Skaliticians History:
The Skaliticians (many times mis-spelled Skalaticians) formed way back in early 2007 as just four guys playing in a St. Paul basement. The group made their debut performance on St. Patty's Day later that year at Clandestino's with a handful of originals and a slew of covers that included Reel Big Fish and Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Slowly the band began to grow, as the group began to find it's collective groove. Sparked by the writing of Steve Sanders, Jeff Bowback and Eric Malagon, the band naturally blends a sound that mixes ska, funk, rock and reggae into a freight train of sound that just won't stop.
The Skaliticians are best known for their high energy, bilingual songs and big band sound. Over the years they have played dozens of shows at numerous Twin Cities venues which include the Fine Line, Hat Trick Louge, 7th Street Entry, Stella's Fish Cafe, and a live performance on KFAI radio in 2008.
Steve Sanders - Guitar/ Vocals
Steve has been a fan of Ska music since he saw the Specials on Saturday night live in 1980. He was only 9 years old, but seeing that band on TV at such an early age shaped his musical taste. "I thought they were so wild. They were jumping all over the stage while playing this crazy music." says Steve. Later he found out this strange type of dance was commonly referred to as "Skanking."
Originally from Milwaukee, Steve has lived in the city of Saint Paul for five years. He and his wife Teri have been married for 9 years. They enjoy camping, traveling, playing music, cheering for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers and hanging out on their front porch. When not writing songs, Steve likes to make weird videos and write down all his crazy ideas. In August 2007 he produced a play called Struggle Equals Ease for the Minnesota Fringe Festival. It is about evolution and contains some hot amphibian sex. His "real job" is working in the real estate business for HMS Home Warranty.
Some of Steve's influences are: Fishbone, The Police, Frank Zappa, Those X Cleavers, Wild Kingdom, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Minutemen/fIREHOSE, Squeeze and Graham Kirkland. His other musical projects have included: The Rhythm Swamis, soma, Tin mad doG, Sayani, i with us.
"I love combining many musical styles to create music that is fun and interesting. I am happy to be part of a music scene that combines flavors from different cultures. I really think we're on to something special."
Eric Malagon - Guitar/ Vocals
Matt Inkala - BassMatt was born in Figi - the rest...unknown.
Nicolas Sanchez - Vocals/ Stage DivingWhen he's not stage-diving onto the dance floor you can find Nicholas up on stage lending his velvety cries to the Skalitician's vocal harmonies
Jeff Bowback - Drums/ VocalsTrying his best to keep those "booties" shakin' Jeff's our guy behind the skins. Heavily influenced by The Beatles while growing up in Buffalo, NY Jeff spent 15 years in Dallas, TX playing off and on with a couple bands before packing away the kit for a few years to work and raise a family. Longing for the changing seasons and tired of 8 months of summer, he relocated the family to Minneapolis in 1999. His daytime gig is in auto leasing working for GE Fleet Services, part of GE Corp. Not as fun as his nights with the band but then hey, he gets free light bulbs!!
With an urge to get those bones moving again he joined up with Steve, Jose, and Rob in Dec 2006, Skaliticians was born shortly thereafter. Originally aiming for a top 40 cover band but always curious, Jeff was instantly drawn into the fold by the atmosphere of good humor, camaraderie, and a desire to have fun with the music.
Besides being a "Beatles Geek" his other musical interest include Genesis, Rolling Stones, RUSH, Keane, The Darkness, Police, Linkin Park, Mike Viola, Van Halen, Sex Pistols, Glenn MIller, U2, Jet, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joe Jackson, XTC, Metallica, DaDa, Seether, Beck, Cheap Trick, and the list goes on but he always finds himself returning to The Beatles....the one's that started it all.
"I hope Skaliticians have a long run and that we add some fun to the local scene and give folks a chance to get out, get up, dance, shake off the day and not take it too seriously.
Rob Kaszubowski - TrumpetThe first of our two "Dirty Hore-ns" Rob Kaszubowski really knows how to toot his own and will often play till his lips bleed. Rob grew up playing primarily in concert band, but has quickly learned the ropes of the life of a trumpeter who's high on ska. Rob's early influences date back to bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears up through current ska greats like Reel Big Fish and the Mad Caddies.
Brett Balsam - Trombone/ Keys/ SqueezeboxIs there anything this guy doesn't play? Since joining the band in the summer of 2007, Brett has been a welcome addition to the Skaliticians. His mad keyboard skills have given the band a more well-rounded sound.
Jorge Astorga - Saxophone/ Ladies ManAs the newest member of the band, you can often see Jorge dancing and gyrating on stage. His energy and enthusiasm are infectious and will most likely make you get up and want to dance with him, but we doubt you can keep up!
Skaliticians Venue History:
-Clandestino's
-Red Sea Bar
-Big V's
-Hat Trick Lounge
-Fine Line Music Cafe
-Stella's Fish Cafe
-La Conga
-Candelabra Studio
-Midtown Global Market
-La Bodega
-Bedlam Theatre
-7th Street Entry
