The Slackers from NYC return to the Flamingo Cantina for our annual ‘Slackfest South’! Three nights of Ska, Reggae Soul, and RocknRoll from the Slackers, each night is a different set. The Slackers have been touring the world for 32 years now, but they return every year to Austin, Texas to the Flamingo Cantina, a venue and scene that was so supportive to them on their first US tour way back when.

For 33 years, the NYC-based and critically acclaimed Slackers have been touring the world with their blend of Ska, Reggae, and Soul

Since 1991, the Slackers have released fifteen albums and countless singles, while their 1000s of live performances feed their fans with energetic sets of ecstatic music.

The Slackers have been called ‘the Sound of New York’ by the New York Times. They were described by Brooklyn Vegan as a“ clean mix of Ska, Reggae, and Soul that gets dirtied up by Vic Ruggiero’s tough New York accent.’

In April 2022, The Slackers released a new album, “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” (Pirates Press) which quickly shot to the top of the US Billboard charts. The first time that a Slackers’ album has charted! Ironically after 30 years as a band, they qualified as a Billboard ‘new artist!’ The Washington Post noted that the Slackers “remain at the top of their game.”

The chart topping sales of “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” capped a 2 year comeback of the Slackers. When Covid stopped live shows in 2020, the Slackers pivoted to livestreams and made5 full band concerts that were broadcast internationally to an audience of thousands. After the streams, they stayed in the studio and recorded the tunes that became ‘Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya.’

The Slackers capped this come back with a series of frenetic tours in 2022 and 2023. They played everything from clubs to festivals in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Brazil.

In 2024, they are currently booking 90 shows. They are also currently working on a 20th anniversary reissue of their classic album, ‘Close My Eyes’ for September and on a new single of original music for October.

Meet The Tiarras: Tori, Sophia, and Tiffany Baltierra, a dynamic trio of multi-faceted artists who effortlessly blend genres and cultural influences to create global music that knows no boundaries. Sisters turned bandmates, The Tiarras have embarked on a journey that defies conventions and embraces sonic exploration.

Hailing from a Mexican-American heritage, The Tiarras draw from the rich tapestry of musical diversity that surrounded their upbringing. Their vibrant compositions seamlessly weave together elements of rock, Latin, pop, soul, reggae, and blues, resulting in an eclectic yet refined sound that challenges the very notion of genre.

Fuelled by a passion for community and inclusivity, The Tiarras’ music is a conduit for spreading positive energy and empowering messages. Their tracks, like “Soy Chingona” and “Let Love Free,” resonate far and wide, gaining recognition on prestigious platforms including NPR World Cafe, Mitú, Grimy Goods, and Latin Alt. Radio. These impactful tunes have also found a home within campaigns for Rock the Vote, Jolt, and Voto Latino, solidifying The Tiarras’ role in advocating social advancement and equality.

Having graced stages internationally, including notable performances at SXSW Sydney International, The Tiarras look ahead to a future brimming with promise. Committed to releasing more original music that defies expectations and embraces their global influences, their journey is one of breaking boundaries, sparking positive change, and leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.

Rat King Cole is a ska-jazz fusion band hailing from San Antonio, Texas. The band originally formed in 2013 when a group of friends with a shared passion for music decided to start jamming together. Since then, Rat King Cole has become a staple in the San Antonio music scene, playing shows at local bars, clubs, and festivals.

The band’s unique sound is a blend of upbeat ska rhythms and smooth jazz melodies, with a touch of reggae and funk thrown in for good measure. Their energetic live shows are known for getting crowds up and dancing, with catchy hooks and infectious grooves that keep audiences coming back for more.

With influences ranging from traditional ska and jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, to ska, funk and reggae acts like The New York Ska/Jazz Ensemble, Fishbone and Bob Marley, Rat King Cole brings a fresh and innovative approach to the genre. With their infectious energy and creative spirit, they are sure to keep audiences moving and grooving for years to come.