Episode 61: SkaMania's Jamaican Independence Festival Preview with Jeffrey Govan, Spanky Kingston, Colin Giles & Krees Borbon

Episode 61: SkaMania's Jamaican Independence Festival Preview with Jeffrey Govan, Spanky Kingston, Colin Giles & Krees Borbon

Author: Junor Francis and Eric Kohler June 13, 2023 Duration: 2:12:10

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with four talents who are woven into the fabric of Southern California's ska and reggae scenes -- bassist Jeffrey Govan (Smoke & Mirrors Soundsystem, Mobtown, Rude Boys Outta Jail, Angel City Allstars), singer Brian "Spanky Kingston" Settles (Kingston A Go Go, Rude Boys Outta Jail), drummer Chris "Krees" Borbon (The Capsouls, The Aggrolites, The Steady 45s), and singer/guitarist Colin Giles.

We preview SkaMania's Jamaican Independence Festival coming to The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA on August 5, 2023. This massive event is headlined by the legendary Eric "Monty" Morris, The Tennors, and Monty Neysmith (Symarip, The Pyramids).


There’s a particular rhythm and energy to the Southern California ska, rocksteady, and vintage reggae scene that has shaped generations. History of L.A. Ska: One On One Sessions gets into the heart of that culture, not just by playing the music, but by sitting down with the people who made it happen. Hosted by Junor Francis, a veteran voice who has lived this world as a radio DJ, emcee, and promoter, each conversation feels less like an interview and more like a candid backstage chat. You’ll hear from legendary performers and modern-day players who carry the torch, as well as the essential behind-the-scenes figures whose stories are often untold. Produced by Eric Kohler for Rockery Radio, this podcast builds a living archive of a vibrant musical community. The discussions are insightful and personal, revealing the passion, challenges, and camaraderie that define the scene. Tuning in offers a deep appreciation for the beats and offbeats that built L.A.'s distinctive sound, one story at a time. It’s a direct line to the artists and architects of a movement that continues to resonate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

History of L.A. Ska: One On One Sessions
Podcast Episodes
Episode 12 (IGTV Rewind): Joey Altruda (Jump With Joey) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:41
Recorded on IGTV in April 2021, host Junor Francis talks with veteran musician, band leader, writer, arranger, producer, DJ, music historian, and tastemaker, Joey Altruda, of Jump With Joey fame.
Episode 42: Persephone "Queen P" Laird (Ocean 11, LA Allstar Revue) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:55
Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with veteran singer Persephone "Queen P" Laird of Ocean 11 and former band leader for LA Allstar Revue. We preview Jamaica's 60th Anniversary Celebration featuring the "Ki…
Episode 37: Fredo Ortiz & David Urquidi (Yeska) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:10
Host Junor Francis talks with drummer/percussionist Fredo Ortiz and saxophonist David Urquidi of Los Angeles' ska-meets-Afro-Cuban jazz outfit, Yeska. These two accomplished musicians have played with such heavyweights a…