For more than five years, members of Utah's two longest-lived ska acts, Stretch (the band formerly known as Stretch Armstrong) and Insatiable, have enjoyed a friendly rivalry.
The two bands have taken decidedly different musical approaches. In that time, Insatiable has embraced funk, reggae and now, traditional ska, while Stretch has expanded its musical palate to include punk, pop and jazz - as well as changing its name three times. And all the while, both have increased their fan base, locally and out of state.Despite their musical differences, they have even played shows together - including memorable sets with Bad Manners, the Specials, Let's Go Bowling, the Dancehall Crashers and King Apparatus. Now, they will play opposite each other in different ska concerts on Monday, Jan. 6.
Utah County's Stretch will headline an all-ages show at the Soul Kitchen, 936 E. 450 North, Provo, while Insatiable will be one of four ska acts performing at Ska Tour '97, a no-restrictions concert at Club DV8, 115 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City.
They are also celebrating the release of new CDs - "Inflatable," Insatiable's third full-length effort, and "Armstrong," the fourth album by Stretch.
Joining Insatiable for Ska Tour '97 will be Arizona's Kongo Shock, Isaac Green & The Skolars from St. Louis and Sturgeon General, a local ska band formerly known as Rhythm Fish.
Also performing with Stretch will be Lopez, a punk-rock act from Arizona, as well as Cache Valley's Model Citizen.
Showtime for the Stretch show is 9 p.m., while doors for Ska Tour '97 will open at 7 p.m.
Advance tickets for Ska Tour '97 are $5 from Modified Music, Salt City CDs and Cosmic Aeroplace in Salt Lake City, Crandall Audio in Orem and Club DV8 during business hours. Admission for the Stretch concert will be $4 at the door.