Shuffle Union November Gigs

In late October, Shuffle Union had a series of gigs as a lead up to the Manila Ska Festival. It was a packed affair at Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen, followed by a  Nov 09 party at The Spot. By the way, if you haven't heard yet, the venue formerly known as Ten02, and Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen is now known as The Hydra, heard that they're upgrading the sound system there too (nice!)

We had some special guests, including long-time Shuffle Union drummer Ferdie surprising everyone by jamming with the band again after a few years, and Bronzefist Records' Hideki Takasaki was also in attendance.

Shuffle Union October Gigs

At the heels of the Philippine National Ska Holiday (PNSH), PiliSkapinas has announced the PHILIPPINE SKA FESTIVAL happening this December 2012. Meanwhile here are some images and excerpts from our October-November gigs.

Augie of Rocket Punch and Nomer (photo:Mark Cristino)

SKAMAX v.2.012

SKAMAX hits The Spot. There will always be new bands that will continue to hold the banner up for the music we all love. SKAMAX was started in 2003 with the idea of giving them a place to prove their mettle and learn the art of conceptualizing future gigs and events. It has since become a venue where experience meets youngblood, mixing veterans of the scene with upcoming ska bands. This edition welcomes two groups from the birthplace of Philippine Ska, Malabon City. After some time off, SKAMAX is back and will be holding its comeback at The Spot's new location in Monumento.

Shuffle Union will also be giving away some copies of their "Invincible-Live" CD, in addition to different merch that will be available that night.

SKAMAX returns! / INVINCIBLE Tour hits 9 Mile

SKAMAX is back, and plans are already set for it to hold a monthly run.
( A little background)

Skamax was set-up in 2003 to cater to the growing number of SKA bands that time. The show held its 1st event at Freedom Bar that year, and on to different venues through the years including Kolumn Bar, and most recently (2007) at Hellacious Bar, before going dormant. A unique feature of the event was that bands took turns in hosting the event, giving them an opportunity to experience organizing the show, from inviting performers to advertising, and inviting patrons.

9 Mile is perfect for SKAMAX, I'm sure those of you who attended the Skamax gigs at Hellacious Bar in 2007 agree, it's meant to be an intimate gathering of both performer and audience. Last Saturday, as part of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE-Live Album Tour", PiliSKApinas hosted Skamax.

First to play was TEMPORARY DISCONNECT, all the way from Laguna, their set was reminiscent of the energy early Skamax bands had that this writer witnessed in 2003. I enjoyed watching their set with a keen eye. Up next, PULIKATS, the ska rockers hailing from Pulilan, treated the attendees to a great set of a potent mix of punk and ska. Both groups have the qualities Skamax bands possessed through the years. Attitude? these boys have it!

SHUFFLE UNION came next, and we tried our very best to keep up with the energy TD and Pulikats had. (I believe we did good keep up..haha), thanks guys for joining in with the dancing during our set. And we had some help! Melvin of Jeepney Joyride joined us once again, straight from their QC gig the same night, and Jun of Coffee Break Island played drums on a couple of SU's songs.

Was the gig finished? nah, there were a few surprises that night. The MIGHTY CONTRAS played, they are a sharp lot, they can just plug in and play on a whim. But there was another guest(?)band! (those in attendance uttered a few name suggestions..haha).

Actually it was an impromptu set from Paul and Jun of Coffee Break Island, and JR of Shuffle Union, the set included The Clash songs thrown in for good measure. And the morning ended with a beer, a chat, and a cup of coffee at New City Food House at 6:30 AM. Thanks to everyone who came! to all the bands, the audience, and our surprise guests.

See you at 1962 Tambayanan this Saturday (JULY 11) for the continuation of The INVINCIBLE Tour! but before that you can catch Coffee Break Island and Shuffle Union at The Leprechaun for a Friday night playdate (JULY 10)

For tour updates / more photos from last Saturday's SKAMAX visit our Myspace and Facebook pages
More photos here

The INVINCIBLE Tour continues with SKAMAX !

Maximum SKA is back! as part of the ongoing INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour, PiliSKApinas brings back SKAMAX! at 9 Mile this Saturday, July 4, featuring SKA bands coming from Bulacan, Laguna, and Manila.

Performers include TRICK or TREAT, PULIKATS, STEADYMOVINBEAT, UMBLE UNO, POSERO, TEMPORARY DISCONNECT, and SHUFFLE UNION.

March down to 9 Mile Bar located at Kalayaan Avenue, in Quezon City (beside New City Food House), support the tour and grab yourself a copy of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE Live" cd, Entrance is absolutely FREE!

This is brought to you by PiliSKApinas In cooperation with Jam88.3 FM, Doobie Nights, and Pin-M-Down.


For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages