Concert Sutra Skank With The Toasters

Concert Sutra Skank With The Toasters

by terri sapp

Photographs by Leah Yetter

© Concert Sutra, All Rights Reserved

bucket sings

click photos for photo gallery

I have heard about the Toasters quite a bit on my local favorite radio station here in Atlanta, 99X.  One of the radio personalities, Fred Toucher, loves them so much that he has hired them to play his wedding!  After hearing this authentic Ska band’s music on Toucher’s show, I knew I had to check them out.  January 31, 2005, I got my chance at Smith’s Olde Bar here in Atlanta, Georgia.  What a show!

The Toasters, true Ska pioneers, having been around since the eighties, are still going strong with the Ska beats and Bucket’s sweet vocals.  The “SKA BRAWL” features the veteran Toasters Robert “Bucket” Hingley (vocals and guitar), Jack Ruby, Jr. (vocals), and Larry “Ace” Snell (drums), teamed up with Dan Jesselsohn (bass) and Jeff Richey (sax and some vocals) as well as the addition of cult trombonist (and some vocals) Chris Rhodes.

On January 31st, the Toasters played an early, all ages show, and another later “adult” show.  They started out with “I Wasn’t Going To Call You Anyway.”  I immediately fell in love with the saxophone and trombone.  I AM an admitted SUCKER for HORNS!  Jack Ruby, good with the onstage antics and well-placed “Yeah’s!,” gives good advice, “don’t mix up your urine sample with your bottle of water.”  While Bucket keeps it real with the words of wisdom of the next song that shows that you don’t have to have a lot of money to be happy in life.  “Sittin’ on Top of the World” spotlights the reggae bass and guitar, as well as the highly poignant lyrics you can expect to find in a Toasters’ song.  Continue reading

Concert Sutra Helpless Against The SuperVillains

Concert Sutra Helpless Against The SuperVillains

by terri sapp

Photographs by Leah Yetter

© Concert Sutra, All Rights Reserved

skart skanks

click photos for band website

I always love it when I randomly stumble upon a band I’ve never heard of, and end up an instant fan.  Last month at the Toasters’ show at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, Georgia, this happened to me for the first time in a long time.  The Super Villains, a 5-piece reggae-ska-punk band out of Orlando, Florida, are favorites in the South East peninsula.

Founded in 1997 by original members Skart (vocals, guitar), Dom (vocals, drums), and Smally (sax). In 2004, the current line-up was solidified with the arrival of Rikki (trumpet) and Tito (bass).

I am never really good at making a show for the opening band, but when you are talking a full night of ska, I’M THERE!!  When the Super Villains took the stage to warm the crowd for the Toasters, I knew I would love these guys.  Their high energy, their fun spirited music, and youthful good looks make for a good time to be had by ALL!  Immediately I was drawn to Dom, the drummer, who not only tore up the skins, but also has quite a voice!  Continue reading