New York City’s The Slackers have been spreading their own unique brand of Jamaican-influenced Ska to fans around the world since 1991. The band members are also involved in a number of great side projects such as Dave Hillyard and the Rocksteady Seven to Crazy Baldhead Sound System. For the past few years, The Slackers have hosted an annual “booze cruise” in NYC and, sadly, I have never been able to make it. Much to my surprise, this must-see band decided to set sail from Boston this past June! I was lucky enough to be in attendance, and I’m still recovering from this awesome show.

After leaving the dock at Rowes Wharf, Destroy Babylon kicked off the show with a very innovative and contemporary Dub-Reggae sound as well as great energy. After sunset, when we were well out into the Boston Harbor, The Slackers took the stage at the stern of the boat (surprisingly, the boat managed to stay afloat despite the  shear number of fans storming the stage.) After warming up with a few Slackers classics, such as the infamous sing-a-long “Married Girl” from their 1997 album Redlight, the crowd was sufficiently limber and ready to go. Front-men Vic Ruggiero and Dave Hillyard broke out some great new songs from their 2008 release Self Medication. The high energy rhythms and good vibes got the fans dancing and the boat rocking for the entire evening. The Slackers are anything but idle so chances are better than good that they’ll put on the most high energy show you will see. Check them out yourself!

- Phill Edwards