29/04/2026
Wow! What an awesome gig it was on Sunday night with the double album launch for Loin Groin and Dean Hilson with The Ska vendors. Both bands were at the top of their game and thrilled sets jam packed with new songs and old gems that spread lots of happiness, dancing and smiles through the room. It has taken until now for us to come down from the clouds!
But of course, events like this one don't just happen by chance. There are a lot of people who have worked and helped along the way to make it the success it was.
We are very humbled to collaborate with both Loin Groin and The Ska Vendors for this event. Special mention to Julian and Steve for coordinating so much behind the scenes and Craigo for going 'one step beyond'.
Thanks to Newport Ska, Reggae and Rocksteady Festival and Transmitter Records for co-hosting the event and the launch of the first installment of the Tommy McCook tribute albums.
Mohair Slim was awesome on the night keeping everyone entertained from the turntables between sets and promoting the event through his radio show, Blue Juice on 3PBS.
We are also in gratitude to all the staff from the office to the mixing desk at the Northcote Social Club who provided a great venue and quality experience. We will be back!
Congratulation to Monkey as the well deserved winner of the album and merchandise prize pack. Only Monkey or Santa Claus would bring his own large bag of lollies and chocolates to a gig and hand them out to friends and strangers alike. Legend.
Thanks to Anna for holding up one side of the merchandise desk and Tbone Media for photographing the night. I am sure some of the pics will end up in the Australian Ska Archives...
Special thanks to everyone in the community of ska fans and lovers who are equally passionate about supporting the bands, live music and the scene, including:
- Beefy at Beefy's Ska Club;
- Stephen at Ska Trek 4ZZZ;
- Marissa at Ska Street 3MDR;
- Ian at Offbeat, 2 hours of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae;
- Gary at Skankin Downunder; and
- all the admins who volunteer their time at our favorite online ska groups including SKA Australia and Aussie Ska & Ska Punk!
And last, but most importantly a hearty thanks to everyone who came along to the event from near and far. Without you, none of this would have been possible ❤️
This is not the end. This is just the beginning.
We have so much energy and motivation now for our next release event with MissSkaTonic later this year as well as having several other projects in the pipeline.
In the meantime you will find us at the merch desk at a number of upcoming gigs including with MissSkaTonic at the Lomond Hotel on the 16th May and with Loonee Tunes on the 27th June at the Brunswick Ballroom.
It really is going to be an exciting time ahead and there is lots to look forward to!! 😃
PS. Apologies if we missed out on anyone who helped!
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