Ska band The Pietasters skank into Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on May 1
From a press release:
Dust off your dancing shoes! It has been announced that longtime ska outfit The Pietasters will visit the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the venue’s ongoing “Live from the Chandelier Lobby” concert series.
Tickets, which are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show, plus fees, go on sale this Friday, March 25 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at the Kirby Center box office (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre), online at kirbycenter.org, and by phone at 570-826-1100. A special Kirby Members pre-sale will begin Thursday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Members buy first, so join today at 570-823-4599, ext. 225.
Back in 1990, a bunch of friends started a band with no pretensions: the idea was to make music for house parties, not to make a career out of music. More than a quarter century, six studio albums, and countless live shows later, The Pietasters continue to deliver world-class performances of their style of ska, rock, and soul – sing-along songs and dance-through-your-socks rhythms played by friends who remain true to their roots.
What started innocently enough in the Washington, D.C. area quickly took on a life of its own. Playing on weekends and during the summer, The Pietasters slowly expanded their touring area, made new friends, and gained the notice of music fans up and down the East Coast.
After releasing a self-titled album in 1993, they hit the road in an old school bus and headed west. Relentless touring through the early ’90s got them friends all over the country. Moon Records took notice, and the band released two albums, “Oolooloo” and “Strapped Live,” on that storied label during the magic days of third wave ska, alongside bands like Hepcat, The Slackers, The Toasters, etc.
In 1997, Hellcat/Epitaph Records signed the band to a two-album deal, which resulted in “Willis” and “Awesome Mix Tape #6.” Both albums benefited from the direction of legendary producer Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion).
At that same time, ska blew up. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, No Doubt, and Sublime ruled the airwaves. The Pietasters were lucky enough to tour extensively with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, which introduced the group to Europe and beyond.
From that point on, the band established itself as one of the best live shows money could buy. From the circus that is the Warped Tour to a once-in-a-lifetime support slot with Joe Strummer, The Pietasters have crisscrossed the world, leaving the dance floor covered in blood, sweat, and beer.
