Scene: Beulahland, “Come Do The Reggae” (Matt’s just walking up.)

 

Pan: “I need to talk to you.”

 

Matt: “Lemme get a drink first.”

 

Pan: “No, right now.”

 

Matt (wishing he could get a drink first): “Okay, what’s up?”

 

Pan: “I need you to put a band together to back Monty Neysmith.”

 

Matt: “I got the guys.”

 

And so Matt put together a band with the help of Jeremy Peña, leader of The Bandulus.  Matt has been listening to ska music since 1979, when (at the age of 10) he purchased the first album by The Specials.  In later years, he hosted legendary ska radio show “Rude Boy’s Revenge & Coffee Hour” and founded ska-centric record label Simmerdown Productions (releasing albums by U-Roy, Prince Jazzbo, Western Standard Time, and others).  He played in well-known Portland band Franceska and now plays drums for both The Sentiments and Heavy City.  Jeremy Peña is recently relocated to Portland from Austin, Texas, where his band The Bandulus made a name for themselves with a spectacular blend of ska, reggae, and soul.   The Bandulus are preparing a new album recorded at Daptone Studios (Sharon Jones, The Frigthners, Budos Band).  Together, Matt & Jeremy have put together a stellar backing band featuring members of The Bandulus, The Sentiments, and Heavy City.  Various members have toured/recorded with the likes of Ernest Ranglin, Lynval Golding (The Specials), Vic Ruggiero (The Slackers), Angelo Moore (Fishbone), and so many more.