Skank Bank

Skank Bank is a roots reggae fusion band formed in 2013 in Berkeley, California. The diverse collective of musicians was brought together by California-born bandleader/arranger Gabriel Winter (guitar/vocals). The band has a big, eclectic sound based in foundation roots reggae with elements of jazz fusion, psychedelic music, and other styles of dance music from around the globe. Skank Bank is known for their recognizable organ and percussion-heavy grooves, four-part harmonies, and guitar-led psychedelic dub jams transcending into open improvisation and musical exploration. Winter’s consistent sideman being Rey Rey Armstrong (percussion) along with vocalists Connor Sablan (keyboards) and Toho Saunders (bass). The group often features up to a four-piece horn section led by saxophonist and vocalist Eric Molina. In past years, there has been a strong influence and presence from Liam King (trumpet/vocals), Adam Miller (trombone), Adan Fei Joo (guitar/vocals), and co-founding bassist Jiggly Streich.


Emerging from West Berkeley’s 924 Gilman Street ska-punk revival scene in early 2013, Skank Bank explored various styles going deep into the roots of reggae, ska and dancehall. Incorporating the harmonic dissonance and improvisational freedoms of jazz with textural elements, drones, and tangential groovy jams of 60s psychedelic music into their dance-rooted sound, the group puts on a cosmic and soulful performance.