Friday Night! Ska Legends THE SKATALITES

Thu, 09/08/2022 - 11:30am

Story Location:
345 Main St.
Rockland, ME 04841
United States

Live on the Strand stage on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30pm!

The Skatalites’ uniquely infection brand of authentic Jamaican ska has excited audiences across the globe for 57 years! The original members played on hundreds of recording sessions before forming the band in 1964.  Backing most of the vocalists in Jamaica at that time, including Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and many more, The Skatalites secured their place in history early on. After disbanding in 1965 the individual members continued playing in various groups as the music evolved from ska to rocksteady to reggae.

In the late 70's a resurgence of interest in the music began in the U.K. as British musicians fused rock music with ska and reggae, creating bands such as The Specials, The English Beat, Madness, The Selecter and Bad Manners. By the early 80's new bands began to emerge in the USA and all over the globe playing different flavors of ska and reggae fused with whatever else they wanted to throw in, including hard core, jazz and even punk.

In 1983 The Skatalites reunited to play Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, and in 1986 the first US shows began. The band supported Bunny Wailer on The Liberation Tour in 1989 and followed it up in 1990 embarking on their first-ever headline tour of The U.S.A.  The Skatalites have not stopped touring the world ever since, with their infectious brand of authentic Jamaican ska. 

Tickets $30/Advance, $35/Day of Show.
Beer and wine are available at concessions.
Visit our website for current Covid safety policies.

To buy tickets, or for more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070.