Ska-Daddyz Keep Fans Dancing 5 Nights a Week

The Ska-Daddyz aren’t just seven good surfers from Silver Strand in Oxnard. They’re also seven good players who have become one of the best-drawing bands in Ventura County. And from the look of things, this local up-and-coming band may soon be able to jettison those day jobs: There’s not any more danceable music than ska, and the Ska-Daddyz do it right. Just check out their great cover of that English Beat biggie, “Ranking Full Stop.”

The Ska-Daddyz got started in January after guitarist Darren Cruz, singer Dustin Maddelone and sax player Jess Leedy seceded from a rootsy reggae band, the Irie Ites. “We wanted to do something a little more original and upbeat,” Cruz said.

Also in the band are second guitarist Blake Cruz, keyboard player Billy Davis and drummer Phil Pollock. The guy with a zillion tattoos is bassist Paul Shinn.

Although playing five nights a month is unheard of for a lot of new bands, it’s now an average week for the Ska-Daddyz. The band will play tonight and Sunday at the Bombay Bar & Grill (643-4404) in Ventura, Friday at the MVP Sports Bar (520-6015) in Simi Valley, Saturday at Garfields (648-1917) in Ventura and Wednesday with the Trouser Trouts at Toes Tavern (965-4655) in Santa Barbara.

One word of caution, however. Be careful to keep your distance from the stage. These guys jump around like their Nikes are on fire.