Before turning 2011 into an afterthought and indulging 2012 with open arms celebrate the present by partying like it’s the ‘90s with Starpool’s second annual Ska Luau this Friday, December 30^th at House of Blues Anaheim. The Golden State’s own Starpool will headline a ska and Hawaiian T-shirt filled night also featuring Suburban Legends, Half Past Two, The Skank Agents, and The Magnolia Polynesian Club. Starpool’s trombone player T-Bone Willy in a recent interview with OC Weekly explained the concept behind the event “The idea for the Ska Luau was kind of an ode to our youth. One of the trends of the '90s ska scene was Hawaiian T-shirts at all the shows. I think the ska/punk/reggae scene just fits so well with the Hawaiian beach lifestyle.”

While you can argue ska peaked back in the ‘90s, anyone who attends a Starpool concert can’t deny the genre maintains a loyal fan base. Our own Brittany Woolsey discovered this back in July when she reviewed the Starpool/Suburban Legends House of Blues Anaheim show. She concludes in her review “As the night came to a close, it became clear that ska is still very much alive and appreciated in Orange County.” For those who never experienced Starpool previously, Woosley sums up their stage presence well writing “The group also interacted with fans, with (lead singer Alan) Meade jumping into the crowd periodically during the set and inviting fans onstage.”

Specific ways the band engaged their audience at House of Blues Anaheim included inviting two fans onstage to participate in a dance off and having T-Bone Willy emerge from the audience in a cowboy hat and assless chaps during the song “Tbone Willy.” The energy House of Blues Anaheim crowds display seems to captivate the band as much as the group’s music captivates their fans. Starpool front man Alan Meade comments in the Ska Luau press release “We’re always so blown away by all of the love and support our fans give us at every show, but the crowd at the House of Blues is always unmatched by any other.”

Also unmatched stands Ska Luau act Suburban Legend’s dedication. As previously mentioned Suburban Legend played at the House of Blues Anaheim concert in July too.  Suburban Legend busted onto the stage consumed with enthusiasm. Unfortunately their excitement appeared overzealous as Suburban Legend front man Vince Walker suffered a serious knee injury leading to a momentary pause in the live music. Determined to give the crowd a show Walker put on a knee brace and grabbed a stool so Suburban Legend could continue with their set. Once finished entertaining the audience Walker received medical treatment from emergency care.

If the Ska Luau interests you, order your tickets ASAP. Both last year’s inaugural Ska Luau and July’s Starpool/Suburban Legend concert sold out. Throw in Half Past Two and the other acts and Ska Luau will more than likely sellout two years straight. To guarantee your place at House of Blues Anaheim this Friday, December 30^th purchase your tickets at Ticketmaster today.