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We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
And just like that the Melbourne Ska Orchestra turns 20 Years Young!
From the fun-loving humble beginnings in St. Kilda to the international stages of Glastonbury, Istanbul, Montreal, Edinburgh, New York and beyond, the band has steered their ramshackle train into the hearts of many.
Initially formed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Ska (1963-2003), their infectious energy soon earned them a coveted slot at Bluesfest and WOMADelaide, a recording contract and accolades from all over the world.
Formed in 2003 Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an orchestra with a difference. Comprising up to 26 members this juggernaut contains some of Australia’s finest musicians and performers. Helmed by the energetic and charismatic Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento) Melbourne Ska Orchestra are more than just a band, they are an experience to behold.
The band’s debut self-titled release resulted in sell-out national shows, multiple major festival appearances, three international tours, and many awards and nominations. Their sophomore release Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, secured that band its first ARIA award in 2016. Never shying from a challenge the band set a high bar by undertaking the mammoth mission to release a song every week – for an entire year. The resulting 52 songs compiled into a four-album box set, One Year Of Ska earned the band a second ARIA award in 2019.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s live performance is explosive and infectious. Their unique take on the genre of Ska has wowed audiences all over the world. From Montreal to New York, Istanbul to London, Tokyo to Mexico and with the approval of Reggae and Ska pioneers like Stranger Cole, Owen Gray, Carlos Malcolm, Ranking Roger and Neville Staples the Melbourne Ska Orchestra sound is resonating with audiences worldwide – young and old.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra…deliver an expansive, polished and ultra-fun journey through ska’s multiple waves and global influences
It was a blast to welcome back The Melbourne Ska Orchestra during the FEQ 2025. Arms in the air, dancing people all over the place, a joyful set of music, and a contagious need to move the hips were the immediate effects of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s power.
Having the Melbourne Ska Orchestra was amazing. They were a pleasure to work with and blew the audience away.
International Performances
Global Ska [Mexico City, Mexico 2023], Guama Festival [ Mare Island, New Caledonia 2020], WOMADNZ [New Zealand 2013], Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival [New Zealand 2014], Glastonbury [United Kingdom 2014], Montreal International Jazz Festival [Canada 2014], Festival D’ete de Quebec [Canada 2014], Dundas Square Toronto [Canada 2014], Northern Lights Festival Boreal [Canada 2014, 2015], Beaches Jazz Festival [Canada 2015], Vancouver Folk Festival [Canada 2015], Sierra Nevada World Music Festival [California US 2015], Boomtown Fair [Winchester UK 2016], Edinburgh Fringe Festival, [Scotland UK 2016], Kaya Festival [Wales UK 2016]
DISCOGRAPHY
2013 – Melbourne Ska Orchestra – Self-Titled (double vinyl)
2016 – Sierra Kilo Alpha (Vinyl, CD and digital) – ARIA Award
2017 – Saturn Return (USB and Digital)
2018 – Ska Classics (CD and Digital)
2018 – TV and Movie Themes (CD and Digital)
2018 – Read All About It (Digital)
2018 – Transmission Fridays (Digital)
2019 – One Year Of Ska (CD box set and Digital) – ARIA Awarded
2020 – Live at The Triffid (Digital)
2023 – 20 Years Young – Best of MSO (digital)
2023 – Something Strong (single – digital)
2024 – Aston Is The Man (single – digital)
Responsible Agent
NICOLE ROCHEFORT
North America