MNSKA’s own Aaron Porter recently traveled to Jamaica and took part in some ska-related adventures.  Aaron sat in on a rehearsal session for Ska Rebirth (aka The Young Skatalites) playing their version of “Ska-ing West”. Ska Rebirth is comprised of recently-graduated players from Alpha Boys School, led by Alpha bandmaster Sparrow Martin (on drums).

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

A huge project called Western Standard Time is being undertaken in the name of authentic Jamaican ska.  This West Coast All-Star Ska Big Band pays tribute to early 1960′s Jamaican Ska originators, The Skatalites. Pooling from the best-of-the-best Ska musicians from the last 20 years, from bands like Hepcat, See Spot, Jump With Joey, and Mobtown, Western Standard Time is a groundbreaking project commemorating 50 years of musical heritage. With the shear size of the group, the power and harmonic depth will be revolutionary but at the same time the music and feel will be grounded in its original roots.  Members of this band include Joey Altruda, Gil Sharone, Korey Horn, Brian Dixon, Kincaid Smith, Eitan Avineri, Brian Wallace, David Ralicke, Allen Mezquida, Marques Crews, Ulises Bella, Tony Luna, Benny Golbin, Bobby Cressey, Tom Cook, and Bill Purdy.

In this video, you see the group doing some recording sessions at Bridge Recording Studio in Glendale, CA.  Huge sound playing Skatalites arrangements by Benny Golbin.

You can check out this video on YouTube HERE

MNSKA’s own Aaron Porter (The Prizefighters) took a recent trip to Jamaica and was able to meet many legendary ska and reggae artists in person.  Hopefully we will be able to chronicle some of Aaron’s adventures here on the site, but for now we can share this video.  The video shows Aaron in ska legend Derrick Morgan‘s home studio in Clarendon, accompanying him on guitar while he sings his 1962 ska hit “In My Heart.”  Enjoy!

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

Notable ska artist King Hammond played a show at The Shrine in Harlem, NY on Thursday, December 1st, backed by Brooklyn band The Hard Times as well as sax player Miki (The Frighteners) and keys by Jack Wright (The Forthrights).  The video appears courtesy of Duff Guide To Ska.

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

You can check out the Duff Guide To Ska blog HERE

Chicago dub-specialists The Drastics have launched a new website!  Lots of new happenings from the band, including this video, which is a snippet of a brand new Drastics track  recorded this fall given the ol’ live dub treatment. “Dumb Hole (A Sonic Black Hole)” features Chris (bass), Anthony (drums, keys) & Luke (guitar) on a hard mixdown mixed with sweet 80s reggae fashion.  The site also has a brand-new mixtape for free download and a listing of  their upcoming live shows and DJ nights.

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

You can check out The Drastics new website HERE

New Jersey band The Waffle Stompers have posted a new music video for their single “We’re In For A Long Night.”  The band played in Minneapolis last summer with Mustard Plug.  Enjoy!

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

MNSKA band The Dropsteppers have had a busy year.  They signed with Megalith Records, put out their debut album Get Up In It!, and are have quite a few shows lined up before the year is out.  As a treat to fans, the band has posted a video of them playing a new song called “Looters On Broadway.”

Check out the band at the 331 Club in Nordeast Minneapolis this Wednesday!  They are playing with Brilliant Beast (featuring Jordan and Eric from The Prizefighters)

Check out the video on YouTube HERE

To commemorate their first release in like 10 years, MNSKA band 3 Minute Hero have put together a video for their song “Happy.”  The song is featured on their upcoming limited release F Minus: The Uncollected Works.  Trumpet player Bryce Blilie created the video with scenes from the movie Annie.  It’s hilarious and fun, just like the band.

Be sure to catch them at their release show this Friday, October 28th at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis with special guests The Dropsteppers!

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE

Legendary MNSKA band Umbrella Bed returned from their hiatus to open for the big MNSKA Double Album-Release Party at the Nomad World Pub in Minneapolis last Friday night.  Here’s a video of the band, featuring special guest guitarist and former band member Aaron Porter, performing their song “Cap’n George.”  This was the band’s first show with new bassist Frankie Guerra.  Big thanks to Cameron Klos for the video!

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

Lots of covers by MNSKA bands today!  The Dropsteppers stripped down their ensemble for their cover of Hepcat‘s song “Comin’ On Strong.”  Enjoy!

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE