There was a nightclub here in Los Angeles back in the late 70s/early 80s which catered to the reggae/ska beat - but was open to all. The O.N. Klub was a tiny space on Sunset Blvd. nested between Westerly Terrace and Silver Lake Blvd. a location which, at the time, was less than favorable to most people and that was just fine for those who frequented the club. At any given time you could walk in and find a live set by some amazing ska bands or dance the night away to spinning vinyl.
There have been very few, if any, clubs like The O.N. Klub in L.A. although there has been several Mod/Ska revivals over the years like in the early 90s when Hong Kong Cafe in Chinatown made a slight comeback from it's punk heyday and then again in 2005 when The Airliner on North Broadway had a series of ska DJ sets and the occasional live band, none of those venues quite hit home like O.N. Klub. Maybe it was the era. A different time in a different world some 30 plus years ago when I had the energy to do the skank like the best of them. It doesn't really matter, I still have a genuine love for the music and the scene. I just need to get over the hipsterization of the neighborhood and let the music take over.
Tonight, Friday the 13th, The Skatalites will be performing at Los Globos which is located across the street from where The O.N. Klub used to be. It's a show not to be missed. Photos of the show to come (if I make it)
Photo: Linda Gamboa and Loretta Pedroza outside The Whiskey A Go Go - 1979
Photo credit: Diane Gamboa
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Due to a series of twists and turns in my plans for the evening I wasn't able to make it out to the show. No photos to share so I'm including a link to Simmer Down by the Skatalites. Enjoy!
Skatalites - Simmer Down (YouTube)
