Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Announce Short U.S. Tour

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (commonly abbreviated by fans as Skapara or TSPO) who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2013, have just announced a rare mini U.S. tour that will include two performances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2013 on Friday April 12th and Friday April 19th, as well as a stop in New York City on Sunday April 28th at Stage 48 with opening sets by Dave Hilyard and The Rocksteady 7 and The Pandemics (led by Bigger Thomas trombonist Chris Malone). I suggest if you live anywhere near New York City and you want to catch TSPO at Stage 48 (which is a relatively intimate venue), that you get your tickets before the show sells out (I already have mine!).

Founded 25 years ago by two of the original members who bonded over a Gaz Mayall ska cassette tape in a Tokyo record store, the 10 piece band have gone on to create their own unique version of Jamaican dance music, that includes rock, punk, jazz, surf, pop, with a heavy dose of mad stage antics.  TSPO has grown from a fervent cult fan base into one of the most influential and respected bands in Japan and of the global ska music scene. Their massive repertoire includes 17 studio albums, 35 singles and many DVDs, compilations, soundtracks, members' side projects, countless TV appearances and multiple collaborations with some of Japan's biggest names in music.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the band, this snippet says it all really:

"Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra are legendary, essential, and flawless. They don't make mistakes. They are a robot of skank sent from the future to teach us how to get down. Ten lions, one god. Ska music. "

As a special treat, check out a nearly two and half hour plus live TSPO show from late 2011. Its incredible from both the band and the tireless Japanese fans who dance in unison for the entire show!