All Island Ska Punk Showcase

Thursday is the new Friday, and the party doesn’t stop when the music at Ship Point ends. The 19+ Thursday night ticketed show at Wicket Hall brings together ska, punk, funk, and soul bands from across the region for a high-energy night of live music.

SweetLeaf will headline the night, bringing their signature blend of reggae-rock, funk, ska, and punk to the stage. One of the longest running ska bands in Victoria’s musical history, SweetLeaf commands the dance floor with high-energy rhythms and a punchy attitude. Their music embodies the essence of West Coast living—laid-back, boozy, and sun-soaked—but never without an edge. Seeing as they’re the band who’s played Skafest more than anyone else, expect a finely tuned set packed with singalongs, skanking anthems, and unstoppable vibes.

Adding an emotional punch to the lineup is poor sport, Victoria’s premiere emo pop-punk outfit. The former Zone Band of the Month draws from post-hardcore roots to craft a modern, melody-driven sound that blends catchy riffs, soaring harmonies, and deeply introspective lyrics. Whether you’re throwing yourself into the pit or screaming along to every word, poor sport delivers a raw, cathartic energy that refuses to let up.

Drawing influences from California acts such as NOFX, Pennywise, and RKL, SAFE DECISIONS play breakneck skate punk imbued with dazzling riffs, rapid drumming, and irreverent humour. This band hits hard and fast, capturing the sound of a perfectly executed kickflip circa 1997. Loud, in-your-face, and absolutely built for the mosh, SAFE DECISIONS will make sure your heart rate stays elevated.

Opening the night with a genre-fusing sonic stew is Hot Pot. Blending jazz, reggae, funk, soul, hip-hop, and influences from the Caribbean, West Africa, and Turtle Island, this newly formed Victoria collective is already making waves. Led by Zuber Singh on vocals, with Nathan Shelby on drums, Matt Lalonde and Aren Ludlow swapping between bass and guitar, and Ritomo Amamiya on keys, Hot Pot delivers a rich, groove-heavy sound that honours the deep roots of black music.