The Melbourne Ska Orchestra has become an institution in the Melbourne Music scene. First started by Mohair Slim and Nicky bomba in 2003, the first concert celebrated 40t years of Jamaican Ska Music. It was an instant hit.200 people turned away at the Eplanade’s Gershwin Room in StKilda. Follow up performances at the Corner Hotel and Gershwin Room have all resulted in sold out affairs.

Conducted by Nicky Bomba in his ad hoc style, the music covers the golden ska period of 1963 (Skatalites/Wailers) through to the British Two Tone craze (Madness , Specials,etc) and anything positive and significant in between. The show is an uplifting experience with audience participation big on the agenda. Members of the orchestra are from all the leading ska/reggae bands in Australia including Strange Tenants, Area 7, Bomba ,Commissioner Gordon, 99%Fat ,RedSand Shuffle,Ska Vendors, Loin Groin, Trojan Horns and more.

Featuring top Australian performers as guest artists, last year the Orchestra invited Jamaican singing legend Owen Gray (now residing in London) as their first international guest. The show was a huge sold out success with Owen pledging allegiance to the Australian style! A song was written and recorded while he was here ..“INNA ONE YARD”) which was included on Liberation Records “Weekend Sessions 2” Compilation.

Check out Melbourne Ska Orchestra on My Space...