Half Past Two

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Having formed in 2006, Half Past Two are veterans of the ever-thriving Orange County ska scene, but their forward-thinking approach also aligns them with ska’s current “New Tone” movement. After first coming together with Bad Time Records on 2020’s ‘Ska Against Racism’ compilation, the band and label have finally teamed up for a new full length LP. ‘Talk Is Killing Me’ shows the band building on their ska punk roots to evolve musically and stylistically, at times being more aggressive yet also more heavily introspective than the band’s previous work. Produced by Reade Wolcott of We Are The Union, the album is filled with pop-hooks backed by a rhythm section that flies the flag of “bubblegum ska” while displaying chops clearly suitable for heavier punk and indie stylings. Fans of the band’s 15+ year career will feel the evolution of their sound emanating from this record… pop-sensibilities mixed with fun and joy, but with a more “grown up” edge and heavier subject matter to reflect the realities of the modern world. The “Orange County sound” was due for a makeover, and this new effort from Half Past Two is certainly right on time.

Shows

Dr. Ring-Ding, Half Past Two, The Capital Collective , Bu Von Blume, Young Royal
at Ship Point (Inner Harbour)
Thu. June 25th 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Free
This year, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest has a real special night at the Inner Harbour for all the true ska-lovers out there. Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest 5 (Back it was still Victoria Ska Fest) headliner DR. RING-DING returns for the first time since that unforgettable set back in 2004. One of the most distinctive voices in the European ska/reggae/dancehall scenes, Dr. Ring-Ding has been delighting audiences around the globe and protecting the rich culture of Jamaican-rooted music for over a quarter-century. More than well-versed in the intricacies of the music and culture, a Dr. Ring-Ding set is sure to take the crowd on a journey through the rich sonic history of Jamaica, touching on all the facets that make us love the music.

Coming up from Orange County, California to join our festival for the first time is much-beloved ska-punk outfit HALF PAST TWO. Veterans in their own right, 2026 finds Half Past Two celebrating twenty years on the skankin' scene. Their high-energy “bubblegum ska” features big pop hooks with a shockingly heavy sound that hits hard live and keeps feet moving. Every year we hear from attendees that they found their new favourite band at the festival and we have an inkling that more than a couple people might be saying the same thing to us after Half Past Two takes the stage. Before that happens though, The Capital Collective is going to be heating up the stage with their insanely big sound! A massive ska orchestra made up of players from some of the west coast’s most beloved bands, a Capital Collective show is a celebration of the west coast ska scene that was birthed and has thrived around the Festival since its inception. We're excited to have Cumberland's BU VON BLUME to join us and kick things off for this one. The super fun-time, costumed, flower-powered dance and theatre band from is sure to make you dance, with their interactive show and unpredictable blend of ska, punk, cumbia, funk and more. We also have our dear friend YOUNG ROYAL returning to keep us moving between sets. A fantastic selector with an incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to Jamaican-rooted music and spinning all 45s, Young Royal always delivers the sweet reggae goods.