I unfortunately stayed for only the first of their usual 3 sets. Thankfully the first set put on by Frankie Foo is usually one of their longer ones. Like the past few times I have seen these guys they played with more enjoyment than I have seen any other band display. If you haven't seen these guys before, I highly recommend you make an effort to do so.

This night was just insane. I had never seen the Edge Studios so packed. Crowds of people had been waiting since 8 for The Johnstones to go on at 9. Although it took awhile for the crowd to get going, once they did, there was nothing stoping them. This was by far the best set I had seen them play. Keepin' 6's front man even made a guest appearance on Can't Tell, which made for a good combination in my opinion.

For some reason I can't remember the first band's name. This is the first time it has happened. They weren't ska at all, but quite a talented punk band. Not one of the newer pop punk bands, one that has a musical sound from the 80-90's punk.

Keepin'6, like always, put on a solid show and had a good time doing it. They have a few songs from their set that I have heard before, but isn't on their intial release. Rumour has it they are working on a split cd with The Johnstones. That is definitely something I'm looking forward to.

The Donuts have been recording their new album and their set on this night showed it. With minor changes to some of their songs it left me a litle confused at some moments, only because it was something new. They played extremely well, and made me really want to hear their album sooner rather than later.

The Johnstones played one of their better sets tonight. They definitely got the crowd going with the sheer energy they possess.

Before I start to review the show, there are several thank yous that have to be mentioned. First off to Brendan and the rest of the Makeshift Promotions crew for putting on the show. To Kieran of Makeshift Promotions, Postman Pat of Green Division, and the two on-stage security guards for making sure my camera equipment didn't get ruined from crowd-surfers. If they weren't as good of a job as they were doing, there is no way I would have been able to get the pictures that I did. I would have been stuck up on the balcony with my stalker lens getting subpar pictures. To the people at the front of the stage for allowing me to be at the front to get decent pictures, without your help there would be many pictures of the backs of people's heads in the pictures. To the bands for putting on one of the top 3 shows I have ever been to. For those of you that don't know, it was the first Ska is Dead that I decided that something had to be done, and 4th Wave is a result of that. It was two instances during that night that it was decided, one was during Mustard Plug's set when they played Beer, and then during the changeovers when Sublime was playing and every single person in the place was singing along. It was most hair-raising on the back of my neck experience I have ever felt. The last thank you goes out to the fans for making ska what it is.

The Flatliners who have recently signed to Stomp Records got the lucky opening spot for all the Canadian Ska is Dead III tour dates. The Flatliners faithful were out there skankin' from the first note of the first song. They play the fast ska-punk that many of the younger ska fans love so very much. One just has to be amazed at how fast Chris can sing at times. They even played a new song tonight. Once these guys are able to tour full-time, it will be no surprise to see how big they will get. It is amazing how much they tour already considering they are still in school.

Although The Know How were probably my least favourite band of the night, they still played pretty well. If every musician had the energy the keyboardist has, every show would be "the best show ever". Seriously, he rivals the saxophone player from Less Than Jake for having the most energy on-stage. Although I may not have liked them as much, the crowd was definitely digging them, and were out there skanking and showing support.

The Toasters stole the show. End of story. These guys rock out a lot more when there is a full crowd to rock out to. I was really hoping to see these guys headline, but I guess some of the younger ska fans just wouldn't know who they were, and might not have stayed. Which is just a shame for a band that has been around forever, and plays as well live as they do. After seeing them come out and then going home to check, I was disappointed to see Jack Ruby Jr. is no longer part of the band. Although he ALWAYS has his beer foam up on him, he did possess a ton of energy when performing for a large crowd. In a way I was surprised as to how well The Toasters made up for his lack of presence. My only regret from their set was being stuck at the front taking pictures instead of skankin' to Two Tone Army.

After seeing Mustard Plug for the first time at the first Ska is Dead, I had been waiting impatiently for their return. WIth songs like Beer, Go, Lolita, Everything Girl, SKank By Numbers, etc. it is hard not to get out their and start dancing to the beat. The year and a half wait to see these guys again was well worth it. I really wish they don't wait as long to come back, otherwise I just may have to make a trip to the States to get my Mustard Plug fix. Expect a cd review of their greatest hits cd very soon on the site.

Not even halfway through The Planet Smashers' set, Dave said they were going to play their best set they have every played. They came through on that proclaimation. They definitely played the best set I have ever seen them play. The only way their set could have been any better was if they actually played Save It live, but we all know that is never going to happen. The Planet Smashers have the ska recipe for success down pat and it is no surprise they have been around as long as Mustard Plug.

Everything about this night confirmed that my involvement with 4th Wave is exactly what I need in my life. I don't see this stopping any time soon. Thanks to all for making this a special night for me.

Surpringly this was my first opportunity to see Constable Brennan, and unfortunately my last one too, as this was the band's last show. They are a punk band with a hint of a ska influence. Although ska purists might consider their take on Pressure Drop to be ska blasphemy, I have to say it was very interesting and I liked it a lot. As you can tell from the pictures, Constable Brennan likes to have fun during their set and are definitely a band full of energy. It is a shame they are finished as a band, as I'm sure I'm not the only one that will miss seeing them live.

The Threat played second. A local psychobilly band. After hearing their set, I must say I'm definitely going to check out more psycho and rockabilly bands. Although they didn't have an upright bass (which is just sexy in sound and appearance), they did have a great sound. Who knows, maybe this will lead to a psychobilly web zine...

This was my first time seeing The Legendary Klopkes. I had seen pictures of these guys on kidwithcamera and knew they would be a band full of anticts. They are a band that definitely tries to get the crowd going, and they did somewhat succeed. Although their sound really isn't for me, I wouldn't feel like I'm doing my "job" if I weren't to recommend this band to people who really like punk music.

Last up was why everyone was here tonight, The Heatskores. Their new cd has been years in the making and I know many people who are quite excited that it is finally here. If you haven't had a chance to listen to the cd yet, I can assure you it is worth the money. Top notch recording quality and if you like The Heatskores, you'll love the cd. I'll be sure to make sure a cd review goes up in the near future. They played the best set I have seen them play. I mention this everytime I see them, but it just has to be mentioned, their energy is just insane. I have seen these guys rock out to an empty dancefloor, and like tonight, to a full dancefloor. They fuckin' rock the crowd...big or small. It is a shame I wasn't able to make the Oshawa CD release party, as I know their following there is just huge. Keep up the good work guys.