Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest ft. JAKOBS CASTLE (ft. Jakob Nowell of Sublime & Jakobs Castle), LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS, MAD PROFESSOR & AMARRA, BLACKWOOD KINGS & ROGER RIVAS Watch Video - Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest ft. JAKOBS CASTLE (ft. Jakob Nowell of Sublime & Jakobs Castle), LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS, MAD PROFESSOR & AMARRA, BLACKWOOD KINGS & ROGER RIVAS

Sat Jun 21 2025

8:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Victoria Curling Club

1952 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4C2

Victoria Curling Club

1952 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4C2

$49.95 - $65

All Ages

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All Ages / Beverage Service for 19 yrs+ w/ID (Kids 10 and under free with adult)

From the sunny beaches of California to the rocky shores of Vancouver Island comes our Saturday night Curling Club party. We’re celebrating the past, present, and future of the Long Beach sound with an all-star lineup of reggae, punk, and dub. Jakobs Castle is the moniker of Southern California singer-songwriter Jakob Nowell. As the current singer of Sublime and son of the group’s founding frontman Bradley Nowell, there is no denying that Jakob is influenced by his father’s music and legacy. However Jakobs Castle is anything but a nostalgic rehash. Blending elements of ska, reggae, and punk with leftfield influences from the likes of hyperpop, electronic music, and video game soundtracks, Jakobs Castle offers an experimental take on familiar sounds.

Continuing the theme of southern California music royalty, we’re thrilled to host Long Beach Dub Allstars at Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest for the first time. Originally founded in 1997 by surviving Sublime members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, they recruited frequent collaborators such as Opie Ortiz, Michael “Miguel” Happolt, and Marshall “Ras MG” Goodman to continue the group’s musical legacy. After their initial run concluded in 2002, Ortiz and Happolt revived the group a decade later with a new crop of ultra talented musicians. Current and former members of the band have played in acts such as The Aggrolites, The Expanders, Dillinger Escape Plan, and The Mars Volta, showing how the “all-stars” moniker is truly appropriate. Still going strong almost three decades after their original formation, LBDA continues to come in hot with new tunes, new collaborations, and an impassioned commitment to that punky reggae sound.

An all-star reggae lineup wouldn’t be complete without a pioneer on the bill, which is why we’re thrilled to welcome Mad Professor to Victoria for the first time! Born Neil Fraser in Guyana and moving to London as a teenager, Mad Professor got his nickname at an early age due to his high proficiency in both music and technology. A frequent collaborator of dub pioneers such as Lee “Scratch” Perry and Jah Shaka, Mad Professor is one of the most celebrated dub musicians of all time. For his Ska and Reggae Fest performance, Mad Professor will be joined by Amarra, who’s gorgeous vocal delivery will bring some luscious melody to the heavy dub attack. 

Opening the show, and returning from a brief hiatus, are local favourites Blackwood Kings. Originally formed almost 15 years ago, the group is one of Victoria’s longest running and most beloved underground bands. Blending elements of reggae, dub, punk, and ska with experimental flourishes and dazzling musicianship, these boys play a progressive take on rebellious soundclash that is uniquely their own. 

Keeping the dancefloor moving between bands is DJ Roger Rivas. As the iconic keyboardist and organist of LA “dirty reggae” legends The Aggrolites, Rivas will also be performing double-duty in LBDA. 

Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest ft. JAKOBS CASTLE (ft. Jakob Nowell of Sublime & Jakobs Castle), LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS, MAD PROFESSOR & AMARRA, BLACKWOOD KINGS & ROGER RIVAS

  • Jakobs Castle

    Jakobs Castle

    Ska Revival

    If Jakobs Castle were a physical place, it would exist somewhere in the present that’s also rooted in history. As the son of Sublime’s legendary frontman Bradley Nowell, there is no denying that Jakob is influenced by his father’s music and legacy. However Jakobs Castle is anything but a nostalgic rehash. Nowell has described the project as “mixing California’s past with the fresh mystery of internet underground culture” and that’s a good place to start. But it’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the sonic and emotional depth of this varied collection of songs. 

    “I wanted to call this project Jakobs Castle because even though Jon and I played all the instruments on these songs, I think of it as a big collective that involves a lot of people,” Nowell explains. “I’m at the helm of it but it’s not just me; everyone who comes out to see me or writes with me or participates in any way is part of the Castle.”

    This isn’t to say that the project doesn’t have a sense of humor and there is definitely an element of irony present on the album, but it comes from a place of confidence and self-awareness that Nowell has cultivated over the course of his musical career. Signing to Epitaph Records is also a full circle moment for a musician who was born into the thriving California punk scene, yet decided to forge his own musical destiny in a way that’s relevant to today’s generation of listeners. 

  • Long Beach Dub Allstars

    Long Beach Dub Allstars

    Reggae-Pop

    The Long Beach Dub Allstars (LBDA) are an American dub-reggae-ska band which formed in 1997. For many ’90s kids, the multi-genre, reggae-rooted Long Beach Dub Allstars are remembered as a spin-off of Sublime, wherein original members of that band, their old friends, and their longtime collaborators gathered around the ashes of Sublime's singer Bradley Nowell. LBDA is known for their sun-drenched take on dub-reggae and ska, and often tour with around 10 members. In total, LBDA has released four studio albums, with their most recent Echo Mountain High releasing on June 30, 2023. 

  • Mad Professor & Amarra

    Mad Professor & Amarra

    Dub

    Mad Professor is a legendary figure in the world of dub and reggae. Born Neil Fraser in Guyana and later relocating to London, he earned his nickname early on due to his fascination with music and technology. A true pioneer of the genre, Mad Professor has worked alongside dub royalty like Lee “Scratch” Perry, Jah Shaka, and Horace Andy, while his groundbreaking production skills have drawn collaborations with artists beyond reggae, including Sublime, Massive Attack, and The Orb. Known for his innovative remixes and studio mastery, he remains one of the most influential dub musicians of all time.

    Joining him in his sonic explorations is Amarra, whose rich, melodic vocals offer a perfect counterpoint to Mad Professor’s deep basslines and echoing soundscapes. Together, they create a dynamic fusion of heavy dub rhythms and soulful melodies, pushing the boundaries of modern reggae while staying true to its roots.

  • BLACKWOOD KINGS

    BLACKWOOD KINGS

    Reggae

    Now six years into their lifespan, Blackwood Kings has proven to be one of the more unique bands to pop up in the Victoria BC scene. In spirit and ethos, they’re a punk band, but while contemporaries may lean towards buzz-saw-distorted guitars and shouted vocals, Blackwood Kings favour the reverb-laden upstrokes of ska and dub, producing a politically and emotionally charged brand of reggae fusion that is uniquely their own. And while the foundation of Blackwood Kings sound is comprised of the aforementioned Jamaican genres, no musical idea is off limits, with songs frequently travelling into disparate realms such as math rock, fusion, and jungle. Blackwood Kings released their second EP in the fourth quarter of 2015. While short in length, the four-track release showcases the diversity of the group's sound. Lead single "Into The Blue" (features frantic jungle drumming and skankin' guitars doused in reverb and delay. "Paralysis" takes the listener on a journey through angular stops and psychedelic bass-heavy dub, while "Idle Nature" sees the band explore their ska roots with bouncing upstrokes. "Upholding lies that blind us from the dirty minds that bind us/ Contending ideologies contain and then divide us" pines frontman Chris Zielonka on "Break Away", an earth-shaking dub track that morphs into a Latin-tinged sax-and-trombone conversation. Blackwood Kings' varied and malleable style has allowed them to share the stage with notable acts such as Authority Zero, J-Boog, The Slackers, The Mad Caddies, The Skints, Gondwana, and Third World. The group has appeared at festivals such as Rifflandia, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest and Fernfest, while also lending their performances to social and political events such as the University of Victoria "Earth Fest" with speakers such as the Green Party's Elizabeth May, and a fundraiser for building a hospital in Sierra Leone alongside acclaimed reggae/highlife group Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars.
     
  • Roger Rivas

    Roger Rivas

    Roots Reggae

    DJ Roger Rivas is a renowned keyboardist and organist, best known for his work with LA’s “dirty reggae” pioneers, The Aggrolites. A master of vintage reggae and ska, Rivas brings a deep love for the genre’s roots and a sharp ear for timeless grooves. In addition to his work with The Aggrolites, he also performs with Long Beach Dub Allstars, showcasing his versatility and passion for the reggae and ska scenes. As a DJ, Rivas is known for digging deep into his crate of classic records, delivering sets that blend rare gems with undeniable crowd-pleasers, all while staying true to the spirit of old-school reggae.

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Select ticket quantity.

Select Tickets

limit 10 per person
Early Bird Advance

$60.02 ($49.95 + $10.07 fees)

Delivery Method

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Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest ft. JAKOBS CASTLE (ft. Jakob Nowell of Sublime & Jakobs Castle), LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS, MAD PROFESSOR & AMARRA, BLACKWOOD KINGS & ROGER RIVAS

Sat Jun 21 2025 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM

(Doors 8:00 PM)

Victoria Curling Club Victoria BC
Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest ft. JAKOBS CASTLE (ft. Jakob Nowell of Sublime & Jakobs Castle), LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS, MAD PROFESSOR & AMARRA, BLACKWOOD KINGS & ROGER RIVAS

$49.95 - $65 All Ages

All Ages / Beverage Service for 19 yrs+ w/ID (Kids 10 and under free with adult)

From the sunny beaches of California to the rocky shores of Vancouver Island comes our Saturday night Curling Club party. We’re celebrating the past, present, and future of the Long Beach sound with an all-star lineup of reggae, punk, and dub. Jakobs Castle is the moniker of Southern California singer-songwriter Jakob Nowell. As the current singer of Sublime and son of the group’s founding frontman Bradley Nowell, there is no denying that Jakob is influenced by his father’s music and legacy. However Jakobs Castle is anything but a nostalgic rehash. Blending elements of ska, reggae, and punk with leftfield influences from the likes of hyperpop, electronic music, and video game soundtracks, Jakobs Castle offers an experimental take on familiar sounds.

Continuing the theme of southern California music royalty, we’re thrilled to host Long Beach Dub Allstars at Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest for the first time. Originally founded in 1997 by surviving Sublime members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, they recruited frequent collaborators such as Opie Ortiz, Michael “Miguel” Happolt, and Marshall “Ras MG” Goodman to continue the group’s musical legacy. After their initial run concluded in 2002, Ortiz and Happolt revived the group a decade later with a new crop of ultra talented musicians. Current and former members of the band have played in acts such as The Aggrolites, The Expanders, Dillinger Escape Plan, and The Mars Volta, showing how the “all-stars” moniker is truly appropriate. Still going strong almost three decades after their original formation, LBDA continues to come in hot with new tunes, new collaborations, and an impassioned commitment to that punky reggae sound.

An all-star reggae lineup wouldn’t be complete without a pioneer on the bill, which is why we’re thrilled to welcome Mad Professor to Victoria for the first time! Born Neil Fraser in Guyana and moving to London as a teenager, Mad Professor got his nickname at an early age due to his high proficiency in both music and technology. A frequent collaborator of dub pioneers such as Lee “Scratch” Perry and Jah Shaka, Mad Professor is one of the most celebrated dub musicians of all time. For his Ska and Reggae Fest performance, Mad Professor will be joined by Amarra, who’s gorgeous vocal delivery will bring some luscious melody to the heavy dub attack. 

Opening the show, and returning from a brief hiatus, are local favourites Blackwood Kings. Originally formed almost 15 years ago, the group is one of Victoria’s longest running and most beloved underground bands. Blending elements of reggae, dub, punk, and ska with experimental flourishes and dazzling musicianship, these boys play a progressive take on rebellious soundclash that is uniquely their own. 

Keeping the dancefloor moving between bands is DJ Roger Rivas. As the iconic keyboardist and organist of LA “dirty reggae” legends The Aggrolites, Rivas will also be performing double-duty in LBDA. 

If Jakobs Castle were a physical place, it would exist somewhere in the present that’s also rooted in history. As the son of Sublime’s legendary frontman Bradley Nowell, there is no denying that Jakob is influenced by his father’s music and legacy. However Jakobs Castle is anything but a nostalgic rehash. Nowell has described the project as “mixing California’s past with the fresh mystery of internet underground culture” and that’s a good place to start. But it’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the sonic and emotional depth of this varied collection of songs. 

“I wanted to call this project Jakobs Castle because even though Jon and I played all the instruments on these songs, I think of it as a big collective that involves a lot of people,” Nowell explains. “I’m at the helm of it but it’s not just me; everyone who comes out to see me or writes with me or participates in any way is part of the Castle.”

This isn’t to say that the project doesn’t have a sense of humor and there is definitely an element of irony present on the album, but it comes from a place of confidence and self-awareness that Nowell has cultivated over the course of his musical career. Signing to Epitaph Records is also a full circle moment for a musician who was born into the thriving California punk scene, yet decided to forge his own musical destiny in a way that’s relevant to today’s generation of listeners. 

The Long Beach Dub Allstars (LBDA) are an American dub-reggae-ska band which formed in 1997. For many ’90s kids, the multi-genre, reggae-rooted Long Beach Dub Allstars are remembered as a spin-off of Sublime, wherein original members of that band, their old friends, and their longtime collaborators gathered around the ashes of Sublime's singer Bradley Nowell. LBDA is known for their sun-drenched take on dub-reggae and ska, and often tour with around 10 members. In total, LBDA has released four studio albums, with their most recent Echo Mountain High releasing on June 30, 2023. 

Mad Professor is a legendary figure in the world of dub and reggae. Born Neil Fraser in Guyana and later relocating to London, he earned his nickname early on due to his fascination with music and technology. A true pioneer of the genre, Mad Professor has worked alongside dub royalty like Lee “Scratch” Perry, Jah Shaka, and Horace Andy, while his groundbreaking production skills have drawn collaborations with artists beyond reggae, including Sublime, Massive Attack, and The Orb. Known for his innovative remixes and studio mastery, he remains one of the most influential dub musicians of all time.

Joining him in his sonic explorations is Amarra, whose rich, melodic vocals offer a perfect counterpoint to Mad Professor’s deep basslines and echoing soundscapes. Together, they create a dynamic fusion of heavy dub rhythms and soulful melodies, pushing the boundaries of modern reggae while staying true to its roots.

Now six years into their lifespan, Blackwood Kings has proven to be one of the more unique bands to pop up in the Victoria BC scene. In spirit and ethos, they’re a punk band, but while contemporaries may lean towards buzz-saw-distorted guitars and shouted vocals, Blackwood Kings favour the reverb-laden upstrokes of ska and dub, producing a politically and emotionally charged brand of reggae fusion that is uniquely their own. And while the foundation of Blackwood Kings sound is comprised of the aforementioned Jamaican genres, no musical idea is off limits, with songs frequently travelling into disparate realms such as math rock, fusion, and jungle. Blackwood Kings released their second EP in the fourth quarter of 2015. While short in length, the four-track release showcases the diversity of the group's sound. Lead single "Into The Blue" (features frantic jungle drumming and skankin' guitars doused in reverb and delay. "Paralysis" takes the listener on a journey through angular stops and psychedelic bass-heavy dub, while "Idle Nature" sees the band explore their ska roots with bouncing upstrokes. "Upholding lies that blind us from the dirty minds that bind us/ Contending ideologies contain and then divide us" pines frontman Chris Zielonka on "Break Away", an earth-shaking dub track that morphs into a Latin-tinged sax-and-trombone conversation. Blackwood Kings' varied and malleable style has allowed them to share the stage with notable acts such as Authority Zero, J-Boog, The Slackers, The Mad Caddies, The Skints, Gondwana, and Third World. The group has appeared at festivals such as Rifflandia, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest and Fernfest, while also lending their performances to social and political events such as the University of Victoria "Earth Fest" with speakers such as the Green Party's Elizabeth May, and a fundraiser for building a hospital in Sierra Leone alongside acclaimed reggae/highlife group Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars.
 
DJ Roger Rivas is a renowned keyboardist and organist, best known for his work with LA’s “dirty reggae” pioneers, The Aggrolites. A master of vintage reggae and ska, Rivas brings a deep love for the genre’s roots and a sharp ear for timeless grooves. In addition to his work with The Aggrolites, he also performs with Long Beach Dub Allstars, showcasing his versatility and passion for the reggae and ska scenes. As a DJ, Rivas is known for digging deep into his crate of classic records, delivering sets that blend rare gems with undeniable crowd-pleasers, all while staying true to the spirit of old-school reggae.

Please correct the information below.

Select ticket quantity.

Select Tickets

All Ages
limit 10 per person
Early Bird Advance
$60.02 ($49.95 + $10.07 fees)

Delivery Method

eTickets
Will Call