History of L.A. Ska: One On One Sessions

On Episode 133 of the History of LA Ska: One On One Sessions, Junor Francis and Eric Kohler talk with Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein of Orange County, CA-based veteran group, Reel Big Fish.

Junor Francis and Eric Kohler talk with three Southern California-based rising talents who represent ska's 4th wave -- Natalia Inez, Collin O'Connor (Chudson), and Samuel Mann (Skidwizard).

On this Reggae Got Soul Part 2 Roundtable, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with Jackie Mendez, Andre Cruz (The Steady 45s, Black Diamond Rhythm Band), and Tony Medina (Thee Illusions, The Delirians, The Steady 45s).

This episode is dedicated to the late Tim Receveur of Supernova International Ska Festival.

On this Supernova International Ska Festival 2026 Preview Episode, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with Steve Jackson (The Pietasters), Matt Hensley and Sean Wheeler (The A-100s), Dunia Best (Rude Girl Revue), as well as Supernova co-founder/curator, Tim Receveur.

This top ska festival takes place September 12 and 13 at Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. Tickets and info at Supernovaska.com.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with singer, songwriter, and mutli-instrumentalist, Joey Quinones. He's a solo artist and frontman for Thee Sinseers, and a former member of The Steady 45s, The Delirians, The Altons, Chris Murray Combo, and Upground.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with current and former members of the veteran Los Angeles-based, traditional ska group, The Dynamics - Amber Foxx, Tony Escarcega, Dex McFerson, Ted Morris, Eric Morrison, Minh Pham, and Bill Purdy.

After a 25-year hiatus, The Dynamics with very special guests will perform at SkaMania's Jamaican Independence Celebration featuring The Pioneers on August 8, 2026 at La Santa in Santa Ana, CA.

On this special Celebrating Carlos Malcolm episode, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler are joined by: author, educator Heather Augustyn; musician, bandleader Eitan Avineri; singer, musician Chris Murray; and musician, bandleader Robert "Zimbobway" Way.

Carlos Malcolm, one of the true architects of Jamaican music, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 91. Beginning his career in the late 1950s, he helped shape the sound and spirit of Jamaica through his work as a composer, arranger, musician, bandleader, educator, and advocate. His influence reached generations of musicians and audiences, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with Richard Blade, legendary radio DJ, television host, author, and producer, who is one of the most recognizable voices of 1980's new wave and alternative music.

On this special Celebrating Stranger Cole episode, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler are joined by: singer, songwriter Persephone "Queen P" Laird; DJ, promoter, record collector Darren Reggae; Australian DJ, promoter, musician, documentarian Mohair Slim; and record label operator, DJ, promoter Chuck Wren.

Stranger Cole passed away on June 11, 2026 at the age of 86. His musical contributions spanned the birth of ska, rise of rocksteady, global expansion of reggae, and current resurgence of ska. His timeless songs, joyful spirit, infectious energy, and enormous influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.

On this Promoter Roundtable episode, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with three well-respected, veteran promoters -- Tom Chasteen (Dub Club, Echodelic Sound), Dane Roberts (Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival), and Jon Halperin (The Glass House, Vegas Records).

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with two founding members of The Expanders - Devin Morrison and John Butcher.

Devin's credits also include Man Like Devin & The Relatives, Long Beach Dub Allstars, The Lions, and Hepcat. John's credits also include Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, The Steady 45s, Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Brothers of Reggae, and Ryan Thorne & The Ramblers.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with trumpeter, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, Stephen Bradley, whose credits include No Doubt, Gwen Stefani, Steel Pulse, Sullvn Band, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with legendary frontwoman, singer, songwriter, and actor, Pauline Black, of 2-Tone group, The Selecter.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with two Jamaican ska and rocksteady legends, the husband and wife singing duo of Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with London-based, veteran promoter, musician, songwriter, deejay, and record label operator, Sean Flowerdew, of The London International Ska Festival, Happy People Records, Phoenix City All-Stars, Pama International, The Loafers, and Special Beat.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with singer, songwriter, and producer, George "Clive" Murphy, of legendary rocksteady trio, The Tennors.

The Tennors alongside Eric "Monty" Morris will perform for SkaMania at La Santa in Santa Ana, CA on February 28, 2026.

Host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with reggae legend, singer/songwriter, Lloyd "Bread" McDonald of Wailing Souls.

For this 2025 Year in Review Roundtable, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler are joined by singer, multi-instrumentalist, and influencer Jer Hunter (Skatune Network, We Are The Union), artist manager and promoter Nancy Arteaga (Nance Arte Productions, Regent Theater), and radio host Mikey Rhude (That Same Old Show, Rhude Awakening).

J. BONNER, SCOTT ABELS & JIMMY CLIFF'S REBIRTH is the focus of our final episode of 2025. On this Episode 115 hosted by Junor Francis and produced by Eric Kohler, J. and Scott reflect on recording and performing with Jimmy as part of his ENGINE ROOM backing band led by TIM ARMSTRONG. This seminal album, Rebirth, won a Grammy Award in 2012, and deservedly so.

J.'s credits include JANDISC RECORDS, STUDIO ONE, THE AGGROLITES, THE VESSELS, BLACK EMERALDS, and DUB STREET ROCKERS.

Scott's credits include HEPCAT, THE AGGROLITES, LARS FREDERIKSEN & THE BASTARDS, THEE HURRICANES, WESTERN STANDARD TIME, JR. THOMAS & THE VOLCANOS, LET'S GO BOWLING, and CYPRESS HILL.

On this Reggae Got Soul - Part 1 episode, host Junor Francis and producer Eric Kohler talk with three soulful and groovy guys on the scene - Dan Ubick (The Lions, Night Owls, Mad Geezers, Connie Price & The Keystones, Breakestra), Tony Greene (The Trojanites, The Decisions, The Revivers, The Debonaires), and Obi Fernandez (Westbound Train).