A full moon hangs over the Festival Hub, as ska fans of all ages are drawn to what promises to be one of the finest Australian ska line-ups in
history. Not only are all the legendary clichés out in force (pork pie hats,
mod suits, Specials t-shirts and moonstomp boots), but the true multicultural
nature of the genre, lifestyle and its current status in the music firmament is
out in all its glory.
The Melbourne Festival’s idea of celebrating ska involves engaging more
than the ears tonight; the scent of jerk chicken wafts over a booth that shows
1950s instructional videos on how do dance ska, but the main reason we are here
is for the music itself.
Twelve-piece collective Ska Vendors
pack out a sweaty room by 8PM and show you what it is that is so fantastic
about ska. The energy, talent and sheer danceability of the music is undeniable
and the audience respond enthusiastically. After a short, exuberant set, two
women, Marie and Victoria teach us basic ska dance moves before Melbourne
legends Strange Tenants take to the
stage. Opening with the searing Soldier
Boy the band, apparently showcasing their original lineup for the first
time in around 30 years, show their political stripes. With so little change in
social concerns since their formation the songs feel as vital as when they
debuted at the Lygon St Festival in 1981. The blazing Two Steps Back, the mellow Grey
Skies and the furious Zombie Killers inspire
a passionate response from the audience, many of who look over 60 but dance as
if they were 16 and drunk for the first time. It’s an exhilarating sight.
Guitarist Johnny Holmes and the peerlessly tight rhythm section are the
highlight, as is the introduction to the two youngest members of the band, sons
of Holmes and singer Ian Hearn, inspiring hope that the band will be around for
another 32 years.
Headlining the night, and indeed the history of ska in Australia, are
the ska/calypso/mento legends The Caribs,
reuniting for only the second time in 52 years. With a near-unbelievable story
of moving from Melbourne to Jamaica to become the country’s first studio band, performing
to Winston Churchill and backing Ben E King, the fact that the founding members
are here at all is a privilege all appreciate. Backed by members of the
Melbourne Ska Orchestra and the Strange Tenants, the septuagenarians resurrect pioneering
cuts such as Taste of Honey, Your Eyes are Dreaming and their sultry
Jamaican hit Taboo inspire euphoric
responses. Guitarist Dennis Sindrey (now living in Florida), keys player Peter
Stoddart (still living in Jamaica) despite being the true stars, effortlessly
hand the stage over to a litany of guests; Patou Powell, Rodrigo Pino and Sarah
Heffernan all shine, but the Caribs made the light.
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