For 31 years, the NYC-based and critically acclaimed Slackers have been touring the world with their blend of Ska, Reggae, and Soul.
Since 1991, the Slackers have released fifteen albums and countless singles, while their 1000s of live performances feed their fans with energetic sets of ecstatic music.

The press state that the Slackers are “the best ska band in the world” (Rude International), “the pick of the US crop” (Metal Hammer), “the sound of New York’ (New York Times), “is about as close to perfect as it gets” (Ink 19), and “one of the best bands in the United States” (axs.com).

In April 2022, The Slackers released a new album, “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” (Pirates Press) which quickly shot to the top of the US billboard charts. This is the first time that a Slackers’ album has charted! Ironically after 30 years as a band, this qualified them as a Billboard ‘new artist.’ The Washington Post noted that the Slackers “remain at the top of their game.”

The chart topping performance of “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” capped a 2 year comeback of the Slackers. When Covid stopped live shows in 2020, the Slackers pivoted to livestreams and made 5 full band concerts that were broadcast internationally. After the shows, they stayed in the studio and recorded the tunes that became Sunlight.

Returning to live gigging in the 2nd half of 2021, the band celebrated their 30th anniversary with 30 shows across the United States and Canada.

In 2022, the Slackers have 90 shows booked in the United States, Canada, UK, and Europe. At 31 years old, the band has been renewed and is looking to grow their cult following into its 4th decade.

3 time Winners of the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best World Band (’07, ’09, ’10), The band, led by multi-instrumentalist Michael Sarason (lead vocals, tenor saxophone, organ, piano, flute, percussion), is literally a whoʼs-who of the bountiful Cincinnati music scene. Showcasing an unparalleled group of musicians that are astonishingly skilled beyond their years (most members are in their early to mid 20s), The Pinstripes have been actively performing and touring since 2003. Although the band has seen some positive adjustments, there is no denying that the current lineup, featuring Chris Grannen (Bass + Stick Bass), Matt Kursmark (Electric + Acoustic Guitar), Leonardo Murcia (Trombone + Vocals), John Bertke (Drums + Percussion) and Sam White (Trumpet + Vocals), is undeniably the best to date. The Pinstripes, a hard-touring band with a hard-won following, combine pop, reggae, dub, and soul music to create something that’s genuinely lacking in a great deal of contemporary music: joy.

Formed in the Fall of 2008 on Chicago’s South Side, Drop Steady is a six-piece band hailing from across the United States and the carribean. Inspired by the traditional roots music of Jamaica, Drop Steady blends the sounds of reggae, ska, soca, dub and soul into a sonic cocktail guaranteed to awaken even the heaviest of dancing feet.

Combining a fresh diversity of musical talent, Drop Steady has already graced some of Chicago’s biggest stages, as well as being declared the winner of Harry Caray’s Battle Of The Bands 2009. Known for their raw on-stage energy and explosive live performances, Drop Steady captivates audiences with their soulful melodies, intricate harmonies, and powerful, driving riddims.

Drop Steady’s goal is pure and simple – MAKE ‘EM DANCE

DJ Chuck Wren has hosted the ska radio show “Everything Off-Beat” across the Chicago dial since 1989, currently airing Sundays at 9 PM on WLUW-FM 88.7. Since 1993, his label JUMP UP RECORDS ( www.jumpuprecords.com ) has released over 100 albums including ones by local faves Deal’s Gone Bad, The Drastics, and Green Room Rockers. His monthly night at Delialh’s is Chicago’s longest running ska/reggae night at 18 years, and when he spins you see piles of piles of original Jamaican 45s sprawled all over the place.