Aiden Floyd

Connor O’Connor (left in red) and Hudson Garcia (right in costume) performing their set at Garden AMP.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — On Jan. 10, the annual Ska Smackdown concert took place at the Garden AMP, an independent outdoor venue in Orange County. Independent venues host shows that are uniquely community-minded, fostering an atmosphere that allows local bands and new artists to thrive. The setlist for Ska Smackdown was headlined by the bands Mustard Plug and Toasters, with smaller bands appearing as guests like Iron Roses, Chudson, The Goodwin Club, Louser and many others. 

The doors opened at 4:00 p.m., and the music started at 4:30 p.m. The first band to perform was the Good Win Club, a local Orange County band formed in 1993 by individuals from the Huntington Beach area, graduates of Edison High School. All the band members were dressed as grandmas, and one of the songs they sang was a cover of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift in a ska style. 

The next band was the Iron Roses, who incorporated a more punk style to their music and presentation, with their songs being about activism. They discussed current events, such as what’s happening in Minneapolis. The band takes pride in the fact that its members are all part of the LGBTQ community. 

“The messaging was interesting for sure, but overall, they were very talented,” said Jacob Heston, a concert attendee.

Chudson was the next band and had a ska-punk sound like the Iron Roses, but with higher energy. The main mascot of the band is one of the lead guitarist’s cousins dressed up as a superhero called Chudsonman who, during their set, burst in through the front door wearing a box with a Chudson shirt taped to the front. He did this as a theatrical performance. What makes Chudson unique is that it is a collective, which means that the band members are flexible. The two permanent members of the band are the founding members, Connor O’Connor and Anthony Murayama.

“Chudson, with probably the most ridiculous name, was honestly the most enjoyable,” said Los Alamitos High School senior Gabby Carlton, who attended the concert.

Mustard Plug was after Chudson; they were one of the main sets, and the large, high-energy crowd helped them dominate the stage. Their music was in the style of old school ska, which was different from the other bands, who had a lot of punk elements. Like Chudson, they also had a mascot with a giant mustard bottle coming on stage to dance to the music. 

“We all know a lot about vampires in our community,” said David Kirchgessner, front man of Mustard Plug, before they performed the song “Vampire.” 

This comment was a reference to ICE and Renee Good, as Kirchgessner then yelled in vulgar language about ICE and what has been happening in Minneapolis. 

All in all, a lot of the ska bands shared a common ground of activism in their music, especially with the events happening around the United States in the past months. The genres of ska-punk and ska itself are very rebellious, and this gathering showed the spirit and the passion these artists and fans have for the music and activism while still making it a fun time for everyone.