The band Badfish is ready to start a new chapter in its career in 2024, with a preview of things to come happening later this month in New Haven.
For the last 22 years, the Rhode Island-based Badfish – Joel Hanks on bass, Scott Begin on drums, Pat Downes on vocals and guitar, Danny Torgersen on horns, keyboards, and guitars – successfully paid tribute to Sublime, the influential California group that brought ska-punk and reggae-rock to the mainstream. Playing 15 to 20 gigs a month, the band has headlined theaters and sold out shows across the country.
In early 2024, Badfish will add to their Sublime reverence by releasing their own songs for the first time. The band promises new tunes that “are vibrant, brimming with reggae beats and rock-punk strut.”
Connecticut audiences will have a sneak peek at the band’s new presentation on Dec. 27 when they’re in a one-night-only performance at Toad’s Place in New Haven; the show starts at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance, which can be purchased online.
“Putting out original music alongside being a tribute band has always been a point of interest to us,” says Begin. “It’s been a tricky path to walk, though. Yet as the years have gone by and we’ve gotten to witness our little show turn into somewhat of a movement within the scene, we are at the point where we feel we have something of real heart and value to add not only to our show but to the American reggae scene.”
