Goldfinger

Saturday, July 30; S.O.K.A. Fest at Family Arena (2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles)

Jul 27, 2005 at 4:00 am
Is ska dead? Perhaps. Is SOKA dead? Definitely not. There's a reason Manchester Road's SOKA Skate & Snow shop has lasted ten years, just as there's a reason Goldfinger is one of the few bands to survive ska's late-'90s bust. In the latter's case, long-term success has a lot to do with having a sense of humor. After eleven years, three member changes, a logo re-jiggering and a lukewarm reception of its fifth studio album, February's Disconnection Notice, the SoCal bandmates still grin and pull their infamous stage antics while leading sing-alongs to such pogo-inducing fan faves as "Mable," "Superman" and a cover of Nena's "99 Red Balloons." Though Goldfinger's sound has moved toward more mainstream pop-punk, and singer John Feldmann -- the sometime producer responsible for Story of the Year's success -- has gone militantly vegan, it's impossible not to feel a decade younger when hearing his intense admiration for Wayne Gretzky and equally intense dislike for Ted Nugent ("Wayne Gretzky" and "Fuck Ted Nugent," respectively).

Show starts at noon. Tickets are $27; call 636-896-4242 or visit sokaskate.com for more information.