THE UPSIDE SKA BAND
One of the tightest, freshest bands to hit the Central Coast in recent history, brought to you by long-time local music scene veterans.
Originating in Jamaica in the late 1950s, Ska music came before musical styles such as Rocksteady and Reggae. Ska music was made for dancing because it’s upbeat, quick and exciting. And - it’s just plain FUN! Musically, it can be characterized with a drumbeat on the 2nd and 4th beats (in 4/4 time) and with the guitar hitting the 2nd, 3rd and 4th beats. Traditional Ska bands generally featured bass, drums, guitars, keyboards, horns with sax, trombone and trumpet.
The Upside is an exciting new music project from the guys who brought you Rock Steady Posse, The Cheeseballs, Zongo All-Stars, Mozaic, and many other popular acts to the Central Coast.
The band is a tribute to old school Jamaican ska masters from the Skatalites, Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley, Lee Scratch Perry, and more. The repertoire has a great mix of some classics and some original selections.
The Upside was gaining popularity over the past few years, and has managed to keep building on the big, full sound and momentum - event through the pandemic. Some of the bands performances have included Live Oak Music Festival, The Mac & Cheese Festival, The Siren, SLO Brew Rock, Baywood Bayfest, Central Coast Music Con, and more.
Eric Cotton, a powerhouse vocalist and showman, is The Upside’s front man. has been thrilling audiences for 30+ years throughout the Western United States and beyond. He leads a strong cast of characters:
• Jacob Odell - Guitar (Zongo All-Stars)
• Dylan Johnson - Bass (Zongo All-Stars)
• Paul Irving - Trumpet (Zongo All-Stars)
• Sean Sullivan - Drums (Zongo All-Stars, Brass Mash)
• David Landers - Trombone (SLO Symphony, Starlight Dreamband)
• Brian Conaway - Saxes (33RPM, Rock Steady Posse)
• Jim Heintz - Keys (Rock Steady Posse)
This band is coming with high energy dance music - sure to make waves on the dance floor. So get off your seat and move your feet to The Upside's ska beat!
