Voodoo Glow Skulls – Jokes for Feelings – at Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA

To say that the Ska show at Bottom of the Hill was long anticipated would be an understatement; The Voodoo Glow Skulls show was originally scheduled for October of this year but a tragic car accident of a family member caused the show to be postponed for two months. Rude kids gathered to the Mission Bay area of San Francisco for a night full of enjoyable Ska music provided by Jokes for Feelings and Voodoo Glow Skulls.

Oakland natives Jokes for Feelings took the stage and it became obvious that they were not your typical opening band. Nowadays, it's rare to find an opening act that truly fires up the crowd and prepares them for the headlining band but Jokes for Feelings did exactly that. Loaded with a full horn section and a keyboardist, the Ska group jumped straight into their energetic set, causing crowd members to dance and skank with enthusiasm. They played songs such as "Dark Soldier", "No Llores", and the sensual number "Naughty Girl", that vocalist and keyboardist Billy Raphael performed with passion and sultriness, it could have easily given anyone the chills. They also graced the crowd with a fantastic cover of "Stupid Marriage" by the Specials, and ended their set with "Welcome to the Show". They already had a pretty decent sized following in the crowd to begin with, but by the end of the night it was clear that they had won everyone over with their Ska-Punk tunes.

Voodoo Glow Skulls were next and although the venue was not as full as one would expect, the crowd was as animated and fervent as any band would hope for. Once Voodoo began, the floor burst open with a skank pit that was full of undeniable liveliness. They captured the crowd by playing their self-titled anthem, that caused everyone to chant "Who do Voodoo we do, fuck you!" with middle fingers and fists proudly raised in the air. They also performed "Left for Dead", "Shoot the Moon", and "Human Pinata". The Ska group made sure to  give a shout out to controversial teen superstar Miley Cyrus for her recent scandal with salvia, making the crowd laugh and become even rowdier than before. Spanish speaking Voodoo fans had the pleasure of hearing some of their Spanish selection, including the hit "Baile de Los Locos" among others. They finished their set shortly after, with the eager crowd demanding and calling for an encore. Voodoo Glow Skulls graciously gave them that, playing their infamous track "Ugly Stick". They then exited the stage and socialized with fans.

Skankers left the venue to catch their breath and fresh air, whereas other fans smoked and talked amongst themselves about the amazing Ska lineup they just witnessed. Jokes for Feelings and Voodoo Glow Skulls have successfully brought Rude kids from all areas of the Bay to join forces in creating a memorable Ska show for San Francisco; Although fans had to wait a long while to attend the show, everyone could unanimously agree that it was well worth the wait.

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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