To celebrate our 35th anniversary The London Int’l Ska Festival returns to the capital to rejoice in all things ska and it’s glorious rocksteady, reggae, dub and 2 Tone offshoots, along with truly international fans (flying in from a staggering 26 countries).
Headliners include; Trojan Records hit-makers – The Pioneers (Long Shot Kick De Bucket), Freddie Notes (Montego Bay), Dave Baker (the voice of Dave & Ansel Collins / Double Barrel & Monkey Spanner) and Glenroy Oakley from Greyhound (Black & White and Moon River). Reggae superstar Christopher Ellis will be paying tribute to his father, the Godfather of Rocksteady – Alton Ellis and on Good Friday we have an all female line up Woman’s Day headlined by Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers/Special AKA), Susan Cadogan (Hurt So Good) and ground breaking female toaster – Ranking Ann.
The line up is bolstered further by exclusive performances from Roddy Radiation from The Specials, Wrongtom, Ragga Twins, Pama International, Phoenix City All-stars, International Beat (exclusive come back show), The Magnetics flying in from Italy, The Mighty Ruler sound system (a truly historic blues dance sound system circa. 1962, that has recently been restored to it’s former glory!), Solution Sound System, plus the hottest new acts and finest DJs flying in from around the world!
The festival is being housed in 5 venues across the city including; Great Portland Street’s 229 club, Islington’s Assembly Hall and Garage and on our world famous The Dixie Queen paddle steamer (which this year stars The Pioneers). See below for full running order, venues and times.
Tickets and full info are available at www.buytickets.at/hotshotscorcher
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The last London International Ska Festival // 35th anniversary
Easter Weekend 6th – 9th April 2023
stars
Day 1 Thursday 6th April
Evening (7pm-1am)
Christopher Ellis tribute to Alton Ellis
The Altones
The Ranglins
DJ Oxman
DJ Wassie One
DJ Alan Handscombe
DJ Ronnie King
DJ Gig One Stop
+ more to be announced
at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN
Day 2 – Good Friday 7th April
Daytime (1pm-5pm)
The Pioneers
DJ Miss Gemini
+ more to be announced
onboard The Dixie Queen paddle steamer, Tower Millennium Pier, London.
Evening (7pm-3am)
Rhoda Dakar & The Lo-Tek 4
Susan Cadogan & The Magnetics
Ranking Ann
The Downsetters
DJ Diana Light
DJ Naoko The Rock
DJ Texas Ranger
Youth Downbeat sound system
+ more to be announced
at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN (7pm-3am)
Day 3 – Saturday 8th April
LISF’s daytime dance & record shop / free entry (2pm-7pm)
DJ Jet (Buster Shuffle)
+ more to be announced
at The Thirsty Scholar, 1 Park Cres, London W1B 1SH
(round the corner from 229)
Evening (7pm-3am)
Freddie Notes meets Phoenix City All-stars
Wrongtom meets the Ragga Twins & Pama Int’l in dub
Roddy Radiation (from The Specials) & The Skabilly Rebels
International Beat
Zen Baseballbat
Horsebox
DJ Paddy M
DJs Funkdub
Mighty Ruler sound system
Time Tunnel club night
+ more to be announced
at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN (7pm-3am
Day 4 – Easter Sunday 9th April
Early show (5pm-9pm)
The Pioneers
Dave Barker (Dave & Ansel Collins)
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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