Eastern Standard Time

Put together top musicians from Washington, DC’s Jazz and Reggae scenes, give them the recipe for the original Jamaican Ska, throw a heavy dose of vintage Soul in the mix, shake well, and the result is Eastern Standard Time. Hearkening back to a time when Jazz was dance music, Eastern Standard Time initially fused hot Jazz melodies over infectious Jamaican rhythms. Over the band’s storied career, Eastern Standard Time’s sound broadened to incorporate Rocksteady, Reggae, Boogaloo, Bossa, Dub, and even Spy Jazz. At home on stages as diverse as the intimate Jazz club and the festival amphitheater, Eastern Standard Time’s dynamic live performances speak simultaneously to the feet, the soul, and the mind.

Eastern Standard Time is a world-class act with multiple international tours to their credit. Their discography and spectacular live performances brought them acclaim at home and abroad. The MusicianShip (formerly Washington Area Music Awards) awarded Eastern Standard Time the 2023 Wammie Award for Best Ska/Reggae Artist-Group and the 2024 Best Global Music Song for "Una y otra vez." The Washington Post dubbed them "one of Washington's best bands." Consummate international touring artists, Eastern Standard Time was the first American Ska band to tour Russia. The band's songs, sung in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic, receive regular play on radio, streaming outlets, and satellite radio in all corners of the earth.

Renowned for their musical adaptability, Eastern Standard Time has been the band chosen to support such superstars of all genres of Ska and Reggae, such as Derrick Morgan, Stranger Cole, Roy “Mr. Symarip” Ellis, Monty Neysmith, Sister Nancy, Dr. Ring Ding, Boss Capone & Patsy, King Django, Chris Murray, Mr. T-Bone, and JonQuan. In 2017 Eastern Standard Time backed Jamaican music legend Derrick Morgan on his 60th Anniversary live recording.

Eastern Standard Time's exciting live performances are guaranteed to get your feet moving. Their unforgettable style and impeccable musicianship bring pleasure to the ears of all listeners; bringing the house down, time and "Eastern Standard Time" again!