Mustard Plug/The Independents/Hostile Omish

Mustard Plug trombonist Jim Hofer once said, “We may have some message in our music, but essentially we just do this because we love it and want people to lighten up and have fun.” Songs with names like “The Beer Song” and “Mr Smiley” strengthen this argument, but the guys’ desire to stay true to their infectiously jovial brand of ska helps explain how they’ve managed to stick around for the last 22 years. The band hasn’t put out a new album since 2007, but their extensive catalogue of upbeat tunes is sure to have fans skanking the night away. (Jacob DeSmit)