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Postal
Address: E-mail: |
When asked to write a contribution to the Skammunicator fan-zine, I thought of doing a CD review or a gig review. Then I had a much better idea. Why not do a review of the entire Bris-vegas ska scene? For the benefit of uneducated punters, Bris-vegas is the name of the scene in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. So here it is, the first edition of my new, and hopefully permanent article; SKANKIN IN THE GREAT SOUTH EAST! The focus of this, my first article concerns particular institutions that are contributing to ska music in Brisbane. The Bris-vegas scene is alive and kicking with boots and suits galore. Brisbane is the home to many well-known ska legends such as the Furious Turtles and Blowhard. The venue that helped to launch many of these class acts is what is now known as Club Splurt at the Gabba Hotel. An all ages venue by day, Club Splurt has hosted such outstanding acts as the recent Bad Manners tour. Its support of the local ska scene is imperative to the survival of rude culture in Queensland.
That is a basic summary of Brisbane's two favourite ska-friendly organisations. The next article, if there is one, will be a more in depth look at Brisbane's ska culture. I will hopefully have a bit more time to put in an effort. SHAMELESS
PLUG: I am in Ska/Punk/Swing band called Sons of Mandrake, after the magician.
We play in the Brisbane area and we have a web-site coming soon at - www.sonsofmandrake.live.com.au.
If you're interested contact me at one of the following address: By
- Mitchell 'Lothar' Welch |
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Another
institution that is doing its bit to keep ska alive is the 4zzz community
radio station. With shows such as Ska-Trek, the Yard and the legendary
DJ no MC, it supports local acts and displays young Australian ska-talent.
The radio station relies entirely on donations and funds generated through
gigs and subscriptions. DJs Alan 'Shleckey' Roberts and Toija, who host
the weekly Ska-Trek broadcast at 8pm Thursday, have come up with a brilliant
idea to boost subscriptions. If you and two friends subscribe to 4zzz,
you host the show for one night. I was lucky enough to be involved in
this 'ménage twa of ska', and was able to pick all of the songs
and do all of the announcing for one night. Only one word can describe
the outcome, DODGY. But the point of the story is that 4zzz is keeping
ska ideologies alive in young kids, and doing its bit for Brisbane's ska
scene.