After a fun-filled performance by the Skablins, the Diablotones hit the stage for a mix of funky, raunchy rock and roll ska. Singer/bassist Timmy Profit sang with a throaty growl, often sounding much like Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. I half expected his singing to rip a fissure in the stage. It was that powerful.
Their guitar player, Shane Scot, wore white makeup with ghoulish black around his eyes. Add a red plaid kilt and he was a sight. He was the only one dressed for the occasion. He churned out seeing chords like a rock star. The Diablotones are a fun band who play a mix of ska, rock and downright funky sounds. This is a band that includes a four-piece horn section (with three horn players from Natalie Wouldn’t — Shawn Brockman and Sean Jense on sax and Ric Pentilla on trumpet) along with John Graham on trombone. Ric kept things lively with his constant dancing. I swear he must gobble down a bowl of firecrackers before each show to make himself spin and leap all over the stage like he does. The dance floor was never still.
For the finale they performed a wonderful rendition of the Specials’ “(Message To You) Rudy,” which everybody sang along to. Perhaps it was a blessing that the Real McKenzies had to cancel their show. Having two great shows on one night is always a dilemma. I’m so glad I attended this show.
Preceding the Diablotones was a band I was so looking forward to seeing again and that would be the Skablins. I’ve been seeing this band play for about the last three or four years and though they’ve gone through some personnel changes over time, they never disappoint. Front man Gordy Whyte must gobble down a bowl of Energizer batteries before each performance. That’s the only explanation for his non-stop energy. He’s goofy, he’s hammy and he’s very entertaining.
At one point someone brought a tray of drinks in shot glasses to the band. Gordy then used the tray as a stage prop, banging it like a tambourine and swinging it about until a rather sheepish waitress came and collected it from him.
Saxophonist Heather Beck wore a black sequined mermaid outfit that she looked great in. The other sax player, Michael Turner Anderson (MTA), wore an appealing costume. He was a banana, standing out in his bright yellow. Trombonist Buster (Daniel) Larsh must share that bowl of Energizer batteries with Gordy because he’s also non-stop dancing when he’s not blowing his horn with great prowess. He’s also very cute and very charismatic.
The other members, Kevin Eyre – Guitar, Anton Beck – Bass Guitar, Matthew Ehlers – Drums, Ben Curley – Organ, Keys, and new guy Pat on trumpet, kept things steady with occasional glimpse of the same zaniness that possesses the rest of the band.
I loved seeing the Skablins again. I always have such fun whenever I see then play.
This concluded part one of my Skalloween celebration. Stay tuned for part two.
