Syracuse Ska Forum

So, we've tried getting VooDoo RagDollz but it's never really worked out.
We've had RazSum Unplugged several times now.
Hobo Slobo plays every few shows.
I've played a couple myself.

But we need more local bands to open shows.
We need more bands that you guys like and will come out to see.

We've got plenty of local ska bands, but they're all high school and college kids and are limited with what they can play.
It's non-ska bands that we should start looking for.
Stuff that'll mesh well with what we've already got.

So..
Do you have any ideas for new acts to come play for us?
Which local bands would you like to see?

you should get some cool local punk bands (there is a punk night on tuesdays at Downtown Manhattans that you could scout out) or possibly some acoustic jams (check out some coffee pavillion acts). A jazz band might be a stretch, but its an idea.

Get The Knockdown or Ghost Tales to play.

I'd be down to play with the jazz group I work with...tailor the set to be more of a performance-oriented thing, get my friend chad to come in from Ithaca and play tenor (best saxophonist I have ever played with).

The guys in Marty! are good dudes. Fun poppy punk stuff.

Thousands of One - GREAT local reggae.

I demand more "experiments in ska." I'll post some more names later.

here's a few non-ska acts we play with a lot.
we book shows too, so i'm also interested in any other bands who are around syracuse and good to play with

http://www.theinnerjd.com - the inner JD are good guys to play with
http://www.armorydemo.com - armory demolition is really good, too

and we're always glad at marty! to play a show or two.. especially with ska bands (we're big fans of and supporters of ska) http://www.myspace.com/marty

ps thanks for the plug spencer

Alright.. Well here's what's up.

I'm gonna do my first show booking all alone.
As in, I'm booking all the bands, I've talked to the UCF, I need to find people for sound, promotion, tickets, everything.
It rules.

I've got the UCF for Saturday March 25th.
My idea is that we can do a sort of "Ska Opener Preview Night".

We'll book a some bands that you guys come up with as possible openers.
You kids come out to the show, see the bands, and then the next day we'll put a poll up on the forum for each band asking if you want to see the band play ska shows; it'll be a yes or no type deal.

How does that sound to you kids?
Will you come out and help us out with something like that?

I'd imagine you're going to need something to draw kids out. If it's just a bunch of bands that we don't really know, I'm not sure you're going to have many kids come out. That's just my thought though... I wouldn't be going anyway, I'm seeing Billy Joel that night.

^ Me being INSANELY jealous.

Spencer.. I've got an idea for the jazz trio.
Get in touch with me.

Email: Justine@poorboy-records.com
AIM: A MelodicRapture

Just to warn kids, I'm in the midst of booking a LOT of shows right now, including for March and April. Including some BIG shows. And some of these shows will conflict with other shows that other people may do. It's unavoidable, especially when kids don't talk to me about their plans or my plans. You can't coordinate when you don't talk regularly. But show conflicts happen and usually are not intentional and no one should presume otherwise.

It's great Justine and others want to book shows. I'll always encourage that. But don't get mad when our shows end up head to head, because its going to happen more and more.

I'm hoping we can avoid the Jesus Christ thing all over again, but if kids want to go down that road, I'm fine with that too. Book away without saying anything to me and see what shows you schedule the same date as me. Chris never hurt a single one of my shows and none of you is likely to either. But it was also a sad waste of scarce resources and its probably not the best thing we might do. But again, I recognize that some of you will do it anyway. I haven't lasted this long booking shows by not understanding how its done and how professional courtesy works. Some of you may need to learn about that, at some point.

As for some of the bands being mentioned ... I AM going to book Voodoo Ragdollz very soon. That's just a fact, because I've promised Andrea as much and I keep my promises. I'm very open to booking almost any other local band too, ska or not. I'm going to keep using UCF Underground and the Westcott and some new spaces as well. I'm also on the verge of booking shows outside Syracuse. I've done it before and I'll do it again. I'm talking to a lot of out of town venues about it and it'll happen when the timing is right.

BTW, while we're on the subject, allow me to clear up something else. I really, REALLY appreciate all the help with shows from all the kids in the scene. I can't be everywhere all the time and I can't do everything myself. The more help I get, the more I can do. But all the most sensitive work on bookings I do with Johanna and Derek of RazSum and no one else at this point. While I appreciate the help that others kindly offer, Johanna and Derek are the ones I count on for important booking decisions. And this summer when I'm on tour for 2 months with RazSum, Johanna is going to run the shows I normally do. Everyone else that can should help her with that.

I apologize that I've been so busy lately that I've lost touch with many of you. It's not intentional and it doesn't mean I've forgotten you or no longer care. But communication can be initiated by anyone and I'd encourage you to take the first step when you have a question. Don't wait for someone else to make the first move or make broad assumptions when you're unsure. We all want more ska shows, right? Hopefully we'll work together and get there.

More live music in Syracuse is always a good thing, in my book.

Gosh.. I wonder if that means you're brewing up something for March 25th as well..

It's cool. I'm trying. I apologize I didn't get in touch with you earlier about all this. I'll talk to you first to make sure the calendar is clear in the future.

Besides, it'll be way rad booking side-by-side. I think you told me once that you started booking shows when you were about my age, Danny. I'm lucky to have someone like you to help teach me the ropes. I don't know if I can ever thank you enough for it. You've opened up a lot of doors for me.

I'll have final details soon regarding this show I'm getting together on March 25th. I should have tickets and flyers all set for the show at the UCF on Feb. 19th as well, if anyone is interested.

However it's close to 3am and I have yet to finish my bio homework, so I'm going to call it quits for the night.

Give us the names of more local bands you'd like to see!! We want to book them.


G'night.

I'm working on something, yes. It won't fit at UCF. That's all I can say for the moment.


Talk to me about that as well. There is a VERY interesting new venue perfect for it. I promise you Spencer, it'll make you go in your pants. Seriously. Kids will need to bring a camera, because I promise you will.

i say jeff's star wars songs are the greatest non ska songs in existence

Oh damn!

Funny..










I said the same thing.