Checkered Past

For the past 2 years these California grown reggae rockers have been spreading their music to the masses. Founded by long time friends Justin Pitts (guitar), Martin Mejia (guitar), Chris Roscom (Drums) and Warren Belyea (Vocals), Checkered Past effortlessly blends elements of Reggae, Ska, Rock and Punk into their sound. 2013 has shaped up to be a busy year for the band. Aside from playing shows vigurously the band has seen the release of their debut EP "Bag of Tricks" and welcomed in new Bass player Jen Rendon to the group. With a fun and energetic live show it's hard not to find yourself dancing or skanking to the beat. Having the honor to play with countless touring bands, (many of which are influences to the group) Checkered Past has had the pleasure to share the stage with Josh Heinrichs, Skillinjah, VooDoo Glow Skulls, Mike Pinto, Left Alone, 77 Jefferson, Through the Roots, Michale Graves and Pacific Dub to name a few. In February the band was named "Band of the Week" by New Rock 104.1 and Tioga Sequoia, getting their music played on the "Ozmosis" show. Rebel Lion Gear a California based clothing company has also signed on to become the official clothing sponsor of group. "It's a random Monday night at a punk club in China Town with a reggae band, a ska band, an indie-folk-punk something, a bunch of political street punks from Salinas and us. It's cold inside and the sound is spotty, but somehow there's a good, energetic crowd that's eager to dance and thrash around. Checkered Past: The aforementioned reggae band, though we're talking more Sublime than Lee Perry. Which means they have total crossover appeal. They played a show up at Eureka! Burger not too long ago and they probably fit in as well there as they did with the punks at the Infoshop." - Famous Whitewater, Fresno Famous Gig Review (Jan 17, 2012) "This band does the kind of third-wave punk/ska/rock/reggae/whatever mashup that was super popular in the late '90s. They remind me of bands I saw during that time (minus a horn section, I guess), without sounding dated. They just finished recording an E.p. ("Bag of Tricks") that will be released Feb. 9th." - Famous Whitewater, Fresno Famous Gig Review (Jan. 14, 2013) CHECKERED PAST Fresno Reggae/Ska/Punk since 2011!!!