For 31 years, the NYC-based and critically acclaimed Slackers have been touring the world with their blend of Ska, Reggae, and Soul. Since 1991, the Slackers have released fifteen albums and countless singles, while their 1000s of live performances feed their fans with energetic sets of ecstatic music. The press state that the Slackers are “the best ska band in the world” (Rude International), “the pick of the US crop” (Metal Hammer), “the sound of New York’ (New York Times), “is about as close to perfect as it gets” (Ink 19), and “one of the best bands in the United States” (axs.com). In April 2022, The Slackers released a new album, “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” (Pirates Press) which quickly shot to the top of the US billboard charts. This is the first time that a Slackers’ album has charted! Ironically after 30 years as a band, this qualified them as a Billboard ‘new artist.’ The Washington Post noted that the Slackers “remain at the top of their game.” The chart topping performance of “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” capped a 2 year comeback of the Slackers. When Covid stopped live shows in 2020, the Slackers pivoted to livestreams and made 5 full band concerts that were broadcast internationally. After the shows, they stayed in the studio and recorded the tunes that became Sunlight. Returning to live gigging in the 2nd half of 2021, the band celebrated their 30th anniversary with 30 shows across the United States and Canada. In 2022, the Slackers have 90 shows booked in the United States, Canada, UK, and Europe. At 31 years old, the band has been renewed and is looking to grow their cult following into its 4th decade.

From the frozen pipes of Montreal, the city’s own Danny Rebel & The KGB are tossin’up their 5th studio record. “We’re All Going to Hell” is a melting pot of Reggae/Funk/Ska/Conspiracy featuring Danny Rebel at the helm, whose mission is to groove across the globe, and maybe write a few love songs along the way. This 14 track album promises to assassinate the dancefloor. Available in May 2024 through Jump Up! Records and all streaming platforms. Since their formation in 2007, DRKGB have been known to light the stage on fire with dynamic performances at various festivals across North America. Their regular appearances at the Montreal Ska Festival, the Pouzza Fest, and the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival are said to be more than mere coincidences. Throughout their dynamic musical odyssey, DRKGB has been honored to share the stage with ska legends such as The Skatalites, The Slackers and the Planet Smashers. However, whispers in the industry hint at secret collaborations and encoded messages in their music, especially during performances with the internationally acclaimed dub maestro Victor Rice, and The Aggrolites. Their journey, steeped in mystery, includes performances with reggae icons like U-Roy and Macka B, and the Psychedelic Funk pioneers Fishbone. Insiders suggest these connections are part of a larger, undisclosed project that transcends music. Are DRKGB mere musicians, or are they key players in a global, musical conspiracy?

Meskales is an energetic Ska band whose name is yet to be mentioned, the band has an impressive history of playing with renowned bands for their short trajectory in the Ska scene. Their infectious blend of ska,punk,surf and reggae has gained them a devoted following and allowed them to share the stage with some of the most influential acts in the genre.

Deal's Gone Slack is a collaboration of members from Deal's Gone Bad (Chicago) and The Slackers (NYC) (Solo set) [The Hemispheres/Deals Gone Bad]

RUDE GIRL REVUE TO RELEASE HOLIDAY 45 ON JUMP UP RECORDS, 10/16 The all-female, all-star ska/reggae crew, Rude Girl Revue will be giving the holiday gift of new music to their fans with the release of two brand new, original songs on this year’s Jump Up Records Holiday 45, to be released on November 16. The disc kicks off with “Behind Every Santa, There’s A Mrs. Clause”, a vintage-inspired tune that would fit nicely between tracks by Brenda Lee and The Beach Boys, while tweaking the old “behind every good man, there’s a good woman” adage for the holidays. It is backed by “Slay Belles”, a dub reggae sound collage of femme empowerment partially inspired by the bitch tracks of drag queens. Both songs were recorded at Version City Studios with NYC ska capo King Django engineering the session. Django himself mixed “Slay Belles”, while Hub City Stompers’ guitarist Rob George mixed “…Mrs. Clause”. This holiday 45 will be released on Night Two of Slackfest Chicago, which is being held at Reggie’s on November 15-16, and at which Rude Girl Revue will be direct support for NYC’s Jamaican rock’n’roll stallwards, The Slackers. With joyful artwork by Ben Heighton, this will be a limited pressing of 500 records on red, white, and green vinyl.

8-piece ska/dub/reggae/punk - straight outta Indianapolis, IN. Indianapolis Ska formed Nov 2018 Heath - trumpet/vocals Drew- trombone Brittany- vocals Brandon- guitar/vocals Dave- bass Cris- drums Gregg- keys

From the frozen pipes of Montreal, the city’s own Danny Rebel & The KGB are tossin’up their 5th studio record. “We’re All Going to Hell” is a melting pot of Reggae/Funk/Ska/Conspiracy featuring Danny Rebel at the helm, whose mission is to groove across the globe, and maybe write a few love songs along the way. This 14 track album promises to assassinate the dancefloor. Available in May 2024 through Jump Up! Records and all streaming platforms. Since their formation in 2007, DRKGB have been known to light the stage on fire with dynamic performances at various festivals across North America. Their regular appearances at the Montreal Ska Festival, the Pouzza Fest, and the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival are said to be more than mere coincidences. Throughout their dynamic musical odyssey, DRKGB has been honored to share the stage with ska legends such as The Skatalites, The Slackers and the Planet Smashers. However, whispers in the industry hint at secret collaborations and encoded messages in their music, especially during performances with the internationally acclaimed dub maestro Victor Rice, and The Aggrolites. Their journey, steeped in mystery, includes performances with reggae icons like U-Roy and Macka B, and the Psychedelic Funk pioneers Fishbone. Insiders suggest these connections are part of a larger, undisclosed project that transcends music. Are DRKGB mere musicians, or are they key players in a global, musical conspiracy? (Solo Set)

DJ Chuck Wren has hosted the ska radio show “Everything Off-Beat” across the Chicago dial since 1989, currently airing Wednesdays at 9 PM on WNUR-FM 89.3. Since 1993, his label JUMP UP RECORDS (www.jumpuprecords.com ) has released 200+ albums including local faves The Operators, The Crombies, Deal’s Gone Bad, The Drastics, and Green Room Rockers plus legacy US acts The Toasters, The Pietasters, Chris Murray, Mephiskapheles, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, and top international bands Lollypop Lorry, Dr Ring Ding, The Magnetics, Out of Control Army and Los Fastidios.  "Ska night with DJ Chuck Wren" (last Thursday of the month) has been a institution at Delilah's for 31 years. It is Chicago's longest running ska/reggae night and has been all-vinyl since day one.