The Melbourne Ska Orchestra are set to swing through the Sunshine Coast to play The Station on 24 August, in celebration of their impressive 21st birthday – hauling the entire 26 piece band on the road.
Forming in the early 2000s and comprising up to 26 members, the sonic juggernaut that is Melbourne Ska Orchestra is one beating at its core with technical brilliance and infectious joy.
Bringing their own unique take on the ska genre, Melbourne Ska Orchestra boasts some of Australia’s finest musicians and performances, helmed by the indomitable charisma of Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento). And from the group’s early days in 2003 wowing Melbourne crowds through to seven full-length albums, two ARIA Award wins and several nominations, and millions of streams worldwide, 2024 finds the talented collective now on the cusp of celebrating 21 years in action; and, as Bomba shares, there’s zero sign of Melbourne Ska Orchestra slowing down anytime soon.
“It’s been quite an amazing journey so far,” Bomba said.
“This whole ramshackle thing we call the orchestra was created from a love of ska and the fun vibes surrounding it all. We had no idea it would translate so well with everyone, and it still feels like we have a lot more to create.”
Energetic, bombastic and bustling with hilarious and finely-honed mayhem, a Melbourne Ska Orchestra live show is eternally one for the ages, with performances in their wake including multiple major festival appearances, three international tours as well as countless Australia appearances along the way. And it’s in 2024 that the group are sharing the love with hometown fans across the country once more, with the Outlaws and Offbeats Tour set to showcase not just the infamously infectious Melbourne Ska Orchestra live show, but also the marvel that accompanies witnessing so many talented musicians in the one room when MSO roll through town.
“As always the MSO show is a bit of a spectacular time with great tunes, upvibes, energising grooves and a real connection with the crowd,” shares Bomba of what fans can expect on the upcoming tour.
“We believe a strong interaction with the audience is vital to great experience.”
“It’s always a military operation getting this band on the road,” Bomba said, “much like a soccer team playing in the national competition. So, when all the planets align and we’re actually on the plane and in the bus and doing soundchecks it’s really a ready-made family party. We always have fun. We usually go out with a touring party of 20+. That’s a lot of rooms, airfares and a hefty catering expense. I feel sorry for our tour manager sometimes but thankfully he has a happy disposition!”
Self-described by Bomba as a “ramshackle Ska Train hanging loose on the rails”, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra experience routinely transcends its jubilant sonic roots, connecting fans with boundless passion and sharp delivery with each new release and live show; and it’s this very fact that has permeated the group’s entire 21 years of existence.
“I feel pretty lucky to perform music that I love with an amazing array of musical outlaws,” Bomba said.
“This mighty big band really is a spectacle to behold and the energy that I feel on stage inspires me to connect with our audiences on the highest level possible. Outlaws and Offbeats indeed! Viva La Melbourne Ska Orchestra.”
And as to what fans can expect from the upcoming Outlaws and Offbeats Tour? “We’ll be adding some new things to the show to give our fans a different twist,” Bomba said, “and we’re working on some tour specific fun.”
Tickets available from moshtix.com.au
