Big D And The Kids Table

Big D and the Kids Table is a ska punk band formed in October 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, when its members converged in college. The band is known for its strict DIY work ethic, handling engineering, producing, releasing their own albums and videos, and self-promoting their shows. Starting on their own Fork in Hand Records label, they later teamed up with Springman Records and SideOneDummy.

Their breakthrough came with the 1999 release of Good Luck on Asian Man Records, which quickly gained a large underground audience. This album featured a 10-piece band with six horn players and became popular for its catchy horn melodies and energetic vibe. In 2000, they recorded an unofficial gangsta rap album titled Porch Life, which was later officially released on CD in 2003 through Fork in Hand.

In 2002, Big D released The Gipsy Hill LP, a collection of thrash material and covers, featuring what many consider the “classic” lineup of the band. This lineup also recorded albums How It Goes (2004), Strictly Rude (2007), and Fluent in Stroll (2009). Along the way, members changed, notably with saxophonist Chris Bush leaving in 2005 and being replaced by Ryan O’Connor. O’Connor made his first appearance on the 2007 release Strictly Rude.

During their height, Big D and the Kids Table played around 200 shows a year, supporting bands such as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, and Alexisonfire, and became regular performers on the Warped Tour. They also participated in themed tours like the Summer of Ska Tour 2012 and the Ska Is Dead tour. Their first large headlining tour, The Steady Riot Tour, began in the fall of 2007, named after their 2007 release.

The band’s name originated from a suggestion by a friend, Conor Donnelly, who advised lead singer Dave McWane to call a future band “Big D and the Kids Table.” This name choice has led to various stories, particularly humorous rumors about running over pets named Big D, but McWane clarified the true origin.

Band History

Early Years (1995–1998)

Big D and the Kids Table was founded in 1995 when members met at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Despite lineup changes, they quickly built a large local following by packing clubs and basements with energetic performances. They formed their own label, Fork in Hand Records, to release their first album, Shot By Lammi, a split with the Boston punk band Drexel. Their label soon expanded, releasing albums by other local bands and fostering a vibrant punk/ska scene.

Breakthrough and Success (1999–2009)

Signing with Asian Man Records in 1999, Big D released Good Luck, which earned them the award for Outstanding Ska Band at the 1999 Boston Music Awards. They continued a rigorous touring schedule, averaging 200 shows a year, and released various splits and EPs with international acts. Over the years, they signed to Springman Records, releasing albums like How It Goes, and participated in major tours like the Warped Tour.

In 2007, they released Strictly Rude on SideOneDummy Records and embarked on extensive touring, including headlining tours and participation in multi-band tours like Shout It Loud. Following the release of Fluent in Stroll in 2009, the band continued to evolve with lineup changes and sustained touring activity.

Recent Years (2010–Present)

After releasing For the Damned, the Dumb & the Delirious in 2011, the band continued touring and recording. They faced challenges such as lead singer Dave McWane’s thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2011, but he recovered and continued performing. In 2013, the band announced dual releases: a ska/punk album and a reggae/stroll/dub record, resulting in Stomp and Stroll. They celebrated anniversaries with full performances of classic albums and reunited with former members for special occasions.

On July 13, 2021, the band announced their new studio album, Do Your Art, set for release on October 22, 2021. This marked their first album of all-original material in eight years, continuing their tradition of energetic ska punk music and a dedicated DIY work ethic.

Members

• David McWane – vocals, melodica, guitar (1995–present)
• Ryan O’Connor – tenor saxophone (2005–present)
• Jonathan Degen – tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone (2015–present)
• Alex Stern – guitar (2013–present), organ (2011–2012)
• Ben Basile – bass (2013–present)
• Logan La Barbera – trombone (2013–present)
• Paul Cuttler – trombone (2000–present)
• Alex Brander – drums (2017–present)
• Casey Gruttadauria – keyboards (2014–present)
• Sirae Richardson – backing vocals (2009–present)
• Brianne McWane – backing vocals (2010–present)
• Erin MacKenzie – backing vocals (2010–present)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Good Luck (1999, Asian Man Records)
• The Gipsy Hill (2002, Household Name Records)
• Porch Life (2003, Fork In Hand Records)
• How It Goes (2004, Springman Records)
• Strictly Rude (2007, SideOneDummy Records)
• Fluent in Stroll (2009, SideOneDummy Records)
• For the Damned, the Dumb & the Delirious (2011, SideOneDummy Records)
• Stomp (2013, Strictly Rude Records)
• Stroll (2013, Strictly Rude Records)
• Strictly Covered (2019, Strictly Rude Records)
• Do Your Art (2021, SideOneDummy Records)

EPs

• Live EP (1998, Fork in Hand Records)
• The Gipsy Hill EP (2002, Fork in Hand Records)
• Salem Girls (2005, Springman Records)
• Noise Complaint EP (2007, SideOneDummy Records) iTunes Only Exclusive
• Wicked Hardcore Christmas (2009, Springman Records)
• 2 Songs 1 Download (2010, SideOneDummy Records)

Splits

• Split 7″ with Lounge (1997, Montalban Hotel)
• Shot By Lammi (Split with Drexel) (1997, Fork in Hand Records)
• Look What You’ve Done (Split with Five Knuckle) (2003, Household Name Records)
• Split 7″ with Melt Banana (2003, Fork in Hand Records)
• Beijing to Boston (Split with Brain Failure) (2007, Bad News Records)
• Ska is Dead 7″ Club (Split with Brunt of It) (2012, Asbestos Records)
• Oi DJ (Split with Doped Up Dollies) (2015, Strictly Rude Records)