Don’t miss a night of high-energy ska and reggae as The Skatalites, legendary pioneers of Jamaican music, team up with New London’s own Hempsteadys. Get ready for classic grooves, dance floor infernos, and nonstop vibes from two unforgettable bands.
Doors at 6pm $30 advance $40 day of show.
Ska, rocksteady, reggae….. it all began with The Skatalites
In 1964, a momentous musical union occurred as a group of musicians converged to create what would become the most profoundly influential band in Jamaican history - The Skatalites. From that pivotal moment, they embarked on an extraordinary journey that has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape, maintaining their iconic presence in Jamaican popular music to this day.
The Skatalites served as the indispensable backing band for many legendary vocalists and vocal groups in the early 1960s, including luminaries such as Bob Marley's "Wailing Wailers," a name that would later evolve into the iconic Bob Marley and The Wailers. Their musical collaborations extended to Toots and The Maytals, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, and countless others. Their instrumental prowess also yielded monumental hits like "Man In The Street" and "Guns of Navarone," setting the stage for and influencing the groundbreaking 2Tone movement towards the end of the 1970s. The sound of ska inspired a wave of influential 2Tone bands such as The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Bad Manners, and The Selecter, as well as innovators like The Police and The Clash.
As the 1980s dawned, the 2Tone fusion of ska, rock, and reggae found a passionate following in the United States. Bands like Fishbone, The Untouchables and The Toasters pioneered what would soon be recognized as the 'Third Wave' of ska, carving out a unique niche in the musical landscape.
The influence of The Skatalites stretched far and wide, with bands like No Doubt, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Hepcat and Ska-P, as well as many others, drawing inspiration from their sound and infusing their own distinctive flavors into the genre.
We must recognise that The Skatalites' far-reaching impact transcends the boundaries of ska and reggae. Their music resonates across genres, and they have been lauded by artists as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Sinead O'Connor, Grace Jones, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
Ska, rocksteady, reggae, dancehall, dub, reggaeton, hip-hop, and rap can all trace their roots back to the musical tree planted by The Skatalites.
Jamaica, a seemingly tiny island, has exerted an outsized influence on popular music worldwide for over six decades, and much of this profound impact can be attributed to the pioneering work and experimentation of these studio virtuosos collectively known as The Skatalites.
As we celebrate 60 years of their groundbreaking recordings and their unwavering ability to captivate audiences, we invite you to join us in commemorating this remarkable musical journey.
Together, we will embrace the enduring legacy of The Skatalites.
The Hempsteadys hail from New London, CT. A band whose origins are shrouded in mystery. What misfortune has brought this defiant reggae to the gentle shores of New London? Who can really say? Born of punk rock, fused with the sounds of the surf, the sands and the streets, and powered by the NLC All-Stars, The Hempsteadys are the beat that moves Hempstead Street.
Hailed as "The Wu-Tang Clan of Ska Bands", you will not be able to avoid the grinding bodies on the dance floor bending to our gritty sound system. Our haunting horns will stay with you in your dreams. You will continue to feel our heavy beats as time slowly marches on. And as you come to know our tales of zombies, raucous behavior, and beautiful women, you will arrive at the simple truth. This, my friends, is Mob-Mentality Reggae.
You may also like the following events from CT Ska Productions:
- Next month, 9th August, 08:00 pm, Pick It Up Pub Nights: Dave Hillyard & The Rocksteady 7, The Soularites, Steppin' Razor Blades in Clinton
- This October, 15th October, 07:00 pm, The Kilograms, Sadplant, Ghost Tones at Scottish Dave’s in Clinton
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