From humble beginnings in 2008 and having hosted a huge variety of ska favourites over the years, including Streetlight Manifesto, Nicky Bomba, Area 7, The Porkers and many, many more – it’s time to close the door on Ska Nation!
For Ska Nation 5, the final episode, organisers have put together an enormous last hurrah of “17 bands, 3 stages, 2 DJs and a whole heap of dancing.” Taking over Melbourne’s entire Epsy for a Saturday, Skan Nation 5 gathers some of the greatest local, interstate and international bands to send the one-day festival off in style.
Headlining will be ska legends, The Toasters. who’ve had a thirty-year strong career since first igniting a spark on the Lower East Side of Manhattan before going on to become figureheads in the American music scene.
Five-thousand some gigs later the sparks are still flying and the band is ready to pick up the cudgels once again for their 2012 30th Anniversary tour. Some of the faces may be different but, of course, the song remains the same. The distinctive Toasters sound has recently been hallmarked as one of CBGB’s 20 core bands (Clear Channel Radio) and nothing could make the band prouder than being ranked up there with personal heroes The Ramones.
There has been much acclaim from Billboard, the New York Times, Alternative Press, MTV and many others but the band is more interested in playing for the fans. To that end the group has undertaken missions across the globe, playing from Siberia to Istanbul and back, laying down the tracks for others to follow. According to lead singer Bucket, nothing can eclipse the vibes of a sweaty packed-out club with the audience in your face and the bit between the teeth.
Joning The Toasters for the Esplanade Hotel takeover are the likes of Ska Vendors, The Resignators and The AuSkas; with Melbourne Ska Orchestra being recently added to the bill.
Tickets for the festival are available on sale now from Oztix http://www.oztix.com.au/ or from www.skastore.bigcartel.com
For more info, check the Ska Nation website.
SKA NATION #5 2012
Satruday 15th September – The Espy, Melbourne VIC
The Toasters (USA)
Melbourne Ska Orchestra JUST ADDED!!!!
Ska Vendors
The Resignators
The AuSkas (NSW – feat ex Allnighters)
Steppin Razor (NSW)
The Funaddicts (QLD)
Strangely Attraktive
Steel City Allstars (NSW)
SkaBang
Jobstopper (QLD)
King City seven
Son Of Dad (SA)
Kingston Stompers (QLD)
Menage-A-Ska
Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge
Special Brew (WA)
+DJ Beddog (WA), Monky balls and more
