The ska scene is America is slowly but surely growing bigger every day, whether we like it or not. As this occurs, new ska bands are constantly springing up in the big scenes of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. At the same time, however, a few smaller cities have been quietly compiling a ska scene that stands to soon become competitive with these giants. One scene in particular that is quickly emerging is the underrated, underestimated Boston ska.
The best thing about Boston ska is its diversity. While traditional bands are increasing in popularity, new and progressive ska bands are popping up all over. Bands such as The Skavengers and Big Lick threaten to break through the boundaries of ska and push towards a possible fourth wave sound. The use of different instruments and the influence of non-ska songs has helped to create a sound that truly sounds new and undiscovered. While some purists may find this annoying, I find it to be a risk worth taking.
Bands that have found their fame in Boston just recently, such as Big D & The Kid's Table and S.M.A., provide an energetic, third wave sound that a lot of crowds love to hear. It's great music to dance to, and unlike some ska, is just as good to listen to on a CD as it is live.
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Bim Skala Bim were two of the first bands to put Boston ska on the map. Although criticized for "selling out," or diverging too far from the ska sound, these guys put on a great set and, despite their fame, still hang out with the crowd before and after the show. The annual Bosstones Hometown Throwdown, which includes five ska shows, five nights in a row, is just the thing to bring the scene together once a year.
Finally, in my humble opinion, nothing can beat the traditional ska sound of Boston. Skavoovie and The Epitones, as well as The Allstonians, lead the way in putting on some of the most kick ass shows around. The soulful Hi Hats, Beat Soup, and Steady Earnest all keep it ska and remind us exactly what ska is.
Perhaps it is because of our close proximity to New York City that the Boston ska scene is often overshadowed. Or maybe it's because we are stuck way up in the dark, frigid corner of the map, out of the way of everyone else. Whatever the reason, this is a scene often overlooked. When ska does hit the mainstream, Boston will definately be right up front.

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