The Skoidats were a band that played music combining elements of ska, Oi!, jazz, and punk rock.
They had a contemporary sound rooted in the 1960s ska traditions of Baba Brooks, the Ethiopians and the Skatalites. Unlike some ska-related bands, the Skoidats' sound varied greatly from song to song. The Skoidats formed in the summer of 1995 in Helena, Montana, and soon after their inception, they relocated to Missoula, Montana, losing two members. After arriving in Missoula, the two remaining original members recruited a drummer, two members of the University of Montana marching band, and a third horn player who had relocated from the Helena area. The band toured the country four times, and performed with bands such as The Slackers, MU330, Mephiskapheles, The Allstonians, The Scofflaws, Let's Go Bowling and The Skatalites.
The line-up from the fall of 1995 to the spring of 1997 consisted of Gardner Dunn (Drums), John Knight (Trombone, Vocals), John Chapman (Saxophone, Vocals), Josh Grenz (Saxophone), Chuck Fuller (Bass) and Justin Dillavou (Lead Vocals, Guitar). The formation on their second album consisted of Gardner Dunn (Drums), John Knight (Trombone, Vocals), John Chapman (Saxophone, Vocals), Chuck Fuller (Bass) and Justin Dillavou (Lead Vocals, Guitar).