Although this podcast is based out of Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, today’s episode is deep-rooted in the land of Brats, Beer, and Cheese.  Courtney connects with his good friend and fellow Wisconsinite Kenny Dinkis, guitar player for pop-ska band Something To Do, to promote the upcoming 17th annual Midwest Ska Fest known as Skappleton.  The two reminisce about former bands, chilly Wisconsin outdoor concerts, and how to turn a guitar into a deadly weapon.

Skappleton is taking place Saturday, May 22nd at Tanner’s Bar and Grill in Kimberly, WI.  The festival is All Ages and will feature bands like Something To Do, The Invaders, 2 Tone Runts, Car Full Of Midgets and many more!

This show is brought to you in part by MNSKA.com, Minnesota’s Ska Community and the Fancy Pants Gangsters podcast network.  Become a fan of the show on Facebook, follow Courtney on Twitter, or email him at FOSS@fancypantsgangsters.com.

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You can download this episode HERE or subscribe to the show on iTunes.

JUST ANNOUNCED! The largest and longest-running ska festival in the Midwest, Skappleton, will be taking place on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 at Tanner’s Bar in Kimberly, WI.  The first wave of bands have been announced:

Something To Do (Waukesha, WI): A great mixture of ska and pop-rock who put on an unforgettable live show!

The Invaders (Milwaukee, WI): Veteran two-tone ska band that you can’t help but dance to!

Car Full Of Midgets (Appleton, WI): Young ska-rock band with a HUGE horn section!

2 Tone Runts (Minneapolis, MN): MNSKA’s own ska-reggae activist band!

Boss Rude (Milwaukee, WI): Energetic third-wave ska!

Skattsmen (La Crosse, WI): A refreshing and eclectic take on ska-punk!

Cold Feet (Appleton, WI): Great ska-punk band with a roaring horn section!

Orpheus (De Pere, WI): Rude ska vibes with hot pop-vocal hooks!

1,2,3 Walrus (La Crosse, WI): A perfect mixture of ska, reggae, and snotty, disaffected punk vocals!

More bands to be announced!  This is a great opportunity to check out some of the up-and-coming ska bands in the Midwest and is a great opportunity to meet up with fellow ska-lovers.  We at MNSKA will keep you posted on the details surround this year’s Skappleton!

MNSKA reporter Patrick Larson took time to interview Max, the frontman for veteran Milwaukee ska band The Invaders, via Facebook Chat.  In the interview, Max talks about the future of the band, the delight of finding their records in random stores, and how the only ska on TV is in commercials.

You can see what The Invaders are up to on their MYSPACE PAGE.

You can check out the entire interview after the jump.

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The saying is true, things do get better with age…especially when it comes to Two Tone ska veterans The Invaders.  Their party has been rocking since 1987 and they just don’t stop.  At the end of a long day, sometimes the only way to take the edge off is with a little bit of Brew Town Ska!

Track of the Day: “Wake Up” by The Invaders

This episode is brought to you by the Fancy Pants Gangsters, a Twin Cities netcast network and MNSKA, Minnesota’s Ska Community.  If you are in a ska or reggae influenced band and would like to be featured on the show, email Courtney at MSM@fancypantsgangsters.com

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If you would like to download this episode or subscribe to this podcast via iTunes, please CLICK HERE