It only took 25 years, but making their Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival debut is Detroit, Michigan’s finest purveyors of gritty and grimy punk, THE SUICIDE MACHINES! Drawing influences from both Jamaican ska and brutal hardcore, the group’s sound is equal parts sour and sweet, with songs that will get you skanking one second and swirling in a chaotic mosh pit the next. Originally exploding onto the scene with their legendary debut album, 1996’s Destruction by Definition, the group quickly established itself as one of the most aggressive yet catchy groups to emerge from ska’s Third Wave. After brief flirtations with power-pop and hard rock around the turn of the millennium, The Suicide Machines brought back the ska and hardcore in a big way on the highly vicious and political A Match and Some Gasoline and War Profiteering is Killing Us All. The two LPs saw the band recapture their trademark sound and imbue it with a heavier focus on political rage, with lyrics criticizing the military-industrial complex, police violence, voter apathy, and several other topics that are every bit as important two decades later. With new music and a perpetually burning flame for social change, we can’t wait for this exceptional group to finally grace our festival stage.

It wouldn’t be a proper 25th Anniversary Celebration without THE SLACKERS, would it? Originally appearing at the fourth annual Ska and Reggae Fest back in 2003, NYC’s kings of soulful ska are coming back for the fourth time. Performing a blend of Caribbean riddims and tender Americana, the group has aptly christened its music “Jamaican Rock n’ Roll.” Offering exquisite musicianship and singer-pianist Vic Ruggiero’s impassioned voice and lyrics, it’s easy to see why they’ve amassed a serious cult following around the globe. Much like The Suicide Machines, these guys are still putting out some of their strongest material 30 years into their career. Also joining us on the bill is Burlington Ontario’s THE CREEPSHOW. Perhaps Canada’s favorite psychobilly band, the group has concocted a perfect blend of punk and vintage rock n’ roll, sporting big hair, bigger hooks, and a twisted love of the macabre. Opening the evening is Vancouver’s own SPACE CHIMP, whose punky reggae rock will bring some groovy BC vibes to the stage. Lastly, keeping the sound system cooking between sets is Victoria’s DJ I-LOT. Known for his regular reggae nights at the Victoria Event Center alongside fellow festival regular Judah Roots, I-Lot is going to hit you with vintage vinyl packed with the hottest ska, reggae, and dub around. Ska, hardcore, psychobilly, and reggae all under one roof? That’s the Ska and Reggae Fest for you. See you on the dancefloor!