Less Than Jake // Live @ Bogart’s // 6.24.25 CONCERT REVIEWS MUSIC by Linda Carlson - June 30, 2025 Cincinnati, OH – Less Than Jake’s Summer Circus 2025 Tour features an eclectic lineup of bands, each brandishing its own unique take on the ska-punk genre. From Anaheim, California, Bite Me Bambi started the evening with a lively set. Lead vocalist Tahlena Chikami is a treasure, giving off disarmingly youthful vibes with biting edginess. Energetic, expressive… and a voice to match. Smiles intermingling with grit. Bite Me Bambi Next to perform was Fishbone, a seasoned jazzy ska-punk metal band from Southern California. Originally formed in the 1980s by mere teenagers, the band’s lineup has evolved extensively over the years. This incredibly talented band brings distinctive elements of jazz-infused funk rock to their dynamic stage presence. Guitars, keyboard, drums, trumpet, sax – there is seemingly no limit to their range. Between songs, the band voiced some political leanings with the crowd, which can happen in these divided times. Fishbone It’s impossible not to give a special shout-out to founding member, singer and keyboardist Angelo Moore, whose mere presence on the stage is captivating. Eyes are drawn to him not for physical antics, but literally… his presence. It’s breathtaking. The last opener was Detroit’s The Suicide Machines, fronted by founding member Jason Navarro, and rounded out by Ryan Vandeberghe (drums), Rich Tschirhart (bass) and Justin Malek (guitar). Navarro talked openly to fans, sharing parts of his own personal story that influenced his political inclinations, including a stint of homelessness and a significant other currently in active military service. The Suicide Machines Headliner Less Than Jake is a pure phenomenon – in both their music and stage performance. The Summer Circus 2025 Tour features a stage decked out to bring back memories of the traveling circus era of years gone by. There’s more than a hint of nostalgia mingling with the colorful backdrops and banners. It is also a perfect complement to the band’s jazzy ska-punk music, lively lighting and energy, and movement. Less Than Jake Less Than Jake is guitarist/vocalist Chris DeMakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Lima, trombonist Buddy Schaub, saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski and drummer Matt Yonker. This ensemble of musicians is more of a troupe (befitting the circus theme) than a mere band. The upbeat music and on-stage movement are upbeat, optimistic and downright infectious. And the Jamaican creole blended with punk rock sound is so… refreshingly bright, bringing people together at a time where there are so many societal divisions. It was, in some way, a therapeutic blend of soulful healing and joyous escape. Less Than Jake With 30 years under their collective belt, the band knows how to draw in the crowd, talking continually and positively to fans, bringing local flavor to the conversation. Cincinnati hometown Reds icon Dave Concepcion was brought up a number of times, and a nod to local Cincinnati chili, as well. Less Than Jake As part of the fun, a family from the earlier meet-n-greet was welcomed on stage, but in the spirit of the evening, they were dressed for the circus theme. They came on stage dressed as clowns, complete with rainbow wigs, dancing and jumping to the music, having a blast. As well, toilet paper was streamed into the crowd by cannon, all part of the fun! Demakes joked that they were contracted to perform 85% old music, which did not disappoint fans, who treasure the classics. Their set was filled with the best! Gainesville Rock City Lie to Me Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts Walking Pipebomb All My Best Friends Are Metalheads Automatic Motown Never Sounded So Good Brand New Day The Science of Selling Yourself Short Animaniacs Sunny Side Al’s War Plastic Cup Politics History of a Boring Town The Rest of My Life Encore: Last One Out of Liberty City Help Save the Youth of America From Exploding Look What Happened The Summer Circus 2025 Tour is on a short break, but continues in late July! Check the Less Than Jake website for a stop near you, and the photo carousel below for more images of the Cincinnati show. FishboneLess Than JakeBite Me BambiThe Suicide MachinesThe Suicide MachinesLess Than JakeThe Suicide MachinesLess Than JakeFishboneBite Me BambiFishboneFishboneThe Suicide MachinesFishboneFishboneLess Than JakeBite Me BambiBite Me BambiLess Than JakeLess Than JakeLess Than JakeBite Me BambiLess Than Jake
