Ska, Ska, Ska, And First Jason at Union Firehouse
Bright Burning // The Manipulators // Title Holder
First Jason // Millington // Backyard Superheros
3-10-24
Union Firehouse
On the electrifying Sunday of March 10th, Union Firehouse in Mount Holly, NJ, ignited with an explosive fusion of Ska, Reggae, and the haunting aura of Jason Voorhees. The stage was set for an unforgettable journey through soundscapes, featuring six dynamic bands: Bright Burning, The Manipulators, Title Holder, First Jason, Millington, and Backyard Superheroes. the first quarter of the year has already treated me to eight thrilling Ska performances, leaving me not just a convert but a passionate enthusiast. This night was brought together by Not Your Average Scumbag promoters, this was the second time I've been to one of their shows and it seems that they are always pulling together great bands to put on this shows, I look forward to whatever they put together next.
Bright Burning, From South Jersey, kicked off the festivities with their inaugural performance. Their reggae-infused melodies cast a spell over the audience, with Christian Glomb and Daniel Mac seamlessly transitioning between guitar and bass, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. Mark your calendars for April 5th when their debut single "Drift Away" hits the airwaves.
Following suit, The Manipulators, a fiery quartet hailing from Philadelphia, took the stage by storm. Their infectious energy had the crowd pulsating, and with the addition of a guest trombone player, their already dynamic performance soared to new heights. Catch them igniting the stage at This Is Not Croydon Fest 5 on April 20th, and stay tuned for their upcoming single release.
Title Holder emerged next, their magnetic presence drawing the audience closer with each beat. A social media sighting had piqued my interest months prior, and their live show exceeded all expectations. Engaging with the crowd on a personal level, they even ventured into the midst of the audience, horns ablaze, igniting a frenzy of excitement. Don't miss their electrifying set at This is Not Croydon Fest 5 on April 19th at Broken Goblet Brewery in Bensalem, PA.
A brief interlude from the Ska rhythms welcomed Ari Lehman, the enigmatic First Jason, to the stage. Armed with his crimson and ebony keytar, Ari, alongside his bandmates Bass Amp and Colin Fiol, unleashed a torrent of Friday the 13th-inspired punk rock. Amidst the music, Ari regaled the audience with tales from his iconic role as the first Jason and his journey into the realm of music.
From upstate New York, Millington burst onto the stage, exuding an infectious energy that swept through the crowd like wildfire. Their magnetic stage presence compelled even the most reluctant onlookers to join the dance, promising an unforgettable experience. With a West Coast tour looming on the horizon, seize the opportunity to witness their magic firsthand.
As the evening drew to a close, Backyard Superheroes took center stage, their nine-piece ensemble nearly overflowing the platform. Beyond their musical prowess, it was their infectious personalities that stole the show, spreading joy and enthusiasm to every corner of the venue. Children, captivated by the spectacle, joined the band onstage, becoming part of the unforgettable experience. Though marred by a skirmish with a speaker, saxophonist Gary's resilience only added to the evening's legend.
Anticipation brims within me for the next chapter of my Ska odyssey. Each encounter has been a revelation, a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform.
