REDLANDS, Calif. — To honor Black History Month the unmistakable beats of ska, reggae, soul, two-tone, and jazz filled the Contemporary Club stage as The Dubtet delivered an electrifying performance Feb. 26 for A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Smiley LIVE! Americana Roots concert series, sponsored by the Shiela Field Cultural Enrichment Fund.
With a lineup of seasoned musicians, each bringing their unique artistry to the stage, the event highlighted the band’s infectious rhythms and dynamic blend of musical styles.
Two-tone, also known as 2 Tone, ska-rock, or ska revival, originated in Britain in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The genre merges traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae with the edgier elements of punk rock and new wave.
The group traces its roots to an earlier incarnation, The Dub Quartet, founded by brothers Timothy and Danny Moynahan. Playing trombone and tenor saxophone, respectively, the Moynahan brothers were instrumental in establishing the Unity Horns, the first ska and reggae horn section for hire in the United States. They were also key members of The Untouchables, the nation’s pioneering ska band. Over time, the quartet expanded its lineup and evolved into The Dubtet, bringing a fresh, Caribbean-inspired flair to its music.
Today’s lineup features Will Donato on Ewi and saxophone, Mark Sims on bass, Doug Sanborn on drums, George Hughes on keyboards, Eric Endo on guitar, and the Moynahan brothers on trombone, saxophone, and vocals. Together, they have carved out a unique space in the Los Angeles ska and reggae scene, winning over fans with their vibrant performances and collaborating with legends such as Dave Wakeling of The Beat and Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru.
More than just a band, The Dubtet is a celebration of musical heritage, community, and joy. As they continue to evolve, the group remains dedicated to spreading the uplifting spirit of its music, uniting fans of all ages through rhythm and melody.
The Smiley LIVE! concert series continues to showcase a diverse range of music, bringing entertainment and inspiration to the Redlands community. For information on upcoming performances, visit akspl.org.