La Banda Skalavera

Written by Hilda Gabriela Friday, 08 February 2008 02:36

Bursting with energy is your typical show with La Banda Skalavera. Rooted in music from all over the world but with a heavy dose of caribbean influences and all that is related to Latin American sounds, La Banda Skalavera is one of the longest playing ska bands in the Los Angeles area. They’ve performed all over L.A. for over 10 years but shy away from the idea of being labeled as a veteran ska band.

The nine member group made up of “Chi-chi”, Abel, Fernando, Jeff, “Buddha”, Alex, George, Jimmy, Dana and Matt consists of various musical passions outside of the ska scene. Some of the members consider themselves salseros, while others lean more towards the traditional Mexican sounds of rancheras and norteñas. But they unanimously agree that they’re greatly influenced by Los Fabulos Cadillacs. Members of the band also bring about their experience from playing with other bands such as Danny with Chencha Berrinches and Abel with San Diego based Montecristo. But it’s the ska scene that brings the band together.

In 2004, “No esta Mal” was released with national distribution and remains the top seller for the V&J distribution group. Every day life experiences, political issues, drugs and personal tragedies inspire la Banda Skalavera’s music. Their lyrics, accompanied by lively dance beats, have created a strong following not only in the local L.A. ska scene, but also in other cities such as Las Vegas. Having incorporated each of the members’ taste of music into their repertoire, the band has been able to capture the Vegas ska scene in spite of a mostly Anglo audience, their music is received just as well as it is received in Los Angeles.

Having played with major bands such as Maldita Vecindad, Inspector, Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, Panteón Rococó and most recently opening up for Molotov, the band has managed to maintain a tight-nit relationship with the rest of the Los Angeles based ska bands. Their close relationship with bands like Red Store Bums and 8 Kalacas have brought about some of the best reviewed ska shows in Los Angeles.

La Banda Skalavera is scheduled to perform at Al Borde’s Journalism Day event at the Al Borde lounge on February 9th.

Album available on CD Baby.

Check out their performance in Al Borde's Journalism Day

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