Mealticket

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Mealticket was a third wave ska band that came about during the southern California ska boom in the early 1990s. Mealticket distinguished themselves among a plethora of other bands by utilizing a classically trained female with the near opretic vocal qualities to present crisp, unique female vocals of singer Genai Canale.

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 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. It was during this period that trombone player Richard Ferreria founded the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

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. Prior to joining the band, drummer Dennis Leipert was engaged to the singer of Concrete Blond.

In 1996 Mealticket changed guitar players. The new guitar player, Ricky Estrada, recorded the last Mealticket release "Lisa Marie EP." Upon joining the band Ricky had originally asked that the name of the band be changed to either "The Estrada Experience", "Life with Ricky", or "Eduardo's Night Stick". The band stood firm and decided to forge ahead under the same name. Unlike the previous two releases, "Lisa Marie" was released by Asian Man Records.

The band's relationship with Asian Man Records also yielded a Japanese release "Superpositive," a retrospective of the band's earlier releases. It was to be the band's last release. Mealticket disbanded in 1997 amicably.

Members of Mealticket would go on to form the basis of Pushover. This band would also sign to Asian Man records and release two full length records.