Save Ferris

The crowd was fascinating—a real mix of ska devotees who've been following the band since the '90s, younger fans discovering them for the first time, and several groups of children with parents who apparently couldn't find a babysitter on a Sunday night? Powell noticed the kids right away and mentioned she'd better watch her mouth and not talk about her "lady bits." The parents looked relieved.

For those who don't know the story, Save Ferris emerged from Orange County in 1995 during the third wave of ska. They started playing house parties and local venues, with Powell not only fronting the band but also managing it. Their big break came when KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer played their cover of "Come on Eileen" on his show. The response was so overwhelming that the station added it to their playlist—all before they even had a record deal. Epic Records came calling in 1997, and the band spent the next six years touring the world after releasing their debut album, It Means Everything.

After a hiatus starting in 2003, Powell brought the band back in 2013 with new musicians. Their sold-out return show at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa proved the fans had been waiting. Another performance at the Santa Monica Pier drew over 20,000 people. They weren't just back—they were ready to roar.

At Goldfield's, Powell was absolutely the centerpiece of the action. The woman commands a stage like few performers I've seen. The band tore through fan favorites including "Turn it Up," "Lies," and "Superspy," and the crowd ate it up. Everyone was engaged, dancing, singing along—even the kids were bouncing around. The tight horn sections, infectious guitar riffs, and Powell's powerful vocals reminded everyone why this band helped make ska-punk a mainstream force in the '90s.

The evening closed with their breakout hit, "Come On Eileen," and it was the perfect ending. Hearing that song live, watching Powell own every note while the crowd sang along, you couldn't help but smile. This is a band that genuinely loves what they do, and it shows.

Save Ferris proved that their sound—that perfect blend of ska, punk, and pop—is timeless. They're not trying to recapture the past; they're still living it, still evolving it, still making it fresh. And honestly? We could all use a little more of that infectious energy right now.

Thanks for the holiday party, Monique. See you on the dance floor!