Attitude fueled by rock and roll and punk ethics gives life to El Grande‘s original brand of ska. A fixture in the talented Portland, Maine music scene, El Grande has been playing shows throughout the northeast since 2004, winning over ska purists and skeptics of the punk scene. The group delivers high energy concerts and tight songs in their live performances, always proving to be memorable and unpredictable.

Combining muscular vocals and lyrics that touch on personal triumph, relationships and social messages that speak to everyday people, El Grande’s songs range from fast, upbeat soul shouting ska to crooning rocksteady and lovers rock reggae. The band’s diverse sound combines early 2-tone rhythms and third wave ska to produce a big sound and prominent horn section melodies.

With major ska influences including The Slackers, The Aggrolites and The Pietasters, El Grande also reaches into the rock and roll breed with echoes of The Rolling Stones, J. Geils Band and The Clash.

In 2007, El Grande released their debut album, Crosstown Rivals, featuring six original tunes. In early 2016, El Grande released their all-original EP, Bayside Story.

The band’s latest release, Brick City Sound, is now available on bandcamp!