Community Records announced Block Party 2023 to celebrate the record label’s 15th anniversary. It will be at Tipitina’s on June 24, running from 1 p.m. to midnight. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 6 at 10 a.m.

What began as a simple desire to throw a big ska show grew into a showcase for the label, local DIY musicians and a touring stop for national acts. Due to the pandemic, the last Block Party was in 2019. Fatter Than Albert (FTA), a local ska band that broke up in 2011 but returned for the first time on December 28, 2022, will perform a reunion show at the event.

This year’s lineup features many Bad Time Records bands—the preeminent ska label of today—including We Are the Union, Catbite, Kill Lincoln and locals Bad Operation and Joystick. Community Records’ artists Delores Galore, Sharks’ Teeth and one of the label’s earliest acts, Caddywhompus, will also make an appearance at the show. Hardcore band Brat will also perform, harkening back to the band’s “checkered past.”

Ran by Daniel “D-Ray” Ray, Greg Rodrigue and Krista Iadanza, Community Records has a close history with ska  and New Orleans independent music. Ray and Rodrigue play in bands Bad Operation and FTA.

The label plans to announce more acts to perform at the Block Party as well as new vinyl releases in 2o23. Rodrigue also says that Bad Operation and possibly FTA will return to the studio to record new music this year.

“I’m gonna stage dive a bunch as long as Tipitina’s doesn’t kick me out,” Rodrigue said, “Ska rules. Go listen to and follow Skatune Network / JER. Also, this wouldn’t be happening without the support of both Bad Time Records and Tipitina’s. We are thankful for them!”

For more information on Block Party 2023 Communtity Records, visit their website or the Tipitina’s tickets link.