The Skatalites – DubClub – at The Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA

On Wednesday April 3rd, the Dub Club at the Echoplex in Echo Park hosted a night of celebration for several different reasons. One: the birthday of fan-favorite Boss Harmony, and two: the return of The Skatalites to Los Angeles! Whenever The Skatalites hit town, it is an event, fans of all ages come out in absolute droves to dance the night away.

 

Except this time, with another last minute announcement from Echo management (not the Dub Club) the show was changed from 18 and over to a 21 or older event. Less than ideal news for the younger crowd, but refunds were issued, apologies were made, and for us old farts the show must go on.

 

Early arrival was suggested, as many people found out when they were turned away after the club had reached capacity early on in the night. Reaching capacity so soon was expected with such a night lined up: resident icon DJ Tom Chasteen on the decks, the legend among legends Lester Sterling waiting in the wings, and The Skatalites ready to hit the stage later in the night. Drinks flowed and, as usual, the Dub Club dance floor was packed with smiles and friends dancing in jubilation.

 

The Skatalites pedigree and catalog speaks for itself. To name everything The Skatalites have accomplished, or to attempt to measure the magnitude of importance they have left in their wake, would leave one winded and in a daze no doubt. It’s more than going to see Lester Sterling and The Skatalites, it’s paying tribute to the foundation of the genre and scene. It was only fitting that The Skatalites were the only band on the bill—the songs are those of legend, works of art retooled, relived, and reimagined for decades to follow and for generations to enjoy.

 

With a booming roar The Skatalites take center stage wasting no time 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 … Freedom! And so it began another timeless performance from The Skatalites. Their set touched on almost everything, from “Ska Authentic” to the bands’ recent release “Walk with Me”. They were joined by the lovely and graceful Doreen Shaffer on tunes like “My Boy Lollipop”, “Simmer Down”, and “You’re Wondering Now”, which nearly brought the house down. We were also treated to a special appearance by Sultan Ali (son of Prince Buster), who we saw 4 days earlier at Los Globos with Kingston A Go-Go. 

 

Playing for well over two hours, fans hung on every note and danced to every beat as the night drew into the morning hours. The opportunity to see such icons was well appreciated by the Dub Club regulars and the night ended the same way it started: with a deafening ovation and 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 … Freedom!

 

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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