This is the official home of Houston’s favorite ska band, The Suspects. We rock AND roll, all night long sweet Susie! We are that band you saw in the ’90s, we did break up for a little while, and we did get back together in 2007. Come out and see us play!

A few of The Suspects caught them at Fitzgeralds last year, and we could not understand why there wasn’t a bigger crowd. Hopefully, you guys can show them that Houston is still a great place for ska bands and ska fans to mingle.

See you at the show!

The Suspects are proud to announce that we’re climbing back in the saddle for another lap around the track; we are once again a full-time band. Shows will be booked and songs will be written. Shirts will be printed and beer will be spilled. Good times.

Who’s in the band this time around?

• Bill Grady – guitar
• Alan Hernandez – guitar
• Tomas Escalante – vocals
• Steve Ruth – trumpet
• Ryan Gabbart – trombone
• Chuy Terrazas – sax
• Aaron Koerner – fluegelhorn
• Jay Brooks – bass
• Andy Salmon – drums

We’ll see you at the show.

Until then, have yourselves a look at Jay Lee’s excellent photos from the show. That man can handle a camera!

• What?
  The best Christmas present you’ll get this year
   
• When?
  Friday December 21st 2007
  The Suspects @ 11, Aqua Velva @ 10, Happy Hour w/Molly & The Ringwalds 7:00 – 9:30
   
• Where?
  The Continental Club, Houston
   
• Who?
  The Suspects. duh.
   
• No, I Mean Who Is Playing In The Band This Time?
  Oh! Sorry.
• Claudio DePujadas – drums, fresh from Philladelphia
• Joe Cote – keys, flying in from ‘Frisco
• Charlie Esparza – bass, drivin’ from Austin
• Jay Brooks – bass
• Steve Ruth – trumpet
• Ryan Gabbart – trombone
• Chuy Terrazas – sax
• Alan Hernandez – guitar
• Tomas Escalante – vocals
• Chris Kendrick – vocals
• Bill Grady – guitar
• Aaron Koerner – Fluegelhorn
   
• Why?
  Why not!
   
• How Much?
  $12 in advance

• Where: The Continental Club, Houston
• When: Friday December 21, 2007
• With: opening bands TBA
• Why: why not?!?!
• What Else: advance tickets on sale, 21 & up

More details as we make ‘em up.

We have so many people to thank for helping make our reunion show such a great success:

• David Bebee
  David was our replacement drummer, and his performance and dedication were above and beyond what we expected. Without his involvement the show just could not have happened as well as it did, and The Suspects are forever in his debt.
• The Continental Club
  It’s hard to remember a venue that was as easy-going and as willing to work with us as The Continental. These guys deserve your patronage!
• Sarah Cress and The Houston Chronicle
  Sarah’s very professional article in the January 11, 2007 issue of The Houston Chronicle really helped spread the word, and put the band in a very positive light.
• Dusti Rhodes and The Houston Press
  Dusti is a Suspects fan from way back, and she knew the right questions to ask to get the story that not many people had heard. We’re not certain it helped sell any tickets, but it sure is a good story.
• Houstonist, Space City Rock, and many others
  The “blogosphere” really took care of us, and we’re grateful for every single post.

Big thanks are necessary within The Suspects organization as well… Joe flew in from San Fransisco the afternoon of the show on his own dime. Thomas worked overtime with the club and the press to make everything run nice and smooth. Our families deserve a big thanks for putting up with two weeks of chaos-filled late night rehersals. And Andy actually had the huevos to suggest an idea that was so crazy it just might work.

Of course, the biggest thanks of all goes out to all of you who came out to the show. Like we said Friday night, we love you all!

• Who: The Suspects were one of Houston’s top local bands in the mid-to-late 1990′s, and perhaps the top ska band in the area.
• What: A reunion show!
• Why: Why not? The Suspects haven’t played together since August of 2002.
• Where: The Continental Club (map: 3700 Main St, Houston TX)
• When: Friday, January 19th 2007 – Doors open at 10pm – 21 & up!
• How: Buy your advance tickets now, ‘cuz we’re expecting a sold out show.

Also of note: The Aqua Velva is the opening band for Friday’s festivities. Ususally, the Continental Club also has a “happy hour” band play starting at 7pm, but this show is an exception. The Aqua Velva will take the stage a little earlier than usual for an opener (probably a little after 9pm) and we’ll have a DJ going all “old-school reggae sound system” inbetween the bands. Please get there early and don’t miss any of this great, great music!