MERCED -- Pioneering Los Angeles rock outfit Fishbone will take the stage at the Merced Theatre on Saturday during a stop on their nationwide winter tour.
The trailblazers of American ska, funk, and punk are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, and recently returned from a tour of Europe and Japan in support of their recent EP, "Crazy Glue."
Recently, the band was the subject of a documentary titled "Everyday Sunshine." Narrated by actor Laurence Fishburne, the film chronicles the band's journey from its formation in Southern California to its brush with stardom, and internal struggles that nearly resulted in the group's breakup.
The film includes interviews with well-known musicians such as Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Questlove of The Roots, who attest to Fishbone's long-standing influence and impact on music.
Adam Miller, managing director at the Merced Theatre, said the Fishbone show will be the biggest musical act the venue has hosted recently.
With the downtown arts scene increasingly thriving, Miller said, the potential for more concerts at the theatre is huge.
"The response has been phenomenal. It's reaching out to a different group of people who normally wouldn't attend an event here at the theatre," he said.
The band now has seven members, with original members Angelo Moore, also known as "Dr. Madd Vibe" (vocals, saxophone, theremin), Norwood Fisher (bass, vocals) and Dirty Walt (trumpet, vocals), in addition to Rocky George (guitar), Dre Gipson (keyboards, vocals), John Steward (drums) and Jay Armant (trombone, vocals).
Fishbone originally formed in 1979. Partially inspired by the burgeoning punk rock scene in Los Angeles at the time, Fishbone broke new ground with their ability to meld the elements of ska, funk and punk into one distinct sonic experience.
Their unique, hyperactive sound and frantically energetic live performances earned them a large cult following. Though the band teetered on the precipice of mainstream success, they never quite got their big break. However, their uncategorizable sound influenced a score of bands, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to No Doubt.
Reggae artist Anthony B, along with Chico-based rock/hip-hop/reggae outfit Mystic Roots, and locals Gearbox, SixHandsMouth and DJ Rasta will join Fishbone.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30. Tickets for the all-ages show are $25.
For potential attendees who've yet to acquire their tickets, Miller strongly suggests purchasing tickets online in advance by visiting http://tickets.mercedtheatre.org to avoid long lines.
Tickets will be available at the box office, which will be open earlier than usual at 3 p.m. Saturday with the expectation of a large turnout for walk-up ticket sales.
The Merced Theatre is at 301 W. Main St. in Merced.
Fishbone
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St.
TICKETS: $25
ONLINE: tickets.mrecedtheatre.org
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