The Skatalites

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The Skatalites brought together the top musicians and styles of the time-fusing boogie-woogie blues, R&B, jazz, mento, calypso, and African rhythms-to create the first truly Jamaican music: ska. Throughout the mid-20th century, experience in big bands solidified the prowess of most Jamaican musicians; yet, the genesis for many of the great Skatalites goes back to a boys' school established for the wayward. The Skatalites were formed in June of 1964 and played their first gig on June 27 at the Hi Hat club, on Water Lane in Rae Town. In the late 70's, English two-tone revival groups like The Specials, Madness, The English Beat, and Selector kept the beat alive and well. Then, in the 80's (and ever since), their American counterparts spawned a ‘third wave' and beyond... Groups like The Slackers, HepCat, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, No Doubt, David Hillyard and The Rocksteady 7, The Toasters and King Django, all pay tribute to The Skatalites as a primary influence. This new generation have collectively opened for and played with The Skatalites, raising awareness and maintaining the fan base for a never-ending wave of ska. From the start, The Skatalites changed Jamaican music forever. The creation of ska-the father of rocksteady, the grandfather of reggae-gave us eternal rhythms that now infiltrate the globe.
http://www.skatalites.com/

MURPHY'S KIDS
Armed with an intense live show, crushing rock anthems and deep reggae grooves, Murphy's Kids has been spreading a message of hope and self-reliance up and down the eastern seaboard since 1999. Having produced and sold over 2,500 copies of their first three EP's, Murphy's Kids has moved towards a more polished sound and approach culminating in 2009's release of their first full-length, entitled Departures, which was released on Community Records. Departures showcases the unrelenting energy and excitement of their live performances while deftly pairing it with concise and intelligent songwriting. Murphy's Kids have shared the stage with Soja, The Pietasters, Passafire, and more!
http://murphyskids.com/

FULL HUNDRED BAND
While the main vein of Full Hundred is Reggae, elements of Punk, Folk, and Irish drinking songs find their way into the musical mix of this group from Baltimore. The foundation of the groups recorded sound relies heavily on the driving force of reggae drum and bass...Vocally you'll just have to listen...The vocalist is a "cunning linquist", or so his good friend the Black Widow says... Designed to function as a duo or a 4 piece and thus recorded as such, Full Hundred wants you to give them a listen.
http://fullhundredband.com/