Jamaican Ska
Los Angeles, California, USA

“In the winter of 1989, The Israelites emerged from the city of La Cresenta, California as a “modern sounding ska band.” However, as years passed and the line-up changed, The Israelites experienced a musical revolution. They began mimicing the authentic sounds of early jamaican ska, and fused Dancehall, Rocksteady, Skinhead Reggae and Reggae into their sound as well. By working hard, keeping faith in God and giving him all the glory, The Israelites have earned a reputation as one of the top authentic ska and reggae bands around - both to christian, and secular audiences alike.

The Israelites play Authentic Jamaican Ska which was first created in 1956. They have written many instrumentals and their lyrics have a positive spiritual message. Many of the original jamaican artists attended Christian churches and sang gospel songs. Though the band does have gospel overtones in their lyrics they do not wish to force “religion” on their listeners. For twenty years now “The Israelites” have established themselves for the first 19 years mainly playing in Los Angeles and Orange County (Ca) venues such as; The Whiskey, The Roxy, Show Case Theater, Hong Kong Cafe', The Knitting Factory, Chain Reaction, The El Rey, The Glasshouse, The Loft and numerous other clubs. The Israelites have toured the country playing many venues and have played in parts of Mexico as well. The Israelites have also been support acts for performers such as: The Skatalites, Lord Tanamo, Derrrick Morgan, Justin Hinds, Hepcat, Bad Manners, General Public (English Beat) and many more.

In the Christian Industry “The Israelites” have performed such events as; Cornerstone Festival (Bushnell, ill), Tom Festival (Skamania, Wa), Life Fest (Oshkosh, Wi), Somebody Loves You Crusade, Miles Mcphearson Crusade, literally hundreds of churches and camps for Calvary Chapel and Victory Outreach. They have been support acts for bands such as: P.O.D, Mc Hammer, The Kry, Christafari, Plankeye and others. The Israelites are known around the world as the founders of Christian Ska and Rocksteady.

In June of 2007 The Israelites founder Rich Carlstedt relocated to Oregon. By 2009 the band played their first show with a whole new lineup. They opened for The English Beat at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland. The flood gates opened after that when they performed several shows throughout Oregon including The Victoria Ska Festival in Canada. The Israelites have no intentions of stopping. In the words of founder Rich Carlstedt “I've been in several bands throughout my life. When I was called by God to do this band I knew it was the last band I would ever be in and he will let me know when it's done”. The Israelites have no plans of stopping.”