(1/17/97) -My first ska show. Wow. Long time coming. I had heard much about the cultural phenomenon we call ska. I am speaking actually of what is known as 3rd wave ska, which is basically punk influenced music with a horn section. And it is becoming one of the trendiest scenes in music today. The band I was to see was 5 Minute Walk's 5 Iron Frenzy. I had heard good things about these guys and was eager to get to the show. We got there around 7:45 as the door was supposed to open around 8:00. Yet the show didn't really start until 8:40. The opening act was local act Lame. For a presumably young band these guys rocked. Consisting of mostly punk songs with the exception of some instrumentals with lead singer josh playing his sax, Lame showed they could please a packed 'Fuge. Skanking never stopped and the place was really wacked (?). All in all I was impressed not to mention that Josh threw some CD's into the crowd-and I caught one, so it was definitely cool. The next act the Skalidays took the stage. With more of a louder sound they were fool with horns and madness. I really found it hard to hear anything, again probably due to the Refuge's not so wonderful sound. As the Skalidays left the headlining band 5 Iron Frenzy began to set up. With a large Refuge crowd still growing I overheard 5 Iron Frenzy bassist whisper "this place is wack!." And was it ever. 5 Iron Frenzy began their set and instantly wild skanking/moshing/stage diving crowd surfing began. This was until 5 Iron Frenzy trumpet player reminded the crowd that they "were not Pearl Jam." This may have slowed the riled crowd but not for long. All in all they played a tight energetic set. It was a great time and I even stage dove for the first time. After being held for two seconds I was dropped. All was good though and my introduction to ska was an inviting one. These guys are well worth checking out. Not to mention with a message anyone can benefit from.

(10/26/96) -I had the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite bands Dime Store Prophets along with Black Eyed Sceva and newcomers Dryve. It was a great show as expected but I was seriously impressed with supporting acts Black Eyed Sceva and Dryve. Dryve is laid back rock, acoustic based and very solid. You should try to see them on their 5 bucks and a jacket tour in which if you bring a jacket you get in free of charge. If not you just pay 5$, well worth it if you ask me.

(11/12/96)-I went to the Jars of Clay/Matchox 20/Gufs show on Friday November 8. What a great show. Jars was fantastic, Matchbox 20 held their own, yet the surprise of the evening was certainly the Gufs. Textured vocals, two percussionists, and a sweeping, guitar driven sound sets them apart from any other band. Jars also had added a live violenist and a bass player which added to their already rootsy acoustic sound. They even delved into some of their new stuff which was cool. As in most other shows we stuck around and said hello to the guys. It was a good time.

-In Tampa Bay 93.3 WFLZ is playing both DC Talk's "Just Between You and Me" and a World Wide Message Tribe track. We should be greatful for their success but pray for these bands in these unchartered waters.

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