The Annual Festival Skanking Reggae Fest Announces This Year's Line Up Including Bands From Mexico, Japan, Argentina & USA

Los Angeles, CA, January 30, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​With ska and reggae bands from South America Mexico, Japan and the U.S., the Skanking Reggae FEST announced the repertoire for the festival's seventh edition in Los Angeles, which includes legendary groups of renowned influence and international success as well as emerging bands reflecting and representatives of a new generation. Panteón Rococó, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dread Mar I, Antidoping, Los Caligaris, The Slackers and La Banda Skalavera, confirmed their attendance and gave an appointment at the historic Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles this upcoming March 11. 

Presented by IHomi and Goldenvoice, the growing and successful festival that began 7 years ago with the idea of solidifying the Latino ska scene in this country, has shown that it is more alive than ever by reflecting the same diversity that genre and its mergers have. Throughout the previous 6 editions, dozens of ska-punk-reggae groups from different countries, not just Latin America, have performed at this popular festival that gathered nearly 5,000 attendees last year. On this occasion, the grand event includes for the first time, a band from Japan with close ties and influence in Latin America.

Confirmed to participate in the SXSW International Music Festival in Austin, TX this year and undoubtedly the most important ska group in Mexico, Panteón Rococó returns to headline the festival by popular demand. Meanwhile, making their debut in Skanking Reggae Fest, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, a prolific Japanese band with more than 20 studio albums, formed in the late 80's will also be performing. They are Asia's most recognized and successful group at an international level in this genre, fusing ska and jazz.

On the South American side, the festival presents Dread Mar I of Argentina, the popular and undisputed reference of the new Reggae Roots sound coming from his country, and who previously was the chorus on several Los Cafres shows and later the vocalist of the Mensajeros Reggae group, will make his debut in the Skanking Reggae FEST.

Also playing and from Argentina is Los Caligaris, a band that comes from the city of Córdoba and that has great popularity throughout the American continent. Their fusion of ska, rock and the traditional Córdoba-quartet style added to a circus air in their presentations, gave origin to their innovative style of songs. About a dozen studio albums have been recorded since the group's formation in 1997, which have given them several awards in their country and recognitions for their music.

From Mexico, one of the most prominent exponents of the "Razteca" movement and reggae pioneers in their country, the group Antidoping was one of the most requested bands in the festival's social media, where they will bring their distinguished attitude of love, peace and brotherhood with more than 23 years of training. 

Representing the USA and coming from New York, The Slackers, a prolific band formed in 1991 and internationally known for their mix of ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, soul and garage rock; and La Banda Skalavera, who lead the local talent of Los Angeles, having been expressively selected by the public through the call that Skanking Reggae Fest carried out in their social media. The enigmatic Jackie Méndez, singer and musician from Los Angeles will also play along with bands Blanco y Negro, Los P2, Café Con Tequila and Casa De Calacas.

GA tickets for the festival are now at $50,00 on sale via AXS.com, at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Hall box office and at the Bolochos store in Los Angeles (303 W. 8th St. Los Angeles Ca. 90014 -Tel. 213 595-5977). 

And for the first time, the Skanking Reggae FEST will present an intimate concert at the Bay Area featuring Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dread Mar I & The Slackers on Sunday March 12 at The New Parish (1743 San Pablo Ave - Oakland, CA). Tickets will go on sale this coming Friday February 3rd starting at 10 AM at Ticketweb.com

For upcoming news and updates on the festival, follow Skanking Reggae Fest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skanking-Reggae-Festival.km 

Press/Publicity & Sponsor Opportunities:

Elena Rodrigo - erodrigo@themusicjointgroup.com

818 693 2715 - 818 940 3590

Jeanette Hernandez - jhernandez@themusicjointgroup.com 

(562) 483-3032