Ska IS NOT Dead!

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox

The name of the tour might be confusing, but ska is not dead. Last night kicked off the fourth Ska is Dead tour. First up was Chicago’s own rock steady band Deals Gone Bad. It never disappoints with there reggae roots and old Motown feel. Definitely a must check out band. Next up was California’s Voodoo Glow Skulls with its mix of west coast hardcore punk and ska. The crowd had a huge circle pit going with Spanish song “El Cu Cuy” and a cover of “Charlie Brown." Next was the legendary East Coast band, Toasters, which has been performing for nearly 30 years, and has show no signs of slowing down. Last up was Mustard Plug, which organized the tour. Hailing from Grand Rapids, the guys of Mustard Plug are amazing , playing upbeat ska for more than 15 years. From songs about psychopathic killers like “Mr. Smiley” to forbidden love like “Lolita," this band will even teach you how to Skank in 4 easy steps in their song “Skank by numbers.” “1. get off your seat, 2. stomp your boots to the beat, 3. throw your knees in the air, 4. like you don’t care." So give it a try cause I assure you ska is not dead.