Downtown ABQ’s Launchpad is on fire with a trio of bands who blend reggae and ska with a variety of genres to produce music that represent the mix of cultures that make Albuquerque so special. Burque reggae masters The Riddims will headline the show with support from Latin-influenced ska supergroup Los Domingueros tonight, Jan. 30, at Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW). If the music and the vibes weren’t enough to get you out to the show, the Domingueros are extending a special invite to ska fans: They’d like you to be a part of a music video.
Co-headlining the show is The Goodies, a San Diego band who blends reggae rock, pop, R&B, folk and other genres.
“We’re gonna be playing our classics, probably bust out the new song, play everyone’s favorites, and then our friends from California, The Goodies, are going to be headlining,” Riddims lead guitarist and vocalist Myles Chavez says.
The Riddims, who call themselves “high desert reggae,” have a new single and music video coming out on Valentine’s Day. They’re joined on the new record by Ryan Kordich from California reggae band Eureka Roots on keyboards and Tony Trombone from alternative reggae group Iration playing horns. The band’s sound is inspired by roots reggae, hip-hop, several flavors of rock — Chavez says he and guitarist Donavan Ortiz were in a death metal band together called Morbid Machine — and of course, New Mexican music.
“We’re super influenced by our hometown and New Mexico, and we really want to make that shine in our music,” Chavez says. “There’s so many talented people in this town, and everyone overlooks us. It’s such a shame. So we’re trying to change that, and bring everything Albuquerque to the masses.”
The Riddims will be playing tomorrow, Jan. 31, at Boxcar sports bar and nightclub (133 W. Water St.) as well.
Los Domingueros. meanwhile, have been moving audiences with a melodic blend of ska, punk, cumbia, Salsa and reggae since 2021. For the Launchpad gig they invite the audience to join them in the filming of their song “Back to You.” Founded by guitarist, vocalist and principle songwriter Josué Urrutia — who is originally from Juarez — the members of the band come from all over the world. Lead guitarist Julian Jimenez is from Spain, bassist Dino Andino hails from El Salvador, and drummer Grant MacDonald was born in the USA.
“Our new intro video tonight will showcase the bands diversity and make a big unity through ska,” Urrutia promises.
You can listen to the audio version of “Back to You” here.
You can check out the video for “Solo” by Los Domingueros here.
The Riddims, The Goodies, Los Domingueros, DJ Jimmy Djembe
Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m.
Launchpad
618 Central Ave. SW
$10
21+