The Vans Warped Tour 2010 will feature a Ska Stage, with The Uptones, The Untouchables and more ska greats, performing roots, two-tone, and 3rd wave ska classics. The brainchild of The Ska Parade’s Tazy Phyllipz, the Ska Stage will serve as an introduction to ska for the uninitiated, and a joyous skanking celebration for dedicated ska fans. Rumor has it the Ska Shrine will also be open to the skanking public at several west coast Warped dates. Watch this space and the Warped and Ska Parade sites for details as they emerge about this skantastic event.

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.