The Non-Stop Ska Festival: A Celebration of Jamaican Music and Culture

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is an annual music festival held in New York City that celebrates the genre of ska music. The festival was founded in 1994 and has been held every year since, except for 2005. The festival is typically held over three days and features a variety of ska bands from around the world.

History of the Festival

The Non-Stop Ska Festival was founded by a group of ska enthusiasts who wanted to create a space for ska fans to come together and enjoy their favorite music. The first festival was held in 1994 at a small club in the East Village of Manhattan. The festival was a success, and it has grown in size and popularity every year since.

The festival has been held at a variety of venues over the years, including the Hammerstein Ballroom, the Roseland Ballroom, and Brooklyn’s Southpaw venue. The festival has also been featured on the lineup of other music festivals, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The Music

The Non-Stop Ska Festival features a variety of ska bands from around the world. The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in ska, including The Specials, Madness, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Sublime. The festival has also featured up-and-coming ska bands, as well as bands from Jamaica, the birthplace of ska.

The music at the Non-Stop Ska Festival covers the entire spectrum of ska, from traditional Jamaican ska to two-tone ska to third-wave ska. The festival also features a variety of other genres, such as reggae, rocksteady, and soul.

The Culture

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is more than just a music festival. It is also a celebration of Jamaican culture. The festival features food vendors serving Jamaican cuisine, and there are often Jamaican dancers and other cultural performers on hand.

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is a unique and special event that brings together ska fans from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of Jamaican music and culture, and it is a great opportunity to see some of the best ska bands in the world.

Tickets

Tickets for the Non-Stop Ska Festival go on sale in the spring. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. The cost of tickets varies depending on the day and the type of ticket.

Getting There

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is held at the Brooklyn Expo Center, which is located at 72 Noble Street in Brooklyn, New York. The festival is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway stop is the G train at the Metropolitan Avenue station.

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels located near the Brooklyn Expo Center. Some of the closest hotels include the Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown, the Hampton Inn & Suites New York at Downtown Brooklyn, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Brooklyn Downtown.

Food and Drink

There are a number of food and drink vendors located at the Non-Stop Ska Festival. The vendors offer a variety of food and drink options, including Jamaican cuisine, American cuisine, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Security

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is a safe and secure event. The festival has a team of security guards on hand to ensure the safety of attendees.

Conclusion

The Non-Stop Ska Festival is a unique and special event that brings together ska fans from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of Jamaican music and culture, and it is a great opportunity to see some of the best ska bands in the world.