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

Event Description

BROOKLYN SKA/ROCKSTEADY (VIC RUGGIERO OF THE SLACKERS) Friday July 3rd at 2pm
In the 1990s New York City became a musical mecca for popularizing ska and rocksteady music within North American audiences. Of all the bands to emerge from this culture, The Slackers have resonated with audiences for decades while impressing ska and reggae purists with their interpretations of ska and rocksteady in and outside of Jamaica. New York has always benefited from having almost every kind of music and a cornucopia of culture from which to draw. Through this diversity a vibrant ska and reggae community emerged and became a vital part of New York’s music culture. Agent Jay of The Slackers has been exposed to every part of the process. He will elaborate on his experiences within these genre and analyze its nuances.

What made The Slackers choose ska and rocksteady and what other kinds of music influenced them along the way? Is there a universal sound or style of playing ska and rocksteady that is shared among ska and rocksteady groups in New York? How has that musical community evolved since the Slackers were created?