Formed in Victoria in 2011, SweetLeaf is Victoria’s hardest-working and hardest-partying ska band. The members of SweetLeaf are seasoned Ska & Reggae Fest veterans, this year marking their third consecutive appearance. The group began after singer-guitarist Chris Jones answered an online ad, with the band then forming in just a few months. Their reggae-rock rhythms are reminiscent of hanging out with friends at the beach, drinkin’, smokin’, and straight West Coastin’. This local super-band performs with a punchy attitude contrasting the nature of their name.

With a three-piece horn section, SweetLeaf’s collaborative ska sound also pulls in influence from funk, soul, and punk. These boys know how to command a stage and keep an audience dancing. Having just released their debut LP, Stress Leave, SweetLeaf embodies new-age Canadian ska and reggae vibe.