Bluebeat DC, Jump Up Records, and Songbyrd have teamed up to present the inaugural Capital Ska & Reggae Review, showcasing vintage Jamaican sounds from four incredible DC bands — ska-jazz legends Eastern Standard Time, fresh off their European tour for their hometown record release party for new studio album Time For Change, along with The Fuss, The Scotch Bonnets, and The Loving Paupers, and DJs Chuck Wren, Crown Vic’s Weird World, and Bobby Babylon — at Songbyrd Music Café on Friday, May 24.
Each of the four bands to be showcased at the Capital Ska & Reggae Review take classic Jamaican-styled ska in the 2 Tone ethic in its own distinct musical direction. Dance to the mod-ska sounds of The Fuss, punky rocksteady of The Scotch Bonnets, rootsy “lovers rock” reggae of The Loving Paupers, and legendary Eastern Standard Time’s artful blend of American soul, jazz, and danceable Jamaican rhythm from the ’50s to the ’70s.
Shared Eastern Standard Time’s lead guitarist Zachary Cutler, “The band’s been together for 23 years, and we’re really proud to be releasing a record at a time when the DC music scene is stronger than it has ever been. And it’s only fitting that we’re sharing the bill at our release party with three of the best bands playing ska and reggae in the city right now.”
To make the night even more special, The Fuss, The Scotch Bonnets, and The Loving Paupers all feature women lead singers. Said Chuck Wren, head of top US imprint Jump Up Records and famed DJ, “Let’s just say our showcase is the opposite of the frat-boy ska image that was created by ’90s mainstream popularity.”
Said Andi Leo, lead singer of The Fuss and programmer of Bluebeat DC, a monthly ska and reggae night that resides at the Wonderland Ballroom on the third Thursday of every month, “Bluebeat brings local and touring bands to the stage and is always a lively experience. We’re thrilled to help bring to life this inaugural showcase at Songbyrd.”
Listen to “Lovely in Mad” from Eastern Standard Time’s newly released full-length album, Time for Change:
As if four of DC’s most dynamic bands in one showcase weren’t enough, the evening includes an all-star cast of DJs, including Chicago’s Chuck Wren, Crown Vic’s Weird World, and Bobby Babylon.
This first annual Capital Ska & Reggae Review is a showcase you won’t want to miss.
Capital Ska & Reggae Review
featuring Eastern Standard Time, The Fuss, The Scotch Bonnets, and The Loving Paupers Songbyrd Music House
Friday, May 24
Doors @ 7pm
$15 advance / $17 door
All ages
