In the 1950s, a new sound emerged from Jamaica that merged popular American jazz, blues, and R&B with the rhythm of Africa. It became known as “ska,” and the fathers of this sound took the name the Skatalites. Nearly 50 years later, the Skatalites are still skankin’, and they come to strut their stuff at SOhO on Friday, March 16. Here’s why you can’t miss it.

1) The Perseverance: The band has endured with many of the same core members since its founding in 1964-that includes founder Don Drummond’s imprisonment for murder and subsequent suicide, a nearly 20-year hiatus, and more ganja than you could imagine.

2) The Music: Always ready to rocksteady and stoked to skank, these living ska-masters manage to play songs you’ve always loved, such as “The Guns of Navarone.”

3) The Vibe: When there’s a dude playing stand-up bass with dreads down to his ankles, the crowd can’t help but feel blessed.

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