Mealticket

Mealticket
Spring 1997 - Clockwise from top: Dennis Leipert, Jim Cushnie, David Ferreria, Ricky Estrada, Genai Canale, Richard Ferreria
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles County, California, USA
Genres	Ska punk
Years active	1991–1997
Labels	Pork n Beans Records/Asian Man Records
Associated acts	Pushover
Past members	--Final Lineup-- Genai Canale (Vocals) Ricky Estrada (Guitar) David Ferreria (Bass) Dennis Leipert (Drums) Richard Ferreria (Trombone) Jim Cushnie (Tenor Sax) --Former Members-- Winnie Lee (Vocals 1991-1992) Bill Meadows (Guitar 1991-1996) Edwin Portillo (Bass 1991-1992) Chris Taylor (Drums 1991-1994) Carlos de la Garza (Drums 1994-1995) Pat Phelan (Keyboard 1991-1992) Alphie Larreiu (Tenor Sax 1991-1992) Derrick Conyers (Trumpet 1991-1994)

Mealticket was a ska punk band formed in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California in late 1991. Although part of the larger third wave ska revival, Mealticket offered a unique sound thanks to its serious musicianship, complex compositions, and silky, jazz influenced female vocals.

The band formed in 1991 in Van Nuys, California and consisted of members of the Van Nuys High School Marching Band. The members of the band in 1991 were Alfie Larreau (saxophone and vocals), Edwin Portillo (bass guitar) Bill Meadows (guitar), Richard Ferreria (Trombone), Derrick Conyers (Trumpet), Chris Taylor (Drums) and David Ferreria (keyboards and guitar).

After playing their first gig at the Natural Fudge Cafe in Los Angeles in 1991, the line-up went through some shifts as Edwin and Alfie left the band and David switched to bass. David was originally going to take up the Pan Flute after hearing the magical playing of Zamfir (AKA 'Master of the Pan Flute') but changed his mind when he realized just what he was doing. The band went through a number of singers before the band was joined by Genai Canale in 1992. The band often played shows at the Cobalt Cafe on Sherman Way in Canoga Park.

Mealticket began playing the Orange County ska scene regularly in 1994. That same year they released their debut CD Misconceptions. Influenced by the American punk rock scene, the band decided to release the album DIY on their own label "Pork 'n Beans Records." Soon thereafter, the CD became a hit among the rapidly growing national ska scene.

In 1995, Mealticket went through another lineup change as Derrick and Chris left the band. They were replaced by Jim Cushnie on saxophone and Carlos De La Garza (formerly from the OC band Suburban Rhythm) on drums on the interim. Mealticket's next permanent drummer, Dennis Leipert, joined shortly thereafter. This new lineup recorded and released the second Mealticket CD 13 Apologies in 1996.