After honing their skills for several years, including performing several sold-out shows in DC, touring with nearly every major ska performer and playing on the Capitol lawn, they released their debut full lentgh album, Happy Hour, in 1999. The band, which boasted vocalist Mike Frank, guitarist Dan Golden, bassist Brad Saaks, guitarist Fritz Blanchette, drummer Pat Flynn, trumpeter Chris Newman, saxophonist Gavin Benke and trombonist Jonathan Fallin -- a typically huge ska ensemble -- whipped up enthusiasm for their first full-length by touring extensively across the U.S. in 1998 and 1999. ~ Stacia Proefrock