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Joker's Republic to release "The Hand You've Been Dealt" via Punkerton Records

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/27/2025

(ESSEX COUNTY, NJ) -- New Jersey’s high-energy ska punk trio Joker's Republic is back with their second full-length album, The Hand You've Been Dealt, set for release on October 10, 2025 via their new label home, Punkerton Records. Produced by ska-punk icon Roger Lima of Less Than Jake/Rehasher and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft, the album brings 12 punchy, infectious tracks that explore themes of identity, grief, politics, and mental health—all delivered with the band's signature humor and unforgettable hooks.

Following the success of their 2023 LP Necessary Evil (released on Ska Punk International), Joker’s Republic toured extensively, hitting the stage at festivals like Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest and Ska Punk International Fest. Now, with The Hand You’ve Been Dealt, they take another bold leap forward, further cementing their place among ska punk’s next generation torchbearers.

“This record is us at full throttle,” the band says. “It’s personal, it’s loud, and it’s ridiculously catchy. Plus, Roger Lima told us it slaps—so there’s that.”

Known among fans as the “Elected Representatives of the Joker’s Republic,” this New Jersey-based power trio delivers tightly wound ska punk that nods to genre legends while pulling in unexpected influences. Their stripped-down, horn-free format allows for maximum crossover appeal—and fewer band members to keep track of.

With a DIY spirit, razor-sharp lyrics, and a growing fanbase (affectionately dubbed “Citizens of the Joker’s Republic”), the band continues to fly the flag for all things loud, fast, and fun. And while they categorically refuse to acknowledge the existence of “Brass Rock,” they proudly proclaim: “One nation under Ska, and together we will save rock and roll.”




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UPCOMING TOUR DATES

8/14 - Bookclub - Chicago, IL (Supporting Space Monkey Mafia)

8/15 - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI (Supporting Space Monkey Mafia)

8/16-8/17 - Green Room - Minneapolis, MN (SPI Fest 2025)

9/12 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ (Supporting Save Ferris)

East Coast Tour With PWRUP and Mega Infinity (* = no PWRUP)

10/18 - Scottish Dave’s - Clinton, CT *

10/19 - The Woodshop - Brooklyn, NY

10/20 - The Nail - Ardmore, PA

10/21 - Morseberger’s - Catonsville, MD

10/22 - Milestone - Charlotte, NC

10/23 - Bogg’s - Atlanta, GA

10/25 & 26 - Gainesville, FL (FEST)


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Mariza

Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


The Mavericks & Friends

Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Get The Led Out

Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels

Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ


 

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