just like we LOVE it)! It's been too long since we've had a dancehall/conscious reggae party and we thought the end of November would be the perfect time to host one in our hype new venue downstairs at Swan's (formerly Neptune Sound Bar).

PAAPA WASTIK & AFRICAN FOUNDATION BAND
(Cape Coast, Ghana)

Hailing from Cape Coast, Ghana (Africa) Paapa Wastik has had a rich history growing up with music all around him since he was a small child. During his teen years he found Rasta and went on in the early 2000s to create a brand new musical sub genre in Ghana known as "Roots-Life Music", a fusion of reggae, soca, soul, highlife and African classical/traditional music. In 2003 Paapa Wastik was invited to perform at the annual "Panafest", an internationally acclaimed Pan-African Festival. Within the same year the international reggae production group "Greenlion Sounds" teamed up with Paapa Wastik to produce some songs, which was featured on "Greenlion in Ghana" CD mix. Making progressive steps in his talent and music mission, Paapa Wastik crossed over to the United States where he established an independent record label, Asaase Music Foundation.

For the past ten years Paapa Wastik has been traveling in between Ghana, Africa, Jamaica and the United States producing and performing alongside various artists some of which include: Anthony B, Lutan Fyah, Capleton, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Warrior King and many more.

Notable appearances include Paapa Wastik's headlining appearance at the Northwest Reggae Festival in Eugene, Oregon and another unforgettable appearance at Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival at Market Square alongside Mexico's Los Rastrillos, Jamaica's The Itals, The Drastics and the now defunct Arbutus Trio.

Now Paapa Wastik and the African Foundation Band have a new album called "Unity for Africa" His appearance after a five year absence from Canada is in support of this album.


GIRAFFE AFTERMATH
(Vancouver BC)

We all know Giraffe Aftermath is awesome. As one of Victoria's favourite reggae bands from Vancouver we're extremely happy to have them back after their last appearance in Victoria at the Victoria Ska Festival when they played alongside Leroy 'Heptone' Sibbles and Katchafire.


BLACKWOOD KINGS
(Victoria BC)

As we've said before, Blackwood Kings bring straight up ska and reggae to any show they're playing on. Blackwood Kings have been performing throughout Victoria with various local bands. Michael Luis - drummer of the band is also the leader of UVIC's ska/reggae club that is just getting off the ground.

BANANAFISH DANCE ORCHESTRA'S ALBUM RELEASE

@ Lucky Bar Friday, November 9, 2012 Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to bring you another all Island groove session with three bands that cover everything from West African rhythms to Latin/jazz, ska, reggae, funk and a bit of rock.

This show is in honour of Bananafish Dance Orchestra's brand new full length album. Bananafish Dance Orchestra (based in Nanaimo) have continued to gain success on and off the Island over the past three years. The band has played at several major festivals including Kaslo Jazz Festival, Vancouver Island Music Fest, Victoria Jazz Fest and ofcourse the Victoria Ska Festival where they had the honour of supporting Toots and the Maytals on the Ska Fest's Kick Off show! The energy the band brings to the people is undeniable so there's a good chance you'll be drenched with sweat after seeing them.

Supporting Bananafish Dance Orchestra is Victoria based Kikeyambay. Kikeyambay was born out of a collaboration between the band's leader Alseny Diallo's deep knowledge of Guinean modern and traditional music, and the passion of Victoria's Dancing Moon Multicultural Arts Company director, Ilana Moon. Kikeyambay brings a dynamic, energetic traditional West African drum and dance show and a Electric Afrofusion Orchestra.

Sweet Leaf are Victoria's newest ska band on the scene. Led by Chris Jones of Crude Cultura fame Sweet Leaf bring quicker offbeats and music to sweat to. For this show the band will be presenting some fresh material and a couple new members.

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca

@ Felicita's Campus Pub In case you haven't heard the good news, on September 12th the first ska and reggae club in the history of the University of Victoria was born! Now with more than 100 members already signed up, a kick-off party is in order.

As a part of Felicita's Free Island Band Mondays, the UVic Ska and Reggae club is proud to bring you a free show featuring some of the best music in the local scene.

Everybody Left play a Left Coast/Dirty Pop with a reluctant Reggae/Post-Ska/Bluesy sound. Their ongoing mission: to bo
ldly and successfully venture into the new music frontier of the 21st century. Although they've put their band on the back burner for the time being they're just resting... ready to lay it down for their fans once again. Everybody Left have played at different events such as V.I.C Fest and Victoria Ska Festival. Their music is known outside ska/reggae circles as their hit "Down for the Ride" continues to enjoy heavy rotation on radio stations such as The Zone @ 91.3FM.

Support for the show will be provided by Banyan Tree and Blackwood Kings.

KYPRIOS AND THE CHAPERONES MEET ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBEL MUSIC FOR A HALLOWEEN (INVENT YOUR OWN SUPER HERO) RAGER!

@ Soprano's On Halloween Weekend (Saturday, October 27th at Sopranos Bar and Grill in Victoria) Victoria BC Ska Society is howling to bring you a very special event that acknowledges the saturation of super heroes in our lives these days. At every turn we see super heroes in our entertainment media. Whether it's Batman, Superman, The Avengers or any other super heroes come back round to save us it's in your face! So we thought it would only be appropriate to have a "Invent your own Super Hero" themed show for our Halloween Rager Saturday, October 27th at Sopranos Bar & Grill. Many people have their own heroes and they don't have to be the ones we read about in comic books or watch in movies. Be inventive with this because the sky is the limit!

To celebrate the Island Massive's main Halloween event we have brought together two bands that compliment each other in the best way possible. For the first time ever one of Vancouver's most celebrated bands Kyprios and the Chaperones will co-headline this unforgettable event with Victoria's heroes of funk, ska and reggae Rocky Mountain Rebel Music.

There are many reasons why we say the Kyprios and the Chaperones are one of Vancouver's most celebrated bands. Kyrpios, the band's leader draws heavily from spoken word but is also one of the city's most talented "rappers"

He spent time in New York after road tripping with Prevail from Swollen Members. There he participated in numerous rap battles both in the cafes and on the streets of NYC. During this time he also founded and was the leader of Sweatshop Union - a popular conscious Vancouver hip hop group. Kyprios continued his solo career and worked with Sweatshop Union at the same time touring throughout North America. His hard work resulted in him winning 1st prize ($100,500) in the popular Peak Performance Project and getting signed to Sony Music Canada. After Sony merged to BMI Kyprios continued to persist with his music career. Notably Kyprios made headlines again in 2011 when the Vancouver Canucks went to the Stanley Cup finals. His rally song, "How the West was Won" was played in pubs and bars all over the city and could be heard on every news media and most importantly at the Canucks games.

Kyprios has accomplished all of the above in addition to touring with the likes of The Black Eyed Peas, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Rakim, Living Legends, Swollen Members and Jurassic Five. And NOW Kyprios and the Chaperones are going to come to Victoria to share their music, knowledge and all round good energy with Victoria's own Rocky Mountain Rebel Music.

RockY Mountain Rebel Music continues to increase their profile in Canada's music scene making key appearances and tours throughout the spring and summer. RMRM fans won't forget their performances opening from New Zealand's reggae/soul/funk juggernautsThe Black Seeds. And this summer the band completed another Western Canadian tour that saw them perform on three major festivals: Victoria Ska Festival; Shambhala and The Big Time Out. This Island 9-piece outfit blends reggae, rock, funk, dub, dancehall, punk, and world rhythms into a sweat soaking experience you'll want to have over and over again (after you've had a shower and some sleep).

In sum it's a party of epic proportions where the funk, reggae and ska meet hip hop, soul, jazz and more funk!

Early bird tickets on sale Saturday, September 15th at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Complex, BC Smoke Shop, The Reef & ticketweb.ca!

SHANE PHILIP, MARC ATKINSON TRIO with special guest DANIEL LAPP BRING GLOBAL ROOTS, JAZZ AND FOLK TO ALIX GOOLDEN HALL (Victoria BC)

@ Alix Goolden Performance Hall The Victoria BC Ska Society is pleased to announce an exciting combination of Island artists that will bring a high level of musicianship and a beautiful blend of musical styles onto one stage. Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria BC, Shane Philip, Marc Atkinson Trio and special guest Daniel Lapp will converge, performing pieces from their respective albums and collaborating throughout the evening.

Shane Philip's last appearance in Victoria was at the Victoria Event Centre in January 2012 when he co-headlined with the Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra. Since then Shane Philip has toured the country once again hitting major festivals this summer. In addition to appearances at Shambahala and performing as direct support to Toots and the Maytals at the Commodore, by the time this concert takes place Philip will have already finished an Ecuadorian tour with Global Electronic Roots artist and producer Adham Shaikh. His anticipated appearance with Marc Atkinson will reunite them once again since their only other performance together at the Victoria Ska Festival in 2011 as the Shane Philip Tree.

Marc Atkinson Trio is musical wonder from the “Marc Atkinson Music” empire that includes “The Quartet,” “Caravan” and the internationally acclaimed roots band The Bills that recently released their fourth album. As one of Canada's most talented guitarists, Atkinson takes guitar beyond the usual repertoire and sound. The tunes have a fiery but elegant guitar style, infused with a catchy blend of influences. His music is described as original, complex and challenging in its conception and delivery but remains accessible and absorbing. The music of the Marc Atkinson Trio good-naturedly welcomes all listeners aboard for an intriguing, exhilarating and unforgettable ride.

Daniel Lapp's career has gone through many evolutions. From his tour stint with Spirit of the West to more recent projects with Daniel Lapp Quartet and Lappelectro that dabble in jazz, electronica and R&B, Lapp will give fans some of his Lappland musical power appearing with Shane Philip and/or Marc Atkinson on selected pieces throughout the evening.

With all of these musicians residing in Victoria or other parts of Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands, together these three premier acts will provide a full evening of entertainment that will be remembered for years to come.

www.shanephilip.com
www.marcatkinson.com
www.daniellapp.com

SKA FALL CLASSIC 2012 BRINGS LESS THAN JAKE AND REEL BIG FISH TO THE ISLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME!

@ Club 9ONE9 Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to bring a fall party of epic proportions to the Island and Canada's westcoast when we host SKA FALL CLASSIC 2012 Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Club 9ONE9!

LESS THAN JAKE and Reel Big Fish have both been third wave ska's main institutions over the past 20 years. LTJ first formed as a power pop trio with heavy punk influences into a ska inspired punk band and a with sense of humour that is still present today. Twenty years after initial meetings and pawn shop instrument purchases for new members, Less than Jake is releasing their eighth album titled Greetings and Salutations. The album will drop on October 12, 2012 (five days before this show).

REEL BIG FISH have been around for an equal amount of time as Less than Jake. Hailing from Huntington Beach, Calfornia the band have been through various members and Warped Tours. But the main thing is they're still playing and skanking hard like they did when they started back in the early 90s. This July 2012 the band released their newest album titled Candy Coated Fury which will be featured at The Ska Fall Classic - Wednesday, October 17th at Club 9ONE9!

Rounding out this incredible triple ska bill will be Flatfoot 56 that playing a positive-natured brand of hardcore-tinged Celtic punk.

Get your early bird ticket available online now at ticketweb.ca and in stores Saturday August.25th at Ditch records, Lyle's Place and BC Smoke Shop.

Buy online here:http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4872735

Victoria BC Ska Society Membership Party

@  The Hidden Gem http://victoriaskafest.ca/membership?&PHPSESSID=c734b74a1dfff9d5671d909133882184

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NOBLE THIEFS, GREG REKUS, BLACKWOOD KINGS & MISE EN SCENE


Riding the wave after an unforgettable summer of ska, Victoria BC Ska Society (VBCSS) is proud to bring the people the 1st Member Party of the fall with a jam packed bill of music. Winnipeg is visiting our humble headquarters at the Hidden Gem featuring three exciting acts.

The first is Winnipeg's The Noble Thiefs who blend 70s punk, soul, reggae and ska into a musical trip that make ask when they'll be returning. From humble beginnings with aspirations no greater than playing to a room full of people in a friend’s basement, the band is now packing venues throughout Winnipeg, Montreal and Toronto. This show at the Hidden Gem is only the beginning of what we're confident will be a continuous musical affair.

Greg Rekus (known to the Noble Thiefs) is a punk entertainer genius also from Winnipeg. He has played at the Hidden Gem before and is excited to come back. Fans of High Five Drive will remember Greg Rekus.

Victoria's own The Blackwood Kings bring straight up ska and reggae vibes to this show. Blackwood Kings have been performing throughout Victoria with various local bands. Michael Luis - drummer of the band is also the leader of UVIC's ska/reggae club that is just getting off the ground. When you go to the party ask him about that club.

Finally Mise En Scene (tour mates of The Noble Thiefs) will round out the evening of music. Mise En Scene is influenced by 60s sou and bands such as the Clash, Neko Case, and Leonard Cohen.

DUB FX & FLOWER FAIRY bring drum n' bass, dub and LOVE to GARIBALDI LIFT & CO IN WHISTLER BC!

@ Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill DUB FX and his partner in (spreading) love FLOWER FAIRY are a dynamic duo that are blending sweet melodies perfect for dub, reggae, drum n' bass, hip hop and dancehall accapela. Those same sweet melodies are then added to using DUB FX's main artillery : a Boss RC-50 Loop Station along with a GT-10 effects pedal to create vocal-only beats, and then sings & raps over the top.

The end result is intelligent lyrics layered with sweet melodies, harmonies and phat bass lines. Overall the music is infused with drum and bass, hip-hop and dub step influences and has the power to turn heads of all backgrounds across the world with his prolific street based performances.

After having built up a solid fan-base, he has released several records, including a solo album, Everythinks a Ripple, and many collaborative works. He still travels the world, and seems set to bring looper pedals some much deserved attention from across the genres.

This tour is the largest Canadian one to date and Victoria BC Ska Society is estatic to be a part of it!

Hurry and buy tickets before they're sold out! Tickets under $20 to start ($15-$16 early bird). Available at ticketweb.ca and Garibaldi Lift and Co Friday, August 3rd!

Rising Scum Fest Finale

@ Club 9ONE9

The Return of the Melvins!

@ Club 9ONE9 Victoria BC Ska Society is pleased to announce the return of Melvins LITE. On tour in support of FREAK PUKE - the new Melvins LITE album from Ipecac Recordings. Melvins Lite is an additional incarnation of the Melvins. The line-up is Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover and Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas & Tomahawk). Formed in 1983 “The Melvins have a long history of mixing up their line-ups and I think that’s what has kept them relevant for so long,” explains Buzz. “Consider the Freak Puke record the fifth side of the four-sided Melvins triangle." "We had seen Trevor playing upright bass in a jazz setting and thought that we could utilize that for a recording project," explained Crover. "This is something different from the two drummer/big hair line-up, which they plan on continuing with as well." For a limited time you can stream the entire album at Spinner. http://www.melvins.com/ https://www.facebook.com/melvinsarmy?ref=ts http://www.themelvins.net/ http://www.myspace.com/themelvins Opening guests RETOX

Retox was birthed in Southern California, specifically in San Diego and Los Angeles during the later part of 2010. The members; Brian Evans on drums, Thor Dickey on bass, Michael Crain on guitar, and vocalist Justin Pearson. Retox has been described as punk, post-punk, hardcore, metal, and even power violence. But anybody whose ears are not completely damaged by way of decibel pressure or contemporary media will agree that Retox is carving out a unique sound. The best possible description would be sci-fi/surf/punk. The songs are fast tempered clocking in somewhere between one and two minutes. The guitar’s harmony and disharmony battle each other, engaged in an endless standoff. Interwoven throughout the timbre is a driving bass acting as a referee for the rest of the instruments. Propelling the songs are drumbeats chopped up with surgical precision and stamina. The vocals are littered with subtle hooks as well as not so subtle irritation, influenced by political disdain, horror, and sarcasm. The band's inspiration is drawn from both horrific misfortune and sheer imagination. Either way this is good news for the listener.
https://www.facebook.com/RETOXRULES

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Day 5: Ska Fest Family Day!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour)

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) By the time this show comes around we are going to have a lot of happy skanksters in Victoria! Saturday, July 14, 2012 Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents KATCHAFIRE from Hamilton New Zealand with special guests LEROY HEPTONE SIBBLES and Vancouver's own GIRAFFE AFTERMATH.

After KATCHAFIRE appeared at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival back in 2010 the band has grown irresistably on the Island ska/reggae massive. Katchafire are one of New Zealand's greatest reggae bands.

Katchafire are an all Maori reggae band from Hamilton, who have achieved phenomenal success over the last few years. Their debut album, the prophetically named Revival release by Mai Music, has sold in excess of 45,000 copies with Giddy Up being the biggest selling single of 2003. 2004’s follow up, Slow Burning, was similarly well received, selling 20,000 copies in the first week of release.

LEROY "HEPTONE" SIBBLES is a living legend whose has brought more to ska/rocksteady/reggae than many artists have done in a lifetime.

He was the lead singer for The Heptones in the 1960s and 1970s. For this performance he will be backed by Vancouver's Natural Flavas.

In addition to his work with The Heptones, Sibbles was a session bassist and arranger at Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd's Jamaica Recording and Publishing Studio and the associated Studio One label during the prolific late 1960s, and was described as "the greatest all-round talent in reggae history" by Kevin O'Brien Chang and Wayne Chen in their 1998 book Reggae Routes.[1]

Leroy Heptone Sibbles will be giving an exclusive key-note address at the Victoria Ska Festival. Times are TBA. Please log on to www.victoriaskafest.ca for updates.

Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath are impressing audiences throughout BC with their unique style that pleases reggae fans that enjoy both classic and more contemporary reggae styles. Giraffe Aftermath will be making their 2nd straight appearance on the festival. The band has also played alongside names such as Katchafire, John Brown's Body and Shane Philip.

This show is ALL AGES w/licensed beverage garden for those 19rs+

Food Concession and Merchandise Tents on site

Doors: 4:30pm sharp!

PURCHASE OF THIS SHOW IS AVAILABLE THROUGH PURCHASING A FULL FESTIVAL PASS AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS OR THE REEF IN VICTORIA BC. FULL FESTIVAL PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE & VIA WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE CONCERT #2 - THE FINAL ONE!

@ Dance Victoria Studios Vancouver THE BOOM BOOMS play a dangerous mix of Latin, funk, and reggae that sets the dancefloor on fire wherever they play. The group draws influence from artists such as Buena Vista Social Club, Gregory Isaacs, and Manu Chao. Their song "Delivered" earned them the award for Best Roots Song at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards.
www.theboombooms.com/

Explosive, dynamic, and original, MINDIL BEACH MARKETS has discovered a blistering fusion of Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, Folk, Funk, and Blues that is entirely their own. Their songs will leave you awash in sentiments ranging from love of the planet, to love of a party.
www.mindilbeachmarkets.com/

DJ SU COMANDANTE has evolved to be one of Victoria's most diverse DJs spinning a variety of reggae, dancehall, Latin and reggaeton (reggae infused with Latin influences). His music also mirrors his beliefs in revolution and social justice. Coming from Guatemala his Latin influences give a distintive uniqueness to his mixes.

VICTORIA'S 13th ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL WORKSHOP: Reggae Hit Bass Lines

@  Long and McQuade (Sheet Music room) Leroy "Heptone" Sibbles is the man behind many of reggae music’s most famous bass lines and classics, and we are honoured to be playimng this year's festival and graciously hosting this workshop.

Leroy Sibbles is widely known for his work as the lead singer of the Rock Steady group The Heptones and as a solo artist. However, many people are not aware of the huge influence Mr. Sibbles has had on all reggae music as the Studio One Bass player, arranger and A&R rep during the late 60’s and early 70’s. During his time in this role he was responsible for many of the classic reggae bass lines that have been and continue to be used by new artists over and over again.

During his keynote interactive session Leroy will discuss how he created the bass lines and arrangements for songs like "Satta Massagan" , "Declaration Of Rights", "Kutchie" (Pass The Dutchie) , "Queen Of The Minstrels" , "No Man Is An Island" and "Drifter."

He will also discuss how he auditioned artists like Burning Spear, Dennis Brown and provided bass lines for artists like John Holt, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis just to name a few.

If you are a true lover of the history of reggae music, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Day 4: THE PIETASTERS! (Exclusive Canadian date for The Pietasters)

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Friday, July 13, 2012 Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents THE PIETASTERS from Washington D.C with special guests LARRY & HIS FLASK, Vancouver's own LOS FURIOS and Victoria's own STEP BACK DAVE!

THE PIETASTERS' slogan NEVER SOULED OUT is nice tongue and cheek but rings true. The Pietasters have stayed true to the spirit of ska music keeping a full 8 piece band alive through good and bad times in the world of ska music. The Pietasters' first break came early when they landed a 1992 tour opening for Bad Manners. In 1997, Rancid’s Tim Armstrong signed them to Hellcat/Epitaph where they recorded two albums with producer Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion): Willis and Awesome Mix Tape #6. The soul-charged Turbo was released in 2002 by Fueled by Ramen. The Pietasters shared bills with NOFX and Less Than Jake on the epic ’98 and ’99 Warped Tours, and followed with a stateside run with punk legend Joe Strummer. Three years later, they worked as James Brown’s back-up band for one surreal evening.

This is the second appearance for The Pietasters since they headlined at Victoria's 3rd Annual Ska Fest ten years ago. We're happy we're still standing stronger than we were when they performed for us so long ago.

LARRY & HIS FLASK: Formed by brothers Jamin and Jesse Marshall in 2003, "the Flask" spent its first half-decade stuck in a primordial, punk-rock goop, where a blood-sweat-and-beers live show took priority over things like notes and melodies. But by 2009, Larry and His Flask’s train began gaining steam. The band’s new songs are a blurry blend of lightning fast string-band picking, gorgeous nods to old-school country, and sublime multi-part harmonies, all presented through a prism of punk chaos. The boys have grown and changed, yes, but their shows are still gloriously physical displays of live music’s sheer power. In other words, keep your eyes peeled, or risk taking the heavy end of Jesse Marshall’s flailing, stand-up bass right between the eyes.

LOS FURIOS are Vancouver's kings of ska and through some slight line-up changes and a few Mexican tours later the band continues to tear up the scene in Vancouver and surrounding areas. This will be the band's fourth appearance on Ska Fest in its 13-year history. Notably Los Furios has played alongside ska/reggae heavyweights such as Fishbone, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Long Beach Shortbus,Inspector and The Black Seeds.

STEP BACK DAVE bring an honest and ambitious voice to the Island's Ska/Reggae influenced scene. Nick Taylor, Dan Turgeon and Ethan Horgan have been gaining noteriety throughout Victoria and the Gulf Islands the past three years. The band recently played on infamous Tribute to Sublime Island Style tour and have also played alongside Island mates Brave New Waves and Bananafish Dance Orchestra.

This show is ALL AGES w/licensed beverage garden for those 19rs+

Food Concession and Merchandise Tents on site

Doors: 5pm sharp!

FULL FESTIVAL PASSES AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS OR THE REEF IN VICTORIA BC. FULL FESTIVAL PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE & VIA WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Day 4: Free for all Friday Matinee!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Friday, July 13 come and start your Victoria Ska Festival weekend festivities earlier and enjoy two extremely high-energy entertaining acts from Nanaimo and Vancouver respectively. Nanaimo's Dope Soda and Vancouver's Heads Hang Heavy will warm up the festival vibe at Ship Point Inner Harbour.

DOPE SODA

Thirsty for music that is both dangerous and danceable, refreshing as a mojito and as eye-opening as a whiskey sour. A cocktail party mix of reggae, punk rock, jazz, hiphop, and ska. This is Dope Soda.
Dope Soda formed in late 2011, a fresh concoction of six of the top jazz, rock, and Jamaican-music-inspired musicians from Vancouver Island, with membership in acts such as Current Swell, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Bananafish Dance Orchestra, The Kiltlifters, and Kings Without.

The band is led by a three-piece horn section with roots in the highly-regarded Vancouver Island University Jazz Department, buoyed by a funky rhythm section that serves up sips of bubbling Hammonds and Wurlitzers, shots of distorted guitar, and heavy bass--in your face. Dope Soda jumps back and forth between reggae jams, punk rock assaults, happy ska romps, and hiphop throwdowns--a thirst quencher for audiences who need good rhymes and good times.

HEADS HANG HEAVY

While their sound is strongly rooted in Jamaican musical styles such as Reggae, Ska and Dancehall, HEADS HANG HEAVY also draw ideas from other forms of dance music including Disco, Hip-hop, Funk and Rock. With musical tastes that are wide and far-reaching, their collective goal has always been to bring these divergent styles together under the banner of strong song-writing and infectious musical performances. HHH strive to bring an intelligent and conscious positivity to their lyrics while expressing the unique west coast culture of British Columbia.

FREE! All Ages/Beverage Garden w/ID. on site/Food Concessions

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT RUCKUS!!

@ Lucky Bar LA POBRESKA hail from LA and play a blazing mix of hardcore punk and 3rd-wave ska. They’re one part Death by Stereo and one part Voodoo Glow Skulls. Their hard and gritty sound is defined by life on the street, politics, and family. They’ve been around since 2004 and are currently recording a new album. This will be one of the best shows at the festival and will have you moshing and skanking in seconds flat!
www.myspace.com/lapobreska


RUDE CITY RIOT are Vancouver’s own power-ska ensemble are a force unlike any other. They’ve recently completed a Canadian tour with The Planet Smashers and The Real McKenzies and have previously performed with acts like The Slackers and The Creepshow. They stand out as one of the regions best ska and rock acts and leave the crowds screaming for more.
www.myspace.com/rudecityriot

It’s been a long time, but the MAD BOMBER SOCIETY is back for another round! Their mix of punk and two-tone madness have been on stage with acts like Fishbone, Long Beach Shortbus, and The Gamblers. They also share members with Rude City Riot and have previously been involved with The Skatomatics and Wednesday Night Heroes. Those looking for a party look no further.
www.myspace.com/madbombersociety

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL: ADHAM SHAIKH & SOLA ROSA (New Zealand) - Global Electronica Roots & Soul

@ Club 9ONE9 Adham Shaikh is a Juno Award-nominated music producer, composer, and DJ who brings his uniquely powerful global sounds to the world stage and screen, not to mention many a crowded dance floor.

Music labels from around the globe have released his music, including Interchill, Dakini Records, Electronic Soundscapes, Liquid Sound Design, Native State, One World Music, Water Music, Nia, Sounds True, Stoned Asia, and the infamous Six Degrees. Recently, Shaikh co-produced and mixed the award-winning debut CD for global fusion group Delhi 2 Dublin, and has finished re-mixing tracks for internationally renowned world fusion artists Nickodemus, Deya Dova, Kaya Project, Tripswitch and David Starfire. Shaikh has most recently completed remixes for Stephen Kent, Omar Faruk Tekbilek , Issa Bagayogo , Ganga Giri , and the Footsteps in Africa Project (Turag remix)

Shaikh’s work as both a live performer and a DJ has taken him to international events including the Waveform Festival (UK), Samothraki Dance Festival (Greece), Dakini Nights (Tokyo), Luminate (New Zealand), The Maori Peace Festival at Parihaka (New Zealand), and Boom Festival (Portugal).

While SOLA ROSA's first three albums undoubtedly cast Spraggon as one of New Zealand’s finest purveyors of downbeat-electronica – something that was backed up by a raft of accolades including a NZ Music Award for 2001’s Solarized, and b-net awards for 2000’s Entrance To Skyway and 2003’s Haunted Out-takes – his fourth long player, 2005s Moves On, saw a change in tact. Not content to simply stay within the bounds of any one genre, Spraggon expanded the Sola Rosa sound, incorporating more live instrumentation and adding a healthy dollop of funk, soul and reggae to an already considerable list influences. The new direction not only reinvigorated the Rosa sound, but earned Spraggon another nomination for Best Dance/Electronic album at the 2006 NZ Music Awards.

Spraggon’s latest album, Get It Together, which has so successfully captured the breadth of his vision and piqued the most interest from record labels, artists and fans the world over. Like its predecessor, Moves On, Get It Together builds on a more performance based template than Sola Rosa’ early work, featuring a full band.

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL WORKSHOP: Horn Arrangements in Ska Ensembles

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre This workshop features the The Pietasters Horn Section: Alan Makranczy, Jeremy Roberts and Carlos Linares

Since the early 1960s with the birth of ska music in Jamaica horns have always been key instruments in what many people recognize as the definitive signature of the genre.

Traditionally ska bands have always had horns as a part of their arrangements even though the guitar took a greater role in many bands' sound in the second and third waves of ska. This is not the case when one looks at cousin genres rooted in ska, such as rocksteady and reggae, although these genres also use horns.

The Pietasters Horn Section will address the origins and influences of ska as a base going back to Cuban music, American jazz and mento. They will talk about contributing factors as to why horn sections were so predominant in the early wave of ska music and how the role of horns is still so important in identifying the ska genre today.

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL WORKSHOP: Music that Inspires Social Change

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Adham Shaikh is a Juno Award-nominated music producer, composer, sound designer, and DJ who brings his uniquely powerful global sounds to the world stage and screen, not to mention many a crowded dance floor.

One of Adham's greatest talents is his ability to use sounds and visuals within his global electronic repertoire to evoke certain emotions from the audience and get important points across through his set.

The idea for this workshop was planted after Adham Shaikh performed a song at a show in Nanaimo that was used to address the crisis of water. His music, visuals and the costumes of his dancer during the set vividly conveyed the crisis. This song was just one of many that used visuals, music and dance to convey various themes.

In this workshop Adham will touch on some of these techniques when selecting to bring each idea to the forefront. He may also talk about what influences him to use music to inspire social change and why his shows leave such a lasting impression on the audience.

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Day 3: Free for All!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Fun, sun, good vibes, great bands, and all the dancing you can handle ... and all for the low, low price of FREE!

Featuring: Blitz the Ambassador, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, Bachaco

Free show, all ages, and beer garden for those 19+

BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR: Though currently based out of Brooklyn, this Ghanaian hip-hop artist has been pushing musical boundaries all over the globe. in 2000 he received the award for best new artist at the Ghana Music Awards. In 2001 he moved to the the USA to attend university. He became noticed as an incredible artist, even opening for Rakim, and has been developing and honing his craft ever since.
www.myspace.com/blitztheambassador

Standing as a festival favourite, RMRM are back for another round! After blowing the crowd away last year,and playing alongside Ky-Mani Marley and Gramps Morgan, Victoria’s top reggae, roots, and world music musicians are taking it to the next level. They are one of the liveliest touring acts today and have begun garnering attention across Canada. Come check them and out and they’ll have you singing in no time!
www.myspace.com/rockymountainrebelmusic

Florida’s BACHACO are a smooth mix of reggae, Cumbia, and funk. Their unique sound and performance appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The band’s multicultural heritage shows. with lyrics in English, Spanish and Jamaican Patwa, Bachaco is a true multi-cultural experience. Bachaco’s music is sure to have you moving and grooving in no time.
www.myspace.com/bachacomusic

NEW ZEALAND REGGAE REVOLUTION - ALL MAORI REGGAE KINGS KATCHAFIRE RETURN TO VANCOUVER!

@ Fortune Sound Club Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents KATCHAFIRE (Hamilton, NZ) with special guests The Delirians (LA).

KATCHAFIRE is back by popular demand after their first appearance in Vancouver and at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival back in 2010.

Reggae is one of the bloodlines of New Zealand music - which accounts for the extraordinary success of Hamilton’s Katchafire who, several years ago, emerged as the hardest working band in the country.

Experience the unique sound from a unique band, a soulful taste of reggae that soothes, kiwi driven roots flavor added with subtleties of the group’s musical influences. Katchafire continues to reach beyond their boundaries to audiences, cultures and listeners everywhere.

Special Guest: Straignt outta East LA! With their Big Boss sound, The Delirians have already made a name for themselves gaining much attention locally as well as Internationally Playing alongside bands such as The Skatalites, Derrick Harriot, The Slackers,The Toasters,Lets Go Bowling, Easy Star All stars and Bad Manners to name a few.

The Delirians play a blend of reggae, ska, and funky soul to bring you a one of a kind, original yet familiar sound that is altogether fire for your heart, and ice for your soul.

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL: NINJA SPY SKA FEST DEBUT/THE RETURN OF BURNT!

@ Club 9ONE9 Ska Fest doesn't stop after the Ship Point show, and neither should you! Clamber up from the harbour and head your way toward Club 9ONE9 for a night, of punk, hip-hop, reggae and of course a whole lot more ska!

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Day 2: Free for All!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Though the TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA now resides in Toronto, these guys still hold on to their unique Vancouver Island roots. Their unique blend of both Western and European folk music along with elements of reggae have earned them fans across Canada and the globe. They’ve performed with Los Rastrillos, C.R. Avery, and Shane Philip. Though they’ve moved on to bigger things, they always stay true to their roots.
http://www.tequilamockingbird.com/

Vancouver's BLACKBERRY WOOD plays a dynamic mix of country, folk, and world roots music. Blackberry Wood powers down the road like a caravan, with all kinds of wondrous instruments, vocal melodies and fantastically costumed characters. Playing over 300 shows since 2006, Blackberry Wood has kicked up dust in towns all over Western Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
http://www.myspace/blackberrywood

NATURAL FLAVAS are one of Vancouver's finest purveyors of roots and reggae music. They have had the pleasure of backing up Tosh1 (son of Peter Tosh) and Errol Blackwood of Messenjah on live performances. Last year they played back-up for rocksteady king Ken Boothe as well as Kae Sun at the festival and blew the crowd away. They have also performed along-side well-known reggae groups Inner Circle and Easy Star All-stars. Those in need of a reggae shakedown look no further.
www.myspace.com/naturalflavasreggae

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL: CLINTON FEARON & THE BOOGIE BROWN BAND! ( Official TOOTS & THE MAYTALS AFTER PARTY)!

@ Club 9ONE9 This is CLINTON FEARON AND THE BOOGIE BROWN BAND's first show in Victoria in more than 5 years, and it is a return that the VBCSS and reggae fans across the Island have been eagerly anticipating.

With a career that spans across more than four decades, Clinton Fearon is one of the most influential and widely respected reggae musicians still producing and touring. Since 1987 Fearon has lived and worked out of Seattle, but spent most of his life living in Jamaica, and it is here that he has his roots and where he honed his unique style.

Fearon is still not only recording but actively recording and producing music, with his most recent album, Heart and Soul, released earlier this year. The album features new material along with reworkings of songs he wrote during his time with The Gladiators— a famous Jamaican reggae band from the 1970s.

Fearon has played and headlined many major international festivals including the Reggae Rising Festival, Bumbershoot, Sierra Nevada Festival, Lafayette Jazz Festival, American Folk Festival, Lowell Folk Festival, and now the Victoria Ska Festival!


DANNY REBEL & THE KGB are one of Canada’s most exciting acts today. They have performed all over the country including Sled Island, Stampede, the Montreal International Reggae Festival, and both the Victoria and Montreal ska Festivals. They’ve played alongside The Planet Smashers, Fishbone, The Slackers, and many more! Their unique blend of reggae, ska, and soul have earned them fans from far and wide. They’re back again and ready for a party!
www.myspace.com/dannyrebel

TUFF JELLY are described as “Rude raw reggae” and are one of the newer artists to emerge from Vancouver Island’s magnificent ska and reggae scene. They’ve performed alongside island favourites like Mindil Beach Markets and Brave New Waves as well as Montreal rocksteady kings The Beatdown and Canadian ska giant Chris Murray. Their sound is a blend of reggae, hip-hop, and ska. Rockas beware, Tuff Jelly is the toughest fish in the sea!
www.myspace.com/tuffjelly

VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL KICK OFF with TOOTS & THE MAYTALS

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Tuesday, July 10, 2012 VICTORIA'S 13TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL in the finest fashion with a performance that festival fans and organizers have been yearning for many years.

We are proud to announce that the legendary TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS will kick off the festival with his own brand of ska/reggae/soul at Ship Point Inner Harbour.

It's been 12 long years since Toots and the Maytals have blessed this Island with their presence at one unforgettable performance at Market Square. Now several albums and hundreds of performances later we are pleased to have him make this historic return at Ship Point Inner Harbour.

Toots and the Maytals is known as the king of ska/reggae/soul by people all over the world. Timeless songs such as "54-46", "Sweet and Dandy" , "Time Tough", and "Country Roads"have become anthems in their own right. And to add to that collection of songs Toots has continued to make new albums and collaborate with many artists that cross other genres in country, hip hop folk and more.

True Love released in 2004 was one of his most celebrated albums in the past ten years. It features past Victoria Ska Festival artists such as The Skatalites, Easy Star All Stars, and Ken Boothe. But the range he covers in his collaborations on the album are staggering. Other legendary artists on the album include: Manu Chao, Eric Clapton, No Doubt, Bootsy Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, The Roots and so much more. Toots and the Maytals' most recent album is called Flip and Twistreleased in 2010.

The roots of the genre are as strong as ever, and their dedication to the craft is testament to this. Our festival would not be where it is today without the amazing talent of this group and their performance will surely be once in a lifetime experience.

Joining Toots and the Maytals is THE DELIRIANS straight outta East LA! With their Big Boss sound, The Delirians have already made a name for themselves gaining much attention locally as well as Internationally Playing alongside bands such as The Skatalites, Derrick Harriot, The Slackers,The Toasters,Lets Go Bowling, Easy Star All stars and Bad Manners to name a few. The Delirians play a blend of reggae, ska, and funky soul to bring you a one of a kind, original yet familiar sound that is altogether fire for your heart, and ice for your soul.

Finally Bananafish Dance Orchestra will be our Island representation on this triple bill. Bananafish Dance Orchestra came together through similar interests in Latin/jazz a few years ago through at Malispina Jazz Program. Since the initial assembly of the band, Bananafish Dance Orchestra have become one of BC's most exciting up and coming Latin/jazz bands appearing on festivals such as Vancouver Island Music Fest, The Big Time Out and Victoria Ska Festival. This will be their second appearance in as many years.

This show is ALL AGES w/licensed beverage garden for those 19rs+

Food Concession and Merchandise Tents on site

Doors: 4:30pm sharp!



PURCHASE OF THIS SHOW IS AVAILABLE THROUGH PURCHASING A FULL FESTIVAL PASS AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS OR THE REEF IN VICTORIA BC. FULL FESTIVAL PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE & VIA WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA



See you there!

GRAND OPENING OF VICTORIA SKA FESTIVAL'S ROCKSTEADY COLLECTIVE (2 TONE MULTI-MEDIA ART EXHIBIT)

@  724 View Street n an effort to support art in all its mediums, the Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents the 3rd infusion of the Rocksteady Collective Multimedia Art Exhibit.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “2Tone.” 2Tone Ska was a racial unity movement, bringing together pe...ople from all walks of life on the dance floor and on the stage, in the midst of massive racial discrimination. After the immigration policy was changed in the ‘60s, a large number of Jamaicans immigrated to Britain, and brought with them heavy ska and reggae musical influences. 2Tone was born in England in the late ‘70s. The second wave of ska music, “was basically about black and white people playing together” (Pauline Black of The Selecter). 2Tone ska bands addressed political and social issues with their lyrics, promoted common sense, moderation and equality. The legacy of 2Tone is still apparent in modern ska, using music as medium to educate people and open minds.

This year’s exhibit will feature 2Tone inspired art by some of our most passionate skartists.

All programming is by donation (or suggested donation) with proceeds going to the Alpha Project.
Check out www.victoriaskafest.ca/alpha for more info on this initiative.

Original art pieces, art prints and merch will be on sale!

Grand Opening - July 7th, 2012
Featuring musical performances by Forcast & Whitey, body art by Danger By Design, live painting, an interactive mural, silent auction and much more!
Doors @ 8pm - ALL AGES - Beverage Garden w/ ID

Open Mic/Jam Night - July 13th, 2012
Hosted by Howard St-Roy
Come throw down with local ska legends and visual artists Andrew Murgatroyd (RMRM) and Eli Konsorado (Brave New Waves)
Doors @ 8pm - ALL AGES - Beverage Garden w/ ID

Daytime Gallery Hours - July 9-12th (Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs) : 12 - 3PM

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA returns to Nanaimo! - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2012!

@ The Queens Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra will be happy to come back to the Island after their recent move to Toronto earlier this year. Nanaimo hasn't seen the band in quite some time so it will be a home coming of sorts especially since they will be playing the Victoria Ska Festival a week later on July 11th at Ship Point.

It's hard to pigeon hole Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra into a particular genre. Tango, builds up with African Rythms, hooks you with some gypsy-roots-grass riffs, and pours out psychedelic waves of sound walls to a crisp finish. Not to sound too much like a bottle of wine, but The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra are ageing well. Early tours had them playing pop up shows across Europe, hitting the streets and festivals across Canada and the US, and carefully cultivating a solid reputation as dedicated, talented and ambitious young musicians. The past two years has seen the band headlining festivals and stages across Canada and the Pacific NorthWest.

NATURAL FLAVAS ALBUM RELEASE 2012 - On the Road to Victoria's 13th Annual Ska Festival!

@ Lucky Bar Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to announce that Natural Flavas is having their long-awaited album release at Lucky Bar, Victoria ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH WITH Giraffe Aftermath. Those that present (or purchase) Full Festival or Harbour Passes at the door will get in free of charge (Note there is limited capacity at Lucky Bar and this promotion has limited quantities so if you have the Full Fest or Harbour Pass show up earlier to present it for free admission)

NATURAL FLAVAS are busy again leading up to the Victoria Ska Festival. As you know they backed rocksteady legend Ken Boothe and Kae Sun at last year's Ska Fest. This year they will be playing on Ska Fest again individually on Wed/July/11th with Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra and Blackberry Wood + they'll be backing Leroy 'Heptone' Sibbles at the Grand Finale Concert on Saturday, July 14th alongside New Zealand's all Maori reggae outfit Katchafire and Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath.

GIRAFFE AFTERMATH continue to be busy in Vancouver headlining shows with various regional bands. Additionally the band has been landed some amazing supporting gigs both in Victoria and Vancouver including opening up for Yellowman & Sagittarius Band, Katchafire, The Black Seeds and John Brown's Body. They also just finished their brand new album which was released earlier this year. You'll get to hear all the hits from their new album as well as some of the oldies from previous albums and eps.

DONATE NEW AND USED INSTRUMENTS TO THE ALPHA BOYS SCHOOL IN JAMAICA

@  Long and McQuade (Sheet Music room) Founded in the 19th century, The Alpha Boys School in Jamaica has influenced the creation of SKA and REGGAE music in Jamaica and around the world. This school's musical alumni includes members of The Skatalites, Yellowman, Ken Boothe, Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Rico Rodriguez, Desmond Dekker and many more. Victoria BC Ska Society is collecting instruments that the school needs and will be sending them down. Long & McQuade in Victoria BC will make sure they are in working order. Please contact Byron Maier of the Victoria BC Ska Society at byron@byronmaier.com to arrange the donation.

THE SKATALITES IN CUMBERLAND! FINALE OF ALPHA BOYS SCHOOL PROJECT!

@  The Waverley Hotel Tickets on sale now at Bob City & ticketweb.ca

Celebrating their 48th year, The Skatalites - original studio band for Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Ken Boothe and Jimmy Cliff continue to carry the torch of Jamaica's musical heritage around the world. Past and present members in the band thank The Alpha Boys School in Jamaica that helped them develop as well as the aforementioned artists they backed in the early 60s. Celebrate the Skatalites' rich history and our Alpha Boys School Donation Project this Saturday, April 21st at the Waverley Hotel/Pub.

The Skatalites have lead the world on a journey like no other and have traveled more roads than most artists ever will. 2012 marks their 48th(!) year and, while some of the band’s founding members have passed onto the great stage in the sky, they continue to bring the spirit, style, and music of Jamaica to people around the world. This year promises a revitalization of the band with a new tour, a new single, a new album and a determination to pave a new path into parts unknown – all roads lead to The Skatalites.

As the tour kicks off, The Skatalites will release a 2-song single from their upcoming album “All Roads.” The single will be available digitally and as a limited edition 7” vinyl (exclusively available on the tour.) The collection features the newest lineup of the band, and several tracks featuring legendary foundation drummer Lloyd Knibb, who passed away before the sessions were completed. Along with founding members Lester Sterling and Doreen Shaffer, The Skatalites continue as torchbearers of Jamaica’s signature sounds – ska, rocksteady, and reggae – and promise to take audiences of all ages on a musical journey around the world.

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THE SKATALITES RETURN TO THE ISLAND! 4/20 EXTRAVAGANZA & CELEBRATION OF ALPHA BOYS SCHOOL PROJECT!

@ Club 9ONE9 Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel, & ticketweb.ca

Celebrating their 48th year, The Skatalites - original studio band for Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Ken Boothe and Jimmy Cliff continue to carry the torch of Jamaica's musical heritage around the world. Past and present members in the band thank The Alpha Boys School in Jamaica that helped them develop as well as the aforementioned artists they backed in the early 60s. Celebrate the Skatalites' rich history and our Alpha Boys School Donation Project this 4/20 at Club 9ONE9 in Victoria!

The Skatalites have lead the world on a journey like no other and have traveled more roads than most artists ever will. 2012 marks their 48th(!) year and, while some of the band’s founding members have passed onto the great stage in the sky, they continue to bring the spirit, style, and music of Jamaica to people around the world. This year promises a revitalization of the band with a new tour, a new single, a new album and a determination to pave a new path into parts unknown – all roads lead to The Skatalites.

As the tour kicks off, The Skatalites will release a 2-song single from their upcoming album “All Roads.” The single will be available digitally and as a limited edition 7” vinyl (exclusively available on the tour.) The collection features the newest lineup of the band, and several tracks featuring legendary foundation drummer Lloyd Knibb, who passed away before the sessions were completed. Along with founding members Lester Sterling and Doreen Shaffer, The Skatalites continue as torchbearers of Jamaica’s signature sounds – ska, rocksteady, and reggae – and promise to take audiences of all ages on a musical journey around the world.

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Member after party to follow. Please read below for more information...

VBCSS Member Party to following this show featuring Tuff Jelly & Jah ReQuest. Admission: $10 donation for current VBCSS members or purchase of a new membership. Information on www.victoriaskafest.ca or www.facebook.com/victoria.ska.fest

Proudly Sponsored by The Reef Restaurant (Yates Street in Victoria)

ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2012! ROOTZ UNDERGROUND RETURNS TO THE ISLAND!

@ The Queens Rootz Underground represents Jamaica’s most recent contribution to the International Reggae & World Music scene. While undeniably rooted in reggae the six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes boundaries and defies being boxed into a single genre. Electric yet organic, gritty and soulful; the band manages to harness the essence that the reggae aficionado was captivated by in the 1970’s while connecting the youth to the pure messages of Rastafari with explosive live performances that are a positive and emotional musical journey.

Rootz Underground will be joined by Nanaimo's favourite Latin/funk party band BANANAFISH DANCE ORCHESTRA!

Tickets available shortly at Fascinating Rhythms, The Thirty Camel & Ticketweb.ca!

THE BLACK SEEDS RETURN TO CANADA! (VANCOUVER SHOW) - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2012!

@ Fortune Sound Club Tickets on sale now at Highlife, Zulu, Redcat Records & ticketweb.ca!

http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4264775

The Black Seeds from windy Wellington, New Zealand have become a musical powerhouse throughout New Zealand, Europe and North America. In the summer of 2010 the band embarked on their first North American tour that brought them all over the United States and into Canada's west coast for three memorable shows in Vancouver, Whistler and the world-renowned Victoria Ska Festival (in Victoria BC, Canada). With the support of Easy Star Records, their fans, fellow musicians and now world-famous Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, their last album "Solid Ground" (on Easy Star) received rave reviews; described by JamBaseas "one of the best, forward-minded reggae releases this year...the forefront of reggae" and by The Huffington Post as "a damn fine record…the most inventive thing out of the South Pacific in decades." Now back for another helping the band is touring again throughout Europe, and North America with a brand new album to be released in April 2012.

The Black Seeds will perform two exclusive west coast Canadian dates in Victoria, British Columbia on Tuesday, April 10th at Club 9ONE9 and Vancouver, British Columbia Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 at Fortune Sound (this show presented for purchase here). These two Black Seeds performances are proudly presented by Victoria BC Ska Society. Both BC shows will be "On the Road to Ska Fest events in preparation for the highly anticipated Victoria Ska Festival 2012 (July 10 - 14, 2012) throughout various outdoor and indoor venues in Downtown Victoria.

THE BLACK SEEDS RETURN TO CANADA! (VICTORIA SHOW) - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2012!

@ Club 9ONE9 Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel & ticketweb.ca!

http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4264785


The Black Seeds from windy Wellington, New Zealand have become a musical powerhouse throughout New Zealand, Europe and North America. In the summer of 2010 the band embarked on their first North American tour that brought them all over the United States and into Canada's west coast for three memorable shows in Vancouver, Whistler and the world-renowned Victoria Ska Festival (in Victoria BC, Canada).With the support of Easy Star Records, their fans, fellow musicians and ex-band mate and now world-famous Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, their last album "Solid Ground" (on Easy Star) received rave reviews; described by JamBaseas "one of the best, forward-minded reggae releases this year...the forefront of reggae" and by The Huffington Post as "a damn fine record…the most inventive thing out of the South Pacific in decades." Now back for another helping the band is touring again throughout Europe, and North America with a brand new album to be released in April 2012.

The Black Seeds will perform two exclusive west coast Canadian dates in Victoria, British Columbia on Tuesday, April 10th at Club 9ONE9 (this show presented here), and Vancouver, British Columbia on April 11th, 2012 at Fortune Sound. These two Black Seeds performances are proudly presented by Victoria BC Ska Society. Both BC shows will be "On the Road to Ska Fest events in preparation for the highly anticipated Victoria Ska Festival 2012 (July 10 - 14, 2012) throughout various outdoor and indoor venues in Downtown Victoria.

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE COMES TO VANCOUVER! - ALL AGES

@ The Ukrainian Hall Tickets on sale Friday, January 13, 2012 at Redcat, Highlife, Zulu Records & ticketweb.ca. Members of the Victoria BC Ska Society will receive opportunities to purchase discounted tickets and space will be protected for a limited time (before the show sells out).

It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

For this show they will be playing alongside Maple Ridge BC's punk kings The Wrecktals.

Tribute to Sublime Island style stand out as one of the best memories in recent years for a lot of ska/reggae/punk fans in BC and mainly just good ol' Sublime fans that come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Don't miss out!!

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE COMES TO VANCOUVER!

@ Shark Club Tickets on sale Friday, January 13, 2012 at Redcat, Highlife, Zulu Records & ticketweb.ca. Members of the Victoria BC Ska Society will receive opportunities to purchase discounted tickets and space will be protected for a limited time (before the show sells out).

It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

For this show they will be playing alongside Vancouver's reggae/dub powerhouse Giraffe Aftermath.

The following night they will play an all ages show Tribute to Sublime show with Maple Ridge BC's punk kings The Wrecktals.

Tribute to Sublime Island style stand out as one of the best memories in recent years for a lot of ska/reggae/punk fans and mainly just good ol' Sublime fans that come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Don't miss out!!

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE COMES TO NANAIMO! (19yrs+)

@  The Queens $15+ adv.Tickets on sale now at Fascinating Rhythms & ticketweb.ca.

It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

For this show they will be playing alongside Vancouver's reggae/dub powerhouse Giraffe Aftermath.

DELHI 2 DUBLIN RETURNS TO VICTORIA!

@ Club 9ONE9 Delhi 2 Dublin continue to tour North America and then make pit stops to Victoria while they are able. Once again we're excited to have them back! They will be joined by Micro Bongo Soundsystem. Don't delay. Tickets at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE RETURNS! - VICTORIA BC -> ALL AGES

@ Victoria Event Centre Tickets on sale Friday, January 13, 2012 at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca. Members of the Victoria BC Ska Society will receive opportunities to purchase discounted tickets and space will be protected for a limited time (before the shows sell out).

This is an all ages show with licensed beverage garden with ID. featuring Brave New Waves, Hillside Hooligans & Tuff Jelly
----------------------------------------------------
It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

Other bands that will be playing along with them include Victoria's Step Back Dave and Tuff Jelly + Vancouver's reggae/dub powerhouse Giraffe Aftermath and Maple Ridge BC's punk kings The Wrecktals.

This stands out as one of the best memories in recent years for a lot of ska/reggae/punk fans and mainly just good ol' Sublime fans that come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Don't miss out!!

Proudly sponsored by The Zone @ 91.3FM. The Joint Pizza & CFUV 101.9FM

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE COMES TO COURTENAY BC

@  The Bridge Lounge Victoria's Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans take the long awaited Tribute to Sublime Island Style mini tour to the Comox Valley for a date at The Bridge Lounge in Courtenay BC! Tickets on sale shortly at Bop City and ticketweb.ca!

-------------------------------------------------------

It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

Other bands that will be playing along with them include Victoria's Step Back Dave and Tuff Jelly + Vancouver's reggae/dub powerhouse Giraffe Aftermath and Maple Ridge BC's punk kings The Wrecktals.

(before the shows sell out).

This stands out as one of the best memories in recent years for a lot of ska/reggae/punk fans and mainly just good ol' Sublime fans that come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Don't miss out!!

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE RETURNS! - VICTORIA BC

@ Club 9ONE9 Tickets on sale Friday, January 13, 2012 at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca. Members of the Victoria BC Ska Society will receive opportunities to purchase discounted tickets and space will be protected for a limited time (before the shows sell out).

It was almost four years ago that Kiltlifter Dave's idea to host a Tribute to Sublime concerts on the Island finally came to fruition here on the Island. It was mentioned time and time again. The motivation to do the shows was also inspired by the fact the Victoria BC Ska Society hosted Long Beach Shortbus at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival in 2005. That was a historic show for sure because a similar line-up that was called Shortbus then is now called Sublime with Rome.

That said, one band that reggae/ska lovers all over BC love is Sublime. And we think a great way to celebrate it is to have bands from Victoria, and Vancouver do it in their own style.

Island bands, Brave New Waves and Hillside Hooligans will lead the Tribute to Sublime Island Style torch bringing the mini tour twice to Victoria and Vancouver (both cities will host one bar show and one all ages show) plus special shows (19+) in Nanaimo and Courtenay BC respectively.

Other bands that will be playing along with them include Victoria's Step Back Dave and Tuff Jelly + Vancouver's reggae/dub powerhouse Giraffe Aftermath and Maple Ridge BC's punk kings The Wrecktals.

This stands out as one of the best memories in recent years for a lot of ska/reggae/punk fans and mainly just good ol' Sublime fans that come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Don't miss out!!

Proudly sponsored by The Joint Pizza & CFUV 101.9FM

ALPHA BOYS SCHOOL FUNDRAISER IN CAMPBELL RIVER (Vancouver Island)

@  Island Style Creative Studio Do you happen to have any musical instruments which are currently unused or otherwise collecting dust in your home? Perhaps you used to play a clarinet, flute, saxophone or trombone but are no longer using it or it may not be working properly. If so bring it to this show and gain admission to help a worthwhile cause!

Visit www.victoriaskafest.ca/alpha or contact byron@byronmaier.com for more info!

TANYA STEPHENS COMES TO THE ISLAND FOR THE 1ST TIME - BOB MARLEY'S 67TH JUBILEE CELEBRATION

@ Club 9ONE9 This February 9, 2012 Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio and ENIGMATICA ENTERTAINMENT in affiliation with the Victoria BC Ska Society are proud to present Jamaica's dancehall diva TANYA STEPHENS for the first time on the Island. Tanya Stephens is one of the most entertaining and conscious dancehall artists in the world.

'Tanya Stephens is that rare outta order gal pickney who’s proved to the dancehall frat that she’s meant for more than decorating men’s rhymes with smooth background harmonies.' Gangsta Blues, Tanya’s fifth CD (VP Records), is raw, rebellious, and authentic, confirming her position at the top of the dancehall game with a vivid display of her wide-ranging musical imagination and keen wordplay. Whether spouting hardcore racy rhymes, insightful political statements, or crooning heart-tugging romantic fables, only gutsy power bolts come from the throat of this giant talent.

Stephens' most recent album "Infallible" offers much the same variety as her previous hit albums such as Gangsta Blues and Rebelution.

Tanya Stephens' first appearance to Victoria will be in honour of Bob Marley's 67th Jubilee Celebration. Remember to listen to Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio that airs each and every Saturday from 6-7pm on CFUV 101.9FM or CFUV.UVIC.CA.

This show will be a completely empressive line-up including artists such as Kia Kadiri that has been referred to as the KRS Queen of Hip Hop on the Island + Ndidi Cascade, Skyla J, Elaine Shepherd & Tank Gyal.

Tickets on sale shortly on-line and at your local outlets!

SHANE PHILIP & TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA MAKE LONG AWAITED ISLAND RETURN - All ages w/Beverage Garden

@ Victoria Event Centre *****Tickets on sale Wednesday, December 13, 2012 at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca Victoria BC Ska Society members receive early bird discount throughout the promotion while quantities last*****

$16.50 adv after cheaper tickets sell out. Tickets available at the door if not sold out in advance...

DOORS: 8:30PM - All Ages w/Beverage Garden courtesy of Lighthouse Brewery and Sir Perry

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Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Victoria Event Centre will be the first of many incredible events of 2012 when SHANE PHILIP and TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA join forces to bring us a music paradise like no other for all ages to enjoy.

It's been too long since we've seen either of these two bands around the Island. You may remember the last two shows Shane Philip has appeared on in Victoria have been nothing less than unforgettable. The last plays were with Gaudi at Sugar Nightclub in October 2010 and earlier that same year at the Victoria Ska Festival with Katchafire and Mindil Beach Markets. Now Shane Philip makes his long awaited return to Victoria with his latest album Life. Love. Music. going strong gaining momentum nationally and gaining him spots on the Open Sky Music Festival and opening for The Wailers in Vancouver (also January 2012).

Borrowing from folk, reggae, blues and beyond, Shane Philip blurs the boundaries of expectation and music into an altogether unique soundscape. "We are influenced by everything we listen to, see and do," Shane reminds. "So much of what shapes the music, vibe, content, and overall feeling of the songs is unconscious. I write music that results from everything that goes on in the life I live.

This time Shane Philip will be playing alongside longtime Island nomads - TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA. Since you may have seen them a year ago TMO have been constantly touring throughout Canada and the US. Despite band members moving to other places throughout North America the band has managed to retain and build on their music and international appeal.

TMO delivers their brand of acoustic, high energy Gypsy-Roots-Ska-Folk-Grass with dedication and precision, keeping it exciting and generating dancing fans with every show. They've sold hundreds of albums at individual shows, and tend to always be that name you overhear someone saying "Did you see that band?"

The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra have consistently followed the demands of their fans, taking them from a 4 month tour in Europe in 2008, national and international tours in 2009, 2010 and 2011 that garnered much recognition, winning 2010 Monday Magazine “M” award for Most Promising Band, and performing showcases at NXNE, Folk Alliance, and this year at OCFF.

COLLIE BUDDZ & NEW KINGSTON w/GAPPY RANKS & DJ Pee Wee COME TO THE ISLAND FOR A CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL!

@ Club 9ONE9 Collie Buddz's last show in Victoria was one to remember and the Island is still raving about it. Now there is silent anticipation about this next one come Sunday, November 13, 2011.

The Island will have a lot to be excited about because not only will they see Collie Buddz but they'll see him with a full band. Victoria BC Ska Society & Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Carbbean Radio proudly present COLLIE BUDDZ & NEW KINGSTON BAND with upcoming dancehall sensation Gappy Ranks!

Don't delay. Tickets will sell fast!

Available now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel, The Reef, Lucid (in Nanaimo) & ticketweb.ca

SKA FALL CLASSIC 2011 WITH CHRIS MURRAY & THE NEW VICTORIANS + STOMP RECORDS ARTISTS: THE BEATDOWN

@ Metropolis Come catch Chris Murray & the New Victorians and Stomp Records artists - The Beatdown are Metropolis (corner of Government & Pandora) Friday, November 11th.

The Island will be blessed with Canada's grooviest most talented ska/reggae acts.

Here's an interesting fact: Did you know that the first (Canadian "Chris Murray Combo" consisted of Jules Charles - from The Bombasts/Eep Op Orp; Christian Stevenson from the same band and Sam Tallo of King Apparatus. Well if you didn't know then you'll be happy to know that those musicians consist of four fifths of Chris Murray & the New Victorians.

And The Beatdown are Stomp Records' most soulful ska/reggae band. The Beatdown have major influences from The Aggrolites (especially their older material) and those into tradionial ska; soul, and reggae will be in heaven if they attend this show.

Tuff Jelly has just been added to the bill and are excited to make a rare appearance in support of these two bands. Hailing from Victoria the members of Tuff Jelly mix dirty reggae with ska, dancehall and a smack of rap just to keep it steady. ROCKAS beware the tuff jelly fish is the toughest fish in the sea

SKA FALL CLASSIC 2011 IS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH AT METROPOLIS. Tickets on sale shortly.

KING YELLOWMAN & THE SAGITTARIUS BAND IN VICTORIA BC WITH GIRAFFE AFTERMATH!

@ Club 9ONE9 Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef, Strathcona Hotel, and ticketweb.ca

Victoria BC Ska Society & Pepperpot are proud to bring Victoria Jamaica's first dancehall superstar. YELLOWMAN ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley's death. His early-'80s success brought the popularity of toasting -- the reggae equivalent of rapping -- to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future.

YELLOWMAN was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay. Plus, all the boasting about his prowess on the mic or in the bedroom had to be over the top to be convincing: true to his stage name, Yellow-man was an albino, which carries a tremendous social stigma in Jamaica.

Also playing alongside King Yellowman is Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath. The band is becoming recognized around Vancouver as they've played around the city for the past four years playing with other bands such as John Brown's Body, The Black Seeds, Israel's Zvoloon Dub System and other notable bands.

BRAVE NEW WAVES ALBUM RELEASE/YELLOWMAN PRE-PARTY!!

@ Lucky Bar Tickets on sale at Lyle's, Ditch & ticketweb.ca

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Friday, October 14th come out to Lucky Bar to party with three of your favourite Island ska/reggae/Latin bands. It's the first time that all three of these bands have been on the same bill.

You all know Brave New Waves from going to sweet shows with them playing with bands like Rootz Underground, Chris Murray & Jon and Roy among many others. You also may remember that they were in Vancouver a lot this past spring working on a new album. Well, now it's time for them to show the fruits of their labour. They will have their new 23 song album available at the show and this show will celebrate it.

Bananafish Dance Orchestra are a high energy 8-piece Latin/ska/funk/jazz ensemble. They've also played on some nice festivals including the Victoria Ska Festival and Vancouver Island Music Festival. Their last appearance in Victoria was with The Klaxon from Bogota, Colombia and Mexico's Mama Pulpa.

And finally Step Back Dave (who often play with label mates Everybody Left) will round out the bill. Step Back Dave bring an honest and ambitious voice to the Island's Leftcoast Ska/Reggae influenced scene. Nick & Dan have been playing together since they were kids and they were joined by Ethan in time to begin recording their debut album. After a studio theft and 10 songs were lost, the self-titled 3 song EP was released. SBD teamed up with their friends at Outer City to help with distribution.

SHANE PHILIP MAKES VANCOUVER DEBUT WITH GIRAFFE AFTERMATH!

@ Shark Club Victoria BC Ska Society & Enigmatica Entertainment are proud to present this never seen before combination of bands in Vancouver - Giraffe Aftermath & Shane Philip. Giraffe Aftermath are no strangers to Vancouver as it's their home turf but they are right now experiencing a resurgence with their brand new album out "Sleepless Nights" and their full horn section back in full effect.

Shane Philip is happy to finally make his long-awaited Vancouver debut. Having toured across Canada multiple times, playing on various festivals and special events including the Olympic stage in Whistler Shane is a westcoast favourite. With several albums beneath his belt, Philip is proud to present his most recent work titled "Life. Love. Music" with the Vancouver faithful.

HEADS HANG HEAVY is a collective of diverse musicians who share the common goal of making dance floors sweat. Combining the roots of Reggae, the meatiness of the Blues, and a splash of Ska - HHH complete their west coast blend with original music and tasty vocals that stir your thoughts and warm the soul.

SKAMPIDA RETURNS TO LORENZO'S CAFE IN ENDERBY BC!

@ Lorenzo's Cafe

SKAMPIDA RETURNS TO QUADRA ISLAND!

@  The Royal Legion #154 Branch Advance tickets available on ticketweb.ca!

SKAMPIDA FROM BOGOTA, COLOMBIA PLAYS WITH FIVE ALARM FUNK AT VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY IN NANAIMO BC!

@  Vancouver Island University Campus Grounds

SKAMPIDA encore with HILLSIDE HOOLIGANS + CRUDE CULTURA (members of Rocky Mountain Rebel Music & Divine Element)

@ V-lounge Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca

Tickets will be $12.50 adv. or $10.50 for members of Victoria BC Ska Society until September 7th (at The Slackers show).

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We bet you didn't expect this announcement but it's true... SKAMPIDA from Bogota, Colombia (one of BC's favourite Colombian party bands) is coming to Victoria at V-Lounge - Thursday, September 15, 2011 with special guests HILLSIDE HOOLIGANS & CRUDE CULTURA (members of Rocky Mountain Rebel Music & Divine Element).

SKAMPIDA went back to Colombia after their Colombia to Columbia tour to commit to play at Rock Al Parque - one of Latin America's largest annual festivals --- > but now they're back in North America on the west coast and they're ready for a come warm Canadian hospitality.

HILLSIDE HOOLIGANS are also ready to rip this show after coming off playing with The Planet Smashers and Australia's The Resignators at Victoria's 12th Annual Ska Festival at Market Square. In case you haven't heard the band is bursting out the seams with new phat material. DIRTY REGGAE, catchy grooves and danceable tunes non-stop. With the dawn of a new Hillside Hooligans due later this fall the members have found even more inspiration after building on a recent string of press leading up to the Victoria Ska Festival. Notably Ky-Mani Marley & Gramps Morgan's crew knew the band;)

CRUDE CULTURA was a band that was created from creative passion and a once in a life-time opportunity to perform with Fishbone's Angelo Moore (aka Dr. Madd Vibe) in Halloween of 2010. The band plays Latin, funk, ska, reggae and hip hop mixing all the genres beautifully.Nostic and Felicia bring soul and a Latin/hip hop flavour to the band not found in any other band on the Island. The band consists of members from both Rocky Mountain Rebel Music & Divine Element.

@ Fortune Sound Club

THE SLACKERS' 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

@ Club 9ONE9 Tickets selling fast at Lyle's, Ditch, Strathcona Hotel, The Reef, Fascinating Rhythms (Nanaimo) & ticketweb.ca


The Slackers are Brooklyn, New York's ska/reggae kings. The band has been tearing around the world for the past 20 years building faithful audiences in the process. The Slackers have been guests of Victoria and Vancouver numerous times and have also appeared on Victoria's Annual Ska Festival at least twice in the festival's history. With numerous albums behind them (presently signed to Hellcat Records) and more to come the band only has a bright past to look back on and a bright future to look forward to.

Guests Georgetown Orbits may not have 20 years behind them but they've been around for about half that much time which still gives them a rich history. Georgetown Orbits have also appeared on the Victoria Ska Festival with The Slackers.

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL AFTERNOON APPETIZER

@ Market Square The 3rd of 3 FREE outdoor shows proudly presented by the Victoria BC Ska Society as part of Victoria's 12th Annual Ska Festival.

Come enjoy this all ages show with a Beverage Garden for those with ID. There will also be food vendors on site.

Honeyboy Carencro will be bringing his bluesy soulful sound from New Orleans while Mobadass stirs up stylings of reggae with an electro feel, and The Fundamentals from Montreal will get into your head with the perfect combination of horns and organ in their reggae/ska.

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FINALE

@ Market Square Outdoors/All Ages/Beverage Garden w/ID. w/Food Tents. Early bird tickets available now on ticketweb.ca!

Victoria's 12th Annual Ska Festival will be ending in fine form when none other than the son of Robert Nesta Marley - KY-MANI MARLEY makes his debut at Victoria's 12th Annual Ska Festival. Ky-Mani Marley has had a fruitful career at the young age of 34. His career began in the public eye back in 1997 when he teamed up with hip hop artist Prap of the Fugees for a memorable rendition of Eddy's Grant "Electric Avenue." This would be the defining moment in his journey which lead him to pick up the torch his iconic father (Bob Marley) lit so many years ago. Since that time KY-MANI has been an artist with few limits incorporating world music, hip hop, reggae, dancehall blues and rock into his repertoire. With three albums to his credit and collaborations with endless artists ranging from reggae to rock (including notables from his own Marley music family - Damian Marley, Stephen, and Ziggy and others as diverse from Buju Banton to Van Halen KY-MANI is destined to be a world class artist well in the future. Accompanied by a full band KY-MANI will be joined by GRAMPS MORGAN (of Morgan Heritage).

Roy Morgan (GRAMPS MORGAN), a member of the internationally renowned reggae group, Morgan Heritage, was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts with his parents and 29 other siblings. Gramps is one of the legendary Denroy Morgan’s seventeen sons and was affectionately given the name “Grampa” on the day of his birth by an aunt who noticed his uncanny resemblance to his grandfather. The name, “Gramps”, would follow him throughout childhood into adulthood and is also used as his stage name. He became a member of the family band Morgan Heritage, at the tender age of nine. Morgan Heritage has recorded over twenty albums spanning many hits including the all time favorites “Down By The River”, “Don’t Haffi Dread” and “I’m Coming Home”, to mention but a few. They have sold millions of records and continue to gain fans all over the world. Denroy Morgan had prophesied that one day, each of the group members would trod on their own journey to achieve solo stardom. After more than a decade of touring and performing with Morgan Heritage, Gramps is now reveling in the success of his long foreseen solo career.

On the Canadian side of this bill KAE SUN - one of Canada's reggae/hip hop diamonds in the rough will be opening the show backed by Vancouver's Natural Flavas (who will be playing a free performance earlier the same day at Market Square - same venue where Ky-Mani Marley & Gramps will be performing.

And finally Victoria's own funk/ska/reggae rockers ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBEL MUSIC will be setting the stage and making it even hotter for a performance the Victoria Ska Festival faithful will never forget!

Workshop - Trombone Performance with Ska/Rock/Reggae Bands

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Dave St. Jean is a force in the reggae and ska scene on Vancouver Island and the west coast of Canada. Born and raised in Nanaimo, B.C., Dave has played the trombone professionally for 12-years. Known for playing in Nanaimo’s The Kiltlifters he also performs full-time with Victoria "new roots" band Current Swell. Over the past three years, he has joined them on multiple tours and recorded on two of their albums.

St. Jean’s trombone resume is impressive playing headlining acts on the Victoria Ska Festival including Fishbone, Neville Staples of the Specials and Toronto-based dub-master/Juno Award winner Dubmatix. With his talent, experience, and on-stage confidence, Dave aims to be the"go-to bone player" in the reggae and ska scene for both recording and live performance with local and touring acts.

St. Jean’s workshop will cover general brass playing, performance and improvisation in ska/rock/reggae bands. He will also demonstrate and discuss stage etiquette as well as what to do when jumping up with other bands on stage.

Other topics will include how to get involved with other bands and branching out in the industry and first time jamming with new groups.

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL : THE PLANET SMASHERS FINALLY COME TO VICTORIA SKA FEST - (EXCLUSIVE ISLAND FESTIVAL DATE)

@ Market Square Outdoors/All Ages/Beverage Garden w/ID. w/Food Tents.

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef, Fascinating Rhythms (Nanaimo), Zulu Records, Redcat Records & ticketweb.ca

Full Fest Passes available at The Reef in Victoria

or www.victoriaskafest.ca/pass

Click on the ticket link on our web site to purchase!


Get ready for a show of epic proportions when Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents yet another Skankster's Paradise at Victoria's 12th Annual Ska Festival. We are extremely happy to be back at Market Square for this most special event when Stomp Records' THE PLANET SMASHERS - Canada's kings of ska grace the Victoria Ska Festival stage alongside Australia's The Resignators and Victoria's own Hillside Hooligans!

Beverage Garden w/ID. Merchandise Tents & Food Concessions on site.

Early bird tickets available on ticketweb.ca starting Wednesday, April 20th! Members will get a festival discount!

THE KLAXON IN QUADRA ISLAND!

@  The Legion For those of you in the Comox Valley area that may not be at Ska Fest, Victoria BC Ska Society and Solid Productions have teamed up to bring you The Klaxon from Bogota, Colombia! This continues the rich tradition of the Victoria BC Ska Society and Quadra Island partnering to bring our Island ska/reggae massive the best of the best from around the world! Tickets $15.00 advance on ticketweb.ca and at the door if if sold out.

KEY-NOTE ADDRESS FROM KEN BOOTHE "MR. ROCKSTEADY"

@ Market Square Rocksteady was the one of the roots of reggae after ska music was created in the early 1960s. Sometimes referred to as “The Golden Era”, despite rocksteady’s short stint of popular appeal, it has had a huge impact on other forms of Jamaican music such as reggae, dub and dancehall. Today a lot of younger reggae and dancehall fans and artists still listen to rocksteady music. Popular dancehall artists such as Shaggy and Sean Paul use it in chart topping songs that are revered worldwide.

“Mr. Rocksteady” aka Kenneth George Boothe is a living embodiment of the rocksteady and reggae genres. Ken Boothe worked with Coxsone Dodd at Studio 1 and Leslie Kong in the late 60s and early 70s. Influenced by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and The Temptations, and being born into a musical family made the perfect recipe to encourage Boothe to further greatness up until today.

Ken Boothe will give festival fans a keynote address about the genre of rocksteady that is so often overlooked by even reggae and ska appreciators. Building on past Ska Fest workshops he will explain the difference in beat patterns and the instrumentation that most rocksteady groups posses in contrast to other Jamaican rooted musical forms such as ska and reggae. Along with technical knowledge and expertise from a man that lived in this era, fans will hear first hand experiences and key events that lead to the rise of “Mr. Rocksteady” Kenneth George Boothe.

Workshop - TIMELESS TECHNIQUES OF A GLOBAL ELECTRONIC SELECTOR

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Thursday, July 7, 2011 (3:30pm - 4:30pm) @ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre
Gaudi’s history is intriguing and musically international. Born in Italy Gaudi’s beginnings were spawned from being a keyboard player in a band called Wild Planet that experimented with fusing new wave and ska together. Groups that he was a part afterwards experimented in electronic, punk and traditional melodies. In the 90s his solo career took off going on tours with reggae artists such as Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Mutabaruka, and Third World. The key components to Gaudi’s musical success was innovation through constant experimentation. With a thirst for experimentation and his love for various musical styles Gaudi was able to climb to the top of the charts in the UK after he moved from his native country in Italy in the early 90s.


This workshop will go into depth about the history of Gaudi’s career and events or experiences that influenced his musical direction. Although influenced by many genres, Gaudi will address reggae and dub music’s influence on his career and his current music.

For DJs and fans of electronic music Gaudi managed to keep contemporary, innovative and engaging to his audiences. It is widely known throughout DJ circles that Gaudi’s performances have always been cutting edge and use a variety of musical fusions, styles and techniques to bring out a sound that is unique to other DJs in the global electronic world (which was in and of itself molded by Gaudi). Gaudi will demonstrate some of the techniques he uses to keep audiences coming back time and time again.

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL - GAUDI BRINGS DUB, REGGAE AND GLOBAL ELECTRONIC ROOTS TO SKA FEST

@ The Upstairs Cabaret Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present GAUDI at the Victoria Ska Festival for the first time.

Recently nominated for the "World Music Awards" with his chart topping album 'Dub Qawwali', Gaudi's eclectic style and versatility has kept him at the forefront of his field throughout a notable and prolific career; this latest accolade confirms the London-based Italian-born music producer/solo artist's credentials as a force to be reckoned with in the international music scene. There is a natural sensitivity to Gaudi's music which enables him to unify different forms of sound from around the world and represent them in his own personal style, while at the same time, most importantly, keeping the heart, integrity and significance of the cultural roots. His music, which is an organic fusion of Dub, Electronica and Worldbeat is rarely off the playlists and regularly being performed live in the UK and internationally.

Rounding out the bill will be Micro Bongo Sound System which combines African, Brazilian and Jamaican rooted riddims into an electronic/live fusion of percussion grooves and experimental sounds.

KEN BOOTHE from Kingston, Jamaica --> "MR. ROCKSTEADY" comes to Canada's westcoast for the 1st time! (EXCLUSIVE SKA FEST DATE)!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & in Vancouver at Highlife & Red Cat Records. Also available with full fest pass at The Reef or on-line on this site.


Those that know their history of ska also know that it was the father of its more popular family member "reggae." But in between the golden era of ska and the world-wide explosion of reggae through Bob Marley another genre called ROCKSTEADY was born.

Ken Boothe is one of the greatest singers of this era of ska/ROCKSTEADY/reggae Jamaica has ever had. And in 2003 his was awarded with the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government for his ever lasting contribution to music in Jamaica.

His musical talents and love for humanity have afforded him the opportunity of touring in North and South America, Europe, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean. With a unique combination of talent, Boothe has emerged as a “one of a kind” singer; an accomplished musician, songwriter, musical arranger and an impressive dancer. His artistic style embraces a rare blend of musical genius.

Joining him on the bill will be CHRIS MURRAY & THE NEW VICTORIANS

Chris Murray is a national treasure. While he currently lives in LA, he is perhaps best-known as frontman and lead vocalist of the now defunct Canadian ska giants known as King Apparatus. For almost two decades he has been touring the world as a solo artist and has become known as “The one man ska band”. His unique folk-ska sound mixes together classic ska and rocksteady with contemporary sensibilities. His set at this year’s Victoria Ska Festival promises to be one of his best yet, with a band made up of hand-picked musicians by Murray himself. In his own words “ska is all we need”.

And finally NATURAL FLAVAS produces original reggae-soaked music with horns and harmonies that parallels the current Jamaican scene while remaining uniquely Canadian. The band also works as a backing band for other reggae artists performing an extensive repertoire of standards, and several of the members have played with Jamaican artists touring Canada (Mighty Diamonds, George Nooks, Alton Ellis & Half Pint). Moving forward from here, Natty Flavs wants to bring their brand of original fire to the world and put Vancouver on the map as part of the larger international reggae community.

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA'S THE KLAXON PERFORM AT VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL (FREE CONCERT)

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) This is the second of 3 FREE outdoor shows proudly presented by the Victoria BC Ska Society as part of the 12th Annual Victoria Ska Fest!

It will be All Ages, with a Beverage Garden for those with ID. There will also be food vendors on site.

Don't miss this FREE show, which will be held in Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour.

The Klaxon will be bringing their Latin take on ska and reggae sounds all the way from Bogota, Colombia.

With ten years of experience The Klaxon, has been nominated for best ska band in the Shock awards, has been participated in three editions of Festival Rock al Parque (2001, 2002 and 2009) the Rastazo (2002 and 2008) and in different ska- reggae festivals throughout the country, sharing the stage with bands like King Chango, Los Condones, Timmy O 'Toole, Dr. Krapula, La Severa Matacera and Nawal. The Klaxon has participated in 2 CD compilations: "El que la hace la grita" with Sony Music in Mexico, "Latin America United Skabox 1 and 2" under the label Viuda Negra Music.

Joining them will be The Afterbeat from Winnipeg who have a very upbeat pop/punk feel to their brand of ska. The Afterbeat are no strangers to the Victoria Ska Fest playing in 200Nanaimo's own Bananafish Dance Orchestra will be fusing different genres and elements of sound.

www.myspace.com/theklaxonspace
www.myspace.com/theafterbeat
www.reverbnation.com/bananafishdanceorchestra

MAMA PULPA from Mexico City make their return to VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL!

@ Lucky Bar This show has a special connection to our ska scene province wide. Mama Pulpa have had a close connection to Victoria's Annual Ska Festival since their first appearance in 2008 when they played with platinum selling Inspector and Vancouver's ska powerhouse Los Furios. Touring with Victoria and Vancouver bands in the past two years in their own country, Mama Pulpa are back again for a second helping. Mama Pulpa will be playing at this year's festival alongside Vancouver's 9 piece party ska fiends Ivy League Brawlers and Victoria's own Everybody Left.

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FREE FOR ALL KICK OFF CONCERT - JON AND ROY JUST ANNOUNCED AS MYSTERY BAND!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Kicking off the 12th Annual Victoria Ska Festival, this will be the first of 3 FREE outdoor shows proudly presented by the Victoria BC Ska Society.

It will be All Ages, with a Beverage Garden for those with ID. There will also be food vendors on site.

Come out and enjoy the FREE entertainment, and get to see who the surprise mystery band is!

Victoria's own JON AND ROY are playing on this show that were previously our mystery band! They'll be playing with Victoria's favourite island style reggae band Braves New Waves , along with hip hop/reggae/surf masters Giraffe Aftermath from Vancouver, and Victoria reggae/ska wonders The Novamatics.

DJ Anger will be spinning in between sets



Keep updated by keeping your eye on this web site and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-BC-Ska-Society-and-the-Victoria-Ska-Fest/10774156404

ROCKSTEADY COLLECTIVE MULTI MEDIA ARTS EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING

@  Studio #17 inside Market Square The Victoria Ska Festival presents The Rocksteady Collective Art Exhibit.

Featuring visual art by:

Eli Konsorado, Jesse Ladret (Wolf Sheep Arthouse), Rachael Windsong Lawson-Gurevitch, Jada LeBlanc, Calla, Russ Layton, Tara Williamson, Brian McDonald, Gary McDonald, Christina Cheply (Danger By Design), Suzanne Sagmeister Photography, Tylor McNeil and Andrew Murgatroyd!

As influenced by Ska music and paving the way to Reggae, Rocksteady was created decades ago during a time of economic, political and civil unrest. The message of the music remains timeless, touching a modern audience as effectually as it did during it's inception. The Rocksteady Collective will embody the soul of rocksteady through visual art mediums, uplifting and romancing the gallery in the way that rocksteady music has captivated its audience.

There will be a gallery opening on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011, 9:30pm to 1am at Suite #17 in the Market Square lower courtyard (take the stairs on Johnson street beside Devlish Damsels).

There will be live musical performances hosted by Chris Murray, Lady Mish Mash and friends! Live body painting by Danger By Design, an interactive collective art piece and 4000 sq ft of amazing art!

There will be a beverage garden (with 2 pieces of ID)

Admission to the grand opening: minimum $8 donation

The gallery will be host to the Rocksteady Collective art opening on Tuesday, as well as a Key Note address by "Mr. Rocksteady" (Ken Boothe) on Thursday July 7th 12-2:30pm.

The "Rocksteady Collective" Art Exhibit will be open to the general public on Friday July 8th, 4pm - 1am and Saturday July 9th, 12:30pm - 1am during the festival main event.

All programming at the Rocksteady Collective is by suggested donation (with the exception of the grand opening) with proceeds going to the Alpha Boys School in Kingston, Jamaica, which was responsible for teaching and influencing many artists such as Ken Boothe, Bob Marley, various musicians in the Skatalites and many more

ZVULOON DUB SYSTEM from Tel Aviv, Israel set for ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2011 Island style - FREE OUTDOOR, ALL AGES SHOW! (Beverage Garden w/ID)

@  Spirit Square aka Centennial Square Zvuloon Dub System from Tel Aviv, Israel comes to Canada for the 1st time in June 2011. Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to host one of the Canadian dates to celebrate the coming of the Victoria Ska Festival. This is a free all ages outdoor show w/ beverage garden and concession. Sponsored by the City of Victoria

COLOMBIA TO COLUMBIA PROJECT IN VANCOUVER! - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2011!

@ Railway Club Skampida returns to Vancouver at the Railway Club after two unforgettable performances which included playing alongside New Zealand's the Black Seeds and Vancouver's Giraffe Aftermath. On May 19th @ The Railway Club they'll be joined by the Island's powerhouse funk/ska/reggae party band Rocky Mountain Rebel Music & Lady Mish Mash.

Early bird tickets available now on ticketweb.ca!

VICTORIA'S 12TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY

@ The Reef The Victoria BC Ska Society proudly presents the launch party for the 12th Annual Victoria BC Ska Festival. The Victoria Ska Festival will be held from July 5th-9th at various venues around Victoria.

The launch party is a FREE event that is open to anyone and everyone! The bands for the 2011 Festival will be announced at this party! The launch party will also have FREE live entertainment (with Skampida from Bogota, Colombia), prizes to be given away, and a screening of the latest Ska Festival movie!

Don't miss this event! This is a great chance to learn more about the upcoming Ska Festival! Plus you can buy tickets to the Festival itself, while enjoying FREE entertainment and prizes.

http://victoriaskafest.ca/

SKAMPIDA FROM BOGOTA, COLOMBIA RETURN TO VICTORIA BC, CANADA @ UPSTAIRS CABARET! - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2011

@ The Upstairs Cabaret Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca!

If you're interested in a great dance party full of good party music with a Latin edge or any fun edge for that matter you'll be happy to welcome back SKAMPIDA - from Bogota, Colombia back to Victoria BC! Debuting at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival back in the summer of July 2010 the band has been relentless with spreading their music throughout both Central and South America + the US. Notably the band was invited to Austin, Texas to play at South by Southwest through Live Nation Latino and have been well received in Miami, and New York. The band's second trip to Canada will prove even more fruitful as audiences throughout BC were mesmerized by their sheer talent and energy. Mixing ska, reggae, punk, Kumbia, merengue, hip hop into one so colourfully and creatively you won't stop dancing until the the lights are turned on.

Tickets on sale shortly at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca

Long time Slackers side project comes to Canada's Westcoast for the 1st time! (VANCOUVER BC)

@ The Cobalt 917 Main Tickets available now at Zulu Records, Highlife, Redcat, Scratch Records & ticketweb.ca

David Hillyard & the Rocksteady 7 have been silently one of the best ska/jazz ensembles in North America for almost 10 years. Spawned by David Hillyard of the living legendary The Slackers, David continued to develop and pursue this band which is a rotating treasure trove of New York's finest ska, jazz and reggae musicians.

Of note Larry McDonald who began his career back at the inception of ska music with Carlos Malcolm’s Afro Jamaicans will be part of the band. McDonald went on to perform on several classic reggae tracks such as Cherry Oh Baby, Funky Kingston, and Rivers of Babylon. Then he left Jamaica and played long stints with Taj Mahal and Gil Scott-Heron.

Long time Slackers side project comes to Canada's Westcoast for the 1st time! (VICTORIA BC)

@ Lucky Bar Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records (on Fort Street), The Reef & ticketweb.ca VBCSS will also have the opportunity of purchasing early bird specially priced tickets until March 31, 2011.

For those of you that know David Hillyard, you know that he is the tenor saxophonist of one of the greatest ska bands in the world: The Slackers. But what many may not have known is he is also the leader of another New York ska wonder that has been around for close to 10 years. This is David Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7. This band is a shifting collective of musicians (i.e Easy Star All Stars) that are the masters of mixing jazz, ska, reggae and Latin sounds together for an undeniably unique and flavourful sound rare to most ears.

In addition to David Hillyard the band boasts Larry McDonald who began his career back at the inception of ska music with Carlos Malcolm’s Afro Jamaicans. He went on to perform on several classic reggae tracks such as Cherry Oh Baby, Funky Kingston, and Rivers of Babylon. Then he left Jamaica and played long stints with Taj Mahal and Gil Scott-Heron.

Joining David Hillyard & Rocksteady 7 will be Victoria's The Novamatics and Jules Chaz spinning some of the best in old school ska, rocksteady with reggae, Latin and soul riddims.

GET LEI'D - OAHU, HAWAII'S THE GREEN MAKE THEIR CANADIAN DEBUT IN COMOX VALLEY AT THE BRIDGE LOUNGE!

@  The Bridge Lounge GET LEI'D SPRING BREAK PARTY!!!!
We are decking out The Bridge to a tropical Hawaiian Theme! Come dressed up in grass skirts, coconut bras, shorts and floral shirts. We are hosting The Green and Through the Roots From Hawaii and Our local talent The Naked DJ's.

Formed in 2009 in Oahu, Hawaii, The Green blends roots reggae with traditional Hawaiian vibes. Their self-titled debut album was named iTunes Best Reggae Album of 2010. "The Green" has sold over 16,000 copies, and includes the hit song "Love I". "There's plenty of invention, not imitation, which should propel The Green to the stratosphere reserved for few stars" (Honolulu Advertiser)

BARRINGTON LEVY & DETOUR w/Jah Cutta & DJ Abel AT PEPPERPOT'S 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN VICTORIA BC, CANADA!

@ Club 9ONE9 Pepperpot, Enigmatica Entertainment & Victoria BC Ska Society is pleased to announce that Barrington Levy & Detour Posse will be coming to Victoria BC, Canada on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Club 9ONE9 (formerly Element).

Joining Barrington Levy & Detour will be Canada's reggae alumni... A longtime favourite of the Island Reggae Massive: Jah Cutta & Determination (back with his original band) will be part of this most festive show + DJ Abel who has performed at many a Pepperpot B-Day Bash!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel, Status Barbershop, Lucid (in Nanaimo), & ticketweb.ca

TICKETWEB.CA LINK: http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3343355


Victoria will be lucky to have with Jamaica’s godfather of dancehall/reggae when Barrington Levy (pronounced LEE-VEE) & Detour Posse will bless them with their presence on Sunday, March 13 @ Club 9ONE9 (formerly Element). Barrington Levy is a driving force in reggae & dancehall music and remains the perennial favourite of audiences in Jamaica and throughout the world. Always a solid voice and a uniquely expressive song style, Barrington is consistently at the forefront of the music scene, and has become the most requested vocalist in reggae music history.The classic album of Barrington's greatest hits "Broader Than Broadway," is one of the best reggae collections ever created. This was released on the hip-hop label Profile, which helped Barrington to become more recognizable in the crossover market. He came back with Bounty Killer on the song "Living Dangerously" -undisputedly the biggest reggae song of 1996, which held the 1 spot on the dancehall charts worldwide. Barrington Levy has probably collaborated with more reggae and hip hop musicians than any other performer in the genre. Any “who’s who” of the reggae/dahcehall world has collaborated with Barrington. Names include the aforementioned Bounty Killer and others including Sly & Robbie, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Capleton, Gentleman, Vybz Kartel, Mr. Vegas, Long Beach and Slightly Stoopid. In the hip hop realm his accolades include works with Snoop Dog, Shyne, Busta Rhymes, Kardinal Offishall and The Rascalz. The show is a double b-day for Pepperpot on CFUV 101.9FM or cfuv.uvic.ca - Victoria’s Hypest Caribbean Radio and Bob Marley’s 66th Jubilee. Pepperpot has been Vancouver Island’s #1 promoter of Caribbean music since its inception in February 2001. The show has brought joy to thousands of listeners in its 10 year history. Celebrate a rare appearance of Barrington Levy; Pepperpot's 10th Year Anniversary! Proudly supported by Victoria BC Ska Society

THE IDLERS (from St. John's Newfoundland) back on left coast for a 2nd helping!

@ Lucky Bar Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca

If anyone remembers the last show at Lucky Bar when THE IDLERS played with The Novamatics and Bananafish Dance Orchestra they will probably have fond memories of coming to one of the craziest shows we've hosted all summer (apart from the shows at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival). Anyway The Idlers are going to make the mammouth trek from Canada's far east to far west - one Island to another...

As you may already know The Idlers are an eleven-piece reggae circus from St. John's, Newfoundland. Their unique sound comes from a love for reggae, ska, and afro-beat, peppered with a little Celtic. Ringmaster Mark Wilson fronts a solid rhythm section, and heavy horns, bringing audiences to frenzy since they began in April 2006.

THE AGGROLITES RETURN TO VICTORIA (Social Distortion tour pit stop)

@ White Eagle Hall Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, and on ticketweb.ca.

The Aggrolites came to Victoria in the summer of 2010 for Victoria Ska Festival and put down one memorable performance. Their performance was one of the most spirited ones the festival has had in some time. This time they are going to take some chill time on their pit stop from their Social Distortion tour and spend some time with us on the Island in Victoria! Take advantage of this show as it's all ages w/food and drink concession. ID. required for beverage garden. Also take advantage of cheaper early bird tickets before they're gone.

THE AGGROLITES RETURN TO VANCOUVER (Social Distortion pit stop)

@ Venue TICKETS GOING FAST...

Tickets available now at Zulu, Highlife, Redcat Records, Scratch Records & TICKETWEB.CA.

The Aggrolites came to Vancouver in the summer of 2010 on route to Victoria Ska Festival. This time they are going to take some chill time on their pit stop from their Social Distortion tour and party with us in Van City.

Boxing Day Party w/Chris Murray (Ska Society Membership Launch)

@  Private Venue (Sign up to be a member for location) The Victoria BC Ska Society is having an intimate Boxing Day celebration and membership drive, featuring Chris Murray! This event is free with a membership, and only for members, due to the small size of the intimate venue.

An annual membership to the Victoria BC Ska society costs $20 and gives the following benefits:

- Access to exclusive, members-only concerts and events like this one

- Earliest notice and lowest cost tickets for events

- Opportunities to be surveyed (or vote) regarding which artists you would like to see presented for the festival and year-round presentations

To get the address:

1) Sign up for a membership at: http://victoriaskafest.ca/?action=membership (On-line form to sign up available this Tuesday, December 14th)

2) You can pay your annual fee online or at the door. Whether you have paid or not, you will receive an email with the address and details before the event.

This is a private venue, BYOB. Sign up for a membership to reserve your spot.

@ Lucky Bar

DR. MADD VIBE EXPERIMENT featuring (ANGELO MOORE OF FISHBONE) - HALLOWEEN HOWL

@ Sugar This Halloween is going to be an extra special one as we're going out on a limb to bring you an exclusive appearance with DR. MADD VIBE EXPERIMENT (Angelo Moore - lead singer of Fishbone's nationally renowned on-going project).


Tickets on sale now ($16.50+) at Lyle's Place, BC Smoke Shop, Ditch Records & ticketweb.ca!



VICTORIA BC SKA SOCIETY proudly presents
A HOWLIN' HALLOWEEN featuring

DR. MADD VIBE EXPERIMENT featuring Angelo Moore of FISHBONE
+ Dave St. Jean (The Kiltlifters/Current Swell) & Suzanne Stirling (Brave New Waves/Buena Buya)

HILLSIDE HOOLIGANS

CRUDE CULTURA featuring members of Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Pocket Kings
& Divine Element

A Howling Halloween Multi-Media Presentation featuring spoken word, visual arts, music and dance! Dr. Madd Vibe Experiment feels like its title. He will collaborate with Hillside Hooligans, & Crude Cultura featuring members of Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Pocket Kings & Divine Element!

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS, BC SMOKE SHOP & ON TICKETWEB.CA ($16.50)

Dr. Madd Vibe’s work represents a link between poetry, performance art and music. Angelo Moore (aka Dr. Madd Vibe) began his career in the early 1980s as lead singer, saxophonist, and creative force behind the band Fishbone. Fishbone’s ability to blend social commentary and humor with a blazing fusion of rock, punk, funk, ska, reggae, gospel and R&B led to their recognition as one of the most notable acts in American music. After over 25 years in the biz, Moore continues his role as frontman of Fishbone, who have entered into a 3rd generation line-up. Mr. Moore has additionally collaborated with the likes of Little Richard, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Rick James, Living Colour, Branford Marsalis, Burnt Sugar, the Wayans brothers, Laurence Fishburne, and Spike Lee. A versatile artist, Dr. Madd Vibe’s wildly energetic and visceral solo performances range from pure spoken word and movement to playing the Theremin and various saxophones as well as reciting poetry accompanied by the Dr. Madd Vibe Aukestra. Stemming from his experiences growing up as a "fly in the buttermilk" in the predominantly white suburbs of Los Angeles, Angelo Moore addresses “Real Racism,” “Social Corrosion,” “Spiritual Overtones,” “Family Affairs,” “Personal Satisfactions and Suffocations” and the human condition in a world gone mad. Dr. Madd Vibe brings a spiritual and cathartic dimension to his performances in the tradition of innovators such as George Clinton, Sun Ra and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Mr. Moore has taken his spoken word and sound power to the stage throughout the world. Between 1997 and 2005 he released “Comprehensive Linkology,” a book and CD; a video recording called “The Yin Yang Thang;” the “Jah Jah on the Telephone” and “Nate Poe Crasto” comic books (soundtrack included) as well as the latest Dr. Madd Vibe album, “Medicine Cabinet.” Angelo has appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Roseanne Show, The Magic Johnson Show and was featured in the films “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988), “Phoenix Point” (2003), “Electric Purgatory” (2003), “The Still Life” (2005) and “Idlewild” (2006). Mr. Moore has performed as a poet at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, BAMCafe, The Knitting Factory, a Black Rock Coalition benefit concert at Galapagos Art Space, and was featured speaker of the Spitfire Tour. Most recently, he has published “Dr. Madd Vibe’s Ivy League Invasion,” a book of poetry published in conjunction with his artistic residency at Yale University (2007); is “Resident Artistic Alien” of the non-profit arts organization, LiveWired, Inc.; guest host of Indieoma.com’s Vox Verite program, and keystone of the New York-based free form ensemble, Buttafly Wranglers Present Garbage Disposal Possibilities.

DR. MADD VIBE EXPERIMENT (ANGELO MOORE OF FISHBONE) IN VANCOUVER

@ Venue Flash ! $5 discount on advance tix. $12.50 advance and $17.50 at the door. Buy in advance and it is like getting your first drink free:-)

This show is a rare and special event for the Vancouver and Victoria Ska fans.

Angelo of Fishbone is bringing his side project to BC for two shows, Vancouver and Victoria, Oct 28th & 29th. The Dr Madd Vibe Experiment will feature an hour set by Dr. Madd Vibe and his band. The interesting twist comes with the collaboration between Angelo (Dr. Madd Vibe) and members of the two special guest bands on the show, Rude City Riot and Ivy League Brawlers. Members of the two local bands join the Mad Vibe Band at times and Dr. Madd Vibe will join the two bands at times during their sets.

This is the exact kind of dance / concert / happening where real musical magic can and does happen. Put it on your calendar and make it a point
to be part of the audience Thursday Oct 28th @ the Venue downtown Vancouver, BC Canada.

Dr. Madd Vibe’s work represents a link between poetry, performance art and music. Angelo Moore (aka Dr. Madd Vibe) began his career in the early 1980s as lead singer, saxophonist, and creative force behind the band Fishbone. Fishbone’s ability to blend social commentary and humor with a blazing fusion of rock, punk, funk, ska, reggae, gospel and R&B led to their recognition as one of the most notable acts in American music. After over 25 years in the biz, Moore continues his role as frontman of Fishbone, who have entered into a 3rd generation line-up. Mr. Moore has additionally collaborated with the likes of Little Richard, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Rick James, Living Colour, Branford Marsalis, Burnt Sugar, the Wayans brothers, Laurence Fishburne, and Spike Lee. A versatile artist, Dr. Madd Vibe’s wildly energetic and visceral solo performances range from pure spoken word and movement to playing the Theremin and various saxophones as well as reciting poetry accompanied by the Dr. Madd Vibe Aukestra. Stemming from his experiences growing up as a "fly in the buttermilk" in the predominantly white suburbs of Los Angeles, Angelo Moore addresses “Real Racism,” “Social Corrosion,” “Spiritual Overtones,” “Family Affairs,” “Personal Satisfactions and Suffocations” and the human condition in a world gone mad. Dr. Madd Vibe brings a spiritual and cathartic dimension to his performances in the tradition of innovators such as George Clinton, Sun Ra and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Mr. Moore has taken his spoken word and sound power to the stage throughout the world. Between 1997 and 2005 he released “Comprehensive Linkology,” a book and CD; a video recording called “The Yin Yang Thang;” the “Jah Jah on the Telephone” and “Nate Poe Crasto” comic books (soundtrack included) as well as the latest Dr. Madd Vibe album, “Medicine Cabinet.” Angelo has appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Roseanne Show, The Magic Johnson Show and was featured in the films “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988), “Phoenix Point” (2003), “Electric Purgatory” (2003), “The Still Life” (2005) and “Idlewild” (2006). Mr. Moore has performed as a poet at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, BAMCafe, The Knitting Factory, a Black Rock Coalition benefit concert at Galapagos Art Space, and was featured speaker of the Spitfire Tour. Most recently, he has published “Dr. Madd Vibe’s Ivy League Invasion,” a book of poetry published in conjunction with his artistic residency at Yale University (2007); is “Resident Artistic Alien” of the non-profit arts organization, LiveWired, Inc.; guest host of Indieoma.com’s Vox Verite program, and keystone of the New York-based free form ensemble, Buttafly Wranglers Present Garbage Disposal Possibilities.

Rude City Riot and the Ivy League Brawlers will each do a full set prior to the Dr. Madd Vibe Experiment set. Come early and get a good seat or spot on the dance floor.

MISHKA w/Jon Bone Trio & Arise!

@ Element Sunday, October 17th Victoria BC Ska Society is happy to bring more soulful soothing reggae to Victoria when Mishka (from Bermuda) comes to Club 9one9 (formerly Element). Influenced by the music his parents listened to and what his sister also presented to him traveling the high seas on a boat he is influenced by many different roots reggae and blues artists.

After the creation of his first self-titled album "Mishka" which made various charts in Britain and Japan, Mishka met Darryl Thompson - a longtime guitarist for Sly and Robbie. They were working on Above the Bones (his next to be hit album) when Matthew McConaughey showed up and signed Mishka to his newly formed j. k. livin label.

Following up his #1Reggae Billboard hit album Above the Bones, Mishka has now created his current album "Talk About" which he refers to as an album of movement.

Joining Mishka will be Jon Bone Trio - a new hybrid of Jon Bone & the Karuna Movement. Jon Bone & the Karuna Movement have played in Victoria opening for acts such as Delhi 2 Dublin, Buena Buya and John Brown's Body.

Early bird tickets available now on ticketweb.ca ($14.50+ adv.)

SHANE PHILIP TREE featuring Marc Atkinson's Electric Band & GAUDI make an incredible twin bill!

@ Sugar SHANE PHILIP TREE featuring Marc Atkinson's Electric Project and GAUDI are proud to make their 1st ever club appearance since their unforgettable debut at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival this summer. Co-headlining this awesome show will be London's GAUDI who mixes dub step, reggae, drum n' bass and with other electronic musical influences.

REBEL SELECTOR'S 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH WITH ROOTZ UNDERGROUND

@  The Queens

ROOTZ UNDERGROUND'S RETURN TO CANADA!

@ Element TICKETS ON SALE NOW at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records,Strathcona Hotel, The Reef & TICKETWEB.CA!

Rootz Underground had such an awesome time at Bob Marley's 65 Jubilee Celebration, they've decided to come for a second helping this Sunday, September 19th at Element!

Since that memorable night back in February 2010 (flying in at the last minute direct from Jamaica after the band's US Visa was denied) ROOTZ UNDERGROUND have been on a tear of Jamaica, North America and Europe playing all over France, Poland, Italy, Switzerland & Greece. Notably the band also played on Reggae on the River's most recent sold out edition in July of 2010.

The momentum of their song "Power for the People" made for uplifting the people of Haiti combined with the success of their most recent album "Movement" which helped thousands of people in Greece get through their most recent economic collapse has had people in the world-wide reggae community and beyond talking about the band in a most positive light.

And if you thought you were impressed by those recent developments, the band has even more exciting news. Just after their appearance at Reggae on the River this summer, Rootz Underground and Rory from Jamaica's hypest and most legendary sound crew - Stone Luv released and are featured on one of the greatest conscious roots reggae and dancehall compilation albums in recent memory. The CD compilation titled "Roots Organics" features some of the world's greatest reggae heavyweights (and their counterparts) such as
Luciano, Damian Jr. Gong (w/Nas), the late great Sugar Minott, Ritchie Spice, Lutan Fyah, Anthony B, Sizzla and more.

http://rootzunderground.bandcamp.com/album/roots-organics-presents-the-mixtape

Supporting ROOTZ UNDERGROUND on this to be epic show will be Brave New Waves who have come off a busy summer schedule playing Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival alongside bands such as Fishbone, The Black Seeds and Cherry Poppin' Daddies + being active all over Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

Long time no see reggae outfit GIRAFFE AFTERMATH will be playing a special acoustic performance as well. GIRAFFE AFTERMATH'S acoustic shows carry a special feeling and sound reminding us why the next time they come we'll be even more excited to see the band in its entirety.

Nanaimo's REBEL SELECTOR will round out the bill playing the very best in reggae, dancehall and Latin grooves.

This monster bill all goes down on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH @ CLUB 9ONE9 (FORMERLY ELEMENT NIGTHCLUB - 919 DOUGLAS STREET)

EASY STAR ALL STARS RETURN WITH LONELY HEARTS DUB BAND TOUR!

@ Element TICKETS ON SALE NOW AND GOING QUICKLY... @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hote, The Reef, Fascinating Rhythms (Nanaimo) & TICKETWEB.CA!


After two sold out club shows and an epic co-headlining spot at Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival with The Skatalites - Easy Star All Stars have come back for more this September 1st in Victoria. The band will feature recently Billboard hit albums such as Dub Side of the Moon (based on Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon) and Radiodread (based on Radiohead's Ok Computer). But much of the show will showcase material from their most recent album Lonely Hearts Dub Band (based on The Beatles' Sergent Pepper). The show will also feature a lot of the band's original material (i.e music from their all original EP Until that Day.

Joining them on the bill will be Vancouver's reggae juggernauts NATURAL FLAVAS who are consisted of members of both Roots Roundup and Dubfreque! You may remember them from when they opened up for Inner Circle earlier this year at Pepperpot's 9th Year Anniversary Bash. Solid night of reggae all around. Get tickets asap!

THE BUSINESS BRINGS MUCH NEEDED OI PUNK TO THE ISLAND!

@ Sugar TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS & TICKETWEB.CA!

THIS IS AN EARLY SHOW!!!! DOORS OPEN AT 8:00PM.


Get ready for some of the best and most classic oi punk bands in the UK punk scene. Sunday, August 29th Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to host THE BUSINESS with guests Frostbacks & Lesbian Fist Magnet for the first time to Victoria.

Oi!, street rock, punk, whatever you want to call it, the name of The Business is bound to come up within 5 minutes of conversation. Having written legendary albums and tunes throughout their career, the new EP shows that the band is still absolutele THE BUSINESS! Micky Fitz, Trots, Tosh & Bundie prove beyond any doubt that this is the most formidable line-up The Business has spawned! These three new tracks showcase The Business at their best, hard yet melodic, in a class of their own.

JAMAICAN RHYTHM PATTERNS OF THE 60s (Hosted by Brian Dixon of the Aggrolites)

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Friday, July 9, 2010
@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre (2822 Nanaimo Street) #250-384-3629
1pm – 2pm (ALL AGES/FREE) Admission by advance sign-up at Long & McQuade



It’s been almost fifty years since the birth of ska in Jamaica. Since that time the music evolved and spread to all parts of the globe. Chronologically the music evolved from a faster 2/4 beat with emphasis on the offbeat to slower versions of the same rhythm pattern that became known as rocksteady and reggae.

There are many reasons as to why the beat pattern changed from the quicker ska offbeat that often used larger ensembles with full horn sections to smaller ensembles that often used smaller rhythm sections and back-up vocals. Some people say it was the political and social climate of Jamaica’s society. Some attribute these changes more to economics. But there may be other concrete reasons why the music rhythm pattern evolved into these other wonderful offshoots of ska we have grown to enjoy.

Brian Dixon – original guitar player in The Aggrolites has some theories he would like to share with us. As a young and passionate ska/reggae musician, Dixon and many of his colleagues have already worked closely with ska and rocksteady legends such as Desmond Dekker, Derrick Morgan, Alton Ellis, and Prince Buster. At this workshop Dixon will present some of his theories as to why the rhythm pattern of ska morphed into the slower forms such as rocksteady and reggae that even the most avid ska/rocksteady/reggae fans and musical historians may have overlooked.

THE BLACK SEEDS & SHANE PHILIP IN TOFINO BC!

@ Tofino Community Hall The Black Seeds and Shane Philip will team up together to bring Tofino one kick ass night of reggae, dub, folk and much more!

Tickets available shortly on ticketweb.ca and LA Grocery in Downtown Tofino!

@  Skol Pub If you happen to be in the Nanaimo area and you want to take a short fifteen minute ferry ride over to Gabriola Island, you'll have a Colombian party ready at your door step. Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present the debut of SKAMPIDA from Bogota, Colombia for an all night Colombo/Canadian dance party! Skampida will bring their unique brand of ska, reggae, Kumbia, punk, jazz and much more for your partying pleasure. Advance tickets available on ticketweb.ca. Tickets also at the door.

JAMAICAN DUBPLATES AND VERSIONS WORKSHOP

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Thursday, July 8, 2010
@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre (2822 Nanaimo Street) #250-384-3629
1pm – 2pm (ALL AGES/FREE) Admission by advance sign-up at Long & McQuade




On Thursday, July 8th Victoria BC Ska Society welcomes two of the most colorful members of the NW reggae scene to share their knowledge on the art of Jamaican dubplates & riddim versioning. Dancehall MC- DJ Collage (aka Mista Chatman) & reggae selectress DJ Tank Girl will discuss how dubplates are made, and what purpose they serve to reggae sound systems in Jamaica & abroad. They will also be explaining what a "version" is in reggae music and will give live & direct examples on how to "ride di version" inna reggae stylee!

DJ Collage (aka Mista Chatman) is a known reggae vocalist throughout the NW and can be seen performing alongside artists such as Delhi 2 Dublin, Collie Buddz, Yellowman, Inner Circle & more. He can also be seen live on tha mic hosting his Seattle based weekly reggae party- JAM JAM.

DJ Tank Girl is part of the Vancouver based DJ collective- Lighta! and holds down the weekly dancehall party TING at the Astoria in East Van. She has just returned from a month long trip in Jamaica where she acquired many dubplates for the Lighta! Soundsystem.

SKAMPIDA MAKES THEIR WAY TO THE WAVE IN CUMBERLAND BC!

@  The Waverly Pub SKAMPIDA are one of Colombia's finest ska/reggae/punk bands that are entertaining beyond belief. They are energetic, fun and perform with a message (if you can understand Spanish;) Regardless if you can or not don't miss another historic epic play with one of Bogota, Colombia's finest! Advance tickets at Bop City, Tarbells Cafe, and Sound Advice

THE AGGROLITES RETURN TO VANCOUVER (on route to Victoria Ska Fest;)

@ Venue The Aggrolites will be returning to Vancouver after a successful show last year at Richards on Richards. The Aggrolites are always a blast and they will also be appearing at Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival at Ship Point the following day. If you live or happen to be in Vancouver on Thursday, July 8th get a double dose and see them in Vancouver. Vancouver's Bone Daddies will open the show. Tickets on sale shortly at Zulu, Highlife, Scratch, Redcat Records and Ticketweb.ca

ORIGINS AND DIRECTIONS OF DUBSTEP

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Thursday, July 8, 2010
@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre (2822 Nanaimo Street) #250-384-3629
3pm – 4pm (ALL AGES/FREE) Admission by advance sign-up at Long & McQuade



Dubstep. What is it? Where did it come from? Where is it going? These questions and more will be answered in a special educational and interactive seminar hosted by DJs Frame and Rhythmicon (from the Big Reds) and DJ Longshanks. These three DJs, who have been actively involved in developing the dubstep scene in Victoria, will be taking participants on an interactive journey through dubstep’s musical history. Connections will be drawn to the early beginnings of the reggae/dancehall scene in England (the birthplace of dubstep) to illustrate the sound system culture that is at the very heart of the dubstep sound. Through samples of songs participants will also develop a strong understanding of musical dynamics of the dubstep beat and what makes it unique. As a result, it will become clear that dubstep is here to stay and is a special part of Victoria’s 11th Annual Ska Festival.

NEW ZEALAND INVASION! - KATCHAFIRE & THE BLACK SEEDS DEBUT IN VANCOUVER BC!

@ Venue A few tickets will be released at the door on the night of the show.

Teeks Tekniques and Victoria BC Ska Society are proud to bring Vancouver one of the most impressive reggae shows to hit BC in quite some time. Straight outta New Zealand we are excited to announce a huge twin bill of epic proportions!

New Zealand's all Maori reggae juggernauts - KATCHAFIRE will team up with another one of New Zealand's most renowned and tightest reggae groups - THE BLACK SEEDS in a double Kiwi invasion you have never seen yet on Canadian soil. Both bands are excited to be in Canada as they are both coming for Victoria's 11th Annual Ska Festival which happens in Victoria BC - July 7th - 10th.

We invite you to experience the smooth and groovy sounds of both bands' extensive collection of music.

Log on to http://www.katchafire.co.nz

http://theblackseeds.com

SIGHTS AND STORIES OF SKA FEST (ART EXHIBIT)

@ Victoria Event Centre This is a new addition to Victoria's Annual Ska Festival that will highlight various experiences at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival both visually and orally since its inception and other experiences people involved with the scene have had within their ska/reggae communities here and abroad.

Artistic works will be displayed in various businesses throughout Greater Victoria but the twist is that each will have a story that will be expressed orally (recorded or live), or musically at this main art exhibit on Wednesday, July 7th @ Victoria Event Centre. More details shortly...

THE IDLERS (from St. John's Newfoundland) debut on the Island - ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2010

@ Lucky Bar It's been almost five years in the making but FINALLY St. John Newfoundland's THE IDLERS are going to make the mammouth trek from Canada's far east to far west - one Island to another...
The Idlers are an eleven-piece reggae circus from St. John's, Newfoundland. Their unique sound comes from a love for reggae, ska, and afro-beat, peppered with a little Celtic. Ringmaster Mark Wilson fronts a solid rhythm section, and heavy horns, bringing audiences to frenzy since they began in April 2006.

From Victoria we have The Novamatics who are one of the tightest ska bands to come out of Victoria in quite some time. The band has a full horn section and plays solid ska/rocksteady/reggae/jazz tunes. With a full horn section and solid rhythm section you'll be hard pressed not to dance.

And finally Banana Fish Orchestra are one of the freshest bands to come outta Nanaimo right now. Their fusion of Latin, jazz, reggae funk will blend perfectly into this night (Ska, Celtic, reggae, jazz, funk and more). Overall this show is chuck full of music and is guaranteed to be insanely good! Make sure to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale!

SubCity Dwellers w/ Westcoast Daze

@ The Fort Cafe

On the Road to Ska Fest 2010

@ Lucky Bar Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA!





Jah Cutta has always been an Island favourite since his first performance back in 2006. Since he has played on several shows at Lucky Bar and Element Nightclub. His last appearance was at Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival playing alongside Mexico's Maskatesta and New York's Subatomic Sound System. Now he'll be playing alongside EastWave Radio from Portland, Maine and Victoria's own Shade Bust. This will be an awesome display of roots, party reggae and ska all combined in one!

JOHN BROWN'S BODY'S VANCOUVER DEBUT @560 Club (replacing old Richards on Richards) w/ Giraffe Aftermath! On the Road to Ska Fest 2010!

@  FIVESIXTY TICKETS ON SALE NOW at Zulu, Highlife, Scratch, Redcat Records & TICKETWEB.CA!



This will be a reggae/skankster's paradise. Victoria BC Ska Society and Teeks Techniques is proud to bring John Brown's Body to Vancouver for the 1st time. And we're going happy to have one of Vancouver's finest rub-a-dub reggae rockers - Giraffe Aftermath. This will be an awesome show and the ticket price is another bonus;)





You may remember that John Brown's Body opened up for Slightly Stoopid a few years ago and blew the roof off the Commodore Ballroom. Now they're back with a follow up to their Billboard Hit album "Amplify" now with Re-Amplify. Re-Amplify features re-mixed versions of Amplify with artists such as Dubmatix - Canada's best dub/drum n'bass/reggae/dubstep outfits, Blue King Brown and Gym Class Heroes.

JOHN BROWN'S BODY RETURNS FOR THE 1ST TIME! - On the Road to Ska Fest 2010!

@ Element TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel & Ticketweb.ca







ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2010!







JOHN BROWN'S BODY







Easy Star Records Artists – John Brown’s Body are one of the best reggae/dub bands in the North America today. Hailing from Boston, MA, John Brown’s Body’s recent album AMPLIFY debuted at #1 on the Reggae Billboard Charts in 2008. The album features twelve original tracks with musical influences from classic UK reggae of the 70s to West African instrumentation to experimental dub/electronic sounds.Their follow up album Re-Amplify released in 2009 is equally as impressive with re-mixes of songs from Amplify which include artists such as Dubmatix, Blue King Brown and Gym Class Heroes.John Brown's Body will coming to Victoria for the 1st time after being stuck in the snow in Tacoma last time they tried to make it up in December 2008.











ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBEL MUSIC







Since the summer of 2008 Rocky Mountain Rebel Music and has evolved to include 10 musicians from across Canada. This Diverse collective talent accounts for the band's high energy and full sound as well as its broad range of musical influences. Charged by Reggae, Rock, Funk, Dub, Dancehall, Punk and Worldbeat, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music delivers an original sound that defies comparison. Catch one of the most anticipated home coming appearances by one of Victoria's favourite reggae/rock/funk/dub/ska bands! Notably RMRM are masters of bringing the ska/reggae community together hosting (often spontaneous or unannounced until the last minute) big parties and events throughout the year keeping the scene strong.







JON BONE TRIO







JON BONE & the KARUNA MOVEMENT (FULL BAND NOW CONFIRMED)



Jon Bone & the Karuna Movement is a Jam band laying down a mix of reggae, funk, and world grooves and coloring them with catchy melodies and deep lyrical content.They groove on a nice balance of tunes with free form, improvized jams.



When you join them, come ready to dance!!!



Jon Bone has played on numerous large events and festivals throughout British Columbia and worked closely with Ibo (from Ibo & Kindred Band). Recent shows include playing alongside Delhi 2 Dublin @ Lucky Bar last year and Rootz Underground at the Port Theatre in February 2010.











REBEL SELECTOR







One of the movers and shakers of the Nanaimo reggae massive - Rebel Selector specializes in selecting some of the best in roots, dancehall and Latin riddims. He'll keep the vibe strong all night anytime you don't hear one of these awesome aforementioned bands.

THE SLACKERS RETURN TO VANCOUVER AT THE RICKSHAW THEATRE (ALL AGES + BAR)! On the Road to Ska Fest 2010!

@ Rickshaw Theatre TICKETS selling FAST AT THESE OUTLETS:









Zulu Records, Scratch, Highlife, Redcat, Lyle's Place (Victoria), Ditch Records (Victoria) & TICKETWEB.CA!









Victoria BC Ska Society and Rumbletone are proud to present the only Slackers BC show on Thursday, March 25th @ the Rickshaw Theatre. This will be an ALL AGES with bar so we expect ANY SLACKERS FANS THROUGHOUT BC AND BEYOND to come out for this one.

















This appearance for the Slackers celebrates their most recent album release "Lost and Found"

















The band says:

















Lost & Found is a cd that I culled from our archives going back as far 1998. It includes rarities from back in the day, alternative versions of slacker's classics, and "new" songs that we just finished from basic rhythms that were not completed (it took 5 years for us to finish one of these tracks...that's slackin!)

















So yeah, its a fun cd, new and old at the same time. But its all tracks that havent seen the light of day until right now! if you want to hear a blow by blow description of the tunes and hear a new mp3 go to www.myspace.com/theslackers





















.

THE SLACKERS RETURN TO VANCOUVER AT THE RICKSHAW THEATRE (ALL AGES + BAR)! On the Road to Ska Fest 2010!

@ Rickshaw Theatre TICKETS selling FAST AT THESE OUTLETS:











Zulu Records, Scratch, Highlife, Redcat, Lyle's Place (Victoria), Ditch Records (Victoria) & TICKETWEB.CA!











Victoria BC Ska Society and Rumbletone are proud to present the only Slackers BC show on Thursday, March 25th @ the Rickshaw Theatre. This will be an ALL AGES with bar so we expect ANY SLACKERS FANS THROUGHOUT BC AND BEYOND to come out for this one.



















This appearance for the Slackers celebrates their most recent album release "Lost and Found"



















The band says:



















Lost & Found is a cd that I culled from our archives going back as far 1998. It includes rarities from back in the day, alternative versions of slacker's classics, and "new" songs that we just finished from basic rhythms that were not completed (it took 5 years for us to finish one of these tracks...that's slackin!)



















So yeah, its a fun cd, new and old at the same time. But its all tracks that havent seen the light of day until right now! if you want to hear a blow by blow description of the tunes and hear a new mp3 go to www.myspace.com/theslackers























.

St.Paddy's Day Tour

@ V-lounge The Dreadnoughts are a full out paarty band with various influences ranging from celtic, ska, punk, reggae and rock. They are one of Vancouver's finest party bands playing often with some of Vancouver's most talented grassroots ska/reggae/punk groups such as Los Furios, The Wrecktals and The Real McKenzies (whose members now reside in various parts of North America).









Joining them will be Victoria's Lesbian Fist Magnet + The Novamatics that have been playing on some high calibre sold out shows as of late. One of the most recent highlights was their performance with SubCity Dwellers, Great White Shark & Nine Mile @ Lucky Bar to a packed house.

INNER CIRCLE'S "State of Da World Tour" + PEPPERPOT 'S 9TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

@ Element THE MAKERS OF "BAD BOYS" (COPS THEME SONG) & "SWEAT" (A LA LA LA LA LONG)

SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH @ ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS, STRATHCONA HOTEL, THE REEF, & TICKETWEB.CA!


Sunday, March 7th/2010 this Island will be treated to an unbelievable party full of reggae and dancehall when the Legendary Bad Boys of Reggae - INNER CIRCLE come to Victoria. They'll be performing hits from their brand new album titled "State of Da World" which features tracks with Damian and Stephen Marley, Morgan Heritage, Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse and more. This combined with previous platinum hits such as "Bad Boys" from the TV theme song "Cops" and "Sweat" (a la la la la long) and many more will make this night one to remember. Also don't forget Inner Circle was also featured in the reggae cult classic "Rockers" with their late lead singer Jacob Miller. They became known in the late seventies and early eighties with their hit "Tenement Yard" and then climbed back to the top of the reggae world later to win two Grammys and now they're up for their third with this latest release "State of Da World"

Opening the show will be NATURAL FLAVAS -a newly formed high quality reggae band from Vancouver made up of some of the long-time reggae and ska Vancouver veterans. The members of the band have shared the stage with other artists such as Wailers Band, Beenie Man, Culture, Israel Vibration, Jimmy Cliff and Linton Kwesi Johnson. Natural Flavas are a breath of fresh air to our westcoast reggae scene.

Also Pepperpot's favourite DJs (DJ Abel & DJ Collage) will team up to spin and chat pon di mic. Together this most talented duo form --> BACCHANAL SOUND!

This show will also be a double anniversary bash (8th & 9th) for Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio that has been bringing Victoria and Island (s) the best in dancehall, soca and reggae since its inception in February of 2001! We can't wait for this show and it's been a long time coming...

Listen to Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio every Saturday 6-7pm on CFUV 101.FM or CFUV.UVIC.CA

CHRIS MURRAY RETURNS TO VICTORIA!

@ Lucky Bar TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT LYLE'S PLACE, DITCH RECORDS & TICKETWEB.CA

Chris Murray will be making a quick pit stop on the westcoast at the end of February in Vancouver and Victoria! Tickets on sale shortly. You may remember he played some nice shows and gave an unforgettable workshop at Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival last summer. Be sure to catch him again!

Also as a special added treat Brave New Waves will be performing a special acoustic set to warm of the evening!

Winter Ska Storm with Brave New Waves & The Expos!

@  The Avalanche Bar & Grill (Courtenay BC) Tickets $10 adv. available NOW at City Centre Spirits, Music Maxx, Sound Advice, Avalanche Hostel Front Desk & TICKETWEB.CA



We're calling this one Winter Ska Storm (thanks to Eli of Brave New Waves for coming up with the name). More ska in Courtenay is a good thing and we're happy to bring The Expos (Stomp Records Artists) that came previous to Victoria opening for One Night Band. The Expos are now touring in support of their new album "Blackwater" which is full of nice rocksteady and reggae. And to top it off Brave New Waves from Victoria will be bringing down the house with their own Island brand of reggae/surf/ska. Paarty paarty must we say? This is a great opportunity to get out of town for a night and then come back down to Victoria for Chris Murray at Lucky Bar two days after this show.

BOB MARLEY 65th Jubliee Celebration WITH THE DEBUT OF ROOTZ UNDERGROUND - from Kingston, Jamaica + special guests Shane Philip & Nine Mile!

@ Sugar Tickets on sale $19.50+ adv now at Lyle''s Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & ticketweb.ca... Limited capacity;)

Riding on the success of last year's Bob Marley B-Day Bash with Selassie I Power, Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio and the Victoria BC Ska Society are proud to bring the Island one of Jamaica's most talented and entertaining contemporary roots reggae bands - ROOTZ UNDERGROUND with special guests Shane Philip and Nine Mile! It will be a night full of roots reggae, and the highest quality music from the first to last note.

All three acts will perform a mixture of original and Marley tunes in their own style.


Shane Philip will prepare a special set for Bob Marley's 65th Anniversary Jubilee representing the Island (s) massive. Shane's last reggae show that the VBCSS was in involved in was in July 2009 when he did a string of dates with Canada's top dub/reggae/drum n' bass soundsystem - Dubmatix Soundsystem. With both bands on the bill that night there was such a nice combination of roots reggae, drum n ' bass and dub step with Shane Philip's mixture of reggae, folk, funk and world-beat percussion fusion. That show made for an unforgettable evening and the only difference this time is you'll have all three acts playing their best original and Marley tunes in their own style.


To have a line-up combination like this isn't the norm... And neither is the fact that Nine Mile have been practicing with ROOTZ UNDERGROUND in preparation for this show in Jamaica throughout December & January. Nine Mile is on the rise and it's only fitting that their inspiration right now is coming straight outta Jamaica. Just in early January Nine Mile played in Kingston to a packed house and were asked to perform at the Jazz Festival by Sharon Burke - one of the top promoters in the country.


And finally ROOTZ UNDERGROUND...

Over the last decade Rootz Underground have won their fans and the respect of their contemporaries one explosive show at a time showcasing and projecting a collective energy that captivates audiences with its pure intention. It is with this ability to engage and hypnotize that Rootz Underground has set out on the tour trail, traveling through the Caribbean, North America and Hawaii in an effort to carry the message of upliftment, positivity and oneness. The year 2008 saw them touring America extensively on joint bills with foundation powerhouses such as Gregory Isaacs, Israel Vibration, The Wailing Souls, Dean Fraser as well as acts such as Anthony B and Tarrus Riley. They have played both the Raggamuffins Festival as well as The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California. Get ready for a Island Bob Marley B-Day Bash you'll never forget

LOS FURIOS ALBUM RELEASE IN VICTORIA WITH LA SEVERA MATACERA DIRECT FROM BOGOTA, COLOMBIA + CFC - Canada's Ambassadors of Hip Hop to Colombia!!

@ Sugar Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA!



So much exciting talent on this show and so much to celebrate! Vancouver's Los Furios will team up with Bogota, Colombia's La Severa Matacera for an evening never to forget and not to be missed. Plus to top it all off - Victoria's own CFC will be also special guests of honour to open this show.

Los Furios is one of Canada's most talented and revered ska bands. Touring the country over many a time, the band is increasingly gaining popularity in the Latin American markets in Mexico and beyond. This is part of what makes such a great mix to have both La Severa Matacera who will also be showcasing their brand new CD titled V.I.S.A. They will be coming to BC for the third time after appearing at Victoria's 7th Annual Ska Festival opening for Junior Reid & The Aggrolites and then appearing the year after at Summer Splash at Centennial Square.

Finally CFC is an awesome conscious and fun Island hip hop crew. The Crap Fartists Crew fit on this bill perfectly as they have been the only band we know of to tour Colombia twice and to meet La Severa Matacera on their home turf.







This show will be an unforgettable mix of ska, reggae, Kumbia, dancehall, funk, jazz, punk and everything in between. There's something for everyone and you can't miss a direct fly in date with La Severa Matacera - our Colombian cousins!

LOS FURIOS ALBUM RELEASE IN VANCOUVER W/ LA SEVERA MATACERA!

@ Commercial Drive/Grandview Legion Hall Los Furios does a album release on their home turf. The album's title is called "Run Devil Run" They'll be joined by Colombia's La Severa Matacera & the Bone Daddies. Tickets at Red Cat, Scratch Records, & Ticketweb.ca

LA SEVERA MATACERA TOUR STOP IN NANAIMO

@ The Queens Early show at the Queen's! Tickets available through the Port Theatre Box Office.

Lighthouse Brewery's Latin Night @ the Pub w/Bogota Colombia's La Severa Matacera!

@ Felicita's Campus Pub La Severa Matacera comes to the University of Victoria's Felicita's Pub on Monday, November 23/2009. This is your chance to see the band's full headlining set all night. And best of all you'll get to enjoy fresh Lighthouse Brewery beers on tap too!Proudly presented by Victoria BC Ska Society & Lighthouse Brewery. Tickets on ticketweb.ca or at the door.

LA SEVERA MATACERA CANADIAN TOUR STOP IN POWELL RIVER!

@  McKinney's Pub This is the second date for La Severa Matacera as they continue their Canadian tour and come through Powell River for a pit stop at McKinney's Pub. This venue is the smallest venue on the tour so be sure to come early to avoid disappointment. Tickets available at ticketweb.ca and the door.
Joining La Severa Matacera will be Victoria's Mindil Beach Markets. Ska, reggae, surf/rock from Victoria BC!

LA SEVERA MATACERA'S CANADIAN TOUR KICK OFF

@  The Avalanche bar Friday, November 20th Bogota, Colombia's La Severa Matacera will begin an epic 10 day Canadian (BC) tour on Vancouver Island at The Avalanche Bar & Grill in Courtenay BC.

Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present this tour after working with the band frequency since 2006.

La Severa Matacera will be joined by Victoria's own reggae/dub/ska rockers Great White Shark and CFC - Canada's Ambassadors of hip hop to Colombia. Great White Shark will be playing their first show following their US Hawaiian Tour and CFC will be re-united with their Colombian brothers after meeting them in Bogota earlier this past year and touring (for their second time) throughout Cali (Western Colombian city)!

Tickets on sale Friday, November 6th @ City Centre Spirits, Bop City, Music Max & TICKETWEB.CA



Anticipation for this tour builds daily and the venue is small so be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance! More info to come shortly!

CLINTON FEARON'S ACOUSTIC SPECIAL

@ Lucky Bar Clinton Fearon is no stranger to Victoria or the rest of the Island/Gulf Islands. Over the years he has provided us with numerous impressive shows playing at various festivals and clubs for the past 15 years. Most of us know him more recently from "Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band" but we also know he was the original bass and singer for Jamaica's The Gladiators (one of the best roots reggae bands in the world).





Now Clinton Fearon will bring us songs from his endless collection of material and play it for us ACOUSTIC.With the accompaniment of guitarist Mark Oi, Fearon is bringing the intimate sound of his acoustic album on tour in Canada for the first time for a reggae concert experience like no other.

This is an exciting chance to hear Clinton Fearon like you've never heard him before. Even for his most loyal fans that have seen him with The Boogie Brown Band and The Gladiator will blown away by his acoustic show;)










Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & TICKETWEB.CA!




Feel free to check out various links:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8vj7q_clinton-fearon-songs-of-praises-aco_music

MAD CADDIES return to the Island with Brave New Waves for another kick ass skank sweat filled hella good time!

@ Element TICKETS ON SALE NOW AND GOING QUICKLY at Lyle’s Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel, Fascinating Rhythms (in Nanaimo) & TICKETWEB.CA!


Friday, November 3rd @ Element Nightclub Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present one of North America’s party ska/swing/reggae/punk kings MAD CADDIES once again to the Island. After journeying the globe many times over since their last appearance in Victoria at Victoria’s 8th Annual Ska Festival playing alongside Neville Staple from the Specials and Band among talented others, the Mad Caddies are embarking on another not to be missed show @ Element Nightclub.





Opening for Mad Caddies will be Brave New Waves that will be fresh off their CD release. Brave New Waves are more than excited to be supporting such an awesome kick ass party band such as Mad Caddies.





The Mad Caddies talents reach far beyond the boundaries of ska and punk, enabling them to throw a musical curve ball into the mix without notice. Reggae, Dixie, jazz, surf, rockabilly, country and swing are all styles in which the group is well versed and aren’t afraid to inject into their unique brand of rock.





The band has toured the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan countless times, including stints on ..97, ..98, ..00, ..03 Warped Tours and both the Euro and American Fat Tours of 2000. Between all this time on the road, the Mad Caddies have managed to release an EP, a live record, and three other full lengths on Fat Wreck Chords.

DUB STEPPAS' DELIGHT!

@ Lucky Bar Victoria BC Ska Society & Pacific Dubstep proudly present Dubsteppas' Delight. This event will be a journey through a variety of sounds that showcase the ever-evolving sound of dub reggae music. Dubsteppas' Delight is a crossover between traditional dub sound-system culture and the new progressive sounds of dubstep. While delivering a diverse range of music, this event stays firmly aimed at keeping your feet moving to sweet bass driven sounds. We are proud to present a talented group of artists ready to do just that:



RSD/Rob Smith:



From the legendary Bristol dub act Smith & Mighty and drum & bass outfit More Rockers, Bristol bass and drum music stalwart Rob Smith has been pushing bass heavy rhythms for more than two decades.Under the moniker RSD, Rob Smith produces fresh, innovative bass music that simultaneously pays dues to his deep soundsystem roots while pushing things ever forward. He remains firmly at the forefront of Bristol's endlessly inventive music scene.



dUbTeT:



dUbTeT is a multi-instrumentalist dub duo from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Their sound is global dub with live instruments, live looping, and live dubbing. Unique and original, dUbTeT is a hybrid ofacoustic and electronic, reggae and samba, dance and meditation. A dUbTeT show is a sound system experience, inspired by Jamaican sound system culture.



Big Reds:



Big Reds is GOBE, FRAME, and RHYTHMICON - Victoria’s three-man dubstep wrecking crew. The fella's behind PACIFIC DUBSTEP, laying the dubstep foundation down in a big way for the victoria massive. Collectively, they blend the irie dub roots, two step and techno depth of dubstep together seamlessly. For this night, they're warming the place up proper straight before dUbTeT.



MC Natureboy:



Nature has been residing in the bass-lines for a long time. With the influences of CHARLEY CHAPLIN, JOSEY WALES, and BRIGADEER JERRY. Lurking within the DrumLine Natureboy injects a conscious lyrical fantastique to make the dance floor a more intimate space.



Tix $10 advance, available at Ditch, Lyle's Place & The Reef.

BRAVE NEW WAVES CD RELEASE!

@ Sugar Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA. Buy early as the show could sell out!!


Get ready for the best Brave New Waves show you can imagine when they go all out on their CD release hometown throwdown @ Sugar Nightclub with special guests The Kiltlifters, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music (with Pocket Kings as special guests with them + DJ Brukout!

THANKSGIVING ISLAND SKA/REGGAE/LATIN SPECIAL w/ BUENA BUYA + THE KILTLIFTERS & Rebel Selector!

@ Lucky Bar Finally we have Buena Buya and The Kiltlifters on the same stage. Give thanks! Tell your friends! And come ready to dance all night long. Ska, Reggae, Latin grooves all night long.

Give thanks for The Kiltlifters and their brand new CD - "The Punchline" And give thanks to the fact that Buena Buya is BACK!:)


If that weren't enough to be thankful for CHLY 101.7FM will be bringing us the best in roots, Latin and dancehall sounds before and in between sets!


Tickets are nice and cheap too: $10.50+ advance @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA

THE BOUNCING SOULS' 20th Anniversary Tour w/ Guests Youth Brigade, Saint Alvia Cartel & Off with Their Heads!

@ Sugar Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & Ticketweb.ca.



If you enjoyed the BOUNCING SOULS the last time they came to Legends (now Element), you'll probably enjoy seeing them again at Sugar Nightclub - Tuesday, October 6th when they celebrate their 20th Anniversary! Special Guests are the legendary YOUTH BRIGADE + Saint Alvia & Off with their Heads!



Coincidentally Youth Brigade and BYO Records will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary at the show. To commemorate Youth Brigade's Anniversary there will be a special Brew & View Presentation at Lucky Bar - Sunday, October 4th starting at 9pm. The documentary film "Let Them Know" The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records will help you get pumped for the show on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH @ SUGAR!

Brew & View Special Presentation

@ Lucky Bar Celebrate 25 years of Youth Brigade and BYO Records with the release of the documentary film LET THEM KNOW: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records.

Check out the trailer for the film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bacdSW8TDM

Tickets are $5 at the door, or $2 if you bring your Bouncing Souls/Youth Brigade ticket to the show.

Tickets for Bouncing Souls/Youth Brigade will also be on sale at the show ($20 for the show + Film)

3rd Annual Punk Rock Garage Sale

@  In a Garage on 2nd Ave between Birch and Alder Tons of: Punk, Ska, Oi & Reggae for the Ghetto




New Vinyl, LP’s 7” (which is more than you got),




CD’s T-shirts, Pins, Patches, Posters and Free Stuff

SUBCITY DWELLERS & NINE MILE RETURN TO THE ISLAND WITH NEW CD RELEASES!

@ Lucky Bar Both SubCity Dwellers and Nine Mile return to the Island with brand new CD releases!



First Nine Mile is coming out with two albums we haven't heard. One of them is called "Generation Gap" and the other one is called "Country Porno Electric Fireplace"



New releases include guest singers such as Xavier Rudd, Canadian soul crooner Matt York, and pedal steele guru Burke Carrole (Luther Wright, Jason Collett, Sarah Harmer).



SubCity Dwellers are also coming to the Island with new music. After several trips to Victoria playing on various shows and Victoria's 7th and 8th Annual Ska Festivals they have a new album called "Where's The Noise?" on Transistor 66 Records. Ten brand new tracks of some of our best material to date, including some of our dance floor killers, 'Temper' and 'The End of the Bottle'. To our sweet reggae grooves in tunes like 'Sweet Misery'.



And finally Great White Shark - Victoria's up and coming reggae/dub masters will be special guests for this show. They will also be touring with SubCity Dwellers throughout the Island. Don't miss this one!



Tickets $11 advance on ticketweb.ca or $12 at the door

Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae Album/Film Release Party

@ The Solstice Cafe VICTORIA BC SKA SOCIETY in affiliation with the Ottawa Reggae Festival proudly present



ROCKSTEADY: THE ROOTS OF REGGAE ALBUM/FILM RELEASE PARTY



Featuring:



SELECTA MOSSMAN from Montreal

(Music producer for the film/album)



Playing the tuffest in Rare Rocksteady, Early Reggae, Classic Ska O.G. 45's.



Selecta Mossman will be playing unreleased tracks, outtakes, dub-plates and alternate mixes from the album/movie project! Event attendees will have the opportunity to hear records they may never be able to hear anywhere else again and ask questions surrounding this world-renowned film/album.



Saturday, September 19, 2009



@ Solstice Café 529 Pandora Ave.



Doors: 7pm Admission: $7.00 at the door All Ages. (Limited capacity)



WWW.ROCKSTEADYROOTSOFREGGAE.COM



Also check out the facebook group for the film on facebook or musicwise@gmail.com



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The film plays at Cinecenta on Friday, September 18th - 7pm & 9pm showings.



The documentary film Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae is a musical journey to Jamaicas Golden Age of music, Rocksteady. The film features the music and stories of the legendary singers and musicians of the Rocksteady era. They come together after 40 years to record an album of Rocksteady hits, to perform together again at an All-Stars reunion concert in Kingston, Jamaica, and to tell their story.

EASY STAR ALL STARS RETURN WITH LONELY HEARTS DUB BAND ALBUM RELEASE!

@ Element TICKETS moving quickly @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records Strathcona Hotel & Fascinating Rhythms (in Nanaimo) & TICKETWEB.CA. - LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY...











One of the Island's favourite bands - Easy Star All Stars is back on the reggae attack with a brand new album for this most anticipated appearance at Element Nightclub. "Lonely Hearts Dub Band" is a follow-up to their last EP "Until that Day" which followed Radiodread (based on Radio Head's hit album "OK Computer") and Dub Side of the Moon (based on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"







The buzz of the album has been pretty incredible, with coverage in tons of major publications from the UK to Australia to Holland to the US.







Now it's Canada's turn to hear what reggae fans world-wide have been raving about!







And then if that wasn't impressive enough, we have Delhi 2 Dublin opening for Easy Star All Stars:) Delhi 2 Dublin is a wonderful mixture of contemporary world beat sounds ranging from bhangra to Celtic grooves to reggae/dancehall/soul and hip hop. They are one of Canada's best high energy fusion bands presenting the perfect mix of bhangra(ic)-celtic synchronicity, it only happens once you are hearing it... Don't miss this show and be sure to purchase tickets early as it could sell out!

Pato Banton returns with the Now Generation Band for a follow-up to his jaw-dropping debut at Ska Fest!

@ Element Pato Banton & the Now Generation Band + Jon Bone & the Karuna Movement will be postponed until another time. Both the Victoria BC Ska Society and Pato's Management agreed this was the best move. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. For those of you that bought advance tickets, you can pick up the refunds wherever you bought them including ticketweb.ca.

Have a good rest of summer and be sure to check out Burnt, Hillside Hooligans, Brave New Waves, & Great White Shark Friday, August 21st/09at Lucky Bar .

And ofcourse Easy Star All Stars and Delhi 2 Dublin - Sunday, September 13th @ Element. Tickets are selling well for Easy Star so be sure to pick one up in advance to avoid disappointment.

Finally, the Victoria BC Ska Society web site www.victoriaskafest.ca is down for awhile. It is in the process of getting fixed. You can find information about upcoming shows here on facebook, myspace.com or on livevictoria.com until we get the issue with our web site resolved.

Peace

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL CLOSING CELEBRATION (AFTERPARTY)!

@ Element So if you thought that there would be a break of ska and reggae after Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival, you thought WRONG;) DUBMATIX (formerly Dubmatix Soundsystem) is coming with new flavours of up beat dub, reggae, dancehall and dub step for all to enjoy. Special guest performers will include Rasta Reuben and Ian Avery of Dubtet.

And if that's not awesome enough SHANE PHILIP will be playing alongside DUBMATIX. PLUS: Great White Shark as an appetizer before Shane Philip and Dubmatix.

This will be a closing celebration for Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival. Present any festival advance ticket stub at the door and receive $2 rebate. Volunteers get 50% off.

Advance Tickets at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef, Strathcona Hotel & TICKETWEB.CA

And just for fun here are some of the current remix projects Dubmatix is working on now...

REMIXES
John Brown’s Body – USA (Easy Star Records) - 2nd Remix

The Clash - London Calling (Strummer Estate endorsed Clash In Dub album)

Indigo Sun – Denmak

Dah Soussa – France

Treasure Chest Productions (Jamaica) – Several remixes of George Nooks, Toots, Luciano, Natural Black, Turbulence, Jah Mason, Half Pint, Anthony B

Bandulu Dub – Portugal

DJ Shine – Toronto

Inner Vibes – Netherlands

Intra-Muros – France

Martha & The Muffins – Echo Beach (for the Echo Beach label in Germany)

DUBMATIX & SHANE PHILIP TWIN BILL DEBUT IN TOFINO!

@ Tofino Community Hall Dubmatix and Shane Philip team up to give Tofino the show they've been waiting so long for... Dub, Reggae, Dancehall, Dub Step, funk and more all in one. Both artists are a perfect match and when put together will make a show that will be remembered for years to come.

Tickets outlets to be announced shortly.

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL WARM UP (FREE)

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) This will be the second to last show before the Grand Finale Concert of Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival but don't let the title of the show "Warm Up" fool you. You'll still be dancing up a storm on this show. And the Victoria BC Ska Society and the bands that are confirmed for the show have outdone themselves to bring you an awesome afternoon of some of the best ska music Canada can offer.

Los Furios are clearly one of Canada's best ska bands. They are the most known and revered ska band in British Columbia. Los Furios have toured Canada at least three times and have played with huge names such as Fishbone (twice - once at the Commodore and once at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival), Long Beach Dub All Stars (at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and much more. And you ask what's even brighter on their horizon? Well, the band is getting big in Mexico and will be touring there again in the next year after their debut appearances playing on Mexico's Festival Extremo among other packed clubs all over the country.

The Fabulous LoLo aka Lorraine Muller is also often referred to "The Queen of Ska (in Canada)" Lorraine was the lead singer of Montreal's The Kingpins which later turned into Lo and the Magnetics. For this year she will be flying out from Montreal to do a ska/rocksteady set backed by Montreal's Stepper whom have members from Montreal's ska alumni including General Rudie.

Rude City Riot are new on the Vancouver ska scene. They recently played to a near capacity crowd at Richards on Richards opening for The English Beat and they're set to play other large festivals this year such as Shambala. Their ska/pop/reggae sounds will start off the afternoon right!


ALL AGES
Doors: 12noon
FREE
Beverage Garden w/ID.
Food and Merch Tents on site

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE CONCERT

@ Victoria Curling Club Tickets on sale now in Victoria @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & The Reef & in Vancouver at Zulu Records, Highlife Records, Scratch & Redcat Records. Nanaimo: Fascinating Rhythms & Duncan @ Area 51 Also on TICKETWEB.CA!

Victoria's 1st Ska Festival took place as a result of a bunch of good things all coming together (Victoria's ska/punk heroes Pressure Cooker doing a reunion concert and the inspiration of the late Matthew Bishop (original DJ of CFUV 101.9FM's Skankster's Paradise) to put together a larger version of his Skankster's Paradise) Victoria's Annual Ska Festival has grown into a world-wide event that brings bands and fans from all around the world.Bands on this Grand Finale Concert go perfectly with the festival's theme of reunion and unity. Also, the majority of bands on the show have recently re-united or are reuniting for this special show.

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES were a ska institution throughout North America before they broke up. We are extremely happy to have them come and play at our festival for our big 10-year B-Day! Notably this will be an exclusive Canadian date for Mighty Mighty Bosstones and it's the first time that they would have played on Canadian soil for over 10 years!

VOODOO GLOW SKULLS have repeatedly labeled their unique fusion of punk, metal, ska and Latino swing as “California street music.” That fits in just fine with this amazing line-up for the Grand Finale Concert. The band is very excited to FINALLY;) come to Victoria's Annual Ska Festival.

ONE DROP were a reggae/punk/ska institution in Victoria before they broke up in the winter of 2008. Who could forget countless shows at UVIC on Wednesday nights or the smaller intimate shows at their jam shack that became one of the pillars of the ska community for bands and fans alike. Thanks for the great Ska Fest after parties too! Today, many of the members have formed their own ska, reggae or punk bands in Victoria and around the Lower Mainland area. Some of its members continue to assist the Victoria BC Ska Society with the festival and its year-round presentations.THE

HOOCHY GIRLS How can we forget them singing "Killing Animals" at the Anti-War in Iraq Rally at the Legislature? The Hoochy Girls were a huge part of Victoria's ska community and we're happy to have the still young Hoochy Girls come and do a reunion show for us!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Tickets on sale now in Victoria @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & The Reef & in Vancouver at Zulu Records, Highlife Records, Scratch & Redcat Records. Nanaimo: Fascinating Rhythms & Duncan @ Area 51 Also on TICKETWEB.CA!

Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present you The Slackers and Chris Murray on our special edition Friday ticketed show at Ship Point (Inner Harbour). Joining them will be Seattle stewards of ska - The Georgetown Orbits. For years the Georgetown Orbits have graced Victoria Ska Festival audiences with their presence while they stood in line waiting to get into various festival shows. They also would play off stage in between breaks and busk around town during the festival spreading the good news! The Slackers have been one of Victoria's favourite ska bands since the spring of 2000 when they first came to The Limit (*an old great live venue in Victoria) and Chris Murray has also been a huge part of the scene since 2000 and before. Both the Slackers and Chris Murray have played on the Victoria Ska Festival back in 2000, and 2003 respectively. Chris Murray played in 2000 at Market Square and then again in 2003 at the Victoria Curling Club. The Slackers played in 2003 at the Victoria Curling Club headlining the festival. This show is one of the most anticipated shows for Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival and the Slackers were the first to confirm! Let's make this one the first to sellout!

Following this show Vic Ruggiero from the Slackers will be playing his solo material at Lucky Bar (517 Yates Street - just blocks away from Ship Point) alongside Chris Murray in a special acoustic set. There will be a very small amount of advance tickets sold for this show. Please note you must be 19yrs+ with approved ID (2 pieces) to get into Lucky Bar.
See you there!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL AFTER SLACKERS PARTY

@ Lucky Bar Tickets on sale only through TICKETWEB.CA. Purchase of early show required to purchase advance ticket for this show.



This ticket gains you entrance to both The Slackers & Chris Murray at Ship Point (Inner Harbour) - ALL AGES + it allows gains you entrance into the After Slackers Party at LUCKY BAR. IF YOU ARE NOT 19YRS OR OLDER (or you don't have two pieces of government approved ID.) please do not purchase this ticket. Doors for the first show on the Inner Harbour are at 5pm. Doors for the second show at Lucky Bar with Vic Ruggiero and Chris Murray are at 10pm.

Although The Slackers have come to Victoria four times in total, Victoria has never really got to see a full Vic Ruggiero set on his own. For those of you that don't know, Vic Ruggiero has his own set of albums and solo performances that he does apart from the Slackers. And he's been doing this for quite some time. This show will be the perfect medicine right after a hype/kick ass Slackers show.
Playing alongside Vic Ruggiero will be Chris Murray - a Canadian ska legend in his own right. Chris Murray will be singing old and new ska tunes and don't be surprised if you see both Vic Ruggiero and Chris Murray double-team on a couple of tunes. All happens at Lucky Bar following The Slackers. Beat the line-up and take advantage of this special pre-sale on now!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL FRIDAY FREE SHOW!

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Mexico City's Maskatesta is a talented, high energy ska band that have been tearing up the tour routes all over Mexico and Central America. In 2006 they recorded their first record, "The Maskatonian All Star & Friends." The record became an essential part of the ska scene in Mexico and spurred other compilations with bands such as Panteon Rococo, Inspector and Salon Victoria - the latter of the two played at Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival.

In August 2008 Maskatesta was invited to record their second album "What do you Want Me to Say to You?" in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The album included collaborations with members of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Karamelo Santo.



Friday, July 10th is set to be one of the busiest days of the festival as there are three shows. But by this time, if you've already attended the other three shows and two workshops that would have occurred by the time this show happens, this is the perfect

Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to host Dread Daze from Los Angeles, California for the first time on Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival.

Dread Daze will have you California dreaming with their uplifting mix of reggae, hip-hop, soul, and rock. The musicians have performed with Steel Pulse, Beres Hammond, Arrested Development, Fishbone, Half Pint, and Mikey Dread, among other notable reggae heavy weights. Dread Daze proves that the spirit of one love and equality is best served over fresh riddims and rhymes.

Finally, Greg Crowe and Scarlet Union (formerly Greg Milka Crowe) will be representing the Winnipeg ska massive in a large way. This will be the band's second appearance on Victoria's Annuual Ska Festival (their other performance was at Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival opening for Jamaica's ska founder Strangejah Cole among other world-wide ska acts such as Dr. Ring Ding, Califfo de Luxe and Eastern Standard Time. Greg Crowe's song writing and ska/rocksteady sounds are awesome for chilling out in the sun and having a brew. And the performance will round out a perfect afternoon following the festival's Latin/Reggae Mash up and Reggae After Party the day before and will serve as the perfect prelude to the Slackers show a mere hour after this show!

ALL AGES
DOORS: 12NOON
Beverage Garden w/ID.
Food and Merch Tents on site!


Following this show the Slackers, Chris Murray and Georgetown Orbits will play in the same venue for a ticketed show!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL REGGAE EXTRAVAGANZA

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Tickets on sale now in Victoria @ Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & The Reef & in Vancouver at Zulu Records, Highlife Records, Scratch & Redcat Records. Nanaimo: Fascinating Rhythms & Duncan @ Area 51 Also on TICKETWEB.CA!

Victoria BC Ska Society has been dabbling a lot more in recent years in the Latin/Reggae/Ska flavours and this show represents one of its best combinations to date! LOS RASTRILLOS blew everyone away at Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival at Market Square are back for a second helping of our Skankster's Paradise. Their blend of Latin, reggae, ska and jazz is irresistible and they will have the whole Harbour dancing into a crazy frenzy!


TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA are now the apple of Victoria's eyes! This gyspy/jazz/ska/Latin groove band have been making waves at the festival since their first appearance at the Reef in 2007 following Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival Kick Off Show at Market Square. The band also played at Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival last year headlining the Friday Free Show at the Inner Harbour alongside Toronto's Staylefish and Victoria's Jon & Roy.

Finally, THIRD EYE TRIBE from Vancouver will round out the bill. Third Eye Tribe led by Jacob Cino & Ndidi Cascade have been reggae/dancehall/dub favourites on the westcoast of Canada and the US for many years. Last November Third Eye Tribe blew Victoria away with a mesmorizing two-hour set opening for Bermuda's Collie Buddz @ Sugar Nightclub. As people still rave about that show today they'll get one of their last chances to see the full Third Eye Tribe crew in Victoria as Jacob Cino is set for a hiatus in Eastern Canada this fall. After this show there is another wicked concert at Element Nightclub featuring Montreal's legendary JAH CUTTA & DETERMINATION W/ SUBATOMIC SOUND SYSTEM & JACOB CINO!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL REGGAE EXTRAVAGANZA AFTER PARTY!

@ Element Tickets on sale now at Strathcona Hotel in Victoria. Double passes for this show and Los Rastrillos, La Severa Matacera and Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra are available through TICKETWEB.CA.



The double ticket gains you entrance to both Los Rastrillos, La Severa Matacera & Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra at Ship Point (Inner Harbour) - ALL AGES + it allows gains you entrance into the Reggae After party at Element Nightclub featuring Jah Cutta & Determination, Subatomic Sound System & an encore La Severa Matacera performance. If you are not 19yrs or older(or you don't have two pieces of government approved ID.) please do not purchase the double ticket. Doors for the first show on the Inner Harbour are at 5pm. Doors for the second show at Element Nightclub with Jah Cutta & Determination, Subatomic Sound System & La Severa Matacera are at 9pm.

Jah Cutta & Determination has been a long-time Canadian reggae icon. Jah Cutta and the Determination Band have shared the stage with some of Reggae's greatest entertainers including Peter Tosh, the Wailers, Gregory Issacs, Beenie Man and Buju Banton. The long awaited new full-length "Whagwan" that was released in March 2007 was a huge success. Having toured Canada twice over since that release Jah Cutta & Determination will be making its first ever appearance on Victoria's Annual Ska Festival. Subatomic Sound System bring a refreshing vibe to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival. The Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to support their Blackboard Dub Tour of which many of their North American dates will be feature the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry. Subatomic Sound System will present some of the latest dub/dub step/dancehall and reggae when they play at Element. They will also have special guest vocalists and MCs. Get ready for a wicked ride into the world of reggae and dub!

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL WORKSHOP WITH LOS RASTRILLOS! "The Mexican Sounds Inside Reggae"

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Mexico City’s Los Rastrillos have been on the scene for over 20 years playing irresistible reggae mixed with ska, jazz, and other styles. But what is it that helps make their music have an authentic sound and feel? Clearly there are many different strains of reggae throughout the world and thousands of bands bring their own influences that meld into reggae music that came out of Jamaica. Come to this workshop and learn about the Prehispanic (pre-Spanish conquest) and the Mestizo instruments (after the Spanish conquest) that were intertwined into much of the reggae music you hear in Mexico. Join Los Rastrillos’ Arturo Galvan, Gerardo Pimentel, Enrique Noguez and Ruben Perez and learn specifically how these instruments and stylistic evolutions help make Los Rastrillos’ sound blend into the band we all love and enjoy today.

Workshop is free however, advance sign up is required at Long & McQuade. Please contact 250-384-3622 for sign up information.

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL WORKSHOP WITH CHRIS MURRAY! "STRUM SKA!" (Ska Guitar Workshop)

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Victoria BC Ska Society is very proud to host Chris Murray – one of North America’s ska legends to come and teach this not to be missed ska guitar workshop. The workshop will cover the origins of ska and its development through its other closely related musical styles including rock steady, reggae, skinhead reggae and two-tone/modern ska (with focus on the use of guitar in ska music). Chris Murray will also discuss ska musicians that have and continue to influence his playing. Bring your guitar if you like!

Workshop is free however, advance sign up is required at Long & McQuade. Please contact 250-384-3622 for sign up information.

VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL KICK OFF SHOW (FREE)

@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour) Due to unforeseen circumstances (Maskatesta's flight had to make an emergency landing in Mexico City last night and their flight is re-booked for Thursday, July 9th/09) - Maskatesta will now be playing on Friday, July 10th @ Ship Point (FREE afternoon show) with Dread Daze from Los Angeles and Greg Crowe and Scarlet Union from Winnipeg.

Brave New Waves will headline this evening's show.


Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival is happy to welcome Victoria's favourite reggae/ska beach bums Brave New Waves! Brave New Waves have been relentless with spreading their energetic and soothing reggae/ska sounds throughout Victoria, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver for a couple of years. The musicians in the band also play in other Island Latin reggae and ska bands and they're pumped to also be making their debut at the festival.



Nanaimo's (Vancouver Island) The Kiltlifters have graced Victoria's Annual Ska Festival almost since its inception in the summer of 2000. Their first appearance on the festival was in the summer of 2001 (Victoria's 2nd Annual Ska Festival) and since then they have become a main staple of the Island's ska scene. This year The Kiltlifters will also be celebrating their 10th Year Anniversary with the Victoria Ska Festival. Both the festival and the band are aging skafully;)

And finally Victoria's Rocky Mountain Rebel Music will be making their first ever appearance on the festival. Rocky Mountain Rebel Music are comprised of members from across Canada and other members from the Hoochy Girls (some of Victoria's ska young alumni). In the short time Rocky Mountain Rebel Music has been in Victoria they have injected a lot of life into the ska/reggae scene, putting on special events in non conventional venues, hosting ska BBQs and bringing out crowds in droves to other ska and reggae shows around town.

This is the kick off to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival and we want you to be here (rain or shine or whether or not you have to work the next day)! It marks the beginning of your epic festival experience;)

ALL AGES
Doors @ 5pm - FREE
Beverage Garden w/ID.
Food and Merch Tents on site

THE QUEERS´ DEBUT IN VICTORIA

@ Sugar Appearing for the first time ever in Victoria, it’s the Queers! The Queers first formed in 1982 in the eastern US city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Starting out in the early days as a snotty young punk rock band, the Queers have grown over the years to have a signature style, best described as Ramones style punk rock with a distinctive Beach Boys flavour. The Queers career in the 80s was short lived, but in 1990 Joe Queer reformed the band. The newly reformed Queers went on to achieve notoriety in the 1990s with albums such as Love Songs for the Retarded, and Beat Off. Since then things have never let up, as the band has released album after album of pop punk masterpieces. They have gone on to tour all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, China and other places around the world. Throughout the years the Queers have opened for, toured with and played alongside bands ranging from the Ramones, to the Smugglers, to Screeching Weasel. The Queers currently feature the legendary Joe Queer (guitar), playing alongside long running Queers alumni Lurch Nobody (drums), and Dangerous Dave (bass).

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Fascinating Rhythms in Nanaimo & TICKETWEB.CA!

Also remember to purchase your Mighty Mighty Bosstones & Slackers tickets for Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival;)

On the Road to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival

@ Sugar Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present Victoria's best gypsy, ska, jazz, world-beat everything band back home for a headline show at Sugar Nightclub Friday, June 5th. Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra will be joined by two other very talented Klezmer, Balkan, gypsy jazz groups.
Both the Underscore Orkestra and Chevrona will be coming from Portland to join Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra in this Gypsy Style Musical Paradise. Be sure to check out both Chevrona and Underscore Orkestra on myspace.

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & Ticketweb.ca


www.myspace.com/chervona
www.myspace.com/underscoreorkestra

@ Richard's On Richards

ON THE ROAD TO VICTORIA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL w/ THE AGGROLITES, Brave New Waves & The Easy Brothers ! Woo Hooo!!!

@ Element The shows just keep coming leading up to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival and this one is another not to be missed. We advertised that The Aggrolites were coming sometime in 2009 and now here we have them again for your partying pleasure! The group will be fresh off a full tour with Dropkick Murphys and a few spot dates in Brazil before they embark on their return to our Skankster's Paradise!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Strathcona Hotel & TICKETWEB.CA!

@ Lucky Bar Back by popular demand after their most memorable Victoria debut opening for Delhi 2 Dublin, Jon Bone & The Karuna Movement are a large collective of reggae, funk and jazz musicians around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The band lays down a mix of reggae, funk, and world grooves and coloring them with catchy melodies and deep lyrical content.

Karuna means compassion. Music is medicine.


Joining Jon Bone & The Karuna Movement will be Victoria's own Buena Buya who recently finished playing an amazing Ska St. Paddy's Day show at Lucky Bar. Both Buena Buya with their 8 -11 piece band and Jon Bone & The Karuna Movement with special guest belly dancer Gillian Coysky will make this a night to remember for many moons to come!


Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, & TICKETWEB.CA

THE ENGLISH BEAT CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN VICTORIA! --> On the Road to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival 2009!

@ Sugar The English Beat formed in Birmingham, England in 1979, are celebrating their 30th anniversary with an action-packed 2009 which will include a stopover in Victoria BC, Canada @ Sugar Nightclub on Friday, April 3 for an "On the Road to Victoria's 10th Anniversary Ska Festival" show with special guests The Kiltlifters.

Led by founding member, lead vocalist and songwriter, Dave Wakeling, the band will be recording and touring extensively.

The sparkling live show includes the band’s best-known originals, among them “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save It for Later,” “Stand Down Margaret” and “I Confess,” and their inspirational covers of “Tears of a Clown..” and “Can't Get Used to Losing You,” as well as the hits Wakeling scored with ‘80s pop icons.. General Public, such as “Tenderness,” “Never You Done That” and “I'll Take You There”

Their most recent Western Canadian appearance in Vancouver @ The Plaza in December in 2008 was solid as well as their support acts which included Chris Murray and Outlaw Nation. That was an awesome night and we're looking forward to having them on this tour with another solid program in support of their 30th Anniversary!

All this, plus a growing number of new songs that are fast becoming firm favourites with the fans, like “The Love You Give Lasts Forever,” “How Can You Stand There” and “Said.. We Would Never Die” bring your dancing shoes, and your think..ing caps!.. The new track..s will be recorded and released in 2009, either as a series of EPs or a full album, and will include new studi..o track..s, live tracks, acoustic versi..ons, and remixes by good friends The Thievery Corporation.

“There are many perks to being in a pop group,” says Wakeling, “the money, the fame, the fast cars, and the sometimes even faster women, they can all be good, but for someo..ne to tell you that your songs have been a part of the soundtrack of their life for a quart..er century is the great..est honor.. a troubadour can ever receive.”

A part of the 2 Tone ska music revolution of the late '70s and early '..80s, alongside their stable mates The Specials, Madness and The Selecter, the Beat perfected their.. own unique brand of the Punky Reggae Party memorialized in the Bob Marley song of the same name. For Wakeling, the English Beat’s hybrid was a delightful blend of Toots and the Maytals, The Velvet Underground, Buzzcocks, The Four Tops and Van Morrison.

The English Beat never shied.. away from singing about the current topics on everyone’s lips, and with today’s social conditions.. so similar to those of the late ‘70s — reces..sion,.. depre..ssion.., unemp..loyme..nt, uncer..taint..y, war and rumors of war — their lyrics continue to resonate in a very timely manner. Often.. asked if he thought pop and politics should mix, Dave always responded wryly.., “Only if you are living on Planet Earth!”


Tickets on sale NOW at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Fascinating Rhythms (in Nanaimo) and on TICKETWEB.CA!

WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA for updates!

BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY BASHMENT (Tribute) WITH RASTA REUBEN & SELASSIE IPOWER w/ Fredlocks Asher!

@ Sugar So it's been a couple years since we had a Bob Marley Birthday Bash here in Victoria, so we thought why not do it again?! It's fun and we have two excellent acts that will do it well plus showcase their own impressive original material. Selassie iPower haven't played in Victoria in almost 10 years but the band had been residing in Toronto and completed a world tour before returning to their present homes in the Vancouver/Lower Mainland area.

Rasta Reuben & Fredlocks Asher (brothers in Selassie iPower) also perform solo and with the Ultra Flex Crew. The band and the two brothers are most excited to make their way back to the Island. Don't miss out on this Bob Marley Birthday Bash! Tickets available NOW;)at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Complex, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA

Don't wait until the door. Get them in advance as it could sell out...

THE RETURN OF LOS FURIOS TO THE ISLAND!

@ Sugar LOS FURIOS are back to give us some after New Year's cheer!It is their first headlining show in a year and a half! Brave New Waves & Rocky Mountain Rebel Music will be perfect band mates playing some nice reggae, ska and funk for the house:)

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA

Brave New Waves Reggae Christmas Party @ Moby's Pub (Saltspring Island, Ganges)

@ Moby's Marine Pub If you're looking for a little pre-Christmas reggae cheer, come over to Saltspring Island and party with Brave New Waves:) It's an excellent idea and it gives you an excuse to get out of town. Only 35 minute ferry ride and a 20 minute drive into Ganges is all it takes!

Admission @ the door $7+

VICTORIA BC SKA SOCIETY'S REGGAE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR!

@ Element Merry Christmas in advance! Usually we're getting ready for Christmas around now but we couldn't resist when we heard that John Brown's Body wanted to do a show (their only BC appearance for this tour;) In case you haven't heard of Easy Star Records' JOHN BROWN'S BODY, they're one of the most exciting reggae bands coming out of the US. Hailing from Cambridge John Brown's Body has gone through ups and downs throughout being a band - perhaps the biggest loss being their original bass player Scott Palmer who died of cancer in 2006. But despite that, the band bounced back and now have a brand new album to get the reggae community around the world excited about once again. That album is called "AMPLIFY" proudly released through Easy Star Records. The album features twelve original tracks, showcasing the group's broad palette of influences - from classic UK reggae of the 70's to West African instrumentation, and even spaghetti westerns. This album, which is debuted on the Reggae Billboard Charts at #1 is the group's first release since 2005's Pressure Points (Easy Star), features a new band lineup and many special guests.

Opening for John Brown's Body will be Shane Philip, who is one of Canada's best didge players. His new album "In the Moment" is still being discovered and his live shows are solid every time.

And finally Athena Holmes (formally in Southern Chakaras) has been making a name for herself in the east (Montreal) and is excited to be a part of the VICTORIA BC SKA SOCIETY REGGAE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. And spectacular it will be!

Advance tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef, Strathcona Hotel, Fascinating Rhythms (in Nanaimo) and Ticketweb.ca

FINALLY COLLIE BUDDZ COME ROUND VICTORIA

@ Sugar Saturday, November 1st @ Sugar Nightclub, Victoria BC Ska Society in affiliation with Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio proudly present Bermuda's dancehall/reggae superstar, COLLIE BUDDZ for the first time on the Island. He'll be joined by Third Eye Tribe - Vancouver's live dancehall/drum n' bass electronic metamorphic, containing some of the most entertaining and conscious musicians on the westcoast including Jacob Cino on the decks, Ndidi Cascade and more! And finally Rise of the Revolution from Santa Cruz will warm things up with their in your face hip hop. Rise of the Revolution is music that speaks the truth, with strong political lyrics, backed by catchy, creative, and original sounding beats. Music that touches on every emotion and encourages standing up for what you believe in.

Listen to Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio every Saturday from 6-7pm on CFUV 101.9FM for updates and to hear fresh new music from all three acts!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Complex, Platinum Lounge, Fascinating Rhythms in Nanaimo & TICKETWEB.CA

SKALLOWEEN AT UPSTAIRS CABARET

@ The Upstairs Cabaret So the tables are now set for another memorable show... This time we've got a monster quadruple bill with all your favourite bands from east to west! Welcome to SKALLOWEEN... woooo hooooo (not "boo" but in this case it's okay because it's Halloween!;)

One Night Band will be flying into BC to do three exclusive shows in celebration of their latest CD effort that was produced by Brian Dixon of the Aggrolites.

The Kiltlifters are also boasting their brand new CD titled "Check Yer Shorts" and The Easy Brothers and Brave New Waves continue to show everyone they play for why they're some of the most exciting bands in our scene on the westcoast each with their unique style of reggae, punk and ska!

As an added bonus Victoria BC Ska Society is happy to host the show at Upstairs Cabaret above Darcy's Pub on Wharf Street. As many of you may know, Upstairs Cabaret used to be Harpos back in the day (one of North America's most esteemed club venues). It's still there and ready to host so we thought - why not?

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Aces n Spades & TICKETWEB.CA!

REGGAE/SKA/FUNK PARTY AT ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB! - NEW VENUE AND DATE - SUN/OCT/5TH/08!

@ Element Due to the strike at the University of Victoria Student Union Building the venue and date has been changed to Element Nightclub on Sunday, October 5th/2008.

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Come out to ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5TH for three awesome bands. Nine Mile are no strangers to Victoria playing everywhere from Alix Goolden Hall opening and touring with Xavier Rudd to outdoor back patios in Victoria. These guys take music seriously and are ready to entertain with their unqiue blend of reggae, folk and rock. They will also be bringing us new music with their forthcoming album for this fall. Brave New Waves are our reggae/surf local heroes. Island music beach bums whose main intent is to get people stoked about their music and dancing - can't go wrong... + We finally have special guests The Vista who have an exciting sound filled with funk, jazz and ska. They have a new album being released now so they'll have tons of new material;) So when you put all three of these bands together you'll get one nice big reggae, folk, funk ska pub party at Element. Sounds fun? I thought so;) Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, and Ticketweb.ca!

@ Lucky Bar When we heard all of these bands were looking to play on the same date at Lucky Bar it became a no brainer to put them all together into a mega party bill full of ska, rockabilly, reggae, punk and celtic music all in one! We're happy to have our friends SUBCITY DWELLERS back again after their memorable show at Element with the Slackers + we're also happy to have both The McGillicuddys and the Raygun Cowboys all on the same show!

Tickets will move quickly at Lyle's Place, Aces and Spades, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA!

A PUNKY SKA MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN ---> THE FLATLINERS & THE EASY BROTHERS!

@ Logan's Pub Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present one of Canada's most talented punk bands for the second time in 2008 at Logan's Pub when Stomp Records/Fat Wreck Chords Recording Artists - THE FLATLINERS come over to Victoria for a pit stop on their cross Canada tour. Joining them will be Vancouver's THE EASY BROTHERS who have a gritty ska/punk/reggae sound - a match made in heaven for all of those that love punky ska. But those that love trad ska and reggae will also be in for a pleasant surprise. Tickets avaialble at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA.

@ Lucky Bar Mr. Something Something represents four years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL SATURDAY WARM UP CONCERT

@ Ships Point (Inner Harbour) Come out and enjoy a wicked afternoon of ska music on Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour with Regina, Saskatchewan's SKAVENJAH, Nanaimo's hometown heroes - THE KILTLIFTERS & Vancouver The Karmacanix. It's free and all ages with beer garden, food concession and merchandise tents. This is the perfect warm-up show for the Grand Finale Concert at the Victoria Curling Club later in the night!

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE CONCERT

@ Victoria Curling Club VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL is again coming up quickly!:) For a ninth straight year everyone is very excited about how the festival will rock everyone's summer on the westcoast of Canada and for people around the world. For the first time Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to have the pioneers of the genre itself THE SKATALITES headline the festival. Also, New York's EASY STAR ALL STARS will co-headline with the Skatalites in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting, dynamic line-ups in the festival's history!! As many of you may know EASY STAR ALL -STARS Longtime Easy Star producers Michael G and Victor Rice, reinterpreted Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon,' transforming it into deep dub and reggae grooves. A huge independent success story, Dub Side of the Moon has been on the Billboard Reggae charts for over 100 weeks and has helped spur sold out performances by the Easy Star All-Stars all over the world. Following Dub Side of the Moon, Easy Star All-Stars released RADIODREAD based on Radiohead's OK Computer album. That album featured artists such as Toots and the Maytals, Citizen Cope, Morgan Heritage, Horace Andy and other reggae greats. Now they'll have their brand new EP 'Until that Day' to perform to tons of fans with baited breath!

THE DEBONAIRES from Riverside, California will be gracing us with their most entertain, soothing, smooth reggae/ska/jazz sounds. This is among the most underrated and talented ska bands in North America and we are very grateful to have them support both The Skatalites and Easy Star All Stars.

Local favourites Current Swell will open the Finale representing Vic Town in the best way possible with their amazing blend of reggae, folk, ska, rock and blues! We're all in for a treat and you can purchase ticket now to ensure admission in Victoria at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & The Reef. For more info on tickets please refer to web site info.

This concert is all ages with beer gardens, food concessions and merchandise tents:)


VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL aka Festival of the People!!!

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FRIDAY FREE SHOW

@ Ships Point (Inner Harbour) Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra have a unique sound that tastefully blends ska with Latin, folk, jazz, and reggae. Another name for this awesome acoustic dance music musical could be called "gypsy ska". Think Manu Chao meets Yan Teirsen. While their roots are very much in the west coast, their influences are varied and growing. Paul Wolda, having studied the Djembe since the age of 7, lays down hypnotic tribal beats as well as smooth Brazilian Portuguese vocals. El Mapache, on accordion, brings the Spanish influence with flamenco rhythms and soaring lead vocals - in both Spanish and English.

Jon and Roy are also another Victoria sensation. Both musicians compliment each other through catchy melodies and lyrics that people can relate to mixed with solid percussion that makes anyone listening want to dance or at least smile. As the Island's most read entertainment weekly said, Jon & Roy's music can be described as the signature sound to describe the vibe on Vancouver Island.
Both of these bands will have a repeat double bill performance similar to Jon and Roy's CD release only this time they'll be able to show it to all ages outdoors for more than 1000 people - FREE OF CHARGE!:)

Finally London, Ontario's Staylefish will open the evening with some nice reggae/ska rhythms that everyone can groove to. Don't miss this awesome festival bill.


And be sure to head over to White Eagle Hall afterwards for the Friday Night Ruckus with Inspector, Los Furios & Mama Pulpa!

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT RUCKUS!

@ White Eagle Hall If you're into getting loose and dancing until you're sore the next morning we have the perfect solution... Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present the people VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT RUCKUS - MEX/WEST STYLE featuring your old and new favourite bands.

For the first time we are proud to host INSPECTOR - from Monterrey Mexico to the festival.

INSPECTOR is one of the most representative ska bands in Mexico with twelve years in the music scene. Formed in late 1995, their influences come from the history of ska and its distinct waves. The lyrics talk about love and the loss of it, personal experiences, things that people could identify with. The band released its first independent album in late 1998 entitled “Blanco y Negro”, which lead the band to win a “Nuestro Rock” award as best new group. This event allowed the band to perform in many cities inside Mexico. In 2002 they are signed by Universal Music and produced the album "Alma en Fuego". Thanks to hits like "Amnesia" and "Amargo adios", Inspector became the first ska group in Mexico to receive a platinum record in 2003.

LOS FURIOS are familiar with the Victoria Ska Festival making two previous appearances in 2004 and 2005. But what makes this appearance even more sweet is that Pedro Alfaro aka "Dros" (Los Furios' past lead singer) will be making a special trip/appearance all the way from El Salvador to join in the festivities.

And finally to top it off, the Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to welcome back Mama Pulpa after their debut festival performance last year on the Kick Off Concert.

This ceremonial combination of bands all come together under one roof on Friday, July 11th @ White Eagle Hall.

This concert is all ages w/ licensed beer garden, food concession and merchandise tents.

Tickets available now on TICKETWEB.CA! Pick them up early as they will go fast (and capacity is limited)!

Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival Dub Production Workshop by Dubmatix Soundsystem

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Toronto's hottest dub/reggae duo
Dubmatix Soundsystem will take you on a
trip in learning about the evolution of dub music. The workshop will begin
with a brief history and then touch on dub music's various components.

Afterwards participants will be introduced to how dub is produced and even get some tips from Canada's best about what you need to get started making your own!

Skeleton of Dub Workshop

1. Brief History of Dub
2. Various Types of Dub
3. Key Components of Dub
4. Drum & Bass – The Foundation
5. Producing Dub – From Start To Finish
6. Getting Started in dub – what you need

Sign up for the workshop is required. For more info please call 250-384-3620

Victoria Ska Festival Jamaican Rhythms Workshop by New York Ska/Reggae Stubborn Records legend King Django

@ Long & McQuade Music Education Centre Workshop participants will explore the elements of different styles of
Jamaican music, with New York's ska/reggae Stubborn Records legend King
Django on all the traditional instruments which make up a traditional ska or reggae band.

Questions that will be addressed include:

What IS ska, rocksteady, reggae (several different periods) music?

What other styles and rhythms inform the playing of these styles?

What are the rhythmic and melodic elements which define Jamaican music?

What are the roles of the different instruments?

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL REGGAE EXTRAVAGANZA!

@ Ships Point (Inner Harbour) PATO BANTON & MYSTIC ROOTS are very excited to be coming to the Island to perform at Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival. Pato Banton has the energy of someone who is in their teens or early twenties. Not only that, Pato delivers a message that is food for the mind and soul. Many have considered his charismatic performance as live theatre where no show is alike and audience members become participants in the experience. Pato dialogues with the crowd on a range of topics including current day events and spiritual freedom while keeping a party vibe;)

The direction of the concert is totally based on the feedback Pato receives from the audience as there is no fixed set list. Many have said that the positivity generated from the stage has changed their lives forever.

He'll be joined by one of North America's premier ska/reggae pioneers -ex-Stubborn All-Stars trombone and vocalist and head of Stubborn Records -KING DJANGO from New Jersey.

And finally Canada's premier reggae/dub/drum n' bass groups DUBMATIX SOUNDSYSTEM will round out this exciting bill. Dubmatix have been tried and tested successfully with other reggae heavy weights such as Freddie McGreggor, Anthony B and Michael Rose. They will also be joined by guests that many of you will know (to be announced).

This show will take place at Ship Point (Inner Harbour) next to the Tourist Information Centre on Wharf Street in Downtown Victoria. The show is outdoors, all ages with beer gardens and food concessions. Merchandise and more will be available at site + an afterparty will follow at Element Nightclub featuring Jon & Roy, Dubmatix Soundsystem and Greenlaw!

REGGAE EXTRAVAGANZA AFTER-PARTY!

@ Element After you get mesmorized at the Pato Banton & Mystic Roots show then come down to Element Nightclub and listen to Jon & Roy give a sneak preview of their big show on the Inner Harbour the day after. Also see Victoria's homegrown soul, jazz, drum n' bass juggernauts - Greenlaw with Dubmatix Soundsystem in a dancehall setting and have the best of both worlds!

Advance tickets only available through purchasing a ticket to Reggae Extravaganza! Otherwise it's $12 at the door.

VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL KICK OFF CONCERT!

@ Ships Point (Inner Harbour) Come out and celebrate the opening of Victoria's 9th Annual Ska Festival with an awesome free concert at beautiful Ship Point (Inner Harbour). Mexico's Salon Victoria (one of Mexico's most celebrated ska bands) will headline the kick off while Victoria's own Buena Buya will get the whole Harbour dancing in a frenzy! To top it off they'll be a sneak preview by Mama Pulpa (who will also be playing at the festival's "Friday Night Ruckus" on July 11th. This concert is all ages with beer gardens and merchandise tents. Keep checking www.victoriaskafest.ca for further updates!

THE RETURN OF THE SLACKERS - BROOKLYN NEW YORK'S SKA KINGS!

@ Element A lot of people are ready to see the Slackers now... It's been three long years since they came and we can't wait. The third On the Road to Ska Fest 2008 show is going to be one of the highlights of the year. Winnipeg's SubCity Dwellers and Vancouver's The Elixxxirs have been added to the bill! Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, & TICKETWEB.CA


Bio Info:

”The Slackers are part of an imaginary universe. It wasn't their fault, well not completely. The caterpillar told them not to eat the mushroom on the right. But they did and for 15 yrs now they've had to play Imaginary-Jamaican-Rock-and-Roll, and try to explain that to everyone who passes. One asks,"Are you a reggae band?...where are your dreadlocks then?" Another says,"YOU DONT SOUND LIKE PUNK-ROCK WITH HORNS AT ALL!!" One elderly gent says,"Why it sounds like a lot of music I used to like, but I don't think any of you boys look addicted to HEROIN!" Doomed to try and explain themselves to a world full of hungry club-promoters, style-police, genre-slaves and the generally confused, they wrote bio upon bio, hoping to snag someone...ANYONE!...who might understand...here is attempt 6,364…” - Vic Ruggiero, The Slackers The Slackers sound is Jamaican rock n roll. While they have been influenced, and even personally taught by Jamaican ska/reggae originators, like the Skatalites and the Upsetters (Original backing band for the Wailers), the band sees its music through an American lens. This band is equally appreciative of old blues, 60s soul, rock, and Rnb as it is of reggae, rocksteady, dub, and Ska. It is as if the Rolling Stones or the Yardbirds had grown up on Bob Marley as well as Muddy Waters. From their 1996 release, Better Late Than Never through to last year's, Peculiar, the NYC-based band, the Slackers have established themselves as America's premiere interpreters and innovators of Jamaican music. In their new release, The Boss Harmony Sessions, they take this unified eclectism one step further. They revisit a rock standard, 'Mama Told Me Not Come', and infuse it with Trojan era reggae, psychedelic organs, and a coltraneish sax solo. 'Wanted Man' by Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash becomes an outlaw reggae ballad. 'Minha Menina' by Jorge Ben (Os Mutantes) is in Portuguese, very Brazilian rock yet very reggae, and even has a sitar solo! The originals, 'Robots' and 'Body Double', refer thematically to our dystopian present. One instrumental, 'Funk Week' makes a nod to Afro-Beat while the other 'Ska Boheme' makes a nod to opera. 'Yer Still Blue' is pure New Orleans while 'Lil Joe', 'Feed My Girl', and 'Mind Your Own Business' feature old school Jamaican sounds. For this new release, the Slackers turned to LA based DJ, Boss Harmony, to filter through their music. He selected the 12 album cuts from the 30 songs that the Slackers have recently recorded. He added some ambient sounds, transitional dialogue, lined up the tracks, and tweaked the overall sound. The effect is that this disc has the warm intimacy of a good friends mix cd of some of his favorite music. A cd that someone might pass onto you and say, "hey check this out!" Their previous release, Peculiar, was an artistic triumph. Aversion.com called it "the best American ska record to appear in a long, long while (well, at least since the Slackers last one)." Alternative nation described it as "protest music made for dim, sweaty basements, The Slackers would sound at home supporting Rancid as well as some grizzled New Orleans electric blues trio." In 2006, the band supported Peculiar by performing in 20 American states , 12 European countries, 2 Canadian Provinces, Mexico, and Brazil. As the prescient reviewer predicted they actually finished up 2006 opening for Rancid for a multi night run in San Francisco! In addition to Peculiar, the Slackers have released 11 other cds. Their first was Better Late Than Never (1996), featured a raw, direct vibe that The New York Times was quick to declare is "The Sound of New York." Upon signing with Tim Armstrong's, Hellcat Records, in 1997, the band released Red Light, which saw them evolving into a smoother, more melancholy and soulful unit. They have followed up Red light with 5 more releases on Hellcat. 1998’s, the Question, was proclaimed to be “the new Exile on Main Street.” Wasted Days from 2001 was praised by Maxim and the Village Voice and reached 8 on the Amazon.com sales charts. Close My Eyes from 2003 was praised by the Kerrang!,BBC, Pulse , and the LA Weekly which said, “it captures their unfettered energy, unerring skankability, and playful anger to a tee!“ The Slackers have also made several self-produced albums that have focused on different aspects of the band. The band paid tribute to their roots on Slackers & Friends, which features the Slackers as a backing band for American and Jamaican recording artists such as Glen Adams (the Upsetters), Cornell Campbell (the Uniques), Congo Ashanti Roy (the Congos), Doreen Schaeffer (the Skatalites), and Ari-up (the Slits). International War Criminal was a political-themed ep that was put out to coincide with the 2004 presidential election. Afternoon in Dub is an all reggae album that sounds like the title. The Slackers/Pulley split is a punky reggae party with their friends from Deconstruction tour in 2004. Since the release of Red Light, the Slackers have headlined 16 major US Tours and 11 European tours. They have appeared on the stages of the Warped Tour (1998), the Lowlands Festival (1999), Pukkelpop (1999, 2004), CMJ (2000), Montreal Jazz Festival (2000), the Bourges Festival (2001), the Dour Festival (2002, 2007), Deconstruction Tour (2004), Augustboller (2005), Streetbeat Festival (2005), Popkomm (2006), Summerjam (2007), Mighty Sounds (2007), and Ilosaarirock (2007) . They have shared stages with Rancid (1999,2003, 2006), Hepcat (1999), Joe Strummer (2002, 2003), Floggin Molly (2002), Jimmy Cliff (2002), the Beat (2002), Pennywise (2004), Toots & the Maytals (2005), The Pogues (2006), and John Spencer’s Heavy Traffic (2007). They have sold out numerous headlining gigs including such famous venues as Slims (San Francisco), Lee’s Palace (Toronto), The Garage (London), CBGBs (NYC, 2 nights in a row in 2006), Troubadour (LA, 3 times in 2006), the Knitting Factory (NYC, 5 times in the last 4 years), the Melkweg (A-dam), SESC Pompeia (Sao Paolo, 2 nights in 2006), and the Loft (Tokyo). The Slackers began 2007 by releasing Big Tunes!, a greatest hits compilation for the Japanese market, and this was followed by a tour of Japan and Korea. They followed this up with a tour of the Midwest & Canada which had them breaking many of their own attendance records. A summer European tour had them playing to festival crowds up to 10,000 people! A recent fall tour of California had them packing out rooms from San Diego to LA to San Francisco. In mid-2007, the band also released its first official DVD entitled, “The Slackers: A Documentary.” This DVD follows the ups and downs of the band over the years and contains a combination of live footage with one-on-one interviews between band members and the filmmaker, Ben Levin

@ Logan's Pub The Real Deal return to Victoria for their first time since Skafest 2006 to rock Logans with Arbutus Trio and Start with the Cobra.

JAH CUTTA & DETERMINATION BAND WITH BUENA BUYA - KILLER REGGAE/SKA//LATIN BILL!!

@ Lucky Bar This show is going to be quite the party... Jah Cutta and the Determination Band are one of Canada's reggae legends and they'll draw people out of the woodwork that have known Jah Cutta for many years.

Buena Buya are on the rise with their unique blend of reggae/Latin and ska! Don't miss this one because it will probably sell out... Keep logged on to WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA and LIVEVICTORIA.COM to keep up with the most recent info!

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Jamaican Jerkhouse, The Reef, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.CA

ON THE ROAD TO SKA FEST 2008 ! --> BRITISH TWO-TONE SKA LEGENDS COME TO PAARTEA ON THE ISLAND!

@ Sugar Monday, April 7th/08 Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to host one of the England's greatest two-tone ska legends BAD MANNERS for the first time in Victoria! Lead by Buster Bloodvessel Bad Manners has been around for over 30 years. BAD MANNERS spentHit songs of the early 80s include "My Girl Lollipop", "Lip Up Fatty", "Just a Feeling" "Lorraine" and "Special Brew"

They'll be joined by Island favourites The Kiltlifters that just completed a sold out Tribute to Sublime Island Style mini tour with band counterparts Current Swell and Brave New Waves.

This is all part of the Annual On the Road to Ska Fest 2008 Concert Series leading up to VICTORIA'S 9TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL (July 9th - 12th/2008)

Tickets on sale Mar. 14

@ Sugar Fat Wreck Chord / Stomp recording artists The Flatliners make their LONG awaited debut to Victoria for this Saturday night Ska/Punk spectacular. Joining them are G7 Welcoming Committees The Rebel Spell and local’s Arbutus Trio and Kilgore Trout (feat. Ex members of One Drop)

SKASPOT LIVE VANCOUVER presents SKA-A-THON

@  The Biltmore on KIngsway in Vancouver Get ready for a night full of dancing and partying when some BC's best ska bands come together in Vancouver at the Biltmore Cabaret. In addition to the awesome music there will be ska dancing contests, merchandise and vintage ska video viewing. It's all SKA and you'll be all sweaty by the time you're done!

Log on to live.skaspot.com for more info.

Proudly presented by Skaspot Live Vancouver and supported by Victoria BC Ska Society.

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE (Nanaimo all ages)

@ Cavallotti Lodge Tribute to Sublime Island Style makes its way up to Nanaimo (Harbour City) for one night only at the Cavallotti Lodge. Hometown heroes the Kiltlifters with Current Swell, Jon and Roy, & Brave New Waves will perform Sublime tunes in their own style! Tickets going fast now at Delicado's, Fascinating Rhythms, and TICKETWEB.CA

Beer Garden and Food Concession on site courtesy of Delicado's

Proudly sponsored by Delicado's in Old Town Nanaimo! The very best wraps in town;)

THE COOL RULER OF REGGAE: GREGORY ISAACS w/ Live Wyya Band, Mello G & DJ Abel --> Pepperpot's 6th Year Anniversary Bash!/Black History Month Celebration

@ Element Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio is celebrating 6 years of providing wicked music to the Island massive. And we're doing it up nice when we host the Cool Ruler of Reggae - GREGORY ISAACS to Victoria for the first time! He'll be accompanied by Live Wyya Band. DJ Abel will be selecting some nice dancehall and conscious tunes before and after Gregory Isaacs and crew perform so all in all it will be a celebration not to be missed!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Jamaican Jerkhouse, Strathcona Hotel, Ditch Records, Fascinating Rhythms (Nanaimo) & TICKETWEB.COM

Keep logged on to WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA for updates!

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE!

@ White Eagle Hall The all ages version for Tribute to Sublime Weekend! The day after the 40th would be birthday of Brad Nowell! Current Swell, Jon and Roy, The Kiltlifters and Brave New Waves will once again perform Sublime songs in their style - Island style!

Beer Garden on site courtesy of Lighthouse Brewery.

Food Concession on site courtesy of The Joint Pizza

Guayaki, water and merchandise also available at the show!

TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME ISLAND STYLE (SOLD OUT)!

@ Sugar Local ska/reggae bands Current Swell w/Jon Middleton, The Kiltlifters, and Brave New Waves come together to give you want you've all thought would be a great idea but that's never been done our way;) Each band will perform different Sublime tunes putting their own style into each one. Tickets are expected to go fast for this show so be sure to get on it early! TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW ON WWW.TICKETWEB.COM

February 22nd/2008 day would have been Brad Nowell's 40th birthday.

Nine Mile returns to Victoria!

@ Lucky Bar Come down to Lucky Bar to listen to the sweet (and addictive) sounds of Toronto's NINE MILE that are making their long-awaited return to Victoria. They will be joined by friends Melissa Larkin and Brian MacMillan. All the staff at Lucky Bar are excited about the return of the band. And a friend of Brian's has already told us how excited he is about the show. Nine Mile played in Victoria once opening for Xavier Rudd and then their next time saw them play a house party on their friend's porch after they were bumped off a weekend bill at the now defunct Steamers Pub.

The crowd of about 20 people who witnessed the awesome porch show came back six months later to Lucky Bar to see another great show. And now after that successful return to Lucky they're back again ready for more partying and showing people great music.

http://www.nine-mile.com http://www.melissalarkin.com http://www.myspace.com/brianmacmillan

ONE DROP FAREWELL SHOW

@ Sugar It's been a one hell of a ride for Victoria's reggae/punk/ska heroes ONE DROP but for now the band has announced their final hoorah on Saturday, January 26th @ Sugar Nightclub. Although we're not all jumping for joy we are going to make the most of it and throw the biggest One Drop party Victoria has ever seen. Use the show to reflect on the good times you've had with the band and all the fun people you've met through coming to their shows. Or if you haven't heard of One Drop here's your last chance to see them live and feel the wrath of a true One Drop Gutslashers style paarty!!

Tickets available Saturday, December 15th @ Lyle's Place, Backstage Pass, Jamaican Jerkhouse & TICKETWEB.COM

A Bassa Bassa Sundayz Event - A Riddim Rider Series

@ The Columbia Vancouver BC brings the Dubmatix Soundsystem to town for the first time!

DUBMATIX SOUNDSYSTEM brings reggae/drum n' bass/dub to the Island for the first time!

@ Lucky Bar Dubmatix Soundsystem are one of Canada's premier reggae/drum n bass/dub soundsystems. Performing as a duo with computer effects and live bass and/or with guest vocalists, Dubmatix have been tried and tested successfully with other reggae heavy weights such as Freddie McGreggor, Anthony B and Michael Rose.

Dubmatix Soundsystem will be joined by talented dub/reggae rockers DUBTET and a special appearance by Prince Pauper playing acoustic reggae to warm up the evening!

Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Jamaican Jerkhouse, The Reef & TICKETWEB.COM

@ Lucky Bar Toronto ska-punk-rockers Ill Scarlett play a special early show at Lucky Bar. With special guests Ill Scarlett. Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records and Lucky Bar. Presented by Nanaimo's Got Pop Productions.

Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra & Buena Buya at Hermann's Jazz Club

@ Hermann's Jazz Club Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra and Buena Buya are becoming the talk of the town selling out their last two shows since Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival back in July. Both bands will give you a combination of gypsy-jazz, ska, reggae, Latin, Funk, and R&B. This show is also all ages;) Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, Jamaican Jerkhouse & TICKETWEB.COM

NARDWUAR (The Human Serviette), THE EVAPORATORS, Vincat and Final Verdict bring fun and craziness to Victoria!

@ Jamaican Jerk House NOTE NEW VENUE: JAMAICAN JERKHOUSE (607 PANDORA AVE.) Tickets available now at Lyle's Place & Backstage Pass.

For well over ten years, The Evaporators have earned a reputation as one of Canada's most entertaining live bands, blending rollicking garage rock with some persistent onstage energy, side-spitting humour, and some very snazzy outfits. Their live shows are not simply concerts: they are raging, out of control parties that make the film Animal House resemble a church picnic. Led by the boundlessly enthusiastic

Nardwuar the Human Serviette on vocals and organ, the shows also include an abundance of audience participation and spontaneous stunts that keep the crowd grinning from ear to ear.


Reportedly, The Evaporators formed while Nardwuar and drummer Scott Livingstone were in the midst of doing push-ups in their school gym class. Since then, the band's wacky humour and musical exuberance have consistently set them apart from the hordes of dour bands whose airtight sombreness constrict even the most jaded in society.

They'll be joined by local favourites: Vincat & Final Verdict.

English Punk Legends

@ Sugar

CHRIS MURRAY AND ONE NIGHT BAND ON THE SAME BILL - SWEEET!

@ Steamers Pub Finally the idea of having Chris Murray and One Night Band on the same bill have come through for all the ska/reggae Island Massive!

Chris Murray continues to be the North American king of ska playing shows all over the US, Canada and the rest of the world. He continues to collaborate with the bands that uphold the genre (some of the most talented and unknown).

One Night Band will make their third appearance in Victoria fresh off opening up for Neville Staple and Mad Caddies at the most recent Victoria Ska Festival. They will be playing their own material and performing songs with Chris Murray.

Be sure to pick up an advance ticket or come to the door early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, Jamaican Jerkhouse & TICKETWEB.COM


Tickets available now at Lyle's Place & Jamaican Jerkhouse & TICKETWEB.COM

ELEPHANT MAN COMES TO VICTORIA FOR SHIZZLE!

@ Element Victoria BC Ska Society is excited to spread the word about the coming of ELEPHANT MAN aka "The Energy God" to Element Nightclub on Monday, September 24, 2007! Tickets available now at Lyle's Place, The Reef, Jamaican Jerkhouse, & TICKETWEB.COM.

Elephant Man is one of the most electrifying performers in the dancehall world presently.

He has been a leader of bringing FUN back to the dancehall with his album "Good to Go" on VP REcords which caused dancehall step madness all over the world with people learning various dances to go along with his songs. The main song people learned to dance to was "Signal di Plane" which has dances such as Signal di Plane, Chaplin Step and the Parachute.

Check http://youtube.com/watch?v=lgcnBOGm984

This phenomenon was similar to the 1960s in Jamaica in the dancehalls where everyone learned to do "the ska" which also had various dances to go along with it.

Check out this link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TAL1VTfffOo

Point is history repeats itself and Elephant Man through his album release and music videos began a new trend to bring fresh dances to the forefront into dancehalls throughout Jamaica and around the world.
-----------------------------------

Elephant Man stormed through the doors of dancehall back in 1998 under the wing of Bounty Killa and the Scare Dem Crew (Boom Dandimite, Harry Toddler, Nitty Kutchie and Elephant Man) flexing his creative muscles while managing to successfully brand himself as ..Father Elephant,.. the self proclaimed Dancehall King. Elephant Man is solely responsible for reuniting dancehall music with dance and its fun, trouble-free roots, a vital element that..s been absent from the culture and replaced too often by a new wave of artists who glorify a bad mon, bad mind persona in their records. His debut, Good 2 Go (VP Records), became a worldwide smash back in 2004 with the release of chart topping party tunes like ..Signal di Plane.. and ..Pon di River, Pon di Bank,.. the single which snagged him a Source Award for ..Dancehall/Reggae Artist of the Year.. and the MTV2 nomination at the 2004 MTV Music Video Awards.

Since then, the hardcore Energy God hasn't slowed down. He has recorded collaborations with Lil.. Jon on the ..Get Low Remix,.. R. Kelly on ..Reggae Bump Bump,.. Pitbull and Daddy Yankee on the ..Rah-Rah Remix,.. and Janet Jackson on ..All Nite (Don..t Stop),.. and also performed on stage at the 2004 BET Awards and signed with Diddy..s Bad Boy Records, all while preparing for the release of his sophomore album Let..s Get Physical (Bad Boy/VP Records). Ele linked up with Diddy back in 2005 while opening for Usher on his Truth Tour. When Ele hit the stage with an electrifying performance, the Bad Boy CEO took notice. ..When he saw my performance he was like ..Yo, Elephant, we got to do this and I was ready,.. says Bad Boy..s first reggae act. Never abandoning VP, the label that nurtured and supported Ele from the beginning, Elephant Man is excited about his major label joint venture (Bad Boy/VP Records) and looking forward to making dancehall history with Sean Combs and the entire Bad Boy family. ..I been a fan of Bad Boy for the longest time and now I'm Bad Boy for life!,.. Ele laughs. ..We gonna take dancehall to another level.

Union Label Fall Tour

@ Sugar This will be a night of partying for all of those that love ska, punk, psychobilly and reggae. This jammed packed bill includes longtime old schoolers THE TOASTERS back again after a two years along with Switzerland's psychobilly/punk sensations THE PEACOCKS (first visit to Victoria in almost 7 years), Toronto's THE FLATLINERS and Stomp Records' newly signed Saint Alvia Cartel!

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Backstage Pass & TICKETWEB.COM. Perfect party to end the summer and get you right into fall. The fun doesn't stop;)

KING YELLOWMAN COMES TO VICTORIA!

@ Sugar Victoria BC Ska Society & Pepperpot are proud to bring Victoria Jamaica's first dancehall superstar. YELLOWMAN ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley's death. His early-'80s success brought the popularity of toasting -- the reggae equivalent of rapping -- to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future.

YELLOWMAN was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay. Plus, all the boasting about his prowess on the mic or in the bedroom had to be over the top to be convincing: true to his stage name, Yellow-man was an albino, which carries a tremendous social stigma in Jamaica.

YELLOWMAN recorded prolifically in the early '80s, at one point flooding the Jamaican market with more than 40 singles. His first full-length album, Them a Mad Over Me, was recorded for Channel One in 1981 and featured the hit title track and the single "Me Kill Barnie," an answer record to Lone Ranger's hit "Barnabas Collins."

After 1983's Zungguzungguguzungguzeng album, YELLOWMAN signed a major-label deal with CBS Records, which encouraged him to maintain the stylistic versatility of his previous work. However, his lone album for the label, 1984's KING YELLOWMAN, sported mixed results, attempting everything from slack toasts to R&B and pop-tinged crossover tracks, including covers of "Sea Cruise" and
"Take Me Home Country Roads," and the much-maligned fusion attempt "Disco Reggae." He subsequently released several albums on Shanachie, including 1984's Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt, 1985's Galong Galong Galong, 1986's Going to the Chapel, and 1987's Don't Burn It Down. The latter found him delving more into social consciousness; the title cut was a pro-marijuana protest, while "Stop Beat Woman" condemned domestic violence, and "Free Africa" criticized apartheid. Around the same time, he suffered a bout with throat cancer, but fortunately recovered. He returned to action with the hit Fats Domino cover "Blueberry Hill," and moved to the Ras label to record the well-received Yellow Like Cheese album with producer Philip "Fatis" Burrell.

1994's Prayer album (still on Ras) was the first effort in this new direction, and it was followed quickly by Message to the World in 1995. 1997's Freedom of Speech continued in a similar vein, after which YELLOWMAN switched over to the Artists Only label. His first effort was 1999's Yellow Fever, which concentrated on conscious reggae but also featured some good-natured party tracks. New York followed in 2003, and Round 1 in 2005.

Aggrolites Return to Victoria!

@ Sugar The Aggrolites have grown to be one of North America's premier reggae/soul/ska bands! It was only yesterday (2003) that Victoria BC Ska Society first hosted them at Victoria's 4th Annual Ska Festival before they signed to California's celebrated Hellcat Records. They were here again last summer opening for Junior Reid and have coined our Island "God's Country" Playing with bands such as Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Hepcat, Chris Murray Combo (which they have comprised), Rancid, Maddness and many more the Aggrolites have become respected in the reggae scenes worldwide. Their recent work with Tim Armstrong of Rancid has garnered them even more attention and now the band is becoming more known in Los Angeles and other surrounding cities in California especially gaining regular radio play and sold out shows. CHECK OUT TIM ARMSTRONG (of Rancid) with THE AGGROLITES

The Aggrolites will be joined by Victoria's reggae/punks One Drop that enjoyed a sold out Ska Festival performance at Ukrainian Cultural Centre a few weeks ago + Vancouver's Los Furios one of Western Canada's most revered ska bands. Tickets are a very reasonable $14.00 advance available at Lyle's Place & Backstage Pass. Tickets are also available through TICKETWEB.COM

The Aggrolites return to Van City!

@ The Red Room UltraBar This is going to be one killer show we tell ya... It's a show bill made in heaven. The Aggrolites, Los Furios and One Drop ALL ON THE SAME SHOW?? WHAT?!

Tickets available now at Zulu Records, Highlife, Scratch and Red Cat Records. Get em before they're sold out!

Reggae Kings United!

@ Element SLY & ROBBIE
Theirs is the ultimate musical marriage, a partnership that, once formed, re-etched the very landscape of not just Jamaican music, but the entire world's. Such hyperbole is oftentimes rolled out by publicity machines whenever two musical talents come together, but in the case of drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare, it really was an earth-shattering union. Their rhythms have been the driving force behind innumerable songs -- one statistician estimated that together they've played on approximately 200,000 tracks, and that doesn't count remixes, versions, and dubs. As a production team, the pair has been the equivalent of a creative storm, the cutting edge of modern dub, ragga, and dancehall.

HORACE ANDY
Horace Andy aka (Sleepy) first came to public attention at the tender age of 19 when he started to hang out, audition and eventually record for the legendary Studio 1 label, which was fast gaining a reputation as the "Motown Of Jamaica". He recorded a succession of classic singles:"Fever," "Just Say Who," "Every Tongue Shall Tell" and "Skylarking" among them. Horacethen switched to working primarily with Bunny "Striker" Lee, and his singing and songwriting talents then came into their own. He cut gems like "You Are My Angel" and the anthemic "Money Money." With his unique crying vocals, the hits kept coming.Over the next few years Horace collaberated with the like of Neneh Cherrry, Sly & Robbie, Morwells, Prince Jazzbo and gained a new audience internationally when he collaberated with Massive Attack

CHERINE ANDERSON
" THE PRINCESS OF DANCEHALL SOUL!!! Cherine Anderson has starred in two of Jamaicas most successful films; Dancehall Queen and One Love. She has written and recorded with respected producers and musicians including Sly & Robbie, Sting, Wyclef Jean, Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Cliff, and graduated with honors from the prestigious Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Music and a minor in Japanese Language and Literature. Never one to pass up the opportunity to work on her craft and knowledge of the industry, Cherine spent many of her college summers interning at companies including MTV Networks, Interscope Records and the Chris Blackwell owned Palm Pictures and Palm Records.

“I call my music DANCEHALL SOUL: a mixture of reggae dancehall, soul, R&B and a little lover’s rock. Behind the beat is a message. It incorporates the grittiness of my past with the sweetness of things I’ve been exposed to.”

Cherine has been focusing her attention on writing music and collaborating with a team including Sly & Robbie, David Norland (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Dallas Austin), JeekyMan (Lil Kim), as well as young Jamaican producers such as Fateyes and Michael Jarret (Sean Paul). With reggae/urban radio stations in Jamaica, US, Canada, some European countries, as well as internet radio already playing her debut single “Good Love”, (using the same riddim as Jimmy Riley’s smash hit “Love and Devotion”), Cherine looks poised to make a serious impact in the reggae and urban markets. Cherine’s second single, “Cookie”, has been gaining steady airplay. According to the Jamaican Star, “…if the song “Cookie” gets the proper marketing locally and internationally, it ‘Mus Buss’…it can go places and has tremendous potential.” The up-tempo “Cookie” shows Cherine’s diversity and ability as a songwriter to create a song that can inspire and entertain, and speak to younger audiences. The video for her hit single “Good Love” peaked at #2 on the Jamaica’s top video chart, and is currently # 3 on South Florid's reggae charts. Good Love continues to be heavily rotated on the nation’s two major networks as well as cable channels. The video is also being played on BET Jazz and MTV Tempo. According to reggae legend Sly Dunbar, “Cherine is the real deal. A truly strong vocalist on hard core reggae riddims with the ability and potential to surpass Jamaican audiences to reach the masses.”

SUMMER SPLASH AT CENTENNIAL SQUARE!

@ Centennial Square Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival as enjoyable and successful as it was has come to a close BUT there is much more on the horizon for the rest of the summer and into fall (we'll tell you about that another time;)

Friday, August 10th the Victoria BC Ska Society is proud once again to bring Victoria Columbia's best ska/reggae/Latin/funk group LA SEVERA MATACERA. LA SEVERA MATACERA was born in Bogota Columbia 12 years ago with the intent in forming a band which could mix all the influences of its members. The fusion of ska, reggae, funk jazz and traditional styles native to Columbia with a very hard rock feeling brings out the unique touch that La Severa Matacera gives to its music, showing that the roots of these genres are the same so that they match perfectly. A very harmonious brass ensemble joined by a rhythm base made of powerful bass, guitar and drums grooving together contagiously is the key. The personal experiences of all the members of the band and a little reflection of the daily happening in a chaotic world gives the band space to understand it and then spread the message full of positive energy, tolerance and most of all respect for the basic human rights such as life and freedom. Victoria's Manitario - reggae/rock groove will bring up the vibes even more complimenting La Severa's Latin/ska/reggae sound. This will be a free show. ALL AGES WITH BEER GARDEN, FOOD CONCESSION AND MERCHANDISE TENT! Bring your friends and family to this one!



AND THEN @ SUGAR NIGHTCLUB FOLLOWING THE FREE SHOW...

The after-party for the Summer Splash will feature: (drum rooolll.....

THE SKATOMATICS! & THE RAYGUN COWBOYS

A perfect mixture of ska and rockabilly all in one!

Party till 2am in the morning and fill your boots!

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE BY GOING TO SUMMER SPLASH!

Summer Splash attendees will have the opportunity to pick up a discount voucher at the beer garden or food concession or merchandise tent at the show (which will be a flyer for one of Victoria BC Ska Society's upcoming shows). You can get $3.00 off your admission at the after-party by presenting this flyer at Sugar and pay ($5.00 instead of $8.00).



WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA for more info!

SUMMER SPLASH AFTER PARTY!

@ Sugar So... After you finish dancing yourself into oblivion at the Summer Splash with La Severa Matacera & Manitario, come down to Sugar Nightclub and enjoy tons more tunes with The Skatomatics & the Raygun Cowboys!

Cover is $8.00 at the door or $5.00 with a discount voucher from the free show!

Hellcat Recording Artists

@ Logan's Pub Static Thought on Hellcat and Action on Punk Core records come for their first Victoria shows to tear it up at logans just before the long weekend!

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL SATURDAY FREE SHOW WARM-UP

@ Market Square This show is designed to get your blood pumping for the Grand Finale Concert at the Curling Club later at night. SKABOOM! finally makes a return to Victoria since it must have been the 1980s?;) We are very happy to see Skaboom alive and well in Vancouver. They are preparing an extra special set for Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival. afternoon of fun playing their favourite brand of ska with sprinkles of folk mixed in.

Take the whole family to this one! Free + beer gardens & merchandise tents on site in addition to all the yummy food available throughout Market Square!

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE CONCERT

@ Victoria Curling Club VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL IS GOING TO BE A BLAST!! For the first time ever NEVILLE STAPLE(formerly of the Specials) and his band will headline this most celebrated festival concert. Co-headling with NEVILLE STAPLE and his Band will be Fat Wreck Chords Recording Artists MAD CADDIES who will also be making their first ever appearance at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival. Joining them will be Sainte Catherines and The Real McKenzies! FINALLY to top it off Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival is proud to host EVES OF DESTRUCTION ROLLERGIRLS who will be doing a demo before the bands start! Opening the show will be one of the most exciting Stomp Records Bands -- ONE NIGHT BAND with special guest JFK from Winnipeg's JFK & the Conspirators! In addition to all of the music (6 bands) there will be a beer garden, food kiosks by The Joint Pizza and The Reef Restaurant + Merchandise tents so you can buy music from all of your favourite artists! ALL AGES + BEER GARDENS! For more information on this most anticipated show log on to WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA Tickets also available at Lyle's Place & The Reef in Victoria Fascinating Rhythms (Nanaimo) Area 51 (Duncan) B-Side Surf (Saltspring Island) $29.50 advance

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL FRIDAY FREE EVENING SHOW

@ Market Square Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to have Satori (members of RX Bandits, Link 80 & The Exit) play at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival for the first time. Steve Borth II has made Satori a full-time project after years of playing in the RX Bandits among other bands. Steve has a great relationship with ska icons such as Chris Murray and David Hillyard whom have helped produce his albums and played live at certain shows.

Victoria's own reggae/blues powerhouse Current Swell will add very nicely to this bill.

The Victoria-based band is only a couple of years old, but have already attracted national attention, including a gig at the Victoria Folk Festival and a coveted spot on the coast-to-coast TV network, MuchMusic. They have also shared stages with established bands such as Bedouin Soundclash, Beautiful Girls and Moka Only, and have toured around western Canada.

Macaque is a also another Victoria powerhouse band that is unknown by most but will soon be discovered by many after this festival appearance. For those hip with the jazz side of the reggae-ska spectrum, be sure to get a grip on Macaque. This Vancouver Island ‘ska little-big band’ channels the old-school vibe of the Skatalites with modern compositions and arrangements, covers and originals, and is heavy on the horns.

Born out of the Van Isle Ska-Jazz Orchestra, which rocked the Victoria Skafest Mainstage show in 2004 to killer reviews, Macaque draws from a pool of established ska and jazz musicians on Vancouver Island. Heading the list is lead arranger and trombonist Dave St. Jean. St. Jean, of the Kiltlifters, has led award-winning jazz combos, played with professional big bands, and is notable as an on-call musician for Skafest, including his performance with Fishbone in 2005.

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL PUNK PARTY NIGHT!

@ Ukrainian Cultural Centre sO... Punk party night at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival continues;) This time we'll call it a Friday the 13th Special! This year we are proud to host ONE DROP once again with special guests The Rebel Spell & for their second year straight ---> SubCity Dwellers! All Ages w/ Beer Garden on site with ID. Merchandise Tents Pizza also on site courtesy of the Joint & Guayaki Energy Drink will also be sold.

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL REGGAE EXTRAVAGANZA!

@ Market Square Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival is proud to announce one of the most eclectic, captivating reggae presentations in quite some time... This line-up will be jam-packed with talent with some of the best bands current and classic. LOS RASTRILLOS - an awesome reggae/dancehall/ska/Latin band from D.F. Mexico alongside THE ITALS from Jamaica will co-headline this most historic show.

THE ITALS will be making a surprise appearance on this show as they will be touring throughout North America. One of Jamaica's signature harmony groups, similar to Jamaican music legends such as Culture, the Mighty Diamonds and the Wailing Souls, the Itals were chiefly responsible for keeping the sound and spirit of roots reggae alive well into the dancehall era.

Paapa Wastik from Ghana, Mount Zion, Africa has a new album called "Thanks and Praise" coming on Tuff Gong this summer and doing tracks with Jamaica's Lutan Fyah Paapa Wastik is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Come out and see tear of the stage on this show!
The Drastics (Jump Up Records Recording Artist) are a nine-piece reggae/dub band that have been paving the scene in the Chicago area for quite some time. Their sound is both danceable and soothing at the same time.


Arbutus Trio - reggae/dub pride of Victoria BC have been playing steadily and improving in their scope and sound of their music since the summer of 2006. Their first large show was in Cortes Island opening for Columbia's La Severa Matacera and they continued that pattern into the fall playing with aritsts such as The Toasters and Chris Murray. After coming back from a national tour in March Arbutus Trio with the addition of Nathan Cummings of One Drop fame on the sound board will contribute nicely to this most special reggae/dub night!

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL KICK OFF FREE SHOW

@ Market Square This is going to be the kick off to an amazing four days of ska, reggae, jazz, soul, funk, punk, dancehall, Latin, folk and much more! Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival is pleased to be back in Market Square after a 5 year hiatus and both the Victoria BC Ska Society and Market Square are excited about these scheduled concerts. This is an all ages event with a licensed beer garden + merchandise tents. More information is upcoming about Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival so be sure to keep your eye on WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA

The Soul Captives from San Francisco are making their second appearance at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival since their last appearance back in 2004 at Steamers Pub. They play some of the nicest ska/reggae/jazz in North America!

Mama Pulpa will make their way back to Victoria all the way from Mexico City. They play a mixture of ska/Latin styles and rock.

Uprite Dub Orchestra will make their second appearance on Victoria's Annual Ska Festival since their debut appearance back in 2004 at the festival's 5th Year Anniversary. Now the band is a 8-piece force of nature playing the sweetest dub, reggae and ska out of Portland, Oregon!

VICTORIA'S 8TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Kick Off After Party!

@ The Reef Come out after Victoria's 8th Annual Ska Festival's kick off free night at Market Square and party till the morning at The Reef Restaurant with Victoria's own Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra! We know you'll have an awesome time dancing, eating and drinking some...;)

Admission is cheap at the door. This event will sellout for sure to try to arrive as soon as the doors open. More details to come...

@ Logan's Pub

@ Element Set to be one of the best punk tours to hit Victoria in a long time. Punk Vet's the Bouncing Souls make their island debut with direct support from Fat Wreck recording artists Strike Anywhere and The Loved Ones. This kind of lineup dosen't come arround very often so don't miss out on a chance to see this stacked bill!

On the Road to Ska Fest 2007

@ Lucky Bar Get ready for a night of dancing, drinks, friends and fun when Los Furios make their first appearance in Victoria in almost a year and a half. To join them we have Victoria's powerhouse ska/rocksteady group The Droptones + Manitario!

Tickets available shortly at Lyle's Place. On sale now at ticketweb.com

On the Road to Ska Fest 2007

@ Steamers Pub Jah Cutta and the Determination have been around for over 20 years but it's just recently they've decided to start touring again. Jah Cutta resides in Montreal. He has shared the stage with artists such as Peter Tosh, The Wailers, Gregory Issac and Buju Banton. He'll be joined by Mellow G talented singer and chanter. The duo singer/MCs work together like milk & honey.

ARBUTUS TRIO are pumped to play this show fresh from their national tour. Arbutus Trio have been steadily increasing their profile around Victoria & Islands, Vancouver and the rest of BC since the spring of 2006. They recently were support for La Severa Matacera (Bogota, Columbia), Chris Murray (LA) & The Toasters (NYC) on three separate bills.

Their new tracks make solid listening material and give reggae dub lovers something exciting to talk about.


Tickets at Lyle's Place, Jamaican Jerkhouse, The Reef and Ticketweb.com

Tune into CFUV's Skankster's Paradise 2:30pm - 3:30pm & Pepperpot - Victoria's Hypest Caribbean Radio from 6-7pm to hear music from Jah Cutta and The Determination Band & Arbutus Trio!

Clap Your Hands! with

@ Felicita's Campus Pub Come out and enjoy a night of drinking and dancing FOR FREE when the Droptones bring their ska/rocksteady/reggae sounds to Felicita's Pub.

This is a special show for UVIC students (bring your student ID. or come before 8pm)

Limited edition Stubborn Records merchandise will be on site as well as information and pre-sale tickets to some awesome upcoming Victoria BC Ska Society presentations!

@ Fernwood Community Centre

@ Logan's Pub Highfive Drive are one of the most under rated punk bands in Canada today, with hundreds of shows under their belts and a fanbase from here in Victoria to Halifax their high energy show is not to be missed. Anyone who liked Belvedere, Strung Out, Lagwagon or anything fast and techy will LOVE H igh Five Drive!! Check em out!

www.myspace.com/highfivedrive
www.myspace.com/layingwaste
www.myspace.com/neonbrownmusic

Homecoming show.

@ Sugar Well well well... It was a dream fulfiled for Victoria's favourite reggae/punk droplets as they made their way from our humble Island town all the way down the US westcoast settling down in California for a nice long fun *and challenging;) tour in December 2006. Traveling from town to town in a little 7 passenger van with a big ass trailer attached their tour offered them a lot of Mexican fast food, friendly (ish) fights, drinks, partying, skateboarding, porn video mansions, (The Saloon), beach towns and wonderful people.

ONE DROP finally makes its return to Victoria for their home coming concert appropriately titled "A Safe (ish) return from America." Between Nate being ill for much of the trip, Brandon loosing his clothes in Seattle & splitting his head open (take a bow BG;) ha ha! and the rest of the band all getting colds at one time or another on the tour -- they are back safe (ish) and sound READY TO KILL AT SUGAR!! Although announced quite suddenly Victoria Gut Slashers Crew and all the One Drop tribes of Victoria and Island (s) will be out in full effect!!


SO BE SURE TO COME OUT AND CELEBRATE ONE DROP'S SAFE (ISH) RETURN FROM AMERICA – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH AT SUGAR NIGHTCLUB. ONE DROP WILL BE JOINED BY VANCITY PUNKS CAMBRIDGE, FATY MATY AND THE YELLOWBELTS & LOOSE TOOTH!

Tickets available now dirt cheap -- $9 in advance at Lyle's Place & TICKETWEB.COM
Proudly presented by the Victoria BC Ska Society!

SKATALITES' BELATED 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

@ Element Finally the Skatalites are coming back to Victoria to play the best ska/reggae in the world! If you remember the last time they came a few years ago, you'll be more than excited... They put on one of the best (if not the best) ska shows Victoria had ever seen. If you have never seen the Skatalites they are incredible live playing wicked ska and the best jazz and reggae you've ever heard.

They'll be joined by local talents The Droptones (Zsolt Sandor, Sam Tallo of King Apparatus and other members of Those Rapskallions) whom play soulful, ska/reggae + Macaque that play old school style ska/jazz with members of The Kiltlifters and the Bombasts! Don't miss this show!

Tickets will be available shortly at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Chain Chain Chain, Fascinating Rhythms (in Nanaimo), Acoustic Planet in Saltspring Island and TICKETWEB.COM

TOUR SEND OFF FINALE FOR ONE DROP!

@ Sugar This kick ass show is going to be the tour send off show for ONE DROP before they go down the west coast of the USA to play some dates in early to mid December.

In addition to the stacked bill of local talent you see here we are especially pleased to host BURNT from San Diego, California that will be performing music with reggae, hip hop and punk influences. Burnt are also one of the most socially active and politically conscious bands in the reggae scene in San Diego. One Drop will be doing some dates with them down in California as well.

Following a series of sold out local shows; a successful ICA Folk Festival performance and notable appearances with artists such as Xavier Rudd and The Beautiful Girls, Victoria's own Current Swell are stoked to be a part of One Drop's send off tour.

Arbutus Trio that have quickly made waves in the music scene locally and throughout BC will be in the house giving us their unique blend of reggae with influences ranging from The Slackers, Alpha Blondie and ofcourse One Drop:)


Finally we are extremely excited to have KIA KADIRI back on the bill with One Drop since her last collaboration with them back in 2002! Kia Kadiri is one of Canada's most revered hip hop MCs and she will be performing both a solo set and some tracks with One Drop!

Get ready for one phat ass paaaarty!!!


Tickets are a ridiculous cheap $10 when purchased in advance at Lyle's Place & Ditch Records

Tickets also available on TICKETWEB.COM

Don't miss this stack show!

SKA/REGGAE PARTY NIGHT

@ Lucky Bar A true cultivator of the ska scene in North America and beyond (CHRIS MURRAY) - also ex lead singer of King Apparatus will finally make a stop in Victoria to play a solo show!!

The Skatomatics will be returning after a great appearance at Victoria's 7th Annual Ska Festival and gaining increased attention in Vancouver and throughout BC, The Skatomatics are pumped to come into Vic town and rip shit up! BTW: They also played the tunes for that elephant commericial with Telus. Ha! -- The real song is called "Burning Bush."

They'll be joined by Arbutus Trio who are quickly becoming recognized for their versatility in musical style - mixing reggae, dub and folk.

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & TICKETWEB.COM

EASY STAR ALL STARS RADIO DREAD TOUR W/ Dub Side of the Moon Selections!

@ Sugar Victoria BC Ska Society is back at it with bringing you Easy Star All Stars! Easy Star All-Stars are a collective family of some of the finest reggae musicians in the New York area. The band features a rotating cast drawn from a talented pool of players, meaning that every show has its own nuances and its own life. Easy Star All Stars are most known for their epic album Dub Side of the Moon covering Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon" in a reggae style! On this tour they will be performing selections from Dub Side of the Moon as well as their new album "RADIO DREAD" - based on Radiohead's album OK Computer. Easy Star All Stars also have a treasure trove of original material that is of much quality as bands like the Slackers and the Skatalites with blazing jazzy, rootsy ska and reggae tunes.

Stomp Records' Brand New Ska/Reggae Soul Bands! + Dub Side of the Moon Screening

@ Lucky Bar Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present two brand new ska/reggae bands on Canada’s music scene. One Night Band hailing from Montreal, Quebec has toured extensively, seducing audiences with its infectious blend of reggae, ska, calypso and dub. Having given over a hundred performances throughout Quebec, in Ontario and the United States, One Night Band has been featured in various festivals (Pop Montreal, Rimouski Jazz Festival) and events in a number of cities, including Montreal, Toronto, New York, Buffalo, Ottawa, Quebec city, Trois-Rivieres and Chicoutimi. Now just signed to Stomp Records, the band is making a name for itself on Canada’s music scene as the promoter of a somewhat overlooked culture.

The Expos are made of up musicians from Toronto’s Makeshift Heroes which appeared at Victoria’s 6th Annual Ska Festival back in 2005. Their music has reggae, rocksteady and jazz influences. The band is touring on release of their new album on Stomp Records!

Local ska outfit The Expeditioners will be gracing us with their upbeat danceable ska with jazz, pop and reggae influences.

DUB SIDE OF THE MOON SCREENING

Prior to the bands performances there will be a screening of some or all of Easy Star All Stars' Dub Side of the Moon (Live DVD) from their concert in September 2005 at the State Theater in Falls Church, VA. The screening of this DVD will be nice way to start out this awesome night of ska, reggae and soul. Easy Star All Stars will be performing in Victoria the week following this show (Oct/7 @ Sugar).

STUBBORN RECORDS MERCHANDISE ON SITE

Victoria BC Ska Society will be selling rare Stubborn Records t-shirts and apparel at the show as well as limited edition pins. Be sure to pick up reasonably priced rare merchandise and support the Victoria BC Ska Society in the process to keep producing great presentations and Victoria's Annual Ska Festival. (Merchandise purchase in advance can also be arranged by e-mailing Matt Morrison: matt.morrison@gmail.com or Dane at victoriabcskasociety@shaw.ca

Tickets $9.00 in advance available at Lyle's Place & Ditch Records

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Saturday Free Performances

@ Centennial Square This free performance includes Seattle's Natalie Wouldn't (Featuring members from former Skafest favourites Easy Big Fella) as wel as The Fabulous Rudies from Oceanside California. After this show be sure to head down to the 7th Annual Skafest GRAND FINALE @ Victoria Curling Club with Junior Reid, Wada, Andrew Blood The Reggae Angles, Hellcat Recording Artists The Aggrolites, La Servera Matacera (Columbia), and The Kiltlifters. Tickets for that show will be available for $25 at Ditch and Lyles Place.

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Grand Finale Concert!

@ Victoria Curling Club End your ska festival in an awesome way by coming down to this stacked bill of talent from Canada, Columbia, the US and Jamaica when you see Jamaica's dancehall/roots reggae legends (ex-Black Uhuru lead singer) JUNIOR REID w/ The Reggae Angels, Andrew Blood, Wada, Baja B - Hellcat Recording Artists - THE AGGROLITES, Columbia's all star ska/reggae/funk band LA SEVERA MATACERA, Island's favourites - THE KILTLIFTERS & DJ Salamander for an all night affair of ska, reggae, dancehall, funk, Latin and fun all night long. There will be merchandise sold by all the bands including Stubborn Records rare collections as well as a beer garden (Lighthouse Brewery beer). The show is all ages and it takes place at the Victoria Curling Club just like it has for the past 4 years!

More ticket outlets will be announced shortly. Be sure to get your ticket soon because this show could sellout like it did last year!

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Punk Party Night

@ Visual FXTC Studios The (punk) Party night is now a 4 year tradition. Big festival, small venue. Here is where we bring some of the best up and comming talent into a tiny venue and crank it up. This one is for the Skafest hardcores, tickets will sell out at the door. NO ADVANCE SALES. You want in, show up on time night of as this one is gonna be Sold Out!

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL ---> Reggae/Dancehall Legend

@ Centennial Square Victoria BC Ska society is EXTREMELY proud to present, in his only appearance in Western Canada, straight from Jamacia the living legend himself BARRINGTON LEVY! Following the show there will be an afterparty with musicians from the festival jamming at the Visual FXTC Studio (Johnson St) for $5 with your Barrington Levy ticket stub.

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Kick off Show!

@ Centennial Square VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL aka
Festival of the People is back with a bang to give you a seventh kick ass year of ska, reggae, dancehall, punk, rock, soul, jazz, funk, Latin and whatever else you can throw in there. The ska festival journey described by many as a summer Christmas season will start at Open Air (Centennial Square) on Wednesday, July 12th for an evening show with Seattle's Georgetown Orbits and Vancouver's The Skatomatics. Come one and come all cause it's free and you'll start off your festival experience on the right foot.

Following this free show there will be a Tribute to The Clash, Operation Ivy & Hepcat featuring SUBCITY DWELLERS, THE REAL DEAL & THE WEDGEWOODS @ Sugar Nightclub. Advance tickets for that show will be available at Lyle's Place & Ditch Records in Victoria & Zulu Records, Redcat Records and Highlife Records in Vancouver. More ticket outlets will be announced shortly.

You may also buy tickets to any ticketed ska festival presentation via ticketweb.com.

VICTORIA'S 7TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL Clash/Op Ivy/Hepcat Tribute Night!

@ Sugar Victoria's 7th Annual Ska Festival presents a tribute to The Clash, Operation Ivy and Hepcat. Winnipegs Subcity Dwellers, Montreal's The Real Deal and Winnipeg's The Wedgewoods will all play origional and tribute material for a night celebrating the diversity of the Ska Genre. Advance tickets will be available at Lyle's Place & Ditch Records in Victoria & Zulu Records, and Facisinating Rhythms in Nanaimo. You may also buy tickets to any ticketed ska festival presentation via ticketweb.com.

SKA FEST PRE-PARTY!!

@ Central Bar & Grill Come out and get pumped up for the Ska Fest with our Ska Fest Pre-Party featuring ska, rock, reggae kats Skratch 3 from Toronto and local ska punk favourites, Kilgore Trout (members of One Drop) + the comeback kids - The Expeditioners (members of Ten too Late). This is going to be an awesome show indeed! Tickets are $8.00 at the door or $5.00 with proof of purchased Junior Reid Ska Fest advance ticket. Check out Skratch 3's material. We're sure you'll be hearing more from them in the future.

Grind Tour/On the Road to Ska Fest 2006

@ Element MAD CADDIES, SUBB , ONE DROP (haven't played in soooo long!!) & the MCGILLICUDDYS are confirmed to play at Legends Nightclub on Friday, May 5th/2006! - Cinco de Mayo baby! This is going to be one of the best ska/punk/reggae shows in a long time. We can't remember the last time both One Drop and the McGillicuddys played on the same show. We don't think it's ever happened! One Drop haven't played since August of 2005 so it's time to celebrate spring with this crazy party show! Tickets go on sale at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Backstage Pass, Strathcona Hotel.

Tickets available shortly on TICKETWEB.COM

SKA BRAWL TOUR

@  Victoria Event Centre It's been so long since either THE TOASTERS or WESTBOUND TRAIN have come to Victoria. The Toasters continue to tour the world over year after year spreading their infectous amazing sounds.

WESTBOUND TRAIN have constantly been touring
around the world (a lot with the Toasters) and have managed to get themselves on the Give Em The Boot Volume 4 comp and get signed to Stomp Records AND be direct support for the Toasters on much of their tour.

SATORI - This is a great new reggae/dub project by Steve Borth from RX Bandits & Link 80. Besides the music being really good, one interesting thing about this band is the record label they are on. Asian Man Records is the distributor but their record label (partially made by Steve Borth) is called MASH DOWN BABYLON RECORDS - where no hatred of any kind is tolerated. This record label also has some cool hip hop acts on it as well.

Finally, the Kiltlifters will join this Ska Brawl bill here in Victoria building on their momentum from a near sell out Victoria show recently. The Kiltlifters are currently working on new material for their next album. - We may get to hear some at the show...

This show is all ages with a full bar.

Tickets $20 at the door!! There are still some space left so come one and all!!


This show is proudly sponsored by Lighthouse Brewery and CFUV 101.9FM - Listen to Skankster's Paradise each and every Saturday from 2:30pm - 3:30pm on CFUV 101.9FM or cfuv.uvic.ca

Listen to DJ Ska T's Scenic Drive in Vancouver every Friday from 10am - 12noon on CITR 101.9FM

@ Fernwood Community Centre This show is two thirds similar to the bar show but with the added touch of PEOPLE'S WAR!! It's going to make for an awesome show. And just in case check out the merchandise table for Los Furios stuff and some of Tony's literature;)

Tickets for this show are $8.00 when purchased in advance. And tickets are available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records and Backstage Pass.

@ Steamers Pub LOS FURIOS ARE FINALLY BACK:) They will be playing material from the upcoming CD so be sure to check this out. It's always a party when Los Furios come through. Kilgore Trout is a new project involving members of Buckshot All Stars and One Drop (Liam and Shane)

Delux will be adding another dimension to the bill with some hip hop, jazz and funk sounds. Some may remember when MC Knowmatic jumped on stage and sang some verses with the Western Conference at last year's Victoria Ska Fest.

Now Knowmatic, DJ Rhay, Noah Becker and the rest of the Delux are looking forward to performing some of their brand new material (just like Los Furios will be doing:)

Early bird tickets only $8.00 after early bird they will be $9 when purchased in advance. Available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records & Backstage Pass.

Door tickets will be $10 and up.

@ Central Bar & Grill The Jamaican Reggae Legend SUGAR MINOTT with his crew JUS GOODIE, the talented and astetically pleasing PASHON & ITAWE are confirmed to play at Central Bar & Grill on Sunday, October 23rd/05.

This is a rare opportunity to see artists from both the old and new school. SUGAR MINOTT spent much of his time recording at Coxsone Dodd's Studio One. Establishing himself as a unique artist with a rich voice and exciting stage presence, Sugar has gone on to record for a number of myriad of producers as well as producing a number albums for his own Youthman Promotions Label. Sugar has always been a strong believer in his roots and has put alot of money and energy into his Youthman Promotions Studio and label in Kingston where he grew up.

As a result many artists that are very popular today got their chance to show their talents through Youthman Promotions' releases and shows. Sugar fostered the talents of reggae greats Half Pint, the late Tenor Saw and many others as well as recording records for reggae greats such as the late Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel and Yami Bolo.

It is rare that Sugar Minott would bless us with his presence... I'm telling you usually you'd only see him play at major reggae festivals such as Reggae on the River or the Sierra World Music Festival in Nevada but fortunetely he has decided to finally bless us by coming here.

Tickets available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, Caribbean Village, Central Bar & Grill & Ticketweb.com

Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival Grand Finale Concert

@ Victoria Curling Club Victoria, British Columbia will be in for another unforgettable week-long summer party when VICTORIA''S 6th ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL—aka “The Festival of the People”— once again combines great music, beautiful weather and good times. In July, people from around the world will be joining Vancouver Islanders in celebrating some of the best ska, reggae, funk, punk, jazz, hip-hop, soul and more from North America, South America and beyond! For 2005, VICTORIA''S 6th ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL will run from July 13th – July 16th at four separate venues throughout the city. For this year''s Festival, the Victoria BC Ska Society has managed to land some of the biggest names in ska music today! These bands include FISHBONE, LONG BEACH SHORTBUS, VICTOR RICE, THE MAKESHIFT HEROES, and MAD BOMBER SOCIETY to name a few! VICTORIA''S 6TH ANNUAL SKA FESTIVAL IS THE LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING FESTIVAL OF ITS KIND IN NORTH AMERICA! The majority of the bands that play at SkaFest have traveled great distances just to be at the Festival and would not be appearing in this part of the world otherwise. Lineups for the free and ticketed performances have been uniquely assembled and cannot be found anywhere else in North America. (For example: on July 16th, this year''s Ska Festival will mark the first time FISHBONE and LONG BEACH SHORTBUS have played back to back on the same bill.) In addition to a huge concert on Saturday July 16th with FISHBONE, LONG BEACH SHORTBUS, MAD BOMBER SOCIETY, THE FURIOS, & DJ SU-COMANDANTE, the Victoria BC Ska Society is also very excited about our opening night on Wednesday, July 13th which will feature VICTOR RICE (producer of the The Stubborn All-Stars, The Slackers, The Scofflaws and the much acclaimed recording, Dub Side of the Moon). During this special appearance, Victor Rice will be giving a keynote address and dub demonstration. In addition, the Victoria BC Ska Society will be presenting a special video featuring many of the bands that have performed at SkaFest, past and present. Other shows at this year''s Ska Festival will be held at Steamers Pub, and Victoria''s Centennial Square. All performances will be all-ages, except for those at Steamers Pub, and will include a bar or beverage garden for adults. In addition to the ‘official'' programming, there will be parties abound during the week of SkaFest. Advance tickets are available for the Main Event Concert only (July 16th @ the Victoria Curling Club). Tickets for all other performances will be available at the door only! TICKETS FOR THE SKA FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT CONCERT ARE AVAILABLE NOW ON TICKETWEB.COM & AT YOUR LOCAL TICKET OUTLETS!! FISHBONE, LONG BEACH SHORTBUS, MAD BOMBER SOCIETY, THE FURIOS, & DJ SUB COMANDANTE ALL-AGES with BEER GARDEN, FOOD & MERCHANDISE TENTS SATURDAY, JULY 16TH @ VICTORIA CURLING CLUB – 1952 Quadra Street, Victoria BC, Canada; (Doors at 7:00pm – 2am) Ø $25 when purchased in advance at the following locations: VICTORIA: ¨ Lyle''s Place—Ditch Records—A&B Sound—Backstage Pass VANCOUVER: ¨ Zulu Records—Highlife Records—Scratch Records NANAIMO ¨ Fascinating Rhythms DUNCAN ¨ Area 51 COURTNEY ¨ Backstage Pass SALT SPRING ISLAND ¨ Acoustic Planet ONLINE AT: www.ticketweb.com

@ Centennial Square Free show at Open Air with Winnipeg's The Afterbeat and Phildelphia's SGR! Come out and have a nice warm-up to the grand finale concert at the Victoria Curling Club following this show!

Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival Free Concert!

@ Centennial Square This special festival Friday free show is going to present a mix of reggae, hip hop, dub, ska, and more! Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to announce THE ALLENTONS at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival for the first time! The Allentons have been playing in the Southern Calfornia ska/reggae scene for over 10 years.They've backed up Jamaica's Eric Monty Morris ( Penny reel, Samson, Solomon Gundie), and opened for many original Jamaica artist such as The Skatalites, Justin Hinds, Desmond Dekker, as well as with local artists like Hepcat See Spot, Mobtown, Ocean 11, also the Specials, and Dave Wakeling. One Drop will be playing some brand new material that is sure to impress previous One Drop fans and will dazzle those that haven't seen them before.

Santa Lucia LFR that made their debut at Steamers Pub at the end of May 2005 will be making an encore visit to Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival to round out the bill. They are Vancouver's Latin, Funk, Ska, Rock masters!

All three bands will be sure to compliment each other @ Open Air. Perfect music for Victoria's Festival of the People!! Night event follows this show. Find out more through word of mouth:)...

Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival Party Night at Steamers Pub!

@ Steamers Pub This is Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival annual party night at Steamers Pub. Admission will be at the door only. Traditionally this concert sells out in less than 40 minutes so please arrive early to avoid disappointment (especially if you're from out of town)!

Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival Film Mixer and Key note Address/Demo with Victor Rice!

@ Central Bar & Grill This is going to mark history in the making for our Island and the rest of Canada when Victor Rice comes in for an exclusive concert to talk about his experiences as a music producer and musician. This night will also include film screenings including a film produced by the Victoria BC Ska Society.


Victor Rice is a legendary ska musician and producer in the world of ska, dub and reggae. He regularly tours with his octet throughout Europe, Canada and the US as well as doing production on albums with various Brazilian musicians in San Paulo where he also resides part-time annually.

Victor Rice is also a talented bass player that has played with New York’s best ska bands and notably was one of Desmond Dekker's Aces in the early 1990s.

Recently, Victor Rice has become more known for his amazing production on Easy Star Records' Dub Side of the Moon which was based on Pink Floyd's album Dark Side of the Moon.


“MUSIC AND MACHINES AND MUSIC”

Victor Rice will talk about the musical aspects of engineering, and how dub music is an early example of the use of machines as instruments in popular music. He will touch on experiences with his production of Dub Side of the Moon.

Following his keynote address and dub demonstration Selector Abel will spin the very best in dancehall, dub and reggae. There will also be a screening of Victoria BC Ska Society’s Unity Film.

This is the first time this is being done and Victor Rice is very excited about the project. He will be video taped as he does the demonstration using a 1/2 inch 8 track reel to reel device.

The video coverage and discussion from Victor Rice will be of interest to any person into dub, reggae, ska, DJs and their equipment. In addition to that there will be paintings and prints of him on display at the merchandise tables.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13TH @ CENTRAL BAR & GRILL (ALL AGES Wristbands in effect)

DOORS: 8PM

Tickets: $10 - $12 at the door only. Come early to avoid disappointment.

Selecter Abel will be spinning the best in reggae & dancehall.


WWW.VICTORIASKAFEST.CA

Road To Skafest 2005

@ Sugar THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS SUGAR HAS EVER HAD:) Not only is the music going to be awesome but the vibe in the bar will be one that everyone wishes they were around. This bill offers music for all musicial tastes from ska to hip hop to reggae to Latin. There's something for everyone.

Find out the hype-ass names the Victoria BC Ska Society is booking at Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival (July 13th - 16th/2005). The Victoria BC Ska Society will be announcing these confirmations at this show.

Those of you that are going to this show are strongly advised to buy an advance ticket (or show up at the time of door - 9pm) to ensure admission.

Don't miss your chance to see the Island's finest bands (not to mention one of Vancouver's best bands)all on the same bill.

Tickets available at: Lyles PLace, Ditch Records, and A&B Sound

On the Road to Skafest 2005

@ Downtown Community Activity Center Victoria BC Ska Society and Nebula Records are proud to present one of the most anticipated ska shows of the spring when ONE DROP, LOS FURIOS & THE KILTLIFTERS all converge on the same bill for the first time! Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to see all three of these bands in action rip shit up!! Those of you that have attend previous packed all ages shows with One Drop or Los Furios know you're in for a sweaty party affair.

AND...

Tis the season for On the Road to Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival! When you come to the show you'll be the first to know about the confirmations for Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival. Begin celebrating the coming of Victoria's 6th Annual Ska Festival on the right foot by enjoying some of the best ska, reggae, punk, hip hop, Latin music you've ever heard.


Tickets available at: Lyle's Place, A&B Sound and Ditch Records. $8.00

@ Lucky Bar Winnipeg's Bacteria Buffet recording artists JFK & The Conspirators with a rare performance by New York's multi-talented King Django (singer, ragamuffin MC, songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist (trombone, ukulele, harmonica, melodica, etc.), producer, studio engineer and label owner (Stubborn Records). Plus Vic's own Zsolt Sander. www.bacteriabuffetrecords.com www.kingdjango.com

Advance Tickets $10 available at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, A&B Sound and Lucky Bar.

SKA FESTIVAL- FREE SHOW!!

@ Centennial Square This is a real treat for those that love the local scene and Los Furios! - Come out and have a little sweat before the Victoria Curling Club show!

http://www.victoriaskafest.ca

FREE SHOW!!!

ALL AGES WITH BEER GARDEN!!

5th Anniversary Victoria Ska Festival

@ Victoria Curling Club This will be the grande finale show for VICTORIA'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL! We've never had a line-up like this in the festival's 5 year history so party and witness history in the making.

Victoria BC Ska Society is proud to present one of the forefathers of Ska and reggae: STRANGEJAH COLE. He will be backed by the Hoodwinks from Vancouver and other horn players from Victoria and Vancouver respectively (one of the members of the Hoochy Girls is in the backing band).

They will be playing a number of songs from his greatest hits album "Bangarang" - The Best of Strangejah Cole 1962 - 1972). Don't miss this rare opportunity to see one of ska and reggae's pioneers in an exclusive show to Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival.


SKA MOB!!

KING DJANGO, DR. RING DING
& EASTERN STANDARD TIME


- Don't miss this opportunity to see this group in motion from beginning to end doing a nice long set! You will hear Eastern Standard Time do their own material as well as dancehall toasters/singers DR. RING DING (Germany) & KING DJANGO (NY, NY) accompany and battle each other.


CALIFFO DE LUXE - (Venice, Italy)

This is the first North American appearance for Califfo de Luxe! They will be a bright addition to ska fest with their brand of ska and rocksteady - Italian style!


V.I.S.A SKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The V.I.S.A Records Ska Jazz Orchestra or (Van Isle Ska Artists) Ska Jazz Orchestra is a mixer of members from The Kiltlifters, The Bloodwarmers, The Hoochy Girls, Ten Too Late, Street Prophets Union & King Bong. Deep rooted with powerfully melodic horn arrangements the V.I.S.A Records Ska Jazz Orchestra will be playing a mixture of jazz standards, epic movie themes, old school favourites and originals. V.I.S.A Records Ska Jazz Orchestra showcases the talent and enthusiasm of Vancouver Island's ska scene in one big band! Their appearance at this year's anniversary edition of the festival will mark the first time so many of the Island's ska musicians join together as one. We can't wait!

GREG MILKA CROWE - (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

They've got a brand new album that boasts a variety of styles with a strong and positive message.

@ Centennial Square http://www.victoriaskafest.ca

PARTY NIGHT @ STEAMERS PUB - VICTORIA'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL

@ Steamers Pub This will show is expected to sell out very very quickly so be sure to line-up at 9pm. Last year the show sold out in 40 minutes.

The Soul Captives are another amazing traditional ska, rocksteady, reggae band from the Bay Area California (San Francisco). They will be adding a nice touch to the show with their awesome ska/jazz and reggae sounds. They are highly regarded in the roots scene in California and beyond. Later this year they will be playing in France.

ONE DROP

What can we say?! One Drop have evolved to become even more awesome as time goes on. Their punky reggae styles are being loved by music lovers in almost every genre and the energy of the band is infectious. They recently played at Victoria's Jazz Fest and now will be playing at the Ska Festival with brand new material and a new album to promote.

THE OPERATORS

The Operators are proud to make their second appearance in as many years at Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival. Their styles are similar to One Drop's but with their own flavor. They will also have a brand new album to promote. Check out their web site for more details.


Tickets: $10 for the first 150 and $12 thereafter (available at the door only)

VICTORIA'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL KICK OFF CONCERT

@ Centennial Square This is going to be one of the best kept secrets of Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival for those that usually attend known ska names.

THE DEBONAIRES (RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA)

The Debonaires from Riverside, Calfornia have been playing awesome traditional up beat ska and reggae for over 9 years. Kip (also from LA's The Skeletones) add the perfect touch to these 9 pieces of wonder. The Debonaires will be perfect for those looking for a mix of soul, jazz, reggae, R&B, funk and traditional ska.

WESTBOUND TRAIN (Boston,USA)

Westbound Train (Stubborn Records Recording Artists) have a revamped and determined 8 piece group that specialize in ska, R&B, soul, reggae and dancehall grooves. This band are known for their awesome harmonies and melodic flow. Obi Fernandez (lead singer) gives the band this touch. This band continues to get more and more noteriety as they play in city after city with nothing but rave reviews.

GENERAL RUDIE (Montreal, Canada)

General Rudie are back for their second time at Victoria's Annual Ska Festival since their last appearance back in 2002 with the Pietasters. General Rudie bring brand new material to the table and another member (a guitar player) adding to their already tight sound. General Rudie contrast both The Debonaires and Westbound Train in that they play extremely danceable high energy ska with pop, jazz and reggae influences.


THE KILTLIFTERS (Nanaimo, BC)

Always an Island favourite! The Kiltlifters come with big hearts and new material to this year's 5th Anniversary Edition of Victoria Ska Festival. They will be playing tracks from their new CD "Serious George" as well as ones from older presses.

BURNING RHYTHM (GLOW STICK POI)

Enjoy the sites and sounds of Burning Rhythm Entertainment as they dazzle us with Glow Stick POI before the last band!


THIS SHOW CAN BE PURCHASED AS PART OF A DOUBLE PASS. LAST CHANCE TO GET DOUBLE PASSES FOR SKA FEST ARE THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2004 @ 4PM AT ALL LOCATIONS. DOUBLE PASSES ARE $35.00 and are good for admission into this show and the Victoria Curling Club on Saturday, July 17, 2004.

Ticket Locations are as follows:

Victoria: Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, A&B Sound, Jamaican Jerkhouse

Nanaimo: Fasinating Rhythms

Saltspring Island: Acoustic Planet

VANCOUVER

Highlife Records

Zulu Records

Scratch Records

VICTORIA'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY SKA FESTIVAL Movie/DJ Mixer

@ Second Story Cafe And Books Come down to Second Story Cafe and enjoy Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival pre-party event *Movie/DJ Mixer.

As well as some awesome international documentaries on ska and reggae culture, there will be some films created by Bryan Green of VTGS and Note. Their films will feature a special Victoria Ska Festival Anniversary Film and a piece on local favourites - One Drop.

Special Films of Interest include "Ska Explosion," "Studio One Story" and "The Real Ska Reel" (Moon Ska Records) - out of print copy.


Admission is a suggested donation of $2

Beverage Garden on site. (Wristbands in effect)

ALL AGES

On the Road to Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival

@  Victoria Event Centre Come out and enjoy the final On the Road to Victoria's 5th Anniversary Ska Festival show on Saturday, June 5th/2004 @ the Victoria Multicultural Centre with Montreal's ska sensations THE KINGPINS. THE HOODWINKS will open and do a nice long set! J-Roys Selector Soundsystem will have the honour of filling the room with sweet soul, old school ska and R&B tunes in between sets.

Many of you may remember that the Kingpins were a major headliner at last year�s Victoria�s 4th Annual Ska Festival at the Victoria Curling Club. They played right before the Slackers and got rave reviews from the 900 some odd people in attendance.

The Hoodwinks have been main staples in Vancouver�s punk, indie rock, reggae and ska scenes for quite some time. That�s right. They do it all! The Hoodwinks have also played at Victoria�s Annual Ska Festival many times and have just recently been chosen to back Jamaican ska/reggae legend and Trojan Recording Artist STRANGEJAH COLE at Victoria�s 5th Anniversary Ska Festival Grande Finale Concert at the Victoria Curling Club on Saturday, July 17th/2004.


Tickets are $12 when purchased in advance @ Lyle's Place, A&B Sound and Ditch Records.

General Admission/Beverage Garden w/ID.
Doors: 8:30pm

Don't miss these rare appearances by these two awesome bands at one of the most beautiful halls in town.

See ya there!