The Skatalites

The Skatalites

The Bullbuckers, The Snails

Fri, March 1, 2013

Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm (event ends at 2:00 am)

$15 - $17

This event is 21 and over

The Skatalites
The Skatalites
The Skatalites began performing in Jamaica in May 1964. The group was so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in! They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together after playing in different bands and on various recording sessions. These records were made to be played at the many competing sound systems around the island. The band became legendary, backing all the developing artists of the day, such as Toots and The Maytals, Prince Buster and "The Wailing Wailers" featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire. Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites.

Since reforming after an almost 20 year hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after 48 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked "when will you stop?" and "how do you keep doing it after all these years?", the answer is simple: never - It's the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward!

Featuring original alto sax man Lester "Ska" Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska.

Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome "jah jerry" Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat "Jackie" Mittoo, John "Dizzy Johnny"Moore, and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites.
The Bullbuckers
The Bullbuckers
The Bullbuckers formed in April of 2009 and have been building their reputation predominantly from playing many fine venues throughout the Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia areas and at the DE and MD beach resorts.

"This six-piece group with a horn section is like the ultimate party band. Whether they are playing reggae or another style" - Tish Michel, The Coconut Times, Ocean City

"Top-notch musicianship is a hallmark of The Bullbuckers." Roger Hillis, The Beach Comber, The Delaware News Journal

"The Bullbuckers are the livest band in Delaware."- DJ Thorro 91.3 WVUD

WINNER OF THE SPARK MAGAZINE SUMMER SERIES 2009.

The Bullbuckers have had the opportunity to play with many of their favorite artists and friends such as The Skatalites, The Slackers, Trombone Shorty, Robert Randolph, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Soul Rebel, Bonerama, The Pietasters, The Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Midnight, The Wailers, and many more.

"A fusion of soul-searing and foot-stomping music - ska like you've never heard it (unless you were living in the Islands in the 60s), soul and a tinge of hip-hop. It's a Wilmington sound that has roots - and fans - round the globe." -The Examiner

"There's this moment that happens at every (Spark Magazine Annual Birthday Party), right as we're introducing the band - the crowd tenses up and waits to see if they're going to stay and listen ... I think the Bullbuckers got about five notes into their first song before I heard a guy behind me say, 'Hey, they're really good.' Indeed." - Matt Sullivan, General Manager/Editor, Spark Magazine
The Snails
The Snails
It's hard to definitively nail down a genre when asked what style of music is that of The Snails, but their goals and passion come from a clear love of the music that has influenced them as a band. From the music of The Clash, early ska, and old reggae favorites like Toots and the Maytals comes The Snails' motivation to keep authentic music around, that is, emotional music which carries a genuine message to its listeners. Their influences are extremely important in keeping their music and goals alive. The band's lyrics are written by Todd Fausnacht whose inspiration clearly originates from personal experiences, political and social controversies, and the wisdom of Joe Strummer. At a Snails show, it's easy to feel the elements of punk, ska, rockabilly, reggae, 50's rock and roll, and even a dash of old-time country folk music making it effortless to break out in skanking, moshing, and 50's swing and twist. However you want to move, the feel-good, and not to mention educational, tunes will get you going, and standing still is not an option. "Ska and soul with a side of rock and roll!" is what The Snails always say.
Venue Information:
The Blockley
3801 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA, 19104
http://www.theblockley.com/