#skatalites

The Skatalites

-DON DRUMMOND

Throwback Ska Thursday: The ‘97 booking of The Skatalites in downtown Bakersfield was exciting and truly bizarre. The band’s Winnebago rolled up and out walked original members: bassist Lloyd Brevett, saxophonist Roland Alphonso, drummer Lloyd Knibb, and singer Doreen Schaffer and the rest of the band to the stage for a quick line check. The band launched into “Freedom Sounds” and it was on for ska fans and curious Bako attendees who had no idea who they were. Legends! THEE SKATALITES 🇯🇲 ! Band was tight, Lloyd Brevett blew out the @madcaddiesofficial bass cabinet and Lloyd Knibb was mad at Cesareo’s drum kit 🤷🏻‍♂️. What a night it was.... The band hung out afterwards for autographs and chats. I hooked up Roland Alphonso with some Chinese food at Wing Wah (extra shrimp) and off they went to the next show far away from home. Still have the signed vinyl from that night (swipe left). Both Mad Caddies and Mento Buru released our debut albums this year. The Spikes venue became Downtown Joe’s (closed down after a drive by shooting,) and is now the amazing and delicious @ccnoodlebar .✌🏽😎 . . . . #mentoburu #bakersfield #bakersfieldska #skatalites #thirdwaveska #downtownbakersfield #bakersfieldmusic #skaflyers #madcaddies #moonska #throwbackthursday #1997 #californiaska (at Downtown Bakersfield) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_baBNAQsw/?igshid=1a3wlqgjatik4

A shuffle slapping. Infinite take-off by Don Drummond. 

... Con amor.

Some of us are stars; some only tributes.