Charlotte NC – 30 August 2026
Steaming hot ska with Big D & Matamoska
Back for another ska-punk show at the legendary dive bar The Milestone Club. I feel like I have never given The Milestone Club a proper introduction. I’ve heard it sometimes referred to as “the CBGB of the Southeast” and although I have never been to CBGBs I am told it is just as gritty, intimate, hot, and an onslaught on your senses. It’s earned it’s landmark status by hosting some of the best bands to every play in Charlotte. Some of these artists include The Ramones, Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Dead Boys, The Dead Milkmen, The Circle Jerks, NOFX, Screeching Weasel, Napalm Death, Nirvana, The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, REM, Violent Femmes, and now we can add Big D to that distinguished list! It’s a true staple of the punk scene in Charlotte, the only change I wouldn’t mind is if they added some air conditioning, otherwise, don’t change a thing.
There were only two bands billed on this show, so Matamoska had the sole duties of hyping the crowd up for the night ahead. No worries though as they know how to make you move and pump you full of energy like you just chugged a 2 liter of Jolt cola. They keep firing off the songs one after another keeping the intensity level at maximum for their full 30-minute set. Esteban Flores almost steals the show, at least for me. I am a big fan of organ players that can take center stage and put on a show. Esteban must drink Jolt and wash it down with multiple expressos as he is wild behind the keys. He has a wireless keyboard that is held up by the crowd while he stabs the keys and doesn’t stop there. Esteban and the organ take a few laps around the circle pit and back to the merch tables. This is full sized keyboard we are talking about, not a micro, mini, or keytar. Not to overshadow the rest of the band, they kept it cooking and everyone was moving and grooving the whole time.
Matamoska set the bar high for any act to follow. Big D and the Kids Table didn’t have an organ player at this show but they have a fantastic front person, a solid drum and bass foundation, and a ripping guitar player, so I was not concerned. They even started off their set with 5 songs off the new album, which sometimes is not the best idea, but at least half in attendance knew the words or were good at pretending too. Once the band dropped into some more familiar tunes everyone who didn’t know the new album also joined in the fun. Big D doesn’t go full non-stop like Matamoska and takes you more on a rollercoaster of excitement levels with a few breaks for frontman David McWane to share appreciation, tell a few short stories, and ask for a cold can of PBR to help cool down. Aside from the original songs, they played the crowd-pleasing cover of The Specials “Little Bitch” and a couple songs later David gave a shout out to Sick of it All and the late Lou Koller before busting into “Step Down”. 75 minutes after they took the stage the sweat filled crowd was exhausted and ready to go home full-filled after a delightful Sunday night. By the way, did I mention how much Alex Stern rips on guitar.
Likes fine beer and tacos. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
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