Guelph music fest to showcase ska

Pamphleteer Records and Promotions will be hosting a special Skafest event in Guelph this October, with a quartet of bands representing the genre in one night.

The show is headlined by K-Man and the 45s, newly established members of Canada’s ska scene. The group is known for their high-energy live shows and songs like “I Don’t Mind” and “Space Thriller”. Advertising for the show emphasizes K-Man and the 45s’ most recent album, Primed To Go:



“Always energetic and just as refreshing this new album tips its hat to the original Ska genre with the band’s signature rock ’n’ Roll attitude front and center.”




The chief supporting act will be Ska Sound System, a nine-piece group made up of veterans of other Canadian ska bands looking to create a party atmosphere. Other performers include veteran reggae and rock group Skaface, Kitchener area collective Arcade Allstars and new group SKAtharines.

Skafest is an all-ages show with general admission only. Defined by the combination of punk rock with reggae and other Caribbean styles, ska music is known for raucous performances featuring a combination of brass and classic rock instruments. Grassroots music shows and festivals like this often use poster printing and social media to reach a wider audience.

Guelph Skafest 2026 will take place on the evening of October 2 at Sonic Hall.