9.45pm just as Ukraine and Switzerland were about to head into extra time  to battle it out for a place in the quarter finals ,2 -Tonic hit the stage at Jumpin Jaks.Without warning they started up their infectious ska beat with a medley of blended Selector tracks"On My Radio and "Too Much Pressure" , at this stage the dance floor was empty and most of the audience were interested in watching the football on the screen.  However 2-Tonic managed to turn peoples heads towards the stage , tonight's gig was also meant to include local stars "Ratrace" and due to a sickness amongst their ranks 2-Tonic got the chance to play a longer set. 2-tonic are made up of Ralph(vocals) , VJ(Guitar) ,Liam(Keyboards) ,Jonn(Sax) ,Keith(Drums) ,Paul(Sax) and Simon (Bass) and together make one hell of a sound.Playing a collection of classics including a brilliant ska 'ed up version of Thin Lizzy's "Boys are back in Town" and a selection of self penned tracks from the forth coming album "Desert Sun". By the time  2-Tonic has left the stage they had gone from an empty dance floor to a full one,building a great atmosphere and leaving people wanting more. Ralph is a great frontman and danced and sang throughout the whole set , while commanding attention from the audience with great backing from his talented band. Neville Staple's time with the Specials and Fun Boy Three ended a very long time ago , to resurface with his own band and his own music must of been a great challenge , he has gathered together some exceptional musicians who back him excellently. Kicking off the set with "Man @ C+A" the dance floor immediately filled with people moshing. Neville  dressed in a dark suit and a pork pie hat looked every bit the star that he is , not disappointing with brilliant versions of Specials favourites "Little Bitch" , "RatRace" , "Enjoy Yourself" and "A message To You". At one stage Neville was so into the music he wanted to get in to the audience and dance with everybody , but thought better of it when he saw how rough some of the skinheads were moshing.Highlight of the evening was a brilliant version of "Gangsters" coupled together with "Guns of Navarone" including a brilliant trombone solo.The set ended after an hour and  half with everybody wanting more.   Another great "Sound of the Suburbs" night in Bournemouth , thanks to Lewis and from what  I hear there are many more to come check out this website for more details.

Many Thanks to Dave Chinners write up and photo's