One Year TARG-versary with Suits ‘n Toques & Black Mask Brigade
Photo by Eric Scharf
The skanking was strong Thursday night as House of TARG celebrated its one-year anniversary weekend with a night of ska delivered by Suits ‘n Toques and Black Mask Brigade.
The show was kicked off by the three-piece Black Mask Brigade. They are a little on the heavier side of the ska spectrum, with strong street punk influences. The lead singer and guitarist set the tone for the set very early one, “Today is a celebration, happy one-year TARG… I am also drunk.” A few songs later, the set featured a pause for the band to do shots and toast House of TARG. Black Mask Brigade played mostly originals, including “Red Streets” and their kick ass closer “Death at the Disco,” but they also found some time to throw in a couple of covers. The crowd, myself included, was super into their rendition of the Rancid classic “Old Friend“.
With it getting pretty late, 11:45 p.m. to be specific, and Suits ‘n Toques still not on stage yet it was time for the third Thursday of the month tradition, free hotdogs and veggie dogs. Now with everyone hankering for a late night snack fulfilled, it was time to dance it off. The local six-piece ska band knows how to get people moving. The band played a great mix of old of tracks and new songs off their upcoming album, set to be released May 15. It was excellent to hear them sand which new song “California Chrome” (video below) between older tracks like “Jenga” and “Let Loose”. While the crowd was loving it and dancing up a storm, not everyone was all smiles. The saxophone player, Andrew Scott, recently took a nasty spill on his BMX mangling his front teeth and forcing him to play through some immense pain. I always knew rude dudes were tough cats, good job man.
Suits ‘n Toques also found time for some really awesome covers including one of the all time great street punk ska songs Streetlight Manifesto’s “Moment of Silence/Violence” and the super fun and catchy “Beer” by Reel Big Fish. They sent us off into the very early morning with their song about very late nights that go well into the morning “3:03”. Lastly a shout out to lead singer and trombone player, Chris Ferrante, for rocking a The Flatliners shirt. Remember when they were ska? I sure as hell do.
Ottawa Showbox is so proud of House of TARG and so grateful that this amazing venue is a part of our city. They host great bands, serve delicious perogies, have countless super fun pinball and arcade games, and most of all have some of the friendliest staff in the city. Here is to many more years of House of TARG and many more wicked parties. The one-year anniversary goes on all weekend with, PUBLIC ANIMAL + Mother’s Children + First Base + DJ Gary Voicemail on Friday night, The Reverb Syndicate’s album release party on Saturday night and TOUGHEN 1 UP! with DJ KJMaxx + FREEPLAY Pinball & Vids Sunday. Check it out and support local!