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Syracuse Ska & Reggae Bands
Syracuse - Ithaca - Rochester - Buffalo - Albany - Hudson Valley - World


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The Action! Hometown: Camillus NY
Style: Rock-ska
Activity level: 20 shows in 2019 in NY
First show: November 1998 at West Genesee High School "Woodstock" show
Opened for: Gym Class Heroes, Reel Big Fish, The Toasters, The Pietasters, Big D and the Kids Table, Suburban Legends, Jimmies Chicken Shack, The Planet Smashers, and The Sheila Devine
Distinctions:

• "Peoples Choice Best Band" SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) awarded June 2008
  
• Summer 2000, they recorded an original song used for a Simpsons commercial for Syracuse TV station UPN 43
  
• Featured guest several times on the "Big Mike" show on WYYY-FM, including live in-studio performances
  
Releases:

• "5" released October 2017
  
• "Monumental Instrumentals" 4 song EP on 7" vinyl released on November 14, 2015 on LRS Records
  
• "Accelerator" released November 17, 2012
  
• "Tangles in the Lights" released November 17, 2012
  
• "Exploding Radio" released December 18, 2008
  
• "Still Standing" comp CD w/ song "Bomb Time" on Megalith Records in March 2003
  
• "Waiting For Tuesday" full length CD in November 2001, recorded at Blue Jay Way Studios
  
• "Skatalogical" full length CD in Summer 2000, recorded at at Blue Jay Way Studios
  
Notes: Originally a West Genesee High School ska band called "Skatos", they opened in November 2003 for The Pietasters and then didn't play another show until July 22, 2006 when they re-united. They're now writing new songs and looking to play more shows. They changed their name to "The Action!" in November 2006.
Website: theactionband.com
Contact: Adam (bass)
Last update: 12/2019




Razbari Sumthing
Hometown: East Syracuse NY
Style: Ska-rock
Return show: Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Westcott Theater with My So-Called Band as a benefit for The Kara Fund
Last show before hiatus: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Funk 'n Waffles University in Syracuse NY as a benefit for Toys For Tots
First show: Friday, July 26, 2002 with ASOB, Westbound Train, Skatos and more at the Westcott Community Center in Syracuse NY
Distinctions:

• "Best Alternative New Rock" SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) awarded June 2006
  
• "Peoples Choice Best Band" SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) awarded June 2006
  
• Six week national tour June-July 2006 that covered 21 states, including 9 shows in California alone
  
• 12 show East Coast tour in January 2007 that went to Florida and back
  
• Opened for The Aggrolites at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood CA in June 2006
  
• Skalifornia Fest VI in Los Angeles CA in June 2006
  
• Skastock 2006 in Cincinnati OH in June 2006
  
• Ska Weekend 2006 in Knoxville TN on Saint Tattoo Stage
  
• Ska Weekend 2005 in Knoxville TN on Main Stage
  
Notable openings (since 2022): Save Ferris at The Song and Dance; The Kilograms at Lost Horizon
Notable openings (through 2011): The Aggrolites, Mustard Plug, The Toasters, Alkaline Trio, Deal's Gone Bad, Big D & the Kids Table, Clit 45, Westbound Train
Releases:

• "Razbari Sumthing" 5 song CD (SR) with all original new songs in November 2022
  
• "The Great Distraction" CD (Kingston Beat Records) in 2005
  
• "East Coast Compilation Vol. 1" comp CD w/ song "Stuck in Mediocrity" on Poor Boy Records in June 2005
  
• "Forget The Words" CD (SR) in 2004
  
• "Sacks on Ball Street" CD (SR) in 2003
  
• S/T CD (SR) in August 2002
  
Notes: They are officially BACK as of 2022, doing shows! The core of the band was formed at East Syracuse-Minoa High School and they stayed together while attending a variety of Upstate New York colleges. The band ended up performing in 25 US states from coast-to-coast, gaining a strong fanbase in places as varied as Winston-Salem NC, New Orleans LA and Spokane WA, among others.
Trivia: Sunday, February 12, 2006 they played a coffeehouse at Fordham University in New York City the weekend of a big snowstorm. A young singer-songwriter named Lizzi Grant from Lake Placid NY opened for them singing all original songs with a very amazing, angelic voice. Apparently, it was her first "real" show as she had been doing open mic nights up to that point. Her and the band laughed together that NYC didn't know how to cope with snow, unlike her in the Adirondacks or us in snowy Syracuse. Years later, we discovered that was an early incarnation of Lana Del Rey. Strange, but true.
Website: facebook.com/razbarisumthing
Last update: 6/2025




Root Shock
Hometown: Syracuse NY
Style: Reggae-soul w/ dub
Activity level: 72 shows in 2019 in CT, DC, MA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA, VT and numerous festivals
First show: 2012
Distinctions:

• "Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist" SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) awarded March 2017
  
Booking: charley.orlando @ gmail.com
Links:

• facebook.com/RootShock
  
• www.rootshockmusic.com (archived)
  
Last update: 12/2022






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Inactive Syracuse Ska & Reggae Bands


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Baked Potatoes
Hometown: Syracuse/Oneonta NY
Style: Reggae
Activity level: 2 shows in 2019 in NY
Last update: 12/2019



Akuma Roots
Hometown: Syracuse NY
Style: Reggae/Afro-beat
Activity level: 5 shows in 2019 in NY including opening for Roots of a Rebellion
Members & instruments: Kimani Britton - vocals, Faheem Faim - keyboard, vocals, Marshall Henry - bass, David Etse Nyadedzor - djembe, vocals, Tucker Dahlke - guitar, Josh Williams - drumset, vocals, Marty Klueber - alto sax
Website: www.facebook.com/realrootsmusic
Booking: David Brown at 315 863 1823
Last update: 12/2019







The Cuddlefish
Hometown: Nedrow NY
Style: Ska-rock
Last show: Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Funk'N Waffles in Syracuse NY
First show: 1/17/15 at JCC Battle of the Bands -- placed 2nd
Distinctions:

• Winner of 14th Annual JCC Battle of the Bands on 1/16/16
Notable opening slot: The Slackers
Releases:

• "Sunday at Grammy's" 9 song album on 1/08/17
  
Notes: Formed by students at Onondaga High School
Booking: theogcuddlefish@gmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/TheCuddlefish/
Last update: 12/2019



4 Point 0
Hometown: Baldwinsville NY
Style: Ska-rock
Influences: Streetlight Manifesto
Notes: They attended Baker HS in Baldwinsville NY together and now attend colleges all over New York State.
Booking: Eddie (trombome)
Website: www.myspace.com/4point0ny
Last update: 6/10


Guerilla Activity
Style: Hardcore-ska-punk
Notes: They're based in the Watertown area.
Website: www.myspace.com/guerillaactivity
Last update: 9/08


Reggadellica
Style: Roots reggae, along with oldies covers
First local show: 11/26/2000 at the Blue Tusk in Syracuse
Releases:

• Live CD
  
Notes: This band features Frank Stepanek of Black Uhuru. They play a mix of original reggae and cover songs from artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, etc.
Contact: Jim
Last update: 6/08




Riddimwise
(2007-2011)
Style: Roots reggae w/ dub
First show: 8/06/11 at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse
First show: 9/28/07 at Old City Hall in Oswego w/ George Wesley
Booking: Bill Eppel at wjeppel@syr.edu
Website: www.myspace.com/riddimwiseband
Last update: 5/17


Straighter Than Pete
(1998-2009)

Style: Ska with rock, punk and jazz influences.
Last show: 11/25/09 opening for Mayflower at Lost Horizon in Syracuse.
First show: 10/98 at West Genesee High School cafeteria fundraiser show.
Influences: Mad Caddies, Pilfers, RX Bandits, New Found Glory, Goldfinger
Notable bookings: Goldfinger, The Pietasters, The Toasters, Bim Skala Bim, The Slackers, Mustard Plug, Planet Smashers, Westbound Train, Showoff, Allister, Shades Apart, Short Round, Benjamin, The Know How.
Distinctions:

• "Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist" SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Awards) awarded 2003
  
Releases:

• "Still Standing" comp CD w/ song "Idaho" on Megalith Records in Mar 2003
  
• "Drive Fast and Take Chances" full length CD (SR) in Jun 2000
  
• S/T 4 song CD (SR) in Nov 1999
  
Notes: Originally they all attended West Genesee High School together and then various colleges in Upstate New York, but all members are now out of school. They don't play often anymore, but they're always available if the offer is right. Historically known for very high intensity live shows.
Website: www.straighterthanpete.com
Last update: 5/17




Magic Goat
(2005-2009)
Style: Ska-rock-jazz
Influences: Save Ferris, The Planet Smashers, Skatos, Goldfinger, The Benefits
Instruments: Tenor sax, alto sax, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums
Last show: 11/28/09 w/ Have Nots, Mrs. Skannotto, 4 Point 0 at Funk'N Waffles in Syracuse
First show: 3/15/05 w/ I Voted For Kodos, Rick Johnson Rock'n'Roll Machine at Coffee Pavilion in Syracuse
Notable bookings: The Toasters, Westbound Train, I Voted 4 Kodos, Mike Park
Releases:

• "Stuck In Traffic" full length CD (SR) in August 2006
  
• "Righteous" 3 song demo in 2005
  
Notes: All members now attend colleges across Upstate NY, but most members originally attended Fayetteville-Manlius High School when the band was formed.
Booking: Dan at booking@goatska.com
Websites: www.myspace.com/magicgoat and www.goatska.com
Last update: 5/17


The Furies
Style: Ska-punk
First show: 4/10/08 at Funk'n Waffles w/ The Pinstripes, 40 Lashes
Notes: Most members attend various colleges in the Syracuse area
Website: www.myspace.com/thefuriesthree1five
Last update: 9/08



The Dead Army
Style: Punk-ska
Members & instruments: Bob Southworth on guitar & vocals; Brendan Rew on drums; John Fuller on bass.
Influences: The Clash, The Specials, Operation Ivy
Notes: Based in Cortland NY, they're playing old school Operation Ivy style punk-ska
Website: www.myspace.com/dadeadarmy
Last update: 10/07



Endive
Style: Rock-ska-pop
Notable bookings: Digger, The Know How, The Spitvalves, Toxic Narcotic, Adam's Not Funny, This Afternoon, Long Since Forgotten, 5 Bucks.
Notes: Known for very energetic live shows
Booking: Joe at drjoe32@yahoo.com
Website: www.myspace.com/endive
Last update: 6/08



The Gammas
Style: Punk-ska-surf
Influences: Leftover Crack, Choking Victim, The Specials
Notes: They're based in the Watertown area.
Website: www.myspace.com/gammasthe
Last update: 2/08


The Gnarwhals
Style: Ska-rock-reggae
Influences: The Planet Smashers, Streetlight Manifesto
Instruments: Sax, trombone, guitar, bass, drums
First show: 8/4/07 at UCF Underground in Syracuse w/ Murphy's Kids, We Are The Union
Notable bookings: The Slackers, Skarmy of Darkness
Notes: Includes members of The Secret Ions and Last Battle. Most members attend various Syracuse area high schools.
Website: www.myspace.com/thegnarwhals
Last update: 12/07




The RoboBuddies
Style: Ska-jazz-reggae
Influences: The Specials, The English Beat, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mad Caddies
Instruments: Several saxaphones, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, drums
First show: 12/31/06 at Coffee Pavilion in Syracuse w/ Magic Goat
Notable bookings: Mustard Plug, Voodoo Glow Skulls, King Django Band, Whole Wheat Bread, Bomb Town
Distinctions:
• 1st place in Oswego Harborfest 2007 "Battle of the Bands"
  
Notes: Most members attend West Genesee High School
Booking: Pat (drummer) at robobuddies@yahoo.com
Website: www.myspace.com/therobobuddies
Last update: 1/08




The Hot Steppers
Style: Reggae, soul, ska & dancehall
Instruments: Keyboard, guitar, bass, drums
First show: 6/2/00 at Planet 505 in Syracuse w/ George Wesley Band.
Notable bookings: Moon Harvest Festival 2001, John Brown's Body, Eek-A-Mouse, Toots & the Maytals, Yellowman, Abyssinians, Inner Circle, The Slackers, Neville Staple of The Specials, Eastern Standard Time.
Releases:

• S/T 5 song live CD
  
Notes: Features former members of Eternal Riddim Band, Too Hectic, Rocksteady Commission and George Wesley Band. They're on hiatus while looking for a new lead singer.
Booking: Joe at jbasi@mvcc.edu
Last update: 10/07


Native Informant
Style: Ska-reggae
Influences: The Skatalites, Westbound Train, The Void Union
Instruments: Alto sax, trumpet, trombone, flute, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums
First show: 9/04/08 w/ The Void Union, Rubblebucket Orchestra at Funk'n Waffles in Syracuse
Notes: All members attend Syracuse University
Website: www.myspace.com/nativeinformantny
Booking: Devon at djstew01@syr.edu
Last update: 9/08



Behind Bad Luck!
Style: Punk-ska-indie
First show: 11/9/07 - Madstop Records - Battle of The Bands
Releases:

• 3 Track SR demo released 11/21/2007
  
Notes: Comprised of music students, all from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
Website: BehindBadLuck.com & myspace.com/behindbadluck
Booking: Jared Brickman (bassist) at brickm24@potsdam.edu
Last update: 11/07




The Benefits
(2004-2007)
Style: Ska w/ jazz influence
Instruments: Trumpet, accordian, banjo, guitar, bass, drums
Reunion show: 4/21/07 at Funk'n Waffles in Syracuse NY
Last show: 5/05/06 w/ Big D & the Kid's Table at Ukrainian National Home in Syracuse NY
First show: 2/18/04 w/ The Know How at Salt City Center for the Performing Arts in Syracuse NY
Notable bookings: The Toasters, Big D & the Kid's Table, Catch 22, Mustard Plug, The Know How
Notes: Included members of local ska bands Skatos and The Glow, featuring female vocals and a banjo and accordian in their original songs. All members attended Syracuse University together.
Sound files: www.purevolume.com/thebenefits/music2
Booking: Chris at cdnolan@syr.edu
Website: www.thebenefits.cjb.net
Last update: 1/08




The Argo-Nots
(2005-2007)
Style: Ska-punk
Influences: Catch 22
Last show: 3/31/07 at Jewish Community Center "Battle of the Bands" in DeWitt NY.
First show: 12/03/05 at Christian Brothers Academy "Jamnesty" in Jamesville NY.
Distinctions:
• 1st place at the Jewish Community Center "Battle of the Bands" for 2007.
  
Notes: Most members attended Bishop Grimes High School in East Syracuse NY.
Website: www.myspace.com/theargonots
Booking: Jon at turbo346 @ twcny.rr.com
Last update: 10/07




The Secret Ions
(2005-2006)
Style: Ska-punk
Influences: Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22, The Specials, The Clash
Last show: 11/21/06 w/ The Flaming Tsunamis, The Flatliners, Razbari Sumthing and Matt Wixson at the Westcott Community Center in Syracuse NY.
First show: 10/14/05 at an Onondaga Central High School pep rally
Instruments: Guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, trombone, alto Sax, bari sax.
Notes: All members attended Onondaga Central High School. Most of their horn section had a jazz background.
Website: www.myspace.com/thesecretions
Contact: Jeff at TheIons@hotmail.com
Last update: 10/07




The Verbs
Style: Ska-rock
First show: 3/24/05 at the East Syracuse-Minoa High School "Battle of the Bands"
Achievements: Won 1st Place at the East Syracuse-Minoa High School "Battle of the Bands" for 2005.
Notes: Most of the band history, they were called The Verbs, but they changed it to Off Main Street at the very end. Most members attended East Syracuse-Minoa High School
Bookings: Brandon at kirkvillepaintpark@yahoo.com
Website: www.myspace.com/theverbs
Last update: 10/07




39 Steps
Style: Ska-punk
Influences: Operation Ivy, Rancid, Anti-Flag, Leftover Crack, Sex Pistols, NOFX, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Dead Boys, The Business, Newtown Neurotics, Anti-Nowhere League, The Specials, The Ramones, The Vibrators.
First show: March 18th 2006 at Red Planet Skate Park in Oswego
Instruments: guitar, bass, drums
Notes: Including members of the ex punk/ska band Manikin Head Hunters, and glam punk band Lipstick Killers. All members are seniors attending Skaneateles High School, except bassist Matt, who goes to Corcoran.
Booking: matguy12@aim.com
Website: myspace.com/thirty9steps
Last update: 4/06

Bill Reilly Enigma
Style: Ska-punk
Influences: Mustard Plug, Straighter Than Pete
Last show: 10/20/05 w/ Taj Motel Trio, Rex Banner at UCF Underground in Syracuse.
First show: 2004 at a talent show at their school?
Notes: Almost all members attended Marcellus High School.
Website: http://billreillyenigma.tripod.com
Contact: Brendan at bgosson@twcny.rr.com (trumpet).
Last update: 10/07




Amy Ryan & the Operatives
Style: Ska, rocksteady and reggae
Instruments: Keyboard, saxaphone, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums
Influences: The Slackers
Last show: Friday, February 24, 2006 at Club Infinity in Williamsville NY outside Buffalo opening for The Slackers
First show: Saturday, October 27, 2001 at Westcott Community Center w/ Now Serving #38 and Straighter Than Pete as part of Skalloween V
Notable bookings: The Slackers, The Toasters, The Allstonians, Westbound Train, Green Island, General Rudie, Mass Hysteria, Rikki Rocksteady Special, Now Serving #38
Releases:

• "The Pillbox Sessions" 3 song CD in Jan 2002
  
Notes: At various times they claimed Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse as their home city, but core members were from Syracuse. They featured jazzy female lead vocals, tenor saxophone, and a Jamaican influenced rhythm section.
Website: www.theops.net
Last update:5/2021



Saaa
Style: Ska with rock, punk and jazz influences.
Influences: Less Than Jake
First show: 4/21/01 at Westcott Community Center w/ Cappuccino Jellybeans, Straighter Than Pete.
Notable bookings: Disaster Strikes, Skarmy of Darkness, Distorted Penguins.
Releases:

• "Everything & Nothing" 5 song CD-EP in June 2002
  
Notes: When they began, they were all freshmen at West Genesee High School, following in the footsteps of Straighter Than Pete and Skatos.
Website: www.saaiscool.com
Contact: Aaron (trumpet).
Last update: 11/03


Team Idiot
Style: Ska with pop and jazz influences.
First show: 6/29/02 at a graduation party in Bridgeport NY
Achievements: Won the Chittenango High School Battle of the Bands for 2003.
Notes: This 9 member band features 2 saxaphones, 2 trombones and 2 trumpets. Everyone in the band attends Chittenango High School and most of the horn section has a jazz background.
Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6kkd5
Contact: Chris (tenor sax)
Last update: 6/03


Bursting Mosquitos
Style: Psycho-ska
First show: 10/98 Skaneateles American Legion
Releases:

• "Table For One" CD in Dec 2001
  
• "I Want a Cookie Sooooo Bad" CD in 2001
  
• "Greatest Hits EP" CD in 2000
  
• "Live Under a Night Sky" CD in 1999
  
Notes: Almost exclusively plays original, if sometimes odd, material.
Website: burstingmosquitos.cjb.net
Contact: Tom
Last update: 11/01


Sweet Jeebaz
Style: Ska-punk
First show: Sometime in 2001 in the Phoenix area
Notes: Starting to record original songs now
Contact: Max (guitar)
Last update: 11/01


58 Sense
Style: Ska-punk-emo-hardcore
First show: ???
Releases:

• S/T demo CD
  
Notes: They were based in Ogdensburg NY, near the Canadian border, were all in high school.
Contact: Danny (guitar)
Last update: 10/01


High and Mighty
Style: Roots reggae, dub, and some ska
First show: ???
Notes: Based in Utica, their drummer has played for Magadog, The Strangeways, The Coldspot Eight, King Django and others. They also have an upright bass player who also plays for two symphony orchestras. They're always looking for musicians and currently need a bassist, keys and percussion, maybe horns and another guitar. Contact them if interested.
Contact: Joe Basi (drums) at (315) 733-6488
Last update: 11/01


Three Inches of Glory
(2002-2003)
Style: Ska with rock and pop influences.
Last show: 5/27/03 w/ Planet Smashers at Planet 505 in Syracuse.
First show: 8/02 w/ The Belligerents (Rochester) in Naples NY
Notable bookings: Planet Smashers, The Know How, Mass. Hysteria
Notes: They will be taking a break from shows during the 2003-04 school year, but then expect them back better then ever come summer 2004.
Website: www.ThreeInchesOfGlory.moonfruit.com
Contact: Greg at nappymop@hotmail.com
Last update: 7/03




Cletus Doesn't Care
(2001-2003)
Style: Ska-punk with full horn section
Last show: 1/18/03 w/ Skarmy of Darkness at Skaneateles Community Center
First show: 8/3/01 at Westcott Community Center w/ The Motives, Dinkus 9
Notable bookings: The Toasters
Releases:

• "Jerome" 5 song CD (SR) in Nov 2001.
  
Notes: All the members were in previous bands.
Website:www.punksound.com
Contact: Steve
Last update: 11/01



Section 8
(2001-2002)
Style: Ska with pop and punk influences.
Last show: 12/31/02 w/ Mass. Hysteria at Planet 505 in Syracuse
First show: 9/14/01 at Westcott Community Center w/ STU, Skatos
Releases:

• S/T 4 song CD in Dec 2000
  
Achievements:
• Won the Cicero-North Syracuse "Battle of the Bands" for 2002
  
• Their song "Stupid Like You" got a fair amount of airplay on WKRL FM ("K-Rock") in Syracuse
  
Notes: Were called "Section 8" until December 2002, when they cahnged their name to "The Fastlanes" to alleviate confusion with other bands. Most members graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School.
Website: http://fastlanes.rocks.it
Contact: Steve (bass)
Last update: 1/03




No Refund
(2002)
Style: Ska-punk
Last show: 12/31/02 at Planet 505 w/ Mass. Hysteria
First show: 7/26/02 at the Westcott Community Center w/ ASOB and Westbound Train
Notes: High school students from Baldwinsville and Fulton combining with female vocals for a strong sound.
Contact: Lauren (bass)
Website:http://liquid2k.com/atma/norefund/
Last update: 1/03


Johnny Rocket & the Revolution
(2002)
Style: Ska-pop-metal
Last show: 7/6/02 at Planet 505
First show: 2/23/02 at the Westcott Community Center
Notes: Based mainly in the North Syracuse area, they're a mixture of high school and college students trying to mix ska with metal and pop, citing their main influences as Mephiskapheles and Catch 22.
Website: johnnyrocket.stormpages.com/
Contact: Steve (singer)
Last update: 3/02


A Gut Feeling
(2001-2002)
Style: Ska-punk
Last show: 2/23/02 at the Westcott Community Center w/ Royal Noise Brigade
First show: 7/01 at a houseparty in Fulton with 4 other bands
Notable bookings: Royal Noise Brigade, The Motives, Skarmy of Darkness
Releases:

• "Jackie Chan" 5 song CD (SR) in February 2002
  
Notes: Based in Fulton, outside Syracuse.
Website: agutfeeling.tripod.com
Contact: Greg (trombone)
Last update: 1/03




The Pink Cheetahs
(2000-2001)
Style: All-girl pop-ska
Last show: 5/11/01 at the Ultimate Goal in Skaneateles w/ Mixed Breed (which became Cletus Doesn't Care)
First show: 10/21/00 at the Westcott Community Center w/ Skarmy of Darkness, Straighter Than Pete
Notable bookings: Cappuccino Jellybeans, Skarmy of Darkness, The Motives, Straighter Than Pete
Notes: All girl ska band primarily composed of members from Skaneateles High School. Core of band is the horn section, seen at every area ska show enthusiastically dancing up front.
Website: www.angelfire.com/sk2/ThePinkCheetahs
Contact: Chelly (trumpet)
Last update: 1/03


Short Round
(1997-2000)
Style: Third wave ska that evolved into punk-ska their last year with some straight punk
Last show: 5/6/00 at Mohawk Valley Community College in Herkimer NY w/ Straighter Than Pete.
First show: 5/2/97 at Hungry Charleys in Syracuse w/ Too Hectic and Douglas Leader Orchestra.
Notable bookings: The Toasters, The Pietasters, Pilfers, Mustard Plug, Bim Skala Bim, Spring Heeled Jack, US Bombs, Atomic Fireballs, Metro Stylee, The Smooths, Perfect Thyroid, The Agents, Too Hectic, etc.
Achievements:

• Chosen for battle of the bands in Saratoga Springs NY to determine local bands at Warped Tour 2000
  
Releases:

• "Butch Cassidy and Your Mom" 12 song CD on Baby Gun XL Music (SR) in May 2000
  
• "Alternative Sampler Vol. 7" comp CD w/ song "Trendy Girl" on Oasis Music in Mar 2000
  
• "Potluck" comp CD w/ song "Pants" on Stub Daddy Records in Sept 1999
  
• "Is It Really ..?" 13 song CD (SR) in Dec 1998
  
• "No Time For Love Dr Jones" 4 song cassette (SR) in Sept 1997
  
Notes: Probably best known for very energetic live sets and a poppy style.
Website: web.syr.edu/~kccooney
Contact: Greg (drummer).


Sacrelicious/Salt City Skatet
(1997-2000)
Style: Third wave ska that was sometimes very poppy, othertimes almost ska/reggae
Last show: 4/16/00 at the Haunt in Ithaca w/ Ednas Goldfish and Step Lively.
Notable bookings: Pilfers, Bim Skala Bim, Edna's Goldfish, Step Lively, and The Rocksteady Commission.
Releases:

• "Sacrelicious" 3 song cassette (SR) in 1999
  
Notes: High energy live shows with strong original material.
Contact: Grif (sax player).


A Chick Named Kate
(???-2000)
Style: Third wave ska
Last show: 4/14/00 at Westcott Community Center in Syracuse.
Notes: Former ska band composed of Skaneateles High School students.
Contact: Ryan


Rock Steady Commission
(1998-1999)
Style: Rocksteady mixed with reggae/ska
Last show: 12/8/99 w/ The Slackers at the Haunt in Ithaca.
First show: 3/26/98 at Zopies Caffeine Fix in Syracuse.
Notable bookings: The Slackers, Eastern Standard Time
Notes: Former rock steady band from Syracuse. Bass/lead guitar player and drummer went on to form The Hot Steppers.
Contact: Bill (bass/lead guitar).


A Ghost Named Marshall
(1998-1999)
Style: Ska-punk??
Last show: 5/16/99 at Styleen's in Syracuse.
First show: 1/15/98 at Happy Endings in Syracuse.
Notes: Former students at Jamesville-DeWitt High School. Members went on to play in bands Honor Bright and Wednesday Demonstration.
Contact: BJ (lead guitar).
Last update: 1/2024




Douglas Leader Orchestra
(1995-1999)
Style: Primarily instrumental ska with rock influences
Last show: 5/1/99 at the 2nd annual "Livingstock" block party just off the Syracuse University campus.
First show: 11/2/95 w/ CIV, Smile and the Deftones at the Underground, in the Schine Student Center on the Syracuse University campus. DLO only played 3 songs that day.
Notes: All of them attended Syracuse University together and played most of their shows on and around the campus. After the "Livingstock" show, they shortened their name to "Douglas Leader", re-located to the New York City area and changed their musical focus to a rock band with ska influences.
Contact: Steph (alto sax)
Last update: 4/02


Eternal Riddim Band
(1996-1998)
Style: Roots reggae
Last show: August 1998 at the Haunt with Yellowman.
First show: 1996 at Styleen's with George Wesley.
Releases:

• "Eternal Riddim Band" 3 song CD (SR) in August 1998. Recorded live at the Yellowman show at the Haunt.
  
Notes: The primary local roots reggae band for awhile, regularly opening for the George Wesley Band and others.
Contact: Andy (bass) or Adam (drums).


Skantinentals
(1996-1998)
Style: Mostly 3rd wave ska
Last show: 2/7/98 at the HUB on the Hamilton College campus w/ Douglas Leader Orchestra and Short Round.
First show: sometime in 1996? probably on the Hamilton College campus.
Notes: Everyone in the band attended Hamilton College and they primarily played shows on campus. Leader of the band also did the campus ska radio show.
Contact: ???
Last update: 4/02




Too Hectic
(1994-1997)
Style: Third wave ska mixed with some reggae/ska
Last show: 7/13/97 at Hungry Charleys in Syracuse w/ Eastern Standard Time.
First show: 9/3/94 at Zopies Caffeine Fix in Syracuse.
Notable bookings: 5/19/96 Moon Ska Records showcase at SOB's in NYC with Skavoovie & the Epitones and The Slackers. The Toasters, Perfect Thyroid, Johnny Too Bad, Pilfers, The Pietasters, Arsenals
Achievements:
• Nominated for 1997 SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) for "Best Modern Rock Group"
  
• Nominated for 1997 SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) for "Best Recording (National Label)"
  
• Performed for 1000+ people at the 1997 Penn State Skafest in February 1997
  
• Performed live on Cable Channel 13 "Live from The Palace" in June 1996
  
• Their CD was played regularly on CUIT FM, Toronto and WRUR FM in Rochester, among others
  
Releases:

• "Demons 10th Anniversary" comp CD w/ song "King" on Skully Records in August 1997. 1,000 copies of the CD were pressed. This same song was scheduled to be part of a 7" split on Jump Start Records that was never released.
  
• "Viva Chez Slack" 13 song CD on Moon Ska Records (MR084) in August 1996.
  
Members:

• "King" Jackson Polyp - lead vocals, gin (1994-1997)
  
• Mr. Smartie Pants - guitar, vocals (1994-1997)
  
• The Skadfather - bass (1994-1997)
  
• Da Krusha - drums (1994-1996)
  
• Yukebyte Sambooka - trumpet (1994-1997)
  
• Sir Myles Pergallion - trombone (1994)
  
• Chuck Tone - trombone, marching baritone (1994 - 1995)
  
• Waterloo Clyde - saxophone (1994-1997)
  
• Rufus the Insanitone - trombone (1995-1997)
  
• Lord Eephus - drums (1996-1997)
  
• Homer Cortland - baritone saxophone (1996-1997)
  
• "Saucy" Ralphie Sugarnotche - drums (1997)
  
Notes: Regularly drew 250+ people to their local shows their last year. No relation to the Denton, Texas ska-punk band of the same name. The core of the band played in an earlier band, "Colonel Klink" that only existed for April 1994.
Website: www.myspace.com/toohecticska
Contact: Nate (lead singer), Bill (bass)
Last update: 1/08


Inity
(1996)
Style: Roots reggae.
Contact: Andy (bass) or Adam (drums).


Freezone
(1991-1994)
Style: Reggae rock.
Notable bookings: Jimmy Cliff.
Releases:

• S/T 8 song cassette (SR) in 1993
  
Contact: Andy (bass).
Last update: 8/03


I-Tations
(1989-1992)
Style: Roots reggae.
Contact: Andy (bass)




Wesley Rogers Band
(1984-1988)
Style: Roots reggae mixed with rock.
Notable bookings: Sly and Robbie, The Ramones, George Thoroughgood, Benny Mardones.
Releases:

• "Strong" 10 song cassette (SR) in 1987. Sly & Robbie played on two of the songs and Benny Mardones did some backing vocals.
  
• "Terror In The Streets" 12" single on UCA Recording (SR) in 1985. Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are on this single. The B side is a dub version of the same song.
  
Notes: Probably the very first band in the Syracuse area to play Jamaican music of any style seriously. They had weekly gigs in town for awhile and were based in Amboy, just north of Constantia. The leaders of the band were George Wesley on rhythm guitar and keyboards and Don Rogers on lead guitar. George Wesley went solo later and still performs as the George Wesley Band, now based out of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Contact: George Wesley (rhythm guitar and keyboard)
Last update: 5/03



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