Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Tickets on sale now at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, The Reef & in Vancouver at Highlife & Red Cat Records. Also available with full fest pass at The Reef or on-line on this site.


Those that know their history of ska also know that it was the father of its more popular family member "reggae." But in between the golden era of ska and the world-wide explosion of reggae through Bob Marley another genre called ROCKSTEADY was born.

Ken Boothe is one of the greatest singers of this era of ska/ROCKSTEADY/reggae Jamaica has ever had. And in 2003 his was awarded with the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government for his ever lasting contribution to music in Jamaica.

His musical talents and love for humanity have afforded him the opportunity of touring in North and South America, Europe, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean. With a unique combination of talent, Boothe has emerged as a “one of a kind” singer; an accomplished musician, songwriter, musical arranger and an impressive dancer. His artistic style embraces a rare blend of musical genius.

Joining him on the bill will be CHRIS MURRAY & THE NEW VICTORIANS

Chris Murray is a national treasure. While he currently lives in LA, he is perhaps best-known as frontman and lead vocalist of the now defunct Canadian ska giants known as King Apparatus. For almost two decades he has been touring the world as a solo artist and has become known as “The one man ska band”. His unique folk-ska sound mixes together classic ska and rocksteady with contemporary sensibilities. His set at this year’s Victoria Ska Festival promises to be one of his best yet, with a band made up of hand-picked musicians by Murray himself. In his own words “ska is all we need”.

And finally NATURAL FLAVAS produces original reggae-soaked music with horns and harmonies that parallels the current Jamaican scene while remaining uniquely Canadian. The band also works as a backing band for other reggae artists performing an extensive repertoire of standards, and several of the members have played with Jamaican artists touring Canada (Mighty Diamonds, George Nooks, Alton Ellis & Half Pint). Moving forward from here, Natty Flavs wants to bring their brand of original fire to the world and put Vancouver on the map as part of the larger international reggae community.