Save Ferris Saved Sunday Night . Happy “Skalidaze” To Us All
On December 7, I had the opportunity to attend and photograph the band SAVE FERRIS at the Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville, California. The venue has become something of a second home for me, and for anyone who has not yet visited, it is worth the trip. The space includes two stories, a stage, and a large area for dancing and movement, providing plenty of room for audiences to enjoy a single performance or an entire lineup. If I were pressed to voice a criticism, it would be that the stage can feel a bit small for some acts. However, I genuinely appreciate that Goldfield includes a photo pit, which makes photographing shows considerably easier and far safer than at other local venues such as Harlows or Old Ironsides. I am no longer interested in getting knocked around each time I take pictures at a show.
It had been a while since I attended a punk or ska performance, so I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find a packed house filled with cheerful concertgoers of all ages, from toddlers with protective earmuffs to seniors enjoying a night out. I overheard relatives and friends of the opening bands excitedly planning where they would stand so they could be seen by the performers. The merch table was lively throughout the evening, setting a positive tone for the night ahead.
The first band, LESDYSTICS, opened the show with authentic skacore intensity. Their energy was remarkable. My first love of rock, hard rock, and heavy metal had already prepared me for fast paced crowds and occasional crowd surfing, so I was ready for whatever skacore might bring. Before the show began, several attendees assured me that LESDYSTICS were well known for their raw skacore and punk sound and that the band was “bigger than you realize.” That enthusiasm alone sold me.
With my camera in hand, I captured as much of their performance as I could. Their presence felt like a visual and auditory carnival. The music, movement, and sheer force of their delivery were infectious. A short video clip is available on my Instagram and Facebook pages (@chel_evah), and it offers a glimpse into just how unrelenting their energy was. LESDYSTICS did not pause for breath, and by the end of their set the audience was equally exhilarated and breathless. I can say with certainty that I am a new fan!
Set list:
Flatbush
Take What You Can
Dealing
Stupid
ESD
Who Got Da Meat
Saturday Night
Intent
Next on the bill was the alternative and pop punk band FFG, a group formed in Roseville by brothers Jarret and Jordan Haley. Audience members recommended their album Pushing Boulders Uphill as essential listening and described the band’s sound as both catchy and upbeat. Twenty five years after their formation, I finally experienced their music live and witnessed the easy camaraderie among the band members. Their set was energetic, engaging, and genuinely fun to watch.
Set list:
I am The Same Guy
She is On Top
Take A Chance
The Way You Will Be Remembered
On The Floor
It is Good To Know
Soundtrack To This Town
Head Over Heels
Sacramento, California
The final performance of the night was the one I had been eagerly awaiting. American ska punk band SAVE FERRIS took the stage, which had been decorated with holiday trees in celebration of the Happy Skalidaze Tour 2025. I have been a fan of SAVE FERRIS since the 1990s, yet this was my first time seeing them perform live. I made sure to be at the front of the room, camera ready.
Vocalist Monique Powell proved to be a dynamic blend of musical excellence, wit, and effortless stage presence. She commanded the space while delivering several of my all time favorite songs, including “Sorry My Friend,” “Everything I Want To Be,” and “I Know.” I am deeply grateful that these songs exist, and hearing them performed live felt unforgettable. The band’s energy matched the enthusiasm of the crowd from the first note to the last, and it was impossible not to dance along.
Set list:
Father Christmas (Kinks cover)
Turn It Up
Anything
The World Is New
Little Differences
Everything I Want To Be
Sorry My Friend
I am Not Crying For You
What You See Is What You Get
Lies
Goodbye
Superspy
Lights Out
Artificial Life
I Know
Santeria
Come On Eileen
I will give you three reasons why Ska, punk, and alternative punk are not dead: SAVE FERRIS, FFG, and LESDYSTICS. Do not miss any of them when they play next!
