After a solemn entrance, Moose called out tracks from the Uptones’ Skankin’ Foolz Unite CD and suddenly went into an all out skanking frenzy. His gravity-defying moves tested the physical limits of the Shrine, but it held together in all its two-tone glory even at skanking speeds of Mach 2 and beyond. Several spectators who got too close had to be carried out on stretchers, giggling uncontrollably.

Proud Ska Shrine architect Matthew King Kaufman also witnessed the events, describing them as “uncanny” and “paranormal.”

Afterward, we all sat cross-legged around the shrine, wrote letters to friends around the globe, and proudly sent them off using Official Ska Shrine Ska4Ever Postage Stamps. We encourage you to purchase a sheet of these beautiful, self-adhesive stamps, to help spread the word about Ska Music and the Ska Shrine, far and wide.

The Uptones are all very grateful to Moose, for his exskaordinary and inspiring efforts to spread Ska Music and make the world a better place.

Skank you very much.

Skanking enthusiast, Miles Gehm has built a Mobile Ska Shrine in San Jose, California. He skanks at this Ska Shrine to “Ridiculous”, a song coincidentally, written by the original Ska Shrine’s builder Moose Lethridge, and performed by The Uptones, the first band to skank at the Ska Shrine.

Here’s a video of the remarkable first roadside application of The Mobile Ska Shrine.

Hosted by King Django and Steady Rocker,  this hi-res stream boasts some gr8 new ska, reggae, dancehall and dub trax ya prolly aint heard b4. What’s cooler than that? High herbal content rudie radio.

Here’s a great article by Kevin Long, one of the original singers of LA’s Mod Ska sensations The Untouchables. It’s a must-read if you want to learn about the history of Ska and Mod in Southern California. Long is what you’d call a primary source on this matter. He lived it, he knows it, he’s a knowledgeable fan, and a star of the scene.

Less informative but also entertaining, here’s a TV news bit about Mod in LA in the 80s, that features the UT’s and some of their lovely fans.

The Untouchables owned LA. They were one of the sharpest dressed bands around, and musically outstanding. If you don’t know who the UT’s are, or why they are important, you need look no further than this original video of their hit, Free Yourself.

“Free Yourself” probably summarizes the attitude of these LA scooter boys better than anything else. Rebels with a cause, if you will.

The UT’s still perform live, check their myspace for the where and when.

The Selecter Dj Kirk, Prince Omar (Popscene) and Adam (Revival Sound System) spin the 2Tone, Ska, Rock Steady and other unstoppable rhythms. Joe Silva provides the visuals. Bring yr skanking shoes.

~ The Concrete Jungle ~

Saturday March 14 at The Knockout
3223 Mission Street in San Francisco
A mere $5.00, 10PM-2AM

Learn more and hear some sweet sounds @ Selecter Dj Kirk’s myspace page.

Here’s a few shots with some of our favorite cats sporting these impeccable threads.

Jason and Barry from the Dub Pistols in their Ace Face tonic suits

Neville Staples with Gary and Stuart from Ace Face Clothing

Madness cats in their Ace Face best

Photo by Ali Thanawalla

Today’s East Bay Express features a great story about Friday’s contest by Nate Seltenrich. Nate captured the energy of the event beautifully, and the quotes are priceless. Here’s MC Eric Cash with some of the winning skankers on stage right before the finale.

1. Skanking Fool
2. Get Out Of My Way
3. Bonnie And Clyde
4. Ridiculous
5. Bad Men Of Bodie
6. Not From Here
7. Radiation Boy
8. Book Of Rules
9. I Don’t Know Emilie
10. East Of The Pond
11. It Takes Money
12. Burning Sky
13. Too Much Pressure (Live @ iMusicast)
14. Pick It Up
15. Bested By Pelicans