More than three decades since their legendarily rhythmic birth, the Uptones continue to spread fast-paced ska-punk dance music and “skanking,” which is how one dances to ska. This time around the Uptones are joined by the Agent Deadlies, and they present the Skanking Fools Dance Contest with a $200 cash prize for the winners! Everyone can join the fun. During the two bands’ first sets, judges will pick the best skankers in the crowd and assign them numbers. The numbered skankers will be judged during the Uptones’ second set. The winners get to dance onstage with the band, and there are even consolation prizes for the semifinalists! Just in case you don’t know what skanking is, according to the Uptones’ unabridged dictionary: “Skanking is a form of dancing practiced in the ska, ska punk, hardcore punk, reggae and other music scenes.” In other words, whatever steps you come up with while the band plays is skanking!

They celebrated their 30th birthday in 2011, but the Uptones still play some of the youngest music around: Jamaican-born ska in all of its blistering, dance-crazed glory! The Uptones broke out of Berkeley High School in 1981 at the height of the 2-Tone movement, inspired by groups such as the English Beat. The first West Coast band devoted to ska, the Uptones play the jumpingly fast ’60s pre-reggae dance music with more than a little punk attitude. Several of their recordings were regional hits, and for a time they were the most popular band in the Bay Area.

Three members of the original band – guitarist-singer Eric Din, keyboardist-singer Paul Jackson, and bassist Bennie Wood – have been playing music together since they were students at Berkeley High. A few years ago they revived the Uptones and continue with an expanded, charged lineup, including fellow original Adam Beach on saxophone, to provide the ultimate, transcendent ska experience. The current Uptones also include trombonist Jeanne Geiger, trumpeter Scott Bertrand, guitarist-singer Emily Jayne, and drummer Mike Stevens. And, at no extra charge, adding to this show’s skanking frenzy, there will be guest appearances by two former Uptones vocalists: Charles Stella and Moose Lethridge.

The Agent Deadlies come from Pacifica, playing (very loudly) ska, punk and reggae with youthful energy. Ian McGregor and Joey Tucci trade off on lead vocals, lead guitar, and bass, backed by drummer Pietro Damato.