I stepped in last-minute to cover this show for a fellow contributor who couldn’t make it, and I’m so glad I did. I walked in knowing only one band, Less Than Jake, and walked out with several new favorites.

Ska isn’t something I usually have in heavy rotation, but wow, was I missing out. Every band brought their own energy and style, and the crowd fed off it from start to finish.

Catbite, from Philadelphia, opened the night, fresh and full of energy. They’ve only been around since 2018, but they’ve already made waves in the ska scene with their Two-Tone-inspired sound and infectious stage presence. They were pure fun and set the tone perfectly.

Then came Fishbone, the legendary genre-benders from East Los Angeles who’ve been mixing ska, punk, funk, and soul since the late ’70s. Their stage presence is unmatched, chaotic in the best way and it’s easy to see why they’re considered one of the most influential alt-rock bands of the ’80s.

The Suicide Machines followed with a hard-hitting punk-ska blend that had the floor shaking. Frontman Jason Navarro was relentless, leaning over the barricades and shoving the mic into the crowd. At one point, a couple even got engaged on stage before the band tore into their classic hit “New Girl.”

Finally, Less Than Jake closed out the night with their “Summer Circus” tour theme in full swing – literally. Toilet paper cannons, nonstop movement, and a massive circle pit in the middle of the floor made the whole set feel like one big party.

By the end of the night, I wasn’t just covering a show, I was converted. Ska is loud, fast, and ridiculously fun when it’s in the hands of bands like these. If you haven’t seen them live, fix that as soon as you can.