Images: Big D and the Kids Table, Have Nots, Everyone Metldown, Tuesday After School October 9, 2011 at the Hard Rock Café on the Strip

It’s only been a few months since Boston’s Big D and the Kids Table last played Vegas, but since their two shows this past June consisted of a spot on the Vans Warped Tour and a 21+ after show at the now defunct Divebar, their recent show at the Hard Rock Café was the first time many Vegas ska fans had seen them in quite a while. This meant that the floor, or at least the small section not engulfed by one massive pit of skanking, was in prime condition to shout along with every word from David McWane and crew.

McWane proved once again why he is one of the best modern frontmen, his voice sounding amazingly on pitch through songs new and old while staying in constant motion on stage. Between songs, McWane entertained the crowd with stories of the road and brimmed with excitement while explaining how his recent foray into the world of tweeting resulted in the band getting to spend their upcoming off day on the set of the Price is Right. I was happy that the band pulled out one of my personal favorites “The One,” but the biggest crowd reaction came when they played “L.A.X.,” a fast paced, profanity-laden tale of musical elitism that had everyone singing along while McWane gladly passed the mic through the crowd.

Big D’s fellow Bostonians Have Nots filled the spot before Big D, their blend of street punk and ska rock also eliciting a pit barely containable by the small café floor, but filled with a few more mohawks and studs. The band is touring in support of their latest release Proud, with songs like “Louisville Slugger,” “Jackson Dawn,” and the title track getting everyone’s fists pumping and heads bobbing. Co-frontman Jon Cauztik’s threat of performing a Katy Perry cover received a warmer reception than I think the band anticipated, but I found myself much happier with the cover they actually played, “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais” by The Clash. The band’s sound has a lot of Clash influence in it and they did the English punk pioneers well with their rendition.

In the opening slots were two fun and talented local ska acts, the slightly Big D-esq Everyone Meltdown and the peppy and poppy Tuesday After School. The bands’ friends and family came out in full support and it’s always good to see local bands get the opportunity to play larger venues like this.

-Emily Matview

Photos by Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/

and Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens