Ghoti Hook, Stavesacre, Five Iron Frenzy, Orange County Supertones 
Judson College 
October 18, 1997 
By Linda T. Stonehocker 
Pictures by Shari Lloyd 

Billed as the ultimate ska-punk show, Edan Productions delivered as 
promised four of the loudest, happeningest bands touring this fall. On the strength of the Supertones' surging popularity, a second show was 
announced, and sold out, just three days beforehand, testing the promoter's ability to cope with a crowd two to three times the normal size. Their army of volunteers rose to the occasion, moving the hordes past each other smoothly between shows and giving everyone inside as much freedom as possible. 

Cover boy Combat Chuck introduced the first band, Ghoti Hook, and modeled the banana costume he wore for their soon-to-be-released CD. One way or another, Ghoti Hook always makes it clear they don't take themselves too seriously. The gap made by founding member Conrad Tolosa's departure six weeks ago was easily filled by the remaining four members who delivered a dense, high-impact half hour of their trademark rapid-fire punk pop. Time constraints kept the between song repartee to a minimum, but the exposure they're receiving touring with the Supertones should elevate them to headliner status soon where they can unleash their entire stage show on unsuspecting audiences nationwide.  

The high-energy crowd appreciated every quick-time beat of Ghoti Hook, then Stavesacre provided a break in tempo and mood. Their dark, moody, quasi-metal rock mystified much of the crowd, who used the set to buy merchandise at the back of the hall. Singer Mark Salomon finally warmed things up with radio friendly "At the Moment," and finished up the set with a couple of numbers off the new album, Absolutes. Before ending, Salomon once more mystified his listeners by publicly apologizing for losing his temper on stage the night before. The mood of his music must've gotten to him. 

Five Iron Frenzy brought the pace back up to skanking speed. Ska was the reason the crowd was there, and they showed their appreciation by erupting into action that almost, but not quite, matched the level of activity on stage. Armed with only their instruments and funny hats, the Denver band whipped the room through a nice blend of music from their first CD, and their new one, Our Newest Album Ever. During the second show, Five Iron stepped aside for labelmate The Echoing Green. This was Joey Beville's debut performance as a 5 Minute Walk artist. Joey knows techno, Joey knows dance, and Joey knew how to get the crowd into his song, "Safety Dance."  The Supertones were super-nine men in black and white playing two CD's worth of hits for fans that had converged on Judson College from five states. The performance did full justice to the concept of Christian ska, a style that can only be appreciated live with plenty of room to move. Matt Morginsky alternately rapped, screamed, and crooned his message-driven 
lyrics over the powerful combination of a full rock band and amplified 
brass. Drummer Jason Carson stepped out from behind his kit to lead the cool-down/ministry/worship time, challenging the fans to seek renewed spiritual lives and relationships with Jesus. The same folks who'd spent the last two hours crashing into each other were now reverently on their knees, closing out the entertainment with serious purpose.