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Post by jamdown on Aug 16, 2010 11:09:42 GMT
I'm delighted to announce that we are relaunching The London International Ska Festival. I promoted the first one back in 1988 at The Brixton Fridge with Laurel Aitken, Bad Manners, Potato 5, The Loafers, Hotknives, The Deltones, Napolean Solo, Capone and The Bullets and Skin Deep.
The next edition will be held at the beautiful Clapham Grand Theatre on Thursday 21st April through to Sunday 24th April 2011, and feature 23 bands and 9 boss DJs from around the world.
We are currently finalising the headliners and already have some fantastic exclusives lined up.
We are aiming to make this an annual event and showcase the finest global talent from the Jamaican originators, through 2 Tone and right uptodate with 21st century ska sounds.
Website will be launched shortly, along with the announcement of the headliners. If you'd like to be added to the festival's mailing list and get discounts/be the first to hear about tickets email
enquiries@rockersrevolt.com and put London Ska Fest in the subject line
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Post by jamdown on Aug 16, 2010 13:45:22 GMT
I forgot to say... the event falls on the Easter Bank Holiday, so no work on the Friday on following Monday. Unless you're unlucky enough to work on bank hols of course!
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Post by jamdown on Aug 23, 2010 10:35:27 GMT
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Post by jamdown on Sept 8, 2010 13:14:48 GMT
We are currently programming a world class line up of over 30 international bands and DJs, which include Jamaican originators, 2 Tone legends, 21st century ska sounds and household name DJs. The 8 headline acts will be announced over the coming weeks, as we contract each artist. We have some sensational names lined up and some world exclusives. We are now in the process of working through the contracts, applying for some 92 work permits and booking 137 airline tickets. Rest assured you will not be disappointed. Bands are reforming especially for our Festival and coming from all over the world.
To wet your appetite's, amongst the first acts that we have confirmed are 3 bands that appeared on the first ever London Intl Ska Festival...
THE LOAFERS (will be reforming with all original 6 members for an exclusive one-off performance) BIM SKALA BIM (American ska pioneers and one of USA's leading ska bands of the 80's and 90's, will be performing exclusively at the festival- their first UK show in over a decade) NAPOLEAN SOLO (Danish soul/ska sensation, will be playing their first show in the UK in over 20 years)
In addition to this trip down memory line we have some of the true stalwarts of the UK ska scene confirmed; INTENSIFIED (arguably the UK's finest traditional ska band, will be celebrating their 21st anniversary) MAROON TOWN (with their unique blend of ska/funk/rap/latin)
And two of our favourite new bands on the current ska scene; THE AMPHETAMEANIES (Glasgows finest sons and daughters, who will be promoting a brand new album) THE SIDEWALK DOCTORS (London's new kings of rocksteady cool)
To be the first to receive more line up news and discounted tickets join the ska fest mailing list by emailing enquiries@rockersrevolt.com
>>>>
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Post by jamdown on Sept 15, 2010 20:26:08 GMT
We are delighted to announce the first headline artist for The London International Ska Festival is:
THE ENGLISH BEAT starring DAVE WAKELING
Dave Wakeling: the lead singer and songwriter from two of the most popular bands of the end of the millennium, The Beat (known as The English Beat in the USA, where Dave has resided & toured for the last 3 decades) and General Public. Hailing from working-class Birmingham, England, Dave and The Beat entered the music scene in the 1979, with their irresistible love and unity message set to a ska infused beat. Over the course of the three albums, they achieved great success in the UK, charting several singles, with Top 10 hits including Mirror In The Bathroom, Too Nice To Talk To, Can't Get To Losing You, Hands Off She's Mine and their 2 Tone single Tears Of A Clown b/w Ranking Full Stop. In America the band found a solid base of young fans eager to dance to the their hypnotic rhythms. Their constant touring with iconic bands such as The Clash and The Police helped to boost their popularity the world over.
For the last 3 decades The English Beat starring Dave Wakeling have been touring, to sell-out houses all over USA. He is now set to bring his all-star ska band to the UK and make a headline performance at The London International Ska Festival.
Half the earlybird discounted tickets for the festival have already gone. To get yours & be the first to hear about line up additions join the mailing list by emailing enquiries@rockersrevolt.com
>>>>
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Post by jamdown on Sept 19, 2010 1:49:32 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest additions to The London Intl Ska Festival 2011 are...
DUB PISTOLS Few bands can raise a roof or ignite a festival crowd with more rabble-rousing aplomb than The Dub Pistols. Fronted by the insatiable Barry Ashworth, from their outset they embraced vast musical earthquakes going back to the late 50s when ska was born, determined to mirror their wildly-diverse tastes in similar fashion to heroes like The Clash and Specials. Their critically acclaimed 4 albums have attracted illustrious guests including; The Specials Terry Hall, Gregory Isaacs, Beats International's Lindy Layton & Rodney P.
THE TROJANS Blending hypnotic Ska & Reggae rhythms with infectious Gaelic Soul, Rhythm & Blues and World Roots, The Trojans legacy spans over twenty years of good time partying. Led by the son of Bluesbreaker legend John Mayall, Gaz Mayall also hosts London's longest running club Gazs Rockin Blues, which is now entering into it's 30th year and is a Soho institution of Ska & R'N'B.
More artists tba very soon, including 6 legendary Jamaican names.
To get early bird/discount tickets for the LISF and keep up with the latest line up additions join the mailing list by emailing enquiries@rockersrevolt.com
Confirmed line up so far.. THE ENGLISH BEAT starring DAVE WAKELING DUB PISTOLS THE TROJANS THE LOAFERS BIM SKALA BIM MAROON TOWN INTENSIFIED NAPOLEAN SOLO THE AMPHETAMEANIES THE SIDEWALK DOCTORS
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Post by jamdown on Sept 28, 2010 6:32:02 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest addition to our festival are the original line up of the HOTKNIVES, including the frontline of Mick Clare, Gary Marshall, Mick Matthews, plus original keyboard player Jim, lead guitarist Dave Clifton and drummer Clem.
On bass they will have Mark Carew, who along with Clem has been keeping the Hotknives flame burning across Europe since the oringial line up disband in 1990.
The Hotknives truly are one of the best ska bands Britain has ever produced and we are honoured to have the original line up back together for this exclusive show!
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Post by jamdown on Oct 4, 2010 12:53:35 GMT
We are delighted to announce DJ's at the festival will include: Gaz Mayall, The Tighten Up Crew w/ MC Champian, Wrongtom, Greedy G, Jim Cox (Reggae Train) and Felix Hall.
More tba very soon.
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Post by jamdown on Oct 26, 2010 16:28:05 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest addition to The London International Ska Festival is James Hunter.
>>>
James Hunter digs deep. His incredible R'n'B and soul stylings hark back to the days before ska, to the sounds the Jamaican music originators were tuning into. To the records sound system pioneers like Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid were shipping back from America to Jamaica. The sounds that inspired the birth of ska... classic 50’s and early 60’s R&B.
James started out playing around London in the 1980's as Howlin Wilf and The Vee Jays. In the early 1990's Van Morrison heard what he describes as “one of the best voices in British R’n’B and Soul" and immediately invited James to tour and record with him. However, it wasn't until his first two Stateside releases, the Grammy nominated 'People Gonna Talk' in 2006 and 'The Hard Way' (2008) that things started hotting up. The album's propelled him into notoriety both sides of the Atlantic: "a treat not to miss" Rolling Stone, "Sublime soul" USA Today, "Hunter channels Sam Cooke, Ray Charles & Jackie Wilson" People magazine, "Extraordinary soul voice" LA Times, being just a few of the many accolades.
Hunter has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them. His infectious vocal, guitar performances and sublime songwriting are smooth, brilliantly controlled and unapologetic. Always pushing musical borders he incorporates a beautiful ska lilt to his hits 'People Gonna Talk' and 'Carina'.
We are honoured to have one of the greatest voices of our times perform at The London International Ska Festival.
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Post by jamdown on Nov 6, 2010 11:38:15 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest DJ to be added to The London International Ska Festival line up is... Mark Lamarr We couldn't be more pleased Mark has agreed to DJ. He's got one of the best shows on the radio, and over the years has constantly promoted ska, reggae & much more. Check it out every Saturday night on BBC Radio 2 from midnight www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wqj3
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Post by jamdown on Nov 6, 2010 14:07:53 GMT
On the Mark Lamarr's show tonight, George Dekker (Pioneers), Dennis Alcapone & Winston Francis in session. If you miss it you can listen again at the above link from tomorrow.
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Post by jamdown on Nov 7, 2010 18:29:00 GMT
We are truly honoured to announce the latest band to be added to the LISF is... from Japan... THE SKA FLAMES !!!!!
All 12 of them will be flying in for an exclusive performance. They truly are one of the best, if not the best traditional ska bands I have ever seen.
>>>
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Post by jamdown on Nov 12, 2010 19:27:43 GMT
The latest 3 additions to The London International Ska Festival are... THE CAROLOREGIANSIntroducing the deep fried funk-dipped reggae sounds of The Caroloregians. Fronted by the New Orleans soul stylings of Matt Hardison and backed by a boss reggae section, in one almighty soundclash of pounding rhythm & soul vs finger-licking funkified reggae. Drawing inspiration from musical cousins The Meters & The Upsetters, The Caroloregians, who hail from Belgium burst onto the European scene 4 years ago with dramatic effect. They soon became the choice backing band for touring Jamaican legends: Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, The Pioneers, Rico Rodriguez, Pat Kelly, Doreen Shaffer & more, but it is with their own electrifying show & songs where The Caroloregians truly excel. After conquering the continent, last year they set their sights on highly successful North American tour. The London Intl Ska Festival are now delighted to bring one of Europe's finest to the UK. >>>>>> And representing the new school of British ska: CARTOON VIOLENCECartoon Violence mix 2 Tone ska with distinctly British sounding pop and storytelling akin to The Kinks, Madness and Squeeze. Last year saw the release of the Welsh quintet's contagious debut album 'What Ever Happened To The Likely Lads" on Do The Dog music last year to global praise. JIMMY THE SQUIRRELAnother new school find by the UK's leading ska label Do The Dog, Jimmy The Squirrel have been refining their sound over the last couple of years. Coming out of Nottingham their debut album "Whatever The Weather" landed earlier this year and immediately picked up national airplay including Mike Davies on BBC Radio 1. >>>>>> More bands and DJs to be announced very soon. Join the mailing list to keep up on all updates email enquiries@rockersrevolt.com facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-London-International-Ska-Festival/147295195292384
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Post by jamdown on Nov 25, 2010 16:54:04 GMT
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Post by jamdown on Nov 27, 2010 10:23:34 GMT
We are honoured and delighted to announce the first legendary Jamaican artist to be added to The London Intl Ska Festival is
KEN BOOTHE
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Post by jamdown on Nov 30, 2010 22:50:03 GMT
We are honoured to announce the next acts added to The London Intl Ska Festival are two Jamaican legends. One of reggae's most influential songwriters and singers, Bob Andy and the 'Queen of Reggae' Marcia Griffiths will be reuniting for a very special evening, and once again performing together again as BOB & MARCIA. We are delighted to have Bob and Marcia performing not only their timeless duets but also their classic solo hits at The London Intl Ska Festival. www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk>>>
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Post by jamdown on Dec 1, 2010 12:31:07 GMT
We keep getting asked who is playing on which day. Until we have the full lineup contracted it is very hard to say because of flights/availability. However we can now announce a few of the bands/which days they will be playing on: Thursday 21 April 2011 Ken Boothe - James HunterFriday 22 April 2011 The Loafers - HotknivesSaturday 23 April 2011 The English Beat starring Dave Wakeling - The CaroloregiansSunday 24 April 2011 Bob & MarciaPlease note loads more bands will be announced for each day. These are just the first scheduled. Day tickets are available now at www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk Please note there are only 200 day tickets available per day ===== THE LONDON INTL SKA FESTIVAL 21-24 April 2011 - The Clapham Grand Theatre confirmed line up so far; KEN BOOTHE (Jamaica)* THE ENGLISH BEAT ft. Dave Wakeling BOB ANDY & MARCIA GRIFFITHS (Jamaica)* JAMES HUNTER THE SKA FLAMES (Japan)* DUB PISTOLS THE TROJANS THE LOAFERS (one-off reformation)* HOTKNIVES (orig.line up)* BIM SKALA BIM (USA)* MAROON TOWN INTENSIFIED NAPOLEON SOLO (Denmark)* THE CAROLOREGIANS (Belgium) THE AMPHETAMEANIES (Scotland) THE SIDEWALK DOCTORS CARTOON VIOLENCE (Wales) JIMMY THE SQUIRREL DJS: MARK LAMARR GAZ MAYALL WRONGTOM THE TIGHTEN UP CREW ft. CHAMPIAN MC JIM COX (Reggae Train) GREEDY G FELIX HALL More bands & DJs to be announced very soon *exclusive UK shows =====
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Post by DJ Greedy G on Dec 1, 2010 18:25:03 GMT
Anyone going to this? You get me plus lots of top DJs, lots of top ska bands AND Ken Boothe AND Bob Andy AND Marcia Griffiths!!!!
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Post by lankou2 on Dec 1, 2010 20:04:04 GMT
Currently considering going up there but there's still some time to think about it.
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Post by jamdown on Dec 2, 2010 19:10:49 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest DJ to be added to The London Intl Ska Festival is RHODA DAKAR
Rhoda, started her musical career as the lead singer and songwriter for 2 Tone's all female band The Bodysnatchers. Although the band only lasted a year they released 2 hit singles 'Let's Do Rocksteady' and 'Easy Life' and featured on 2 Tone's Dance Craze film. She went onto record for The Specials on 'I Can't Stand It', a duet with Terry Hall, which was featured on the 'More Specials' album. Upon The Specials split in 1981, Jerry Dammers formed The Special AKA, along with Rhoda and Specials drummer John Bradbury. Their first single release, 'The Boiler' reached No.35 in the UK Singles Chart in 1982. Their debut album, 'In The Studio' featured the UK Top 10 hit single, 'Free Nelson Mandela'. In 2009 she was the featured guest vocalist on 'On The Town' on Madness' critically acclaimed album 'The Liberty of Norton Folgate'.
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Post by jamdown on Dec 5, 2010 8:40:29 GMT
The latest band to be added to The London Intl Ska festival are, from France... LES EJECTES
Formed in 1988, Les Ejectes are one of the longest running, hardest working and most loved French ska bands. From the outset the band stood on a politically charged crossroads of punk, ska, reggae and rhythm and blues. Equally inspired by the French artists Nino Ferrer and Serge Gainsbourg, they have released 10 albums, including mixes with Mad Professor.
Les Ejectes have toured Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Tunisia, Spain, Canada, Lithuania, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania, Switzerland and of course their native France, with shows alongside Mano Negra, The Mescaleros, Murphys Law, Rita Marley, Maroon Town, Bob Dylan, Beastie Boys and Iggy Pop, in the process building a huge grassroots following. Their politically charged and socially aware stance has led them to active involvement on the anti-facist and anti-racist scenes, as well as backing ecological and youth enterprises, particularly supporting new musicians.
2010 has seen the release of their superb new album 'To The Roots'. The London Intl Ska Festival are proud to be bring Les Ejectes to perform in London for the very first time.
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Post by jamdown on Dec 6, 2010 11:10:09 GMT
The latest DJ to be added to The London Intl Ska Fest is...the world class vintage selector from Japan TOMMY ROCK-A-SHACKA
Minoru Tomita better known as 'Tommy Rock-A-Shacka' is one of the founders of the legendary Rock-A-Shacka / Far East Records label. Working closely with his partner in crime Masaya ‘Pirates Choice’ Hayashi (founder of Drum And Bass Records) in Japan, together have built a reputation collecting, releasing and also producing material for the masses.
Over the years, Tommy has collaborated with many Jamaican artists and producers, and as a team have released material from the likes of the late great Alton Ellis, Stranger Cole, Prince Buster, Sonia Pottinger, and Glen Brown, to name but a few.
Tommy is considered to be one of the biggest collectors of Jamaican music in Japan, and a leading figure amongst the Japanese revival scene. He has a frightening collection of rare singles and possibly the biggest Merritone / Top Deck / Prince Buster catalogue known to man. Having dj'd all over the world including the UK, Germany, Austria, Los Angeles, Mexico, we are delighted to be bring the man from Far East -Tommy Rock-A-Shacka to The London Intl Ska Festival.
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Post by jamdown on Dec 14, 2010 21:06:03 GMT
The latest addition to the DJ line up of The London Intl Ska Festival is...
RANDY'S RECORD LABEL PRODUCER/OWNER... CLIVE CHIN
Clive Chin ranks as one of Jamaican music's greatest & most prolific reggae producers. While working at the family business, Randy's Record Store and the crucial studio upstairs, Randy's Studio 17, Chin oversaw seminal recordings by the '70s top reggae performers and producers: The Wailers, Tommy McCook, Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Lee Perry and Black Uhuru. From 1969, when it opened, Randy's Studio 17 became a focal point of Jamaican music. Working with innovative engineer Errol Thompson, the teenage Clive Chin laid down thick bass and drum rhythms which became a signature of the roots reggae, dub and rebel rock/rockers sounds. Music personnel flocked to Randy's to get the rich bass sound and full sonic image on their songs.
Chin first rose to prominence by producing a record for a classmate Horace Swaby, a.k.a. Augustus Pablo. This record, Java, became a slow burning international sensation with its Eastern motif played on the melodica. LPs followed, namely This Is Augustus Pablo and Java Java Dub, which elaborated on the rhythmic achievements of the single. Another of his biggest hits on the British National Chart was "Fatty Bum, Bum" by Carl Malcolm. Ultimately, these halcyon days came to an abrupt end in 1978, as the Chin family closed shop and relocated to New York, where the record operation was renamed V.P. Records, today, the largest reggae distributor in North America. In 2007 VP Records started an imprint 17 North Parade to reissue some of the historic Randy's releases.
Clive Chin is now celebrating Randy's Record label 50th anniversary, by taking his music to the world. He has recently completed tours of China, Japan, USA and we are honoured to now be bringing a true Jamaican legend to the UK for The London Intl Ska Festival.
>>>
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Post by jamdown on Dec 16, 2010 16:13:21 GMT
We are delighted to announce the latest DJs to be added to the festival line up are... LYNVAL GOLDING (The Specials) DUB VENDOR ALL-STARS (Papa Face & Oxman) and TAKESHI OKAWA (Japan-Ska Flames/Sun Shot) The last couple of bands and DJ will be announced over the weekend. The running order of the festival is now taking shape. To find out who's playing when go to www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk/line-up/
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Post by jamdown on Dec 18, 2010 18:34:34 GMT
We are honoured to announce the latest artists to be added to the London Intl Ska Festival are...
DAVE & ANSELL COLLINS
reuniting for the first time since the 1970's to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their No.1 global hit single 'Double Barrel'
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Post by danidubdub on Dec 20, 2010 23:36:13 GMT
Lineup getting more and more interesting. Good luck guys.
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Post by jamdown on Dec 21, 2010 9:52:39 GMT
Lineup getting more and more interesting. Good luck guys. many thanks danidubdub!
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Post by jamdown on Dec 21, 2010 9:53:02 GMT
We are delighted to announce the last band to be added to The London Intl Ska Festival are... from Italy...
GIULIANO PALMA & THE BLUEBEATERS
The irrepressible Milan singer Giuliano Palma launched his solo career in 1999. Leaving behind 10 years as the lead singer of the highly popular Italian ska troupe Casino Royale, he pieced together a supergroup driven by the love of Jamaican rocksteady and American soul, The Bluebeaters.
In 2000 the self-released Giuliano Palma & The Bluebeaters debut, "The Album" instantly sold over 12,000 copies resulting in V2 Records snapping them up. The subsequent V2 issuing of "The Album" achieved gold status and was followed over the next 10 years by a further 4 gold selling albums for V2 and in recent times, Universal. Their latest album, "Combo" yet again displayed Giuliano's highly stylised take on ska, soul, rocksteady and classic 60's Italian pop.
What began as underground legend has grown on an inexorable rise to become a chart topping, household Italian name. We are honoured to have Guiliano Palma & The Bluebeaters performing an exclusive show at The London Intl Ska Festival.
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