Monte Loco Rides Again... Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Altar Bar, 112 Murray Street, 7000 Hobart Directions
Fri 11.09.2026 19:00
Hot off the heels of a wild year touring Canada and Australia in 2025, Melbourne Ska Orchestra just can't keep still.
The spaghetti western wagon trail rolls on with the super deluxe edition of their acclaimed album The Ballad of Monte Loco with all the faves, plus a swag of brand-new tracks, blistering live recordings, and honky tonk renditions of MSO staples.
It's braver, meaner and wilder than anything they've done before. So saddle up, partner: this here posse is riding into a town near you, and you do not want to miss the showdown.
With support from The Smith & Western Jury.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge and respect the Palawa people as the traditional and ongoing owners of the skies, land, and water of Lutruwita. We pay our respects to their elders both past and present and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.
SAFE SPACE
We believe in safe and positive spaces where all people are welcome and respected. If you experience or see something that doesn’t look right, please report it to one of our friendly staff.
ACCESSIBILITY
Level access is available from 112 Murray Street via the black and white laneway leading to the Garden. There is one accessible toilet. There is braille signage and tactile ground surface indicators throughout the venue. Please contact us via info@altarhobart.com.au prior to the show day or speak to staff at In The Hanging Garden for assistance.
Performers
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Melbourne Ska OrchestraFormed in 2003 Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an orchestra with a difference. Comprising up to 26 members this juggernaut contains some of Australia’s finest musicians and performers. Helmed by the energetic and charismatic Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento) Melbourne Ska Orchestra are more than just a band, they are an experience to behold.
The band's debut self-titled release resulted in sell-out national shows, multiple major festival appearances, three international tours, and many awards and nominations. Their sophomore release Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, secured that band its first ARIA award in 2016. Never shying from a challenge the band set a high bar by undertaking the mammoth mission to release a song every week - for an entire year. The resulting 52 songs compiled into a four-album box set, One Year Of Ska earned the band a second ARIA award in 2019.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s live performance is explosive and infectious. Their unique take on the genre of Ska has wowed audiences all over the world. From Montreal to New York, Istanbul to London, Tokyo to Mexico and with the approval of Reggae and Ska pioneers like Stranger Cole, Owen Gray, Carlos Malcolm, Ranking Roger and Neville Staples the Melbourne Ska Orchestra sound is resonating with audiences worldwide – young and old.