Melbourne Ska Orchestra in Northcote

Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an Australian ensemble formed in Melbourne in 2003 by musician and bandleader Nicky Bomba. Its large brass-and-rhythm lineup plays ska, rocksteady and reggae. The group’s recorded work includes the self-titled album Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, which received the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album. Melbourne Ska Orchestra first assembled for a 2003 concert at Federation Square. The ensemble performed at Glastonbury Festival a decade later, taking its large-format ska show beyond Australia. Back home, its festival appearances have included WOMADelaide and Bluesfest Byron Bay.