CONCERT REVIEW: Voodoo Glow Skulls succinct but satisfying at Cine El Rey

Two words can sum up a night filled with the joyful noise of West Coast ska/punk legends Voodoo Glow Skulls: short and sweet.

The night ended too quickly for fans of the legendary sextet, performing a satisfying, yet all too brief show at Cine El Rey Tuesday night.

Before Jorge Casillas and company took the stage, fans were greeted by local act Jonestown Tragedy and Knock Out, who come from the headliners' own Riverside, Calif.

While doors opened early in to the evening, fans flocked to the theater for a chance to warm up with the sounds of these punk influenced outfits.

Being California natives, Knock Out really got the crowd going with their reggae renditions and truly won me over by throwing in a classic Descendants cover.

Concertgoers got into the two-stepping spirit while the band commanded the stage, with high hopes the Voodoo Glow Skulls would end the night on a perfect note.

Between sets, fans mingled in the theater lobby, tossing their idea of a perfect set list back and forth amongst each other.

Some hoped for some oldies but goodies, while others couldn't quite grasp the fact the band was actually in their hometown.

Before VGS actually took the stage, most of the band could be found mingling with the locals, tossing back a beer or two before their respective set.

This truly showed, even with such a repertoire under their belt, they were down-to-earth and never above hanging with their admirers.

Once they took their rightful place beneath the concert lights, pure madness ensued. Lead singer, Casillas, sporting a luchador mask, pumped up the crowd.

With bodies swaying and fists pounding in the air, Voodoo opened with the classic "Human Piñata" showcasing their brass section in full effect.

Trombone swaying and alto sax syncopating every beat, the band's appeal forced folks out of their seats to the forefront of the stage.

Some sang along, while others watched in awe as the self-proclaimed 'punk rock band with ska influences' dominated the hardwood stage and gave fans exactly what they came for: a no holds barred punk show.

True to their jokester fashion, Voodoo teased the crowd with a little Ozzy Osbourne "Crazy Train" and bits and pieces extracted from the classic "Charlie Brown" by The Coasters.

While images of calavera's flashed in the background fans continued to revel in the bands trademark sound and Hispanic appeal, thanks to the Casillas brothers.

The lead singer thanked the crowd for showing their support and noted this was their first time this far south.

"This is a beautiful place, a great place" Jorge Casillas said before breaking into the crowd favorite, "El Coo Cooi."

And just like that, a few songs later the band ended their stint on the Rio Grande Valley stage with, "Say Goodnight."

Fans seemed a bit disappointed with such a condensed show but the buzz from the crowd continued to spill over after the band took their final bow.

I guess we musn't be greedy. It's not everyday the Valley gets a show like this.

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Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor.