A milestone for many, often signifying the transition into adulthood, approaching the 21 year age bracket is always something to be celebrated. And in 2024, the 21st anniversary for the ARIA Award-winning collective Melbourne Ska Orchestra is set to bring the festivities to fans across Australia, with the band today proudly announcing the Outlaws and Offbeats Tour kicking off this August before whipping around the country well into October.
FRI 16 AUG | TANKS ARTS CENTRE, CAIRNS QLD
FRI 23 AUG | THE BRIGHTSIDE OUTDOORS, BRISBANE QLD
SAT 24 AUG | THE STATION, SUNSHINE COAST QLD
SUN 25 AUG | SOUNDLOUNGE, GOLD COAST QLD
THU 29 AUG | KING STREET BANDROOM, NEWCASTLE NSW
FRI 30 AUG | WAVES, TOWRADGI NSW
SAT 31 AUG | METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW
SUN 01 SEP | THE BASEMENT, CANBERRA ACT
SAT 14 SEP | THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE VIC
FRI 20 SEP | THE RIVER, MARGARET RIVER WA
SAT 21 SEP | FREO.SOCIAL, FREMANTLE WA
FRI 04 OCT | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE VIC
SAT 19 OCT | HINDLEY STREET MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE SA
Forming in the early 2000s and comprising up to 26 members, the sonic juggernaut that is Melbourne Ska Orchestra is one beating at its core with technical brilliance and infectious joy. Bringing their own unique take on the ska genre, Melbourne Ska Orchestra boasts some of Australia’s finest musicians and performances, helmed by the indomitable charisma of Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento).
And from the group’s early days in 2003 wowing Melbourne crowds through to seven full-length albums, two ARIA Award wins and several nominations, and millions of streams worldwide, 2024 finds the talented collective now on the cusp of celebrating 21 years in action; and, as Bomba shares, there’s zero sign of Melbourne Ska Orchestra slowing down anytime soon. “It’s been quite an amazing journey so far,” says Bomba. “This whole ramshackle thing we call the orchestra was created from a love of ska and the fun vibes surrounding it all. We had no idea it would translate so well with everyone, and it still feels like we have a lot more to create.”